Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Via Microsoft Teams Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 15, 2021 10:15 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting April 15, 2021
Thank you. Good morning, everyone. We're going to get started. I hope today is a great day. I understand that the state law currently requires that the following announcement be made at the beginning of every remote Council session: Due to the current public health emergency, City Council is currently meeting remotely. We are using Microsoft Teams to make this remote meeting possible. Instructions for how the public may view the meeting and offer public comment are included in the Stated Meeting notice that was published in the Daily News, Inquirer, Legal Intelligencer prior to the meeting, and can be also found on PHLCouncil.com. I now note that the hour has come. The Clerk will please call the roll to take attendance, and members that are in attendance will please indicate by saying present, or whatever you so may Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 choose, to make sure that your image on your screen will be displayed. Mr. Decker, please call the roll.
Good morning, Mr. President and colleagues. I am present this morning.
Mr. Decker, Councilwoman Brooks won't be here today.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues and the public. Present.
Good morning, Mr. President. Good morning, colleagues. And good morning, Philadelphia.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I had some challenges logging in this morning, so I'm sure I missed the Philly Sports Talk. I'm sure it was riveting.
Good Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning.
Good morning, Council President, and good morning, colleagues.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Calling for justice for all our young people who have lost their lives to senseless gun violence.
Good morning, Mr. President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning, Mr. Mayor, and good morning, viewing public. Stated Meeting April 15, 2021
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues.
Good morning, Mr. President, colleagues, and to the viewing public.
Good Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 morning, Mr. President. Good morning, colleagues.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the listening public.
Good morning to everyone. We have established a quorum Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 come to order. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Larry Carroll of CrossRoads Evangelistic Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Bass. I would ask all members and guests to please bow your heads for the invocation. Pastor, please proceed. (No response.)
Yes, sir. I'm connected now. Thank you very much. Sorry. Sorry we got disconnected.
Yes, sir. Thank you all for allowing me to be with you all today, and thank you especially to Councilwoman Cindy Bass for inviting me. At this time, I'd just like for Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 the Lord. Father, we do thank you for who you are and we thank you, oh God, because you told us accept you build the City. Those that labor, labor in vain. So, Lord, we come to you as a privilege today, thanking you for this occasion, thanking you, Father, because you have said to us do not forsake your law, but to keep your laws in our hearts, and that's what we desire to do today. We do not want your mercy and your grace to ever depart from us. We are mindful of how much we need you. And so we come today thanking you, thanking you, Father, that you promise your favor upon us as we seek your face. You told us to trust in you with all our hearts and lean not into our own understanding, but in all of our ways if we would but just acknowledge you, you will direct our path. So we thank you. So we acknowledge you right now. We Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 you, Father, during these financial challenges. We acknowledge, Lord, that you are our sole provider. We acknowledge you, Lord, during these physical times of upheaval, oh God. We acknowledge, oh God, that many have suffered the loss of loved ones to COVID and other diseases. And so we acknowledge you as our great physician that you are. We acknowledge you, oh God, that we need you intellectually, oh God. You said, oh God, that your work would be a lamp into our feet and a light onto our pathway. You are the wisdom of all the ages. So we come to you. We also acknowledge you, Lord, for relationships. You have declared, oh God, that we are to love you with all our hearts, all our souls, all our minds, oh God, and even with all our strength, but also to love our neighbors even as we love ourselves. And so, Lord, we ask for in Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 name, Lord, we ask that you would be our prince of peace. We ask, Lord, that you would build the relationships with our cities, oh God. We acknowledge you spiritually, oh Father. We acknowledge, oh God, that if your people which are called by your name would humble ourselves and pray and seek your face, you promised, oh God, that you would heal our land, forgive our sins. So thank you now for this time. Thank you for the wisdom that you've given City Council. Thank you for the wisdom that you've given to our Mayor. Father, thank you for the promise, Lord, that you promised to fill us with every good and perfect gift. We thank you right now for it. And we pray this all in the name of the one that's called wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, and the prince of peace, and to you, we say amen.
The Chair thanks the Pastor for that invocation. We really appreciate your spiritual guidance this morning. Thank you so much.
And our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 8, 2021, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 8th, 2021 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 8, 2021 stand approved. Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and our Journal is approved. And our next order of business is requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the members of Council, there is one request for a leave of absence today and that is for our Councilmember Brooks.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Leave will be granted for Councilwoman Brooks. Thank you. Our next order of business is communications. And, Mr. Decker, would you please read the messages from the Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 communications that you may have in your possession today.
From the Mayor to the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill Nos. 200348, 200717, 210204, 210207, 210225, 210228, 210246, 210247, and 210281; and I am pleased to advise you that on April 14, 2021, I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on April 8, 2021: Bill Nos. 210001, 210002, 210079, 210118, 210119, 210136, 210137, 210178, 210179, and 210180. And I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the Rebuild Project Statement for Fiscal Years 2020, 2021, and 2022 pursuant to Bill No. 170206; and Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 the approval by the Council of the City of Philadelphia of a Revised Five Year Financial Plan for the City of Philadelphia covering Fiscal Years 2022 through 2026, and incorporating Revised changes with respect to Fiscal Year 2021, which is to be submitted by the Mayor to the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority; and An ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Years 2022 through 2027 inclusive; and An ordinance to adopt a Fiscal 2022 Capital Budget; and An ordinance adopting the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2022; and An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Income and Receipts Taxes," by revising certain tax rates; and An ordinance amending Chapter Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 19-1500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Wage and Net Profits Tax," by revising certain tax rates; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2021 from the General Fund, the Grants Revenue Fund, and the Community Development Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, to the General Fund and the Community Development Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. And our next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. And by way of a reminder, we are asking that all resolutions, including privileged resolutions, be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council, unless they are being referred to committee. In our Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 current remote environment, this procedure will provide an appropriate opportunity for public comment. I would like to thank you very much in advance for your anticipated cooperation. Mr. Decker, can you please read the titles of the legislation that is being offered today by the members.
Councilwoman Parker offers five bills and three resolutions. On behalf of Council President Clarke, Councilwoman Parker offers an ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Years 2022 through 2027 inclusive; and An ordinance to adopt a Fiscal 2022 Capital Budget; and An ordinance adopting the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2022; and An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Business Income and Receipts Taxes," by revising certain tax rates; Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 and An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Wage and Net Profits Tax," by revising certain tax rates.
Thank you. Those five bills will be referred to the appropriate committees.
Also on behalf of Council President Clarke, a resolution approving the Rebuild Project Statement for Fiscal Years 2020, 2021, and 2022 pursuant to Bill No. 170206.
And a resolution providing for the approval by the Council of the City of Philadelphia of a Revised Five Year Financial Plan for the City of Philadelphia covering Fiscal Years 2022 through 2026, and incorporating Revised changes with respect to Fiscal Year 2021.
Referred to committee. Stated Meeting April 15, 2021
And a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Frank -and on her own behalf, a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Frank L. Stephens, Jr., and recognizing his work at the Free Library of Philadelphia and his dedication to elevating Black Art and Stories.
Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson offers three resolutions, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Committee on the Environment and the Committee on Licenses and Inspections to conduct joint hearings on building decarbonization in the City of Philadelphia."
And a resolution honoring and recognizing community garden leaders for their stewardship and service on the occasion of Earth Day 2021. Stated Meeting April 15, 2021
And a resolution calling on the City of Philadelphia Office of Fleet Management to develop and execute a Request for Proposals for additional electric vehicles and charging station infrastructure for such vehicles in the City of Philadelphia's fleet.
And a resolution recognizing April 22, 2021 as Earth Day in the City of Philadelphia.
And a resolution honoring and thanking the Philadelphia Energy Authority for its Solar Savings Grant Program.
Councilman Henon offers three bills and one resolution, Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 entitled "An ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Public Employees Retirement Code,' by modifying the circumstances when certain City of Philadelphia employees are entitled to service-connected benefits during the pandemic."
And an ordinance establishing no truck parking and tow away zone regulations on both sides of Sackett Street from Cottman Avenue to Ryan Avenue.
And an ordinance establishing no truck parking and tow away zone regulations on both sides of Saint Vincent Street from Sackett Street to Hawthorne Street.
And a resolution Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 honoring the life and legacy of Donald McGrogan, and recognizing his lifelong dedication to family, friends, and advancing the labor movement of Philadelphia.
Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez offers, on behalf of Council President Clarke, one bill, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2021 from the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, the Grants Revenue Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, and the Community Development Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, to the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, and the Community Development Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 commissions.
Councilwoman Brooks offers two bills, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 9-1100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Fair Practices Ordinance: Protections Against Unlawful Discrimination,' to require the use and disclosure of uniform screening criteria for rental housing and certain related disclosures to prospective rental housing applicants, and to provide that the failure to provide such disclosures may be evidence of other unlawful housing and real property practices."
And an ordinance amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Landlord and Tenant," by adding a new Section 9-810, entitled 'Prospective Tenant Screening Practices,' to regulate the application Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 and selection process for housing units, and make technical changes."
Councilwoman Gauthier offers two resolutions. On behalf of Council President Clarke, Councilwoman Gauthier offers a resolution authorizing the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless to hold hearings to determine how the City of Philadelphia should best use the one-time opportunity to create permanent solutions to homelessness arising as a result of Philadelphia's allocation of $42 million through the American Rescue Plan in support of affordable housing and homelessness assistance.
On her own behalf, Councilwoman Gauthier offers a resolution standing in solidarity with residents of St. Vincent and the Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 Grenadines in the midst of repeated eruptions of La Soufriere volcano, and encouraging Philadelphians to offer their support in whatever ways they can.
Thank you, Council President. Good morning, everyone. I wanted to take a moment to discuss one of the resolutions that I introduced today which expresses support and concern for the residents of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who are currently living through an environmental emergency. The La Soufriere volcano, which had been dormant for 40 years, began showing signs of activity back in December. On Friday of last week, it erupted and has been erupting regularly since, releasing massive amounts of smoke and ash into the air. Experts warn that these explosions could continue for days and Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 possibly weeks. This is creating massive challenges for the country. Crops are being wiped out, which leads to both economic and food availability concerns. Electricity is limited. Water and medical supplies are running low. At a time when hospitals are already straining from the burden of COVID-19, they are now also receiving an influx of patients who are suffering from the effects of smoke and ash inhalation. This is personal for me and my family. My mother and her siblings were born and raised in St. Vincent and immigrated to the U.S. as teenagers and young adults. This is also personal for the over 74,000 Caribbean immigrants living in Philadelphia today. All of us are concerned about our relatives and loved ones in our home countries, and we want to see them remain healthy and safe. Government officials have been working hard to evacuate residents from the most dangerous areas surrounding the Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 volcano, but there are still many thousands of people who remain at risk. Neighboring countries and international entities like the World Bank have stepped up and stepped in to support the relief effort. And I also want to let Philadelphians know that there are a variety of ways that you can support too, whether by donating money, sending supplies, or sharing information on this disaster with family and friends through your networks. Please visit me at CouncilmemberJG on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to find out more or about how you can assist. This is a very tragic situation, and I hope and pray that St. Vincent and all of its people come out of this healthy and safe. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilwoman. That will be on next week's Calendar. Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 Councilman -- never mind. Go ahead, Mike.
Yes, Mr. President. Councilman Thomas offers one bill and one resolution, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 6 of The Philadelphia Code, the 'Health Code,' to add a section establishing reporting and employment requirements related to changes in ownership or of the license holder of long-term care facilities and hospitals."
And a resolution honoring and congratulating the Imhotep Charter boys basketball team, on their successful 2020-2021 season and overall undefeated record in the Philadelphia Public League boys basketball championships.
Thank you. Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 The Chair recognizes Councilman Thomas.
Thank you, Council President. I just want to take a moment to say thank you to all of the co-sponsors for this important legislation as it relates to supporting our healthcare workers in the healthcare industry. What we are trying to do, what we feel like we're trying to do is something that's significant not just to the industry but to the constituents of Philadelphia who rely on this industry to provide a quality living for themselves and their family. In the midst of the economy that we're in right now and the levels of uncertainties that we're seeing, we need to put ourself in the position where we are protecting our most vulnerable. So this is what we are trying to do with this legislation. Again, I want to thank all of my co-sponsors for Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 agreeing to co-sponsor this bill, and I look forward to engaging the public as well as my colleagues on this important legislation, as this is something that I feel like we must get done. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you, Councilman. That resolution will be on next week's Calendar.
Councilman Squilla offers three bills, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, by amending Section 9-203 relating to Street Vendors, by prohibiting street vending on certain portions of East Passyunk Avenue and surrounding areas"; and An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Greenwich Street and 2nd Street; Reed Street and South 4th Street; Moyamensing Avenue and Wharton Street; and An ordinance establishing Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 parking regulations in the vicinity of: Morris Street and South 2nd Street.
Those three bills will be referred to the appropriate committee.
Councilwoman Bass offers two resolutions, entitled a "Resolution recognizing and honoring One Million Black Women, an initiative launched by Goldman Sachs, Black women-led organizations, and other partners, which will commit $10 billion in direct investment capital and $100 million in philanthropic support to address gender and racial biases Black women have faced for generations."
And a resolution calling on the National Collegiate Athletic Association to reevaluate its policies and practices related to gender equity; and to implement steps to close gender gaps in all sports and divisions. Stated Meeting April 15, 2021
There are no other bills or resolutions being offered by the members today, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes the introduction of bills and resolutions, and our next order of business is the reports from committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez for a report from the Committee on Appropriations. (No response.)
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilmember Quinones-Sanchez, the Committee on Appropriations reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 you, Councilwoman. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Appropriations, to which was referred Bill No. 210226, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2021 from the General Fund, the Council to the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, for the purpose of further implementing Council's 'New Normal Jobs Initiative' and adjusting Council's internal appropriations," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker. Stated Meeting April 15, 2021
Thank you, Mr. President. Again, on behalf of Councilmember Quinones-Sanchez, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 210226. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 210226. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and this bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. That concludes our reports from Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 committee, and our next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bill just reported from committee with suspension of the rules has been deemed to have had a first reading. This bill will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a motion concerning the resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the following resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar. The resolutions numbers are 210296, 210297, 210298, 210300, 210301, 210372, 210302, 210303, 210304, 210305, 210306, 210307, 210310, 210311, 210312, 210313, 210314, and Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 210315. (Duly seconded.)
Yes. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green. I think, Councilman, you wanted to -
Thank you, Council President. With regards to the Consent Agenda, I request that Resolution No. 210303 not be included on the Consent Agenda and put on today's Second Reading and Final Passage agenda so I can make a motion to pass that resolution at that time.
Thank you, Councilman. As a part of the Consent Agenda process, without consent that is removed from the Consent Agenda -- without objection. Thank you. That shall be on the Final Passage regular session today. Thank you, Councilman. Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 2ND READING
There was a motion and it was seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the resolutions just read by Councilwoman Parker. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. And we will consider the Resolution Consent Agenda shortly. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Parker for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. In addition to the Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 2ND READING resolutions being considered on the Consent Agenda, the following resolutions and bills are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today. They are Nos. 210299, 210078-A, 210135-A, 200189, and 210139. All other bills and resolutions are being held, Mr. President.
Thank you. And I believe per Councilman Green's request, we will now add 303.
Yes, Mr. President. With the addition of Resolution No. 210303.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Thank you. Before we proceed with the consideration of the public comment, we're going to take a brief five minutes to allow our technology professionals to connect with our individuals who wish to testify today. So we'll take a brief five- to ten-minute recess. Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 (Short recess.)
Thank you very much. We are back live. So now that everyone is connected to the meeting and before considering the resolutions and bills we have before us today, we will consider public comment, and it will go as follows: The public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for possible action at a session of Council. A speaker on any of those matters must sign up in order to testify. You must call 215-686-3406 by 3:00 p.m. the day before the Council session to sign up for public comment. When you call, we will take your name, phone number, the number of the legislative item you are commenting on, and whether you are in support or against the legislation, and add your name to the list. We will then telephone each person on the list during the Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 Council session and invite them to our remote meeting. Under ideal circumstances, we will have three minutes, but we have a relatively lengthy list of individuals testifying today, so today's time limit will be two minutes. So please adjust your testimony to reflect the time issue. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the established time. Once invited to the meeting and asked to begin your testimony, a timer will be started. We will monitor your remaining time throughout your testimony, and when there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, you will be reminded of this. Once your allotted time has passed, you will be asked to conclude your remarks, and shortly thereafter you will be muted and disconnected from the remote meeting. I also reserve the right to limit the number of speakers where Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 repetitious comments are being made on the same subject matter and to limit the scope of the testimony to only certain items on the agenda during the emergency, which could affect callbacks for public comment at the meeting. And please be aware that this is a public meeting and it is being recorded. Because the meeting is public, participants and viewers have no reasonable expectation of privacy. So by continuing to be in this meeting, you are consenting to being recorded. I will now ask Mr. Decker to please call the name of our first speaker.
Good morning, and state your name for the record and please proceed with your testimony.
Good morning. Good morning. Tiffany Green. Can you hear Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 me?
Okay. Great. I want to oppose Bill 210078, this 30-page zoning bill. I'm asking for the residents that I have worked with and represent that we be exempt from this bill. This is a removal of our rights. This is a rezoning bill that's had no community meetings, no community information on the effects of this bill, which we feel will have a detrimental impact on our community. This rezoning turns into a by-right, which means the developer can bypass the community. That means there's no community process, and we feel as though this is totally cutting out the community. Although this bill only touches on the Ninth District and the Fifth District and the Eighth District, I have called some of my colleagues in the Fifth Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 District. They know nothing about this bill. And in the RSA-5 district in this bill, and I'm saying to City Council, how can you do this to Philadelphia citizens? You're saying that if someone has a 1,440 square foot property, that you're allowing developers to put two dwellings on one property. That means the developer will charge -they've already done it in our area once -- $400,000 for one building and $400,000 for another building. That's $800,000. That will increase the rents in the area. It will increase the tax assessments. It will take away the character of the block. Philadelphia citizens have the right to have a community process and have a say. By using this in the Ninth, Fifth, and Eighth District -- and I'm sure -- I'm not sure if it's in our district, because the bill was confusing, but you're saying to us that we should Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 not have a community process and a vote on this. Also, you have in here about the setback from 8 feet to 5 feet and also about the solar. We're saying at this particular point, that this rezoning bill is turning into a Jim Crow type of bill. You're putting us on the back of the bus and you're taking us and you're saying that we don't count, and because of that, we can no longer continue on to have you rezoning these bills and removing the community process. We are entitled to a vote and a community process. And City Council, for a majority of African Americans, how can you do this to the Black community? How can you sit up there and put us on the back of the bus and say we should not have a vote and have a developer come into our community and vote on the process? If you vote on this bill, you are removing the rights of Philadelphia Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 citizens. That means healthcare workers, retail workers, hotel workers, the working poor people. You're saying they don't have a right to come to the table on vote on the development in their community.
Thank you, Ms. Green. Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it. Mr. Decker, next speaker.
Good morning. Please state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
Good morning. My name is Joseph Pierce. Thank you, Council President. I'm Director of Government Relations and Advocacy for Mental Health Partnerships based in Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 Philadelphia. I'm speaking on behalf of our President and CEO, Dr. Adriana Torres-O'Connor. I'd like to thank Councilmember Derek Green for his ongoing support in Mental Health Partnerships and for City Council's recognition of our 70 years of service to the greater Philadelphia area. In the span of our 70-year history, Mental Health Partnerships has touched and transformed the lives of over half a million individuals struggling with mental health and addiction challenges in the City. Not only individuals but families have been touched. Not only families but communities have been affected. Our staff are amazingly dedicated people that are passionate about the work and about our participants. We thank City Council, the Administration, and the hard-working folks at DBH for your unwavering support of our efforts as we continue to meet the Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 needs of those who are most vulnerable and at the greatest risk in our communities. Speaking on behalf of our entire staff and Board of Directors, we are exceptionally proud of and grateful for the special 70th Anniversary recognition, and we look forward to another 70 years of serving this community. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your testimony. We appreciate it. Mr. Decker, next name.
Good morning. Please state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
Good morning. My name is Jenaye Johns, President and founder of Once Upon a Preemie Academy. I'm calling in this morning in full Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 support of Resolution 210296, the adoption of Philadelphia's Black Maternal Health Week 2021. As the mother of a pre-term infant and the founder of the Health and Racial Equity Training Academy for Perinatal and Neonatal Professionals, I believe it is our civic and professional duty to support the lives of Black working women in the City of Philadelphia. We know that Black women are 2.5 more times likely to die after pregnancy-related complications, and African American women such as myself are 50 percent more likely to deliver their babies prematurely compared to their white counterparts. These alarming disparities based on race and ethnicity are completely avoidable and preventable. I would like to thank City Council President and the co-sponsors of this resolution and hope that we are able to adopt it to protect the lives of Black Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 working women in our city. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your testimony. Appreciate it.
Good morning. State your name for the record and please proceed with your testimony. COUNCIL SUPPORT: Chief Clerk, she is not on the line. The next two people are Holland and Gonzalez.
Good morning. Just state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
Yes. Good morning. My name is Porsha Holland. I am the founder and CEO of Reclaim Black Motherhood, a birth doula, a lactation counselor, birth worker trainer and mentor here in the City of Philadelphia. Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 I'm the mother of a three-year-old child. I experienced a traumatic birth experience and was prompted to do this work to respond to the Black maternal health crisis that Black women face nationwide and particularly here in the City of Philadelphia. It's no question, it's no wonder about the statistics and the data that 0.2, the ill treatment, and the horrific birth and postpartum outcomes that Black women face in this country and here in the City of Philadelphia include it. It is a privilege and a right to be able to birth and build your family without the concern of death, of racist practices, and of being treated with harm and neglect while having the most beautiful experience that one should have. So I stand in full support of not only recognition but financial support, movement-building around Black Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 Maternal Health Week so birth workers can be placed in positions to support Black families through this process, so that families can have the financial right and obligation to quality healthcare from Black providers, and also so that those in the medical system can be trained and forewarned about practices of bias and racism in this city and nationwide. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much for your testimony. We appreciate it.
Good morning. State your name for the record and please proceed with your testimony.
Good morning. My name is Elisha Gonzalez. I am responding in support to Resolution Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 210296. I am a birth doula and postpartum doula, and I am in full support due to the consistent needs that are in the Black community, especially Black moms. We have the right to have the support that is needed. We have the right to be heard. In a lot of the medical facilities, we see a lack there with communication and with the right to have all of the support that we need, all of the resources that we need in our community. Even to the extent of postpartum, there's a lot of need, and I feel that supporting this will be beneficial to the community and the moms that are present. That's all.
Thank you. Thank you so much for your testimony.
Good Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 morning. Please say your name for the record and proceed with your testimony, please. COUNCIL SUPPORT: Chief Clerk, she is not on the line.
Good morning. State your name for the record and please proceed with your testimony.
Good morning. My name is Eugene Gesyatnik. I'm President of the Bella Vista Neighbors Association, and I apologize for going out of order. I couldn't get on earlier. I'm here to testify in support of Bill No. 210135. Aside from a few pop-up performances in our parks, the curb nodes remain largely closed on our arts and entertainment sector, which is continuing to suffer one of the more prolonged impacts of this pandemic. We've heard time and time again from Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 Dr. Farley and others that if we gather, do it outdoors, the risk of spread is much lower. That is the rationale for expanding outdoor dining. And today we wanted to just applaud the efforts of the bill sponsors, Councilmember Gilmore Richardson and others, to extend this lifeline to additional sectors, help restaurants attract patrons and provide a much-needed cultural experience to our residents, which can enrich and uplift us during this difficult time. Here in Bella Vista in the 9th Street Market, we have some great interest already among local artists, such as Michelle Angela Ortiz, to produce our markets, our multi-layer performance with classical music and images of immigrants in the market and honoring those who have passed away due to COVID, and performances like this are only possible thanks to having space be available and having this be available to additional sectors as well. Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 So we just wanted to appreciate this being extended to other sectors, and we'll welcome any other creative solutions to expand this opportunity for safer outdoor gatherings for other activities as well. Thank you for the opportunity.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it.
Good morning. State your name for the record and please proceed with your testimony. COUNCIL SUPPORT: Ben is not on the line. The next two are.
The next speaker is Michele Histand, commenting on 210135-A.
Good morning. State your name for the record and proceed with your testimony, please.
Good morning. Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 Michele Histand. I am the Deputy Director of Ready.Set.Philly!, which is a collaborative initiative between the City of Philadelphia, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, and a broad and diverse coalition of organizations working together to provide information and direction to encourage the safe return to Philadelphia for work and play as vaccines roll out. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today on behalf of restaurants and businesses in the downtown core, which continue to struggle as a result of the pandemic. The future of many of the restaurants rely on people coming back to the City, and part of Ready.Set.Philly!'s role is to identify ways to attract workers back to their Philadelphia workplaces. So we are in support of Bill No. 210135 because we believe the City should keep streeteries and enhanced outdoor dining as long-term features. Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 Outdoor dining will continue to be essential to the financial viability of restaurants. Reducing restrictions and fast-tracking permitting on sidewalk cafes, streeteries, and outdoor dining chalets is imperative to their survival. Additionally, investment in outdoor attractions and entertainment create buzz, drawing residents, those thinking of transitioning back to the workplace, and visitors to the City. Before the pandemic, our food theme was Having a Moment. We were named among the best in GQ, Forbes, Food and Wine, Travel and Leisure, Esquire. As we start to rebuild, we believe that your initiatives like those outlined in the outdoor entertainment bill, businesses and elected leaders can work together to ensure the City's restaurants redeem their roles in our vibrant community and serve as a catalyst to help jump-start commerce. We want the City to become more livable for residents and more Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 appealing to visitors. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Thank you so much for your testimony. We appreciate it.
Good morning. State your name for the record and please proceed with your testimony.
Thank you. My name is Michael Newmus, Chief of Staff at Visit Philadelphia. On behalf of Visit Philadelphia, I'm so pleased to support the outdoor entertainment bill, 210135. This bill will help our restaurant industry recover from the economic crisis. This creative solution will empower restaurants, drive sales, and support jobs for Philadelphians. Prior to COVID, Philadelphia had more than 54,000 workers employed by Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 food and beverage establishments. In fact, in January of 2020, more than 6,000 residents in each Council district held family-sustaining leisure and tourism and hospitality jobs. This measure will also positively help animate Philadelphia. It's going to increase consumer foot traffic, supporting nearby retail shops, attractions, and other adjacent neighborhood businesses throughout commercial corridors in each of our neighborhoods. Philadelphia's hospitality industry continues to be one of the hardest hit sectors by the pandemic. We want to thank Councilmember Richardson and others for their vision and introducing this bill. And Council President Clarke and members of Council, we all thank you for your time and your leadership.
Thank you. Thank you so much for your testimony. We appreciate it. Stated Meeting April 15, 2021
I believe there are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes our public comment. We will now consider today's Resolution Consent Agenda. I will ask Mr. Decker to please read the titles of all of the resolutions on the Consent Agenda. After each title is read, any member may object to the inclusion of the resolution on the Resolution Consent Agenda. Upon such an objection and without debate, the resolution will be immediately removed from the Resolution Consent Agenda and placed on today's regular and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, will you please now read the titles of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda.
Resolution No. 210296, entitled a "Resolution Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 supporting the health and wellness of Black mamas and birthing people by acknowledging April 11 through 17, 2021 as 'Black Maternal Health Week'"; and Resolution No. 210297, entitled a "Resolution urging the United States Senate to pass Senate Bill 1306, the Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019 (also known as the 'PRO Act'), and affirming the right of workers to form unions and organize for higher wages, family-sustaining benefits, as well as safety, dignity, and respect at their workplace"; and Resolution No. 210298, entitled a "Resolution recognizing and honoring James Harry Calamia for his exceptional service to the Roxborough Community as the Executive Director of the Roxborough Development Corporation"; and Resolution No. 210300, entitled a "Resolution calling upon the United States Congress to support the Biden Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 Jobs Plan, a multi trillion-dollar plan to invest in American infrastructure and jobs over the next 8 years"; and Resolution No. 210301, entitled a "Resolution recognizing April 2021 as Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia, and commending the Eagles Autism Foundation and Divine Providence Village for their vaccination initiative"; and Resolution No. 210302, entitled a "Resolution recognizing and congratulating Gail Harrity for her 24 years of dedicated, effective, and transformative leadership as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Philadelphia Museum of Art"; and Resolution No. 210304, entitled a "Resolution council calls on The Pennsylvania State Senate and House of Representatives to grant Philadelphia the ability to provide needed regulatory relief to local bars, restaurants, and Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 licensees. Regulatory relief in the form of extended bar hours and increased happy hours will allow establishments hit hard by state and local coronavirus related closures and capacity restrictions to make a full recovery and preserve thousands of local jobs"; and Resolution No. 210305, entitled a "Resolution honoring and congratulating the West Catholic Preparatory High School Girls Basketball Team, the Lady Burrs, on winning the school's first ever PIAA state title against Mohawk with a 67 to 56 victory"; and Resolution No. 210306, entitled a "Resolution to bring to Philadelphia the main celebrations of the 250th Anniversaries of the Navy and Marine Corps"; and Resolution No. 210307, entitled a "Resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1824 East Huntingdon Street"; and Resolution No. 210310, entitled a "Resolution recognizing April 24, 2021 as the 20th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day to provide a safe and effective option for the disposal of unwanted, unused, or expired controlled substances; and to minimize the incidence of drug abuse and fatal overdoses in the City due to non-medical prescription drugs found in the homes of family and friends"; and Resolution No.
210311, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 the Eighth Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code"; and Resolution No. 210312, entitled a "Resolution calling on the School District of Philadelphia to help combat Asian hate by providing Asian American history lessons during Asian American Pacific Islander heritage month in May to further educate and inform students of the rich history and contributions of Asian Americans"; and Resolution No. 210313, entitled a "Resolution honoring and congratulating Dr. , on the occasion of her upcoming retirement"; and Resolution No. 210314, entitled Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 "Resolution honoring and recognizing Paul S. , for his years of service in strengthening Philadelphia's internationally recognized arts and culture scene upon the occasion of his upcoming retirement"; and Resolution No. "
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a motion to adopt each of the resolutions on the Resolution Stated Meeting April 15, 2021
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and seconded that each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda has been adopted. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, please read the Stated Meeting April 15, 2021 4/15/21 - STATED - 2ND READING title of Resolution No. 210299.
A resolution recognizing and honoring Keir Bradford-Grey for her astounding, impactful, and incomparable service to the City and its citizens as Chief Defender of the Defender Association of Philadelphia and congratulating her on her new role as Partner at Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads.