City Hall Roll Call: June 16, 2022
Council Strikes Budget Deal with Mayor
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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:
After marathon negotiation sessions that lasted late into the night, City Council’s Committee of the Whole gave initial approval to the City’s operating budget, adjourning shortly before midnight last night. The FY2023 budget allows both the Administration and Council to walk away with important funding wins for their respective priorities. In the end, Council adopted a $5.8 billion budget, slightly $200 million greater than the spending originally proposed by Mayor James Kenney (D).
Revenue Side
The City’s recently announced property tax reassessments were the wildcard of this year’s budget. Initially, Mayor Kenney proposed a flat tax rate for businesses and individuals. However, after the Office of Property Tax Assessments publicly released the new reassessments, which include a 31% increase in assessed value, Mayor Kenney asked Council to put some of that additional revenue towards reducing the City’s wage and business taxes.
After significant pressure from businesses, many still digging out from the financial devastation wrought by the pandemic, Council approved a bill to reduce both the wage and net income portion of the Business Income and Receipts Tax. The resident wage tax will drop slightly from 3.8398% to 3.79%. Those workers commuting into Philadelphia will also see a minor reduction from 3.4481% to 3.44%. On the business side of things, the net income tax will fall from 6.2% to 5.99%. In a Council press release, Councilmember Allan Domb (D-AL) said, “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made to prioritize tax relief for our local businesses and residents at a time when Philadelphians and businesses are feeling financially squeezed from rising prices at every turn.”
While property owners will not see a reduction in their property tax millage rate, resident homeowners will see an increase in the value of their Homestead exemption. The Homestead exemption will increase from its current $45,000 amount to $80,000. This compromise is $15,000 more than the number proposed by the Mayor and $10,000 less than the amount allowed for by state law and originally championed by Council.
“We are approving property tax relief measures to mitigate the effects of the reassessments. We’re approving reductions in wage and business taxes – to provide badly-needed relief to small neighborhood businesses,” said City Council Majority Leader Cherelle Parker (D-9th).
Spending Side
On the spending side of the budget, Council and the Mayor agreed to increased funding and programmatic support for a number of initiatives, including an additional:
$15 million for rental assistance
$5.8 million to the Defender’s Association
$5 million for expansion of the Community Life Improvement Program
$5 million of the Philadelphia Police Department forensics lab
$5 million for traffic calming
$4 million for short dumping and abandoned vehicle removal
$2 million to extend recreation center hours to cover full weekends
A breakdown of the FY2023 budget amendments is provided below:
Full Roster
Today also marked the addition to Council of Councilmember Mike Driscoll (D-6th), who fills the vacancy left by the resignation of Councilmember Bobby Henon, following his conviction on federal corruption charges. Driscoll will serve out the remainder of Henon’s term, which runs until January 2024.
Council stands adjourned until Thursday, June 23rd at 10AM, its final session until after Labor Day.
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.
🗺️ Land Disposition / Acquisition
Resolution authorizing the transfer of land located in the 2nd Councilmanic District. (Johnson)
Resolution authorizing the transfer of land located in the 3rd Councilmanic District. (Gauthier)
Resolution authorizing the transfer of land in the 5th Councilmanic District. (Clarke)
🔏 Contract / Agreement Authorization
Resolution approving the redevelopment contract for land located in the 2nd Councilmanic District. (Johnson)
Resolution approving the redevelopment contract for land located in the 2nd Councilmanic District. (Johnson)
Resolution approving the redevelopment contract for land located in the 3rd Councilmanic District. (Gauthier)
Resolution approving an amendment to the redevelopment contract for land located in the 3rd Councilmanic District. (Gauthier)
Resolution approving the redevelopment contract for land located in the 5th Councilmanic District. (Clarke)
⚖️ Privileged Resolutions (Authorizing Hearings / Urging Action)
Resolution urging the Board of Revision of Taxes to adopt nunc pro tunc appeals. (Johnson)
Resolution urging US Congress to pass bipartisan agreement recently reached on gun reform. (Johnson)
Resolution calling on the City of Philadelphia to plan and host HBCU sporting events with the goal of establishing an annual “HBCU Classic” in Philadelphia. (Parker)
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 Kenyatta Johnson (D-2nd)
Resolution - Approving the redevelopment contract for land located in the 2nd Councilmanic District.
Resolution - Authorizing the transfer of land located in the 2nd Councilmanic District.
Resolution - Approving the redevelopment contract for land located in the 2nd Councilmanic District.
Resolution - Urging the Board of Revision of Taxes to adopt nunc pro tunc appeals.
Resolution - Urging US Congress to pass bipartisan agreement recently reached on gun reform.
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (D-3rd)
Resolution - Authorizing the transfer of land located in the 3rd Councilmanic District.
Resolution - Approving the redevelopment contract for land located in the 3rd Councilmanic District.
Resolution - Approving an amendment to the redevelopment contract for land located in the 3rd Councilmanic District.
Council President Darrell Clarke (D-5th)
Resolution - Authorizing the transfer of land in the 5th Councilmanic District.
Resolution - Approving the redevelopment contract for land located in the 5th Councilmanic District.
Councilmember Cherelle Parker (D-9th)
Resolution - Calling on the City of Philadelphia to plan and host HBCU sporting events with the goal of establishing an annual “HBCU Classic” in Philadelphia.
Bills and Resolutions Passed by City Council at Today’s Session
Resolutions:
🏆 220581 (Parker): Recognizing and congratulating Angela Val on being named the new President and CEO of VISIT PHILADELPHIA.
🗺️ 220582 (Clarke): Authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority convey to the Philadelphia Land Bank title to 2342 North Twenty-seventh street, 2344 North Twenty-seventh street, 2346 North Twenty-seventh street, and 2348 North Twenty-seventh street located in the Fifth Councilmanic District.
🗺️ 220583 (Clarke): Authorizing the transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying fee simple title to certain City-owned lots in the Fifth Councilmanic District.
🗺️ 220584 (Clarke): Authorizing the transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying fee simple title to certain City-owned lots in the Fifth Councilmanic District.
🏆 220585 (Gilmore-Richardson): Recognizing, honoring, and welcoming Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated on the occasion of its 2022 Grand Boule being held in the City of Philadelphia, July 18- July 24, 2022.
🏆 220586 (Gym): Honoring and recognizing Carol Tracy, Esq. for her profound achievements advancing the legal status of women and families through pathbreaking litigation and advocacy, as well as her transformational leadership in the movement for women’s rights in Philadelphia and across the nation.
🏆 220587 (Johnson): Resolution honoring Dann Cuellar, on the occasion of his retirement, for 34 years of excellence in broadcast and digital journalism at 6abc Action News on Philadelphia's WPVI-TV.
🏆 220589 (Johnson): Honoring the life and legacy of Philadelphia’s first Black television reporter, Trudy Haynes, for her work breaking barriers for Black women in the field of journalism.
🏆 220590 (Quiñones-Sánchez): Honoring Superintendent Dr. William Hite upon his departure from the Philadelphia School District and thanking him for his exemplary service to the students and citizens of Philadelphia over the past ten years.
🏆 220591 (Brooks): Recognizing June 15, 2022 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and further recognizing June 16, 2022, as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in the City of Philadelphia.
🏆 220593 (Domb): Honoring journalist, host, and co-executive producer Terry Gross and the Fresh Air team on their 2022 Peabody Institutional Award.
🏆 220594 (Gauthier): Honoring the life and legacy of trailblazing attorney Bernard Lee for his contributions to the practice of law, and his dedication to mentorship, family, and friends.
🏆 220596 (Squilla): Supporting the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semi quincentennial (AMERICA250PA).
🏆 220597 (Squilla): Naming South 13th Street, between Spruce and Locust Streets, as “Jeff Guaracino Way” for his lifelong commitment to Philadelphia and the surrounding counties.
🏆 220598 (Squilla): Supporting the Coordinating Entity of the United States Semiquincentennial in Philadelphia (PHILADELPHIA250).
🏆 220600 (Oh): Commemorating June 19, 2022 as Korean American Citizenship Day to Celebrate the First Naturalization of a Korean American in 1890.
Bills:
🏗️ 220008 (Squilla): Amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code,” to revise and add provisions relating to investigations concerning property adjacent to or adjoining certain construction activities and the provision of notice to owners and residents of such properties.
🚦 220188 (Gauthier): Authorizing the striking from City Plan No. 269 and abandonment of a portion of a certain right-of-way for drainage purposes and water main purposes in the vicinity of the northwesterly side of Civic Center Boulevard, northeast of Osler Circle.
🚦 220189 (Clarke): Amending Section 11-505 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Sidewalk Paving and Other Improvements by Property Owners,” to authorize the Streets Department to collect fees for costs incurred in reviewing plans for and constructing ADA-compliant sidewalks.
🏗️ 220221-A (Gym): Amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code…to revise definitions related to drinking fountains and water dispensers; and revising Section PM-502.6 of Subcode PM, entitled “Schools”, to add provisions related to drinking facilities in schools and requiring filtration systems; all under certain terms and conditions.
🚦 220243 (Oh): Adding new definition for third party administrators, and revising Section 10-718 to sanction third party administrators as enforcers of illegal dumping violations.
🚦 220245 (Oh): Regulating on-street parking of unpermitted semitrailers and truck tractors.
🚦 220246 (Oh): Adding new regulations for the towing and storage of illegally parked semitrailer and truck tractors.
🚦 220247 (Oh): Establishing monetary penalties for on-street parking of semitrailers and truck tractors.
🚦 220379 (Parker): Further defining short dumping and related violations and to revise penalties and remedies related to such offenses.
🚦 220380 (Parker): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Bingham street, and Comly street.
🚦 220381 (Parker): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Clearview street and N. Broad street.
🚦 220382 (Parker): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Lawrence street and Somerville avenue; Ashdale street and N. 2nd street; Fairhill street and Tabor road; Chew avenue and N. 5th street; Howard street and Fisher avenue; Tabor road and N. 5th street; Elkins street and N. 7th street; Somerville avenue and N. 4th street.
🏗️ 220384 (Squilla): Amending provisions relating to allowable time extensions on a construction permit.
🏗️ 220415 (Gym): Amending Section A-703.2 of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Special Certificate of Inspection,” to include satisfaction of certain plumbing facilities and fixture requirements as means of certifying compliance with certain water quality requirements for issuance of special certificates of inspection.
🚦 220420 (Gauthier): Amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Designation of Bicycle Lanes,” to authorize bicycle lanes on Lindbergh boulevard between 58th street and 65th street; and making associated changes to lanes of travel within the same limits.
⚖️ 220444 (Clarke): Amending Chapter 20-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Councilmanic Districts,” by revising the approximate population in each of the Councilmanic Districts to include state and county prisoner data.
🚦 220453 (Clarke): Authorizing a bicycle lane on West Market street from 20th street to 23rd street; and making associated changes to travel lanes and parking regulations.
🚦 220488 (Parker): Establishing no truck parking restrictions near various locations including: recreation centers, libraries, parks, and schools in the 9th Council District.
🚦 220489 (Parker): Amending Section 2 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 180560) approved July 10, 2018, entitled “An Ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 250 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portion of Montour Street from Adams Avenue to Foulkrod Street, under certain terms and conditions,” by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein.
🚦 220492 (Johnson): Authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 375 by placing on the City Plan a certain portion of Sixty-Seventh Street, previously stricken from the City Plan, extending southeastwardly from the present terminus of Sixty-Seventh Street, southeast of Essington Avenue, to connect with a presently disconnected portion of Sixty-Seventh Street which extends further southeastwardly to the Schuylkill River.
🚦 220494 (Johnson): Authorizing the striking from City Plan No. 97 and abandoning of a right-of-way for drainage purposes and water main purposes, in the vicinity of east of Broad Street and extending from Washington Avenue to Carpenter Street, and a right-of-way for gas main purposes, located in the vicinity of north of Washington Avenue and extending from Thirteenth Street westwardly to a terminus.
🚦 220495 (Johnson): Authorizing a bicycle lane on Grays Ferry avenue from 34th street to Washington avenue, and making associated changes to parking regulations within the same limits.
🏗️ 220500 (Quiñones-Sánchez): Authorizing an existing bulk front addition at 401 407 East Wyoming Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19120.
🚦 220501 (Quiñones-Sánchez): Delegating to the Philadelphia Streets Department the authority to regulate the direction of movement of traffic and establish parking restrictions on certain streets within the bounded area of Wyoming avenue to 9th street to Pike street to Rising Sun avenue.
🚦 220502 (Quiñones-Sánchez): Regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Gillingham street between Mulberry street and Tackawanna street.
🚦 220503 (Quiñones-Sánchez): Regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Meadow street between Paul street and Frankford avenue.
🚦 220505 (Quiñones-Sánchez): Authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of Front Street and Hunting Park Avenue.
🚦 220512 (Gauthier): Authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 246 by striking from the City Plan Fifty-First Street from Woodland Avenue to its terminus southeastwardly therefrom and reserving and placing on the City Plan a right-of-way for public utility purposes within a portion of said Fifty-First Street being stricken and authorizing acceptance of the grant to the City of the said right-of-way.
🚦 220513 (Gauthier): Authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 269 by relocating the curblines, reducing the cartway width, modifying the curb grades, and lowering the curb elevations of Osler Circle from Civic Center Boulevard to a terminus northwestwardly therefrom and from Curie Boulevard to a terminus southeastwardly therefrom.
🚦 220514(Gauthier): Establishing no truck parking regulations on 53rd street, both sides, between Whitby avenue and Broomall street; and on Whitby avenue, both sides, between 53rd street and 52nd street.
🚦 220515 (Gauthier): Amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Farmers’ Markets,” by adding a permissible location on Baltimore avenue, between 58th street and 59th street.
🚦 220516 (Gauthier): Establishing parking regulations on Saybrook avenue, from Melville street to 46th street.
🚦 220518 (Gauthier): Authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of 58th Street and Baltimore Avenue.
🚦 220519 (Gauthier): Authorizing the striking from City Plan No. 130 and vacating of an area for municipal purposes located at the intersection of the northeasterly side of Haverford Avenue and the westerly side of Wilton Street.
🚦 220520 (Gauthier): Authorizing the Streets Department to establish and revise limited time parking regulations in areas expressly provided for by special ordinances, to install parking meters in areas expressly provided for by special ordinances, by increasing charges for metered parking, and by increasing penalties for violation of Chapter 12-1000; and, further, specifically designating the Center City and University City areas for the purpose of authorizing the Streets Department to establish and revise limited time parking regulations, and to designate parking meter zones, and to specifically increase parking meter fees in these areas,” to revise the area constituting University City.
🚦 220523 (Squilla): Amending Section 12-903 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Stopping, Standing, or Parking Prohibited at Certain Times,” to provide for regulation of such activity along Washington Avenue in the City of Philadelphia.
🚦 220528 (Squilla): Authorizing the relocation of the curblines of Watts Street, from Pine Street to a point northwardly therefrom, on City Plan No. 308, and the plotting on said City Plan of an area for public pedestrian use extending along the westerly side of said Pine Street and authorizing acceptance of the grant to the City of the said area for public pedestrian use.
📆 Upcoming City Council Public Hearings
(Click on the Committee listing to download the full agenda of bills and resolutions for the meeting.)
Tuesday, June 21st
Committee on Children and Youth, 10:00 AM - the Committee will hear testimony on Bill No. 220239, “to add new provisions related to screening and application for benefits for foster youth; limiting the use of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Veterans or other various benefits; and providing notice to the foster child for certain actions taken with respect to Social Security and other benefits.”
Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, 1:00 PM - the Committee will hear testimony on Resolution No. 220474, “approving the Rebuild Project Statement for Fiscal Years 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 pursuant to Bill No. 170206.”
Wednesday, June 22nd
Joint Committees on Children and Youth & Finance, 10:00 AM - the Committees will hold a hearing “regarding the Philadelphia Parking Authority’s unorthodox and contested request for the School District to repay the Parking Authority nearly $11 million.”