COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 4, 2024 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN CURTIS J. JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN RUE LANDAU COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY M. LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN NICOLAS O'ROURKE COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK F. SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR. ELIZABETH McCOLLUM NAZARIO, INTERIM CHIEF CLERK
I note that the hour has come that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will now come to order. Members will please take their seats. Visitors will retire to their seats outside of the rails. I will also ask the Members to please keep your voice to a minimum. Before proceeding, I will ask all those present to please set your cell phones to silent or vibrate. Thank you. To give our invocation this morning -- to give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Father James Callahan of the mighty He is here today as a guest of Councilmember Brian O'Neill. I will ask all members and guests to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests and visitors rise.)
A privilege to be here today. A citizen of Philadelphia all my life. Offer our prayer. I begin the prayer with an old Irish fable. It's a story about an ancient king who was on his last leg, and he called his three sons to meet with him and ask them to help him shorten his road. And the one son stepped up and said, I'll buy all the fastest horses in the land and attach them to your coach and shorten the road for you, Dad. The second son came up and said, I'll cut down all the trees I'll shorten the road for you. And finally, his youngest son came up to him and said, Dad, I'll sit next to you in the coach and we'll tell stories. I offer prayer today and pray the members of this Council listen to the stories of the people of Philadelphia, all of the people of Philadelphia, the young, the old, the men, women, the Black, the White, Hispanic, Asian. Listen to their stories. And as the leaders of the people of Philadelphia, may they not only listen to the stories but may the stories help them to shorten the road for us, shorten the road for us all. And we ask the Lord to bless them, bless us in all they say and do. We ask this in the Lord's name. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks the Pastor for his invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 21, 2024. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 21, 2024 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 21, 2024 stand approved. All those in favor will (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is the request for leaves of absence. And the Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Good morning, Council President. On behalf of the Minority, there are no leaves of absence for today.
Thank you very much. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning certain matters that may arise during the course of today's session of Council and that were not listed on the Calendar circulated prior to today's session.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following, 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 those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings --
Excuse me, Member. I just want to ask if you're going to be in the chambers today, could you please keep your conversations to a minimum or please step outside the chambers as we conduct the business today. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Council President. I will continue, amendments to bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or recalled from the Mayor, amendments to bills recalled from the Mayor, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in this session, a motion to bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar, and a motion placing a bill or a 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.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson may be added to the agenda should those matters arise during the course of this session of Council. All those in favor will (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in the chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of Council, we welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate you taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones who will present a resolution honoring Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman for her female and first Black Chief Executive Officer and President of the Philadelphia Zoo. Will Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman and those accompanying her please join the Councilmember at the podium. And she also brought a guest with her as well. Joining Councilmember Jones at the podium is Councilmember -glad I'm up here. Joining Councilmember Jones is Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, Councilmember Mike Driscoll, Councilmember Kathy Gilmore Richardson, Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, Councilmember Rue Landau, Councilmember Jim Harrity and Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke. Councilmember Jones, the podium is yours.
President, we also have Rojo joining us in chambers today, which is the mascot brought today to represent the Zoo. I represent the Zoo only in the parking lot across the street. My colleague Jamie Gauthier represents the rest of the acreage over there but she gave me permission some time ago to take a tour of your zoo, and I rediscovered it. I rediscovered it. It's not our grandparents' zoo. It is a zoo where it is more interactive, it is prolific in its presentation of animal life, plants, mammals, reptiles and also it has a biosphere that incorporates plants and it's amazing. And it is actually a cheap date. Take your kids -well, not so cheap but really good. But what we're here today we attracted Philadelphia some talent from St. Louis. We were able to show our best side and Doctor took on the undertaking of moving the needle forward for the zoo. When I did the tour, she pointed out what the goals and objectives were. The certifications -- see I remember, some of the certifications that she wanted to maintain so that we are a first class institution in Philadelphia that is not just in the 3rd District but a national and international attraction. I would also finally say that Philadelphia is full of firsts and the zoo is one of them. We were the first zoo in the nation and we still hold a very high standard that zoos and animal habitats go. Therefore;
Jo-Elle Mogerman for her leadership as the first female and first Black Chief Officer and President of the Philadelphia Zoo;
Whereas Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman has made history by becoming the first woman and the first Black Chief Executive Officer and President of the nation's oldest zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo and;
Whereas Dr. Mogerman who assumed the role in October 30, 2023 brings a wealth of experience and a clear commitment to the community, animal welfare, staff development and operational excellence making her the ideal President for the Philadelphia Zoo and;
And whereas Dr. Mogerman's leadership evident throughout her esteemed career, including her role as Director of the St. Louis Zoo, WildCare Park while she oversaw the planning and development of $230 million wildlife projects and;
Whereas Dr. Mogerman's dedication to conservation, community engagement and operational excellence aligns perfectly with the values and the mission of the Philadelphia Zoo, which has been a pioneer in wildlife conservation and community involvement since its establishment in 1874 and;
Whereas Dr. Mogerman's appointment marks a significant milestone in the history of zoo leadership, exemplifying progress towards greater diversity and inclusion and leadership positions within the zoo and;
Whereas Dr. Mogerman's management style characterized by inspiring her team, setting visions and capitalizing on strengths will undoubtedly propel the Philadelphia Zoo into a model for zoos of the future. Now, therefore be it;
Therefore be it resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it hereby recognizes and honors Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman for her leadership as the first female and first Black Chief Executive Officer and President of the Philadelphia Zoo, further resolves that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman as a sign of the admiration and respect of this legislative body. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Dr. Mogerman for remarks.
Well, thank you all. Thank you all very much. This is quite an honor -- and we woke her up because she was sleeping -- is because fundamentally people can't be what they can't see, right. And so, I'm happy and honored to be here, to be the steward of the nation's oldest zoo and to really sort of demonstrate the power of animals in our lives. There's so much that animals and nature have to teach us. And I'm really excited to be heading up the zoo and to work with all of you because nature and wildlife and animals can be a solution to our problems. So as a conservationist, I fundamentally believe that conservation can be a platform for forward to working with all of you to make Philadelphia a better city and to make sure that the nation's oldest zoo is that leading-edge zoo. And we have some work to do, but we will get there and we'll get there together and we'll uplift the City in the process. So I'm super excited and just the budget, yes --
Supporting the budget would be awesome. And just some of you may not like snakes. But this is really cool. She's a boa constrictor so she's squeezing on my arm. She just woke up. She was smelling me for a moment. But she was in the spotlight a couple of years ago because she gave birth to a baby snake but was never around a male. can do that, yes. So she gave birth to a little snake so she's famous. Yep, I'm bringing famousness to the Council today, so I really do thank you all. I'm privileged to be working and honored to be working with you all. And again, Philadelphia Zoo is the nation's oldest zoo and we will make it the best zoo for Philadelphia and for the world. So thank you. (Applause.)
Council will now be at ease. (Council at ease.)
And the next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will the Mayor and any other communications in her possession.
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 No. 240020, not for approval; 240058, not for approval; 240119, 240121, 240122, 240159, 240177, 240178 for approval. I am transmitting for the consideration of your Honorable Body a resolution confirming the reappointment of Reginald Streater to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia. A resolution confirming the reappointment of Sarah-Ashley of Education of the School District of Philadelphia. Confirming the reappointment of Chau Wing Lam to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia. Confirming the reappointment of Joyce Wilkerson to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia. Confirming the appointment of Crystal Cubbage to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia. Confirming the appointment of Wanda Novales to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia. Confirming the appointment of Cheryl Harper to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia. Confirming the appointment the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia. Confirming the appointment of Joan Stern to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia. To the President and members of the Council of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on April 3, 2024 I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on March 14, 2024: Bill No. 240014 and Bill No. 240016. I am pleased to advise you that on April 3, 2024 I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at a session on March 21, 2024. Bill Nos. 240010-A, 240008, 240009, 240011, 240089-A and 240013-A. Council President, there are no other communications in my possession.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips.
Good morning, president. Good morning, colleagues. And good morning to the City of Philadelphia. I have one resolution, non-privileged resolution, for introduction today.
Thank you. Will the Clerk please read the title of the nonprivileged resolution.
A resolution authorizing the creation of a task force to study and develop proposals, strategies and recommendations to enhance parental guardian engagement, oversight, accountability and resources within the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kathy Gilmore Richardson.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Today I offer one privileged resolution. And on your behalf, Council President, one privileged resolution and one bill.
Thank you. Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bill and resolutions.
A privileged resolution on behalf of Council President honoring Philadelphia 76ers' Hall of Famer Allen Iverson for his trailblazing career in the National Basketball Association and recognizing AI as a Philadelphia Basketball Living Legend.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution introduced by Katherine Gilmore Richardson, recognizing and supporting the health and wellness of Black mamas and birthing people by acknowledging April 11th through the 17th, 2024 as Black Maternal Health Week in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And an ordinance on behalf of the Council President, authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 2201 Christian Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19146 ("Property"), under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate Committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Good morning, Council President. Today I have one bill.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.
An ordinance amending Section 9-203 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Sales," to revise and clarify certain provisions related to City Parks & Recreation facilities and make related technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Good morning, Council President. I have nine non-privileged resolutions to introduce on your behalf and one privileged resolution I wanted to introduce that I'm co-introducing with the great fellow from the Northeast, Councilmember Mike Driscoll as well as our Majority Leader and really the strong advocate for apprenticeship programs, Councilmember Gilmore Richardson. Today in the balcony area, we have the young people as well as their teacher Mr. Jarrett from Mayfair. Mayfair students, can you all stand up so we can recognize you and give you a round of applause. (Applause.)
I had a chance to be on the dope students' podcast and I know other of my colleagues have participated in the amazing podcast and look at some of the great work that Mr. Jarrett does as well as the entire team over there at Mayfair. So thank you all for being here seeing your government in action, and continue to keep up the great work. Thank you, Council President. And thank you, colleagues.
May the Clerk please read the titles of the resolutions.
A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating the Champion of the Week Evin Jarrett, the Lead Building Trades Instructor, at Mayfair School for his exemplary service expanding vocational trading opportunities for Philadelphia's youth.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Applause.)
And a non-privileged resolution introduced on the Council President's behalf, confirming the appointment of Crystal Cubbage to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia. Confirming the appointment of Sarah-Ashley Andrews to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia. Confirming the appointment of Joan Stern to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia. Confirming the reappointment of Reginald Streater to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia. Confirming the appointment of Wanda Novales to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia. Confirming the appointment of Whitney Jones to the Board of Education of the School District of the Philadelphia. Confirming the reappointment of Joyce Wilkerson to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia. And confirming the appointment of Cheryl Harper to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia.
These resolutions will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bills.
An ordinance amending Section 14-704 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Open Space and Natural Resources," by changing the applicability of steep slope protection requirements, for certain stream restoration activities, all under certain terms and conditions.
And an ordinance amending Section 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," by amending Section 14-524, entitled "/FDO, Fourth District Overlay District," to establish use regulations on medical facilities, all under certain terms and conditions.
These two bills will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
I'm co-introducing one bill and one resolution that's held with other Councilpeople right now.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bill and resolution.
Good morning, Council President. I offer one bill and one privileged resolution.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bill and resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the staff of McPherson Square Library for their heroic efforts in building and maintaining safe spaces within one of the most vulnerable but resilient communities in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And an ordinance authorizing an encroachment in the nature of a staircase in the vicinity of 1951 East Monmouth Street Philadelphia, PA 19134, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Young.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 14-529 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "/VDO, Fifth District Overlay District," by removing the exemption from the landscaping standards in the Zoning Code, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks.
Good morning, Council President. I have one privileged resolution and one bill to introduce today.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bill and the privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing April 2024 as Autism Acceptance & Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia and commending the work of HUNE, Hispanos Unidos Para Nino's Excepcionales in supporting people living with autism as well as their families and loved ones.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Landlord and Tenant," to modify requirements and authorizations related to the City's residential Eviction Diversion Program, including associated changes to the landlord and tenant relationship and to make certain technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Just for correcting the record, the former resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.
Good morning, Council President. I have one privileged resolution co-introduced by Councilwoman Lozada, Driscoll, Squilla and myself.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring Jim Ridgeway, member of the 24th District PDAC, whose lifelong residence in Harrowgate has inspired his community outreach and clean-up efforts.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Council will be at ease for a second. (Council at ease.)
Councilmember Harrity, do you have a bill you want to introduce as well?
I'm sorry. The co-introducer Driscoll is going to put it in. I apologize for the confusion.
Okay. All right. Just for clarity, in terms of the flow only the prime sponsors have to introduce. Even though you're a co-sponsor, we just for the record want the prime sponsor just to introduce and then we go from there. Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke.
Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution that I am co-introducing alongside the Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you very much. Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Joint Committees on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless and Licenses & Inspections to hold public hearings to examine the conditions of rental housing, rental code enforcement and the need for rental repairs throughout the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll.
Good morning, Mr. President. I offer four bills for consideration.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bills.
An ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finances, Taxes and Collections," and Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Miscellaneous," by authorizing access to legal representation for certain owners of blighted and deteriorated dwellings and providing for tax forgiveness and exemptions for improvements to certain deteriorated areas and dwellings to incentivize the creation and improvement of affordable housing units, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And 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, Frankford Avenue and Tioga Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance amending Section 14-533 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "/MIN, Mixed Income Neighborhoods Overlay District," to expand the applicable area in the vicinity of Buckius Street and Tioga Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code by amending Section 14-702, entitled "Floor Area, Height and Dwelling Unit Density Bonuses," to amend provisions related to the Transit Improvements bonus and by making related changes, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Neill. (No response.)
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the installation, ownership and maintenance of various encroachments along the 700 block of Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad.
The next order of business is Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla for a report from the Committee on Appropriations.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee reports out three bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Appropriations to which was referred Bill No. 240176, entitled authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2024 from the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, and the Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, to the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions and to the Aviation Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. The Committee on Appropriations to which was referred Bill No. 240177, entitled amending Bill No. 230145, entitled "An Ordinance To adopt a Fiscal 2024 Capital Budget," by revising various appropriation amounts and totals, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to favorable recommendation. Bill No. 240178, entitled amending Bill No. 230144, entitled "An Ordinance To adopt a Capital Program for the Six Fiscal Years 2024, 2029 inclusive, by revising various appropriation amounts and totals, to conform to amendments to the FY2024 Capital Budget Ordinance, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to admit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 240176, 240177, 240178 that were just read into the record by the Chief Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 240176, 240177 and 240178. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Bill Nos. 240176, 240177 and 240178 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Nina Ahmad for a report from the Committee on Public Health and
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Public Health and Human Services reports out two bills with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to which was referred Bill No. 240015 entitled adding a new Chapter 6-1600 to The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Reports On Opioid Antidote Use," to require certain reports from the City from the Office of the Managing Director to Council concerning the City's use of opioid antidote, all under conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. And Bill No. 240017, entitled adding a new Chapter 10-2700 to The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Reports with Impermissible Camping," to require certain reports from the Office of the Managing Director to Council concerning camping activities carried out in violation of the Code in the City's efforts to address such activities, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Ahmad for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this day of Bill Nos. 240015 and 240017 that were just read into the record by the Chief Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 240015 and 240017. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Bill Nos. 240015 and 2ND READING 240017 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from Committee with the suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following bills and resolutions are on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for today: Nos. 240223, 240227, 240229, 240230, 240020-A, 240066, 240019 and 240087.
Thank you. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for possible action at today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up for today's session, please do so now by giving your name to Ms. Hasson at the table outside the rails to my left. Once you have signed up, you will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. Under ideal circumstances, public commenters each will have three minutes to speak. However, this time may vary from session-tosession. And due to today's volume, the time limit will be two minutes. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the two-minute limit. When you will begin speaking, you will see a green light on the podium. When there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, the light will turn yellow, which is your reminder to conclude your remarks. Once two minutes has passed, the light will turn red and the Sergeant-at-Arms will disconnect the microphone. At that moment, please yield the podium to the next speaker if you have not already done so. I also reserve the right pursuant to our rules of Council to limit repetitious comments on the same matter. I will now ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.
William Detoro Vargas on autism awareness. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is William Detoro Vargas. Today I stand before you deeply moved and grateful as an individual with autism to express my heartfelt thanks to all those who championed the cause of people with disabilities. The City of Philadelphia's decision to pass the resolution in honor of HUNE, the organization I represent, alongside recognizing Autism Acceptance Month, truly embodies the spirit of inclusivity with values so highly. It is immense pride and honor that I address you today as someone with autism. First and foremost, my sincere appreciation goes to Mayor Parker, Amy Nieves, the former Executive Director of the Commission with Disabilities, Council President Johnson, Councilmember Brooks who sponsored this resolution as well as our local District Councilmember Quetcy Lozada for their unwavering support and dedication. The commendable efforts of the Mayor's Commission on Disabilities, particularly under the leadership of Amy have significantly impacted our community. In 2023 Amy played a pivotal role in the relaunch of the Philadelphia's Disabilities Characteristics Map, achieving global recognition for disabilities the collaborations with the U.S. Census. I also want to mention that furthermore Philadelphia's designation as the first sensoryinclusive certified by U.S. KultureCity marks an historic achievement. Autism Acceptance Month does not only celebrate individuals with autism, but also to reflect on and recognize the progress and ongoing efforts on behalf of people with disabilities. This month is a time for both education and reflection as we contemplate our achievements and path forward. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Will the Clerk please call the next speaker.
Paul Birdsong on blueprint communities. (Witness approached podium.)
My name is Paul Birdsong. I'm the General of the New Age Panther Party in Michigan and in Philadelphia, and I am a Deputy General of the chapter in Los Angeles. I'm here to speak about Resolution 240229. It says at the bottom of the resolution, the City of Philadelphia supports and promotes neighborhood and/or community revitalizations, including the adaptive reuse of older buildings, investment in public infrastructure, active transportation, supported community engagement activity, building local leadership, developing collaborative partnerships and participating and practicing some local and regional planning skills. My thing is you have a group in Philadelphia that is ready to stand up and serve the community that's made up of civilians. We mentioned this yesterday in the budget meeting. These groups, these community organizations that are ready to actively -- if you put into a city where killing is happening as rapidly as it is here, that money is going to go to waste. The money needs to go into protecting those resources. If we're going to beautify the City, we need civilian oversight and we need people from the community that can get paid to be there to police those neighborhoods and those communities and keep them safe. We also need that state-of-the-art forensics lab that the Mayor proposed so that we can protect this City and solve the crimes, the 50 percent of the homicides that aren't solved here every year so they can be solved. This needs to happen right now. I was watching an old news clip that there's already a stateof-the-art community in University City that can be used for this right now. So my question is, people, what are we waiting for, what are we waiting for. It's already there. We don't have to wait. We can have justice and closure now. What are we waiting for. Give me a logical excuse while we're waiting. Why these mothers from 2018 are still waiting to find out who killed their child. I see the red light. All power to the people. (Applause.)
Marvin Robinson on rental code resolution. (Witness approached podium.)
First of all, I want to give my honor to my Lord and Saviour, to the President, to City Council, to everybody here. My name is Marvin Robinson. I'm a member of Rental United Philadelphia. I'm a committee person and the Second Vicepresident of the 4th Ward, the Executive Board. I'm also the mayor of West Philadelphia, those that know me. I'm here on behalf of supporting a resolution for rental repair. I want to say I appreciate those who came out to our press conference meeting yesterday. To the City Councilmembers that was there, can y'all please raise y'all hands to let the people know who was at the press conference. (Hands raised.)
Thank you very much. Also, I'm here because I had my own experience about renting from landlords, bad landlords. They need to be held accountable more. So what we're trying to come up with, a resolution to hold landlords and realtors more accountable for their actions that they're not taking care of the tenants. It's over 50 percent of renters in Philadelphia, so that's 50 percent house-owned and 50 percent rental. And no renter should have to go through suffering in a way that I've seen people suffering in my community. Remember, I'm a committee person so I deal with a lot of people and I hear their concerns. So I'm going to let you know about mines a little bit and I'm not going to take too long because I know this bell is going to go off. But I want to just share this with y'all. Please, this should not be a bill. And hopefully, if it do come to be a bill, that it shouldn't take long for all City Councilors to come together because this a responsibility for all y'all in the City of Philadelphia. My main concern is hopefully that those that are sponsoring this bill, that the rest of City Council will continue to support this bill because this helps everybody in the City of Philadelphia. And another thing I wanted to also say, I'm here because when big time realtors come into my neighborhood buying up these properties, kicking low-income people out and then when it's time for them to go back in there, they can't afford the homes. I saw that in my neighborhood in the 4th Ward. I had saw that. Also, we had a garden that they had took away from us -- all right, one minute. They took the garden away from us and we let the people know that we cannot allow realtors keep coming in our neighborhoods doing what they doing. So thank you. I will be here every day as long as we try to get this bill passed when it comes to being passed because this is commonsense. And I don't mean to take up this time. And I'm not here to fuss with nobody, but I'm here to let y'all know we need this resolution to come to be a bill. Thank you. (Applause.)
Will the Clerk please call the next person for public comment.
Mark Postell, blueprint communities. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. I'm Mark Postell, concerned citizen of Philadelphia. I was here yesterday at the budget meeting. And I'm here in support of directing funding for citizens that really want to be a part of a visible presence on the street. I believe it's very necessary. The Mayor declared us in a state of emergency January 1st. And to be quite honest, I believe we've been in a state of emergency before January 1st and I believe we still are. Petty crimes like children smashing windows and denting cars, to the senseless violence and gun murders out here that's taking place, we're losing a lot of people and I believe a visible presence on the streets, Feet on the Street, Boots on the Ground, Town Watch 2.0, Guardian Angels, whatever you want to call it is necessary. We have too many organizations ready, willing and able to get out there on the street. I joined a movement called Operation Hug a Block, and it was 77 nights from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. we was out there trying to deter the violence on the streets. And statistically shown we made an impact. And I believe even if people like you more importantly who joined us on the first night of Operation Hug the Block, Mr. President, and, Mr. O'Rourke, you joined us a few times out there on it, I believe that's very important for our community to see how much you guys really care, you know. And I think citizens would join us more if you guys were out there along with police and highranking officials off duty come and join us to walk the streets. It's enough of us. It's more love than it is the hate out there, but the hate is shining through in our city. And it's scary. I'm a parent of four and I'm scared for my son to walk three blocks to the left and one block up. And we don't deserve that. We deserve a more healthier way of life. And at the end of the day we have the money to do it, so I support direct funding to groups like Philly Troops and Feet on the Street, Boots on the Ground. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Will the Clerk please call the next speaker for public comment.
My name is Kate. The Affordable Connectivity Program can offer household discounts on their Internet service up to $30 and $75 for people on qualifying tribal lands. In some cases this makes the Internet free. There's three ways to be eligible for the ACP program. The households can already meet their providers low Internet program or they can qualify -- or they should be at or 200 percent below the federal poverty line. Someone in this household has to be qualified for government assistance program. Those are programs like SNAP and WIC. SNAP is what we knew as food stamps and the program actually also took a huge cut last year, which lost people about $82 of SNAP benefits a month. The WIC program is actually also facing a funding cliff despite having supported the development of out of American babies. It's hard to imagine how nearly all of our welfare programs are chronically underfunded, but we still have billions of dollars to send to foreign militaries. April is our last fully-funded month of the Affordable Connectivity Program. Meaning that soon 20 million Americans might not have access to the Internet any more. That's about 1 in 5 Americans who don't have access to the Internet cost as a factor. These are our most vulnerable population, and the government keeps dragging their feet on ensuring that these programs are fully funded. 20 million households might not have the expendable income. And $30 a month is $360 a year. That's maybe enough for a doctor's visit, maybe some blood work. We use the Internet for essentials like finding doctors and having the privilege to be in the country that still has functional hospitals. We use the Internet to contact our families and we're lucky to live in a country where we still have families to call. We need a ceasefire and we need a permanent arms embargo against Israel. Thank you. (Applause.)
Kate Wallis on autism awareness. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, Council President. My name is Dr. Kate Wallis and I'm speaking in support of Councilmember Brooks' resolution recognizing April 2024 as Autism Acceptance & Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia. I am a developmental and behavioral pediatrician at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia or CHOP, a researcher at CHOP's Center for Autism Research and a faculty member at CHOP's Policy Lab. As a clinician who cares for many autistic children from early childhood through young adulthood, a health equity researcher who studies autism, I am thrilled to voice my support for the proposed resolution, recognizing April 2024 as Autism Acceptance & Awareness Month and commending the work of HUNE, Hispanos Unidos Para Nino's Excepcionales and the Philadelphia Autism Project in supporting people living with autism as well as their families and loved ones. As a developmental and behavioral pediatrician, I have the privilege of working with children and families on the autism spectrum. I am also the lead researcher on the study cited in the resolution that 1 in 31 children across the Philadelphia region meets criteria for autism or 3.2 percent of all children. While decades of data found that children who identify as Black or Latina were underidentified as being on the autism spectrum, more recent national and our own local data suggests that Black, Hispanic, Latina and Asian children are least as likely as White children to have autism. This means that autism is a form of neurodivergance that affects every population across the City and that every Councilperson represents a district in which children and families on the spectrum reside. We are so grateful to City Council for recognizing the importance of autism in Philadelphia through this resolution. We know, however, there's a lot of work to do to help all autistic children and families and children achieve health equity in terms of support services and ultimately outcomes and prosperity. CHOP is committed to ameliorating health disparities in autism through our clinical programs, research and community outreach. We are hopeful that we can serve as a resource and a partner for City Council to make the lives of families better. Thank you again for the opportunity to speak today and for recognizing April 2024 as Autism Acceptance & Awareness Month. (Applause.)
Thank you. Will the Clerk please call the next person for public comment.
Jamiel Owens on Autism Awareness. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, Council President. My name is Jamiel Owens and I'm speaking in support of Councilmember Brooks' resolution recognizing April 2024 as Autism Acceptance & Awareness month in the City of Philadelphia. First, I would like to thank Councilmember Brooks and her staff as well as all of the Councilmembers here today for allowing me and my colleague Dr. Wallis to speak. And a special congratulations to HUNE and the Philadelphia Autism Project for all of the amazing work they have done and will continue to do. I am the Family Relations Coordinator at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Center for Autism Research. I'm also a father of an autistic child and a lifelong Philadelphia resident. The reality for most parents with a child with special needs is that they will never have a normal child. Our thoughts often take off into a space of depression and regret. When my son Shane was diagnosed at the age 3, I did what most men do. I rationalized my son's worth in society based on the diagnosis he was given, the direct correlation with the painful stain and blow to my ego and pride. For his mother, she blamed herself for birthing a child who had already been characterized and labeled without even having the chance to explore the world in timeless innocence, which we as adults try to achieve again every day. As I read this to all of you right now, another marriage will be annuled due to the stress of the diagnosis. Another child has been placed in the corner of a room and left alone because they are not understood. Right now a father is at work masking the stress and sadness of their child because he feels he has no one. A mother has given their autistic child away to another family member because they feel alone and they are using the term too often said which is autism one. Each one of you are here today because the public believes in you and I believe in you. My ask for each one of you is to join us in educating and supporting the families in which we all serve. My reason is simply that I cannot love my son and advocate for him without doing the same for other autistics like him and their families. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Will the Clerk please call the next speaker.
Good morning. I am Cleopatra Robinson and I am the Founder and Executive Director of A Home From Shana Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) that is raising awareness of the Black maternal mortality crisis and working to improve birth outcomes by educating families on doing the support, safe childbirth and childbirth rights. I would like to thank Council President Johnson and Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson for her continued support behind Black maternal health and all Councilmembers before me. It's critical that you support Black Maternal Health Week. Black Maternal Health Week is considered a week of activism and community building founded by Black Mamas Matter Alliance to raise awareness, inspire activism and strengthen organizing for Black maternal health. For seven days, Black maternal health-focused organizations from across the country align with the same mission as we collaborate and host events that create widespread impact to support Black birthing people in maternal health. Council President and Councilmembers, as I am in support of recognizing a week to Black maternal health, I ask that you not only acknowledge Black Maternal Health Week but that you support grassroots organizations like A Home From Shana Foundation that are actually here in Philadelphia that advocate and support Black and Brown pregnant people in your communities that are showing up 10 toes down the other 358 days of the year. Thank you. (Applause.)
Saleemah McNeil. (Witness approached podium.) MS. McNEIL: Good morning and thank you all for coming. Again, my name is Saleemah McNeil. I'm the Founder and Executive Director of Oshun Family Center. Thank you Councilmembers, especially Councilmembers Nina Ahmad and Katherine Gilmore Richardson who have been alongside with me in this fight for Black maternal health since the beginning. Again, Oshun Family Center is a nonprofit organization here in Philadelphia geared towards helping to reduce the disparities in Black maternal morbidity and mortality. And we do that in several ways. We do that by providing mental health support where reproductive psychotherapists will understand the plight of Black birthing families. We provide doula support and lactation support through other clinical trial collaboration that we have with Temple University. This unprecedented with us being able to sit at the table with Black women securing research studies on Black bodies. We have been victimized by the health system for generations and we're looking to change that today in moving forward. We know what the issues are. We know that we are dying three to four times higher than our White counterparts for reasons such cardiovascular disease, racism, opioid disorder and mental health disorders that will result in suicide. I come to you today as an advocate as a maternal mental health disrupter and a parent and victim myself of the hospital system. I am entering my 18th parenting anniversary tomorrow. And throughout that journey, I have learned so much because being a survivor of a traumatic birthing experience has really fostered the work that I do here today. So I welcome you all to join us in the fight of Black maternal morbidity and mortality in creating better health systems for our families to thrive because it starts at inception. Well, thank you all so much. I was about to say did they cut my mic because I seen the green. I'm here today to garner your support for the resolution that's being introduced for us to recognize Black Maternal Health Week for April 11th through 17th annually. This is something that we do every year. Oshun Family Center with other community-based organizations are the ones who are leading this mission. So join us this year and every year moving forward for Black Maternal Health Week April 11th through the 17th. And I encourage you all to check your emails for your invitations. Thank you. (Applause.)
Hi. My name is Tuesday Chalmers. I'm the teen librarian at McPherson Square branch, and I just kind of wanted to tell you about us. Thank you, Councilwoman Lozada, for inviting me here. I stand in front of you as a librarian, but more importantly as a longtime resident in Harrowgate and Kensington. I grew up there, so McPherson has always had a special place in my heart. It has a rich history in the neighborhood past and present, and our staff continue to pave the way for the future youth. It is a safe hub for all. The library has a heavily-attended afterschool program and it provides lunches daily. We make sure that no child goes hungry and there's always a fun activity to do. Families can attend music lessons, cooking lessons, chicken story time which is one of my favorites, sign-making, gardening, arts and crafts and for adults we have career workshops, crochet. And during the year, the library collaborates with other City agencies, with Parks & Rec, MDO and the Philadelphia Police to activate a safe space outside and host large events such as the Fall Fest and the Winter Fest. This past December McPherson gave out 500-plus toys to our youth during Winter Fest. The staff at McPherson has participated in Narcan and Stop the Bleed trainings. The library has a hygiene closet for our patrons in need. We truly care about our community and try every day to make the library place a safe and inclusive -- sorry. I'm honored to stand in front of you and share my story, and thank you all for listening. (Applause.)
Thank you. Will the Clerk please call the next speaker.
Samuel Kuttab. Is this about the resolution -- no, I didn't think so because I was going to ask for equal time as the snake.
Okay. Thank you, Sam. Good to see you though. Will the Clerk please call the next speaker.
Will the Clerk please call the next speaker. 4/4/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
That concludes today's public comment period. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240223.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the 44th and Aspen Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 644-646 North 40th Street, a portion of the Mantua Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 827, 843, 847, 849, 841, 865 and 867 North 40th Street and a portion of the 4/4/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Sarah Allen Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 818 North 40th Street, 830 North 40th Street; and authorizing the Redevelopment Authority to execute the redevelopment contract with North 40th Street LP and to take such action as may be necessary to effectuate the redevelopment contract.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion regarding 240223.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas on Jamie Gauthier's behalf.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Councilmember Gauthier, I move for the adoption of the resolution. 4/4/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240223 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240227.
A resolution calling on President Biden and Congress to prioritize a permanent reauthorization and funding of the bipartisan Affordable Connectivity Program, ACP.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember 4/4/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Rue Landau for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240227.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240227 be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. The Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 240229.
A resolution 4/4/24 - STATED - 2ND READING authorizing the participation of Philadelphia in the 2024 cohort of the Philadelphia Blueprint Communities Program.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Lozada for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240229.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240229 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
4/4/24 - STATED - 2ND READING The ayes have it and the motion carries. The resolution is adopted. The Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 240230.