CITY COUNCIL

JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Thursday, May 13, 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. A moment of silence of observed. COUNCILMEMBER SQUILLA MOVED TO APPROVE THE JOURNAL of the meeting of May 6 2021 THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO. COMMUNICATIONS The Sergeant-at-Arms presented messages from the Mayor as follows: Transmitting an 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 Section 16-405 of the Philadelphia Code. (File No. 210461) THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED. Transmitting an 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 Seventh 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. 210462) THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED. Transmitting an 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 Second 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. 210463) THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED. Transmitting an 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 Eighth 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. 210464) THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED. Transmitting a message advising Council that Bill Nos. 200348, 210135-AA, 210159, 210228, 210246, 210247, and 210249, which were passed by Council on April 29, 2021, were signed by the Mayor on May 11, 2021. (File No. 210465) THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED. TO THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA: I am hereby returning without my signature Bill No. 210207, which was passed by Council at its session on April 29, 2021. This bill is a zoning map change which covers a significant portion of the tenth district. It downgrades the zoning of 14 commercial centers, causing 13 of them to have non-conforming uses. Uses that will no longer be permitted by right include educational facilities, private clubs and nightclubs, visitor accommodations, building services, artist studios, hospitals, religious assemblies, take-out restaurants, transit stations, and gas stations. The Philadelphia City Planning Commission (PCPC) reviewed this legislation and recommended against approval. It noted that this district contains the largest number of immigrants in the City and that the original zoning designation has helped to ease this City of Philadelphia -2-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA community’s transition by providing specialty stores, a sense of community, and business opportunities. This bill, on the other hand, will limit a current owner’s ability to expand their business and will also greatly restrict their opportunity to sell if a new prospective owner has no interest in continuing to run the same type of business. This harms not only current and future immigrant entrepreneurs, but also the immigrant community at large. New businesses forced to comply with the new zoning standard would be less able to cater to the needs of the surrounding neighborhoods since a whole host of business types would no longer be permitted by right. This bill unnecessarily targets an important community that my administration has worked very hard to welcome to our City. Signing this legislation would conflict with my strong commitment to promote the wellbeing of all Philadelphians. For these reasons, I am returning without my signature, Bill No. 210207. Respectfully, JAMES F. KENNEY Mayor (File No. 210466) THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Bill No. 210441: An Ordinance Authorizing the Water Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to enter into an agreement between the City and the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority (“PRA”) for the PRA to act as the City’s agent to include and incorporate Philadelphia Water Department-identified green stormwater infrastructure projects (the "Stormwater Infrastructure") in certain construction and improvement projects in and around the City on properties owned by the City (the "City Projects"), including those projects arising out of the City's "Rebuilding Community Infrastructure" or "Rebuild" Program, and on properties owned by the PRA ("PRA Projects") (the City Projects and PRA Projects, together, the "Construction Projects") from the design phase to construction completion in an efficient manner, under certain terms and conditions. Councilmember Parker Introduced and Referred the following Bill, Sponsored by Councilmembers Parker, Jones, Squilla, Henon, Green, O'Neill and Oh: Bill No. 210442: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 19-1200 of The Philadelphia City of Philadelphia -3-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Code, entitled “Parking Tax,” by revising certain tax rates, under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. Bill No. 210443: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions,” by adding a new Chapter related to hiring entities providing covered individuals with a workforce and career pathways information sheet; all under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND CIVIL SERVICE. Councilmember Henon Introduced and Referred the following Bill, Sponsored by Councilmember Henon: Bill No. 210444: An Ordinance Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to acquire fee simple title, or a lesser interest in real estate, by purchase, dedication, donation, condemnation, agreement in lieu of condemnation, or otherwise, in parcels of land connecting Tacony Street to the Frankford Arsenal Boat Launch, for public recreational purposes, under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC PROPERTY AND PUBLIC WORKS. Councilmember Johnson Introduced and Referred the following Bill, Sponsored by Councilmember Johnson: Bill No. 210447: An Ordinance Establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Chester Avenue from 66th street to 67th street. THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON STREETS AND SERVICES. Councilmember Johnson Introduced and Referred the following Bill, Sponsored by Councilmember Johnson: Bill No. 210448: An Ordinance Establishing parking regulations on both sides of Webster Street, between 20th Street and 21st Street. THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON STREETS AND SERVICES. Councilmember Johnson Introduced and Referred the following Bill, Sponsored by Councilmember Johnson: Bill No. 210449: An Ordinance Amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Zoning and Planning,” by revising a table within Section 14-701, Dimensional Standards, all under certain terms and conditions. City of Philadelphia -4-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES. Councilmember Johnson Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Johnson: Resolution No. 210452: Resolution Also naming the 1600 block of South Street "Ronald K. Washington Way" to honor Ron Washington, founding owner of the legendary Ron’s Ribs, for his legacy of dedicated service to the South Philadelphia community. Councilmember Johnson Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Johnson: Resolution No. 210453: 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 Second 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 Quiñones Sánchez Introduced and Referred the following Bill for Councilmember Jones, Sponsored by Councilmember Quiñones Sánchez: Bill No. 210445: An Ordinance Amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Zoning and Planning,” by revising and consolidating provisions of Chapter 14-500, entitled “Overlay Zoning Districts,” by amending Section 14-524, entitled “/FDO, Fourth District Overlay District,” and Section 14-527, entitled “/WYN, Wynnefield District Overlay District,” all under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES. Councilmember Quiñones Sánchez Introduced and Referred the following Bill for Councilmember Jones, Sponsored by Councilmember Quiñones Sánchez: Bill No. 210446: An Ordinance Amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Zoning and Planning,” to revise certain provisions of Chapter 14-600, entitled “Use Regulations,” by amending use standards for historically designated properties and making related changes; all under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES. Councilmember Gauthier Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage City of Philadelphia -5-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Gauthier: Resolution No. 210454: 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 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. 210455: Resolution Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 5559 Locust Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. Councilmember Thomas Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Thomas: Resolution No. 210456: Resolution Honoring and congratulating Destiny Jackson on her acceptance into 50+ colleges while experiencing homelessness, foster care, and participating in several extra-curricular leadership positions. Councilmember O'Neill Introduced and Referred the following Bill, Sponsored by Councilmember O'Neill: Bill No. 210451: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 10-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Refuse and Littering,” by amending Section 10-719, entitled “Penalties,” by revising the penalty to be assessed for violations of this chapter; all under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON STREETS AND SERVICES. Councilmember Squilla Introduced and Referred the following Bill, Sponsored by Councilmember Squilla: Bill No. 210450: An Ordinance Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an amendment to a lease agreement with Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (“SEPTA”), for use by the City, of a portion of the premises located at 1234 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by the City, all under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC PROPERTY AND PUBLIC WORKS. City of Philadelphia -6-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Councilmember Squilla Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Squilla: Resolution No. 210457: Resolution Authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings on the benefits of the Pennsylvania System School Assessment (PSSA) testing and the administration of these tests by the Philadelphia School District. Councilmember Squilla Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Squilla: Resolution No. 210458: Resolution Honoring and congratulating Frank Stephen Spera on the occasion of his retirement from the Pennsylvania State Police-Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement. Councilmember Bass Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Bass: Resolution No. 210459: Resolution Authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings regarding mobile crisis units. Councilmember Oh Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Oh: Resolution No. 210460: Resolution Calling on the City of Philadelphia to include the flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the display of international flags along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES COMMITTEE ON PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS Bill No. 210360: An Ordinance Officially naming and designating the dog park located on the north side of Winter Street between 21st Street and 22nd Street, in the City of Philadelphia, as the “Rob Stuart Memorial Dog Park”. COUNCILMEMBER BASS MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES OF THE COUNCIL SO AS TO PERMIT CONSIDERATION THIS DAY OF BILL NO. 210360. 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. 210360: An Ordinance Officially naming and designating the dog park located on the north side of Winter Street between 21st Street and 22nd Street, in the City of Philadelphia, as the “Rob Stuart Memorial Dog Park”. THE BILL WAS READ AND ORDERED PLACED ON NEXT WEEK'S SECOND READING CALENDAR. PUBLIC COMMENT The following persons provided public comment on May 13, 2021: Name and Comment Subject Dr. Raymond Cattaneo (210427) See Notes of Testimony for full comment. City of Philadelphia -8-  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. BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON FINAL PASSAGE Resolution No. 210426: 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. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. City of Philadelphia -9-  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Resolution No. 210427: Resolution Urging the Pennsylvania state legislature and Governor Tom Wolf to reject House Bill 972, intended to prohibit transgender athletes from participating in high school and/or collegiate sports according to their gender identity. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. The Ayes and Nays were as follows: Ayes: 16 Councilmembers Domb, Green, Gym, Oh, Squilla, Johnson, Jones, Council President Clarke, Henon, Quiñones Sánchez, Bass, Parker, Brooks, Gauthier, Gilmore Richardson and Thomas Nays: 1 Councilmember O'Neill Resolution No. 210428: Resolution Recognizing and honoring West Philadelphia and Wynnefield native Shaka Toney on being drafted to the Washington Football Team in the 2021 NFL Draft. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210429: Resolution Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1329 S. 15th Street located in the 2nd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210430: Resolution Honoring Equal Justice Initiative founder Bryan Stevenson for his lifelong pursuit of justice, vindicating the rights of the accused, and fighting mass incarceration. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210432: Resolution Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 E. Somerset Street, 3022, 3024, 3026, 3028 N. American Street, 2907 Gransback Street, 413 W. Norris Street, 419 W. Norris Street, and 2152 N. Randolph Street, located in the Seventh Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210433: Resolution Honoring the non-profit organization, The Block Gives Back, for their successful Youth Internship Program for 12-18 year old’s aimed at growing nonprofit operation skills and providing support for community events. THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. Resolution No. 210434: Resolution Calling on the City of Philadelphia to implement City of Philadelphia - 10 -  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA minimum force training for all law enforcement officers. THE RESOLUTION WAS TABLED. BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE Bill No. 210203, as amended: 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 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 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. 210286: An Ordinance Establishing no truck parking and tow away zone regulations on Haldeman Avenue, both sides, from Clark Street to Red Lion Road, 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 City of Philadelphia - 11 -  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA Nays: 0 Bill No. 210287: An Ordinance Establishing no truck parking and tow away zone regulations on Tomlison Road, both sides, from Bustleton Avenue to Lindsay Street, 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. 210288: An Ordinance Establishing no truck parking and tow away zone regulations on Brookmont Road, both sides, from Ferndale Street to Medway Road, 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. 210289: An Ordinance Establishing no truck parking and tow away zone regulations on Bridle Road, both sides, from Brookmont Road to Bartlett Street, 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. 210290: An Ordinance Establishing no truck parking and tow away zone regulations on Chesworth Road, both sides, from Verree Road to Ferndale Street, all under certain terms and conditions. THE BILL WAS READ AND PASSED. The Ayes and Nays were as follows: City of Philadelphia - 12 -  JOURNAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA 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. 210291: An Ordinance Establishing no truck parking and tow away zone regulations on Ferndale Street, both sides, from Jeanes Street to Red Lion Road, 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. 210292: An Ordinance Establishing no truck parking and tow away zone regulations on Greymont Street, both sides, from Jeanes Street to Ferndale Street, 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 SPEECHES COUNCILMEMBER JONES MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO. City of Philadelphia - 13 -