02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Via Microsoft Teams Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, February 10, 2022 10:10 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 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022
Thank you, and good morning to everyone. We're going to get started now, but before we begin the Council session 00:00:07 today, I would like to make the following announcement: Due to the continuing threat to public health from COVID-19, City Council is currently meeting remotely. We are 00:00:16 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 00:00:23 Daily News, the Inquirer, and 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 00:00:35 roll to take attendance, and members that are in attendance, say a couple of words to make sure that your image is displayed on the screen. Mr. Decker, please call the 00:00:43 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022
Good 00:00:46 morning, Mr. President, colleagues, and the City of Philadelphia. Good morning.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and the City of Philadelphia. I am present. 00:01:01
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and the 00:01:07 City of Philadelphia.
Councilwoman Gauthier. 00:01:13 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022
Good morning, Council President and colleagues and Philadelphia. Present.
Good morning, Council President. Good 00:01:24 morning, colleagues. And good morning to the City of Sisterly Love.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. And good morning to the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Effectiveness. 00:01:41
Good morning, Council President. Good 00:01:46 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 morning, colleagues. I am present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Sending out prayers and support to all of our young people 00:01:59 impacted by senseless gun violence.
Good 00:02:08 morning, Mr. President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning, Philadelphia. I am present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. And good morning, Madre Jessie. Thank you so much for joining us 00:02:23 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022
Good 00:02:35 morning, Mr. President. Good morning, colleagues. And good morning, Philadelphia.
Buenos dias. Good morning, everyone, and welcome to Reverend Jessie Alejandro. 00:02:47 Good to have you here.
Councilman Squilla. 00:02:54 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and welcome, Mother Jessie. Good to see you. 00:03:03
Good 00:03:07 morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the listening public. I'm present.
And good morning to you all, and we're going to get started. We have established our 00:03:20 quorum. And to give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes the Reverend Madre Jessie Alejandro of the Church of the Crucifixion. She is here 00:03:29 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 of Councilman Oh. I would ask all members and guests to please bow your head for the invocation. 00:03:36 Reverend.
Good morning and God bless you all. Let us pray. Today we pray for hope for the 00:03:42 City of Philadelphia and for our leadership. No matter what our circumstances are, no matter how frightful or desperate, Lord, today we pray for our leaders in the City of 00:03:53 Philadelphia. Some of us have gone weary. Some of us have lost hope. We have lost our ways. But as we come together in one accord to ask you for help, we ask for 00:04:02 this city in such a time where we find ourselves thinking about how do we bring peace and love to a city whom is in pain with so much anguish and violence. We pray, oh Lord, that you 00:04:13 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 we serve with hope and change, that you will fulfill their hearts with your spirit and give strength and courage to make the right decision 00:04:22 for those whom you have instructed to be leaders in this city. We pray for those here today and for those that could not be here. We pray for the families and health for each 00:04:32 and every one in this room, as well for their loved one. We put our trust in you to show us the way of change, the way of love, the way of unity and compassion. Just 00:04:41 like you sent your son Jesus Christ to serve, we pray that you also help us to be able to serve with a pure heart. We pray, oh Lord, that if we have forgotten our ways because of our 00:04:53 distractions in our life, that you bring us back to serve with dignity, with compassion and help. Help us to discern right from wrong. We pray for a true spirit of 00:05:02 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 is right and just for this city. Let our hearts, souls, and mind be renewed and fulfill us with the hope and unity for the City and for 00:05:11 the leadership that you have appointed in office. Keep us from harm and teach us to be humble and restore us wherever we are lacking. Let us remember your teaching 00:05:22 and your faithfulness so that everyone whom you have called by name remember your love for your children. We ask you, Lord, to give the litters the tools that they may need to 00:05:30 come together in agreement to meet the needs of the City. We thank you, oh Lord, for giving us another morning, another day to be able to breathe life, and we ask you, oh Lord, that you breathe 00:05:40 life again if we have forgotten how precious our life are. We thank you for your grace and mercy upon our lives and upon the lives of each and everyone present today. 00:05:49 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 give hope and bring hope to all those who may need it. Let us never forget how we made it where we are because of your love and grace upon our 00:05:57 life. We ask, oh Lord, that you remind us who we are and what we have been called for. In all of this we pray in the 00:06:05 powerful name of Jesus Christ. Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Reverend, for the 00:06:12 spiritual guidance this morning. We really appreciate you.
Our next order of business is the approval of 00:06:20 the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 3rd, 2022, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal 00:06:27 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 Thursday, February 3rd, 2022 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
00:06:33 Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 3rd, 2022 stand approved. All in favor indicate by saying 00:06:39 aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. And our next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the 00:06:47 Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the members of Council, there are no requests for leaves of absence today. 00:06:55 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. And the Chair one more time recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a 00:07:01 motion regarding the Sunshine Act.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda for 00:07:11 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 00:07:25 reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or re-called from the Mayor, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in this session, a motion to withdraw a bill or resolution that is not 00:07:37 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. 00:07:49 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 of this motion is to provide the public with notice concerning possible action by Council that arose too late to be included on the 00:07:55 Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and 00:08:02 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 the Council session. 00:08:10 All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Thank you very much. And our next order of business 00:08:17 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 communications, and we'll ask the Clerk to please read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications that he may have in his possession. 00:08:25
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 00:08:33 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 1433, 1454, 1428 and 1443 North Myrtlewood 00:08:43 Street, 719, 737, 739, 741 and 743 Montgomery Avenue, 2453 North Carlisle Street, 1532 North Marston Street, 2408 North 31st Street, 2410 North 31st Street, 2412 North 31st Street, 3013, 00:09:03 3015, and 3108 West York Street in the Fifth Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2257 Hope Street located in the 7th 00:09:18 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 Councilmanic District; and An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2022 from the General Fund and the 00:09:25 Grants Revenue Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, to the General Fund, the Water Fund and the Aviation Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards 00:09:35 and commissions, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes our 00:09:44 communications, and our next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. By way of a reminder, we are asking that all resolutions, including 00:09:51 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 00:10:00 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 provide an appropriate opportunity for public comment. I want to thank you very much in advance for your anticipated 00:10:06 cooperation. Mr. Decker, please read the titles of the legislation that's being offered today by our member.
Yes, 00:10:13 Mr. President. Councilwoman Parker offers two resolutions. On behalf of Council President Clarke, a resolution confirming the appointment of Sophia Lee as a member 00:10:21 of the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority, to serve in the term ending January 1, 2023.
I'm sorry. We're actually going to refer 00:10:32 that to committee.
And a resolution recognizing February 14, 2022 as Maternal Healthcare Provider Appreciation Day. Mr. President, Councilwoman 00:10:45 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 Parker would like to be recognized for a motion on this resolution.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker. 00:10:50
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of this resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. 00:10:57 (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor of said motion? (Aye.) 00:11:06
The ayes have it, and that will be on today's 00:11:09 Calendar. Mr. Decker, you're on mute.
No 00:11:25 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 problem.
Councilman Jones offers four bills, entitled "An ordinance amending Section A-303 of The 00:11:29 Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Demolition and Relocation of Structures,' to add additional requirements for the issuance of demolition permits for structures currently or previously used as religious 00:11:37 facilities"; and An ordinance amending Section 9-215 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Streeteries," to revise and add additional permitted locations; and 00:11:47 An ordinance adopting an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the Manayunk Special Services District of Philadelphia to extend the term of that Authority; and 00:11:55 An ordinance approving a new plan, estimated costs and proposed method of assessment of the Manayunk Special Services District for and concerning business improvements and administrative 00:12:05 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 services to the Manayunk business district of the City of Philadelphia.
Those four bills will be referred to the 00:12:11 appropriate committee. Mr. Decker, on the resolution that Councilwoman Parker introduced on my behalf for the Energy Authority, we're going to put that on the Calendar, the 00:12:24 next session of Council.
Councilman Johnson offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution honoring Maxwell Brown for his longtime dedication to community empowerment and to mentorship of young 00:12:41 men through his Max Out of Life program."
Councilwoman Sanchez offers two bills and one 00:12:50 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 resolution, entitled "An ordinance" -- on behalf of Council President Clarke, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2022 from 00:12:59 the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, and the Grants Revenue Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, to the General 00:13:10 Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, the Water Fund and the Aviation Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions. 00:13:18
And on her own behalf, an ordinance amending Chapter 9-2500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 00:13:23 "Fire Suppression System Workers," to modify licensing requirements applicable to Fire Suppression System Workers.
Referred to committee. 00:13:30 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022
And a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2257 Hope Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District. 00:13:36
Councilman Green offers one bill and one resolution, entitled "An ordinance approving the 00:13:46 amendment of the Fiscal Year 2022 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works (including the supplying of funds in connection therewith) subject to 00:13:55 certain constraints and conditions."
And a resolution encouraging the Philadelphia Board of Education to adopt and implement a civic 00:14:12 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 participation and voter registration program, as proposed by PA Youth Vote.
Councilwoman Brooks offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution honoring the life, courage, and resilience of Ona 'Oney' Judge, whose story of escape to freedom has become a 00:14:33 pillar in Black American history for its themes of autonomy, self-actualization, pride, and its particular significance in Philadelphia's abolitionist history."
Councilman Domb offers one bill and one resolution, entitled "An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of 00:14:56 the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide that Councilmembers shall not be eligible 00:15:04 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 for election for more than four terms of office."
And a resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for a limitation of Councilmembers' terms in office to no more than four terms. 00:15:17
Yes, please, Council President. Thank you. Thank you very much. 00:15:25 Thank you for the opportunity today to speak on this bill I'm introducing, which would restrict City Councilmembers to serve no more than four terms but starting January of 2024. And 00:15:34 I believe that if we're truly going to be a progressive City Council, we owe it to everyone we represent in the City to finally adopt term limits. Elections are really not term 00:15:45 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 limits, especially when we see 15 to 25 percent of the people vote, but one way to overcome the lack of voter engagement is to encourage turnover and a 00:15:53 modern look at fresh candidates on a regular basis. As stated in the Committee of Seventy, a four-term limit strikes an important balance between providing 00:16:03 lawmakers the time to tackle several big projects and ensuring that a steady stream of new voices and perspectives enter City Hall. And also I believe eight out of ten of the largest cities in 00:16:16 the United States do have term limits for their City Councils. So I urge my colleagues to support and quickly pass this legislation so we can place it on the ballot for the 00:16:24 May 2022 primary election, which will allow the citizens of this city to make the final decision. I want to thank my co-sponsors, Councilmember Squilla, Brooks, Green, 00:16:33 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 Gym, and Gauthier. I look forward to discussing this in Council. Thank you, Council President.
00:16:40 Referred to committee. You're welcome.
Councilwoman Gauthier offers four resolutions, entitled a "Resolution honoring and 00:16:49 recognizing the work and contributions of small community activist Jamal Johnson for his tireless advocacy against gun violence in the City of Philadelphia, and across the nation." 00:16:57
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the 00:17:02 Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 3851 and 3855 Aspen Street, 3732 Haverford Avenue, 3825 Fairmount Avenue, 3605 Melon Street, 3607 and 3832 Melon Street, 3858 00:17:17 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 Mount Vernon Street, 614 Shedwick Street, 3832 Wallace Street, 3830 Wallace Street located in the Third Councilmanic District. 00:17:31
And a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the 00:17:37 Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 1317 South Melville Street and 1328 South Melville Street in the Third Councilmanic District. 00:17:50
And a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3625 Wallace Street located in 00:17:53 the 3rd Councilmanic District.
Councilman Thomas offers three resolutions, entitled a 00:18:07 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 "Resolution authorizing the Committee on Streets and Services to hold hearings regarding Beets, Brine and Salt regarding the recipe for Philadelphia's Streets in 00:18:16 Winter in order to advance our interests in safe roads, healthy streams and good stewardship of resources and the taxpayer funds."
And a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia City Council Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings to better 00:18:33 understand the local purchasing goal set by the Administration in response to Council Member Thomas' Keep It Local bill, to assess the progress made toward that goal, and to offer a forum to 00:18:44 discuss best practices in this space going forward to ensure that the City of Philadelphia always looks first to forward its homegrown small and medium sized businesses when making purchasing 00:18:55 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 decisions.
Mr. Decker, I'm sorry. I got distracted for a second. That was a -- 00:19:00
And a resolution 00:19:04 honoring and congratulating Champion of the Week and Black Business Crawl organization, the National Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society, on their dedication to Black art and 00:19:16 historical preservation of Marian Anderson's life and her home in Philadelphia.
Councilman O'Neill offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution honoring, congratulating, and thanking Darin L. Gatti on the occasion of his retirement from the Streets 00:19:38 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 Department and his many years of service to the citizens of Philadelphia."
Councilman Squilla offers two bills, entitled "An ordinance authorizing an encroachment upon East Passyunk Avenue and Moore Street in the vicinity of 1801 East 00:19:55 Passyunk Avenue."
And an ordinance authorizing an existing bulk window at 00:20:00 2519 Frankford Avenue.
Councilwoman Bass offers one bill and two resolutions, 00:20:13 entitled "An ordinance continuing the Mt. Airy Business Improvement District beyond its termination date, in an area that generally includes both sides of Germantown Avenue from 6300 to 7631 and 00:20:22 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 certain blocks of streets that intersect that portion of Germantown Avenue and for which the Mt. Airy Improvement District, Incorporated, a Pennsylvania non-profit 00:20:31 corporation, is the Neighborhood Improvement District Management Association for the District."
And a resolution initiating action to continue the Mt. Airy Business Improvement District beyond its termination date in an area that generally includes both sides of 00:20:45 Germantown Avenue from 6300 to 7631 and certain blocks of streets that intersect that portion of Germantown Avenue, for which Mt. Airy Improvement District, Incorporated, a Pennsylvania non-profit 00:20:54 corporation, serves as the Neighborhood Improvement District Management Association for the District.
Referred to committee. 00:21:01 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022
And a resolution urging federal policymakers to ensure that individuals with Sickle Cell Disease have access to all medications and forms 00:21:13 of treatment for Sickle Cell Disease, no matter their form of health care insurance.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass. 00:21:20
Thank you, Mr. President. Sickle cell disease is a disease in which a person's body produces abnormally shaped red blood cells that 00:21:28 resemble a crescent or a sickle. That abnormal shape causes the cells to get stuck in blood vessels, blocking blood flow and causing pain and organ damage. Recent studies suggest that 00:21:41 30 percent of sickle cell patients experience premature death, with an estimated life expectancy of just 54 years of age. Unfortunately, a disproportionate number of sickle cell 00:21:52 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 patients are African American and Hispanic. I am introducing this resolution to make clear the seriousness 00:21:58 of sickle cell disease. Knowledge is power, and too few people know about this disease, so every chance we get, we must promote awareness of it. On top of promoting awareness, 00:22:09 federal lawmakers must do their part and fight for all people to have access to quality healthcare, not leaving behind those with lesser known ailments like sickle cell disease, and they must ensure 00:22:23 that all people, no matter their race or form of health insurance, have access to the necessary medications, therapies, and treatments for sickle cell disease. This resolution formally urges them to do just 00:22:34 that. And, finally, I want to thank Councilmembers Parker, Domb, Gym, Gauthier, Brooks, Gilmore Richardson, Jones, Squilla, Sanchez, and Green for 00:22:45 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 co-sponsoring this resolution and joining the call for equal access to quality healthcare for sickle cell patients. Thank you, Mr. President. 00:22:55
Councilman Oh offers two resolutions, entitled a 00:23:04 "Resolution recognizing and honoring Aaron Turner and Eric Schroder of the 18th Police District for their courageous actions which led to the confiscation of an illegal firearm and stolen vehicle." 00:23:15
And a resolution declaring March 6th as Lithuanian Independence Day in the City of 00:23:23 Philadelphia in honor of its Restoration of the State Day on February 16th and Restoration of Independence Day on March 11th.
Next 00:23:32 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 week's Calendar.
There are no other bills or resolutions being offered today by the members, Mr. President. 00:23:36
Let the record reflect Councilman O'Neill is present. And that concludes our introduction bills and resolutions. 00:23:52 We have no reports from committee today, so our next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. There being no bills on the 00:23:59 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a motion concerning the resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar. 00:24:06
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 00:24:15 Passage Calendar today. They are Resolution Nos. 220012, 220084, 220085, 220086, 220087, 220088, 220089, 220092, 220095, and 220096. (Duly seconded.) 00:24:43
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the 00:24:48 resolutions just read by Councilwoman Parker. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.) 00:24:53 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 2ND READING
The 00:24:54 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 00:25:03 calling up bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. In addition to the 00:25:10 resolutions being considered on the Consent Agenda, the following resolutions and bills are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today. They are Nos. 220090, 00:25:20 220093, and 220003. All other bills and resolutions are being held, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Councilwoman. 00:25:33 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 We will move towards our public comment session, but before we take our public comment, we want to give our technology professionals five, ten 00:25:45 minutes to connect all our speakers. We'll take a brief break. Thank you very much. We'll be right back. - - - 00:25:53 (Short recess.)
Thank you very much, and we are back. Before we start with our first 00:32:30 speaker, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you so much, Council President. I have urgent Council business that takes me out and 00:32:37 would like to be recognized as voting aye on all bills and resolutions.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Let the record reflect that. Thank you. 00:32:46 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022
You're welcome. 00:32:50 Mr. Decker, please read the first name on our list. Oh, I'm sorry. Hold on one second. Let me give folks the script. So now that everyone is 00:33:01 connected to the meeting, before considering the resolutions and bills we have before us today, we're going to consider public comment. I'd like to tell the speakers what the lay of the 00:33:11 land is. So our public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for possible action at a session of Council. A 00:33:19 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. 00:33:31 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 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 00:33:37 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. 00:33:47 Under ideal circumstances, which is today, we will have three minutes to speak, but, however, from time to time, the limit may vary from session to session based on the volume of 00:33:56 individuals. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the established time limit, and once invited to the meeting and asked 00:34:04 to begin your testimony, a timer will be started. We will monitor your remaining time throughout your testimony, and when there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, you will be reminded of this, and 00:34:14 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 once your allotted time has passed, you will be asked to conclude your remarks, and shortly thereafter you will be disconnected and muted. 00:34:22 I also reserve the right to limit the number of speakers where repetitious comments are being made on the same subject matter, which could affect callbacks at our public comment 00:34:32 session. And please be aware that this public meeting is being recorded, and because the meeting is public, participants and viewers have no 00:34:39 reasonable expectation of privacy. So by continuing to be in the meeting, you are consenting to being recorded. Mr. Decker, I will now ask you to call the first name that is speaking 00:34:49 today.
The first speaker we have today, Mr. President, is Gerry Balmir, commenting on 220012.
And 00:34:59 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 good morning. State your name for the record and please proceed with your testimony.
Yes. Good 00:35:05 morning, Councilmembers. My name is Gerry Balmir representing the non-profit organization Science in Donation and Transplant, and I'm here to speak in support of Resolution 220012. 00:35:13 I would like to thank Councilwoman Cherelle Parker for introducing this resolution calling on Secretary Xavier Becerra and the Department of Health and Human Services 00:35:24 to reconsider implementation of a rule instituted by the Trump administration and to develop a national task force of recognized experts in the organ donation and transplantation committee to ensure 00:35:36 equitable access to resources through established and trusted organ procurement organizations, particularly in communities of color. The Council recognizes severe 00:35:47 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 ongoing health equity issues for people of color in this country, this region, and this city. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 00:35:56 Office of Minority Health, the number of organ transplants performed on African Americans in 2019 was 25.8 percent of the number of African Americans currently waiting for a transplant. The number of 00:36:08 transplants performed on the White Americans was 47.6 percent of the number currently waiting for a transplant. In the closing hours of the Trump administration, a group of venture 00:36:19 capitalists successfully sought to undermine the non-profit organ procurement system in the United States. The federal rule adopted does little to encourage better practices and better 00:36:29 cooperation in the donation and transplant system. The federal rule at worse opens the door to a hedge fund-driven takeover of the organ donation non-profit network, making way 00:36:41 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 for a privatized system that benefits the wealthy and VIPs at the expense of those less connected. Thank you for your urging of 00:36:50 the protection and promotion of a fair and equitable organ transplant system that believes everyone deserves access to a quality healthcare system, not just those with hedge funds connections. 00:37:01 Thank you again for your support, and have a blessed day.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it. 00:37:08
-- from the Mt. Airy neighborhood. I would like to speak in favor of the Philadelphia Public Financing Authority, Bill No. 210956. 00:37:24 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 I am a member of the Philadelphia Public Banking Coalition. In 2012, I attended the first national public banking conference here in 00:37:37 Philadelphia, and I've been working ever since to promote the idea of public banking. Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia first promoted the idea of 00:37:47 public banking and made Philadelphia the financial center of the colonies. In 1980, I had the opportunity to transfer the assets from Crusader Savings and Loan into the West 00:37:59 Philadelphia Community Federal Credit Union that the neighbors set up. Crusader was redlining our community and loaning money out to Rosemont. I experienced the tremendous difference of 00:38:13 recycling our savings into building our community in West Philadelphia. I worked with Leroy Robinson, the then-President of the Baltimore Business Association, and together we built a strong, vibrant 00:38:25 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 community. The Credit Union became the West Philadelphia branch of the Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, which now recycles over $1 billion into the 00:38:35 Philadelphia community. I am proud of the impact we had on the Cedar Park neighborhood. We were able to build a strong, vibrant, integrated community. 00:38:47 One of the benefits of giving credit to a community is, it also gives the community hope so we can have a brighter future. This has had the impact of lowering crime when especially young 00:38:58 people see that there are opportunities for them to have good jobs and a positive future. Also, my experience with the First United Methodist Church of 00:39:08 Germantown, we worked in Haiti to build a micro-finance bank called Fonkoze. After almost 30 years, this bank has 40 branches, 200,000 members, and recycles about $100 million into the Haitian 00:39:22 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 economy. Father Joseph, who founded this bank, is now building wealth in rural Haiti. Father Joseph is coming to stay 00:39:31 with me in Philadelphia, and I hope to show him we in Philadelphia can also build wealth in Philadelphia. I believe the Philadelphia Banking Authority is the kind of 00:39:45 infrastructure we need in Philadelphia to give our young people hope and to move Philadelphia off the list of one of the poorest major cities in the country. I ask your support in moving 00:39:55 this legislation, Bill 210956, forward. Thank you very much for your consideration.
Thank you for your testimony. We 00:40:07 appreciate it.
Good morning. Just state your name for the 00:40:16 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 record and please proceed with your testimony.
My name is Peter Winslow. I'm a resident of Philadelphia. 00:40:23 Thank you, President Clarke and members of City Council, for this opportunity to provide public comments in support of Bill No. 210956, as amended, to establish the Philadelphia Public 00:40:35 Financial Authority, and special thanks to Councilmember Green and the members of the Finance Committee for unanimously passing this bill out of committee. The Philadelphia Public 00:40:45 Financial Authority can increase the resiliency of the City and its businesses. In response to a pandemic, a flood, a fire, an industrial accident, the Financial Authority can help to 00:40:57 provide quick, flexible, reliable financial assistance. Robust recovery from a disaster is complex, of course. Coordinated action by government, businesses, and 00:41:09 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 citizens is essential for success. While not the only factor, financing is an essential element. Nevertheless, too often in the 00:41:17 face of a crisis, lenders are unable or unwilling to provide financing for rebuilding property, replacing equipment, and restocking inventory, even for established customers, especially for 00:41:31 Black-owned businesses in low-income communities. Why? In the aftermath of a disaster, confidence in the capacities of the community has been shaken. 00:41:42 Uncertainty about the future leads to the perception of risks as being high. Caution results in a wait-and-see attitude just at a time when bold action is needed. 00:41:53 The Financial Authority can reassure lenders and the community that recovery financing will be available. For example, bridge loans will be provided in advance of receiving 00:42:07 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 insurance proceeds. Credit enhancement will be provided to mitigate the uncertainty created by the disaster. Such assurance will restore confidence 00:42:13 that financing will be available when disaster strikes. Knowledge that the Financial Authority will be there to help in times of adversity will make the community feel 00:42:24 more secure. Indeed, the community will in fact be more secure. Moreover, the Financial Authority will be able to act quickly and decisively on its own initiative. 00:42:37 Consider some of the actions the Bank of North Dakota has taken in response to the pandemic. A moratorium on student loan pre-payments was granted unilaterally. A payroll protection 00:42:47 program was put in place even before the Small Business Administration's public protection program was organized. A small employer loan fund was established to help businesses restock inventory in 00:43:01 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 quantities that enabled them to operate at pre-pandemic levels. A COVID recovery program was implemented to mitigate economic injury 00:43:10 as a result of the pandemic caused by such factors as executive orders to close businesses, decreased customer base, decreased revenue, inability to meet term debt payments, and supply chain issues. 00:43:24 An interest buy-down program was created to help businesses manage their existing debt. The Financial Authority can respond to an acute crisis when it 00:43:35 occurs. Meanwhile, the Financial Authority can address the chronic crisis of the City, generational poverty, financial insecurity, inadequate housing, lack of credit and so forth. 00:43:47
Mr. Winslow, can you kind of wrap it up. Your time is -- can you wrap it up. Your time has expired.
Sure. 00:43:56 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 Please establish the Philadelphia Public Financial Authority as an investment in the future of Philadelphia, the empowerment of our 00:44:01 communities, and the prosperity of our citizens. Thank you so much.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. 00:44:07 We appreciate it.
Good 00:44:22 morning. State your name for the record.
Good morning. I'm Tiffany Green. Yes. I oppose this bill, because this is more City properties 00:44:29 being transferred into the Philadelphia Land Bank without any unknown future as to the usage. We would like to call on new legislation for public hearings on public 00:44:42 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 City properties being transferred into the Philadelphia Land Bank so that the community can have advanced notice as to these properties will be used for market 00:44:54 rate or community usage. The reason why we have decided -- the reason why we are saying this, because we would like to meet with our Councilman Johnson to complete our 00:45:06 discussions regarding the Land Bank transaction for 1622 Point Breeze Avenue, okay, preferably by next Friday, February 18th, 2022. Currently, we have no indoor 00:45:23 recreation amenity. The neighbors would like to see this property -- we feel we need this property for recreational activity. This property was a taxpayer property that was disposed for 00:45:36 recreational usage. The land was to be used for an indoor recreation center and dance center, and we would like to see that land be continually used for this purpose. 00:45:51 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 We feel we should have equal access to public property in order to move forward with an indoor recreation center. Many of our parents feel that 00:46:03 children should not have to walk five to eight blocks for an indoor recreation facility. That is very unsafe for our youth in the community. We are a very densely populated 00:46:18 area, and an indoor recreation center would be ideal for the immediate area. At this point, again, we would like to say -- we would like to request to complete our meeting with Councilman 00:46:38 Johnson regarding the Land Bank transaction for property 1622-40 Point Breeze Avenue, and thereby neighbors will be reaching out again and we would like for him to grant us that meeting. 00:46:53 Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Decker, Ruth Wilson is not connected or speaking? 00:47:00 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022
Okay. Thank you. And Tiffany Green was 00:47:07 the last speaker, I understand?
Yes, Mr. President. There are no other speakers on the public comment list.
00:47:15 Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Decker. That concludes our public comment for today. We will now consider today's Resolution Consent Agenda. I would ask Mr. Decker to read 00:47:32 the titles of all of the resolutions on the Consent Agenda. After each title is read, any member may object to the inclusion of the resolution on the Resolution Consent Agenda. Upon such an 00:47:43 objection and without debate, the resolution will be immediately removed from the Resolution Consent Agenda and placed on today's regular Final Passage Calendar. 00:47:56 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 Decker, please read the titles of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda.
Resolution No. 00:48:01 220012, entitled a "Resolution calling on Secretary Xavier Becerra and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to reconsider the implementation of a rule instituted by the prior 00:48:12 administration that could upend our nation's system of organ procurement, particularly in communities of color, and to include the vast, specific needs of the organ transplant system in analyzing 00:48:22 and improving the metrics and outcomes of organ procurement organizations"; and Resolution No. 220084, entitled a "Resolution honoring and congratulating Pennsylvania athletes Summer Britcher, 00:48:34 Andrew Heo, and Brian O'Neill, and wishing them well as they compete with Team USA at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing"; and Resolution No. 220085, entitled 00:48:47 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 "Resolution designating the week of January 30, 2022, to February 5, 2022, as 'Catholic Schools Week' in the City of Philadelphia, and further honoring and 00:48:59 recognizing Catholic education throughout the City, and all Catholic schools in the 4th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia"; and Resolution No. 220086, entitled 00:49:08 a "Resolution recognizing Chad Dion Lassiter for being named Pennsylvania's 2021 Social Worker of the Year"; and Resolution No. 220087, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the 00:49:21 Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 1537 South Lambert Street, 1514 South Opal Street, 1520 00:49:33 South Opal Street and 2008 Wilder Street, in the Second Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. 220088, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 00:49:45 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 3215, 3217, 3221, 3223 Shelbourne Street; 901 and 905 East Westmoreland Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District"; and 00:49:59 Resolution No. 220089, entitled a "Resolution honoring the labor and power of 'Black Rosie' Ruth 'Ruthie' Wilson, whose critical industrial work at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, along with 00:50:11 six hundred thousand other Black Rosies, helped win World War II and whose labors and wages served as the launching pad of the Black middle class"; and Resolution No. 220092, entitled 00:50:22 a "Resolution honoring and congratulating Champion of the Week, Beech Community Services, on their development of the Philadelphia Black Biz directory and community engagement in North 00:50:35 Philadelphia during the 4th annual Black Business Crawl"; and Resolution No. 220095, entitled a "Resolution calling on the City of Philadelphia to explore ways to assist 00:50:44 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 maintaining the infrastructure of their property"; and Resolution No. 220096, entitled a "Resolution declaring 'Philadelphia 00:50:55 Stands with Ukraine' and urging the White House and the United States Congress to fully support Ukraine amid hostile acts and military build-up along its border from Russia." 00:51:07
Thank you. Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a motion to adopt each of the resolutions on the Resolution 00:51:14 Agenda.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda. 00:51:21 (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda be adopted. 00:51:26 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 2/10/22 - STATED - 2ND READING All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Consent Agenda has been adopted. 00:51:36 We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 220090. 00:51:43
A resolution honoring and celebrating the life and monumental legacy of community and religious leader Imam Asim Abdur-Rashid of Masjid Mujahideen, who passed away on 00:51:57 January 29, 2022.
Thank you. Council President, before I call 00:52:09 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 2/10/22 - STATED - 2ND READING for the adoption, I wanted to make a few remarks, if that's okay.
Okay. Good morning, Council colleagues and the City of Philadelphia. Last week Councilmember Jones and I introduced a resolution to honor the life 00:52:24 and legacy of a true titan and community leader, Imam Asim Abdur-Rashid. Imam Abdur-Rashid was a religious scholar and dedicated his entire adult life to bettering the lives of those around him 00:52:40 as the Quran called him to. As Imam of West Philadelphia's Masjid Mujahideen for more than 35 years, he served as a counselor, mediator, and steadfast public servant who showed love 00:52:54 and compassion to the members of his community, in addition to being a fierce advocate against the violence in the City to which he dedicated his life. This past summer I had the 00:53:05 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 2/10/22 - STATED - 2ND READING opportunity to hear the Imam speak at a community event held in the wake of a tragic mass shooting on 60th Street and saw firsthand how people believed in his 00:53:15 words and in his mission of peace and prosperity for all of our city's residents but especially our children. As many of us do, he believed that the youth are our future and that we cannot 00:53:28 better our society unless we invest in our kids. The Imam leaves behind a decade's long legacy of unwavering worship and service for which he will 00:53:39 forever be remembered, not only by his wife, Jamilah, and 20 children but by the entire City of Philadelphia. And so I wanted to take this time to honor the Imam for his faithful dedication to his 00:53:52 community. And I also wanted to, if it's okay, I wanted to offer an opportunity for Councilmember Jones to say anything that he'd like to offer. 00:54:02 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 2/10/22 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Member. Imam Asim was the type of leader that was a humble man. He could 00:54:14 have walked around with his title and not connected to people, but the way I actually knew him, Council President, was at 33rd Street when he had the stable there, and he provided young people an 00:54:31 opportunity to experience horse life and breaking of horses and cleaning of horses and all of those good things that you couldn't -- Huckleberry Finn couldn't have had a better childhood than some of 00:54:49 the young men and women that came out of that area. Secondly, he loved animals. He loved dogs. He loved horses. But he did not love my horse. My horse was a 00:55:01 troubled horse, and Imam Asim used to shoe horses, and that's one of the things a lot of people don't know. And quite frankly, he punched my horse in the face, and the horse deserved it, because he 00:55:16 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 2/10/22 - STATED - 2ND READING kept kicking and bucking. But I say that to say he was strong, yet gentle. He was connected, yet a leader. He used to always offer 00:55:27 prayer at our iftars in City Hall, and did it in a way that did not alienate other religions. It brought people together. So he will surely be missed, 00:55:42 and may God Allah be pleased with his works and his soul.
Thank you so much. And thank you, Council 00:55:51 President, for the opportunity to speak on this resolution. And with that, I call for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) 00:55:58
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor of said resolution indicate by saying aye. 00:56:02 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 2/10/22 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion passes, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 220093. 00:56:14
A resolution honoring and recognizing Edward "Ed" McBride, PECO External Affairs Manager on the occasion of his passing.
00:56:27 Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to just say a 00:56:31 few words. I'm not obviously a speaker on a lot of these resolutions, but I think this is important to say a few words just before we move this for adoption. 00:56:42 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 2/10/22 - STATED - 2ND READING So Ed McBride was a person who worked throughout the City of Philadelphia. Working for PECO, he was a shining light to all of us, not only 00:56:51 representatives here in City Council but all residents of the City. He always stood up for what was needed. He was a person that was always there, whether you needed PECO to be a part of a community 00:57:02 event or whether it was a problem with electrical outlets or whatever was necessary. He is somebody who will be surely missed, but one thing about Ed 00:57:13 that he did was, he knew when he was moving up through the ranks and moving to different positions, he was always able to get somebody in his place to be able to teach them the ropes and show them 00:57:24 what was so important to us as not only elected officials but residents of the City of Philadelphia. He was something that we as the City of Philadelphia should cherish. He is a person who took 00:57:35 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 2/10/22 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia through the hard times and was always able to make people smile. I want to say that knowing him made me a better person, and I'm so happy 00:57:46 I got a chance to work with him during these years, and thank his family for allowing him to be a part of Philadelphia and the growth of our city. So thank you. I know there 00:57:59 might be a couple of others that want to make a statement before we push this for a vote.
Yes. Thank you. Thank you, Councilman. 00:58:05 The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'll be brief, but I just kind of wanted to echo. 00:58:13 For Council folks who come when you first get elected and you have to start working with all of the interdepartmental agencies and the external ones, those of us who have 00:58:24 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 2/10/22 - STATED - 2ND READING worked in Council, I have known Ed for 20-plus years, you know, just a gentleman, always looking to do service. He was his own elected official back 00:58:36 home, served on his own county, so was always available during storms, during just really trying times, and never lost his cool, always looked for a way to facilitate and serve the residents of 00:58:50 Philadelphia and the region, because once he got promoted, it was around the region. My husband worked at PECO for some time, and the folks at PECO are 00:59:00 amazing, and Ed was just a great gentleman. And to his family, I also want to say thank you. He was always available to provide advice and guidance 00:59:12 on anything, and we should all aspire to be someone like Ed McBride. And to the PECO family, we just say to all of you and thank you for allowing Ed to have been part of Council 00:59:23 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 2/10/22 - STATED - 2ND READING for so, so, so many years. So thank you very much, Council President and Councilmember Squilla, for putting forth this resolution. 00:59:32
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.
Thank 00:59:37 you so much, Mr. President, and I also wanted to rise in support of this resolution and thank our colleague Councilmember Squilla for introducing this resolution remembering all of our 00:59:48 friend, Ed McBride from PECO. I happen to meet Ed back in 1999 when I started in City Council as a high school intern, and he has always been the same. He's always been a 01:00:04 consummate professional. He's been a wonderful teacher, not only for me but for his colleagues at PECO, where they called him Mr. Mayor at PECO. He was always just a teacher in helping us learn 01:00:18 02102022 Stated Meeting February 10, 2022 2/10/22 - STATED - 2ND READING the ropes and learning the ins and outs of providing good quality service to our constituents and really navigating City government and working with other 01:00:30 agencies to get the job done on behalf of the people we serve. So I had to rise in support of this resolution and remembering Ed and just give a shout-out to his wife, Cathy, 01:00:42 his daughters, and his entire family. Thank you for lending Ed to us for all of these years. We will certainly miss him, but his legacy will continue in the work that we all seek to do on behalf of the 01:00:55 people we serve. So thank you so much, Mr. President, and thank you to my colleague Councilmember Squilla for this resolution. 01:01:03
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.