CITY COUNCIL

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Thursday, February 2, 2023 PRESENT: 16 - Councilmembers Oh, Squilla, Johnson, Jones, Council President Clarke, Bass, O'Neill, Brooks, Gauthier, Gilmore Richardson, Thomas, Driscoll, Lozada, Harrity, Vaughn and Phillips Council met, a quorum being present. Imam Farid W. Rasool of Amir and President of Majlis Ash-Shur Philadelphia and Delaware Valley and Masjid As-Sabiqun was introduced and offered an appropriate prayer. COUNCILMEMBER BASS MOVED TO APPROVE THE JOURNAL of the meeting of January 26, 2023 THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO. COMMUNICATIONS The Sergeant-at-Arms was presented messages from the Mayor as follows: Transmitting a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Independence Mall Urban Renewal Area, Unit No. 4, identified by house number and street address as 217-253 North Ninth street; and authorizing the Redevelopment Authority to execute the redevelopment contract with 800 Vine Senior Housing LLC and to take such action as may be necessary to effectuate the redevelopment contract. (File No. 230074) THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED. Transmitting a 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 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 City of Philadelphia -1-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Section 16-405 of the Philadelphia Code. (File No. 230075) THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED. Transmitting a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2252 Hope Street and 2309 Palethorp Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. (File No. 230076) THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED. Transmitting an Ordinance amending Section 14-300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Administration and Procedures” by changing the language pertaining to quorum for public hearings of the Zoning Board of Adjustment, all under certain terms and conditions. (File No. 230077) THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Councilmember Gilmore Richardson Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson: Resolution No. 230051: Resolution Authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings examining the COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts on Black-owned businesses and the disparity in rates of closure. Councilmember Gilmore Richardson Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson: Resolution No. 230052: Resolution Authorizing the Committee on Education to hold public hearings on the creation of the 21st Century School District of Philadelphia CTE middle and high school focused on careers in trades and technology. Councilmember Gilmore Richardson Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson: Resolution No. 230053: Resolution Recognizing February 2023 as Career and Technical Education Month® in Philadelphia. Councilmember Gilmore Richardson Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson: Resolution No. 230054: Resolution Recognizing February 2023 as Environmental Justice Month in the City of Philadelphia. City of Philadelphia -2-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Councilmember Thomas Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Thomas: Resolution No. 230055: Resolution Honoring and congratulating Champion of the Week, Anthony Caple of Mercy Career and Technical High School, for his success in founding, promoting, and managing his own clothing brand, 5 Star Clothing. Councilmember Thomas Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Thomas: Resolution No. 230056: Resolution Honoring and congratulating educator Marvin Dutton, for celebrating his organization Marvin’s Education Services’ 10-year Anniversary servicing the youth of the City of Philadelphia. Councilmember Jones Introduced and Referred the following Bill for Council President Clarke, Sponsored by Councilmember Jones: Bill No. 230049: An Ordinance Authorizing the construction, installation, ownership, use and maintenance of a sidewalk café at 425-449 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON STREETS AND SERVICES. Councilmember Jones Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Jones: Resolution No. 230057: Resolution Authorizing the City Council Committee on Education to hold public hearings examine the levels of learning loss as well as attendance trends as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and to understand how the School District of Philadelphia plans to address these issues. Councilmember Jones Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Jones: Resolution No. 230058: Resolution Authorizing the City Council Committee on Education to hold public hearings to examine the top performing magnet schools in Philadelphia, understand their strengths in relationship to underperforming schools, and to develop strategies for future success. Councilmember Jones Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Jones: Resolution No. 230059: Resolution Authorizing the City Council Committee on Education to hold public hearings to evaluate tracking for post-graduation pathways City of Philadelphia -3-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA including college retention rates, career alternatives, military opportunities, and the school-to-prison pipeline. Councilmember Jones Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Jones: Resolution No. 230060: Resolution Authorizing the City Council Committee on Education to hold public hearings to examine the progress of the school safe corridor program, to understand its effect on violence reduction. Councilmember Johnson Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Johnson: Resolution No. 230061: Resolution Authorizing the Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities to hold hearings to examine the Philadelphia Water Department request to increase water, sewer and stormwater rates and charges and its impact on the citizens of Philadelphia. Councilmember Johnson Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Johnson: Resolution No. 230062: Resolution Urging the U.S Congress to pass H.R. 1280, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021. Councilmember Lozada Introduced and Referred the following Bill, Sponsored by Councilmember Lozada: Bill No. 230050: An Ordinance Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Penn street and Wakeling street; Griscom street and Orthodox street; Leiper street and Pratt street; Saul street and Pratt street. Penn street and Harrison street; Saul street and Sanger street, Margaret street and Torresdale avenue; Granite street and Darrah street; Margaret street and Duffield street; Dyre street and Darrah street. THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON STREETS AND SERVICES. Councilmember Lozada Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Lozada: Resolution No. 230063: Resolution Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2252 Hope Street and 2309 Palethorp Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. Councilmember Brooks Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar City of Philadelphia -4-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Brooks: Resolution No. 230064: Resolution Honoring and recognizing the dedicated service of Betsy “Ms. Betty” Beaufort, whose determined advocacy on behalf of her South Philadelphia community has strengthened her neighborhood, as well as the City of Philadelphia. Councilmember Driscoll Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Driscoll: Resolution No. 230065: Resolution Honoring and celebrating the 2023 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. Councilmember Driscoll Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmembers Driscoll and O'Neill: Resolution No. 230066: Resolution Honoring and celebrating the Career of Joseph T. Ashdale. Councilmember Squilla Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmembers Squilla and Phillips: Resolution No. 230067: Resolution Recognizing and honoring Clarena I.W. Tolson on the occasion of her retirement from public service. Councilmember Squilla Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Squilla: Resolution No. 230068: Resolution Approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Independence Mall Urban Renewal Area, Unit No. 4, identified by house number and street address as 217-253 North Ninth street; and authorizing the Redevelopment Authority to execute the redevelopment contract with 800 Vine Senior Housing LLC and to take such action as may be necessary to effectuate the redevelopment contract. Councilmember Bass Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Bass: Resolution No. 230069: Resolution Recognizing February 2023 as American Heart Month and honoring the American Heart Association of Philadelphia for its work in providing health resources in Philadelphia, emphasizing the importance of heart health, and encouraging a healthy greater Philadelphia. City of Philadelphia -5-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Councilmember Bass Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Bass: Resolution No. 230070: Resolution Recognizing, honoring and celebrating Imhotep Institute Charter High School on its 25th Birthday. Councilmember Bass Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Bass: Resolution No. 230071: Resolution Honoring the Philadelphia Tennis Club for being the second oldest Black-owned tennis club in the Country. Councilmember Bass Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Bass: Resolution No. 230072: Resolution Honoring the Woodford Tennis Club for being the oldest Black-owned tennis club in the country. Councilmember Oh Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Oh: Resolution No. 230073: Resolution Recognizing and honoring Rodney Little for his exemplary and outstanding service as a dedicated public servant, police officer, union leader and military veteran. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Resolution No. 220689: Resolution Appointing Miquon Brinkley to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District. THE RESOLUTION WAS ORDERED PLACED ON FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR FOR NEXT MEETING.. Resolution No. 220690: Resolution Appointing Jeffrey Brown to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District. THE RESOLUTION WAS ORDERED PLACED ON FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR FOR NEXT MEETING.. Resolution No. 221036: Resolution Appointing Paul Badger to the Board of Directors of the Center City District. THE RESOLUTION WAS ORDERED PLACED ON FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR FOR NEXT MEETING.. City of Philadelphia -6-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Resolution No. 221037: Resolution Appointing Valerija Beares to the Board of Directors of the Center City District. THE RESOLUTION WAS ORDERED PLACED ON FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR FOR NEXT MEETING.. Resolution No. 221038: Resolution Appointing Anna Boni to the Board of Directors of the Center City District. THE RESOLUTION WAS ORDERED PLACED ON FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR FOR NEXT MEETING.. CONSIDERATION OF THE CALENDAR PUBLIC COMMENT The following persons provided public comment on February 2, 2023 Name and Comment Subject Rachel Kemp (220918) Asmeret Easley (220918) Blain Stoddart (220918) Shawmar Pitts (220918) Fred Stine (220918) George Guy (230071) Alexa Ross (220918) Linda Colware Smith (230064) Enrique Hervada (220918) Lawrence Szmulowicz (220918) Edison Frazer (220918) Erica Zurer (230064) Lynn Landis (210913) Christopher Gladstone Booth (230072) Nasir Williams (230056) George Lane (230056) Marvin Dutton (230056) Valerie Suson (230064) Maria Ortiz (230064) Ogbonna Hagins (230044) Jonathan Leibovic (230044) Melissa Robbons (230044) Tiffany Green (230064) Catherine Hicks (230044) City of Philadelphia -7-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA See Notes of Testimony for full comment. 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 -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. 210434: Resolution Calling on the City of Philadelphia to implement minimum force training for all law enforcement officers. Councilmember Oh THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO. Moved that Bill No. 210434 be removed from tabled Resolution No. 210434: Resolution Calling on the City of Philadelphia to implement minimum force training for all law enforcement officers. THE RESOLUTION WAS ORDERED PLACED ON FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR FOR NEXT MEETING.. Resolution No. 230039: Resolution Urging the United States Congress to pass the “Gun Records Restoration and Preservation Act”, introduced last session by U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Calif.-13), which would repeal the Tiahrt Amendments, whose provisions have hampered efforts to address gun trafficking by, among other things, identifying and holding accountable irresponsible gun dealers and owners. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 230044: Resolution Condemning the Union League of Philadelphia for bestowing its highest honor, the Gold Medal, upon Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. City of Philadelphia - 10 -  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Resolution No. 230045: Resolution Urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to introduce legislation allowing Cities and Counties of the First Class to set their own minimum wage laws. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 230046: Resolution Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3001 Martha Street located in the 1st Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Bill No. 220918-AA, as amended: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 14-500 of the Philadelphia Zoning Code, entitled “Overlay Zoning Districts,” by creating a new subsection, entitled “Cobbs Creek Golf Course Overlay District,” all under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS READ AND PASSED. The Ayes and Nays were as follows: Ayes: 16 Councilmembers Oh, Squilla, Johnson, Jones, Council President Clarke, Bass, O'Neill, Brooks, Gauthier, Gilmore Richardson, Thomas, Driscoll, Lozada, Harrity, Vaughn and Phillips Nays: 0 BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE RESOLUTIONS Resolution No. 230051: Resolution Authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings examining the COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts on Black-owned businesses and the disparity in rates of closure. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 230052: Resolution Authorizing the Committee on Education to hold public hearings on the creation of the 21st Century School District of Philadelphia CTE middle and high school focused on careers in trades and technology. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 230057: Resolution Authorizing the City Council Committee on Education to hold public hearings examine the levels of learning loss as well as attendance trends as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and to understand how the City of Philadelphia - 11 -  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA School District of Philadelphia plans to address these issues. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 230058: Resolution Authorizing the City Council Committee on Education to hold public hearings to examine the top performing magnet schools in Philadelphia, understand their strengths in relationship to underperforming schools, and to develop strategies for future success. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 230059: Resolution Authorizing the City Council Committee on Education to hold public hearings to evaluate tracking for post-graduation pathways including college retention rates, career alternatives, military opportunities, and the school-to-prison pipeline. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 230060: Resolution Authorizing the City Council Committee on Education to hold public hearings to examine the progress of the school safe corridor program, to understand its effect on violence reduction. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 230061: Resolution Authorizing the Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities to hold hearings to examine the Philadelphia Water Department request to increase water, sewer and stormwater rates and charges and its impact on the citizens of Philadelphia. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 230053: Resolution Recognizing February 2023 as Career and Technical Education Month® in Philadelphia. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 230054: Resolution Recognizing February 2023 as Environmental Justice Month in the City of Philadelphia. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 230055: Resolution Honoring and congratulating Champion of the Week, Anthony Caple of Mercy Career and Technical High School, for his success in founding, promoting, and managing his own clothing brand, 5 Star Clothing. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 230056: Resolution Honoring and congratulating educator Marvin Dutton, for celebrating his organization Marvin’s Education Services’ 10-year City of Philadelphia - 12 -  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Anniversary servicing the youth of the City of Philadelphia. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 230064: Resolution Honoring and recognizing the dedicated service of Betsy “Ms. Betty” Beaufort, whose determined advocacy on behalf of her South Philadelphia community has strengthened her neighborhood, as well as the City of Philadelphia. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 230065: Resolution Honoring and celebrating the 2023 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 230066: Resolution Honoring and celebrating the Career of Joseph T. Ashdale. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 230067: Resolution Recognizing and honoring Clarena I.W. Tolson on the occasion of her retirement from public service. SPEECHES - RESOLUTION NO. 230067 - COUNCILMEMBERS PHILLIPS, JONES, RICHARDSON, JOHNSON, O;NEILL AND BASS - (SEE NOTES OF TESTIMONY) THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 230069: Resolution Recognizing February 2023 as American Heart Month and honoring the American Heart Association of Philadelphia for its work in providing health resources in Philadelphia, emphasizing the importance of heart health, and encouraging a healthy greater Philadelphia. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 230070: Resolution Recognizing, honoring and celebrating Imhotep Institute Charter High School on its 25th Birthday. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 230071: Resolution Honoring the Philadelphia Tennis Club for being the second oldest Black-owned tennis club in the Country. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 230072: Resolution Honoring the Woodford Tennis Club for being the oldest Black-owned tennis club in the country. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. City of Philadelphia - 13 -  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Resolution No. 230073: Resolution Recognizing and honoring Rodney Little for his exemplary and outstanding service as a dedicated public servant, police officer, union leader and military veteran. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. SPEECHES COUNCILMEMBERS BROOKS, VAUGHN, HARRITY, BASS & PRESIDENT CLARKE - (SEE NOTES OF TESTIMONY) COUNCILMEMBER SQUILLA MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO. City of Philadelphia - 14 -