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:
With only three Council Stated Meetings remaining on its calendar, Council introduced a slew of bills for consideration before the end of its term in December. The vast majority of bills introduced today were at the request of the Kenney Administration, which is looking to wrap up a number of administrative loose ends prior to the Parker Administration taking the reins to the City on January 2nd.
On a somber note, Councilmember Isaiah Thomas (D-AL) asked for a moment to acknowledge the passing of Kevin Saint Clair, a former sixth grade teacher and coach at Masterman School. Saint Clair was struck and killed by two vehicles while riding his bike on Henry Avenue. Thomas also introduced a resolution authorizing the Committee on Streets to hold hearings “to investigate the rise in moving violations and traffic deaths since 2020, and explore solutions to create a safer Philadelphia for people walking, cycling and driving.”
Despite the City’s Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic deaths on Philadelphia streets by 2030, Philadelphia has the second highest traffic death rate when compared to its peer cities.
In the Vision Zero annual report, the City noted:
Fatal crashes in Philadelphia continue to exceed pre-pandemic levels. There were 124 lives lost in 2022. Increases in speeding and reckless driving account for a large portion of this post 2020 increase in fatal crashes. Speeding-related crashes now account for one in five fatal and serious injury crashes in Philadelphia. People outside of vehicles are especially at risk. Among fatal crashes in 2022, more people were killed while walking or rolling compared to any other mode of travel. This trend continues into 2023. These traffic deaths are not experienced equally across the city. Communities of color, and areas with higher rates of poverty, both have higher burdens of traffic violence.
In a floor speech, Thomas stated that the hearing would provide status updates on some of the citywide initiatives previously proposed to combat the increase in road injuries and deaths. The hearing will also identify areas where the City can do more to reduce road violence against pedestrians and cyclists.
Due to next week’s Thanksgiving holiday, Council stands adjourned until Thursday, November 30th 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 authorizing the development of a project area located near Callowhill St. (Clarke)
🗺️ Land Disposition / Acquisition
Bill authorizing the commissioner of Public Property acquire title of land from the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority. (Clarke)
Resolution authorizing the disposition of land located in the 7th Councilmanic District. (Lozada)
Resolution authorizing the transfer of land located in the 3rd Councilmanic District from Public Property to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority. (Gauthier)
🚓 Public Safety
Bill requiring certain reports from the Managing Director’s Office regarding the use of opioid reversal drugs. (Lozada)
Bill requiring certain reports from the Managing Director’s Office regarding camping activities being conducted in violation of the Philadelphia Code. (Lozada)
💼 Business Regulation
Bill designating businesses in the 6th Councilmanic District for sidewalk vending. (Driscoll)
🌳 Parks and Recreation
Bill renaming a park, Miller Parker Stars Negro League Park. (Jones)
🚦Streets
Bill authorizing the opening of a ten foot section of Vine Street. (Clarke)
Bill authorizing a sidewalk cafe in the 4th Councilmanic District. (Jones)
Bill establishing parking regulations in the 5th Councilmanic district. (Clarke)
Bill authorizing encroachments at 200 South Broad Street. (Johnson)
Bill establishing parking regulations in the area near 16th and Ellsworth Streets. (Johnson)
Bill establishing parking regulations in the area near 64th Street and Woodland. (Johnson)
Bill authorizing the Streets Department to install traffic calming measures near recreation centers. (Lozada)
Bill revising lines and grades of land located in the 3rd Councilmanic District. (Gauthier)
Bill authorizing a sidewalk cafe in the 3rd Councilmanic District. (Gauthier)
Bill revising lines and grades of land located in the 3rd Councilmanic District. (Gauthier)
Bill authorizing paving of streets located in the 3rd Councilmanic District. (Gauthier)
Bill repealing Bill No. 230486, authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of the City Plan. (Squilla)
Bill authorizing encroachments in the form of a staircase located at 1446 South 8th Street. (Squilla)
Bill authorizing a sidewalk cafe in the 1st Councilmanic District. (Squilla)
Bill authorizing a sidewalk cafe in the 1st Councilmanic District. (Squilla)
🔏 Contract / Agreement Authorization
Bill authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to enter into a sublease for the use of premises located at 1000 East Coleman Street. (Phillips)
Bill authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement for use of premises 1415 N. Broad Street. (Clarke)
Bill authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to enter into a sublease agreement for use of premises at 1628 JFK Blvd. (Clarke)
Bill authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to enter into a sublease agreement for use of premises at 216 N. Broad Street. (Clarke)
Bill authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement for use of premises at 1500 JFK Blvd. (Clarke)
Bill authorizing Parks and Recreation to enter into a commissary contract. (Jones)
Bill authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease for the premises located at 1930 South Broad Street. (Johnson)
Bill authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to enter into a sublease for the premises located at 1221 Bainbridge Street. (Johnson)
Bill authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease for premises located in the 7th Councilmanic District. (Lozada)
Bill authorizing Parks and Recreation to lease a portion of premises owned by the School District of Philadelphia. (Gauthier)
Bill authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement for the use of premises located at 6601 New State Road. (Driscoll)
Bill authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement for the use of premises located at 3150 Orthodox Street. (Driscoll)
Bill authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to modify certain easements and enter into an easement agreement regarding 12th and Noble. (Squilla)
Bill authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to enter into an amendment to a sublease for the use of the premises located at 1329 Chestnut Street. (Squilla)
Bill authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to enter into a sublease for the use of premises located at 1101 Market Street. (Squilla)
Bill authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement for the use of the premises located at 3724 N. Broad Street. (Bass)
⚖️ Privileged Resolutions (Authorizing Hearings / Urging Action)
Resolution authorizing the Committee on Streets and Services to hold hearings to investigate the rise in moving violations and traffic deaths since 2020, and explore solutions to create a safer Philadelphia for people walking, cycling and driving. (Thomas)
Resolution calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to pass legislation to provide for full resources at the Juvenile Justice Center and to recognize juvenile time spent in detention as time served. (Jones)
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 the commissioner of Public Property to modify certain easements and enter into an easement agreement regarding 12th and Noble.
B: Authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to enter into an amendment to a sublease for the use of the premises located at 1329 Chestnut Street.
B: Authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to enter into a sublease for the use of premises located at 1101 Market Street.
B: Repealing Bill No. 230486, authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of the City Plan.
B: Authorizing encroachments in the form of a staircase located at 1446 South 8th Street.
B: Authorizing a sidewalk cafe in the 1st Councilmanic District.
B: Authorizing a sidewalk cafe in the 1st Councilmanic District.
Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson (D-2nd)
B: Authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease for the premises located at 1930 South Broad Street.
B: Authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to enter into a sublease for the premises located at 1221 Bainbridge Street.
B: Authorizing encroachments at 200 South Broad Street.
B: Establishing parking regulations in the area near 16th and Ellsworth Streets.
B: Establishing parking regulations in the area near 64th Street and Woodland.
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (D-3rd)
B: Revising lines and grades of land located in the 3rd Councilmanic District.
B: Authorizing a sidewalk cafe in the 3rd Councilmanic District.
B: Revising lines and grades of land located in the 3rd Councilmanic District.
B: Authorizing Parks and Recreation to lease a portion of premises owned by the School District of Philadelphia.
B: Authorizing paving of streets located in the 3rd Councilmanic District.
R: Authorizing the transfer of land located in the 3rd Councilmanic District from Public Property to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority.
Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. (D-4th)
B: Authorizing a sidewalk cafe in the 4th Councilmanic District.
B: Authorizing Parks and Recreation to enter into a commissary contract.
B: Renaming a park, Miller Parker Stars Negro League Park.
R: Calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to pass legislation to provide for full resources at the Juvenile Justice Center and to recognize juvenile time spent in detention as time served.
Council President Darrell Clarke (D-5th)
B: Authorizing the opening of a ten foot section of Vine Street.
B: Authorizing the development of a project area located near Callowhill St.
B: Authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement for use of premises 1415 N. Broad Street.
B: Authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to enter into a sublease agreement for use of premises at 1628 JFK Blvd.
B: Authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to enter into a sublease agreement for use of premises at 216 N. Broad Street.
B: Authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement for use of premises at 1500 JFK Blvd.
B: Establishing parking regulations in the 5th Councilmanic district.
B: Authorizing the commissioner of Public Property acquire title of land from the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority.
Councilmember Mike Driscoll (D-6th)
B: Authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement for the use of premises located at 6601 New State Road.
B: Authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement for the use of premises located at 3150 Orthodox Street.
B: Designating businesses in the 6th Councilmanic District for sidewalk vending.
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (D-7th)
B: Authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease for premises located in the 7th Councilmanic District.
B: Authorizing the Streets Department to install traffic calming measures near recreation centers.
B: Requiring certain reports from the Managing Director’s Office regarding the use of opioid reversal drugs.
B: Requiring certain reports from the Managing Director’s Office regarding camping activities being conducted in violation of the Philadelphia Code.
R: Authorizing the disposition of land located in the 7th Councilmanic District.
Councilmember Cindy Bass (D-8th)
B: Authorizing the commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement for the use of the premises located at 3724 N. Broad Street.
Councilmember Anthony Phillips (D-9th)
B: Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a sublease for the use of premises located at 1000 East Coleman Street.
Councilmember Isaiah Thomas (D-AL)
R: Authorizing the Committee on Streets and Services to hold hearings to investigate the rise in moving violations and traffic deaths since 2020, and explore solutions to create a safer Philadelphia for people walking, cycling and driving.
Bills and Resolutions Passed by City Council at Today’s Session
Resolutions:
🏆 230786 (Thomas): Honoring and congratulating Marcus Morris on his trade to the Philadelphia 76ers, his hometown team.
🗺️ 230794 (Lozada): Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3358 Kensington Avenue located in the 7th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
🗺️ 230795 (Lozada): Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2045 N. 4th Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
🗺️ 230796 (Lozada): Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1909 N. Philip Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
🗺️ 230797 (Lozada): Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2550 N. Lee Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
🗺️ 230798 (Lozada): Authorizing the conveyance of ownership interest in and the assignment of the purchase and development agreement for 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 E. Somerset Street, and 3022 and 3026 N. American Street located in the Seventh Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-600 of The Philadelphia Code as it pertains to dispositions of surplus property under Chapter 16-400 and 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
🗺️ 230800 (Gauthier): Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 5232 Chester Avenue located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
🏆 230### (Gilmore-Richardson): Honoring and congratulating the American Institute of Architects, Philadelphia on its 150th Anniversary celebration.
⚖️ 230### (Thomas): Authorizing the Committee on Streets and Services to hold hearings to investigate the rise in moving violations and traffic deaths since 2020, and explore solutions to create a safer Philadelphia for people walking, cycling and driving.
🏆 230### (Thomas): Honoring and celebrating Champion of the Week, Saleh Khalifa a carpenter apprentice at Carpenter Apprentice’s Ready Program for his dedication and hard work advancing his carpentry skills.
🏆 230### (Jones): Honoring and celebrating the 110th Anniversary of the historic Falls of Schuylkill Library.
🏆 230### (Gauthier): Designating November 25, 2023 the “Day of Serenity” in the city of Philadelphia, providing communities disproportionately impacted by gun violence the opportunity to gather in peace and healing.
Bills:
🏗️ 230574-A (Clarke): Amending 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 “Brewerytown-Sharswood Overlay Subarea.”
💸 230654 (Clarke): Approving a Substantial Amendment to the Consolidated Plan 2022-2026 and Annual Action Plan 2022-2023 to add $163,204,000 in Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (“CDBG-DR”) funding.
📆 Upcoming City Council Public Hearings
(Click on the Committee listing to download the full agenda of bills and resolutions for the meeting.)
Monday, November 20th
Committee on Rules, 10:00 AM - the committee will take testimony on six (6) bills related to zoning and land use throughout the City of Philadelphia.
Tuesday, November 21st
Committee on Public Health and Human Services, 10:00 AM - the committee will hear testimony on three matters related to the transfer of tobacco retailer permits, the unlawful deportation of noncitizen patients by hospitals to the patients’ countries of origin without their consent and the effects of recent pharmacy closures and the impact this has on prescription access.
Committee on Commerce & Economic Development, 1:00 PM - the committee will hear a bill increasing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development’s term of existence to a date fifty years from the date of approval of Articles of Amendment by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Monday, November 27th
Committee on Public Safety, 1:00 PM - the committee will take testimony on a bill regarding hiring practices and the consideration of convictions that result in exoneration, a bill to add additional prohibitions on gambling devices, a bill creating penalties for trespassing in retail establishments and a resolution examining the use of vehicle immobilizing “window barnacles” as a form of predatory parking by private entities.
Tuesday, November 28th
Committee on Appropriations, 10:00 AM - the committee will hear testimony on four bills related to transfers in appropriations.
Thursday, November 30th
Committee on Education, 1:00 PM - the committee will consider legislation to establish provisions related to education and counseling for certain Philadelphia youth and their families who are considering licensing publicity rights and take testimony concerning the practice of “leveling” and its impact on students and teachers in the School District of Philadelphia, especially following the learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Monday, December 4th
Committee on Rules, 10:00 AM - the committee will take testimony on eleven bills related to proposed amendments to the zoning code.
Wednesday, December 6th
Committee on Licenses and Inspections, 10:00 AM - the committee will take testimony on a bill to require retail establishments to charge a fee for the provision of a bag to customers for removal of purchased items, and further defining what bags are prohibited at check out and a bill making additional additions, deletions and amendments to the City’s adoption of the 2018 edition of the “International Plumbing Code.”