Stated Meeting, June 6, 2024

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, June 6, 2024 10:10 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN CURTIS J. JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN RUE LANDAU COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY M. LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN NICOLAS O'ROURKE COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK F. SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR. ELIZABETH McCOLLUM NAZARIO, INTERIM CHIEF CLERK

Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)

Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)

And to my colleagues, good morning again. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. This Council is now coming to order as members will take their seats. Visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. We're asking for all conversations to cease and/or take outside the chambers. Before proceeding, I will ask all those present to please set your cell phones to silent or vibrate. Thank you. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes the is the Pastor and Head of Staff of Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church in South Philadelphia, 1st Councilmanic District. He is here today as the guest of Councilmember Squilla. I would ask all members to please rise as well as all guests. (Councilmembers, visitors and guests rise.)

Thank you. It is truly an honor to be here. I just want to say a quick word about the church I serve. We're on the corner of 4th and Pine. We were opened in 1768. We're still in our same building. And if you walk by our churchyard, you'll see a number of these little 13 star flags, over 200 of them. Those mark the graves of men who fought in the Revolutionary War. And I just a nice thing to acknowledge today because it's the 80th anniversary of D-Day, that what we're doing in this room, this democratic experiment, never happens perfectly but it was important enough to a lot of people to give their lives to. And certainly, the people in my church who fought believed that the government should belong to the people, not to a king and that's why they gave their lives. So it's an honor to be here. And I would love if we could join our hearts together in prayer. Lord, make us instruments of your justice. Where there is hatred, let us so love. Where there is harm, let us offer forgiveness. Where there is doubt, let us share faith. Where there is despair, let us share hope. Where there is darkness, let us share there is sadness, let us share joy. O God, who made all things and who makes all things new, grant us the gratitude for this gift of life that you've given us and give us the courage to see your goodness in every situation. In your name we pray, Amen. (Amen.)

The Chair thanks the Reverend for his invocation. Council will now be at ease. (Council at ease.)

The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 30, 2024. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. approval of the Journal.

Is there a second? (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 30, 2024 stand approved. All those in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is the request for leave of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Majority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.

the Chair thanks the Majority Leader. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks.

Good morning. On behalf of the Minority, there are no leaves of absence today.

The Chair thanks the Minority Leader. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's session of Council and that listed on a calendar circulated prior to today's session.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda for this session of Council and, as required by law, subsequently published on an amended agenda after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments to bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or re-called from the Mayor, amendments to bills re-called from the Mayor, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in this session, a motion to withdraw a bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar and a motion placing a resolution on or returning a bill or resolution from the Suspension Calendar that is not listed on today's Calendar. The purpose of this motion is to provide the public with notice concerning possible actions by Council that arose too late to be included on the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson may be added to the agenda for today should those matters arise during the course of this session of Council. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.

Hey, Council President. Just wanted to make mention that former Councilman Mariano was in the room, but he walked back out. So I tried.

Thank you very much. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, we welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate you taking the time to join us as we attend to the city. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time the Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass who will present a resolution recognizing and honoring the students of Imhotep Institute Charter School STEM Program for their dedication as change-makers ready to tackle humanity's most pressing challenges with determination and innovation. Would Shirley Posey, Director of the STEM program at Imhotep and those accompanying her please join the Councilmember at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.

I'm sorry. Again, Ricky came back in. So, Councilman Mariano.

(Inaudible).

Yeah, yeah, always a Councilman. (Applause.)

Joining Councilmember Bass is Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, Councilmember Jim Harrity. (Councilmembers and guests approach podium.)

Good morning, everyone.

Good morning.

Good morning. You know what, let's add some energy into the room for these young people from Imhotep Charter High School who are really doing some really extraordinary work. (Applause.)

They are doing extraordinary work not City of Philadelphia but around the globe, and we're going to talk about that really briefly. But I wanted to say that I went to visit Imhotep a few months ago and when I saw the STEM program that they had and the aquaponics -- listen, I learned a whole lot from everything that was done and was being built and manufactured right there onsite at the school, just amazing. It brought tears to my eyes because we hear so much about the negativity around our young people. When we talk about kids who are doing it, they're doing it. I mean, they are doing it. And so, we need to recognize them and applaud them and say, keep on keeping on. (Applause.)

It's going to be hard roads ahead. It's times ahead, but you are on the right path and we want to encourage you to keep doing what you're doing because you're making a difference not just here in the City of Philadelphia but really all across the world, all around the world. And so, I want to read to you parts of our citation and honoring and recognizing the students of Imhotep Institute Charter High School STEM Program for their dedication as changemakers, ready to tackle humanity's most pressing challenges with determination and innovation. And whereas, Imhotep's STEM program tackles real-world environmental issues, particularly those associated with climate change. Starting in Jackson, Mississippi where they design and produce water filters to address issues, they have also used advanced 3D printing technology to develop water filtration systems to provide local communities in need; and

Whereas, Imhotep's impact extended beyond the local boundaries, reaching international destinations such as Ghana. Here they embarked on an educational odyssey, imparting knowledge about water quality to over 3,000 students. This included hands-on water testing and the introduction of groundbreaking water filtration technology. Their scientific outreach expanded further as the Gullah Geechee community on Sapelo Island sought their expertise to tackle long-standing water quality concerns overlooked by the state of Georgia; and

Whereas, these STEM ambassadors transcend crisis management. They embody the principles of sustainable development and promote eco-friendly practices wherever they go, currently donating 3D printers to bolster their mission. In Southeast Georgia, they conducted a thorough analysis of water quality at a local education institution uncovering hazardous conditions that promoted health inspections and the revelation that the water supply was unfit for the consumption; and

Whereas, the students of Imhotep STEM program ingeniously repurposed plastic bottles from recycled bins as raw material for filament products, fueling their 3D printers to create additional water filtration systems and hydroponic up the city with Project Heshima and converting trash into STEM treasures of water filters, pros -that's one even bigger for me -and hydroponics. In Project NIA, they have established the first hydrotech farm in Philadelphia to provide a solution for food deserts. Yeah, man. The project has provided 2.5 acres of non-GMO pesticide-free premium crop to the community and has expanded to the community's fridge. Their story emphasizes the innovation and commitment in the face of environmental and social challenges.

Now, therefore, be it Resolved, that Philadelphia City Council hereby recognizes and honors the students at Imhotep Charter High School STEM program. These young catalysts to the power of STEM, offering tangible solutions to urgent challenges with local and global implications. Let's give them a round of applause. (Applause.)

And I did want to highlight their recent trip to Ghana stands as a testament to their commitment. During their time in Ghana, the students and faculty of Imhotep Charter High School had a remarkable impact with their clean water initiative where they provided access to clean water for over 1200 Ghanaians, significantly enhancing the quality of life and health in several communities and their STEM empowerment program where they empowered over 500 Ghanaian students with the knowledge and skills of STEM, focusing on thinking, and this is the future and we're so proud. Thank you. (Applause.)

The Chair recognizes Shirley Posey.

Good morning. (Good morning.)

Or as we like to say at Imhotep Institute Charter High School, hotep, which means peace. So we're going to try this again. When we say hotep, you all say shemhotep. So hotep. (Shemhotep.)

All right. Thank you. So we would like to thank and give recognition to the Mayor, to Kenyatta Johnson, Councilwoman Cindy Bass and her office and to all the esteemed members of the Council today. On behalf of our CEO Baba Andre Noble, and the entire staff, family and the STEM Ambassadors, we would like to thank you for this prestigious honor. When we talk about climate change, there's something that transcends, a common threat that transcends past national borders and that's climate change. Now, the Mayor, we heard her speak yesterday and she talked about two types of people. One type of -one group of people, they articulate very well the problems and another group of people who articulate but also are creative geniuses that look for solutions and incorporate solutions. Well, at Imhotep we have solution providers. We have cultivated a group of young people that are making a real impact in the world. When we went to Ghana this year, not only did we go and but we united two communities, here in Philadelphia and in Ghana, whereas trash is a very big problem here, but with our resources and our intellect our STEM Ambassadors were able to collect this plastic waste, use an engineering machine that we have, convert it into monofilament, use that monofilament in a 3D printer to create water filters that cleaned and saved lives. So when we went there -last year we went, arrived and we had to take a canoe. But because of climate change, we had to walk the entire way because all of their water had dried up. I want you to picture that. Not only that, when we went there the STEM Ambassadors because we conduct studies as scientists, we walked to their drinking source which was a mile away and the water that they were foam. Through their innovation in a matter of 30 minutes, they were able to take water that looked like this and that tested positive for E. coli Clostridium and were able to provide them with clean water. (Applause.)

The children literally were fighting over the water because they said it tastes sweet. Not only that, we were trying to offer them candy or treats. They said, no, no, no, we want water. Not only that, we took the 3D-printed material and made a prosthetic limb for a villager, being able to see these STEM Ambassadors give somebody the ability to walk through something that is considered trash and through their innovation. So not only is our STEM program at Imhotep transformational, and just as Councilwoman Cindy Bass talked about how our city has a negative light, right, from the homicide cases, right, just like this phone, this is the dirty drinking water and the contamination our city gets, but we have a light of clean water, right. We have a light of these STEM Ambassadors that are changing the narrative of the City of Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you. Council will be at ease. One second. I missed something in my notes. One of our young people from Imhotep just had a few remarks at the podium. It's always about the young people, y'all.

Hotep, family. (Shemhotep.)

My name is senior from the graduating class of 2024 and I wanted to talk to you a little bit about our STEM program. Our STEM program is not simply an afterschool program or an extracurricular, but it's a tool, it's a constellation of resources that our young people use to solve real-world problems in our community. Through our STEM initiatives and our code of ethics, we're able to transform extraordinary students to trailblazers and global changers, people who actually change the world. At Imhotep we have a saying, it's called, Tep is the standard. And I'm not saying that just to say it. I say it because it really is. Tep is a standard because we go to places like Jackson, in their water crisis and the things that they go through. Tep is a standard because we go to places like Savannah, Georgia and we get the Public Health Department to shut down schools that are deemed unsafe for the school to be consuming the water and things of that nature. But most importantly, tep is the standard because we answer every call to action and we assist our communities when they need it most, and we just believe that that's the best thing to do, the right thing to do. So if you ever need help in the City of Philadelphia or anywhere globally, you know where to call, Tep.

Good job.

Oh, wow.

real quick, you know. You can sign him up. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones.

Thank you so much, Mr. President. With all this positivity of young people, I'm inspired. But I want to welcome to chambers Ms. Philadelphia, Tynecia Wilson, from a place called Simpson Street. And for those of you who don't know, a lot has happened on Simpson Street. It's my ground zero in the 4th District, but she has managed to rise above that street and represent Philadelphia as our Ms. America. Can you stand and be welcomed by Council? (Applause.)

Thank you, Mr. President.

You're welcome. Congratulations. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Will the Chief Clerk please read the messages from the Mayor and any other communication in her possession.

To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on June 5, 2024, I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on May 23, 2024: Bill Nos. 240012-A, 240118, 240119, 240183, 240184, 240191, 240221, 240239, 240240, 240243, 240250, 240282, 240301, 240302, 240329, 240331, 240334 and 240335. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your Honorable body a draft of a resolution, entitled, Confirming the appointment of Tumor Alexander as Regional Trustee for the City of Philadelphia in connection with the Pennsylvania Opioid Misuse and Addiction Abatement Trust. There are no other communications in my possession, Council President.

Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips.

Good morning, Council President. Good morning, Philadelphia. It's a great day to be alive. There's no bills or resolutions for introduction today.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kathy Gilmore Richardson.

Good morning, Council President. Today I offer two resolutions on your behalf.

Thank you very much. Will the Clerk please read the titles of the resolutions.

A non-privileged resolution confirming the appointment of Tumar Alexander as Regional Trustee for the City of Philadelphia in connection with the Pennsylvania Opioid Misuse and Addiction Abatement Trust.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.

And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Council President to initiate appeals by the City Council of Decisions of the Zoning Board of Adjustment in certain circumstances and to retain legal counsel in connection with such appeals.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration in the next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.

Today I offer one bill, one non-privileged resolution and one privileged resolution.

Thank you. Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bill and the resolutions.

An ordinance authorizing 5217 Whitby Mt. Moriah, LLC or subsequent owner to install, own and maintain an encroachment at 5217-5219 Whitby Avenue, under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to modify the development plans previously approved by Council Resolutions 220757, 220823 and 230503 and memorialized in a Purchase and Development Agreement between the Land Bank and West NoMa Revitalization Group LLC (the "Developer"), to include only one renovated property, located at 4041 Cambridge Street in the 3rd Councilmanic District, and to permit West NoMa Revitalization Group LLC to return the properties located at 759, 761, 763, 773 and 783 Pallas Street in the 3rd Councilmanic District to the Philadelphia Land Bank in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council.

And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Gloria Twine Chisum, Ph.D., for her civic leadership and service to the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas.

Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I have one resolution.

Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.

A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating the Champion of the Week, the Fairmount Water Works Freshwater Mussel Hatchery, for their research and efforts to improve water quality and aquatic life in the City of Philadelphia using lab-grown freshwater mussels.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. From the chamber that never sleeps, three bills and four resolutions, one of them privileged.

Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bills and resolutions.

An ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Service and Other Businesses," by adding a new section regulating the hours of operation of businesses within the area bounded by 54th Street, the north side of Market Street, 63rd Street and Lansdowne Avenue, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance requiring the Water Commissioner on behalf of the City to convert certain water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure on West Country Club Road, Mimi Circle, and East Country Club Road, between Conshohocken Avenue to Conshohocken Avenue, and a portion of Lakanau Avenue from private to public infrastructure, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance formally renaming the Overbrook Park Branch Library located at 7422 Haverford Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa 19151, as the Robert A. Brady Library to honor the dedication and service of former United States Congressman and Chair of the Philadelphia Democratic Party, the Honorable Robert A. Brady.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a non-privileged resolution also naming West Allegheny Avenue between 25th Street and 26th Street as "Thomas 'Cut Master Butter' Muldrow Way," in honor of the life and legacy of WDAS radio personality Thomas 'Cut Master Butter' Muldrow.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.

And a privileged resolution honoring the five 4th District recipients of the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teachers, Tyriese Holloway, Robert Smith, Michelle R. Shaw-Carpenter, Garth Shuler, and Christina Kimmel.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Tynecia Wilson for her outstanding dedication to education community service and her recent crowning achievement as Ms. Philadelphia 2024.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution honoring and celebrating the life and legacy of Miller Parker and formally declaring June 18, 2024, as "Miller Parker Day" in the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.

Good morning, Council President, colleagues or roommates. I have one privileged resolution for us today.

Thank you very much. Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.

A privileged resolution declaring June 21, 2024 as "Make Music Philly Day."

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Lozada.

Thank you, Council President. I offer no bills and no resolutions today.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.

Thank you, Mr. President. Before I offer my bills and resolutions, I would like to recognize the Middle School Track Team from Girard College who is here today. So if you all can stand up please. (Applause.)

Thank you. They're coached by Coach Reggie Manley. The Middle School Track Team performed very well at their conference championship about a week or so ago. Today actually the Varsity Team actually won the Conference championship so we're introducing the resolution today recognizing the Varsity Team. But today I introduce one bill, two privileged resolutions and two non-privileged resolutions.

Will the Clerk please read the title of the bills and privileged and non-privileged resolutions.

An ordinance amending Chapter 9-4400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Responsible Business Operations," by amending the definition of critical nuisance businesses and further clarifying an obstruction of an investigation, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a non-privileged resolution also naming Master Street between Broad Street and Carlisle Street as "Erika Alexander Way."

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council.

And a non-privileged resolution also naming North College Avenue between West College Avenue and Ridge Avenue as "Freedom Fighters Way."

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council.

And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Girard College Varsity Boys Track Team for winning the 2024 Metropolitan Philadelphia Athletic Association's Boys Track Championship.

This resolution will be placed on Today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution recognizing June 2024 as Gun Violence Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks.

Good morning, Council President. I have three privileged resolutions to introduce today.

Will the Clerk please read the title of the privileged resolutions.

A privileged resolution joining the City of Philadelphia in National Garden Week, celebrating the role of nature in nurturing mental and physical wellness and recognizing the urgent need for garden equity across the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Mya Benintende and Mark Macyk of the Edward T. Steel School as recipients of the 2024 Lindback Award for Distinguished Teachers.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution celebrating the use of school voucher programming as harmful to the School District of Philadel -- oh, I'm sorry. This would be a non-privileged resolution, Council President.

This resolution -- can you please read the title over. Read the title over please.

A non-privileged resolution condemning the use of school voucher programming as harmful to the School District of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.

Good morning, Council President. I have nada today.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.

Good morning, Council President. No bills or resolutions today.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll.

Good morning, Mr. President. And no bills or resolutions today.

Chair recognizes senior member Councilmember O'Neill.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill.

Thank you. Will the Clerk please read the title of the bill.

An ordinance authorizing the installation of an all-way stop sign at the intersection of Chalfont Drive and Calera Road.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark -- Mike -- Mark Squilla.

Easy for you to say. (Laughter.)

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one non-privileged resolution.

Thank you very much. Would the Clerk please read the title of the non-privileged resolution.

This might be privileged. It's privileged. Authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings to examine the sudden closing of the University of the Arts, the impact this sudden closing will have on the Philadelphia higher education system and most importantly, the negative impacts on the current student body and staff.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two non-privileged resolutions.

Will the Clerk please read the title of the non-privileged resolutions.

A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to various properties located in the 8th Councilmanic District, including the following streets: Wakefield Street, Collom Street, and East Wister Street pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council.

And a non-privileged resolution requesting the Mayor to return Council Bill No. 240336, entitled An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code entitled, "Zoning and Planning," by adding definitions and creating a new Chestnut Hill Lower East/NCO in the area generally bounded by the SEPTA Chestnut Hill East Line, Cresheim Valley Drive, Germantown Avenue, Winston Road, Moreland Avenue, Devon Street, Ardleigh Street and Springfield Avenue, under certain terms and conditions for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for the consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad.

Thank you --

Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad.

Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution and one non-privileged resolution, co-introducing it with Majority Leader Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.

Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolutions.

A non-privileged resolution calling upon the City of Philadelphia's Office of Homeless Services and its contracted service providers to collect pregnancy status data at intake.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar -excuse me. This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.

And a privileged resolution recognizing 10, 2024 as American Heart Association Centennial Celebration Day in the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The next order of business is reports from the Committees. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kathy Gilmore Richardson for a report from the Committee of the Whole.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee of the Whole reports out five bills and three resolutions with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.

To the to which was referred the following bills and resolutions: Bill No. 240179 entitled, Adopting the operating budget for Fiscal Year 2025; And Bill No. 240180, entitled Amending Chapter 9-1800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax Authorization," to provide for an increase in the tax that the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia is authorized to impose on real estate, and amending Chapter 9-1300, entitled "Real Estate Taxes" to establish an equivalent reduction in the tax rate for the City real estate tax and making technical changes, all under certain conditions; and Bill No. 240181, entitled To adopt a Fiscal 2025 Capital Budget; and Bill No. 240182, entitled Program for six Fiscal Years 2025 through 2030 inclusive; and Bill No. 240492, entitled Amending Section 19-1301.1 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Homestead Exclusion," to increase the amount of the Homestead Exclusion, under certain terms and conditions; and Resolution No. 240168, appointing Madison McCarron to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion; and Resolution No. 240487, entitled Appointing Cari Feile Bender to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and Resolution No. 240552, entitled Appointing Briana Wilkins to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services Districts, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills and resolutions to Council with a favorable recommendation.

The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson for a motion.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day of the bills just read into the record by the Chief Clerk.

Is there a second? (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. And Bill Nos. 240179, 240180, 240181, 240182 and 240492 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Resolution Nos. 240168, 240487 and 240552 will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a report from the Committee on Rules.

Thank you, Mr. President. reports out 11 bills with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.

The Committee on Rules to which was referred the following bills: Bill No. 240058, entitled Amending Section 14-702 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Floor Area, Height and Dwelling Unit Density Bonuses," to add requirements related to the use of payments in lieu of building affordable housing to receive floor area, building height and dwelling unit density bonuses; and amending Section 14-533, entitled "/MIN, Mixed Income Neighborhoods Overlay District," to add requirements related to the use of payments in lieu of building affordable housing affordable housing building requirements, all under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240157, entitled Amending Title 14 ("Zoning and Planning") and Title 18 ("Commerce") of The Philadelphia Code to clarify responsibilities of the Department of Aviation, and eliminating provisions related to passenger charges, all under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240242, entitled Amending section 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," by amending Section 14-524, entitled "/FDO, Fourth District Overlay District," to establish use regulations on medical facilities, all under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240332, entitled of the redevelopment proposal for the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area, being the area generally bounded by Lehigh Avenue, Berks Street and Montgomery Avenue on the north; by Second Street and Philip Street on the east, by Girard Avenue, Oxford Street and Jefferson Street on the south, and by Germantown Avenue, 6th Street and 3rd Street on the west, including the sixth amendment to the urban renewal plan which provides for changes that would make it consistent with the North Philadelphia Redevelopment Area Plan and generally consistent with the most recent Comprehensive Plan approved by the City Planning Commission of the City of Philadelphia; and Bill No. , relating to the District; and authorizing the East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District, Inc. to assess property owners within the District a special property assessment fee to be used in accordance with the approved plan; all in accordance with the provisions of the Community and Economic Improvement Act, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240385, entitled To amend the Philadelphia Zoning zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Snyder Avenue, 6th Street, Cantrell Street and 7th Street; and Bill No. 240415, entitled To amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Island Avenue, the Delaware Expressway and Bartram Avenue; and Bill No. 240421, entitled To amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Valley Avenue, Domino Lane, Ridge Avenue, Paoli Avenue, Pechin Street (extended), Ridge Avenue, Hermit Street and Henry Avenue and to amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code by adding Section 14-541, Ridge Avenue Neighborhoods Overlay/RAN, and making other related changes, all under certain conditions; and Bill No. 240426, To amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Roosevelt Boulevard, Adams Avenue, Ramona Street, Wyoming Avenue and Whitaker Avenue; and Bill No. 240427, entitled Amending Section 14-305 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Nonconformities," by providing further provisions on changes from non-conforming uses, all under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No.

240466, entitled Amending Section 14-303 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Public Hearings of the Zoning Board of Adjustment," to change the number of Board members required for a taken at a Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.

The Chair recognizes Chairwoman Bass for a motion.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this day of the bills just read into the record by the Chief Clerk with the exception of Bill No. 240242 to be placed on next week's First Reading Calendar. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, the motion carries. And Bill Nos. 240058, 240157, 240332, 240368, 240385, 240415, 240421, 240426, 240427 and 420 -- 240466 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Bill No. 240242 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson and Chair for a report from the Committee on Finance.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Finance reports out 12 bills with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.

The Committee on Finance to which was referred the following bills: Bill No. 240372, entitled Constituting the Twentieth Supplemental Ordinance to the Amended and Restated General Airport Revenue Bond Ordinance; authorizing the Mayor, the City Controller and the City Solicitor, or a majority of them, to issue and sell one or more series or subseries of tax-exempt or taxable airport revenue bonds or notes of the City of Philadelphia; setting proceeds; determining the sufficiency of pledged Amounts Available for Debt Service; covenanting for the payment of interest and principal; authorizing the Bond Committee to take certain actions with regard to the terms and conditions of the airport revenue bonds or notes and related agreements in the elections under the Amended and Restated General Airport Revenue Bond Ordinance; authorizing the Director of Finance to take certain actions with the regard to the sale of such airport revenue bonds or notes, the investment of the proceeds thereof and the City's continuing disclosure obligation; and specifying the applicability of sections of First Class City Revenue Bond Act and the Amended and Restated General Airport Revenue Bond Ordinance; and 240373, entitled Constituing -- Constituting, excuse me, the Sixth Supplemental Ordinance to the General Gas Works Revenue Bond Ordinance of 1998, (the "1998 General Bond Ordinance"); authorizing the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, (the "City") to sell, either at public or private sale, one or more series of Gas Works Revenue Bonds and Gas Works Revenue Bonds to refund such Bonds; to pay the costs of certain capital projects and other Project Costs and the cost of redeeming the City's Gas Works Revenue Capital Project Commercial Paper Notes; authorizing the City to amend, novate or terminate all or any portion of any Qualified Swap Agreement; authorizing the City to obtain credit enhancement for any Series of the Bonds; making certain determinations and covenants Works Revenues and payment of interest and principal; and authorizing covenants and actions in order that the Bonds shall not be arbitrage bonds; under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240374, amending the Seventeenth Supplemental Ordinance to the Amended and Restated General Airport Revenue Bond Ordinance (Bill No. 190432) of the Council of the City of Philadelphia approved, by the Mayor on June 26, 2019, to authorize an increase in the aggregate principal amount of Airport Revenue bonds or notes to be issued under the Seventeenth Supplemental Ordinance from $350 million to $500 million (exclusive of costs of issuance(including underwriters' discount), original issue discount, capitalized interest, funding of Fund Reserve Account, if necessary, and similar items); further amending said Ordinance (Bill No. 190432) to authorize the pledge for security and payment of some or all of the Obligations a lien and security interest in Passenger Facility Charges, to the extent available; and authorizing certain other actions; and Bill No. 240375, entitled Constituting the Nineteenth Supplemental Ordinance to the Amended and Restated General Airport Revenue Bond Ordinance, providing for certain amendments to the Amended and Restated General Airport Revenue Bond Ordinance, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240377, entitled Authorizing the City Treasurer on behalf of the City to enter into an National Association for provision of payroll banking services to the City, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No.

240378, approving the amendment of the Fiscal Year 2024 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works (including the supplying of funds in connection therewith) subject to certain constraints and conditions and acknowledge the receipt of Revised Forecast of Capital Budgets for Fiscal Years 2025 through 2029, as amended; and Bill No. 240379, entitled Amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contracts and Procurement," to modify the requirements for contracts with not-for-profit vendors, all under certain terms conditions; and Bill No. 240416, entitled Authorizing an increase in the non-electoral indebtedness of the City within the Pennsylvania constitutional limit; authorizing the Bond Committee to sell bonds at public or private negotiated sale, to provide funds towards various capital municipal purposes; providing for appropriations to the Sinking Fund Commission for the payment of such bonds; and authorizing agreements to provide credit or payment or liquidity sources for the bonds in connection with the issuance of the bonds, and certain other actions; and Bill No. 240417, entitled Approving the Fiscal Year 2025 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works, including the supplying of and acknowledging the receipt of revised forecast of capital budgets for Fiscal Years 2026 through 2030, all under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240467 entitled, Amending Chapter 19-3500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Hospital Assessments," to revise provisions relating to hospital assessments; and authorizing the Department of Public Health to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Commonwealth, Department of Human Services, relating to such hospital assessments; all under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240470, entitled Amending Chapter 19-3200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Keystone Opportunity Zone, Economic Development District and Area," to provide for additional extensions of certain benefits, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. L. 1449, Section 4, as amended, to prevent and eliminate blight; authorizing the Director of Planning and Development and the file applications to obtain other grants from the Commonwealth; authorizing the Director of Commerce to use Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program; and authorizing the Director of Planning and Development and the Director of Commerce to enter into all understandings and assurances contained in such applications and to take such action to accept the grants, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.

The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson for a motion.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of to permit first reading this day of the bills just read into the record by the Chief Clerk.

It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of the bills just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. Bill Nos. 240372, 240373, 240374, 240375, 240377, 240378, 240379, 240416, 240417, 240467, 240470 and 240494 will be placed on for today. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports out 16 bills with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.

The Committee on Streets and Services to which was referred the following bills: Bill No. 240305, entitled Authorizing encroachments and the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 795 North 24th Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19130, under certain terms and conditions; and 240380, entitled Amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Farmers Markets" by adding a permissible location on South 52nd Street, between Pine Street and Osage Avenue, all under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240382, entitled Authorizing the installation, ownership and maintenance of various encroachments in the vicinity of 4432 Main Street, 4436-42 Main Street and 4436R Main Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19127, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240384, entitled Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 944 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19123, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 240418, entitled on Addison Street between South 54th Street and South 53rd Street; Baltimore Avenue between South 43rd Street and South 44th Street; Irving Street between South 54th Street and South 50th Street; Springfield Avenue between South 51st Street and South 52nd Street; Washington Avenue between South 56th Street and South 57th Street; South 46th Street between Locust Street and Spruce Street; Pine Street between South 62nd Street and South 63rd Street; Melville Street between Spruce Street and Locust Street; South 54th Street between Greenway Avenue and Woodland Avenue; and Bill No. 240419, entitled Establishing a parking regulation on Irving Street between South 59th Street and South 60th Street; South 49th Street between Regent Street Avenue; South 46th Street between Linmore Avenue and Woodland Avenue; Walnut Street between South 61st Street and South 62nd Street; Webster Street between South 51th Street and South 52nd Street; Sansom Street between South 61st Street and South 62nd Street; Walton Street between South 49th Street and South 50th Street; Locust Street between South 59th Street and South 60th Street; Locust Street between South 49th Street and South 50th Street; and Bill No. 240420, entitled Establishing a parking regulation on Ellsworth Street between South 60th Street and South 61th Street; Ruby Street between Springfield Avenue and Chester Avenue; Sansom Street between South 60th Street and South 61st Street; Webster Street between South 60th Street and South 61st Street; Rodman 56th Street and South 57th Street; Willow between South 53rd Street and South 54th Street; Cobbs Creek Parkway between Spruce Street and Locust Street; South 52nd Street between Chester Avenue and Springfield Avenue; and Bill No. 240424, entitled Amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Farmers Markets," by adding a permissible location at the 4th District Container village located at 4862-70 Parkside Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19131. Bill No. 240434, entitled Amending Chapter 12-3400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use of an Automated Speed Enforcement System to Improve Safety on Roosevelt Boulevard," by providing for the use, administration and enforcement of automated speed and making regulated technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No.

240469, entitled Granting permission to University City Eruv Corporation, in order to demarcate the boundaries of University City Eruv District and maintain a clear nylon cord and/or plastic tubes and other ancillary devices, including a maximum of 10 poles along, over and in certain public rights-of-way in City streets and/or to attach such demarcation facilities to existing facilities owned by other entities authorized by other City ordinances, subject to such owner's consent, all under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240473, entitled Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the 3743 Midvale Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa 19129, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240475, entitled Amending Chapter 12-900 ("Parking Regulations and Penalties") and Chapter 12-2800 ("Administrative Adjudication of Parking Violations") of The Philadelphia Code to add prohibitions and penalties related to parking certain large vehicles, including boats, motor homes, house coaches, house trailers, truck campers, recreational cargo trailers and recreational trailers, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 240493, entitled Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 1532 Snyder Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa 19145, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240495, entitled Beaumont Street from 51st Street to its terminus southwestwardly therefrom; and Bill No. 240496, entitled Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 6249 Catherine Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19143, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240497, entitled Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 5013 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa 19143, under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.

The Chair recognizes Chairman Young for a motion.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the first reading this day of the bills just read into the record by the Chief Clerk. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of the bills just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, the motion carries. Bill Nos. 240305, 240380, 240382, 240384, 240418, 240419, 240420, 240424, 240434, 240469, 240473, 240475, 240493, 240495, 240496 and 240497 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Driscoll for a report from the Committee on Licenses and Inspections.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities -- oh no, I'm sorry. That's next. This one -- the Committee on Licenses and Inspections reports out seven bills with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.

The Committee to which was referred the following bills: Bill No. 240371, entitled Amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by amending Subcode "PM" (The Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code), to add restrictions and remedies regarding encroaching trees, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240414, entitled Amending 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 an area bounded by Ogontz Avenue, between Haines Street and Cheltenham Avenue, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240468, entitled 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Services and Other Businesses," by adding a new section regulating the hours of operation of certain establishments and providing for penalties within an area bounded by Ogontz Avenue, between Haines Street and 66th Avenue, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240474, amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Services and Other Businesses," by adding a new section regulating the hours of operation of certain establishments and providing for penalties within an area bounded by East Allegheny Avenue, Kensington Avenue, Torresdale Avenue and Frankford Avenue, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240476, entitled Amending Chapter 9-600 of The Code, entitled "Service and Other Businesses," by adding a new section regulating the hours of operation of certain establishments and providing for penalties within the vicinity of an area bounded by North Broad Street and North Park Avenue, between West Chew Avenue and West Tabor Avenue, and in the vicinity of Wagner Avenue, between North Broad Street and Old York Road, all under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240498, entitled Amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Service and Other Businesses," by adding various locations to the section regulating the hours of operation of certain establishments and providing for penalties within those various locations, all under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240500, entitled 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," by adding a new chapter creating requirements related to the operation and maintenance of electric vehicle charging stations installed at certain commercial and residential parcels, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.

The Chair recognizes Chairman Driscoll for a motion.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading this day of the bills just read into the record by the (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of the bills just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, the motion carries. Bill Nos. 240371, 240414, 240468, 240474, 240476, 240498 and 240500 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Driscoll for a report Transportation and Public Utilities.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities reports out two bills with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.

The Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities to which was referred the following bills: Bill No. 240429, entitled Authorizing the Procurement Commissioner and the Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Aviation, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an amendment to a concession agreement for the development, operation and maintenance of an airport advertising program at Philadelphia International Airport; all under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240433, entitled Authorizing the Procurement Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to enter into a lease and concession agreement with Aero Center Northeast Philadelphia, LLC in connection with certain property at Northeast Philadelphia Airport to facilitate the development and operation of a new fixed-based operator, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.

The Chair recognizes Chairman Driscoll for a motion.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading this day of the bills just read into the record by the Chief Clerk. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of the bills just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, the motion carries. 240429 and 240433 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a report from the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.

The Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless to which was referred Bill No. 240018, entitled Amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," by providing for the licensing of persons responsible for performing tenant evictions at residential properties, under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading this day of the bill just read into the record by the Chief Clerk. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council to permit the consideration of the bills just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, the motion carries. And Bill No. 240018 will be placed on the First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion regarding special business.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of special business at this time. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of special business at this time. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, the motion carries. The Chair again recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion regarding a resolution introduced today to re-call Bill No. 240336. Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.

A resolution requesting the Mayor to return to 240336, entitled An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by adding definitions and creating a new Chestnut Hill Lower East/NCO in the area generally bounded by the SEPTA Chestnut Hill East Line, Cresheim Valley Drive, Germantown Avenue, Winston Road, Moreland Avenue, Devon Street, Ardleigh Street and Springfield Avenue, under certain terms and conditions, for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move to suspend the rules of Council to allow consideration of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of the resolution at this time. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, the motion carries. The Chair again recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.

Mr. President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, the motion carries and the resolution is adopted.

Will the Chief Clerk please read a letter from the Mayor.

To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am returning herewith as requested by your resolution adopted today Bill No. 240336, entitled An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning Planning," by adding definitions and creating a New Chestnut Hill Lower East/NCO in the area generally bounded by the SEPTA Chestnut Hill East Line, Cresheim Valley Drive, Germantown Avenue, Winston Road, Moreland Avenue, Devon Street, Ardleigh Street and Springfield Avenue, under certain terms and conditions for the purpose of reconsideration by Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion that Council reconsider the vote by which Bill No. 240336 was passed.

So moved, Mr. President. (Duly seconded.)

All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. 2ND READING (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the motion carries and the vote by which Bill No. 240336 was passed has been reconsidered and the bill will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from the Committees with the suspension of rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council. 2ND READING As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars.

Thank you, Mr. President. The following bills and resolutions are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 240468, 240534, 240545, 240546, 240547, 240549, 240550, 240551, 240059, 240061, 240370, 240428, 240280, 240330, 240472 and 240060. The following bills and resolutions on the Calendar are being held: 240534, 240536, 240537, 240538, 240539, 240540, 240541 and 240376.

Thank you. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for possible action at today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already sign up for today's session, please do so now by giving your name to Ms. Hassen at the table outside the rails to my left. Once you have signed up, you will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. Under ideal circumstances, public commenters each will have three minutes to speak. However, this time limit may vary from session-to-session. Due to our volume today, the time limit will be two minutes. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the two-minute limit. When you begin speaking, you will see a green light on the podium. When there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, the light will turn yellow which is your reminder to conclude your remarks. Once two minutes have passed, the light will turn red and the Sergeant-at-Arms will disconnect the microphone. At that point, please yield the podium to the next speaker if you have not already done so. I also reserve the right pursuant to our rules of Council to limit repetitious comments on the same matter -- I want to ask as we move forward during the public comment session and the rest of the time of today's Council session, if you have comments rather you're in the chambers or in the balcony, please take your conversations outside the chambers. Thank you very much. I will now ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.

Steven Sebastianelli. He has the microphone -- okay.

Hello. Thank you so much. I wanted to thank everyone for letting me speak today, this public comment. I also wanted to express my appreciation for the Council's efforts to strengthen and protect against housing for discrimination. I also want to say how warm I felt when reading over the bill how it talked about disability right alongside every other discrimination. That really means a lot. But -- oh, I'm sorry. I just want to mention I have a document for anyone in Council to follow along with because I know I'm hard to understand sometimes. So, yes, I wanted to comment on the challenge of inaccessibility is discrimination. I know it's not usually thought about that way but -- hello, hello? Is it cutting out? Am I good -okay. Inaccessibility is discrimination even though we don't always think about it that way. We often think what sort of expense or financial deficit will it be caused to accommodate and make sure this discrimination is not upheld. And I feel like with every other lifting indiscrimination, that would not be a consideration we would ever make. I understand there's challenges, but I want you to take away from this public comment the idea that inaccessibility is discrimination. I want to highlight -- is it good? Hello. Okay. Sorry, it keeps cutting out, I think. I wanted to highlight the unique challenges that people face who are individuals with severe physical disabilities like myself in finding suitable housing. People with disabilities are often stuck in poverty due to financial limits set up by the government to maintain government benefits. These limits are quite stringent, very limiting, even down to saying that you cannot earn a certain amount or save over $2,000, and it's really not a sustainable way of living. I want to talk about wheelchair accessibility and what that means. It means first floor access or reliable elevators, open floor plan, doorway design, specific location for toilets next to the shower to make sure a shower chair can slide over. There's use considerations and even more, proximity to public transportation for medical appointments and other essential services, safety of area and parking for nurses to continue receiving services. And if they're not safe, you don't have nurses. If you don't have nurses, there's no way to live in my situation. You need additional rooms because of medical storage equipment and also the potential of a living aide. You're not able to have a roommate, which is a standard solution for most people who are low-income where you just get a roommate and then split the cost. However, trying to find someone in a situation where they have a three- or four-bedroom apartment that they want to take only one bedroom but then pay the difference that I cannot afford, it just is not an available option. And even if it was, I wouldn't be allowed to do that because it would be counted as a gift. You know, all these considerations put housing cost somewhere between $2,000 to $4,000 a month for suitable housing, and that would be around $90,000 a year that you need to earn to be able to afford housing if it was not based on income-based housing programs. Below you'll see a couple sections, Section 9108-M, which (inaudible) of refusing or restraining housing -- sorry, refusing or restricting housing accommodations based on tenant source of income.

And I think this could expand to include eligibility discrimination based on disability- related accommodations and extending circumstances, things like additional rooms for medical storage, living aides, service animals, emotional support animals, installation of necessary accessibility features. Not allowing tenants to go to college while they're living in low-income housing, yes, that is a thing. Imposing additional fees or deposits on tenants because of their disabilities and the additional accommodations that they need to live there. And you can see in the next page that I gave a possible way of working in inclusion. Please look at that over your leisure. Next is Section 91108-I, which prohibits false or misleading information about the properties availability or eligibility based on a tenant's source of income. I think that could also be expanded to include elements of disability, talking about their false advertisement of accessibility, advertisement on accessibility sites even though you investigate and they say it's accessible if you can go up two flights of stairs to get into the place. I've actually been told that before, or people saying that they do not use low-income housing tax credit programs or other flexible low-income programs even though their advertisers are doing so and they're on the list for such. And people ask why is this not just an ADA regulation, why is this something that we should talk about in these bills. Well, first -- kind of funny. I was told I had to relate it directly to the bills that we're talking about and the amendments, so there we go. However, there's a concept of redundancy equals validity and irrefutability. The concept that when people are looking for laws and things that have to be upheld, they look for repeated working -for repeated concepts. And if it's only in one location, it can often be overlooked or completely disregarded. I think it's an important topic that we should discuss nor is there really a better place to bring it up. Perhaps this discussion could lead to more act reform somewhere in a specific place, specifically talking about disability and the way we can include it into all legislation. I wanted to just really quickly go into my personal story and ask for any help or any understanding that could be presented. I'm living in a low-income housing tax credit property. I've been there for 10 years. I moved in because I was dating someone who worked at Liberty Resources and they were able to get me in as it was being built. I'm not sure if that's allowed to happen technically, but it did and thank goodness because I would have nowhere else to live otherwise. Now, it was really great for a little bit under a year until it started flooding with raw sewage, every four months for several years. It was horrible. I had to keep going into hotels spending upwards of two years in hotels over the past 10 years as I was working on trying to fix the issue, trying to involve Congress people, trying to involve Licenses and Inspections, Water Department, PHFA. And over this time with these constant floodings, I suspected that mold was growing and I was denied that information by the apartment complex because there's nothing that legally says they have to tell you. So this information was withheld or just not revealed to me and they didn't have the information supposedly. However, this presence of mold started causing a lot of problems, increases in anxiety and stress having to move back and forth and dealing with landlords that wanted to push down your opinions, push down your emotions.

They wanted to make it so their legal department would make you stop talking to different people being open about the challenges they're experiencing, asking for help on different social media sites. And on top of all that, on top of that abusive practice which I would call it abusive practice, they did not understand that I was getting worse and worse symptoms every day that I live at this apartment, that I'm still at, mind you. Symptoms as severe as severe migraines, gastrointestinal issues, weight loss, worsening respiratory conditions which is very bad for someone who's already very susceptible and compromised respiratorily. Diabetes-like symptoms appearing, which was stopping me from getting my nutritional supplement causing weight loss. Mind fog, greater weakness on top of my already progressive disability but at a much more increased rate, chronic fatigue, brain aneurysm developing, chronic fatigue, taking 17-plus hours a day sleeping to function. It just was not okay, and I tried for seven years to find somewhere else to live. I found nothing but long waiting lists, things that they claim only are 3 to 15 years, but more accurately cost a lifetime because people did not want to move out. There's a couple more things that I'd like to mention. However, I'm just going to say please if anyone on Council would like to hear more information as they read more details, please reach out to me. My phone contact, my email is there. Come talk to me afterwards. I appreciate any help and I appreciate any more thoughts regarding the situation on accessibility. Thank you.

Thank you. (Applause.)

Tonya McClary. May Kate Perez, Jordan Yarborough and Glenn Bryan also make their way to the podium. Tanya McClary, Kate Perez. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Hello. Okay. My name's Kate Perez. The ceasefire petition I emailed all of you is now at 346 signatures that all agree that Philadelphia is complicit in genocide. I have 34 handwritten letters gathered at a vigil where we mourn the loss of more than 45,000 human beings, more than 80,000 maimed and more than 25,000 children orphaned. Actual death tolls are unknown as Israel has systematically wiped out journalists, cut off an entire country's Wi-Fi and decimated 80 percent of civilian infrastructure. On 240280, I don't have faith in our Philadelphia Police Department to appropriately handle hate crimes. It's a conflict of interest as our own officers are cross-trained by the welldocumented racist apartheid state of Israel that's already been taken to International Court on charges of ethnic cleansing, collective punishment, forced starvation and more. During the bill's public meeting, the PPD representative couldn't even produce Philadelphia's hate crime statistics when asked. As a citizen, it feels like it's either a lack of competence or they're hiding the numbers. By Israel indiscriminately killing Palestinians and then increasing our state war bonds, we are the ones who are encouraging hate crimes. By staying silent, you are telling the zionists back home that it's okay to stab a 6-year-old to death if they're Palestinian. By saying nothing, you are empowering Zionists to show up in the middle of the night at the Swarthmore encampment and shoot fireworks into the tents. Councilmembers say a ceasefire resolution would be performative but pass resolutions every week begging Biden to fund our social services and honor a middle school class. By doing this, we're ignoring the fact that Israel has killed so many children that Gaza had to cancel the 2024 school year and then they used all of our Social Security money to buy the bombs to drop on the schools. Just yesterday they murdered over 100 people sheltering in a school in a refugee camp. More than 15,000 children have already been murdered and all of them were ours. You can't condemn Hamas for killing 1200 people and then vote on street names while trading cops and selling weapons to the occupation that's burning Palestinians alive right now. A ceasefire is the bare minimum. We're supposed to cut all ties with Israel. Stop selling them weapons. Stop funding war crimes and free Palenstine. (Applause.)

Is Tanya McClary here? (Yes.) (Witness approached podium.)

Okay. Will Jordan Yarborough, Glenn Bryan, Elise Betz and then Stephanie Renee also make their way to the podium. REVEREND McCLARY: Good morning, members of Council.

Good morning. REVEREND McCLARY: My name is Reverend Tanya McClary and I am the Executive Director of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission. Many people know us as the CPOC as well as the newlyappointed Pastor of Calvary Church right here in the City of Philadelphia. I am here today to enthusiastically support the proposed amendment to CPOC's ordinance. We are grateful to Councilmember Jones for all his support to our agency and for his leadership in this process. Like any fledgling agency, the necessity of process changes becomes apparent as experience is gained. And while this is the first adjustment to our founding legislation, it probably won't be the last. This amendment modifies the removal mechanism for CPOC's Board of Commissioners, allowing the Commission to address serious misconduct issues that should they arise. Secondly, the amendment provides important clarification of the terms and the ordinance. These changes will help our young agency to continue to grow and fulfill the important duties that we are tasked with. The ordinance's existing removal mechanism applies only to situations where a member of the Commission is being removed for cause. This means misconduct, inability or failure to perform required duties or ethical violations. The ordinance also required that any person being removed have due process protections, including notice and the opportunity to be heard at a hearing. All of these important provisions remain the same. And under the existing process, only City Council can remove a member of the Commission employing a process that can be time-consuming and difficult to navigate given the magnitude and the scope and the volume of City Council's responsibilities. This amendment creates an interim step that allows the Board of Commissioners to address serious misconduct by voting to remove a member where necessary with the same due process protections. Furthermore, the removal will not be finalized until you all, City Council, has had the opportunity to vote to supersede the removal. The suspension mechanism simply allows time to complete this thorough investigation into the alleged misconduct or allow time for City Council to review board removal. Suspension allows the Commission to protect confidential information during that process. In addition, the amendment clarifies the definitions which include the Board of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission and the department, meaning the Philadelphia Police Department. Thank you for your time and attention and I would be happy to answer any questions. (Applause.)

Jordan Yarborough. (Witness approached podium.)

All right. Give me a second. It's in my phone. All right. I came to -- my fault. I came here to talk about five different bills and resolutions because I thought that -- I came here to talk about five different bills and resolutions because I thought that we was going to have two minutes a piece to talk about every jawn. I thought you get up, sit back down, get up, sit back down. I never did one of these before. But -- ya'll can hear me? (Yes.)

I came here to talk about five different bills and resolutions but when I realize that you get two minutes to go through everything that you have, I don't think I'm going to be able to talk about all five different bills and resolutions when it comes to two minutes a piece. So, yeah, I'm Jordan Yarborough. I'm trying to be a young politician. I'm at CCP for liberal studies. If anybody -- I made contact with a bunch of you before we came here today. I would love a minute of your time to talk about bills and resolutions after we get out of here. Thank you.

You're welcome. (Applause.)

Glenn Bryan, then Elise Betz, Stephanie Renee and Mark Macyk. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Hi. Good morning. My name is Glenn Bryan and I'm the Assistant VicePresident of University of Pennsylvania's Office of Government and Community Affairs. I'd first like to thank Council Councilmember Gauthier and the members of city Council for bringing forth a resolution to recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements of Dr. Gloria Twine Chisum. Dr. Chisum's academic pursuits led her to the University of Pennsylvania where she earned her Ph.D. in 1960. This marked the beginning of a historic career characterized by pioneering research and an enduring commitment to public Service. Dr. Chisum's work in psychology and aerospace technology earned her numerous awards, including the George Washington Carver Scientific Achievement Award, the Alumni Award of Merit from the University of Pennsylvania. It was her love for Penn where Dr. Chisum became the first, the first, African American woman to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees that I'm especially proud to speak about today. Her leadership roles within the University included chairing the Boards of Advisors for the School of Social Policy and Practice in the Graduate School of Education. Her and her late husband, who I knew very well, gave generous support, spanned multiple schools and initiatives at Penn helping to shape Penn into the institution that it is today. Dr. Chisum's dedication extended beyond Penn and into the Heart of Philadelphia through her leadership and involvement with the Free Library, William Penn Foundation, Pew Charitable Trust, the American Psychological Association and many, many more. In celebrating Dr. Gloria Twine Chisum, we honor not only her professional achievements but also her profound impact on our community and city. May her legacy of service and dedication inspire us all. Thank you for the opportunity. (Applause.)

Elise Betz. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning. I am Elise Betz. I'm the Senior Executive Director of Alumni Relations at Penn. I'd like to thank Councilmember Gauthier and the members of City Council for your service to our community and for today recognizing the extraordinary accomplishments of Dr. Gloria Twine Chisum. I have had the honor of knowing and working with Dr. Chisum for 24 years and her beloved Jack until he passed away. The Drs. Chisum were everywhere at Penn. Paging through Penn photo albums, I found dozens of pictures of the Chisums at events, at board meetings, literally everywhere. In Dr. Chisum's 50 years of service as a trustee at Penn, she has done more in support of students, alumni faculty and staff of color than any of our 300,000 living alumni. In 1993, Dr. Chisum founded what was then called the Committee on Minority Permanence at Penn and is now the James Brister Society. These alumni leaders by power of their example support and promote Penn's efforts to attract, encourage and maintain a culturally diverse community of faculty, students, administrators, staff and volunteers, enriching the University as a whole. Penn now has Black and Brown leaders on every single one of our boards where decisions are made. Penn students see themselves in our leaders. Daina Richie Troy, who's sitting right over there, who is a Penn alum, JBS member and staff member said, Having someone so accomplished extend themselves to you when you don't yet know your potential was truly impactful. She invited us to think bigger, reach farther and be confident in ourselves and our right to share our talents. Michael Barrett, Penn Trustee, Penn Alumni President and James Brister Society Chair said, Dr. Chisum is a history-maker. Every Chair of the Brister Society has sought her guidance and leadership over the years. She is our guiding light. Every Trustee of color owes Dr. Chisum a huge thank you for creating the opportunities for us to follow her lead and we are grateful to stand on her strong and broad shoulders. We are honored to have her as our true north star. (Timer beeped.)

That's Dr. Chisum telling me to finish up. Our north star, Penn's north star, Dr. Gloria Chisum, you are our beacon. Thank you and thank you, City of Philadelphia. (Applause.)

Stephanie Renee.

Good morning. I'm not a native Philadelphian, but just like John Coltrane, Nina Simone and countless other wonderful legends in music, I came here to lay some roots and grow professionally. And I volunteered to lead Make Music Day Philly 2024 as a way to give back to the City that's given me so much and developed me as a professional. I want to thank Councilmember Landau, her staff, Cheryl Carson and the good folks at Smith Memorial Playground for responding enthusiastically to our call to make one day in Philadelphia all about free musical performance everywhere. But I have to let you know that there are some large institutions in this City who receive millions of dollars in endowments and grant monies who were at best indifferent or just said that they would not provide staffing, the funding for staffing for a few hours to have musical performances at their venue. So today I'd like to challenge Philadelphia City Council, Mayor Parker's Administration, those institutions and others throughout the City to sign up, to be all in. If we're the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection with such an indelible musical legacy, then we need more people to step up for one day. June 21st is what we ask annually to join 1,200 other global cities and locations to celebrate live music and to uplift homegrown talent. And so, I hope you all will seek me out if you're interested in joining the effort this year or moving forward in the future. Thank you. (Applause.)

Mark Macyk. May Donna Sields, Queen Judith Robinson and Cathy Kaufman also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Hi. My name is Mark Macyk. I won the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teachers with my colleague Miya Benintende who's over here. I teach at Edward Steel Elementary School up in Nicetown. And when I told my students I was going to come here to address the Council, I said what should I say. And they said, please tell everyone that we don't like the food in the school. And I said, okay, how about something good. And one of my students rose her hand and said, say you have the best bilingual student in the whole city. And I do, and her name is Zuri Feliz Diaz. And you guys will meet her eventually on her way up I'm sure. And then another kid said, please tell them that we don't like the food in the school. I said, okay, but how about something good. They said, tell them about us, tell them about our homeroom. And this is my homeroom in Nicetown where they came and they filmed our class as the way to train all the other classes to show what reading should be like. And I said, I'll tell them about that. I'll tell them about you guys, the nice kids from Nicetown. And then they said, okay, but please tell them we don't like the food in the school. And I said, okay. And then one girl, she threw her hands up and she said, I knew this was going to happen. You're going to become too famous and you're going to leave us for a good school. And I said, this is a good school and why would I leave here, Steel is my home. And the thing is good teaching doesn't happen in a vacuum. We have great teachers. We have great students. We have it all, but we can't do it without support from City Council from all the people because we do have these wonderful students and teachers in Nicetown at Steel. And I just wanted to have the opportunity to address you. Thank you guys so much. (Applause.)

Donna Sields. Then Queen Judith Robinson, Cathy Kaufman and Jeremy Blatstein.

Good morning, City Council. My name is Donna J. Sields. I currently live in Southwest Philadelphia in Council President Johnson's District. Council President Johnson, I want to thank you sincerely for responding to my neighborhood's needs and helping us repave our driveways. I'm here to testify on Bill 240370, which renames the West Oak Lane Library the Dwight Evans Library. I'm glad City Council is honoring Representative Evans' work and education and I hope Councilmembers consider carrying on his work by increasing the share of property taxes going to the School District to 60 percent. I am a registered nurse in the Philadelphia School District and I serve nearly 800 students. My colleagues and I are constantly enduring hardships of numerous students experiencing the loss of parents, homelessness, assaults, abuse, depression, isolation, anxiety, unworthiness and identity crisis. As staff members required to complete state-mandated benchmarks, we do not possess the bandwidth to support these students through the traumatic experiences which consume them and inhibit their ability to thrive academically. I graduated from the School District of Philadelphia and I have experienced massive detrimental effects due to the lack of educational and recreational resources that resulted from chronic cuts and underfunding. Although I overcame those challenges, it took finding organizations who poured into me as an adult what I was lacking throughout my childhood. We must remain diligent and mindful of the historical austerities which have yet to provide equality throughout our city, the family dichotomy which was borne from ancestral trauma. We have to be fully vested in seeing Philly students succeed no matter what they've been through. Only then will we see true brotherly love. We can not fund the District and expect the student experiences will be better than what I experienced. The School District must have enough resources and staff to help our children. We need more compassionate counselors, productive social workers, caring nurses and partner organizations who hold the interest of our students' passionate beliefs and pursuits. We will not see the change necessary for the betterment of our society unless we invest in our schools. Please increase the share of property taxes going to Philadelphia schools to 60 percent where it used to be. Thank you.

Queen Judith Robinson. Then Cathy Kaufman, Jeremy Blatstein and Rebecca Jean Murphy. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Yes. Good morning. Queen Judith Robinson here. Hold on. According to the Philadelphia Gay News, survey says racism, yes, deep-seated racism, institutional racism is the number one area of discrimination in America and right here in Philadelphia, number one area of discrimination. Regarding the Zoning Board -- trying to hit all these areas -- major conflict coming our way. We can't have this recusing and moving back and forth after deals have been crafted. We have a $32 million police facility that's being bullied down our throat in North Philadelphia where gentrification is in the midst, okay, and people are coming on board to rubber stamp. We are challenging it now saying hell no. We want you to know that we have five different police forces overpolicing us in North Philly and we still have murder and mayhem, so we need to clarify what's going on with our police department as it relates to $32 million. And our rec centers and our libraries are in need of repairs. We're getting painting on outside and we have no repairs inside. Legacy of former Council President Darrell Clarke, shame on the mess. Housing Trust, if we don't rein in PHA and this wheeling and dealing going on, Housing Trust is not worthy of trust. Firearms, yes, I agree 87 percent, am I correct, of the crimes were committed in our great city with these illegal unserialed firearms, so whatever we could do to call the ATF in. When we're asking the President for something, remember, no permanent enemies, no permanent friends, just permanent agenda, Black people. Ask for something that can help us in our community. Thank you very much for the time. Thank you very much for your time.

Cathy Kaufman.

Good morning. Can you all hear me? My name is Cathy Kaufman. I live at Broad and Pine in District 2, Council President Johnson's District. And I'm here on behalf of Bill 240370, which renames the West Oak Lane Library the Dwight Evans Library in honor of Representative Evans' supportive education. I'm urging City Council to continue his legacy by strengthening educational opportunities in Philadelphia. Please expand Philadelphia PreK by 250 seats and increase the millage rate going to the District to 60 percent. I lived and worked in Lower Merion School District for 25 years. My children attended Lower Merion public schools and had all the resources and services they needed at their fingertips, both academic and enrichment. Since retiring in 2022, I serve on the Boards of First Up, which is a nonprofit committed to early childhood education, and Reading Aloud, a literacy nonprofit that provides specialized reading instruction to underserved students in Philadelphia. For the past three years, Reading Aloud has worked with General Meade Elementary. The difference between the school in Lower Merion where I taught and Meade Elementary is striking. Meade has crowded classes and the academic and emotional needs of the kids are profound without the resources to adequately address them. The principal and staff at Meade are deeply committed to their students and they do the best they can. But I'm sad to say that if Reading Aloud did not get the private funding to work at Meade the children there would not have received the interventions they need to even begin to advance their reading proficiency. You have a handout called Now is the Time, which indicates that 58 percent of students across the City and in your Districts are failing the reading PSSA. Without supports like PreK and adequate school funding, reading scores will not improve. Right now just over half of Philadelphia adults are functionally illiterate and nearly two-thirds are low literate. If Philadelphia is to become a city that people want to move to, to pay taxes to, to raise children in, then we need to start investing in education. That's why I'm asking City Council to expand Philadelphia PreK by 250 seats and to increase the millage rate going to the School District to 60 percent. PreK provides a strong academic start and school funding will ensure that these students will not continue their journeys underfunded, understaffed and underresourced. To quote Mayor Parker, we're not interested in speeches. We're watching what you do. Our students deserve the same prospects as the students in districts like Lower Merion. Thank you. (Applause.)

Jeremy Blatstein. Can Rebecca Jean Murphy, Connor Hogan and Jake Zychick please also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good morning. 10 minutes late, but we'll let it slide. I'm Jeremy Blatstein and I'm talking in support of Resolution 240545 introduced by Councilmember Landau, a resolution declaring the City of Philadelphia's commitment to protect the rights and equal protections of all LGBTQ+ Philadelphians in light of the recent increase in attempts to restrict the rights of transgender people. It's really an amazing thing, and I just really want to acknowledge Councilmember Landau for being the first openly member of the LGBTQ+ community and the impact that she has been doing for the community to really fight for their rights and really have their voice. I also want to just do a quick mention of Stonewall for those people who aren't aware of that. It's a sports league for people in the community. I've participated as an ally and I really think that it's something that really brings new people to the City of Philadelphia together and I encourage you to pass that along to your constituents. And the last point that I would like to make is in regard to the increase on the Homestead exemption that is going up by $20,000. And really what is the impact that that is going to have on the Philadelphia School District? By my estimate, it's probably $10 million a year and over 10 years that's $100 million. So similarly what people were talking about today what are we doing to either replace that income or really look at that because that's something that we just took another $250 million from the School District over 10 years, and that has been something that just got put in that I don't believe really is going to have any discussion over the next two weeks, but I appreciate that and I hope we'll be on time next week. Thank you.

Rebecca Jean Murphy, Connor Hogan, Jake Zychick and Anthony McNeil. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good morning. I'm Jean Murphy. Thank you to everyone in this room for your service to Philadelphia. I am the manager for the Annual fund and Leadership Giving at University of the Arts. I'm also a member of the UArts staff union with United Academics of Philadelphia. Like many of my colleagues, I heard about UArt's closure through the Inquirer article published in the evening of May 31st. Former President Kerry Walk and the Board of Trustees did not send us official communication until an hour and a half later, and this lack of transparent and prompt communication with our community has become the embarrassing precedent in the wake of the closure announcement. Faculty, staff and students have been showing up to campus so we can pick up the pieces left after this catastrophe and support one another. Where are our leaders though? In addition to our leaders not being on campus this week, we have also not heard definitive answers about what is expected of us in this closure. I do not know the details of my pay, my benefits or even my employment status. I'm speaking here in support of the resolution to investigate the unprecedented and heartbreaking closure of UArts so we can hold the Board of Trustees and all responsible parties accountable. I've worked at UArts for less than two years, but in my time I have felt the importance of this institution in the Philadelphia community. For it to be gutted without notice will be felt for years to come. On the same day former President Walk resigned, the University canceled impact negotiation with the faculty and staff unions and have yet to give us a new date. Yesterday, June 5th, our union filed an unfair labor practice charge in response to the cancellation. Again, I'm here to vocalize my support of the resolution by Councilmember Squilla to investigate the UArts closure not only so this community can get much needed answers but also to prevent the situation from happening in other communities. UArts leaders have failed our students, faculty, staff and the entire UArts -- the entire Philadelphia arts and culture community. As leaders of the City, I'm asking you to not fail us as they have, to get answers to why this is happening and to help us. Thank you for your time and thank you for your solidarity. (Applause.)

Connor Hogan, Jake Zychick, Anthony McNeil and then Lynn Landes.

Good afternoon. My name is Connor Hogan and I am an Associate Adjunct Professor at the University of the Arts. I'm also a member of The UArts faculty union. I'm here to speak in support of Councilmember Squilla's resolution to hold a hearing in the closure of UAarts. Last Friday evening I read about the UArts closure from an article in the Philly Inquirer like my fellow faculty staff and over 1300 undergraduate students. We learned from the media that on June 6th one week later our school's doors would be closed. Email communications from President Kerry Walk and the Board of Trustees sent over the weekend offered no clear answers. On June 4th a town hall that promised information on this closure was canceled 10 minutes before its scheduled time. The United Academics of Philadelphia, the union which I am a proud member of, has been trying to get negotiations scheduled on this unheard of closure and its impact on our union members. I moved to Philadelphia in 2017 to attain a Master's degree at the UArts. In 2023 I had the great honor to teach these brilliant students who are now left stranded. UArts is more than just my livelihood. It's my community here in Philly and its absence we felt throughout the whole city. My story is just one of many. With this closure, faculty, staff and students have found a frustrating and enraging end to this institution that has been a vital part of the artistic ecosystem of Philadelphia. The least we can get from this loss is answers. On Tuesday, the Board of Trustees canceled our impact negotiations again on short notice. As of today, we have no detailed information on pay, employment status or benefits. Students have yet to receive any information on a teach-out plan. Staff have received no directives and yet still come in every day to get their jobs done. Former President Walk and the Board have offered nothing but useless sentimental messages and canceled meetings. We need answers. We need transparency. We need City Council to hold the Board of Trustees accountable for this closure and its impact on the community. I ask that you please support the resolution to hold a hearing on this closure. Thank you. (Applause.)

Jake Zychick. Then Anthony McNeil and Lynn Landes. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Hello. My name is Jacob Zychick. I'm with the American Heart Association and thank you so much for having me today. First off, I would like to wish everyone a Happy Pride Month this month. And then second off, I'd like to thank Councilmember Ahmad and the entire City Council for honoring June 10, 2024 as a centennial celebration of the American Heart Association. The American Heart Association was founded in June 1924 and since its inception, deaths have been cut in half by cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association has awarded over $5.7 billion in cardiovascular medical research, making us only second to the United States government. I really want to talk about the local impact that the American Heart Association has had in Philadelphia. We've trained nearly 60,000 individuals in life-saving hands-only CPR, including 25,000 from CPR kiosks strategically located all throughout the City at centers like Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church. Just in 2023, we rewarded $20 million in research grants to institutions based in the City of Philadelphia and we continue to partner with the School District of Philadelphia in the City to improve nutrition standards in schools, early childhood education and procurement. We've also worked with the School District to improve standards around water access in schools and look to work more towards physical activity. So once again, I would like to thank Councilmember Ahmad and the entire City Council for recognizing June 10, 2024 as a centennial celebration of the American Heart Association and really look forward to working with you all in the next year to address cardiovascular health and stroke. Just recall heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the City of Philadelphia so we have a lot of work to do in the next upcoming years, but thank you so much for your time and have a great rest of the day. (Applause.)

Anthony McNeil, Lynn Landes, then William Hendrick and Ogbonna Hagins. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good afternoon. My name is Lynn Landes, founder of Sensicalsociety.org regarding Resolution 240545 where Philadelphia City Council is protesting restrictions on the rights of transgender people, many others however are asking what about the rights of girls and women to participate in female sports and not to be threatened by biological males who want to compete as female but who are stronger by nature and who are breaking records in women's sports as we speak. What about girls' and women's rights to privacy for males and vice versa, in locker rooms, showers, restrooms, sororities, fraternities and even prisons? What about the rights of women to college scholarships, jobs, contracts and other benefits? What about parents' rights over their minor children who may be considering transitioning? Already Philadelphia allows children over 11 years old to get certain vaccines without their parents' knowledge or consent. Will children be able to make medical decisions about transitioning as well? What about books in public libraries that may contain pornographic sections and explicit drag performances that may be inappropriate for children? Are we supposed to say all of this is okay? The public appears to be more than willing to accommodate transgender people in their own separate category and things such as sports, but many do not support violating the rights of males, females and parents in the process. There are commonsense solutions to these issues, but this resolution is only looking at this controversy through the transgender lens. Lastly, we should also be focused on another extremely important and related issue and, that is, overexposure to female hormones, otherwise known as estrogen-mimicking hormones, that have a harmful effect on sexual development in all life forms. Overexposure to female hormones comes from fossil fuels, medications and the foods we eat, and this is an issue that Corporate America does not want us to look at, but it is an issue as with all controversies that deserves our attention and to be publicly considered from all angles, something this resolution does not do. Thank you very much.

William Hendricks. (Witness approached podium.)

Yes. Good afternoon, everybody. See you smiling over there. Usually when I come here as a motivational speaker, formerly of WDAS, I worked with Joe Butterball Tamburro for more than 22 years. I don't know what I'm going to say because God takes over my body and my heart starts beating fast, I need to step back and let God speak to all you ladies and gentlemen. And his message is, look at each other and smile and be kind. That's our purpose here on earth. Your name is your purpose. It's why you're here. Your ancestors are here all throughout this building looking down on all of you, and the message is be the best public servant. Let me repeat that. God's talking to you. The message is be the best public servant on the planet Earth. I made a few notes here, but God cancelled them because it's more important that we as human beings, residents of the planet Earth -- we're residents. I don't care if you're Republican, Democrat, man, woman, child, whoever --

Mr. Hendricks?

Yes.

How are you doing, sir. Just tell me a little bit about Michael Johns and the Zoning Board.

Oh, I apologize.

Just a little bit.

God did that, not me.

It's all right.

But what I'm going to do is --

I appreciate the message.

Hold up, but let me say this. I approve, it's approved and I'm out.

My man.

Until we meet again. I can't drop the mic.

Thank you. (Applause.)

Ogbonna Hagins. (Witness approached podium.)

Great morning, everyone. My name is Ogbonna Hagins. I'm a fourth generation chattel slavery survivor and I'm the unseated council president. I've been coming before City Council urging this body to adopt my structural racism Bill 2024. And for some reason, my bill is being ignored. I've had attorneys and college professors read the bill and found it doable. And yet for some reason, I can't get this body to read it. This is why I say we need a different type of redevelopment in this City --

Mr. Hagins, how are you doing, sir -

I'm talking about the redevelopment, brother.

Yeah, tell me a little bit about the redevelopment, my brother.

I'm talking about right here, the redevelopment and urban renewal of portions of the New Kensington. You're messing up my flow, Council President, so I'm going to have to request more time. Now, I know why -- I know what's up with this City here. It's the gross domestic product of Philadelphia. It's the measure of market value and the final goods and services produced within the county of Philadelphia. In 2022, it was $120 million. It pains me to say this, but the public has the right to know. The City of Philadelphia cannot economically afford losing the domestic product of American Freedman going to prison from its overall market value, which means this City has no political intention of eradicating gun violence. Philadelphia must maintain gun violence. They must maintain this to keep the economy going. Without American Freedman going to prison, this City will be economically bankrupt. So what I'm calling for is this, what we have here in the City fiscally functioning without violating our 13th Amendment, this City cannot function without violating the 13th Amendment rights of American Freedmen. So that being the case, I ask all residents in this City, the ACLU and the clergy to call for placing the City of Philadelphia in federal receivership for breach of contract, breach of duty, security fraud and repudiation of the 13th Amendment. The Roadmap to Safer Communities, the researchers wasn't wrong. This City is structurally racist to the core and no matter what kind of programs you have, gun violence is never going to end in this City because you guys are violating the American Freedmen's 13th Amendment Constitutional rights. 6/6/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (Applause.)

Council President, there are no other names for public comment.

Nadira, what we doing?

(Inaudible).

Okay. All right. This concludes the public comments for today.

(Inaudible).

No, thank you for being here with us. We will now consider the Bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240068.

A resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter further providing for mandatory 6/6/24 - STATED - 2ND READING annual appropriations for the Housing Trust Fund, and providing for the submission of the proposed amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240068.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilmember Gauthier, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240068 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) 6/6/24 - STATED - 2ND READING

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, the motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240534.

A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to 1234-1240 South 47th Street; 3914, 3935, 3936 and 3938 Folsom Street, located in the 3rd Councilmanic District, pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution No. 6/6/24 - STATED - 2ND READING 240534.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilmember Gauthier, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240534 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240545. 6/6/24 - STATED - 2ND READING

A resolution declaring the City of Philadelphia's commitment to protect the rights and equal protections of all LGBTQ+ Philadelphians in light of the recent increase in attempts to restrict the rights of transgender people.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240545.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilmember Gauthier, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 6/6/24 - STATED - 2ND READING 240545 -

Landau. Pardon me, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilmember Landau, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240545 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240546. 6/6/24 - STATED - 2ND READING

A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2839 North Orianna Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Lozada for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240546.

Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240546 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

6/6/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240547.

A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank a deed conveying title to 2035 East Birch Street, located in the 7th Councilmanic District, pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Lozada for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240547.

Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of 6/6/24 - STATED - 2ND READING the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240547 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240549.

Resolution approving the appointment of Richard Harris to the Board of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.

6/6/24 - STATED - 2ND READING The Chair recognizes Councilmember Driscoll for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240549.

Move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240549 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240550.

A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia 6/6/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank a deed conveying title to 1900 East Lehigh Avenue, located in the 1st Councilmanic District, pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240550.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240550 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

6/6/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motions carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240551.

A resolution approving the First Amendment to the Redevelopment Agreement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the New Kensington-Fishtown Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 2451-2453 Frankford Avenue; and authorizing the Redevelopment Authority to execute the First Amendment to the Redevelopment Agreement with BMK Properties, LLC and to take such action as may be necessary to effectuate the First 6/6/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Amendment to the Redevelopment Agreement.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240551.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240551 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is 6/6/24 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240059.

An ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finances, Taxes and Collections," by adding a new Chapter 19-4600, entitled "Low-Income Tax Provisions," providing for the refund or forgiveness of real estate tax liability of certain low-income residents attributable to real estate tax increases and increases in the assessed value of the taxpayer's homestead, under certain terms and conditions.

This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.

Councilmember 6/6/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Phillips.

Aye.

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.

Aye.

Councilmember Gauthier.

Aye.

Councilmember Thomas.

Council President, I vote aye on this bill and all other bills that I did not vote on because I stepped away. Thank you, Council President.

You're welcome. Should be duly noted.

Councilmember Jones.

Aye. 6/6/24 - STATED - 2ND READING

Councilmember Landau.

Council President, I vote aye and on all other bills where I was absent. Thank you.

Should be duly noted.

Councilmember Lozada.

Aye.

Councilmember Young.

Aye.

Councilmember Brooks.

Aye.

Councilmember Harrity.

Aye.

Councilmember O'Rourke.

Aye.

Councilmember 6/6/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Driscoll.

Aye.

Councilmember O'Neill.

Aye.

Councilmember Squilla.

Aye.

Councilmember Bass.

Aye.

Councilmember Ahmad.

Aye.

And, Council President Johnson.

Aye. The ayes are 17. The nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240061.

An ordinance 6/6/24 - STATED - 2ND READING providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia the proposal set forth in a resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, further providing for mandatory annual appropriations for the Housing Trust Fund and authorizing and directing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.

This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.

Councilmember Phillips.

Aye.

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson. 6/6/24 - STATED - 2ND READING

Aye.

Councilmember Gauthier.

Aye.

Councilmember Thomas.

Aye.

Councilmember Jones.