CITY COUNCIL

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Thursday, September 23, 2021 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. Rabbi Yochonon Golldman of B'Nai Abraham Chabad was introduced and offered an appropriate prayer. APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL COUNCILMEMBER SQUILLA MOVED TO APPROVE THE JOURNAL of the meeting of September 17, 2021 THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO. COMMUNICATIONS The Sergeant-at-Arms presented messages from the Mayor as follows: Transmitting a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to certain properties located in the First Councilmanic District pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act. (File No. 210765) THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED. Transmitting a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2201-29 E. William Street, 2037 E. William Street, 2038 E. William Street, 2039 E. William Street, 2040 E. William Street, 2042 E. William Street, 2044 E. William Street, 2047 E. William Street, 2050 E. William Street, 2052 E. William Street, 2056 E. William Street, 2058 E. William Street, 2060 E. William Street, 2062 E. William Street, 2066 E. William Street, 2068 E. William Street, 2306 Collins Street located in the 1st City of Philadelphia -1-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. (File No. 210766) THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED. Transmitting a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to certain properties located in the Third Councilmanic District pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act. (File No. 210767) THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED. Transmitting a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act. (File No. 210768) THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED. Transmitting a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to certain properties located in the Seventh Councilmanic District pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act. (File No. 210769) THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED. Transmitting an ordinance amending Chapter 9-1000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Trades,” and Chapter 9-3000, entitled “Sheet Metal Technician” to create a license requirement for Mechanical System Contractors and to modify licensing requirements applicable to Sheet Metal Systems Technicians; all under certain terms and conditions. (File No. 210770) THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Bill No. 210740: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 9-1000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Trades,” and Chapter 9-3000, entitled “Sheet Metal Technician”, to create a license requirement for Mechanical System Contractors and to modify licensing requirements applicable to Sheet Metal Systems Technicians; all under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 210741: An Ordinance To amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of a certain area of land located within an area bounded by 20th Street, Arch Street, Cuthbert Street and 21st Street; all under certain terms and conditions. City of Philadelphia -2-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Bill No. 210742: An Ordinance Amending Section 14-502 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “/CTR, Center City Overlay District”, by amending certain height regulations and creating bulk and massing controls within the Benjamin Franklin Parkway Area, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 210743: An Ordinance Renaming and designating the property commonly referred to as the 11th and Venango Playground, located at 3600 North 11th Street, as the "Williams Moore Reed Memorial Park” in the City of Philadelphia. Councilmember Gilmore Richardson Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution for Council President Clarke, Sponsored by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson: Resolution No. 210747: Resolution Also naming the 2300 block of Ridge Avenue between 23rd Street and 24th Street, as “Harold Malcom McCoy Way” to honor the life and entrepreneurship of Harold Malcolm McCoy and his dedication to the North Philadelphia-Ridge Avenue Commercial Corridor. Councilmember Gilmore Richardson Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution for Council President Clarke, Sponsored by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson: Resolution No. 210748: Resolution Also naming the 1800 block of North 23rd Street from West Berks Street to West Montgomery Avenue, “Helen Brown Way” to honor and commemorate the life of Helen Brown, a community organizer and activist for her work with Project HOME and her lasting impact on her North Philadelphia community. Bill No. 210744: An Ordinance To amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Germania Street, Arendell Avenue, Delaware Avenue, and Linden Avenue. Councilmember Henon Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Henon: Resolution No. 210749: Resolution Honoring Venkat Balumuri for his incredible leadership and contributions to the health and wellbeing of Philadelphians throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Councilmember Jones Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Jones: Resolution No. 210750: Resolution Authorizing City Council’s Committee on Public City of Philadelphia -3-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Safety to hold hearings examining ways to create curriculum and degree programs within Pennsylvania’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Cheyney University and Lincoln University, to become feeders of recruitment to the Philadelphia Police Department with the goal of diversifying our police force. Bill No. 210745: An Ordinance Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: S. 13th street and Oregon avenue. Councilmember Johnson Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Johnson: Resolution No. 210751: Resolution Authorizing the Committee on the Environment to conduct hearings to examine flooding risks, impacts, and mitigation options in Eastwick and other vulnerable Southwest Philadelphia communities Councilmember Johnson Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Johnson: Resolution No. 210752: Resolution Also naming the 2300 block of South 21st Street “Ronald R. Donatucci Way” to honor the life and legacy of Ronald R. Donatucci, Senior. Councilmember Johnson Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Johnson: Resolution No. 210753: Resolution Also naming the 2000 block of Christian Street “John Van de Paer Way” to honor the life and legacy of Father John Van de Paer. Councilmember Green Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Green: Resolution No. 210754: Resolution Authorizing the Committee on Law & Government to hold hearings regarding the implications of a ranked-choice voting system for Philadelphia. Councilmember Green Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Green: Resolution No. 210755: Resolution Declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia. Councilmember Gauthier Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Gauthier: City of Philadelphia -4-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Resolution No. 210756: Resolution Designating September as International Underground Railroad Month in Philadelphia. Councilmember Thomas Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Thomas: Resolution No. 210757: Resolution Authorizing City Council’s Committee on Children & Youth to hold hearings examining out-of-school time programs and funding from the 2021 Summer targeted at improving safety and positive life outcomes for Philadelphia’s young people. Councilmember Thomas Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Thomas: Resolution No. 210758: Resolution Honoring and congratulating Champion of the Week and Community College of Philadelphia Alumni, Anais Barnes, for her scientific research and her valuable discoveries of a rare plant and bee species. Bill No. 210746: An Ordinance Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Wildey street and Hancock street; Wildey street and Marlborough street; Salmon street and Columbia avenue; Montgomery avenue and Wildey street. Councilmember Squilla Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Squilla: Resolution No. 210759: Resolution Authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to certain properties located in the First Councilmanic District pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act. Councilmember Squilla Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Squilla: Resolution No. 210760: Resolution Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2201-29 E. William Street, 2037 E. William Street, 2038 E. William Street, 2039 E. William Street, 2040 E. William Street, 2042 E. William Street, 2044 E. William Street, 2047 E. William Street, 2050 E. William Street, 2052 E. William Street, 2056 E. William Street, 2058 E. William Street, 2060 E. William Street, 2062 E. William Street, 2066 E. William Street, 2068 E. William Street, 2306 Collins Street located in the 1st Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. Councilmember Bass Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar City of Philadelphia -5-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Bass: Resolution No. 210761: Resolution Also renaming the 3900 block of N 17th Street in front of Gratz High School in Huntington Park “Rasheed Wallace Road”, to honor Rasheed Wallace, a philanthropist, former NBA player, and entrepreneur. Councilmember Oh Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution for Councilmember Gilmore Richardson, Sponsored by Councilmembers Oh, Squilla, Green, Domb and Thomas: Resolution No. 210762: Resolution Celebrating and remembering United States Coast Guard hero and National Football League Legend Emlen Tunnell on the occasion of the United States Coast Guard ship and building dedications in his honor. Councilmember Oh Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Oh: Resolution No. 210763: Resolution Honoring the life of civic leader and former Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Anthony J. Wong. Councilmember Oh Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Oh: Resolution No. 210764: Resolution Recognizing October 2021 as the 40th Annual Polish American Heritage Month in the City of Philadelphia. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY Bill No. 210635: An Ordinance Amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Traffic Code,” to require the maintenance and reporting of certain information related to vehicle stops, and making certain technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions. COUNCILMEMBER JONES MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES OF THE COUNCIL SO AS TO PERMIT CONSIDERATION THIS DAY OF BILL NO. 210635. THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO. THE BILL WAS ORDERED PLACED ON THIS DAY`S FIRST READING CALENDAR. Bill No. 210636: An Ordinance Amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Traffic Code,” to clarify the appropriate methods and circumstances of enforcement of traffic violations in order to provide for the fair and transparent administration of the traffic violations, prevent racial disparities, and protect public safety, and making City of Philadelphia -6-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA certain technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions. THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO. THE BILL WAS ORDERED PLACED ON THIS DAY`S FIRST READING CALENDAR. CONSIDERATION OF THE CALENDAR BILLS ON FIRST READING Bill No. 210635: An Ordinance Amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Traffic Code,” to require the maintenance and reporting of certain information related to vehicle stops, and making certain technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS ORDERED PLACED ON NEXT WEEK`S SECOND READING CALENDAR. Bill No. 210636: An Ordinance Amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Traffic Code,” to clarify the appropriate methods and circumstances of enforcement of traffic violations in order to provide for the fair and transparent administration of the traffic violations, prevent racial disparities, and protect public safety, and making certain technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS ORDERED PLACED ON NEXT WEEK`S SECOND READING CALENDAR. PUBLIC COMMENT The following persons provided public comment on September 23, 2021 Name and Comment Subject Chenjerai Kumanyika (210709) Beatrice Zovich (210709) Linda Bell (210474A, 210697, 210396, 210434, 210696, 210709, 210718) Susan Nam (210474A, 210697) Michael Coard (210709) Drew Miller (210474A) Jared Cooper (210709) See Notes of Testimony for full comment. City of Philadelphia -7-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Please note that this meeting will be held remotely using Microsoft® Teams. This remote session may be viewed on Xfinity Channel 64, Fios Channel 40 or http://phlcouncil.com/watch-city-council/. Public comment may be received with regard to those matters printed on the agenda on the following pages. Speakers interested in participating in public comment must call 215-686-3406 by 3 p.m. on the Wednesday before the Council session and submit the following information: • Full name • Callback telephone number where you can be reached • Identify the bill number or resolution number that will be addressed • State whether you support or oppose that particular bill or resolution. Speakers who submitted the above information within the required time frame will be telephoned during the council session and invited to the remote meeting. They will have up to three minutes to speak; the Council President, however, reserves the right based on circumstances to establish a different time limit. The Council President may also limit repetitious comments or limit the scope of testimony to only certain items on the agenda, which could affect callbacks for public comment at the meeting. City of Philadelphia -8-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA ORDER OF BUSINESS IN A COUNCIL SESSION Note: Some items do not occur at every session: Invocation. Approval of the journal of the preceding meeting. Requests by Councilmembers for permission to be absent from the session. Reading of communications from the Mayor. Introduction of bills and resolutions (to be referred to appropriate Committees of Council). Reports from Committees of Council. Special business. Bills on first reading. Public comment on bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars – titles are printed below. Bills that Council passed but that need to be returned by the Mayor for reconsideration. Consideration of bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. City of Philadelphia -9-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Bills and resolutions on the Suspension Calendar. Speeches by Councilmembers. . BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON FINAL PASSAGE Resolution No. 210694: Resolution Recognizing Joseph T. Ashdale, Jr., Chairman, and Karen M. Wrigley O.D. upon their retirement from the Board of the Philadelphia Parking Authority. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210696: Resolution Calling on Congress to pass the Build Back Better Act to provide resources to Philadelphia and cities like it to combat climate change while creating jobs and fostering local economic development. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210697: Resolution Denouncing attacks on efforts to address systemic racism in the United States and urging the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to reject House Bill 1532, which aims to prohibit instruction on the history of racial oppression and the examination of how racism functions in our law, policy, and society. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210699: Resolution Honoring Gregory Bucceroni for his dedication to community safety. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210701: Resolution Recognizing September 2021 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness about the importance of screening for and treatment of prostate cancer, to encourage prostate cancer research, and to encourage Philadelphians to take an active role in the fight to end prostate cancer. City of Philadelphia - 10 -  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210704: Resolution Supporting the National Minority Business Development Agency and recognizing October 4 through October 8, 2021 as Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week, which provides critical information, resources, opportunities and inspiration to the minority business community. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210706: Resolution Initiating action to continue a business improvement district encompassing certain existing and future hotel properties within the boundaries of the City of Philadelphia (the “City”), known as the Philadelphia Hospitality Improvement Levy District (the “District”), and to continue the Philadelphia Hospitality Improvement Levy District Corporation as the Neighborhood Improvement District Management Association (the “NIDMA”) of the District; approving a preliminary plan and report for the District; and authorizing and directing the Committee on Rules and the Clerk of Council to take all actions that are required by the Community and Economic Improvement Act (the “Act”), prior to adoption of an ordinance that would formally continue the District. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210707: Resolution Calling upon the Congress of the United States to enact the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, offered by Senator Bob Casey, which would increase from 26 to 46 the age threshold at which individuals with disabilities could save into tax-favored accounts to pay for disability-related expenses. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210708: Resolution Honoring and congratulating Philly Counts for their indispensable contribution to the 2020 Census and their service to the residents and City of Philadelphia. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210709: Resolution Urging the U.S. Congress to pass Joint Resolution 21, known as the “Abolition Amendment,” to strike the “Slavery Clause” from the 13th Amendment and end the loophole in the U.S. Constitution that allows forced labor to continue in United States prisons “as a punishment for crime.” THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210710: Resolution Honoring the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia on the occasion of its 25th Anniversary. City of Philadelphia - 11 -  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210711: Resolution Honoring and congratulating the Champion of the Week Imhotep Charter Girls’ basketball teams for winning their Philadelphia Public League Championship title games for the 2020-2021 season. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210712: Resolution Recognizing and honoring the 9-11 DelVal (Delaware Valley Youth Athletic Association) girls on the occasion of them winning the Pennsylvania Little League State Championships in Williamsport, PA. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210713: Resolution Recognizing and honoring the long-standing tradition of the Ss. Neumann Goretti vs Southern Thanksgiving Day game which has been a Thanksgiving Day staple in South Philadelphia for over 80 years. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210714: Resolution Observing the Twentieth Anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210715: Resolution Observing Diaper Need Awareness Week from September 27, 2021 to October 3, 2021. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210716: Resolution Also naming the 1100 Block of Chelten Avenue “George James Way”, to recognize and honor the impact that George James, a local boxing trainer, had on his community. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210718: Resolution Rededicating Allen Lane in West Mt. Airy to the memory of Richard Allen, in honor of his contributions to racial justice in Philadelphia and beyond. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210720: Resolution Recognizing September 2021 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Philadelphia in honor of childhood cancer patients, care givers, survivors, and those children who have succumbed to the disease. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210721: Resolution Recognizing October 2021 as Filipino American City of Philadelphia - 12 -  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA History Month in the City of Philadelphia. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210722: Resolution Recognizing and honoring the 211th Anniversary of Mexico’s Independence Day. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210723: Resolution Recognizing September as National Recovery Month in Philadelphia and celebrating the 20th Annual PRO-ACT Recovery Walks! to promote recovery and work to end the stigma surrounding drug and alcohol addiction. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210724: Resolution Recognizing, honoring, and celebrating the Philadelphia Second Alarmers on the occasion of their 100th Anniversary. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Bill No. 210474-AA, as amended: An Ordinance Amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Zoning and Planning,” by revising certain provisions of Section 14-702, entitled “Floor Area, Height, and Housing Unit Density Bonuses”; and by making related changes, all under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS READ. Bill No. 210474-AA, as amended: An Ordinance Amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Zoning and Planning,” by revising certain provisions of Section 14-702, entitled “Floor Area, Height, and Housing Unit Density Bonuses”; and by making related changes, all under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS AMENDED. THE BILL WAS ORDERED PLACED ON FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR FOR NEXT MEETING.. BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE Resolution No. 210750: Resolution Authorizing City Council’s Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings examining ways to create curriculum and degree programs within Pennsylvania’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Cheyney University and Lincoln University, to become feeders of recruitment to the Philadelphia Police Department with the goal of diversifying our police force. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210751: Resolution Authorizing the Committee on the Environment City of Philadelphia - 13 -  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA to conduct hearings to examine flooding risks, impacts, and mitigation options in Eastwick and other vulnerable Southwest Philadelphia communities THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210754: Resolution Authorizing the Committee on Law & Government to hold hearings regarding the implications of a ranked-choice voting system for Philadelphia. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210757: Resolution Authorizing City Council’s Committee on Children & Youth to hold hearings examining out-of-school time programs and funding from the 2021 Summer targeted at improving safety and positive life outcomes for Philadelphia’s young people. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. SPEECHES COUNCILMEMBERS BROOKS, RICHARDSON, THOMAS, JONES, SANCHEZ, PARKER, AND JOHNSON - SEE NOTES OF TESTIMONY COUNCILMEMBER JONES MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO. City of Philadelphia - 14 -