11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Via Microsoft Teams Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, November 4, 2021 10:13 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM 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 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021
And good morning, everyone. Thank you for being here this morning, but before we begin the Council session, I would like to make a couple of announcements. Due to the continuing threat to the public health from COVID-19 and the delta variant, 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, and the Legal Intelligencer prior to the meeting, and can also be 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, just say a couple of words, in addition to present, to ensure that your image is displayed on the 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 Decker, please call the roll.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and the City of Philadelphia.
Good morning on this very special day, Councilwoman.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and Philadelphia. I am present.
Good morning, 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 colleagues. I'm here.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and Philadelphia. Present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. And good morning, Philadelphia.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. And good morning to the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021
Good morning, Council President, and good morning to my Council colleagues. Looking forward to today.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Just sending out prayers to all the families who have lost their loved ones to senseless gun violence.
Good morning, Mr. President. Good morning, colleagues. And to the birthday person, 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 birthday, Member Bass.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. And happy birthday, Councilmember Bass.
Good morning, Mr. President, colleagues, and Philadelphia.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues, and felicidades to the birthday girl.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. Happy birthday, Councilmember Bass.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the listening public. And like many others, happy birthday to Councilwoman Bass.
Good morning, Councilman. 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021
And good morning to all. We have clearly established a quorum. We're now going to come to order. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Elder Morris Singleton of the Victory Community Baptist 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. Elder. ELDER SINGLETON: God, we thank you, Lord, for today. We thank you, Lord, for this time as we come together to gather on one accord. God, I ask you to bless this City of Philadelphia. I ask you, Lord, to touch every person that has been impacted by the senseless gun violence. 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 you to touch every family member that has been impacted even by COVID-19. God, I ask you in the name of Jesus that you would continue on touching everyone that's on this line on today. Bless every Councilperson. I ask you to allow us to be on one accord, allow good agendas to come forth, allow collaborative efforts to come forth. Give you the glory, the honor, and the praise. God, we thank you, Lord, for this time, and we thank you for life. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Elder. We really appreciate you being here for the invocation today. Thank you. God bless. ELDER SINGLETON: God bless.
And our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October, 28, 2021, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla. 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting on Thursday, October 28 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 28, 2021 stand approved. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and our Journal is approved. And our next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 Council, a leave of absence is requested for Councilmember Henon.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. Leave shall be granted for Councilman Henon. And the Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's Council session and that were not listed on the Calendar circulated prior to today's session. Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda for this session of Council and, as required by law, subsequently published on an amended agenda after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments to bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or re-called from the Mayor, 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 substantive action to be voted on in this session, a motion to withdraw a bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar, and a motion placing a bill or resolution on or returning a bill or resolution from the Suspension Calendar that is not listed on today's Calendar. The purpose of this motion is to provide the public with notice concerning possible actions by Council that arose too late to be included on the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Councilwoman Parker may be added to the agenda for today, should those matters arise during the course of this session of Council. All in favor indicate by saying aye. 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. And our next order of business is communications, and the Chair asks the Clerk to please read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications that he may have in his possession.
From the Mayor to the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 303 through 07 West Berks Street and 1925 North 5th Street in the Seventh Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia, all under certain terms and 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 conditions.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. 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 the next session of Council, unless they are being referred to committee. In our current remote environment, this procedure will provide the appropriate opportunity for the public comment. I want to thank you very much in advance for your anticipated cooperation. Mr. Decker, please read the titles of the legislation that's being offered today by our members.
Yes, Mr. President. Councilwoman Parker offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 declaring each Friday in December of 2021 as 'Shop Black Business Friday' in the City of Philadelphia."
Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution recognizing November 15 through November 21, 2021 as National Apprenticeship Week and honoring ApprenticeshipPHL for its continued commitment to connecting Philadelphians to family-supporting careers."
Councilwoman Gym offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution honoring and recognizing Stephen F. Gold, Esquire for his pathbreaking achievements in civil rights litigation, which have advanced the movement for disability rights and helped countless people to live with dignity and independence, as well as for his tireless 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 and passionate support for social justice."
Councilman Jones offers one bill, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 14-1000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Historic Preservation,' to establish a temporary demolition moratorium with respect to properties in the area bounded by Henry Avenue, Roxborough Avenue, Silverwood Street, and Fountain Street."
Councilwoman Sanchez offers two bills and two resolutions. On behalf of the Administration, 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, 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 boards and commissions, the Water Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions and the Aviation Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, the Water Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions and the Aviation Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
Also on behalf of the Administration, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2022 from the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, the Water Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, the Grants Revenue Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 commissions, to the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions and the Water Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
And on her own behalf, a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 303 through 07 West Berks Street and 1925 North 5th Street located in the Seventh Councilmanic District.
And a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2003 North Orkney Street, 2039 East Fletcher Street and 2913 North Orkney Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District. 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 167 East Lippincott Street, 508 East Cambria Street and 3217 Shelbourne Street in the Seventh Councilmanic District.
Councilman Domb offers two resolutions, entitled a "Resolution recognizing the week of November 8, 2021 as Global Entrepreneurship Week and celebrating the small business community and the impact of the entrepreneurial spirit on Philadelphia's economy."
And a resolution honoring Villanova University basketball 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 coach Jay Wright upon his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and his many contributions to the Philadelphia region's dynamic sports scene.
Councilwoman Bass offers two bills and three resolutions. On behalf of Council President Clarke, an ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by amending Subcode "A" (The Philadelphia Administrative Code) and Subcode "PM" (The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code) and other related sections of The Philadelphia Code to add provisions related to the abatement of rats and other vermin in the City of Philadelphia.
And on her own 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 behalf, an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending Section 14-303(15) to convey standing upon District Councilmembers to file appeals to the courts.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Finance to hold hearings to determine the feasibility of providing financial and/or legal assistance to disadvantaged Registered Community Organizations that seek to appeal a Zoning Board of Adjustment decision.
Thank you. That will be on this week's Calendar.
And a resolution 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 authorizing City Council to retain legal counsel to file a lawsuit to require the Administration to implement and enforce Bill No. 200425, an ordinance duly enacted by the City Council of Philadelphia which became law on January 28, 2021.
And a resolution authorizing Council's Special Committee on Child Separations in Philadelphia to conduct public hearings to further understand the role of community umbrella agencies, such as Turning Points for Children, in the local child welfare system, and further investigate the systemic failures that resulted in three girls being returned to their sexually abusive father.
Councilman Oh offers one resolution, entitled a 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 11/4/21 - STATED - 1ST READING "Resolution honoring, recognizing, and celebrating William W. Bodine High School for International Affairs on the occasion of its 40th Anniversary."
There are no other bills or resolutions being offered today by the members, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. There being no reports from committee, our next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. And, Mr. Decker, will you please read the bill on the First Reading Calendar today.
Bill No. 210778, entitled "An ordinance to amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code by adding Section 14-532, entitled the '/AHP, Affordable Housing Preservation Overlay District' and making other related changes; to amend the Philadelphia Zoning 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 11/4/21 - STATED - 1ST READING Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 39th Street, Ludlow Street, 40th Street, and Market Street; and to establish a temporary demolition moratorium with respect to properties within the aforementioned area."
The Chair agrees. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gauthier at this time for a motion regarding Bill No. 210778.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit an amendment to be offered at this time to my bill, No. 210778, which is printed on today's First Reading Calendar and just had its first reading. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 11/4/21 - STATED - 1ST READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it. And, again, the Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Gauthier.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 210778. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 have it, and Bill No. 210778 has been amended. Bill No. 210778, as amended, will be placed on our 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. They are Resolution Nos. 210871, 210872, 210873, 210874, 210875, 210876, 210878, 210879, 210882, 210883, 210884, 210885, 210886, 210887, and 210888. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 2ND READING 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, 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 resolutions being considered on the Consent Agenda, the following resolutions and bills are being called up from the 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today. They are Nos. 210877, 210880, 210549, 210634, 210637, 210638, 210667, 210668, 210687, 210742, and 210632. All other bills and resolutions are being held, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Before we proceed with the consideration of our public comment session at this time, we're actually going to take about a minute recess to give our technology professionals some time to connect the speakers we have for today's meeting. Just a brief, very brief, break. Thank you. (Brief pause.)
Thank you. We do not have any speakers for public comment today, but I do want to go 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 through the process of giving you the information for those that may want to connect for public comment on any bill or resolution that we'll be passing. So our public comment must concern matters of the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars 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 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 of or against the legislation, and add your name to the list. We will then telephone each person on the list during the Council session and invite them to our remote meeting. Based on the circumstances in terms of the volume of individuals, you 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 minutes or conceivably less than three minutes, but that will be determined at that time. So I wanted to just let you know when you do call and you're testifying, we're going to hold people faithfully to that time limit. When you give your testimony at that particular time, there will be a clock started, and when there's 30 seconds remaining on your time, you will be reminded of that, and when your time expires, you will be muted and disengaged from our Council session. So I want to thank you very much for your future participation. We'll move on to our next subject matter. We will now consider today's Resolution Consent Agenda. I will ask, Mr. Decker, please read the titles of all 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 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 debate, the resolution will be immediately removed from the Resolution Consent Agenda and placed on today's regular Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, will you please read the titles of the resolutions on today's Consent Agenda.
Resolution No. 210871, entitled a "Resolution celebrating the Diamond Jubilee 75th Anniversary of The Links, Incorporated"; and Resolution No. 210872, entitled a "Resolution honoring the Oak Lane Youth Association on the special occasion of its 50th Anniversary"; and Resolution No. 210873, entitled a "Resolution congratulating Sonia Sanchez on winning the Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize, one of the country's most prestigious and generous arts honors"; and Resolution No. 210874, entitled 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 "Resolution also naming the 2400 block of West Indiana Avenue as 'Reverend Dr. A.W. Dock Way,' in honor of Reverend Dr. Albert Wilson Dock, to commemorate his legacy as a preacher, teacher, and evangelist"; and Resolution No. 210875, entitled a "Resolution also naming the 4300 block of Tower Street as 'Josie D. Heard AMEC Way,' in honor of Josie D. Heard, to commemorate her legacy as an educator, author, hymnist and as the namesake of the Josie D. Heard African Methodist Episcopal Church in the Manayunk neighborhood of Philadelphia"; and Resolution No. 210876, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 3119 North 35th Street in the Fourth Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia"; and 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 210878, entitled a "Resolution recognizing November as Epilepsy Awareness Month"; and Resolution No. 210879, entitled a "Resolution recognizing and celebrating Women's Community Revitalization Project on the 35th Anniversary of the organization's incorporation"; and Resolution No. 210882, entitled a "Resolution honoring and congratulating Philadelphia Native, Kahleah Copper, as the Champion of the Week for being named WNBA Finals MVP and winning the WNBA title"; and Resolution No. 210883, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2505 Emerald Street located in the 1st Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. 210884, entitled a "Resolution honoring the life and legacy of Colin L. Powell for his exemplary and outstanding service to the United States as a trailblazing military 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 general, statesman, and public servant"; and Resolution No. 210885, entitled a "Resolution recognizing October 2021 as Down Syndrome Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia"; and Resolution No. 210886, entitled a "Resolution designating October 1st as 'Latin American Entrepreneur Day' in recognition of the successful 'Latin America Thrives in Philadelphia' event"; and Resolution No. 210887, entitled a "Resolution recognizing, congratulating, and thanking the United States Marine Corps on the occasion of its 246th Anniversary"; and Resolution No. 210888, entitled a "Resolution recognizing the Ukrainian Federation of America on the occasion of its 30th anniversary." You're muted, Mr. President.
Sorry about that. 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a motion to adopt each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda today.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has 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 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 11/4/21 - STATED - 2ND READING and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. I would ask Mr. Decker to please read the title of Resolution No. 210877.
A resolution appointing Maria Gonzalez to the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Land Bank.
And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 11/4/21 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 210880.
A resolution memorializing and honoring the life of the late Walter Wallace, Jr., and recognizing the adoption of police reforms inspired by his death and the activism in his name.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gauthier for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution, and also wanted to thank you for your leadership on this issue. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.) 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 11/4/21 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 210549.
An ordinance approving an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion to extend the term of existence of the District to December 31, 2042.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Councilwoman 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 11/4/21 - STATED - 2ND READING Brooks.
Aye. 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 11/4/21 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 16; the nays are zero. A majority of all members present having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, 210634.
An ordinance to 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 11/4/21 - STATED - 2ND READING amend the Master Plan for the University of Pennsylvania by areas of land located within an area bounded by Guardian Drive, East Service Drive, Civic Center Boulevard, 34th Street, 33rd Street, Walnut Street, the Schuylkill River, 34th Street, and University Avenue.
Thank you. This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Aye. 11/04/21 Stated Meeting November 4, 2021 11/4/21 - STATED - 2ND READING