Stated Meeting of Philadelphia City Council 3-30-2022

Morning Invocation

The morning invocation is given by Minister Rashan Carlton of the Church of Christian Compassion. She prays for wisdom, protection, and mental health for leaders, police officers, parents, and grieving families.

• The Bible verse Second Chronicles 7:14 is quoted.

• Prayers are offered for safety and protection in neighborhoods, schools, daycares, universities, and mental health.

• Leaders are prayed for to operate with love and integrity.

• Plans and ideas are offered up to God for His approval.

• Wisdom is requested for grieving parents to come into agreement with leaders.

Applause

Applause is heard after the morning invocation.

Approval of Journal

Councilwoman Bass moves that the Journal of the meeting on Thursday March 23 2023 be approved. The motion is seconded and approved.

• Councilwoman Bass makes a motion to approve the Journal of the meeting on Thursday March 23 2023.

• The motion is seconded and approved by all in favor.

Introduction and Agenda

The councilwoman explains the purpose of the session and outlines the agenda for the day.

Agenda Overview

• The councilwoman explains that this is a session of council, and outlines the types of matters that will be addressed.

• A motion is made to add any additional matters that arise during the session to the agenda.

• Messages from the mayor are read, including recommendations from the City Planning Commission on several bills, as well as signed bills and resolutions authorizing land bank disposals and amendments to existing ordinances.

• Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson offers a privileged resolution celebrating an author's selection for a book program.

Acknowledgments

Councilman Thomas takes a moment to acknowledge Gianni, who was named female athlete of the year by Philadelphia coaches association.

Acknowledgment

• Councilman Thomas acknowledges Gianni, who was named female athlete of the year by Philadelphia coaches association.

Council Meeting Agenda

The council members present their resolutions and bills for the upcoming week's calendar.

Resolutions and Bills

• Councilman Thomas offers a privileged resolution honoring Gianna Moski Masi for her successes as an athlete and student at Philadelphia Performing Arts String Theory Charter School.

• Councilman Jones offers two bills establishing parking regulations in various streets, which will be referred to committee.

• On behalf of Council President Clark and himself, Councilman Jones offers an ordinance establishing no truck parking regulations on both sides of 52nd Street between Arlington Street and West Burke Street and 53rd Street between Lebanon Avenue and Arlington Street.

• Councilwoman Lozada offers a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia land bank to dispose of properties located in the 7th councilmanic district.

• Councilwoman Bond offers a non-privileged resolution calling on the United States Congress to pass the Sergeant Isaac Woodward Jr. and Sergeant Joseph H. Maddox GI Bill Restoration Act.

• Councilwoman Brooks offers a privileged resolution honoring Joanne Bell for her work as a social worker, union leader, radio host, advocate for equity for women, black, and brown Philadelphians.

Acknowledgments

• Councilman Johnson echoes the sentiments of acknowledging Joanne Bell's hard work in empowering young people, advocating for economic development, women's rights, African-American women, and women of color.

• Councilwoman Bass acknowledges Joanne Bell's authenticity in her work.

Honoring Joanne Bell

Council members express their appreciation for Joanne Bell's advocacy for justice, particularly for people of color and women in Philadelphia.

Councilman Jones and Councilwoman Brooks

• Justice particularly for people of color and women uh throughout the city of Philadelphia and has been for a very long time without any sort of fanfare or attention.

• Councilman Jones acknowledges Miss Bell's advocacy for working people when she was in the role of District Council 47.

• Councilwoman Brooks expresses her love and appreciation to Miss Joanne Bell, who has been a phenomenal mentor.

Other council members

• Councilman Johnson thanks his colleague, councilmember Brooks, and expresses his admiration for Miss Joanne Bell.

• Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson honors Miss Joanne Bell as one of the Living Legends during Women's History Month.

• Councilman Phillips salutes Miss Joann Bell for all the service that she has done in the city of Philadelphia, particularly in the Ninth District.

• Councilwoman Parker tips her hat along with all her colleagues to show respect, admiration, and love to Miss Joanne Bell.

International Transgender Day of Visibility

Councilwoman Brooks introduces a resolution to declare March 31st as International Transgender Day of Visibility in Philadelphia. She highlights how transgender people are under attack across the country and face discrimination, violence, and laws designed to criminalize their existence.

Resolution Introduction

• The resolution declares March 31st as International Transgender Day of Visibility in Philadelphia.

• Transgender people are under attack across the country and face discrimination, violence, and laws designed to criminalize their existence.

• The resolution shows support, solidarity, and care for members of the community who are trans and non-binary.

Appreciation for Transgender People

• No additional information provided in the transcript.

Introduction of Bills and Resolutions

This section covers the introduction of bills and resolutions by various council members.

Bills and Resolutions Introduced

• Councilman Squilla offers a privileged resolution proclaiming March 2023 as National Social Work month.

• Councilman Squilla offers two bills and four resolutions on behalf of Council President Clark, including an ordinance amending an existing bill to authorize the refunding of additional series of outstanding General obligation bonds.

• Councilman Squilla introduces another ordinance authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of one or more supplements to an existing service agreement or a new service agreement between the city of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority relating to a comprehensive neighborhood transformation program.

• Councilman Squilla offers a privileged resolution recognizing April as Arab American heritage month, celebrating the Heritage and culture of our Arab Americans in Philadelphia this week's calendar, and declaring May 2023 to be hepatitis Awareness Month in Philadelphia.

• A privileged resolution is introduced by Councilman Squilla recognizing the American Planning Association on the occasion of their National planning conference, declaring April 1 2023 as City Planning day in the city of Philadelphia this week's calendar, and appointing events Luke dotuka to the board of directors for the old city special services District.

Reports on Committees

This section covers reports from committees.

Committee Reports

• The committee on rules reports four bills with a feeble recommendation.

• Bill number 220-940 is discussed which aims at continuing Roxborough neighborhood improvement district beyond its termination date in an area that generally includes both sides of Ridge Avenue from Main Street beginning with 5122 Ridge Avenue to 7220 Ridge Avenue and certain blocks of streets then intersect that portion of Ridge Avenue continuing the designation of the Roxboro Development Corporation a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation as the neighborhood improvement district Management Association for the district.

• Bill number two three zero zero zero seven is discussed which aims at amending section 14513 of the fluffy code entitled Tod Transit oriented development overlay district and amending section 14533 of the Philadelphia code entitled Min mixed income neighborhoods overlay District to expand the applicable areas of each district in the vicinity of Market Street between 54th Street and 63rd Street.

• Bill number 23080 is discussed which aims at continuing a neighborhood improvement district known as the Northern Liberties business improvement district in an area that generally includes both sides of North 2nd Street from North the north side of kalahill street to the south side of Gerard Avenue both sides of North 3rd Street from Spring Garden Street to the south side of Wilde Street Spring Garden.

Introduction

The Philadelphia zoning maps are being amended by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area about by 63rd Street Keller Hill Street Felton Street and Vine Street. Bills number 220-940, 230-007, 230080 and 230107 are being considered.

Suspension of Rules for First Reading

Councilman Johnson moves that the rules of council be suspended to permit first reading this day of bills number 220-940, 230-007, 230080 and 230107. The motion is seconded and passed.

Bills Moved for First Reading

• Bill number:

• 220-940

• 230-007

• 230080

• 230107

Calling on Bills and Resolution on Passes Calendar Today

Councilman Jones calls on bills and resolutions on our passes calendar today.

Consent Agenda for Bills

• A consent agenda is permitted for the following bills:

• Bill's number:

• 220-906

• 220-939

• 220-943

• ...

Regular Second Reading and Final Passes Calendar Today

• The following bills are brought up from second reading to final passage calendars today:

• Numbers:

• 23022

• ...

Public Comment

Public comment will go as follows your public comment must concern matters on the second reading and final passes calendar for today's possible action all speakers must sign up in order to testify once you have signed up you will be called into order which your name appears on the sign-up sheet today.

Guidelines for Public Comment

• Speakers are given three minutes to speak.

• A green light on the podium indicates when it is time to speak.

• When the light turns yellow, speakers have 30 seconds to conclude their remarks.

• When the light turns red, speakers should conclude their remarks.

Addressing Crime in Philadelphia

In this section, a speaker addresses the issue of crime and murder in Philadelphia, particularly among black boys. The speaker urges the council to try something different to address the issue.

Urging for Change

• The speaker highlights how parents suffer every time a murder happens in the town.

• The speaker urges the council to do something about the murders of black boys in Philadelphia.

• The speaker suggests that they try something different as what they have been doing has not worked.

• The speaker asks who is assassinating all black boys and calls on everyone to think about what they can do about it.

Social Work Month

In this section, Keisha Moore Johnson talks about social work month and her role as a social worker at the Office of Homeless Services.

Celebrating Social Workers

• Keisha Moore Johnson thanks Councilwoman Gautier for sponsoring the resolution on social work month.

• Keisha Moore Johnson talks about her passion for serving vulnerable individuals and how social workers provide services every day.

• Keisha Moore Johnson mentions their first-ever case management conference for social workers and case managers where they honored them with resources, professional development, and trauma-informed affirming care.

• Keisha Moore Johnson pays tribute to Dorothy Height and Jane Adams during Women's History Month.

Safety of Children

In this section, Matt Duncan talks about his efforts to slow down traffic near Hill Freeman School to ensure children's safety.

Slowing Down Traffic

• Matt Duncan thanks the council for beginning to work on the safety of children.

• Matt Duncan talks about how a car turned completely upside down at the intake of school because they were speeding.

• Matt Duncan mentions his efforts to slow down traffic near Hill Freeman School for six years, but cars still speed despite 15 mile an hour lights flashing every morning and afternoon.

Red Tape and Truck Parking

In this section, speakers discuss two bills related to cutting red tape and truck parking in neighborhoods.

Bill Number 230103

• The speaker expresses frustration with the slow progress of getting things done due to red tape.

• The speaker speaks on Bill number 230103, which aims to cut some of the red tape.

Bill Numbers 220968 and Quality of Life for Communities

• The speaker discusses bill number 220968, which addresses truck parking overnight in neighborhoods.

• The speaker highlights how truck parking affects the quality of life for communities by causing noise pollution and littering.

• The speaker emphasizes the need to find a safe place for trucks to park away from residential areas.

Redevelopment Plans and Community Benefits Agreement

In this section, speakers discuss redevelopment plans and community benefits agreements.

Concerns about Redevelopment Plans

• The speaker expresses concerns about the order in which things are being done regarding redevelopment plans around Hilco.

• The speaker believes that redevelopment should be an opportunity for communities to connect with economics and education while reducing gun violence caused by poverty.

Importance of Community Benefits Agreement (CBA)

• The speaker explains that they did not sign Hilco's original CBA because they believed they were worth more than what was offered.

• The speaker argues that a CBA should be established before any legislation is passed in favor of Hilco's redevelopment plans.

• The speaker uses the analogy of doing homework before playing outside to emphasize the importance of establishing a CBA before moving forward with redevelopment plans.

Negotiations and Conclusion

• The speaker expresses their love for Councilman Johnson but disagrees with him on certain issues.

• The speaker is negotiating with Hilco's senior vice president, Jasmine Sessions, and believes that they can work out a solution.

• The speaker emphasizes the need to establish a CBA before passing any legislation in favor of Hilco's redevelopment plans.

Bellwether District Project

In this section, Councilman Johnson speaks about the Bellwether District project and its requirements for minority participation in the building, hiring of staff, and contracting professional services. He also mentions an apprenticeship program with the school district and laborers District Council 332.

Minority Participation Requirements

• The Bellwether District project requires 50% minority participation in the building.

• This requirement extends to hiring staff at the Redevelopment project as well as contracting professional services for the actual development project.

Apprenticeship Program

• An apprenticeship internship program is being developed with the school district of Philadelphia.

• A partnership with Sam Stayton senior on apprenticeship program with laborers District Council 332 is also being established.

Environmental Remediation

• Environmental remediation needs to be addressed at the particular site.

• The company will be held accountable throughout the transformational process of this project.

One Book One Philadelphia Program

Terence Washington speaks about supporting a resolution celebrating the 2023 one book one Philadelphia selection of interior Chinatown by Charles U H. He describes it as a novel about immigration and representation that asks important questions.

Interior Chinatown Novel

• Interior Chinatown is a novel written in screenplay form that tells a story about Willis Wu who acts in a police procedural show.

• It's a book about immigration and its rippling effects, representation, culture matters, working to make sure that you can be free.

Tough Book

• The book contains occasional racial slurs, accounts of anti-Asian violence, stories of deep poverty, text of racist and real laws.

• It asks if humor can help us deal with serious things and how to do that sensitively.

One Book Season

• The Free Library will provide nine weeks of programming beginning April 20th.

• They will work with groups like The Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation Asian Americans United book Harvest the Philadelphia Sons Philadelphia Asian American film and filmmakers.

Toxic Spill Notification

Lynn Landis comments on resolution 210-913 and questions why the public was not notified about a toxic spill until Sunday afternoon.

Public Notification

• Many people are wondering why the public was not notified of the toxic spill on Friday evening as soon as the city was informed about it.

• City officials waited until Sunday afternoon to let most people know.

Water Safety

• City officials told the public that the water was safe until two o'clock that afternoon so many collected that water thinking it was safe with no idea The Spill had actually happened a day and a half before.

• Lynn Landis questions how safe that water really was.

Water Safety Concerns

The speaker expresses concerns about the safety of the water in their community and questions the city's emergency management plan.

City's Lack of Emergency Management Plan

• The city had no backup plan for water safety concerns.

• The city did not provide enough information on how many people called 311-911 or the water department to complain about bad taste or odor.

• The city should have a better emergency management plan to avoid running out of bottled water.

• Emergency preparedness should be publicized on a citizen level with signs, texts, and public service announcements.

Concern About Developers' Tax Break

The speaker expresses concern about developers getting tax breaks without clear explanations of where the money is going.

Lack of Information on Developers' Tax Break

• The speaker is concerned about developers getting tax breaks without clear explanations of what kind of tax breaks they are receiving and how much they are receiving.

• It is unacceptable that residents do not know where the money from developers' tax breaks is going.

• More information is needed to explain what developers will do with the money and whether it will come back to the community or just go back to them.

• If there are going to be tax breaks, residents should receive them first before developers.

Resolution Calling for Temporary Suspension of Firearm Preemption

The speaker comments on a resolution calling for temporary suspension of firearm preemption for cities of the first class.

Comments on Resolution

• The speaker comments on the 2-3 00225 resolution calling for the temporary suspension of firearm preemption for cities of the first class.

• The speaker supports the resolution and believes that it will help reduce gun violence in Philadelphia.

• The speaker urges city council members to support the resolution and take action to reduce gun violence.