City Hall Roll Call: October 31st, 2024
Council schedules public hearings on 76ers Arena Proposal
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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:
At last week’s Council Stated Meeting, Councilmember Mark Squilla (D-1st) introduced a package of thirteen bills and resolutions necessary for the 76ers Center City arena proposal to be built. The bills were introduced one month after they were made publicly available, following a commitment by Councilmember Squilla to sunlight the legislation prior to introduction. Today, two of the procedural resolutions contained in the package were adopted by City Council after a lengthy public comment session dominated by opponents to the plan.
Before calling for a vote on the resolutions, Council President Kenyatta Johnson (D-2nd) explained that the resolutions were of a procedural nature, necessary to begin the formal consideration of the substance of the legislative package. Councilmember Isaiah Thomas (D-AL) moved for the adoption of the resolutions on behalf of Councilmember Squilla, who had been granted a leave of absence from today’s session. Councilmember Thomas echoed the Council President’s statement that the resolutions were procedural, and should not be interpreted as a final position on development proposal.
The 76ers proposal would require the amendment to a number of existing economic development districts in place to support the Gallery and Gallery II properties, including both a Neighborhood Improvement District and a Tax Increment Financing District. Those districts would need to be amended in order to remove the proposed development from the existing districts.
The Tax Increment Financing Act, “requires each affected municipality to designate a representative to meet with the authority proposing the tax increment district to discuss the proposed amendments to the project plan and the District boundaries, and to notify the authority of its designated representative.” Resolution No. 240999 designates the Mayor as the Act’s required designated represenative. The second resolution, Resolution No. 241000, would initiate action regarding the removal of the proposed area from the Neighborhood Improvement District, as required by the Community and Economic Improvement Act.
Both resolutions authorize the city to take the necessary procedural steps to consider amending the NID and TIF Districts. The proposed amendments to the Districts are contained in the other pieces of legislation introduced by Councilmember Squilla. The remainder substantive bills and resolutions will need to advance through Council’s full public hearing process. Those public hearings are scheduled to begin on November 12th, before the Committee of the Whole, which is made up of every member of Council.
Each of the aforementioned resolutions passed by a vote of 11-5, with nays from Councilmembers Jamie Gauthier (D-3rd) and Rue Landau (D-AL), both stating that they were ultimately “undecided” but concerned about the speed of the process. Councilmembers Jeffrey Young (D-5th), Kendra Brooks (I-AL) and Nicolas O’Rourke (I-AL) all voted “nay” without noting whether their votes were based on substantive issues, or procedural like their colleagues.
FOP Contract Proposal Hearing
The other noteworthy action taken today was Council’s authorization of hearings regarding the Administration’s contract proposal to the Fraternal Order of Police, as part of the collective bargaining process.
In 2020, City Council passed a law which provides that, “The City shall not send a proposal to the FOP to enter into…unless the Mayor has requested…and City Council has held, a public hearing addressing the Contract proposal, including but not limited to, the cost of the Contract proposal and any other terms or conditions set forth therein, at least thirty days before sending the proposal.”
Today, the Mayor requested and Council authorized the requisite hearing in advance of the Administration sending its contract proposal to the FOP.
Council has little authority or influence over contract negotiations, particularly with the city’s police force. Police and fire department contracts are governed by PA Act 111, which provides for collective bargaining and mandates a binding arbitration process when an agreement cannot be reached. Generally, the parties end up before a panel of three arbitrators behind closed doors. The arbitrators are not required to present public findings of fact and their decisions are not only not subject to appeal, but the municipalities have a legal obligation to fund the arbitrators’ award.
Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson (D-AL), sponsored Bill No. 200364 to inject transparency in the police contracting process, noting that in 2020, the police budget made up almost 15% of the city’s entire budget. The FOP sued to block the legislation, but was ultimately unsuccessful and the first hearing on an FOP contract proposal was held in November 2020, with the committee offering comments and suggested amendments to the Mayor’s proposal.
Between the FOP contract and the 76ers arena proposal hearings, Council will have a busy few weeks prior to its winter recess.
Council stands adjourned until Thursday, November 7th, 2024.
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
Bill authorizing Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Housing Authority 23,595 square feet of land located in the 3rd Councilmanic District. (Gauthier)
Bill authorizing Public Property to acquire interest in land along Schuylkill River. (Gauthier)
Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of properties located in the 7th Councilmanic District. (Lozada)
🔏Contract / Agreement Authorization
Bill authorizing Public Property to enter into a sublease agreement for use of space in 1 South Broad Street. (Squilla)
Bill authorizing Public Property to enter into lease agreement for space at2401 Walnut Street. (Johnson)
Bill authorizing Public Property to enter into lease agreement for space at 1930 S. Broad Street. (Johnson)
🚦Streets
Bill amending Bill No. 220180 (related to street striking on Civic Center Blvd.) by extending the period for compliance of conditions. (Gauthier)
Bill authorizing the installation of encroachments of property located in the 3rd Councilmanic District. (Gauthier)
Bill amending Philadelphia Code 12-2700, changing certain boundaries of permit parking districts. (Gauthier)
Bill amending Philadelphia Code 12-3400, providing for the use of speed cameras on State Route 13 and amending the internet website notice requirement. (Driscoll)
⚖️ Privileged Resolutions (Authorizing Hearings / Urging Action)
Resolution calling on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to establish the Oath of Public Healthcare Advocate within the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. (Brooks)
Resolution authorizing the Committee of the Whole to hold hearings in connection with the City’s contract proposal in anticipation of collective bargaining between the City and the Fraternal Order of Police.
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 Public Property to enter into a sublease agreement for use of space in 1 South Broad Street.
Council President Kenyatta Johnson (D-2nd)
Bill: Authorizing Public Property to enter into lease agreement for space at2401 Walnut Street.
Bill: Authorizing Public Property to enter into lease agreement for space at 1930 S. Broad Street.
Bill: Amending 19-201 to remove Citi Bank and Republic First from the authorized list of city depositories.
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (D-3rd)
Bill: Authorizing Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Housing Authority 23,595 square feet of land located in the 3rd Councilmanic District.
Bill: Amending Bill No. 220180 (related to street striking on Civic Center Blvd.) by extending the period for compliance of conditions.
Bill: Authorizing the installation of encroachments of property located in the 3rd Councilmanic District.
Bill: Amending Philadelphia Code 12-2700, changing certain boundaries of permit parking districts.
Bill: Authorizing Public Property to acquire interest in land along Schuylkill River.
Councilmember Mike Driscoll (D-6th)
Bill: Amending Philadelphia Code 12-3400, providing for the use of speed cameras on State Route 13 and amending the internet website notice requirement.
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (D-7th)
Resolution: Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of properties located in the 7th Councilmanic District.
Councilmember Kendra Brooks (I-AL)
Resolution: Calling on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to establish the Oath of Public Healthcare Advocate within the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.
Councilmember Katherine Gilmore-Richardson (D-AL)
Resolution: Authorizing the Committee of the Whole to hold hearings in connection with the City’s contract proposal in anticipation of collective bargaining between the City and the Fraternal Order of Police.
Bills and Resolutions Passed by City Council at Today’s Session
Resolutions:
🗣️ 240974 (Phillips): Calling on the Board of Trustees at Community College of Philadelphia for increased wages for all faculty and staff, including full-time faculty, part-time faculty, and classified staff.
🗺️ 240978 (Gauthier): Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 713 N. 35th Street, 719 S. 51st Street, 711 N. Preston Street, 713 N. Preston Street, 710 Wiota Street, 726 Wiota Street, 730 Wiota Street, 732 Wiota Street, 736 Wiota Street, 3518 Wallace Street, 5234 Walnut Street, 5039 Market Street, 5045 Market Street, 5047 Market Street, 4222 Powelton Street, and 1115 N. 41st Street 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.
🗺️ 240979 (Gauthier): Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 666 and 674 Union St; 3842, 3844, 3851, and 3855 Aspen St; 747 N 39th St; 3902, 3903, and 3906 Brown Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
🗺️ 240980 (Gauthier): Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 1118 N. 39th Street, 3864 Pennsgrove Street, and 4701 Sansom Street 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.
🗺️ 240981 (Johnson): Authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to 1532 S. Stillman Street, 1534 S. Stillman Street, 1536 S. Stillman Street, and 1730 Manton Street, located in the 2nd Councilmanic District, pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act.
🗺️ 240985 (Jones): Authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to 3148 N. 24th Street, 129 N. 58th Street, 134 N. 58th Street, and 2942 W. Wishart Street, located in the 4th Councilmanic District, pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act.
🗺️ 240990 (Young): Authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to 1517 W. Stiles Street and 1518 W. Stiles Street, located in the 5th Councilmanic District, pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act.
🗣️ 240992 (O’Rourke): Recognizing the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, calling on Congress to immediately pass sufficient funding for FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund, and reaffirming the City of Philadelphia's commitment to ensuring that its disaster preparedness measures meet the challenges posed by worsening climate disasters.
🗺️ 240993 (Driscoll): Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2201 E. Tioga Street located in the 6th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
🗺️ 240994 (Bass): Authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to 149 Apsley Street, 1520-1540 W. Venango Street, and 1600-1620 W. Venango Street, located in the 8th Councilmanic District.
🔏 240999 (Squilla): Agreeing to participate in the amended "Gallery At Market East Tax Increment Financing District," if it should be amended by the Council of the City of Philadelphia in accordance with the Tax Increment Financing Act of July 11, 1990, (P.L. 465, No. 113), as amended, in the Center City Redevelopment Area, in an area currently generally bounded by Filbert Street on the north, 8th Street on the east, 11th Street on the west, and Market Street on the south; and designating the Mayor or her designee as the City's representative for purposes of meeting with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, pursuant to Section 5(a)(2) of the Tax Increment Financing Act.
🔏 241000 (Squilla): Initiating action to approve the amendment of an existing neighborhood improvement district currently in the area generally bounded by, and including, 11th Street to the West, Filbert Street to the North, 8th Street to the East and Market Street to the South, with the exception of certain condominium units at 801 Market Street Condominium not included in the District, known as the Gallery Neighborhood Improvement District, to remove certain portions of such property generally bounded by Filbert Street on the North, 10th Street on the East, 11th Street on the West, and Market Street on the South from such District and authorizing and directing the Committee on Rules and the Chief Clerk of Council to take all actions that are required by the Community and Economic Improvement Act, prior to enactment of an ordinance that would formally amend the District.
🗣️ 240### (Gilmore-Richardson): Authorizing the Committee of the Whole to hold hearings in connection with the City’s contract proposal in anticipation of collective bargaining between the City and the Fraternal Order of Police.
🏆 240### (Jones): Honoring and recognizing the Domestic Violence Unit in the City of Philadelphia during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
🏆 240### (Brooks): Congratulating the Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity for the success of the overdose community canvassing program.
🏆 240### (O’Rourke): Honoring the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists for its 50th Anniversary.
Bills:
🏗️ 240656 (Johnson): Amending Section 14-303 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Common Procedures and Requirements,” to clarify provisions related to public hearings of the Zoning Board of Adjustment and make technical changes.
🏗️ 240661 (Jones): Amending Section 14-524 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “/FDO, Fourth District Overlay District,” to include certain areas of land within the Morris Park neighborhood.
🚦240613 (Squilla): Amending Chapter 12-1100 ("Miscellaneous Regulations and Penalties") and Chapter 12-2800 ("Administrative Adjudication of Parking Violations") of The Philadelphia Code, making revisions to disability parking space standards and procedures, creating an application process for residential disability parking spaces limited for use by a specific person with disability, creating a new administrative hearing process, and amending applicable penalties.
💼 240662 (Landau): Amending Chapter 9-6300 (“Consumer Protection Ordinance”) of The Philadelphia Code to clarify the statute of limitations and provide for retroactivity.
📆 Upcoming City Council Public Hearings
(Click on the Committee listing to download the full agenda of bills and resolutions for the meeting.)
Tuesday, November 12th
Committee of the Whole, 10AM - the Committee of the Whole will hold public hearings on the legislative package providing for the construction of the 76ers Arena Proposal.
Tuesday, November 26th
Committee of the Whole, 10AM - the Committee of the Whole will hold public hearings on the legislative package providing for the construction of the 76ers Arena Proposal.