CITY COUNCIL

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Thursday, October 6, 2022 ROLL CALL PRESENT: 12 - Councilmembers Gym, Oh, Squilla, Jones, Council President Clarke, Bass, O'Neill, Brooks, Gauthier, Gilmore Richardson, Thomas and Driscoll EXCUSED: 1 - Councilmember Johnson Council met, a quorum being present. Pastor Jeffrey Gaskins of living Waters Christian Center was introduced and offered an appropriate prayer. RECOGNIZATIONS: COUNCILMEMBERS GYM, AND JONES - (SEE NOTES OF TESTIMONY). COUNCILMEMBER SQUILLA MOVED TO APPROVE THE JOURNAL of the meeting of September 29, 2022 THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO. Councilmember Jones requested leave of absence for Councilmember Johnson THE REQUEST WAS GRANTED. COMMUNICATIONS The Sergeant-at-Arms was presented messages from the Mayor as follows: Transmitting a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 239 N. Paxon Street; 5804 Hazel Avenue in the Third Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of the Philadelphia Code. (File No. 220827) City of Philadelphia -1-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED. October 5, 2022 TO THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA: I am hereby returning without my signature Bill Number 220007, which was passed by Council at its session on September 22, 2022. This Bill amends Chapter 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code entitled, "Overlay Zoning Districts," by amending a section as proposed to be added by Bill Number 210778, entitled the "/AHP, Affordable Housing Preservation Overlay District" to add certain areas of land in the 3rd Council District. This Bill amends a provision of The Philadelphia Code with respect to which the City remains in ongoing litigation. I am returning without my signature Bill Number 220007. Respectfully, JAMES F. KENNEY Mayor (File No. 220828) THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Councilmember Gilmore Richardson Introduced the following Bill for Council President Clarke, Sponsored by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson: Bill No. 220810: An Ordinance Authorizing the Procurement Commissioner to enter into agreements to purchase electricity, natural gas and motor fuel for use by the City in City facilities and vehicles, including agreements that obligate payment for delivery of such energy supplies in future fiscal years, all under certain terms and conditions. Councilmember Gilmore Richardson Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson: Resolution No. 220815: Resolution Recognizing and honoring MISKEEN ORIGINALS® and its co-founders for over 20 years of producing wearable works of art during Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week 2022. City of Philadelphia -2-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Councilmember Gym Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmembers Gym and O'Neill: Resolution No. 220816: Resolution Honoring the outstanding and historic achievement of the George Washington High School Competitive Spirit Team for becoming the first team in the School District of Philadelphia to earn a spot in the National Cheerleaders Association High School Nationals Competition. Councilmember Thomas Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Thomas: Resolution No. 220817: Resolution Honoring and congratulating Champion of the Week, Zuhairah McGill, founder of the First World Theatre Ensemble in West Philadelphia, for representing Philadelphia at the National Black Theatre festival in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Councilmember Jones Introduced the following Bill, Sponsored by Councilmember Jones: Bill No. 220811: An Ordinance Authorizing the owner of 3542 Calumet Street, Philadelphia, PA 19129, to install, own, and maintain various encroachments at such property, under certain terms and conditions. Councilmember Jones Introduced the following Bill, Sponsored by Councilmember Jones: Bill No. 220812: An Ordinance Establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Marlyn Road between Jefferson Street and Lebanon Avenue. Councilmember Jones Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution for Council President Clarke, Sponsored by Councilmember Jones: Resolution No. 220818: 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 situate in the Fifth Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code. Councilmember Jones Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution for Council President Clarke, Sponsored by Councilmember Jones: Resolution No. 220819: Resolution Authorizing the City Council Committee on City of Philadelphia -3-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Housing, Neighborhood Development, and the Homeless to hold public hearings examining MV Realty of Pennsylvania LLC and their Homeowner Benefits Agreement and the impact these agreements may have on Philadelphia homeowners. Councilmember Jones Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Jones: Resolution No. 220820: Resolution Authorizing the City Council Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development, and the Homeless to hold public hearings examining Brooklyn's Nehemiah Program and its possible implementation in Philadelphia to increase the City’s affordable housing availability. Councilmember Brooks Introduced the following Bill, Sponsored by Councilmember Brooks: Bill No. 220813: An Ordinance Amending Bill No. 220051-A, entitled “An Ordinance amending Section 9-4116 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled ‘2021 Public Health Emergency Leave,’ to establish additional leave time under certain circumstance, modify existing provisions concerning the paid sick leave, and make technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions,” to clarify the modifications to The Philadelphia Code intended to be made by the Bill, and make technical changes; all under certain terms and conditions. Councilmember Gauthier Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Gauthier: Resolution No. 220821: Resolution Recognizing the Drexel University Black Alumni Council for the release of its first book, ‘A Legacy to Share, Navigating Life’s Challenges and Celebrating Our Greatest Achievements.’ Councilmember Gauthier Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Gauthier: Resolution No. 220822: Resolution Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 239 N. Paxon Street; 5804 Hazel Avenue in the Third Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code. Councilmember Gauthier Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Gauthier: Resolution No. 220823: Resolution Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to City of Philadelphia -4-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA dispose of 759, 761, 763, 773, 779, and 783 Pallas Street; 4041 Cambridge Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. Councilmember O'Neill Introduced the following Bill, Sponsored by Councilmember O'Neill: Bill No. 220814: An Ordinance Amending Section 12-919 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “On-Street Parking of Boats, Motor Homes, Truck Campers, Semitrailers, Truck Tractors, and Vending Carts,” to provide prohibitions on semitrailer and truck tractor parking in the Tenth District of Council, all under certain terms and conditions. Councilmember Squilla Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Squilla: Resolution No. 220824: Resolution Designating the week of Sunday, October 9 through Saturday, October 15, 2022 as “Italian American Heritage Week” in the City of Philadelphia and honoring Deana Martin as the Grand Marshall of the 2022 Philadelphia Italian American Parade. Councilmember Bass Introduced the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Bass: Resolution No. 220825: Resolution Urging The Council of the City of Philadelphia to hold hearings regarding the Transfer Agreement and to determine whether the City should enter into such Agreement regarding the terms of the Atwater Kent Collection (the “Collection”) transfer agreement between the City of Philadelphia and Drexel University in order to ensure adequate stewardship of the Collection and protect the interests of the citizens of Philadelphia. Councilmember Oh Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Oh: Resolution No. 220826: Resolution Honoring the life and legacy of Samuel Tin-sing Mok for his exemplary and outstanding service to the United States as a trailblazing military officer, statesman, public servant, and entrepreneur. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES COMMITTEE ON HOUSING, NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND THE HOMELESS Bill No. 220655, as amended: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Landlord and Tenant,” to modify requirements and City of Philadelphia -5-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA authorizations related to the City’s residential eviction diversion program, including associated changes to the landlord and tenant relationship, and to make certain technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions. COUNCILMEMBER GAUTHIER MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES OF THE COUNCIL SO AS TO PERMIT CONSIDERATION THIS DAY OF BILL NO. 220655, AS AMENDED. 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. 220655, as amended: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Landlord and Tenant,” to modify requirements and authorizations related to the City’s residential eviction diversion program, including associated changes to the landlord and tenant relationship, and to make certain technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS READ AND ORDERED PLACED ON NEXT WEEK'S SECOND READING CALENDAR. PUBLIC COMMENT The following persons provided public comment on October 6, 2022 Name and Comment Subject Angela Dowd-Burton (220821) Jerry Martin (220821) Michelle Socki (220816) Adamaris Lopez (220816) Medusa Carter (220787) Rachel Santiago (220787) Veronica Rex (220787) Peter Winslow (220634) Tinika Hogan (220787) Ogbonna Hagins (200658) See Notes of Testimony for full comment. City of Philadelphia -6-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Please note that this is an in-person meeting, and it is open to the public. This meeting may also be viewed on Xfinity Channel 64, Fios Channel 40 or http://phlcouncil.com/watch-city-council/ Public comment will be received in-person regarding those matters printed on the agenda on the following pages. Speakers interested in participating in public comment at this meeting may call 215-686-3406 by no later than 3 p.m. the day before the meeting and they must submit the following information: • Full name (including proper pronunciation and spelling) • Identify the bill number or resolution number that will be addressed • State whether you support or oppose that particular bill or resolution • Telephone number where you can be reached Speakers may also sign-up to participate in public comment on the day of the meeting in Room 400, City Hall. Speakers who submitted the above information within the required time frame will be added to the list. Speakers 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 testimony where repetitious comments are offered on an agenda item. City of Philadelphia -7-  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 -8-  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. 220784: Resolution Also naming the 4100 Block of Monument Road as “Jim Gardner Way,” in honor of Jim Gardner to commemorate his retirement after a decades long career in broadcast journalism as an anchor with 6ABC. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 220786: Resolution Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 650 N. Conestoga Street, 658 N. Conestoga Street, 662 N. Conestoga Street, 5436 W. Girard Avenue, 5552 Harmer Street, 653 N. Sickels Street, 534 -36 N. 54th Street, 538-40 N. 54th Street, 546 N. 54th Street, 550 N. 54th Street, 623-33 N. 55th Street located in the 4th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 220787: Resolution Urging the Pennsylvania State Senate and Governor Tom Wolf to pass House Bill 1419, known as the “Dignity for Incarcerated Women” Act, intended to improve conditions and treatment of pregnant people in Pennsylvania’s jails and prisons. DISCUSSION: COUNCILMEMBER KENDRA BROOKS - BILL NO. 220787 - (SEE NOTES OF TESTIMONY) THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 220788: Resolution Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 3001 Martha Street in the First Councilmanic District of the City of City of Philadelphia -9-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 220789: Resolution Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2843-2861 Janney Street and 2842-2860 Weikel Street located in the 1st Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 220815: Resolution Recognizing and honoring MISKEEN ORIGINALS® and its co-founders for over 20 years of producing wearable works of art during Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week 2022. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 220816: Resolution Honoring the outstanding and historic achievement of the George Washington High School Competitive Spirit Team for becoming the first team in the School District of Philadelphia to earn a spot in the National Cheerleaders Association High School Nationals Competition. DISCUSSION: COUNCILMEMBER GYM - RESOLUTION NO. 220816 - (SEE NOTES OF TESTIMONY) THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 220817: Resolution Honoring and congratulating Champion of the Week, Zuhairah McGill, founder of the First World Theatre Ensemble in West Philadelphia, for representing Philadelphia at the National Black Theatre festival in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 220821: Resolution Recognizing the Drexel University Black Alumni Council for the release of its first book, ‘A Legacy to Share, Navigating Life’s Challenges and Celebrating Our Greatest Achievements.’ DISCUSSION: COUNCILMEMBER GAUTHIER - RESOLUTION NO. 220821 - (SEE NOTES OF TESTIMONY) THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 220824: Resolution Designating the week of Sunday, October 9 through Saturday, October 15, 2022 as “Italian American Heritage Week” in the City of Philadelphia and honoring Deana Martin as the Grand Marshall of the 2022 City of Philadelphia - 10 -  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Philadelphia Italian American Parade. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 220826: Resolution Honoring the life and legacy of Samuel Tin-sing Mok for his exemplary and outstanding service to the United States as a trailblazing military officer, statesman, public servant, and entrepreneur. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE Resolution No. 220819: Resolution Authorizing the City Council Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development, and the Homeless to hold public hearings examining MV Realty of Pennsylvania LLC and their Homeowner Benefits Agreement and the impact these agreements may have on Philadelphia homeowners. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 220820: Resolution Authorizing the City Council Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development, and the Homeless to hold public hearings examining Brooklyn's Nehemiah Program and its possible implementation in Philadelphia to increase the City’s affordable housing availability. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. SPEECHES COUNCILMEMBERS SQUILLA, BASS AND GYM - (SEE NOTES OF TESTIMONY). COUNCILMEMBER SQUILLA MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO. City of Philadelphia - 11 -