Philadelphia City Council, March 08 2024
Today's session of the Council was the last before the Mayor's inaugural budget address. The Mayor’s budget address marks the beginning of the budget season and provides the Mayor the opportunity to share her priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.
Highlight of Introductions:
Councilmember Driscoll on behalf of Council President Johnson introduced an ordinance clarifying the responsibilities of the Department of Aviation, and eliminating provisions related to passenger charges.
Councilmember Driscoll also introduced an ordinance amending Chapter 12-900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parking Regulations and Penalties," by providing for parking prohibitions for motor vehicles with sun screening devices, and for penalties and enforcement.
Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson introduced a resolution recognizing March 3-9, 2024, during Women's History Month, as Women in Construction (WIC) Week in the City of Philadelphia.
Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson on behalf of Council President Johnson introduced a resolution urging the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to reverse its decision to place Cheyney University on probationary status and calling on the Commission to work collaboratively with the University's leadership to restore the historic HBCUs academic status.
Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson on behalf of Council President Johnson introduced a resolution honoring Super Bowl champion Jason Kelce on the occasion of his retirement from the National Football League, and recognizing Jason's historic career with the Philadelphia Eagles and his generous philanthropic contributions to the city of Philadelphia made through the Make The World Better Foundation and his (Be)Philly Foundation.
Councilmember Ahmad introduced a resolution authorizing the Committees on the Environment and Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy to hold joint hearings regarding the reliability and servicing of publicly accessible electric vehicle charging stations in the City of Philadelphia.
Highlight of Final Passage:
Resolution 240125: Authorizing the creation of the Philadelphia Taskforce on Food Insecurity.
The resolution was amended on the floor to increase the number of appointments to 25 members.
Bill 240007: Adding a new Chapter 21-3400 to the Home Rule Charter entitled “Youth Name, Image, and Likeness Protection,” to establish provisions related to education and counseling for certain Philadelphia youth and their families who are considering licensing publicity rights.
Upcoming Committee Hearings:
The Committee of the Whole will be meeting on Monday, March 11th at 1pm to hear testimony on Resolutions 240029, 240038, 240075, 240078, and 240079.
The Committee of Public Health & Human Services will be meeting on Tuesday, March 12th at 1pm to hear testimony on Bills 240015 and 240017.
The Committee on Rules will be meeting on Monday, March 25th at 10am to hear testimony on Bill 240012.
Tentatively Scheduled:
Commerce & Economic Development Committee; Wednesday, March 20th at 9am:
Bill 240087: Amending “Service and Other Businesses”, by adding a new section regulating the operation of establishments providing tax preparation services and providing for remedies, all under certain terms and conditions.
Bill 240019: Adopts an Amendment to Section V of the Articles of Incorporation of P.A.I.D. by increasing the Authority's term of existence to 50 years from the date of approval of Articles of Amendment by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Commerce & Economic Development Committee; Thursday, March 21st at 1pm:
Resolution 240047: Authorizes Council hearings regarding Act 135 (Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act of Pennsylvania).
Bill 240098: Amends "Economic Opportunity Plans," to define development projects and provides for additional requirements for EOP approval.
Commerce & Economic Development Committee; Monday, March 25th at 1pm:
Resolution 240031: Authorizes hearings on the City’s capacity to prepare individuals of all educational backgrounds for careers in the growing life sciences industry.