CITY COUNCIL

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Thursday, October 15, 2020 ROLL CALL PRESENT: 17 - Councilmembers Domb, Green, Gym, Oh, Squilla, Johnson, Jones, Council President Clarke, Henon, Quiñones Sánchez, Bass, Parker, O'Neill, Brooks, Gauthier, Gilmore Richardson and Thomas Council met, a quorum being present. A silent moment of prayer and reflection was observed. COUNCILMEMBER SQUILLA MOVED TO APPROVE THE JOURNAL of the meeting of October 8, 2020. THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO. COMMUNICATIONS The Sergeant-at-Arms presented messages from the Mayor as follows: Transmitting a message advising Council that Bill Nos. 200018, 200095, 200144, 200160, 200161, and 200260, which were passed by Council on October 1, 2020, were signed by the Mayor on October 14, 2020. (File No. 200568) THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED. October 15, 2020 TO THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA: I write today to advise you that I am returning herewith to your Honorable Body as disapproved Bill No. 200094, passed by Council at its session on October 1, 2020 for the City of Philadelphia -1-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA following reasons. This bill is a second attempt to revise certain provisions of the Center City Overlay District by creating a Society Hill Overlay. The prior version of this bill (Bill No. 190830) was not returned with my signature before the expiration of the last Council term. In large part, this legislation is the same as its previous iteration and therefore in accordance with prior action, I am returning this legislation as disapproved. Additionally, this measure was reviewed by the Philadelphia City Planning Commission staff and members, both in its current and previous forms. In both instances the consensus was a recommendation against approval due to their exclusionary natures and burdensome regulations. It is these exclusionary natures that lie at the core of my disapproval for the legislation. The character of Society Hill, with its colonial rowhomes, pedestrian pathways, and strategically placed modern apartment towers is the result of Urban Renewal in the 1960's. Although more context sensitive than other urban renewal projects of the time, much of the social fabric and architectural history of Society Hill was erased to create the neighborhood we know today. Development in Society Hill is already subject to a multitude of controls including approval of the Philadelphia Historical Commission. This Bill creates additional overlay restrictions and exempts one neighborhood from multiple Historic Preservation measures added to the zoning code after the two-year Historic Preservation Task Force process. The additional height, parking, and signage controls are arbitrarily applied and will make further development and redevelopment in Society Hill more expensive, furthering the neighborhood’s exclusivity at a time when preserving housing affordability in Philadelphia is a paramount concern. If this is permitted in one desirable neighborhood, it could easily spread to many other neighborhoods, pushing affordable housing units and the people who live in them out of sight and out of mind of higher-income Philadelphians. In early September of this year, I released my revised priorities for my second term as Mayor. These revised priorities highlight my continuing commitment to a vision for true and lasting equity in Philadelphia. One key tenet of this vision is ensuring all Philadelphians have access to safe and affordable housing. I cannot sign legislation that could inhibit that vision. Now is the time for all of us, from my Administration to City Council, from the State delegation to our Federal partners, to step up and make historic, lasting change that will build a more just and equitable society for our residents. Respectfully, City of Philadelphia -2-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA James F. Kenney Mayor (File No. 200569) THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED. Transmitting a resolution appointing Angela Val to the Board of Directors of the Center City District. (File No. 200570) THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Bill No. 200556: An Ordinance Providing for a payment to the City upon the construction of certain real estate, and directing Council to appropriate revenues from such payments to the Department of Planning and Development - Division of Housing and Community Development, in order to support equitable neighborhood development by constructing affordable housing, including units for sale or rent; providing assistance to Philadelphians who desire to become homeowners; providing opportunities for workforce development and apprenticeship; and requiring M/W/DBE participation goals, including monitoring and enforcement, all under certain terms and conditions. Councilmember Gym Introduced and Referred the following Bill, Sponsored by Councilmembers Gym, Johnson, Thomas, Henon, Gauthier, Squilla, Jones, Quiñones Sánchez, Brooks, Gilmore Richardson and Parker: Bill No. 200557: An Ordinance Adding a new Chapter 9-5300 to The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Travel and Hospitality Worker Recall and Retention,” to require that certain laid-off employees in certain hospitality and travel-related industries are offered job positions as they become available, all under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LAW AND GOVERNMENT. Bill No. 200558: An Ordinance Amending Section 19-1303.4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Authorization to Offer Exemption from Real Estate Taxes on New Construction of Residential Properties,” by modifying the start date of certain changes to tax abatements with respect to new construction of residential properties, all under certain terms and conditions. Councilmember Henon Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Henon: City of Philadelphia -3-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Resolution No. 200564: Resolution Honoring and recognizing the life and legacy of Alexander R. Horanzy for his heroic service and impact on Philadelphia and the United States of America. Councilmember Jones Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Jones: Resolution No. 200565: Resolution Authorizing the City Council Special Committee on Criminal Justice Reform to hold public hearings that will serve as a listening session for the public to weigh in on what a new Citizens Police Oversight Commission would look like if approved on the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election. Councilmember Johnson Introduced and Referred the following Bill, Sponsored by Johnson, Gym, Thomas, Henon, Squilla, Jones, Quiñones Sánchez, Brooks, Gauthier, Gilmore Richardson, Council President Clarke and Parker: Bill No. 200559: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 9-2300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Protection of Displaced Contract Workers,” by clarifying definitions and scope of applicability, all under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LAW AND GOVERNMENT. Councilmember Quiñones Sánchez Introduced and Referred the following Bill, Sponsored by Councilmember Quiñones Sánchez: Bill No. 200560: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 16-103 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Aesthetic Ornamentation of City Structures,” by clarifying requirements for Rebuild projects, all under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC PROPERTY AND PUBLIC WORKS. Councilmember Gauthier Introduced and Referred the following Bill, Sponsored by Councilmember Gauthier: Bill No. 200561: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 12-3000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Use Of An Automated Red Light Enforcement System To Prevent Red Light Violations,” by authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of 31st & Spring Garden Street, all under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON STREETS AND SERVICES. Councilmember Gauthier Introduced and Referred the following Bill, Sponsored by Councilmember Gauthier: City of Philadelphia -4-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Bill No. 200562: An Ordinance Authorizing Maitreyi Roy, DBA John Bartram Association, to own and maintain an existing metal bench on the southeast corner at the intersection of South 54th Street & Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19143, all under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON STREETS AND SERVICES. Councilmember Thomas Introduced and Referred the following Bill, Sponsored by Thomas, Gym, Johnson, Henon, Brooks, Quiñones Sánchez, Squilla, Jones, Gauthier, Gilmore Richardson, Parker and Council President Clarke: Bill No. 200563: An Ordinance Adding a new Chapter 9-5400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Retention of Hotel Workers,” to require that hotel employees receive notice of changes in hotel ownership or control, and providing related employment protections, all under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LAW AND GOVERNMENT. Councilmember Thomas Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Thomas: Resolution No. 200566: Resolution Honoring and congratulating the Central High School Softball team, on their successful 2019 season and overall 10-1 record in the Philadelphia Public League. Councilmember Squilla Introduced and Referred the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Squilla: Resolution No. 200567: Resolution Appointing Angela Val to the Board of Directors of the Center City District. THE RESOLUTION WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Bill No. 200392, as amended: An Ordinance Amending Section 10-403 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Prohibited Conduct,” by prohibiting the use of consumer fireworks and providing certain penalties, under certain terms and conditions. COUNCILMEMBER BASS MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES OF THE COUNCIL SO AS TO PERMIT CONSIDERATION THIS DAY OF BILL NO. 200392, AS AMENDED. THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO. City of Philadelphia -5-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA THE BILL WAS ORDERED PLACED ON THIS DAY`S FIRST READING CALENDAR. CONSIDERATION OF THE CALENDAR BILLS ON FIRST READING Bill No. 200392, as amended: An Ordinance Amending Section 10-403 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Prohibited Conduct,” by prohibiting the use of consumer fireworks and providing certain penalties, under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS READ AND ORDERED PLACED ON NEXT WEEK'S SECOND READING CALENDAR. PUBLIC COMMENT The following persons provided public comment on October 15, 2020: Name and Comment Subject Jeannine Lisitski (200548) See Notes of Testimony for full comment. BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON FINAL PASSAGE Resolution No. 200531: Resolution Encouraging the First Judicial District to institute administrative rules that allow the court to seal evictions and corresponding civil matters between a landlord and a tenant in the interest of justice and without consent from the opposing party as well as invest in alternative processes of resolving landlord-tenant disputes. Further calling on the Pennsylvania State Legislature to amend the Landlord-Tenant Law of 1951 to allow for the sealing of evictions. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 200547: Resolution Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situated in the Second Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 200548: Resolution Declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia. City of Philadelphia -6-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 200549: Resolution Honoring and congratulating the Northeast High School Football team, on their successful 2019-2020 season and overall 12-2 record in the Philadelphia Public Football League. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 200565: Resolution Authorizing the City Council Special Committee on Criminal Justice Reform to hold public hearings that will serve as a listening session for the public to weigh in on what a new Citizens Police Oversight Commission would look like if approved on the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE Bill No. 200349, as amended: An Ordinance Amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Zoning and Planning,” to amend certain provisions of Chapter 14-500, entitled “Overlay Zoning Districts,” by creating the “/AME, American Street Overlay District,” all under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS READ AND PASSED. The Ayes and Nays were as follows: Ayes: 17 Councilmembers Domb, Green, Gym, Oh, Squilla, Johnson, Jones, Council President Clarke, Henon, Quiñones Sánchez, Bass, Parker, O'Neill, Brooks, Gauthier, Gilmore Richardson and Thomas Nays: 0 Bill No. 200374: An Ordinance Renaming and designating Chalfont Playground in Northeast Philadelphia as the "Corporal Jimmy O’Connor Memorial Playground". THE BILL WAS READ AND PASSED. The Ayes and Nays were as follows: Ayes: 17 Councilmembers Domb, Green, Gym, Oh, Squilla, Johnson, Jones, Council President Clarke, Henon, Quiñones Sánchez, Bass, Parker, O'Neill, Brooks, Gauthier, Gilmore Richardson and Thomas Nays: 0 Bill No. 200424: An Ordinance Renaming and designating the property commonly referred to as the 30th and Jefferson Playground, located at the corner of 30th and Jefferson Streets, as the “Howard McCall, Sr. Playground” in the City of Philadelphia. City of Philadelphia -7-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA THE BILL WAS READ AND PASSED. The Ayes and Nays were as follows: Ayes: 17 Councilmembers Domb, Green, Gym, Oh, Squilla, Johnson, Jones, Council President Clarke, Henon, Quiñones Sánchez, Bass, Parker, O'Neill, Brooks, Gauthier, Gilmore Richardson and Thomas Nays: 0 SPEECHES COUNCILMEMBER JONES MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO. City of Philadelphia -8-