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Minutes

Stated Meeting, May 9, 2024

Philadelphia City CouncilMay 9, 2024

People mentioned

Names our system found in this transcript. Automatically extracted, so it can include anyone named in the record, not only officials or parties.

Organizations mentioned

Chief Clerk

Councilmember O'Neill.

Councilman O'Neill

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Squilla.

Councilman Squilla

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Bass voted aye. Councilmember Ahmad is absent. Council President Johnson.

Council President Johnson

Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240215. Stated Meeting 180 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING

Chief Clerk

An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Allegheny Avenue, American Street, Lippincott Street, Second Street, Gurney Street, Indiana Avenue, 3rd Street, Gurney Street, Clearfield Street and 5th Street.

Council President Johnson

This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Phillips.

Councilman Phillips

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.

Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Stated Meeting 181 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Gauthier.

Councilwoman Gauthier

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Thomas.

Councilman Thomas

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Jones.

Councilman Jones

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Landau.

Councilwoman Landau

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Lozada.

Councilwoman Lozada

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Young.

Councilman Young

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Brooks.

Councilwoman Brooks

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Harrity.

Councilman Harrity

Aye. Stated Meeting 182 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING

Chief Clerk

Councilmember o'Rourke.

Councilman O'Rourke

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Driscoll.

Councilman Driscoll

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember O'Neill.

Councilman O'Neill

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Squilla.

Councilman Squilla

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Bass voted aye. Council President Johnson.

Council President Johnson

Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes.

Council President Johnson

Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240216. Stated Meeting 183 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING

Chief Clerk

An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Somerset Street, Orkney Street, Cumberland Street and 5th Street.

Council President Johnson

This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Phillips.

Councilman Phillips

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.

Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Gauthier.

Councilwoman Gauthier

Aye. Stated Meeting 184 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Thomas.

Councilman Thomas

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Jones.

Councilman Jones

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Landau.

Councilwoman Landau

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Lozada.

Councilwoman Lozada

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Young.

Councilman Young

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Brooks.

Councilwoman Brooks

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Harrity.

Councilman Harrity

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember o'Rourke.

Councilman O'Rourke

Aye. Stated Meeting 185 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Driscoll.

Councilman Driscoll

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember O'Neill.

Councilman O'Neill

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Squilla.

Councilman Squilla

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Bass voted aye. Council President Johnson.

Council President Johnson

Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are 0. Majority of all members of having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240244.

Chief Clerk

An ordinance amending Section 14-529 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "/VDO, Fifth District Overlay District," Stated Meeting 186 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING by removing the exemption from the landscaping standards in the zoning code, all under certain terms and conditions.

Council President Johnson

This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is should the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Phillips.

Councilman Phillips

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.

Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Gauthier.

Councilwoman Gauthier

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Thomas.

Councilman Thomas

Aye. Stated Meeting 187 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Jones.

Councilman Jones

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Landau.

Councilwoman Landau

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Lozada.

Councilwoman Lozada

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Young.

Councilman Young

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Brooks.

Councilwoman Brooks

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Harrity.

Councilman Harrity

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember o'Rourke.

Councilman O'Rourke

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Driscoll.

Councilman Driscoll

Aye. Stated Meeting 188 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING

Chief Clerk

Councilmember O'Neill.

Councilman O'Neill

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Squilla.

Councilman Squilla

Aye.

Chief Clerk

Councilmember Bass voted aye. Council President Johnson.

Council President Johnson

Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes.

Council President Johnson

Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240247. An ordinance to amend the philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Kensington Avenue, Buckius Street, Stated Meeting 189 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Frankford Avenue and Tioga Street.

Council President Johnson

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Driscoll for a motion.

Councilman Driscoll

Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 240247. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Johnson

It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 240247 be adopted. All those in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Council President Johnson

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Johnson

Stated Meeting 190 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING The ayes have it and the bill has been amended. This bill will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240087.

Chief Clerk

An ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Service and Other Businesses," by adding a new section regulating the operation of establishments, providing tax preparation services and providing for remedies, all under certain terms and conditions.

Council President Johnson

Good job, Rue. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion.

Councilwoman Landau

Thank you, Council President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 240087. A Stated Meeting 191 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I -

Councilman Jones

Sec -

Councilwoman Landau

I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Johnson

It has been moved and quickly seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 240087 be adopted. All those in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Council President Johnson

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Johnson

The ayes have it and the bill has been amended. This bill will be placed on our Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. Stated Meeting 192 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING The Clerk will please read any additional resolutions on today's Calendar.

Chief Clerk

A privileged resolution introduced by Nina Ahmad welcoming TEDxDilworthPark to the City of Philadelphia and recognizing them for their commitment to ideas worth spreading on a global scale.

Council President Johnson

The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion on the resolution.

Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson

Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Councilmember Ahmad, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Johnson

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be Stated Meeting 193 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Council President Johnson

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Johnson

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.

Chief Clerk

A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating the educator of the month, William W. Sax for his dedication to his students in South Philadelphia High School, introduced by Councilmember Thomas.

Council President Johnson

The Chair recognizes Council Thomas for a motion on the resolution.

Councilman Thomas

Thank you, Council President. Stated Meeting 194 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Johnson

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Council President Johnson

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Johnson

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.

Chief Clerk

A privileged resolution declaring May 5th to May 11th, 2024 as Youth Apprenticeship Week in the City of Philadelphia and recognizing the impact of youth apprenticeship programs on the Stated Meeting 195 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING workforce development in the City of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilmembers Thomas and Gilmore Richardson.

Council President Johnson

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion on the resolution.

Councilman Thomas

Thank you, Council President. And of course thank you to our Majority Leader who's been a strong advocate as it relates to these amazing apprenticeship programs. And with that being said, with her move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Johnson

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Stated Meeting 196 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)

Council President Johnson

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Johnson

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.

Chief Clerk

A privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Jones proclaiming May 5th through 11th, 2024 as "National Correctional Officers and Employees Week" in the City of Philadelphia to celebrate the dedicated work of correctional officers and staff at the Philadelphia Department of Prisons.

Council President Johnson

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion on the resolution.

Councilman Jones

On behalf of all of the members who have walked State Road and on those Stated Meeting 197 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING pods, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Johnson

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Council President Johnson

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Johnson

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.

Chief Clerk

A privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Jones honoring and recognizing the runners who competed in the 2024 Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run as well as the dedicated work of the Stated Meeting 198 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Special Events Emergency Medical Technician and Fire Department teams who are responsible for keeping the race a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Council President Johnson

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones for a motion on the resolution.

Councilman Jones

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Johnson

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Council President Johnson

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Johnson

Stated Meeting 199 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.

Chief Clerk

A privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Landau declaring May 9, 2024 as Black Teacher Appreciation Day in the City of Philadelphia.

Council President Johnson

The Chair recognizes Councilman Rue Landau for a motion on the resolution.

Councilwoman Landau

Thank you, Council President. It's introduced by me and Councilmember Thomas. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Johnson

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. Stated Meeting 200 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Council President Johnson

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Johnson

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.

Chief Clerk

A privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Landau declaring May 10, 2024 as Child Care Provider Appreciation Day in the City of Philadelphia and recognizing the essential value that child care providers have in our community.

Council President Johnson

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Rue Landau for a motion on the resolution.

Councilwoman Landau

Thank Stated Meeting 201 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING you, Council President. Introduced on behalf of me and Councilmember Brooks, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Johnson

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Council President Johnson

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Johnson

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.

Chief Clerk

A privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Young, recognizing the week of May 6th through the Stated Meeting 202 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING 10th, 2024 as Well-Being Week in Law in the City of Philadelphia.

Council President Johnson

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jay Young for a motion on the resolution.

Councilman Young

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Johnson

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Council President Johnson

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Johnson

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read Stated Meeting 203 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING the title of the next resolution.

Chief Clerk

A privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Brooks, honoring and recognizing O'Shae Leon Sibley, a dancer, choreographer and lifechanging community leader, who inspired countless performers with his passion and ambition, advocated tirelessly for Black, queer and transgender communities and empowered youth to find their distinct paths to greatness.

Council President Johnson

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion on a resolution.

Councilwoman Brooks

Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Johnson

It has been moved and properly Stated Meeting 204 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Council President Johnson

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Johnson

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.

Chief Clerk

A privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Harrity on behalf of Council President Johnson, honoring, recognizing and congratulating PhilAbundance, the Greater Philadelphia area's largest hunger relief organization, on the occasion of its 40th Anniversary.

Council President Johnson

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Stated Meeting 205 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Jim Harrity for a motion on the resolution.

Councilman Harrity

I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Johnson

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Council President Johnson

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Johnson

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.

Chief Clerk

A privileged resolution honoring and celebrating Murrell Dobbins Career and Technical Education High School's Stated Meeting 206 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Mustang Barbershop for its excellence in cultivating an exemplary career and technical education program in the art of barbering introduced by Councilmember O'Rourke.

Council President Johnson

The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke for a motion on the resolution.

Councilman O'Rourke

Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of that resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Johnson

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Council President Johnson

Those opposed? Stated Meeting 207 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)

Council President Johnson

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.

Chief Clerk

A privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Squilla on behalf of Council President Johnson, honoring Dexter Resta for his acceptance to Yale University and recognizing de Dexter's historic achievement as the first Prep Charter High School graduate to earn a full scholarship to Yale. (Applause.)

Council President Johnson

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla for a motion on the resolution.

Councilman Squilla

Thank you, Council President. On your behalf, I move for Stated Meeting 208 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Johnson

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Council President Johnson

Those opposed? (No response.)

Council President Johnson

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.

Chief Clerk

A privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Bass, recognizing Mt. Airy Day, this Saturday, May 11th as we embrace the spirit of community and its enduring commitment to building bridges, Stated Meeting 209 05/09/2024 5/9/24 - STATED - 2ND READING breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of belonging among all residents of Mt. Airy.

Council President Johnson

The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion on the resolution on behalf of Councilmember Cindy Bass.

Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson

Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Councilmember Bass, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Council President Johnson

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Council President Johnson

Those opposed? Stated Meeting 210 05/09/2024 (No response.)

Council President Johnson

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.

Chief Clerk

Council President, there are no further resolutions in my possession.

Council President Johnson

Thank you very much. That completes our Calendar for today. Got them speeches popping. On behalf of the Minority, are there any speeches? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.

Councilwoman Brooks

Thank you, Council President. I'm introducing the resolution to honor O'Shae Sibley, who was born and raised here in Philadelphia, attended Philadelphia schools, trained with Philadelphia dance companies before moving to New York. My office created a Stated Meeting 211 05/09/2024 fall, and I'm glad that his family is able to join us today so that we can honor him as a full Council body. Can they please stand? (Applause.)

Councilwoman Brooks

With us today for today's session are O'Shae's parents, Onisa Sibley, Jake Kelly as well as his sisters Destineh and Desira Kelly. Today we join them in mourning a beautiful and beloved young Black man, a talented dancer and choreographer and a powerful force for love and liberation. O'Shae was known for his ability to turn any floor into a dance floor, a place to share joy, embrace self love and celebrate the beauty and energy that defines the vogue movement in Black queer spaces. He used dance to promote social change to transform our Stated Meeting 212 05/09/2024 that welcomes and affirms all of us. That change did not come soon enough. Not for O'Shae and not for countless Black queer youth who cannot escape the homophobia and racism that continue to poison our society. We owe it to O'Shae Sibley and his family and loved ones to continue building a world that values and protects Black queer youth. I am co-introducing a resolution with Rue Landau to declare tomorrow, May 10th, Child Care Provider Appreciation Day in Philadelphia. I'm a mother of four children. I've worked as a child care provider when I was younger and I also have several family members and loved ones who work and own child care centers here in Philadelphia. The work of child care is Stated Meeting 213 05/09/2024 depend on and the people who do the work that have immense responsibility in shaping the minds, bodies and hearts of the next generations, and yet childcare workers are majority women of color, undervalued and severely underpaid. Just like teachers, they deserve so much more appreciation. They deserve higher pay, better working conditions and necessary resources and supports to do their job. With this resolution, we recognize the true value of the work that child care providers do and we commit to making that work more sustainable in the future. Thank you so much, Council President.

Council President Johnson

You're welcome. Congratulations. The Chair recognizes Stated Meeting 214 05/09/2024