Philadelphia City Council, October 12 2023
October 12, 2023
At today's meeting of the City Council, Councilmembers Johnson and Driscoll introduced a resolution condemning the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel and calling for a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Councilmember Gilmore Richardson also introduced a resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings 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. The Councilmember further stated that she was deeply disappointed in the School District of Philadelphia and that it is unacceptable post COVID that we continue to speak about equity and learning loss, when there is a disparity of resources in the classroom. She stated, "I call on the School District to do things differently...we only have one chance to get it right with our children...when are we gonna adequately ensure that our young people are educated properly to meet the demands of the 21st Century?"
Highlight of Introductions:
Majority Leader Jones introduced a bill on behalf of Council President Clarke to approve amendments to the Temple University Master Plan in the area bounded by Norris Street, Broad Street, Montgomery Avenue and 15th Street related to Klein College of Media and Communications and Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts building at 1830 N Broad Street.
Majority Leader Jones also introduced two additional bills:
Amending Chapter 9-5900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Prohibition on Certain Gambling Machines and Skills Games," to add additional prohibitions and provide for remedies; and
Amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses Trades and Professions," to add a new Chapter creating penalties for trespassing in retail establishments, all under certain terms and conditions.
Councilmember O'Neill introduced a bill on behalf of Council President Clarke authorizing the City Solicitor, on behalf of the City, to enter into a multi-year contract with a provider of codification, editing, and marketing services to produce printed and electronic versions of The Philadelphia Code and related services and material.
Majority Leader Jones introduced a resolution calling on the Administration to develop grant programs for businesses and restaurants suffering from retail theft and crime.
Councilmember Gauthier introduced a resolution designating Thursday, October 12, 2023 as 'Children's Environmental Health Day' in the City of Philadelphia, and recognizing the importance of clean air and water, safe food and consumer products, healthy environments and a stable climate to children's health and development.
Upcoming Hearings:
The Streets and Services Committee will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at 10:00 A.M., to hear testimony on Bill Nos. 230445, 230486, 230487, 230488, 230489, 230548, 230550, 230570, 230572, 230573, 230575, 230577, 230580, 230581, 230582, 230584, 230621, 230622, 230623, 230624, 230625, 230652, 230655, 230676, 230677, and 230678
The Children and Youth Committee will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at 1:00 P.M., to hear testimony on Resolution No. 230637.
The Whole Council Committee will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 10:00 A.M., to hear testimony on Bill No. 200253.
The Stated Meeting on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 10:00 A.M.
The Rules Committee will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, October 23, 2023, at 10:00 A.M., to hear testimony on Bill Nos. 230547, 230574, 230578, 230579, 230585, 230586, 230626, 230627, 230628, 230629, 230630, 230650, and 230651.
The Public Safety Committee will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 2:00 P.M., to hear testimony on Bill No. 230510 and Resolution No. 230640.
The Finance Committee will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 10:00 A.M., to hear testimony on Bill No. 230654.
The Environment Committee will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 1:00 P.M., to hear testimony on Resolution No. 230328.