Council members returned from a summer recess that included some much-needed rest and relaxation, as well as a fair amount of work on behalf of the citizens of Philadelphia.
Communications From the Mayor to the Council
June 14, 2024, Mayor Parker signed the following bills passed by Council at its session on June 6, 2024: Bill Numbers 240059 and 240330.
June 14, 2024, Mayor Parker signed the following Bills passed by Council at its session on June 13, 2024: Bill Numbers 240179 and 240330.
June 14, 2024, Mayor Parker signed the following Bills passed by Council at its session on June 13, 2024: Bill Numbers 240180, 240181, 240182, 240376, 240377, 240426, 240466, 240492, and 240494.
June 18, 2024, Mayor Parker signed the following Bill, passed by Council at its session on June 6, 2024: Bill Number 240472
June 26, 2024, Mayor Parker signed the following Bills passed by Council at its session on June 13, 2024: Bill Numbers 240371, 240372, 240373, 240374, 240375, 240378, 240380, 240417, 240429, 240433, 240467, 240470, and 240475.
June 26, 2024, Mayor Parker signed the following Bill passed by Council at its session on June 6, 2024: Bill Number 240370.
July 19, 2024, Mayor Parker signed the following Bills passed by Council at its session on June 13, 2024: Bill Numbers 240041, 240382, 240473, 240496, and 240497.
On August 12, 2024, Mayor Parker signed the following Bills passed by Council at its session on June 13, 2024: Bill Numbers 240414, 240468, 240474, 240476, and 240498.
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Mayor Parker is submitting for the consideration of Council the following proposed amendments to Ordinances:
Proposed Ordinance amending Section 14-33 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, all under certain terms and conditions.
Proposed Ordinace amending Chapter 9-1000 of the Philadelphia Code Entitled Trades by adding requirements and establishing certain limits related to electrical contractors, all under certain terms and conditions.
Proposed Ordinance amending Chapter 19-3200 of the Philadelphia Code Entitled Keystone Opportunity Zone Economic Development Area to provide for additional extensions of certain benefits, all under certain terms and conditions.
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Privilege Resolutions Honoring Three Olympians From the City of Philadelphia Winning Gold in the Paris Summer Olympics:
Preparatory Charter High School graduate Kalia Cooper for winning the gold medal in women’s basketball.
Philadelphia 76ers player Joel Embiid, the first player in the franchise to win a gold medal with Team USA
Drexel University alumni Justin Best–who mastered the art of rowing on the Schuylkill River at Boat House Row, winning gold as one of four on the United States Rowing Team.
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An Ordinance Introduced by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier amending Title 12 of the Philadelphia Code Entitled Traffic Code prohibiting stopping, standing, or parking a vehicle in a bicycle lane and increasing monetary penalties for illegal stopping, standing, and parking a vehicle in a bicycle lane all under certain terms and conditions. Bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
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Street Safety Resolution Introduced by Isaiah Thomas:
Street safety is a major component of resident’s quality of life in any major metropolis, and Philadelphia is no exception. Biking, walking, driving, and simply crossing the street can put one’s life in serious jeopardy. Picture standing on the sidewalk waiting for a bus and seeing a car or motorcycle barreling towards you at 35 mph, crossing the street, only to see a driver running a red light or turning the corner without signaling as you’re two feet away from the curb. These are all realities faced by travelers in Philadelphia.
This was evidenced by the number of people who showed up to voice their support for the Bill. It appears that vehicular fatalities have become far too common. Driving is a privilege, and in exercising that privilege, drivers should always exercise caution, respect the rules of the road, and, above all, be mindful that the vehicle they’re operating has the potential to become a weapon if not operated respectfully and responsibly.
The constituents of Philadelphia communities came forward with some very compelling, heart-wrenching testimony in support of this Bill. Ben Wilcox expressed his sentiments by saying, “I’m speaking to you on behalf of the families of victims of traffic fatalities who cannot be with us in Council today as we as a council felt it best to ensure that their testimony be read aloud.”
“My daughter Emily Claire Fredricks was 24 years old when she was killed on November 28, 2017, at the corner of 11th and Spruce Streets, as she was cycling to her job as a French pastry chef. Fredricks was struck by the driver of a private sanitation truck, who wasn’t held accountable,” read the testimony of Laura Fredricks, Co-founder of Safe Streets Greater Philadelphia and the mother of Emily.
Fredricks and her husband Rich have become advocates for Safe Streets since Emily’s death. “I’m calling on City Council to do their part and restore the Vision Zero funding to 2.5 million in the fiscal year 2025 with a plan to increase funding to 3 million in the fiscal year 2026,” said Fredricks.
There was quite a bit to unpack after such an eventful summer in our city. Please feel free to join City Council at its next session in Council Chambers at Philadelphia City Hall at 10 am on Thursday, September 12, 2024, or access a session at www.phlcouncil.com.
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