CITY COUNCIL

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Thursday, March 11, 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. Archbishoop Mary Floyd Palmer of Heavenly Hall Church was introduced and offered an appropriate prayer. COUNCILMEMBER SQUILLA MOVED TO APPROVE THE JOURNAL of the meeting of March 4, 2021. 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 No. 200617, which was passed by Council on February 25, 2021, was signed by the Mayor on March 10, 2021. (File No. 210221) THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED. Transmitting a message advising Council that Bill Nos. 210073, 210077, 210080, 210120, and 210121, which were passed by Council on March 4, 2021, were signed by the Mayor on March 10, 2021. (File No. 210222) THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED. Transmitting a resolution Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1331 N. 8th Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. (File No. 210223) THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED. City of Philadelphia -1-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA March 10, 2021 TO THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA: Pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill No. 210002 Bill No. 210075 Bill No. 210076 Bill No. 210078 Bill No. 210081 Respectfully submitted, JAMES F. KENNEY Mayor (File No. 210224) THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Councilmember Parker Introduced and Referred the following Bill for Council President Clarke, Sponsored by Councilmember Parker: Bill No. 210203: An Ordinance Authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of one or more Service Agreements between The City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and/or one or more other City-related Authorities relating to the financing of a Neighborhood Preservation Initiative which includes housing, commercial corridors, and neighborhood infrastructure programs; approving the issuance by each such Authority of bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness (including reimbursement obligations related to lines or letters of credit) in one or more series to finance or refinance such initiative and authorizing and approving the obligation of The City of Philadelphia to pay in full when due the Service Fee and other amounts payable under each Service Agreement; authorizing certain City officers to take certain actions required to issue such bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness; covenanting that The City of Philadelphia will make necessary City of Philadelphia -2-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA appropriations in each of the City’s fiscal years to provide for, and will make timely payments of, the Service Fee and other amounts due under each such Service Agreement; and authorizing and approving the Director of Finance of the City and other City officials to take other necessary or appropriate actions to effectuate the purposes of this ordinance; all under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE. COUNCILMEMBER GYM REQUESTED THAT SHE BE EXCUSED AND WISHED TO BE RECORDED AS VOTED "AYE" ON ALL BILLS CALLED UP ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE, INCLUDING RESOLUTIONS. THE REQUEST WAS GRANTED. Councilmember Parker Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Parker: Resolution No. 210208: Resolution Authorizing the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development, and the Homeless to hold hearings examining the race gap in home appraisals and its impact on homeownership and wealth accumulation in 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. 210209: Resolution Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1331 N. 8th Street, located in the 5th Councilmanic District, in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. Councilmember Johnson Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmembers Gilmore Richardson and Johnson: Resolution No. 210210: Resolution Supporting a City of Philadelphia “Lights Out” Campaign and recognizing and honoring the Bird Safe Philly Coalition, the Building Industry Association of Philadelphia, and the Building Owners and Managers Association Philadelphia in their collaborative effort to protect the migratory bird population. Councilmember Gilmore Richardson Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmembers Gilmore Richardson and Quiñones Sánchez: City of Philadelphia -3-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Resolution No. 210211: Resolution Urging U.S. Senators Casey and Toomey, and the U.S. Senate to pass H.R. 1/S.R. 1, “For the People Act”. Councilmember Gilmore Richardson Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson: Resolution No. 210212: Resolution Recognizing and supporting working women and mothers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in honor of Women’s History Month and calling for a robust federal response to our nation’s first “She-cession”. DISCUSSION - COUNCILMEMBER GILMORE RICHARDSON - RESOLUTION 210212 - (SEE NOTES OF TESTIMONY). Councilmember Henon Introduced and Referred the following Bill, Sponsored by Councilmember Henon: Bill No. 210204: An Ordinance To amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Cottman Avenue, Milnor Street, Princeton Avenue, and the Delaware River. THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES. Councilmember Jones Introduced and Referred the following Bill, Sponsored by Councilmembers Jones, Henon and Gauthier: Bill No. 210205: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 9 of Subcode PM (“The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code”) of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Additional Special Requirements,” to establish a program in which the City may perform certain urgent repairs and bill the property owner; all under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LICENSES AND INSPECTIONS. Councilmember Johnson Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Johnson: Resolution No. 210213: Resolution Honoring Amanda Gorman, the first national youth poet laureate, for becoming the youngest poet to ever speak at a U.S. presidential inauguration. DISCUSSION - COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSON - RESOLUTION NO. 210213 - (SEE NOTES OF TESTIMONY) Councilmember Johnson Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Johnson: City of Philadelphia -4-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Resolution No. 210214: Resolution Honoring the life and legacy of Philadelphia's own "Smokin'" Joe Frazier on the 50th Anniversary of his heavyweight championship win over Muhammad Ali in the "Fight of the Century". DISCUSSION - COUNCILMEMBERS JOHNSON AND HENON - RESOLUTION NO. 210214 - (SEE NOTES OF TESTIMONY) Councilmember Green Introduced and Referred the following Bill, Sponsored by Councilmember Green: Bill No. 210206: An Ordinance Providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 of The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, entitled “Referenda Approved by the Voters,” by adding a new section providing that the citizens of Philadelphia call upon the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the Governor to pass legislation that will decriminalize, regulate, and tax the use, and sale to adults aged 21 years or older, of cannabis for non-medical purposes. THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LAW AND GOVERNMENT. Councilmember Green Introduced and Referred the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Green: Resolution No. 210215: Resolution Submitting to the electors of the City an amendment to Article VIII, Chapter 5 of The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, entitled “Referenda Approved by the Voters,” by adding a new section providing that the citizens of Philadelphia call upon the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the Governor to pass legislation that will decriminalize, regulate, and tax the use, and sale to adults aged 21 years or older, of cannabis for non-medical purposes. THE RESOLUTION WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LAW AND GOVERNMENT. Councilmember Brooks Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Brooks: Resolution No. 210216: Resolution Commemorating the life and legacy of community activist Shawn W. Wilson, whose tireless advocacy against gun violence and racial injustice advanced community safety and expanded a powerful model of neighborhood engagement for former first responders and veterans in the City of Philadelphia. DISCUSSION - COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSON (THE RESOLUTION IS INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMEMBER BROOKS) - RESOLUTION NO. 200216 - (SEE NOTES OF TESTIMONY) City of Philadelphia -5-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Councilmember Thomas Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmembers Thomas and Henon: Resolution No. 210217: Resolution Honoring and congratulating the Father Judge High School Wrestling Team for their second consecutive win of the Philadelphia Catholic League Wrestling Championship in their 2019-2020 season. Councilmember Thomas Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Thomas: Resolution No. 210218: Resolution Authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings to identify and examine potential systemic biases in oversight that create inequalities between Black and white led schools, resulting in fewer resources or support for Black founded and led institutions. DISCUSSION - COUNCILMEMBER THOMAS - RESOLUTION NO. 210218 - (SEE NOTES OF TESTIMONY) Councilmember O'Neill Introduced and Referred the following Bill, Sponsored by Councilmember O'Neill: Bill No. 210207: An Ordinance To amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Cottman Avenue, the Montgomery County Line, the Bucks County Line, Interstate 95, Grant Avenue, and Roosevelt Boulevard. THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES. Councilmember Bass Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Bass: Resolution No. 210219: Resolution Recognizing March 2021 as Brain Injury Awareness Month to increase understanding of chronic brain injury, reduce stigma, showcase the diversity of injury across demographics, and improve care and support. Councilmember Bass Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Bass: Resolution No. 210220: Resolution Recognizing March 2021 as National Nutrition Month to educate Philadelphians on how to make informed food choices, and develop healthy eating and physical activity habits, while raising awareness of the need for accessible, nutritious food. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES City of Philadelphia -6-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA COMMITTEE ON RULES Bill No. 200628: An Ordinance Amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Zoning and Planning,” by revising and clarifying certain provisions and making technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions. COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSON MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES OF THE COUNCIL SO AS TO PERMIT CONSIDERATION THIS DAY OF BILL NO. 200628. THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO. THE BILL WAS ORDERED PLACED ON THIS DAY`S FIRST READING CALENDAR. Bill No. 210075, as amended: An Ordinance Amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Zoning and Planning,” by revising and clarifying certain provisions and making technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions. COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSON MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES OF THE COUNCIL SO AS TO PERMIT CONSIDERATION THIS DAY OF BILL NO. 210075, AS AMENDED. THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO. THE BILL WAS ORDERED PLACED ON THIS DAY`S FIRST READING CALENDAR. Bill No. 210078, as amended: An Ordinance Amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Zoning and Planning,” by revising and clarifying certain provisions and making technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions. COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSON MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES OF THE COUNCIL SO AS TO PERMIT CONSIDERATION THIS DAY OF BILL NO. 210078, AS AMENDED. THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO. THE BILL WAS ORDERED PLACED ON THIS DAY`S FIRST READING CALENDAR. COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Bill No. 210160: An Ordinance Authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2021 from the General Fund, the Council to the General Fund, the Managing Director. COUNCILMEMBER QUIÑONES SÁNCHEZ MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES OF THE COUNCIL SO AS TO PERMIT CONSIDERATION THIS DAY OF BILL NO. 210160. THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO. THE BILL WAS ORDERED PLACED ON THIS DAY`S FIRST READING CALENDAR. CONSIDERATION OF THE CALENDAR City of Philadelphia -7-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA BILLS ON FIRST READING Bill No. 200628: An Ordinance Amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Zoning and Planning,” by revising and clarifying certain provisions and making technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS READ AND ORDERED PLACED ON NEXT WEEK'S SECOND READING CALENDAR. Bill No. 210075, as amended: An Ordinance Amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Zoning and Planning,” by revising and clarifying certain provisions and making technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS READ AND ORDERED PLACED ON NEXT WEEK'S SECOND READING CALENDAR. Bill No. 210078, as amended: An Ordinance Amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Zoning and Planning,” by revising and clarifying certain provisions and making technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS READ AND ORDERED PLACED ON NEXT WEEK'S SECOND READING CALENDAR. Bill No. 210160: An Ordinance Authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2021 from the General Fund, the Council to the General Fund, the Managing Director. THE BILL WAS READ AND ORDERED PLACED ON NEXT WEEK'S SECOND READING CALENDAR. PUBLIC COMMENT The following persons provided public comment on March 11, 2021: Name and Comment Subject Laura Arblaster (210187) Beth Finn (210187) Nikki Bagby (210187) Theresa White (210200) Tamara Staley (210190) Kofi Asante (210190) Mark Harrell (210190) Albert Dandridge (210183) Diane Clayton (210218) City of Philadelphia -8-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Yasmeen Abbott (210218) Daniel Wideman (210218) Latisha Swans (210218) Nicole Brown (210218) Saqib Bhatti (210192) See Notes of Testimony for full comment. 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 -9-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON FINAL PASSAGE Resolution No. 210183: Resolution Congratulating Bernard W. Smalley for being named President of the Board of Directors of City Trusts, making him the first Black President in the board’s 151 year history. DISCUSSION - COUNCILMEMBERS PARKER AND GREEN - RESOLUTION NO. 210183 - (SEE NOTES OF TESTIMONY) THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210184: Resolution Remembering Henrietta Lacks and honoring her contribution to modern medicine, including the development of COVID-19 vaccines. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. COUNCILMEMBER SANCHEZ REQUESTED THAT SHE BE EXCUSED AND WISHED TO BE RECORDED AS VOTED "AYE" ON ALL BILLS CALLED UP ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE, INCLUDING RESOLUTIONS. THE REQUEST WAS GRANTED. Resolution No. 210185: Resolution Commending and recognizing Michael Hand on the occasion of his retirement from his outstanding career with the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and his service to the Philadelphia community. DISCUSSION - COUNCILMEMBERS PARKER AND HENON - RESOLUTION NO. 210185 - (SEE NOTES OF TESTIMONY) THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210186: Resolution Recognizing and supporting the accomplishments of women and girls throughout history on the occasion of Women’s History Month. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210187: Resolution Recognizing the Women’s March on Philadelphia during Women’s History Month 2021 and the organizers who hosted 4 consecutive marches from 2017-2020. DISCUSSION - COUNCILMEMBER GILMORE RICHARDSON - RESOLUTION NO. 210187 - (SEE NOTES OF TESTIMONY) THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210188: Resolution Also naming the 2200 block of N. Salford as “Geo L. Myers Way,” in honor of George Linwood Myers III, to commemorate his legacy and long-time dedication to various Philadelphia organizations and as an City of Philadelphia - 10 -  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA advocate of vulnerable populations. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210189: Resolution Recognizing Rochelle "Chellie" Cameron on the occasion of her appointment as chair of the U.S. Policy Council for Airports Council International. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210190: Resolution Urging the U.S. Congress to pass Senate Bill 475 and House Resolution 1320, which designate Juneteenth as a national holiday. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210192: Resolution Calling on the Federal Reserve Bank of the United States to offer long-term loans with terms of up to 30 years to meet the borrowing needs of state and local governments and government units in the United States without charging any interest or fees, and urging the City Treasurer’s Office to enter into conversations with the financial institutions underwriting the City’s bonds to negotiate long-term loans with terms of up to 30 years to meet the City’s borrowing needs without charging any interest or fees. DISCUSSION - COUNCILMEMEMBER BROOKS - RESOLUTION NO. 21092 - (SEE NOTES OF TESTIMONY) THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210194: Resolution Honoring the athletes of the class of 2020 for their incomplete seasons and shortened high school athletic career due to the COVID-19 pandemic. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210196: Resolution Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 538, Dudley, 639 Cantrell Street, 2842-44 and 2846 Tulip 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. 210200: Resolution Recognizing March 8, 2021 as International Women’s Day to raise awareness of the adverse oppression and inequities that women have experienced and continue to experience globally; and to celebrate the achievements of women around the world and campaign for positive change. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. City of Philadelphia - 11 -  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Resolution No. 210208: Resolution Authorizing the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development, and the Homeless to hold hearings examining the race gap in home appraisals and its impact on homeownership and wealth accumulation in Philadelphia. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210218: Resolution Authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings to identify and examine potential systemic biases in oversight that create inequalities between Black and white led schools, resulting in fewer resources or support for Black founded and led institutions. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE Bill No. 200618: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 9-4200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Donation Bins,” to modify the locations at which donation bins shall be permitted; 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. 210122-A, as amended: An Ordinance Amending Section 9-4116 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Public Health Emergency Leave,” to establish leave time for public health emergencies, and modify existing provisions concerning the paid sick leave, and make technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS READ. COUNCILMEMBER BROOKS MOVED TO AMEND BILL NO. 210122 (SEE FILE). COUNCILMEMBER BROOKS MOVED FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT. THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO. THE AMENDMENT TO BILL NO. 210122 WAS ADOPTED. Bill No. 210122-A, as amended: An Ordinance Amending Section 9-4116 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Public Health Emergency Leave,” to establish leave time City of Philadelphia - 12 -  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA for public health emergencies, and modify existing provisions concerning the paid sick leave, and make technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS AMENDED. DISCUSSION - COUNCILMEMBERS, BROOKS, DOMB, GILMORE RICHARDSON, GREEN, BILL NO. 210122 - (SEE NOTES OF TESTIMONY) THE BILL WAS ORDERED PLACED ON FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR FOR NEXT MEETING.. SPEECHES COUNCILMEMBERS BROOKS, BASS, DOMB, GREEN, GAUTHIER, PARKER, JONES AND JOHNSON - (SEE NOTES OF TESTIMONY). COUNCILMEMBER JONES MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO. City of Philadelphia - 13 -