COUNCILMEMBERS AND STAFF REMEMBER THE LATE CHIEF CLERK MICHAEL DECKER
Philadelphia City Councilmembers and staffers remain saddened and stunned by the unexpected passing of our esteemed colleague, City Council Chief Clerk Michael Decker, earlier this week.
“His dedicated service spanning over 36 years in City Council has left an indelible mark on the city, and his sudden departure has left us all in shock and mourning,” City Council President Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District) said. “Michael was a diligent public servant and a cornerstone in City Council. His commitment and invaluable contributions to the efficient functioning of our legislative body will be remembered with gratitude and respect.”
Decker, 58, started with City Council in January 1988 and was elected Chief Clerk in September 2009 during the late Council President Anna Verna’s tenure. He succeeded former Chief Clerk Pat Rafferty after her retirement.
Council’s chief clerk is in charge of recording legislation, ensuring Council meetings follow legislative rules, and handling a variety of other administrative tasks.
Michael served as Chief Clerk under three Council Presidents—Verna, former Council President Darrell Clarke, and President Johnson until his untimely passing.
After consultation with the Philadelphia City Council Leadership Team, Council adjourned the Thursday, February 22 City Council session. Council plans to hold its next session on Thursday, February 29.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael’s family, friends, and colleagues. The Council family will forever cherish the memories of his unwavering dedication to the betterment of Philadelphia.
Details regarding memorial services and tributes will be shared as they become available. Please join us in keeping Michael’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate through this challenging period together.
CITY COUNCILMEMBERS AND PHILADELPHIA MAYOR CHERELLE PARKER RECALL FOND MEMORIES OF MICHAEL DECKER
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District) said she was shocked and saddened to learn to Decker’s passing.
Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson (At-Large) recalled learning from Decker starting as an intern in City Council and as a Councilmember.
At-Large Councilmember Rue Landau said she appreciated Decker’s “dedicated service to the City of Philadelphia.”
Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. (4th District), who has been in office since 2008, called Decker “the unofficial 18th member of the Council” in a Philadelphia Inquirer article.
“There was a confidence that came when Michael Decker made a decision,” Jones told the Inquirer. “…We loved him. He was family.”
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said she knew Decker going back to her days as a staff member for former Philadelphia City Councilmember Marian Tasco, who served as the Ninth District Councilmember from 1988 to 2016. Parker, who represented the Ninth District in Council from 2016 to 2022, said on X that she was “deeply sorrowed” by Decker’s passing.
COUNCIL’S PUBLIC SAFETY, EDUCATION AND LICENSES AND INSPECTIONS COMMITTEES VOTED OUT LEGISLATION THIS WEEK TO BE HEARD BY THE FULL COUNCIL IN THE COMING WEEKS
City Council is considering banning some businesses from having casino-style gaming kiosks in their stores.
Bill #240010 would prohibit businesses from having so-called “skill games” unless they have a casino license or a liquor license plus at least 30 seats for patrons to eat or drink. Violation of this law would be subject to a fine of $1,000 per device present at the business or other location. It was voted out of City Council’s Committee on Public Safety.
The goal of the proposed law would be to crack down on the skill games that are inside convenience stores and corner shops because they attract crime. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel testified in support of the legislation. Business owners testified that crime was in neighborhoods throughout the city before the machines were installed and they say the machines are key to their livelihoods.
Council’s Education Committee voted out of committee Bill #240007, which would add 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. The bill is sponsored by At-Large Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, Council’s Majority Whip.
The Education Committee also heard testimony from School District of Philadelphia (SDP) Superintendent Dr. Dr. Tony B. Watlington Sr. on Resolution #240028, which discussed the practice of “leveling” and its impact on students and teachers in the SDP, especially following the learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Every year, the SDP initiates a process called Enrollment-Driven Resource Review. This process, also called Leveling, uses real-time enrollment data to reassign teachers based on actual enrollment needs and changes District-wide.
Council’s Licenses and Inspections Committee voted out of committee Bill #240013, which would amend Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Service and Other Businesses,” by adding a new section regulating the hours of operation of certain establishments and providing for penalties within a section of Kensington bounded by East Lehigh Avenue, Kensington Avenue, D Street, E Tioga Street and Frankford Avenue. The businesses in this area would be closed between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily. The bill was sponsored by Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (7th District).
Bills #240007, #240010, #240013 are scheduled to have a first reading at the February 29 City Council session and possible final passage as soon as the March 7 Council session.
All committee hearings this week were the first in-person committee hearings Council hosted since March 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The next Meeting of City Council is scheduled to take place on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at 10 a.m. The Meeting will take place in person in Council’s Chambers on the 4th floor of Council. It will also air on Xfinity Ch. 64, Fios Channel 40, and stream at www.PHLCouncil.com/watch.
