Welcome to Thursday’s City Hall Roll Call, powered by The Committee of Seventy.
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Welcome to City Hall Roll Call, a summary of City Council’s weekly Stated Meeting. Reminder, the information provided below is not an official or complete record. City Council’s official legislative database can be accessed through Legistar.
For a full play-by-play of the Council session, including speeches and public comment, be sure to follow me on Twitter.
Session Recap:
Today’s Council Stated Meeting could hardly be described as a “drag,” with Council celebrating Philadelphia “jewel,” performer Sapphira Cristál with an honorary resolution sponsored by Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke (I-AL). Cristál, a Houston native, moved to Philadelphia ten years ago, immersing herself in the local drag and arts scenes. A classically trained opera singer, Cristál is one of the finalists on this season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, which pits drag performers from across the country through a series of competitions. Cristál has become a national favorite and will find out tomorrow night if she will take this year’s crown.
In an inspirational speech to Council and the public, Cristál said that when she came to Philadelphia, it was the first time she felt like she was home, living in a place where she could live safely and as her true self. While we won’t know who wins this season’s competition until tomorrow night, Cristál urged the city to “Grease the poles,” confident that Philly will soon be home to a new champion.
Office Vacancy Rate Hearing
In more traditional business, a number of noteworthy legislative actions took place at today’s session. City Councilmember Jeffrey Young (D-5th), introduced a resolution authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings on Center City commercial office building vacancy rates. The resolution provides,
WHEREAS, The assessed value of Philadelphia office buildings is expected to plummet by $1 billion as building owners appeal their property assessments downwards according to Finance Director Rob Dubow, forcing property owners to shoulder a greater burden to fund the city; and
…
WHEREAS, Office-to-residential conversion, an increasingly popular solution to growing office vacancies in commercial office markets across the country, remains an imprudent solution to Philadelphia’s office vacancies woes due to the high costs of conversion, existing floor plans unsuitable for residency, and few remaining office buildings in Philadelphia for conversion;
While converting existing office space to residential may seem like a two-birds-one-stone solution, there are many practical challenges to doing so including both traditional acquisition and financing costs, as well issues adapting office layout design to residential living. From a financial perspective, the high vacancy rates will cause downward pressure on valuations, which will impact the city’s real property tax collection. With commercial property valuations expected to dip, while residential property values are expected to rise, Philadelphia homeowners could end up bearing the brunt of the commercial property decline thanks to the Pennsylvania Constitution’s Uniformity Clause.
Worker Protections Expanded
As reported last week, City Council took its expected vote on Jim Harrity’s (D-AL) second attempt at expanding worker protections for certain service employees. The bill, which was originally pocket vetoed last December, passed Council 13-2, a narrow, veto proof majority.
The bill covers certain service employees (security, janitorial, food and beverage, parking, hotel services) working in large buildings or facilities in Philadelphia (50k square feet or 50 residential dwelling units). Often times, when a building is sold to a new owner or converted to a new use, the contractors servicing the buildings are replaced with new contractors and workers. The bill would require companies to temporarily hire these displaced contract workers when there is a contract change. Councilmember Brian O’Neill (R-10th), last year’s sole no vote was joined in opposition to the measure today by Councilmember Jeffrey Young (D-5th). Young represents a significant chunk of Center City and parts of North Philadelphia, the former a main area of impact for the bill which covers large office buildings.
Council stands adjourned until Thursday, April 25th at 10 AM.
Bills and Resolutions Introduced Today (By Subject Matter)
Due to the volume, ceremonial resolutions introduced by Councilmembers that honor or memorialize individuals or organizations will not be listed below, but can be found on Legistar.
🏗️ Construction / Zoning
Bill amending the Construction Code to require proof of certain insurance certificates. (Young)
Resolution authorizing and ratifying Councilmember O’Neill’s appeal on behalf of and as representative of City Council of the decision of the Zoning Board of Adjustment with respect 4100 Orchard Lane. (O’Neill)
🗺️ Land Disposition / Acquisition
Bill authorizing acceptance of city of two parcels of property for a slope easement in the 7th Councilmanic District. (Lozada)
Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer land to the Philadelphia Land Bank located in the 8th Councilmanic District. (Bass)
🚦Streets
Bill establishing a no parking regulation in the Fourth Councilmanic District. (Jones)
Bill authorizing sidewalk cafe at 795 N. 24th Street. (Young)
Bill authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 6516 Castor Ave. (Phillips)
⚖️ Non-Privileged Resolutions (Authorizing Hearings / Urging Action)
Resolution calling on the Pennsylvania State Senate to pass House Bill 1130 to create the “Safer Communities Grant Program.” (Jones)
Resolution supporting the Biden Administration’s finalized rule to expand certain background check requirements for firearm purchases and close the gun show loop hole. (Jones)
Resolution authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings to investigate commercial office building market viability in Center City. (Young)
Bills and Resolutions Introduced Today (By Member)
Due to the volume, ceremonial resolutions introduced by Councilmembers that honor or memorialize individuals or organizations will not be listed below, but can be found on Legistar.
Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. (D-4th)
B: Establishing a no parking regulation in the Fourth Councilmanic District.
R: Calling on the Pennsylvania State Senate to pass House Bill 1130 to create the “Safer Communities Grant Program.”
R: Supporting the Biden Administration’s finalized rule to expand certain background check requirements for firearm purchases and close the gun show loop hole.
Councilmember Jeffery Young (D-5th)
B: Amending the Construction Code to require proof of certain insurance certificates.
B: Authorizing sidewalk cafe at 795 N. 24th Street.
R: Authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings to investigate commercial office building market viability in Center City.
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (D-7th)
B: Authorizing acceptance of city of two parcels of property for a slope easement in the 7th Councilmanic District.
Councilmember Cindy Bass (D-8th)
R: Authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer land to the Philadelphia Land Bank located in the 8th Councilmanic District.
Councilmember Anthony Phillips (D-9th)
B: Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 6516 Castor Ave.
Councilmember Brian O’Neill (R-10th)
R: Authorizing and ratifying Councilmember O’Neill’s appeal on behalf of and as representative of City Council of the decision of the Zoning Board of Adjustment with respect 4100 Orchard Lane.
Bills and Resolutions Passed by City Council at Today’s Session
Resolutions:
🗣️ 240284 (Gilmore-Richardson): Calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to adopt the Solar for Schools Act (House Bill 1032) and thanking Representative Fiedler for her commitment to reducing the energy costs of public schools, expanding renewable energy production, and creating family-sustaining jobs for Pennsylvanians.
🔏 240286 (Gauthier): Approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Mill Creek Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 607 North Fifty-third street, 625 North Fifty-third street, 633 North Fifty-third street, 635 North Fifty-third street, and 637 North Fifty-third street; and authorizing the Redevelopment Authority to execute the redevelopment contract with Liberty53 LP and to take such action as may be necessary to effectuate the redevelopment contract.
🗺️ 240287 (Gauthier): Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 708, 710, 714 & 723 N. Shedwick Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
⚖️ 240294 (Lozada): Authorizing the establishment of a “Special Committee on Kensington” to analyze and examine the effectiveness of current polices to further develop data driven solutions and restore stability in the Kensington area.
🗣️ 240295 (Johnson): Expressing Council’s support for food service workers at the Philadelphia Sports Complex and urging Aramark to negotiate fair and equitable contracts that provide these workers with a standard minimum wage and healthcare coverage.
🗣️ 240297 (Ahmad): Urging the United States government to take immediate action to protect and enshrine reproductive rights and ensure abortion access for all birthing people.
🏆 240### (Thomas): Honoring and congratulating the Champions of the Week, “For the Culture Clothing” for their collaboration with “Ebbets Field Flannels” on their Philadelphia Stars Collection which celebrates the City’s championship winning Negro League baseball team.
🏆 240### (Jones): Honoring and recognizing the Law Department, the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence and the Hausfeld law firm for their work in upholding public safety for all Philadelphians by ensuring accountability for gun ghost suppliers.
🏆 240### (Jones): Honoring the life and legacy of Edgar “Sonny” Campbell.
🏆 240### (Jones): Honoring and recognizing the City Avenue Special Services District on the occasion of their 25th Anniversary.Sonny Campbell
🏆 240### (Landau): Recognizing April as Fair Housing Month in the city of Philadelphia and celebrating the anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968.
⚖️ 240### (Young): Authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings to investigate commercial office building market viability in Center City.
🏆 240### (Young): Recognizing the week of April 14th to April 20th as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
🏆 240### (O’Rourke): Honoring and celebrating the School District of Philadelphia’s “All City Orchestra” for their outstanding performance at Wrestlemania XL
🏆 240### (O’Rourke): Honoring and congratulating Philadelphia’s Sapphira Cristal.
🏆 240### (Driscoll): Celebrating the return of the Tianjin delegation on April 23, 2024.
🏆 240### (Driscoll): Celebrating 75 years of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia.
Bills:
🚦 240021 (Bass): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Gravers lane and Millman street.
🚦 240022 (Bass): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Rockland street and N. 2nd street; Lawrence street and Rockland street; Ruscomb street and N. 2nd street; Ashdale street to N. 3rd street.
🏗️ 240066 (Squilla): To amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Wood Street, 4th Street, Vine Street, and Lawrence Street.
🚦 240086 (Gauthier): Amending Sections 1 and 2 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 170086) approved May 22, 2017, entitled "An Ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 269 by relocating portions of the houselines and curblines of Convention Avenue, from Thirty-Fourth Street to Health Sciences Drive, and placing on the City Plan two rights-of-way for drainage purposes within the vicinity of the intersection of Convention Avenue and Health Sciences Drive and authorizing acceptance of the grant to the City of the said rights-of-way for drainage purposes, all under certain terms and conditions, including the dedication to the City of the beds of the areas proposed to be placed on City Plan as portions of Convention Avenue," by adding additional necessary City Plan changes and revising the terms and conditions stated therein.
💼 240088 (Harrity): Amending Chapter 9-2300 of The Philadelphia Code (“Protection of Displaced Contract Workers”) to provide protections for service employees, including laid-off employees.
🚦 240090 (Bass): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Old York Road and Courtland Street and Loudon Street.
🚦 240100 (Squilla): Establishing parking regulations, one-way regulations and a closure of the public right-of-way to motor traffic regulation in the vicinity of Washington Avenue from 4th Street to Water Street.
🚦 240121 (Squilla): Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 2401 E. Norris Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
🚦 240122 (Squilla): Authorizing Norris Street Holdings, LLC to install, own, and maintain a Streetery in the Right-of-Way adjacent to 2401 E. Norris Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125-2913.
🚦 240123 (Squilla): Authorizing Pat Olivieri, d/b/a Pat’s King of Steaks, to vend from a location in the right of way adjacent to the Pat’s Steaks location in the vicinity of 9th and Wharton Streets.
🚦 240155 (Young): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: N. 20th street and Fairmount avenue; Tioga street and Old York road, Westmoreland street and N. 13th street.
🚦 240156 (Young): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: N. 30th street and Master street; N. 29th street and Master street and Oxford street; Oxford and N. 30th street and N. 29th street; N. 15th street and Parrish street; Swain street and N. 17th street.
🚓 240158 (Driscoll): Amending Chapter 12-900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parking Regulations and Penalties," by providing for parking prohibitions for motor vehicles with sun screening devices, and for penalties and enforcement.
🏗️ 240159 (Bass): To amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Sedgwick Street, Ardleigh Street, Upsal Street, Belfield Avenue, and Sprague Street.
💸 240176-A (Johnson): Authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2024 from the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, and the Grants Revenue Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, to the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions and to the Aviation Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
💸 240177 (Johnson): Amending Bill No. 230145, entitled “An Ordinance To adopt a Fiscal 2024 Capital Budget,” by revising various appropriation amounts and totals.
💸 240178 (Johnson): Amending Bill No. 230144, entitled “An Ordinance To adopt a Capital Program for the Six Fiscal Years 2024-2029 Inclusive,” by revising various appropriation amounts and totals to conform to amendments to the FY2024 Capital Budget Ordinance.
🚦 240186 (Young): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Pacific street and N. Broad street; N. 13th street and Allegheny avenue; Marlborough street and Thompson street; N. 4th street and Master street.
🚦 240188 (Squilla): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Montrose street between S.7th street and S. 8th street; Montrose street between S. 9th street and S. 10th street; Montrose street between S. 10th street and S. 11th street; Beulah street between Montrose street and Carpenter street.
🚦240189 (Squilla): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: S. 12th street between Jackson street and Wolf Street; Emily street between S. 6th street and S. 5th street; Winton street between S. 5th street and S. 6th street; Mercy street between S. 5th street and S. 6th street; Sigel street between S. 5th street and S. 6th street; S 4th street between Mifflin street and McKean St; McKean street between S. 5th street and S. 6th street; Sigel street between S. 5th street and S. 4th street; S. 3rd street between Mifflin street and McKean street.
🚦240190 (Squilla): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Jackson street between S. 12th street and S. 13th Street; Snyder avenue between S. 13th street and Juniper street; Jackson street between S. 6th street and S. 7th street; Mercy street between S. 7th street and S. 8th street; Watkins street between S. 11th street and S. 12th street; S 7th street between Johnston street and Oregon Ave; Moyamensing avenue between S. 5th street and S. 6th street.
🚦 240212 (Gauthier): Establishing a parking regulation on Green street and N. 40th street; N. 41st street and Spring Garden street; N. 41st street and Powelton avenue; N. 32nd street and Haverford avenue; Brandywine street and N. 36th street.
🚦 240213 (Gauthier): Authorizing Rekhaben Patel, owner and operator of the newsstand at the northwest corner of 30th and Market Streets to construct, use, and maintain conduits in, under, and across the northwest corner of 30th and Market Streets for the purpose of supplying electrical service to said newsstand.
🚦 240214 (Gauthier): Establishing a parking regulation on Hazel avenue and S. 55th street; Cedar avenue and S. 51st street; Cedar avenue and S. 55th street; Hazel avenue and S. 46th street; Hazel avenue and S. 47th street; Hazel avenue and S. 48th street; St. Bernard street and Pine street; St. Bernard street and Spruce street.
🚦 240217 (Young): Title:Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Parrish street between N. 16th street and N. 17th street; Perkiomen street between Vineyard street and N. 19th street; Gratz street between Jefferson street and Harlan street; Cambridge street between N. 30th street to a dead end; Jefferson street between N. 18th street and N. 19th street; Newkirk street between Thompson street and Stiles street; Brown street between N. 16th street and N. 15th street; Seybert street between N. 24th street and N. 25th street. Flora street between N. 29th street and N. 30th street; Olive street between Shirley street and N. 19th street.
🚦 240218 (Young): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Watts street between Cambria street and Rush street; Camac street between Cambria street and Glenwood avenue; Cambria street between N. 13th street to N. 12th street; Silver street between N. 13th street and Broad street; Rush street between N. 12th street and N. 13th street; N. 12th street between Cambria street and Somerset street; Marvine street between Susquehanna avenue and Diamond street; Thompson street between N. 27th street and N. 28th street; Montgomery avenue between Uber street and N. 20th street; N. 19th street between Montgomery street and Berks street.
🚦 240219 (Young): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Bailey street between Poplar street and Parrish street; N. 20th street between Oxford street and Jefferson street; N. 27th street between Girard avenue and Thompson street; Folsom street between N. 18th street and N. 19th street; Uber street between Parrish street and Poplar street; N. 19th street between Master street and Jefferson street; Harold street between N. 22nd street and N. 23rd street.
📆 Upcoming City Council Public Hearings
(Click on the Committee listing to download the full agenda of bills and resolutions for the meeting.)
Friday, April 19th, 2024
Committee of the Whole, 10:00 AM - the Committee of the Whole will take testimony regarding the nine Mayoral appointments and re-appointments to the School District of Philadelphia Board of Education.
Friday, April 26th, 2024
Committee on Technology and Information Services, 10:00 AM - the committee will hold hearings examining data to most effectively implement place-based strategies and appropriate technologies to reduce violence through the targeted investment of resources, services, and environmental improvements.
Committees on the Environment and Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy, 3:00 PM - the committees will take testimony regarding the reliability and servicing of publicly accessible electric vehicle charging stations in the City of Philadelphia.
Monday, April 29th, 2024
Committee on Rules, 10:00 AM - the Committee will take testimony on seven (7) bills amending the Philadelphia Zoning Code.