City Hall Roll Call: December 1, 2022
City Council Passes Youth Curfew Law
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Due to a personal emergency, I was unable to publish the weekly stated meeting recap from November 21st. I’ve included a recap of legislative action taken at that session in this week’s newsletter.
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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. Also, don’t forget to tune in on Tuesday mornings at 10:25 a.m. to WURD Radio and Reality Check’s “City Council Calendar with Lauren Vidas.” Show host Charles Ellison and I preview the issues and break down the legislation that Council will tackle at its Thursday meeting.
Session Recap:
Shortly after returning to full strength with the election of four new members in the November Special Election, City Council found itself running a new deficit when it convened on Thursday. The latest vacancy was the result of the resignation of Councilmember Helen Gym (D-AL) on Tuesday. Gym, a long-rumored mayoral candidate, made it official in a press release and public campaign launch earlier this week. In a speech to supporters, Gym stated that she would declare a state of emergency as her first mayoral act. She also laid out a vision for a city with less poverty and more economic opportunity and livability for all residents.
Today also marked the first stated meeting for Council’s four new members: Sharon Vaughn (D-AL), James Harrity (D-AL), Quetcy Lozada (D-7th) and Anthony Phillips (D-9th). These members filled the seats left vacant by the resignations of Allan Domb, Derek Green, Maria Quiñones-Sánchez and Cherelle Parker in their quest for the Mayor’s office.
Most of the bills and resolutions introduced at today’s session were of an administrative or bureaucratic nature, with no broad policy proposals introduced. Council did vote on some substantive legislation including a curfew bill (Bill No. 220654A) sponsored by Councilmember Gilmore-Richardson (D-AL). The bill, which has undergone a series of floor amendments after ongoing conversations with advocates, would set a curfew for youth under the age of 18. The bill, if signed by the Mayor, would set a 10pm curfew for individuals aged 14 and older and a 9:30pm curfew for individuals under the age of 13. The bill contains a number of exceptions to the curfew, including for those working or on their way to or from work, or those out at the direction of a parent or guardian. The bill, which is being called a “temporary emergency measure” in light of the ongoing gun violence epidemic, passed 15-1. Councilmember David Oh (R-AL) was the lone no vote on the matter.
City Council also passed two mid-year budget transfer ordinances, one of which provides significant additional resources to the Philadelphia Arts community and Parks and Recreation in light of the City’s budget surplus. A number of individuals testified in support of the transfer ordinance during the public comment period, including representatives from Mural Arts, the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, Visit Philly and Parks and Recreation.
Council stands adjourned until Thursday, December 8th 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 zoning of land located near Parkside and 49th Street. (Jones)
🚦Streets
Bill authorizing paving of 34th Street. (Johnson)
Bill authorizing revision of lines and grades. (Johnson)
Bill authorizing revision of lines and grades. (Johnson)
Bill striking of right of way from City Plan. (Johnson)
Bill authorizing the paving of Frances Harper Drive. (Johnson)
Bill authorizing revision of lines and grades. (Johnson)
Bill authorizing revision of lines and grades. (Johnson)
Bill striking of right of way from City Plan. (Johnson)
Bill establishing a no truck parking regulation (Jones)
Resolution renaming a block in the 4th Councilmanic District. (Jones)
🔏 Contract / Agreement Authorization
Bill authorizing Commerce and Finance Directors to enter into multi-year agreements related to the parking garage project at Market East, the Gallery II Project. (Squilla)
Resolution, companion resolution related to the parking garage project at Market East, the Gallery II Project. (Squilla)
Resolution approving action of PIDC and PAID to sell a property in the Second Councilmanic District. (Johnson)
💸 Finance / Budget
Bill continuing the Roxborough Neighborhood Improvement District. (Jones)
Bill proposing new financial plan for the City Avenue Business Improvement District. (Jones)
Resolution Initiating Action to continue the Roxborough Neighborhood Improvement District. (Jones)
Resolution approving Neighborhood Preservation Initiative Budget. (Clarke)
⚖️ Privileged Resolutions (Authorizing Hearings / Urging Action)
Resolution authorizing the creation of Philadelphia Opioid Response Task Force. (Squilla)
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 - Authorizing Commerce and Finance Directors to enter into multi-year agreements related to the parking garage project at Market East, the Gallery II Project.
Resolution - Authorizing the creation of Philadelphia Opioid Response Task Force.
Resolution - Companion resolution related to the parking garage project at Market East, the Gallery II Project.
Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson (D-2nd)
Bill - Authorizing paving of 34th Street.
Bill - Authorizing revision of lines and grades.
Bill - Authorizing revision of lines and grades.
Bill - Striking of right of way from City Plan.
Bill - Authorizing the paving of Frances Harper Drive.
Bill - Authorizing revision of lines and grades.
Bill - Authorizing revision of lines and grades.
Bill - Striking of right of way from City Plan.
Resolution - Approving action of PIDC and PAID to sell a property in the Second Councilmanic District.
Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. (D-4th)
Bill - Establishing a no truck parking regulation
Bill - Continuing the Roxborough Neighborhood Improvement District.
Bill - Proposing new financial plan for the City Avenue Business Improvement District.
Bill - Amending zoning of land located near Parkside and 49th Street.
Resolution - Renaming a block in the 4th Councilmanic District.
Resolution - Iniatiting Action to continue the Roxborough Neighborhood Improvement District.
Council President Darrell Clarke (D-5th)
Resolution - Approving Neighborhood Preservation Initiative Budget.
Bills and Resolutions Passed by City Council at Today’s Session
Resolutions:
🗺️ 220929 (Clarke): Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 2252 Hope Street (AKA Rear of 2251 N. Howard Street) 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 Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.
🚦 220930 (Johnson) Resolution 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.
🔏 220931 (Johnson): Approving the redevelopment contract and the ground lease agreement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the South Central Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 614-626 South Thirteenth street (including 1306-1310 Kater street and 1309-1313 Bainbridge Street); and authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute the redevelopment contract and the ground lease agreement with 624 S. 13th Street L.L.C. and to take such action as may be necessary to effectuate the redevelopment contract and the ground lease agreement.
🗣️ 220932 (Driscoll): Unequivocally condemning the rise in antisemitism and all forms of hate in the City of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the United States of America, and across the globe.
🏆 220### (Gilmore-Richardson): Recognizing Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated on the celebration of its 103rd Founders Day.
🏆 220### (Gilmore-Richardson): Recognizing Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated on its 109th Founders Day.
🏆 2200### (Jones): Celebrating and congratulating Serena Quick on being chose to serve as the new operator for the 4040 City Ave Chik-Fil-A.
🏆 2200### (Johnson): Recognizing and thanking Wallo267 and Gilli King for their activism and community work.
🏆 220### (Bass): Declaring December 1st “World Aids Day.”
Bills:
🚓 220654-A (Gilmore Richardson): Amending Chapter 10-300, entitled “Minors,” to revise the evening curfew hours.
🚦 220737-A (Johnson): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: S. 17th street and Dickinson street; Ellsworth street and S. 20th street; Federal street and S. 15th street; Federal street and S. 20th street; Federal street and S. 21st street; Federal street and S. 22nd street; Federal street and S. 23rd street and Alter street.
🚦 220738-A (Johnson): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Fitzwater street and S. 18th street; Kater street and S. 19th street; Taney street and South street; S. 17th street and Fitzwater street; Cleveland street and Carpenter street.
🚦 220739-A (Johnson): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Titan street and S. 19th street; Oakford street and S. 21st street; Wharton street and Point Breeze avenue; S. 15th street and Wharton street; Reed Street and S. 18th street to S. 22th street; and S. 17th street and Reed street.
🚦 220740-A (Johnson): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Webster street and Broad street; S. 11th street and Bainbridge street; Kimball street and S. 11th street.
🏗️ 220776 (O'Neill): Amending 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.
🚦 220829-A (Clarke): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Columbia avenue and Frankford avenue; Belgrade street and Susquehanna avenue; Belgrade street and Palmer street; Howard street and Thompson street; Howard street and Girard avenue; Oxford street and Frankford avenue; Moyer street and Palmer street; Thompson street and N. 3rd street.
💸 220866 (Clarke): Amending Bill No. 220284, entitled “An Ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Years 2023-2028 inclusive,” by revising various appropriation amounts and totals to conform to amendments to the FY2023 Capital Budget Ordinance.
💸 220867 (Clarke): Amending Bill No. 220285, entitled “An Ordinance to adopt a Fiscal 2023 Capital Budget,” by revising various appropriation amounts and totals.
💸 220868 (Clarke): Authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2022 from the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, the Water Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, the Water Residual Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, the Grants Revenue Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, and the Aviation Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, to the General Fund to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, to the Water Fund to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, to the Water Residual Fund to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, and the Aviation Fund to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
💸 220869 (Clarke): Authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2023 from the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, the Water 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, the Water Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, the Aviation Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, and the Grants Revenue Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
Bills and Resolutions Passed by City Council at the November 21st Stated Meeting
Resolutions:
🏆 220924 (Gilmore-Richardson): Recognizing November 14 through November 20, 2022 as National Apprenticeship Week and honoring ApprenticeshipPHL for its continued commitment to connecting Philadelphians to family-supporting careers.
🏆 220925 (Gilmore-Richardson): Declaring each Friday in December 2022 as "Shop Black Business Friday" in the City of Philadelphia.
🏆 220926 (Gym): Honoring Patrick Eiding for twenty years of service as President of the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO, and recognizing his civic leadership and manifold accomplishments fighting for working families, building the power of Philadelphia workers, and winning labor rights and policies that meaningfully improve the lives of Philadelphians.
🏆 220927 (Gym): Supporting the Philadelphia Transit Plan, a bold vision for a city connected by transit that addresses both immediate needs and long-term solutions through transformational infrastructure investment and actionable policy, and embracing its dedication to increasing equity and enhancing quality of life by linking people with opportunity, catalyzing the economy, and sustaining the environment.
⚖️ 220928 (Thomas): Authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings to understand Pennsylvania Act 158's changes to state graduation requirements and their impact on Philadelphia students and to learn more about the School District of Philadelphia's plan to implement and support schools and students with these new requirements.
🏆 220933 (Oh): Celebrating, honoring and thanking our veterans on Veterans Day 2022.
Bills:
🚦 210745 (Johnson): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: S. 13th street and Oregon avenue.
🚦 210928 (Clarke): Amending Chapter 12-2900 of The Philadelphia Code ("Contractor Parking") to revise the requirements and limitations related to contractor parking permits.220383 (Johnson): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: S. 17th street and Carpenter street; S. 24th street and Christian street; League street and S. 23rd street; Carpenter street to S. 18th street; Naudain street to S. 21st street; Kimball street to S. 24th street; Webster street to S. 16th street; Montrose street to S. 18th street.
🏗️ 220418 (Johnson): Amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising and clarifying certain provisions and making technical changes.
🚦 220454 (O’Neill): Authorizing the vacating of Krewstown Road from Norwalk Road to its terminus southwestwardly therefrom.
🚦 220579 (Jones): Establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Woodbine Avenue between 76th Street and 77th Street.
🚦 220580 (Jones): Establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Columbia Avenue between 59th Street and 60th Street.
💸 220634 (Clarke): Establishing a neighborhood improvement district, to be known as the North Broad Business Improvement District ("District")...
🚦 220637 (O’Neill): Establishing a no truck parking regulation on Morrell Avenue.
220658-A (Clarke): To amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising certain provisions of Chapter 14-500, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," by creating the "/NBO, Nelson Brown People's Village Overlay District."
🏗️ 220661 (Clarke): To amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising certain provisions of Chapter 14-500, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," by creating the "/YOD, Yorktown Neighborhood Overlay District."
🏗️ 220662-A (Clarke): To amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising certain provisions of Chapter 14-500, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," by creating the "/NHO, Nehemiah Homes Overlay District."
🚦 220663 (Jones): Establishing no truck parking restrictions near various locations, including: recreation centers, libraries, parks, and schools in the 4th Council District.
🚦 220735 (Clarke): Authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 120 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Sharswood Street and Harlan Street, each from Twenty-Second Street to Twenty-Third Street; and reserving and placing on the City Plan rights-of-way for sewer and drainage purposes and gas main purposes…
🚦 220741 (O’Neill): Authorizing the plotting upon City Plan No. 388 of a right-of-way for various public utility purposes in the vicinity of the intersection of West Crown Avenue and Morrell Avenue.
🏗️ 220769 (Jones): Authorizing Animal Husbandry Use on a certain location within an area bounded by Reservoir Drive, Fountain Green Drive, Kelly Drive, Girard Avenue, and 33rd Street.
🚦 220771 (Johnson): Authorizing the striking from City Plan No. 45-S and abandonment of a certain right-of-way reserved for water main and gas main purposes extending from Seventeenth Street to Eighteenth Street, north of Hartranft Street.
🚦 220772 (Johnson): Authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 308 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Naudain Street from Fifteenth Street to its terminus eastwardly therefrom and striking from the City Plan and abandoning a right-of-way for drainage, water main, and gas main purposes which extends eastwardly from the said terminus of Naudain Street.
🚦 220773 (Jones): Establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of N. 75th Street between Brookhaven Road and Brentwood Road.
🚦 220774 (Jones): Regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Gorgas Lane between Ridge Avenue and Lawnton Street.
🚦 220777 (O’Neill): Establishing a no truck parking regulation on Pine Road from Bloomfield Avenue to Shady Lane.
🚦 220778 (O’Neill): Establishing a no truck parking regulation on Philmont Avenue from Byberry Road to Bustleton Avenue.
🚦 220811 (Jones): Authorizing the owner of 3542 Calumet Street, Philadelphia, PA 19129, to install, own, and maintain various encroachments at such property.
🚦 220812 (Jones): Establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Marlyn Road between Jefferson Street and Lebanon Avenue.
🚦 220830 (Clarke): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: N. 2nd street and Master street; N. 2nd street and Thompson street; Palethorp street and Girard avenue; Mascher street and Girard avenue; Eyre street and Belgrade street; Palmer street and Thompson street; Hancock street and Girard avenue; Lawrence street and Girard avenue.
🚦 220831 (Clarke): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Page street and N. 18th street; Monument street and N. 17th street; Diamond street and N. 17th street; N. 16th street and Cecil B. Moore avenue; Bouvier street and Cecil B. Moore avenue; Bouvier street and Montgomery avenue; N. 18th street and Cecil B. Moore avenue.
📆 Upcoming City Council Public Hearings
(Click on the Committee listing to download the full agenda of bills and resolutions for the meeting.)
Friday, December 2nd
Joint Committees on Streets & Services and Global Opportunities, 10:00 AM - the committees will take testimony on the City’s plan for EV charging.
Tuesday, December 6th
Committee on Rules, 10:00 AM - the Committee will take testimony on ten (10) bills related to zoning and land use.
Wednesday, December 7th
Committee on Streets, 10:00 AM - the Committee will take testimony on ten (10) bills related to parking regulations, encroachments and other matters within the purview of the Streets Department.
Special Committee on Gun Violence Prevention, 1:00 PM - the Committee will take testimony to “address Philadelphia's enduring plague of gun violence by facilitating coordination among stakeholders and formulating a comprehensive gun violence prevention strategy.”
Thursday, December 8th
Committee on Public Health and Human Services, 1:30 PM - the Committee will hold a hearing “regarding expanding Philadelphia’s mobile crisis response capacity to develop strategies and best practices for non-lethal de-escalation, crisis intervention, and restraint of individuals experiencing mental or emotional distress.”