City Hall Roll Call: April 20th, 2023
Council to investigate rise of Ghost Vehicles
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.
As both an honoree and Advisory Board Member, I wanted to invite you to join me in celebrating the City and State Pennsylvania 2023 Pride Power 100! The Pride Power 100 list will debut in a special May edition of City & State PA magazine recognizing and ranking the most influential figures in the LGBTQIA+ community in Pennsylvania.
Join us on June 1st , 2023 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM for an open bar and light nibbles at Cockatoo in Philadelphia as we acknowledge and celebrate these remarkable individuals. Highlighting the movers and shakers in the LQBTQIA community, City and State Pennsylvania is thrilled to spotlight best in the Keystone State with a power packed list of guest speakers and a formal list presentation.
By purchasing a ticket on Eventbrite, you can help our mission to support Covenant House to aid LGBTQIA youth facing homelessness, many of whom are victims of human trafficking. Even if you can’t make the event, please consider a donation to support the important work of Covenant House.
If you’re interested in sponsoring an ad for this edition, please contact advertising@cityandstatepa.com.
Session Recap:
After months of public back and forth between opponents and supporters, Mayor Jim Kenney (D) announced that the City would commission an independent study on the impact of the proposed 76ers arena at the Fashion District. While the subject of the arena has become a political football (or basketball in this case) in the Mayor’s race, the subject has not yet received the same heightened attention in Council chambers. That changed today when Councilmember Mike Driscoll (D-6th) introduced a resolution declaring May Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Philadelphia. Opponents of the arena seized on the opportunity, using the public comment period to blast the 76ers proposal. One speaker called it an “an existential threat to the ecosystem” of the Chinatown community. Council unanimously approved the AAPI Heritage Month resolution without offering any comment on the arena proposal.
Vehicle tag abuse has been on the rise here in Philadelphia, with individuals removing plates, making them unreadable with plastic covers and in some cases using fake paper tags known as “Ghost Tags” to skirt the law. Today, Council approved a resolution to hold hearings “examining the rise of paper tags to thwart criminal and safety measures that allow for the safe use of our city streets by all residents.” The resolution’s sponsor, Councilmember Isaiah Thomas (D-AL) said that critics of his Driving Equality legislation, which restricts Police from pulling cars over for certain administrative violations, were wrongly using the rise of ghost tags to attack that policy. Thomas stated that the hearing would provide clarity on the issue and identify strategies to combat the rise of ghost vehicles in order to keep our streets safe for all users.
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 approving a major amendment to the Saint Joseph’s University Master Plan regarding a proposed residence hall. (Jones)
Bill amending Section 14-502 of the Philadelphia Code to amend the South Street and Head House District Overlay area. (Squilla)
🗺️ Land Disposition / Acquisition
Resolution authorizing the Land Bank to dispose of property located in the 7th Councilmanic District. (Lozada)
Resolution authorizing the Land Bank to dispose of property located in the 7th Councilmanic District. (Lozada)
🚦Streets
Bill providing for no semi-truck parking on North 75th Street. (Jones)
Bill discontinuing no semi-truck parking on North 75th Street. (Jones)
Bill authorizing the installation of various encroachments 3139 Walnut Street. (Gauthier)
Bill amending Section 9-208 of the Philadelphia Code by permitting sidewalk cafes on various streets and locations throughout the Sixth Councilmanic District. (Driscoll)
🔏 Contract / Agreement Authorization
Resolution - Authorizing and ratifying Council President Clarke’s participation, on behalf of and as representative of City Council, in all proceedings relating to the decision of the Zoning Board of Adjustment with respect to 1600 East Berks Street. (Clarke)
Resolution approving agreements necessary for the City to host the FIFA World Cup in 2025. (Johnson)
⚖️ Privileged Resolutions (Authorizing Hearings / Urging Action)
Resolution authorizing the Committee on Streets and Services to hold hearings examining the rise of paper tags to thwart criminal and safety measures that allow for the safe use of our city streets by all residents. (Thomas)
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 Mark Squilla (D-1st)
Bill - Amending Section 14-502 of the Philadelphia Code to amend the South Street and Head House District Overlay area.
Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson (D-2nd)
Resolution - Approving agreements necessary for the City to host the FIFA World Cup in 2025.
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (D-3rd)
Bill - Authorizing the installation of various encroachments 3139 Walnut Street.
Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. (D-4th)
Bill - Approving a major amendment to the Saint Joseph’s University Master Plan regarding a proposed residence hall.
Bill - Providing for no semi-truck parking on North 75th Street.
Bill - Discontinuing no semi-truck parking on North 75th Street.
Council President Darrell Clarke (D-5th)
Resolution - Authorizing and ratifying Council President Clarke’s participation, on behalf of and as representative of City Council, in all proceedings relating to the decision of the Zoning Board of Adjustment with respect to 1600 East Berks Street.
Councilmember Mike Driscoll (D-6th)
Bill - Amending Section 9-208 of the Philadelphia Code by permitting sidewalk cafes on various streets and locations throughout the Sixth Councilmanic District.
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (D-7th)
Resolution: Authorizing the Land Bank to dispose of property located in the 7th Councilmanic District.
Resolution: Authorizing the Land Bank to dispose of property located in the 7th Councilmanic District.
Councilmember Isaiah Thomas (D-AL)
Resolution - Authorizing the Committee on Streets and Services to hold hearings examining the rise of paper tags to thwart criminal and safety measures that allow for the safe use of our city streets by all residents.
Bills and Resolutions Passed by City Council at Today’s Session
Resolutions:
📛 230282 (Clarke): Recognizing the appointment of Albert W. Newman to the Veterans Advisory Commission.
📛 230283 (Clarke): Appointing Councilmember Mike Driscoll to the Philadelphia Gas Commission.
🗺️ 203284 (Clarke): Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 1736 N. 22nd Street in the Fifth 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.
🗣️ 230285 (Jones): Calling on the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the Pennsylvania State Senate to pass HB776 prohibiting untraceable firearms and HB777 banning “ghost gun” parts.
🏆 230287 (Jones): Also naming 60th Street between Market Street and Arch Street as “E. Paul Sandidge Way”, in honor of E. Paul Sandidge, his 100th Birthday, and his more than 70 years of service to West Philadelphia.
🏆. 230288 (Johnson): Also naming the 2100 block of Federal Street “Claudia Smith Sherrod Way,” to honor the legacy of Claudia Sherrod.
🏆 230289 (Johnson): Also naming the 1500 block of Wharton street “James Mtume Way”, to honor the life and legacy of renowned musician, activist, and Philadelphia native James Mtume.
🗺️ 230292 (Gauthier): Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Housing Authority a deed conveying fee simple title to 1-49 Rudy Robinson Way in the Third Councilmanic District.
🏆 230### (Thomas): Congratulating the Champion of the Week, Diana Garcia, the principal of Willard Elementary in Kensington, for being the recipient of the 2023 Lindback Award for Distinguished Principal Leadership.
⚖️ 230### (Thomas): Authorizing the Committee on Streets and Services to hold hearings examining the rise of paper tags to thwart criminal and safety measures that allow for the safe use of our city streets by all residents.
🏆 230### (Jones): Honoring Dr. Kahlila Johnson, Principal of Overbrook High School, for receiving the 2023 Lindback Award for Distinguished Principals.
🏆 230### (Gauthier): Honoring and thanking Gweny Love Owens, on the occasion of Earth Day, for her work on environmental justice and sustainability.
🏆 230### (Driscoll): Proclaiming May 2023 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Philadelphia to pay tribute to the rich history and significant contributions made by generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our Country, Commonwealth, and City.
Bills:
🚦 230009-AA (O’Neill): Amending Chapter 12-2800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Administrative Adjudication of Parking Violations,” by further providing with respect to monetary penalties for on-street parking of semitrailers and truck tractors.
📆 Upcoming City Council Public Hearings
(Click on the Committee listing to download the full agenda of bills and resolutions for the meeting.)
Monday, April 24th
Committee on the Environment, 10:00 AM - the Committee will take testimony on Bill No. 230127 to revise the compensation for members of the Environmental Justice Advisory Commission.
Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless, 1:00 PM - the Committee will hear testimony on Bill No. 221017 - An Ordinance amending Chapter 7-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Preservation of Affordable Housing,” to modify certain requirements that must be met before a change in ownership, other disposition, or other change in property interest occurs with respect to certain affordable housing properties in Philadelphia; and, Bill No. 221018 to provide for a City directory of affordable housing subsidies and their duration.
Monday, May 1st
Committee on Finance, 10:00 AM - the Committee will hear three bills regarding the issuance of municipal bonds and other instruments of debt.
Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities, 1:00 PM - the Committee will 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.
📆 Budget Schedule (Updated: 3/20/2023)
uesday, April 25th
Morning Session (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Register of Wills
City Controller
City Commissioners
Afternoon Session (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM)
SEPTA
Water Department
Defender’s Association
Wednesday, April 26th
Morning Session (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Department Callbacks
Afternoon Session (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM)
Public Testimony
Tuesday, May 2nd
Morning Session (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM) / Afternoon Session (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM)
School District of Philadelphia
Community College of Philadelphia
Wednesday, May 3rd
Morning Session (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM) / Afternoon Session (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM)
Public Testimony - School District of Philadelphia