City Hall Roll Call(s): March 2nd and March 9th, 2023
City Hall Roll Call(s): March 2nd and March 9th, 2023
Voters to Decide on Public Safety Director
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. 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.
Council Sends Public Safety Director to Voters
In today’s Council session, which teemed with flowers (both literally and figuratively), Council unanimously approved a proposed amendment to the Home Rule Charter which would create the position of “Chief Public Safety Director.”
Every Charter Change requires the passage of both a bill and a resolution by a 2/3 majority of Council (i.e., 12 members). The resolution sets forth the new proposed langue for the Charter amendment1, while the bill sets forth the question to appear on the ballot. When they step into the voting booth in May, voters will be asked,
Should The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to create the Office of the Chief Public Safety Director and to define its powers, duties and responsibilities?
In order for the new Charter language to be enacted, a simple majority of voters must answer yes.
As proposed by Council, the Chief Public Safety Director would be a cabinet level position, joining other positions like the Managing Director, Finance Director and City Solicitor. Unlike most other cabinet positions and Mayoral appointees, City Council would need to approve the Mayor’s choice for the role.
With an annual salary of $265,000, the Chief Public Safety Director would be charged with:
coordinating the deployment of recourses…within the departments of Police, Fire, Prisons, Parks and Recreation, Emergency Management, and all other relevant departments and agencies;
Provide agency leaders with guidance of operational policies and consult on the budgets of safety-related departments;
Prepare reports regarding public safety measures and undertake studies to determine the effectiveness of work programs;
Plan and implement security protocols for all City-owned facilities; and,
Establish and maintain cooperative relations with organizations interested in the maintenance of public safety.
Residents have become used to a myriad of Charter Changes greeting them at the polls. This measure is just the latest proposed by Council that would give it more influence into how the Mayor and his Administration operate. In recent years, Council and voters have given Council approval authority over Mayoral appointments to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and have approved the creation of the cabinet level position of Director of Planning and Development.
In public comment, one resident asked Council to reject the Charter Change. Marta Gutenberg testified in opposition to the proposal, citing the myriad of existing public safety agencies and calling the creation of this position “redundant.” She stated, “My fear is that the internal wrangling that stops Philadelphia at so many levels will be worsened with such a position.” She went on to note that “real peace and safety in our city” has been brought by the men and women working on the ground in their communities. She urged Council to reject the new expense of this office and instead give those resources to support the “real public safety that has emerged from individuals."
Notwithstanding Gutenberg’s urging, Council approved both the resolution and bill 14-0.
Council stands adjourned until Thursday, March 16th.
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 230169 - Authorizing and ratifying Council President Clarke’s appeal, on behalf of and as representative of City Council, of the decision of the Zoning Board of Adjustment with respect to 1451 North Broad Street. (Clarke - March 2nd)
🗺️ Land Disposition / Acquisition
Resolution 230161 - Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Housing Authority a deed conveying fee simple title to 800 W. Cumberland Street located in the Fifth Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia pursuant to Section 16-706 of The Philadelphia Code. (Clarke - March 2nd)
Resolution authorizing the disposition of land located in the 5th Councilmanic District. (Clarke - March 9th)
Resolution authorizing the transfer of land located in the 3rd Councilmanic District. (Gauthier - March 9th)
💼 Business Regulation
Bill 230152 - Amending Section 9-1132 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Cashless Retail Prohibition,” by providing an exemption for gym membership transactions. (Squilla - March 2nd)
🚦Streets
Bill 230153 - Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Morris street and S. 6th street; Fernon street and S. 6th street; S. 7th street and Wharton street; Latona street and S. 12th street; Ellsworth street and S. 12th street; Broad street and Dickinson street; Annin street and S. 7th street. (Squilla - March 2nd)
Bill 230154 - Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Passyunk avenue to Queen street; Queen street and S. 5th street; Washington avenue to S. Front street; League street and S. Front street. (Squilla - March 2nd)
Bill 230155 - Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Daly street and S. 8th street; Emily street and S. 6th street; McKean street and S. 6th street to S. 9th street; Mifflin street and S. 7th street; Warnock street and McKean street. (Squilla - March 2nd)
Bill 230151 - Establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides Port Royal Avenue between Henry Avenue and Old Line Road. (Jones - March 2nd)
Bill 230156 - Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Erie Avenue and Sydenham Street. (Bass - March 2nd)
Bill 230157 - Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Lawrence Street and Rockland; Lindley Avenue and N. 2nd street. (Bass - March 2nd)
Bill providing for further regulation of truck tractor parking. (Phillips - March 9th)
Bill establishing a no truck parking regulation in the 4th Councilmanic District. (Jones - March 9th)
Bill establishing a no truck parking regulation in the 4th Councilmanic District. (Jones - March 9th)
💸 Finance / Budget
Bill 230144 - To adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Years 2024-2029 inclusive. (Clarke - March 2nd)
Bill 230145 - To adopt a Fiscal 2024 Capital Budget. (Clarke - March 2nd)
Bill 230146 - Adopting the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2024. (Clarke - March 2nd)
Bill 230147 - Amending Chapter 19-1500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Wage and Net Profits Tax,” by revising certain tax rates. (Clarke - March 2nd)
Bill 230148 - Amending Chapter 19-2800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority Tax on Wages and Net Profits,” to provide for the continuation of the tax and to make other conforming changes. (Clarke - March 2nd)
Bill 230149 - Amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Business Income and Receipts Taxes,” by revising certain tax rates. (Clarke - March 2nd)
Bill 230150 - Authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2023 from the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, and the Grants Revenue Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, to the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, the Hotel Room Rental Tax Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions and the Grants Revenue Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions. (Clarke - March 2nd)
Resolution 230162 - Providing for the approval by the Council of the City of Philadelphia of a Revised Five Year Financial Plan for the City of Philadelphia covering Fiscal Years 2024 through 2028, and incorporating Revised changes with respect to Fiscal Year 2023, which is to be submitted by the Mayor to the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (the "Authority") pursuant to the Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement, authorized by an ordinance of this Council approved by the Mayor on January 3, 1992 (Bill No. 1563-A), by and between the City and the Authority. (Clarke - March 2nd)
Bill authorizing the increase in the CIty’s non-electoral debt limit and the sale of bonds. (Clarke - March 9th)
Bill providing for a discount for the early payment of real estate taxes. (Johnson - March 9th)
⚖️ Privileged Resolutions (Authorizing Hearings / Urging Action)
Resolution 230165 - Authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings regarding strategies to ignite business and job growth and to make Philadelphia a more economically competitive city. (Johnson - March 2nd)
Resolution authorizing the Committee on Housing to hold hearings on tangled titles and gentrification’s impact in Philadelphia neighborhoods. (Jones - March 9th)
Bills and Resolutions Introduced March 2nd and March 9th (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 230152 - Amending Section 9-1132 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Cashless Retail Prohibition,” by providing an exemption for gym membership transactions. (March 2nd)
Bill 230153 - Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Morris street and S. 6th street; Fernon street and S. 6th street; S. 7th street and Wharton street; Latona street and S. 12th street; Ellsworth street and S. 12th street; Broad street and Dickinson street; Annin street and S. 7th street. (March 2nd)
Bill 230154 - Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Passyunk avenue to Queen street; Queen street and S. 5th street; Washington avenue to S. Front street; League street and S. Front street. (March 2nd)
Bill 230155 - Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Daly street and S. 8th street; Emily street and S. 6th street; McKean street and S. 6th street to S. 9th street; Mifflin street and S. 7th street; Warnock street and McKean street. (March 2nd)
Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson (D-2nd)
Resolution 230165 - Authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings regarding strategies to ignite business and job growth and to make Philadelphia a more economically competitive city. (March 2nd)
Bill - Providing for a discount for the early payment of real estate taxes. (March 9th)
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (D-3rd)
Resolution - Authorizing the transfer of land located in the 3rd Councilmanic District. (March 9th)
Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. (D-4th)
Bill 230151 - Establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides Port Royal Avenue between Henry Avenue and Old Line Road. (March 2nd)
Bill - Establishing a no truck parking regulation in the 4th Councilmanic District (March 9th).
Bill - Establishing a no truck parking regulation in the 4th Councilmanic District (March 9th).
Resolution - Declaring March 18th Public Defender Day in the City of Philadelphia. (March 9th)
Resolution - Authorizing the Committee on Housing to hold hearings on tangled titles and gentrification’s impact in Philadelphia neighborhoods. (March 9th)
Council President Darrell Clarke (D-5th)
Bill 230144 - To adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Years 2024-2029 inclusive. (March 2nd)
Bill 230145 - To adopt a Fiscal 2024 Capital Budget. (March 2nd)
Bill 230146 - Adopting the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2024. (March 2nd)
Bill 230147 - Amending Chapter 19-1500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Wage and Net Profits Tax,” by revising certain tax rates. (March 2nd)
Bill 230148 - Amending Chapter 19-2800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority Tax on Wages and Net Profits,” to provide for the continuation of the tax and to make other conforming changes. (March 2nd)
Bill 230149 - Amending Chapter 19-2600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Business Income and Receipts Taxes,” by revising certain tax rates. (March 2nd)
Bill 230150 - Authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2023 from the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, and the Grants Revenue Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, to the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, the Hotel Room Rental Tax Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions and the Grants Revenue Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions. (March 2nd)
Resolution 230161 - Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Housing Authority a deed conveying fee simple title to 800 W. Cumberland Street located in the Fifth Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia pursuant to Section 16-706 of The Philadelphia Code. (March 2nd)
Resolution 230162 - Providing for the approval by the Council of the City of Philadelphia of a Revised Five Year Financial Plan for the City of Philadelphia covering Fiscal Years 2024 through 2028, and incorporating Revised changes with respect to Fiscal Year 2023, which is to be submitted by the Mayor to the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (the "Authority") pursuant to the Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement, authorized by an ordinance of this Council approved by the Mayor on January 3, 1992 (Bill No. 1563-A), by and between the City and the Authority. (March 2nd)
Resolution 230169 - Authorizing and ratifying Council President Clarke’s appeal, on behalf of and as representative of City Council, of the decision of the Zoning Board of Adjustment with respect to 1451 North Broad Street. (March 2nd)
Bill - Authorizing the increase in the CIty’s non-electoral debt limit and the sale of bonds. (March 9th)
Resolution - Authorizing the disposition of land located in the 5th Councilmanic District. (March 9th)
Councilmember Cindy Bass (D-8th)
Bill 230156 - Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Erie Avenue and Sydenham Street. (March 2nd)
Bill 230157 - Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Lawrence Street and Rockland; Lindley Avenue and N. 2nd street. (March 2nd)
Councilmember Anthony Phillips (D-9th)
Bill - Providing for further regulation of truck tractor parking. (March 9th)
Bills and Resolutions Passed by City Council at March 2nd and March 9th Sessions (Date of passage noted)
Resolutions:
📜 230115-A (Clarke): Proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to establish the Office of the Chief Public Safety Director of the City of Philadelphia; providing for the method of appointment of the Chief Public Safety Director.
🏆 230135 (Jones): Also naming North 41st Street between Parkside Avenue and South Concourse Drive as “Barbara Daniel Cox Way,” in honor of the late Barbara Daniel Cox, organizer of the Black Family Reunion. (March 2nd)
🏆 230136 (Jones): Also naming the 5900 Block of Media Street as “James Rice Way”, in honor of James Rice, the owner of Rice’s barbershop, which has served the Carroll Park neighborhood of Philadelphia since 1951. (March 2nd)
🗺️ 230138 (Johnson): Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 1728 Federal Street, 1213 S. Bonsall Street, 2114 Manton Street, 1303 S. 23rd Street & 1148 S. Cleveland Street. (March 2nd)
🏆 230138 (Gauthier):Renaming the 4900 block of Walnut Street “Paul L. Robeson Way” to honor the life and legacy of Paul Leroy Robeson, Esq., Actor Singer, Athlete, Lawyer, Author, Activist, Scholar, Linguist and American Hero. Recognizing and honoring Philadelphia’s Paul Leroy Robeson, on his 125th birthday and his exemplary service to the world with special acknowledgment of his leadership in civil rights, sports, and the arts. (March 2nd)
🏆 230158 (Gilmore-Richardson): Recognizing and supporting the accomplishments of women and girls throughout history on the occasion of Women’s History Month. (March 2nd)
🏆 230159 (Gilmore-Richardson): Honoring and Celebrating Representative Joanna E. McClinton, Esq. on her historic election as the first Black woman and first woman Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives (March 2nd)
🏆 230160 (Thomas): Honoring and congratulating Champions of the Week, the Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School’s Debate Team, on their success in the 48th University of Pennsylvania Debate Tournament. (March 2nd)
🗺️ 230161 (Clarke): Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Housing Authority a deed conveying fee simple title to 800 W. Cumberland Street located in the Fifth Councilmanic District. (March 9th)
🗣️ 230163 (Jones): Condemning the acts of vandalism that took place at the Masjidullah Center for Human Excellence on February 24, 2023, honoring the Officers of the 14th Police District for apprehending the suspect, and further declaring there shall be No Hate in our State. (March 2nd)
🏆 230164 (Johnson): Congratulating the Audenried High School Girls Basketball Team on winning the 2023 Public League Championship against Imhotep High School. (March 2nd)
⚖️ 230165 (Johnson): Authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings regarding strategies to ignite business and job growth and to make Philadelphia a more economically competitive city. (March 2nd)
🏆 230166 (Johnson): Honoring and recognizing broadcasting pioneer Patty Jackson for her induction to the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame and congratulating Ms. Jackson for breaking new ground as the first female radio personality to be inducted to the Walk. (March 2nd)
🏆 230167 (Johnson): Congratulating Shayla Smith, 15-year-old Audenried sophomore, for becoming the fastest girls' basketball player to score 1,000 points in Public League history. (March 2nd)
🏆 230168 (Johnson): Recognizing the work and contributions of lifelong nurse and labor organizer Patricia (Patty) Eakin, who built worker power for the benefit of Philadelphia nurses and patients and whose leadership and mentorship has inspired generations of activists and leaders in the City of Philadelphia. (March 2nd)
🏗️ 230169 (Clarke): Authorizing and ratifying Council President Clarke’s appeal, on behalf of and as representative of City Council, of the decision of the Zoning Board of Adjustment with respect to 1451 North Broad Street. (March 9th)
🏆 230170 (Bass): Honoring Myra Brown for being the first African American Female to be designated to the position of Board Chair of Women’s Way Organization, her exemplary work throughout the city of Philadelphia, and leadership among women. (March 2nd)
🏆 230171 (Bass): Honoring the Philadelphia Tennis Club for being the oldest Black-owned tennis club in the Country. (March 2nd)
🏆 230172 (Bass): Renaming the 4300 block of Broad Street to “Prince Hall Way” to recognize, honor, and celebrate the life and legacy of Prince Hall. (March 9th)
🏆 230173 (Bass): Honoring the Woodford Tennis Club for being the oldest Black tennis club in the state of Pennsylvania . (March 2nd)
🏆 230### (Gilmore-Richardson): Recognizing 3/5-3/11 as Women in Construction Week in Philadelphia. (March 9th)
🏆 230### (Thomas): Congratulating and honoring Champion of the Week, the Black Squirrel Real Estate Collective. (March 9th)
⚖️ 230### (Jones): Authorizing the Committee on Housing to hold hearings on tangled titles and gentrification’s impact in Philadelphia neighborhoods. (March 9th)
🏆 230### (Johnson): Honoring Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority on the occasion of its 92nd North Regional Conference being held in Philadelphia. (March 9th)
🏆 230### (Gauthier): Honoring the wonderful women of West and Southwest Philadelphia. (March 9th)
🏆 230### (Gauthier): Renaming the 400 Block of 60th Street in honor of Imam Asim Abdur Rashid. (March 9th)
🏆 230### (Bass): Honoring Gwendolyn Schell for her leadership and for being a pillar of the community. (March 9th)
Bills:
🏗️ 220244 (Oh): Amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Miscellaneous,” by adding a new Chapter 21-3300, entitled “Flag Raisings,” to establish uniform standards for flag raising ceremonies. (March 2nd)
😇 220736 (Jones): Amending Section 21-1203 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Appointments to Citizens Police Oversight Commission,” by revising prohibited activities for Commissioners. (March 2nd)
🔏 220810 (Clarke): Authorizing the Procurement Commissioner to enter into agreements to purchase electricity, natural gas and motor fuel for use by the City in City facilities and vehicles. (March 2nd)
💸 220941 (Jones): Approving a new plan, estimated costs and proposed method of charges of the City Avenue Special Services District for and concerning business improvements and administrative services to portions of the City Avenue area of the City of Phila. and Township of Lower Merion. (March 9th)
🏗️ 220973 (Bass): To amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 17th Street, Indiana Avenue, Broad Street, and Glenwood Avenue. (March 9th)
🏗️ 230001 (Clarke): Amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning,” by defining and clarifying certain definitions. (March 9th)
📜 230106 (Clarke): Providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia the proposal in a Resolution approved by City Council amending The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter by establishing the Office of the Chief Public Safety Director to be responsible for ensuring public safety by coordinating the resources (personnel and employment, property, plant and equipment) within the departments of Police, Prisons, Recreation, and all other relevant City agencies. (March 9th)
📆 Upcoming City Council Public Hearings
(Click on the Committee listing to download the full agenda of bills and resolutions for the meeting.)
Monday, March 13th
Committee on Children and Youth, 1:00 PM - Council will conduct hearings to examine the state of Philadelphia’s child welfare workforce.
Tuesday, March 14th
Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, 10:00 AM - Council will consider renaming and designating the property commonly referred to as the Hillside Recreation Center, located at 201 Fountain Street, as the "Lonnie Cohen Recreation Center” in the City of Philadelphia and a bill that would increase the limit of the amount of funding any entity may receive in any fiscal year from the Philadelphia Activities Fund.
Friday, March 17th
Committee on Streets and Services, 1:00 PM - Council will consider dozens of bills related to parking regulations, rights of way and street paving.
Monday, March 20th
Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities, 10:00 AM - Council will consider a bill authorizing the Procurement Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to enter into a concession agreement with Slice Wireless Solutions, Inc. for the operation, maintenance and expansion of a neutral-host radio, cellular and WiFi system and other wireless services.
Monday, March 27th
Committee on Rules, 10:00 AM - Council will consider two bills regarding the Roxborough and Northern Liberties neighborhood improvement districts and other legislation amending the zoning code.
The resolution setting forth the proposed Charter language was amended on the floor of Council. As of publishing, it is unclear what amendments to the original bill were made.