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:
Today’s City Council session was a more routine affair, with a few notable introductions by members today and the final approval for new ticketing technology aimed at improving SEPTA bus traffic flow.
As discussed in last week’s Roll Call, the legislation passed today by Council would authorize a camera-based enforcement system for parking, stopping and standing violations that interfere with mass transit. During a seventy-day trial this spring, SEPTA “used windshield-mounted video cameras to record 36,392 instances of illegally parked vehicles blocking Center City bus-only lanes and bus stops in West Philadelphia and Upper Darby.” A number of members from the public testified in support of the bill and urged that the coverage area be expanded from Center City to citywide.
SEPTA was also the subject of a number of speeches in Council today, with Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson (D-2nd) offering his condolences to the family of the SEPTA bus driver shot this morning. Johnson shared that he grew up in a family without a car, and relied heavily on the 2 and 17 bus lines to get him around the city. Johnson also noted that SEPTA was in the middle of contract negotiations with the Transit Workers Union and that Council would be speaking with SEPTA regarding the potential for a TWU strike to ensure the City of Philadelphia “is moving forward” and that the TWU workers “get a just contract.” Johnson also stressed the importance of making sure SEPTA employees and riders felt safe working and riding the system.
In terms of introductions, the most noteworthy was a Home Rule Charter change package introduced by Council President Darell Clarke (D-5th). The bill would amend the Charter to provide for the indemnification of Registered Community Organizations (RCO) by the City. The language of the proposal reads as follows:
The City shall defend and indemnify any registered community organization, as that term may be defined by ordinance, in connection with any claim brought against such an organization arising directly out of the organization’s lawful participation in City zoning or other land use process.
As part of the Philadelphia Zoning Code overhaul of 2011, the City codified the role of community groups in the zoning process. Developers seeking a variance from the Zoning Code are required to meet publicly with the RCO representing the area in which the project is built. The Zoning Board of Adjustment, which oversees variance requests, takes the RCO’s position under consideration before rending an opinion.
In recent years, fierce zoning battles have led to a rise in lawsusits. As explained by WHYY,
Neighborhood zoning meetings are often contentious and developers are sometimes subjected to withering scorn. Civic associations say that these kinds of fraught interactions with real estate actors can result in revenge-minded lawsuits, especially if a ZBA vote doesn’t go a developer’s way. The term Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) is meant to describe cases where powerful actors with resources sue simply to intimidate and immobilize smaller actors.
Under Clarke’s proposal, the City would be required to defend and indemnify any RCO against claims arising from the RCO’s participation in the zoning process. The bill further authorizes the Law Department to promulgate regulations that would establish indemnity limits and “other measures to protect the best interests of the City.”
The bill will be referred to the Committee on Law and Government, which considers all proposed Home Rule Charter Changes. If approved by a super-majority of Council, the proposal then would have to be approved by a majority of voters at the 2024 Primary election.
Council stands adjourned until Thursday, November 2nd, 2023 at 10:00 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 the zoning maps for land located at 23rd and Dickinson Streets in the 2nd Councilmanic District. (Johnson)
Bill changing the zoning maps for land located at Wharton and Newkirk streets. (Johnson)
Bill amending the zoning maps and 4th District Overlay for land located in the 4th Councilmanic District. (Jones)
🗺️ Land Disposition / Acquisition
Resolution authorizing Public Property to transfer land located in the 3rd Councilmanic District to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority. (Gauthier)
Resolution authorizing the Land Bank to dispose of property located in the 3rd Councilmanic District. (Gauthier)
Resolution authorizing the Land Bank to dispose of property located in the 3rd Councilmanic District. (Gauthier)
📜 Charter Change
Bill proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for indemnification and defense by the city against claims against Registered Community Organizations related to their participation in zoning matters under City law. (Clarke)
Resolution providing for an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for indemnification and defense by the city against claims against Registered Community Organizations related to their participation in zoning matters under City law. (Clarke)
💼 Business Regulation
Bill providing for greater protections for displaced contract workers. (Harrity)
🚦Streets
Bill authorizing utility use in Fairmount Park. (Jones)
Bill authorizing utility use in Fairmount Park. (Jones)
📛 Board / Commission Appointments
Resolution reappointing Matthew Stitt to the Philadelphia Energy Authority. (Clarke)
⚖️ Privileged Resolutions (Authorizing Hearings / Urging Action)
Resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Health to hold hearings to explore the impacts of pharmacy closures throughout the City. (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 Kenyatta Johnson (D-2nd)
B: Amending the zoning maps for land located at 23rd and Dickinson Streets in the 2nd Councilmanic District.
B: Changing the zoning maps for land located at Wharton and Newkirk streets.
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (D-3rd)
R: Authorizing Public Property to transfer land located in the 3rd Councilmanic District to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority.
R: Authorizing the Land Bank to dispose of property located in the 3rd Councilmanic District.
R: Authorizing the Land Bank to dispose of property located in the 3rd Councilmanic District.
Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. (D-4th)
B: Authorizing utility use in Fairmount Park.
B: Authorizing utility use in Fairmount Park.
B: Amending the zoning maps and 4th District Overlay for land located in the 4th Councilmanic District.
R: Reappointing Matthew Stitt to the Philadelphia Energy Authority.
R: Authorizing the Committee on Public Health to hold hearings to explore the impacts of pharmacy closures throughout the City.
Council President Darrell Clarke (D-5th)
B: Proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for indemnification and defense by the city against claims against Registered Community Organizations related to their participation in zoning matters under City law.
R: Providing for an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for indemnification and defense by the city against claims against Registered Community Organizations related to their participation in zoning matters under City law.
Councilmember Jim Harrity (D-AL)
B: Providing for greater protections for displaced contract workers.
Bills and Resolutions Passed by City Council at Today’s Session
Resolutions:
🗺️ 230723 (Clarke): Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3112 W. Dakota Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
🏆 230725 (Jones): Naming the 4200 Block of Houghton Street as “William “Speedy” Morris Way” to honor the legendary and impactful coaching of William “Speedy” Morris a lifelong resident of the Roxborough neighborhood of Philadelphia.
🏆 230728 (Brooks): Declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia.
🗺️ 230730 (Gauthier): Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1511-17 S. 55th Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
🗺️ 230731 (Gauthier): Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 5232 Chester Avenue, 5906 Market Street, 5908 Market Street, and 6025 Washington Avenue in the Third 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.
🗺️ 230732 (Squilla): Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 2106 E. Cumberland Street in the First 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.
🏆 230733 (Bass): Recognizing Governor Shapiro’s Executive Order to create a Behavioral Health Council in which state leaders, local governments, and community providers join forces to design and implement a statewide action plan with aim to address how to effectively deliver exceptional mental health and addiction care services.
🏆 230### (Phillips): Recognizing 10th Graders from Hill Friedman for being in an HBO Documentary.
🏆 230### (Gilmore-Richardson): Recognizing Elizabeth A. Murphy for her retirement from PECO.
🏆 230### (Thomas): Honoring Champion of the Week, Artists of Legacy Reclaimed, a 7th Ward Tribute.
🏆 230### (Jones): Celebrating the life of Robert Chris Goy, II.
🏆 230### (Brooks): Honoring Lori "Tree Queen" Mable Hayes on her retirement.
🏆 230### (Brooks): Honoring Uhuru Furniture for defending the rights of the African community and committing profits to economic development and self-determination efforts across the country.
🏆 230### (Harrity): Declaring October Clergy Appreciation Month in Philadelphia.
Bills:
🚦 230445 (Gauthier): Authorizing Brandywine Realty Trust to construct, own and maintain various right-of way encroachments at 3001-03 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, 3025 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, 3025-53 Market Street, and 3101 57 Market Street (Rear).
🚦 230486 (Squilla): Authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 308 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Addison Street from a point approximately eighty feet east of Fifth Street to its terminus further eastwardly therefrom and reserving and placing on the City Plan a right of way for sewer and drainage purposes within the portion of Addison Street being stricken and authorizing acceptance of the grant to the City of the said right of way.
🚦 230487 (Squilla): Amending Chapters 12-900 (“Parking Regulations and Penalties”) and 12-2800 (“Administrative Adjudication of Parking Violations”) of The Philadelphia Code to revise requirements, limitations, and fines with respect to angle parking.
🚦 230488 (Squilla): Authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 146 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Morse Street from Beach Street to Allen Street and Allen Street from Morse Street to its terminus northeastwardly therefrom.
🚦 230489 (Squilla): Adding a new Chapter 12-3600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Camera-Based Enforcement System For Parking, Stopping, and Standing Violations That Interfere With Mass Transit,” to decrease traffic congestion, improve traffic safety, and address the climate crisis within the City of Philadelphia.
🚦 230550 (Jones): Authorizing the installation of all-way stop signs at the intersection of 34th Street and West Allegheny Avenue.
🚦 230570 (Clarke): Amending Chapter 11-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Right of Way Management,” by amending Section 11-705, entitled “Construction”, by adding new provisions relating to notice and making other conforming amendments.
🚦 230572 (Clarke): Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 1216 N. 29th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121.
🚦 230573 (Clarke): Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 635 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19123.
🚦230577 (Gilmore Richardson): Granting permission to Wynnefield/Overbrook Eruv Association, in order to demarcate the boundaries of a Wynnefield/Overbrook eruv district, to construct and maintain a clear nylon cord and other ancillary facilities including a maximum of one hundred poles and forty five pieces of plexiglass along, over, and in certain public rights-of-way and City streets, and/or to attach such demarcation facilities to existing facilities owned by other entities authorized by other City ordinances, subject to such owner’s consent.
🚦 230580 (Squilla): Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 817 Christian Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147.
🚦 230581 (Squilla): Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 1524 S. 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147.
🚦 230582 (Squilla): Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 2301 East Albert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125.
🚦 230584 (Squilla): Amending Section 9-212 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Newsstands,” by modifying the list of products that may be sold from newsstands.
🚦 230621 (Jones): Establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides Nevada Street between North 51st Street and West Dauphin Street.
🚦 230622 (Gauthier): Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 4629-4631 Baltimore Avenue.
🚦 230623 (Gauthier): Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 701 S. 50th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19143.
🚦 230624 (Gauthier): Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 4430 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
🚦 230625 (Driscoll): Amending Section 9-208 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Sidewalk Cafes,” by permitting sidewalk cafes to be maintained in certain locations in the Sixth District of Council.
🚦 230676 (Jones): Amending Chapter 12-3000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Use Of An Automated Red Light Enforcement System To Prevent Red Light Violations,” by authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of Belmont Avenue, Ford Road & Overbrook Avenue.
🚦 230677 (Jones): Amending Chapter 12-3000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Use Of An Automated Red Light Enforcement System To Prevent Red Light Violations,” by authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of Kelly Drive & Falls Bridge.
🚦 230678 (Johnson): Amending Chapter 12-3000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Use Of An Automated Red Light Enforcement System To Prevent Red Light Violations,” by authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of 17th Street & Washington Avenue.
📆 Upcoming City Council Public Hearings
(Click on the Committee listing to download the full agenda of bills and resolutions for the meeting.)
Wednesday, November 1st
Committee on Public Safety, 10:00 AM - the committee will hear testimony regarding the escape of two inmates from the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center on the evening of May 7, 2023, and the persistent, systemic issues within the Philadelphia Department of Prisons that made such an escape possible.
Thursday, November 2nd
Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, 1:00 PM - the committee will hold a hearing to consider designating the property commonly referred to as the Charles Baker Recreation Center, located at 5433 Lansdowne Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as the “Charles Baker and Carol Baker Rice Recreation Center”.