City Hall Roll Call: February 29th, 2024
Council Remembers Chief Clerk Mike Decker
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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:
Remembering Chief Clerk Mike Decker
Today’s City Council session was marked by a monumental absence - that of Chief Clerk Mike Decker, who passed away suddenly on February 20th. The role of Chief Clerk is one of the most critical roles in Council, overseeing Council’s Stated Meetings, maintaining the legislative record and managing the public notice requirements to conduct Council business.
Mike served as Chief Clerk since 2009, but was a vital resource in the Clerk’s office long before that. On my first day as a legislative aide back in 2008, it was Mike Decker that sat down with me to explain the legislative process. I learned most of what I know about Council procedure from Mike, who was always there to answer any tough questions or dig up long lost documents from the Council archives. His passing is a tremendous loss for his friends, family and the City of Philadelphia writ large.
Final services for Mike will be held tomorrow, Friday, March 1st at 11 AM at Holy Innocents Church (1337 E. Hunting Park Ave).
City Council President Kenyatta Johnson (D-2nd) announced that Liz McCollum will serve as interim Chief Clerk. Due to Mike’s sudden passing, Council cancelled last week’s stated meeting.
Council to Investigate Streeteries Red Tape
Councilmember Rue Landau (D-AL) introduced a resolution authorizing CIty Council to hold hearings to “investigate the efficiency, implementation and enhancement of the outdoor dining program and improve opportunities for restaurants to operate streeteries and sidewalk cafes.” In a press release issued by her office, Landau said:
As a city known for its culinary diversity and innovation, Philadelphia's outdoor dining scene has become an important part of our city. However, the transition from emergency COVID conditions to permanent outdoor dining regulations has posed significant challenges for many of our restaurants. Through this resolution, we want to revisit and consider improvements to our current policies, ensuring fair access to streeteries and sidewalk cafes for all restauranteurs. By holding hearings and collecting feedback from the community, we will work towards a more inclusive and thriving dining experience that helps both our small businesses and residents alike.
The Resolution noted that in contrast to the hundreds of temporary outdoor dining facilities that operated during the pandemic, “there are just now 13 active Streetery licenses, and only two restaurants have renewed their licenses for 2024 to date.”
A tweet by Civic_Grit shows the stark drop off in streeteries under the new regulations.
The current version of the bill was the result of heated debate between two former Councilmembers, Councilmember Allan Domb (D-AL) and former Council President Darrell Clarke (D-5th). The former wanted a city-wide, less administratively burdensome process for approving new streeteries, while Clarke wanted to restrict the locations of streeteries and provide for more stringent regulations. Clarke’s bill won out.
At the time of the original legislation, the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association (PRLA) warned of the potential impact on the city’s outdoor dining scene. A PRLA representative testified publicly today in support of the resolution, urging Council to examine the issue and improve the streetery system in advance of the influx of tourists the city is expected to receive during the 2026 Semiquincentennial, when the nation will celebrate its 250th birthday.
Explore Streetery Data
The map below, created by @aaronbauman, depicts the areas where by-right streeteries are permitted under the current passed legislation. The areas not highlighted need to seek City Council approval in order to take erect a streetery.
Click on the map to explore interactively.
Consumer Rights Protections
Landau also introduced a bill to create local consumer protections against “unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices.” The existing law, Pennsylvania’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, empowers the Attorney General and District Attorney to bring enforcement actions, as well as a private cause of action for individuals. The proposed ordinance is modeled on the state law, but would grant enforcement power to the Mayoral Administration. Under the proposed ordinance, the Law Department or other such agency designated by the Mayor, would be authorized to investigate allegations of unfair or deceptive business practices. Enforcement actions would be brought in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, with remedies ranging from injunctive relief, civil penalties, compensatory damages and restitution.
The legislation has the support of Mayor Cherelle Parker’s Administration, including City Solicitor Renee Garcia, whose office authored a fact sheet explaining how the proposed ordinance would be implemented.
Councilmember Landau explained the motivations behind the legislation, stating, “Our aim is ultimately to ensure that no one falls victim to predatory practices, and that every Philadelphian has confidence and security in the City’s commitment to protecting them from scams and fraud.”
Mayor Parker echoed this sentiment, noting, "This ordinance reaffirms my administration’s strong commitment to fostering a fairer and equitable business environment in Philadelphia, where consumers are respected and protected from exploitation and misleading promises and claims.”
The legislation will be referred to committee for a public hearing.
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
Resolution designating Jay Young as Council representative in appeal to 1451 N. Broad zoning decision. (Young)
🗺️ Land Acquisition / Disposition
Resolution authorizing Public Property to transfer land located in the 3rd Councilmanic District to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority.
💼 Business Regulation
Bill amending Title 9 (“Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions”) of The Philadelphia Code to add a new chapter concerning protections for consumers against unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices, and providing remedies. (Landau)
🚦Streets
Bill authorizing encroachments to install light poles on JFK Blvd. (Young)
Bill amending Philadelphia Codes Section 11-203 and 11-204 to impose penalties for failure to install complete and satisfactory replacement of permanent paving. (Harrity)
Bill authorizing encroachments in the form of a sidewalk cafe at 2401 E. Norris Street. (Squilla)
Bill authorizing Pat’s King of Steaks to vent in a right-of-way. (Squilla)
Bill authorizing Norris Street Holdings to maintain a streetery at 2401 E. Norris Street. (Squilla)
📛 Board / Commission Appointments
Resolution appointing the Chief Assessment Officer. (Johnson)
⚖️ Privileged Resolutions (Authorizing Hearings / Urging Action)
Resolution authorizing the creation of the Philadelphia Taskforce on Food Insecurity. (Johnson)
Resolution authorizing Philadelphia City Council to conduct hearings to investigate the efficiency, implementation, and enhancement of the outdoor dining program and improve opportunities for restaurants to operate streeteries and sidewalk cafes. (Landau)
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)
B: Authorizing encroachments in the form of a sidewalk cafe at 2401 E. Norris Street.
B: Authorizing Pat’s King of Steaks to vent in a right-of-way.
B: Authorizing Norris Street Holdings to maintain a streetery at 2401 E. Norris Street.
Council President Kenyatta Johnson (D-2nd)
R: Authorizing the creation of the Philadelphia Taskforce on Food Insecurity.
R: Appointing the Chief Assessment Officer.
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (D-3rd)
R: Authorizing Public Property to transfer land located in the 3rd Councilmanic District to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority.
Councilmember Jeffery Young (D-5th)
B: Authorizing encroachments to install light poles on JFK Blvd.
R: Designating Jay Young as Council representative in appeal to 1451 N. Broad zoning decision.
Councilmember Jim Harrity (D-AL)
B: Amending Philadelphia Codes Section 11-203 and 11-204 to impose penalties for failure to install complete and satisfactory replacement of permanent paving.
Councilmember Rue Landau (D-AL)
B: Amending Title 9 (“Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions”) of The Philadelphia Code to add a new chapter concerning protections for consumers against unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices, and providing remedies.
R: Authorizing Philadelphia City Council to conduct hearings to investigate the efficiency, implementation, and enhancement of the outdoor dining program and improve opportunities for restaurants to operate streeteries and sidewalk cafes.
Bills and Resolutions Passed by City Council at Today’s Session
Resolutions:
🗺️ 240103 (Gauthier): Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 18-20, 24-30, and 34-36 South 44th Street and 4422 and 4426-30 Ludlow Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
⚖️ 240107 (Johnson): Authorizing the creation of a Special Committee on City and Private Sector Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policies to examine the impact of such policies and to provide practical, evidence-based recommendations to enhance policy effectiveness in the promotion of minority, women and disabled-owned businesses in the City of Philadelphia.
⚖️ 240108 (Johnson): Authorizing the reconvening of the Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission and its Advisory Committee to conduct an updated comprehensive analysis of all taxes imposed in the City of Philadelphia, and to make recommendations concerning tax reforms that support the City’s economic growth and competitiveness.
🗣️ 240109 (Jones): Calling on the United States Congress to pass the bipartisan Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods (VICTIM) Act which will give law enforcement the support they need to investigate violent crime and increase the closure rate of homicide cases.
🗺️ 240111 (Lozada): Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2428 N. Orianna Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
🗺️ 240112 (Young): Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2464 N. Natrona Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
🏆 240### (Phillips): Recognizing March 2024 as colorectal cancer awareness month and promoting the public awareness of the risk of cancer.
🏆 240### (Johnson): Honoring Kenneth Lawrence, Jr. on his appointment as Board Chair of SEPTA and recognizing him for his dedication to improving transit service across the network.
🏆 240### (Johnson): Congratulating the Audenreid High Girls Basketball team for winning the 2024 public league championship.
🏆 240### (Johnson): Honoring the Defender Association of Philadelphia on the 90th Anniversary of the Association’s founding.
🏆 240### (Gauthier): Honoring Mr. Abdul Raheem Mohammed on the occassion of Black History Month for his contributions to his West Philadelphia community.
🏆 240### (Thomas): Honoring Educator of the Month Elaine Estes a Spanish teacher at Furness High School who recently participated in the US Olympic Trials.
🏆 240### (Thomas): Recognizing the life and legacy of Bobbe Joe Foster a community leader.
🏆 240### (Jones): Recognizing Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman, Ph.D. for her leadership as first female and first Black President and CEO of the Philadelphia Zoo.
🏆 240### (Landau): Recognizing and honoring Joy Parham-Thomas for her impactful contributions to a thriving Black food culture as a chef.
⚖️ 240### (Landau): Authorizing Philadelphia City Council to conduct hearings to investigate the efficiency, implementation, and enhancement of the outdoor dining program and improve opportunities for restaurants to operate streeteries and sidewalk cafes.
🏆 240### (Brooks): Honoring the work of Denise Ripley for her housing rights activism.
🏆 240### (Brooks): Honoring Prudence Powell for her powerful advocacy love for her community and her inspiring work to keep Philadelphia families whole.
🏆 240### (Brooks): Honoring the life and work Rochelle Nichols-Solomon for her work teaching and advocating for students in marginalized communities.
🏆 240### (Brooks): Honoring Stadium Stompers whose dedication to advocating for their North Philadelphia community and housing rights for all.
🏆 240### (Driscoll): Proclaiming March as Irish Heritage month in the City of Philadelphia and honoring the Saint Patrick’s Observance Day Association.
🏆 240### (Ahmad): Celebrating the life and legacy of trailblazing physician Dr. Edith Peterson Mitchell.
🏆 240### (O’Neill): Honoring and celebrating the life and legacy of former Chief Clerk Michael Andrew Decker our friend, colleague and dedicated public servant.
📆 Upcoming City Council Public Hearings
(Click on the Committee listing to download the full agenda of bills and resolutions for the meeting.)
Monday, March 4th
Committee on Legislative Oversight, 11:00 AM - the Committee will investigate the City’s progress on its carbon neutrality goals to meaningfully participate in the planet-wide effort to mitigate the effects of global warming.
Tuesday, March 5th
Committee on Streets and Services, 10:00 AM - the Committee will take testimony on six (6) streets bills related to the right of way.
Friday, March 8th
Committee on Public Health and Human Services, 10:00 AM - the Committee will examine proposed solutions to racial disparities in the maternal mortality rate in the City of Philadelphia,
Friday, March 8th
Committee of the Whole, 1:00 PM - the Committee will take testimony regarding various appointments, including Adam N. Geer as the Chief Public Safety Director, Renee Garcia, Esq., as the City Solicitor and various appointments to the various BIDs.