Stated Meeting, January 22, 2026

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, January 22, 2026 10:00 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 COUNCILWOMAN RUE LANDAU COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY M. LOZADA COUNCILMAN NICOLAS O'ROURKE COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR. ELIZABETH McCOLLUM NAZARIO, CHIEF CLERK - -

Good morning, everyone. I want to thank everyone for being here today. I want to ask for all guests to please retire outside the council chambers behind the rails. I note that the hour has come and the quorum of this council is present. This city council session of 2026 will now come to order. I want to start off by saying Happy New Year and I look forward to a very hardworking and productive city council session and year. Before proceeding I want to ask everyone to please put your cell phones on silent and/or vibrate. Feels good to be back in the house of the people. To give our invocation this morning, chair recognizes my good friend, Bishop Steven Avinger, Sr., senior pastor of Greater St. Matthews Baptist Church. He is here today as guest of Council Member Kendra Brooks. I will ask all members and guests to please rise.

Let us pray. Lord, we ask for your presence and your guidance for the mayor of this city and this August body as they deliberate today. We pray, God, that you will give them strength to discern the best path for us. Give them the courage to do what's right and fill their hearts with compassion for the residents of the City of Philadelphia. We pray, god, that in the climate that we are in today, that they might work together in harmony seeking justice and promoting the welfare of our entire city. We pray that their actions reflect your love and they will serve for the greater good, give them discernment and the presence of your spirit. In Jesus's name we pray. Amen.

Amen. The chair thanks the bishop for the invocation. Council will now be at ease. The next order of business is the approval of the journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 11, 2025, the chair recognizes Council Member Cindy Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 11, 2025, be approved.

It has been moved and properly seconded that the adjournment of the meeting of Thursday, December 11, 2025, stand and approve, all in favor that indicate by saying aye. Those opposed, ayes have it, and the vote is approved. All said aye. The next order of business is request for leave of absence and the chair recognizes Majority Leader Catherine Gilmore Richardson. Council you council.

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

The chair thanks the council member. The chair recognizes Council Member Brooks.

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

The Chair thanks the council member. The Chair now recognizes Council Member Majority Leader Catherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's session of council and that were not listed on the calender, circulated prior to today's council session. COUNCIL MEMBER THOMAS: 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 recall from the mayor, amendments to bills recalled 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 calender, and a motion placing a bill or 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. SPEAKER: Second.

It has been moved and properly seconded, that the legislative matter stated by a majority leader, Council Member Catherine 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 please signify by saying aye. All said aye.

Those opposed, the ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize that guests and visitors joining us in chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of city council, I welcome you to our council session. We appreciate you taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative matters of our great city. We certainly invite you to come again. I want to take a moment to acknowledge two gentleman. One is known as a social media advocate and influencer who has been working hard on a variety of different issues to bring the City of Philadelphia together. He goes by a name of Amir Barbara, also known as Motivate Youth 215. Come on Philly, come on Philly, let's acknowledge Mr. Motivate 215. Could you please stand. He's also joined by Mr. Ephraim Reavis, also known as Ematic the Originator. They are here promoting the viral Ematic dance challenge. We welcome them to Philadelphia city council. This is a dance challenge that has connected people from all different black backgrounds, all different neighborhoods, and have unified our city and put our city on the national, positive light. Mr. Ematic, could you please stand. Let's please give him a round of applause. (Applause).

They are here as the guest of Minority Leader Council Member Kendra Brooks, who I will also acknowledge to offer some remarks.

Thank you, Council President. I just want to say thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to recognize the work that these younger men are doing, connecting generations through dance and culture. I want to thank you guys for taking the time out to come to city council and just to be a part of civic engagement. It's important that we continue to connect arts, culture, and politics because this is how we're going to impact young people. So let's continue to go viral, let's continue to make this happen, and let's go, Philly.

Let's give her a round of applause. (Applause.)

I think if I noted correctly, the Ematic dance challenge has surpassed 500 million streams and likes. Let's give up a round of applause. (Applause.)

That's way beyond the City of Philadelphia. And interesting enough, all different cultural backgrounds, so if you get a chance to observe the dance challenge, please make sure you're not only observing it through social media platforms, but also maybe even partake in it yourself. The chair recognizes Council Member Dr. Nina Ahmad.

Thank you, Council President. In honor of January being the Human Trafficking Prevention month in the City of Philadelphia, I have a resolution about that today. We have the Salvation Army, who are here. The Salvation Army is one of the premier service providers for survivors of human trafficking and they have very generously put some treats for you on each council members' table, so I just wanted to acknowledge them. I think Reverend Bonnie Camarda is here, if she could just stand. There she is. I thank you and I thank you all of those who are in your organization, supporting those who are most vulnerable. So thank you very much, Council President.

Thank you, very much. At this time, the chair recognizes Council Member Jeffrey J. Young, Jr., who will present a resolution honoring and recognizing Self Incorporated for his transformative work in addressing homelessness and empowering lives across Philadelphia. Would Dr. Shirlana Dash and those accompanying her please join the council member at the podium. Joining Council Member Young are the following council members, Minority Leader Council Member Kendra Brooks, Council Member Jim Harrity, Councilman Jamie Guathier, and Council Member Majority Deputy Whip, Cindy Bass. The floor is yours, Member Young.

Thank you, so much Council President. And good morning to everyone in the listening in public. Today we are here to honor and recognize Self Inc., the largest provider of emergency housing in the City of Philadelphia. As we embark on this -- the Mayor's One Philly initiative to increase 1,000 beds for homelessness in the city, we must honor and recognize the people who are doing the work to ensure that our unhoused population is treated with dignity and to ensure that our unhoused population gets the services that they need to survive in this city as we face rising, rising costs each and every day here in the City of Philadelphia. So I wanted to take some time out to honor this organization, this black-owned led organization that is on the ground fighting the good fight and taking care of our most vulnerable population here in the City of Philadelphia. With that, I want to honor and recognize Self Incorporated for its transformative work in addressing homelessness and empowering lives across Philadelphia. Whereas the council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to recognize Self Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing housing, emergency housing, supportive services, and pathways to stability for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Whereas, Self Inc. was established in 1982, by Dr. Sylvester Outley, a visionary leader and advocate whose mission was to eradicate homelessness by meeting people where they are and supporting them with compassion, dignity, and care.

Whereas, over the past four decades, Self Inc. has grown to become the largest provider of emergency and temporary housing in Philadelphia, serving more than 1,000 individuals daily through its network of shelters, supportive housing programs, and outreach services, and whereas Self Inc. has long been recognized for its commitment to ending homelessness through innovative trauma-informed programs that addresses the underlying causes of housing insecurity and promote holistic wellbeing for residents and... Whereas, under the leadership of Board Chairman Reverend Dr. W. Wilson Good, Sr., and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Shirlana Dash, Self Inc. continues to expand its impact through the development of permanent supportive housing programs, youth-focused initiatives, and specialized outreach teams, including a newly-established outreach program at the Philadelphia International Airport, connecting unsheltered individuals to critical care and housing resources. And whereas, through partnerships with the City of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and numerous community organizations Self Inc. plays an integral role in advancing the City's effort to provide equitable access to housing, employment, and supportive services for vulnerable populations.

And, whereas, during National Homeless Awareness month, to council of the City of Philadelphia acknowledges the unwavering dedication of Self Inc.'s staff, leadership, and partners, whose work embodies the principles of dignify, compassion, and just for all Philadelphians and whereas Self Inc.'s legacy of service spanning over 40 years, continues to strengthen communities, empower lives, and transform figures through its beliefs that every person deserves not only a safe place to call home, but also the opportunity to thrive now. Therefore be it...

Resolved by the council of the City of Philadelphia that this esteemed body honors and recognizes Self Incorporated for its transformative leadership, tireless advocacy, and enduring commitment to serving the unhoused and undeserved across our great city.

And be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Self Inc. in grateful acknowledgment of its service, and impact with the sincere admiration and appreciation of this legislative body. Thank you so much to Self Inc. for what you do. (Applause.)

The chair recognizes Dr. Dash for remarks and I would like to acknowledge that Self Inc., Holly House Reserves resides in the second councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia. The floor is yours, Dr. Dash.

Thank you, Council President. Yes, it does, Holly House is in your district. Thank you. Good morning to Council President Johnson, to Council Members, distinguished guests, partners, and friends. On behalf of Self Incorporated, I am deeply honored and sincerely grateful to the city council for this recognition. Self was founded in 1982 by Dr. Sylvester Outley with a clear and compassionate vision, to meet people experiencing homelessness where they are and support them with dignity, care, and opportunity. More than 40 years later, that mission continues to guide our work every single day. Today Self serves more than 1,000 individuals daily across the City of Philadelphia. That number reflects both our capacity and the reality before us, the need is persistent and growing. We house over 700 people every evening in permanent supportive housing and in housing shelters across the city. (Applause.) January is often a time where many of us reset and look ahead, but for those experiencing homelessness, there is no reset button. That is why alignment and action matter. We are proud to stand alongside Mayor Cherelle Parker and this council in advancing the city's commitment to addressing homelessness with urgency and accountability. Just last week, Self was the first provider to step forward under this new initiative with the opening at the Luzerne site, a new 24-hour shelter that will house 100 individuals across the city. (Applause.) At a time when this is desperately needed, Self stands alongside city council and the mayor to ensure that the most vulnerable population in our city is served and served well. This is what it looks like when vision and execution are in alignment and comes together as one. I want to thank our board chair in his absence, the Reverend Dr. Wilson Good, Sr., to the boards members that are with us today, to the staff that stand alongside me and with me, and to everyone in the city are who are committed to the compassionate work that we do. We recognize that there are many people that stand alongside us. We do not do this work alone. But we do it with the fellow people that are here with us, we do it with those in the audience, and those in the city that have a heart to serve. So as I close, as we expand emergency housing, permanent supportive housing, and youth initiatives, along with outreach, we do so knowing that this moment demands more from all of us and the choices we make right now shape our future. We accept this honor not as a finish line, but as a responsibility to keep moving to stay aligned and to ensure that every Philadelphian has not just a place to sleep, but a reality to thrive. I thank you. And just putting it out to everyone, next Wednesday the 28th is the PIT count. And for those who don't know what that is, the point in time count happens across the country when we have outreach teams, individuals, and volunteers who go out on the streets and actually identify the unsheltered in the community. The point in time count is so important because it allows us to know who needs services, who needs assistance, and who needs support. So I ask you today as I leave you that if you cross someone on the street, please offer them a warm hello and a smile because everyone on the street is not on the street because they're on drugs. Everybody on the street is not on the street because they have extreme mental health. Some have had life circumstance impact their lives. So if we just offer a bit of humanity, then together, we can eradicate homelessness across the city. (Applause.) SPEAKER: I just want to take a point of personal privilege, I mean, to Dr. Dash's point, there is no face of what homelessness looks like and I have Mr. Randy here, who is a participant of Self Inc. and can show you what the face of homelessness in this city really, really looks like. Mr. Randy.

Hello, everyone. My full name is Randy Serester Felice. February 3, 2005, at the age of 59, I found myself homeless, hopeless, had no clue of how I was going to get on my feet, what direction to take. Through the grace of God, I was able to find myself into Outley House. There with the help of Mr. Mosan, I was suggested to try out Project Homes. Through there, I was able to obtain my forklift certification, got into Philadelphia Technical School on 19th and Girard Drive for drywall, framing, and sheetrock finishing. (Applause.)

After a two and a half year search, I was able to find full-time employment. That hopelessness that I felt on February the 3, 2025, Outley House gave me my hope back. (Applause.)

With that, I can see myself getting back on my feet and starting my life over at the age 60, it's never too late. I thank everybody here because without this program, I don't know where I would be. I pray for all those that's still out there and I just want to thank you guys again. You all mean so much and you all have done so much for me. Thank you. (Applause.)

Council will be at ease. The next order of business is communications. The chair request deliver messages from the mayor to the chief clerk. Will the chief clerk read the messages from the mayor and any other communications in her possession.

5 of Title 4 Subcode A, the Philadelphia administrative code of Philadelphia code entitled zoning and use registration permits by removing expired provisions related to outdoor entertainment at sidewalk cafes under certain terms and conditions. Any resolution authorizing the commissioner of public property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia redevelopment authority, deeds conveying fee-simple title to 2045 South 56th Street, 5123, 5125, 5127, 5129 Baltimore Avenue in the third councilmanic district of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia redevelopment authority to transfer to the Philadelphia land bank, fee-simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of the Philadelphia code. Any resolution authorizing the Philadelphia land bank to dispose of 134, 138, and 140 North 58th Street, located in the fourth councilmanic district in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of the Philadelphia code. Any resolution authorizing the Philadelphia land bank to dispose of 1403, 1409, 1415, 1428, 1436, 1441 North 17th Street, 1624, 1626 Jefferson Street, located the fifth councilmanic district in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of the Philadelphia code. Any resolution authorizing the Philadelphia land bank to dispose of 1909 North Van Pelt Street located in the fifth councilmanic district in accordance with the terms of Chapter 21 16-700 of the Philadelphia code. Any resolution authorizing the Philadelphia land bank to dispose of 1802 through 4 North Franklin Street, 1803, 1807 through 25 North 8th Street, located in the fifth councilmanic district in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of the Philadelphia code. Any resolution approving the third amendment to the redevelopment agreement of the Philadelphia redevelopment agreement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment in urban renewal of a portion of the American Street, Industrial Car Door Urban Renewal area, designated as Revised Parcel No. 8, Revised Parcel No. 9, Revised Parcel No. 10A, also sometimes identified by house numbers and street addresses for Revised Parcel No. 8, as 1700 through 34 North American Street, for Revised Parcel No. 9 at 1703 through 69 North Bodine Street, including 229 through 33 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, for Parcel No. 10A at 1736 through 54 North American Street and authorizing the redevelopment authority to execute the third amendment to the redevelopment agreement with 1700 North American Street, LLC, and take such action as may be necessary to effectuate the third amendment to the redevelopment agreement. Any resolution authorizing the Philadelphia land bank to dispose of 2039 East Fletcher Street located in the 7th councilmanic district in accordance with the terms of Chapter 2 16-700 of the Philadelphia code. Any resolution authorizing the commissioner of public property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, deeds conveying fee-simple title to 2726 North 15th Street in the 8th councilmanic district in the City of Philadelphia, and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia land bank, fee-simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of the Philadelphia code. Any resolution authorizing the commissioner of public property to execute and deliver the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee-simple title to 82 East Wister Street, 46 and 47 East Earlham Street, 32 East Clapier Street, 47,45, 75 East Ashmead Street, 40 through 42 East Garfield Street, 50 through 58 East Garfield Street, 14 West Seymour Street, 4947 Portico Street, 5308, 5318, 5332, 5322, 5323, 5324, 5331, 5331 Wakefield Street in the eight councilmanic district of the City of Philadelphia, and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia land bank fee-simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of the Philadelphia code.

To the president and members of the council, the City of Philadelphia, I'm pleased to advise you that on December 17, 2025, I signed the following bill, which was passed by council at its session on December 4, 2025. Bill No. 250887-A. And that on December 17th, I signed the following bills which passed by council at its session on December 11, 2025, Bill No. 250534, 250573, 250841, 250951, 350952, 250953, 250954, 250981, 251017, 251018, 251019, and 251023. And that on January 7, 2025, I signed the following bills which were passed by council at its session on December 11, 2025. Bill No. 250574, 250606, 250717, 250771-A, 250801, 250805, 250809, 250832, 250839, 250840, 250842, 250846-A, 250847, 250888-A, 250913, 250914, 250920, 250946, 250947, 250982, 250983, 250984, 250985, 240987, 251022-A, and Bill 22 No. 251028. On January 7, 2026, I signed the following bills which were passed by council at its session on December 4, 2025, Bill No. 250708, 250709, and 250834. And that on January 13, 2026, I signed the following bill which was passed by council at its session on December 8, 2025, Bill 4 No. 250833. On January 20th, I signed the following bills which were passed by council at its session on December 11, 2025, Bill No. 8 250646-A, 250651-A, 250950. That on January 20, 2026, I signed the following bills which were passed by council at its session on December 4, 2025, Bill No. 12 240304-A and 250607. Bill No. 250720 and Bill No. 14 250804-A were returned unsigned. That pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Philadelphia home rule charter, the city council -- I am transmitting to the council the recommendation of the city planning commission on the following bills, Bill No. 250986 approved, 251067, not approved, 251101, not for approval, and 251102, approved. Council president, there are no 23 further communications in my possession. SPEAKER JOHNSON: Thank you. These messages will be printed in the journal. Good job, Chief Clerk. ) SPEAKER JOHNSON: The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The chair recognize Council Member Dr. Anthony Phillips.

Good morning, Council President and good morning colleagues, and good morning to the distinguished sergeant in arms. We love him. I have one resolution for introduction today.

Thank you, very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the privilege registration.

A priveledged resolution recognizing January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and honoring Angela, their survivor for her outstanding leadership with the Pennsylvania National Cervical Cancer Coalition, Northwest West Philadelphia chapter, and her dedication to cervical cancer awareness and survivor advocacy.

This resolution will be placed on today's final calendar. The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Councilman Catherine Gilmore Richardson.

Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Today I offer one bill for privilege resolutions, two of which are on your behalf.

Thank you, very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the bill and resolutions.

An ordinance amending Chapter 19-700 of the Philadelphia code, entitled finance, taxes, and collections to amend excluded transactions to realty transfer tax all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill 17 will be referred to the appropriate committee.

A privileged resolution authorizing the committee on law and government to hold a hearing on the process to resolve a tangled title in the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's final calendar.

And a privileged resolution honoring the African American children's book project on the occasion of its 34th annual African American Children's Book fair.

This resolution will be placed on today's final passage calender.

And priveledged resolution honoring and congratulating Erve Randolph for his retirement after 31 years of distinguished service to the Philadelphia Tribune and for his lasting contributions to journalism and the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's final passage calender.

And a priveledged resolution authorizing the committee on commerce and economic development to hold hearings to assess the City of Philadelphia's workforce development efforts and existing barriers to employment and to evaluate job creation and workforce development as strategies to eliminate poverty for Philadelphians.

This resolution will be placed on today's final passage calender. The chair recognizes Councilman Jamie Guathier.

Good morning, Council President. Today I have one privilege resolution.

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

A non-priveledged resolution authorizing the commissioner of public property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, deeds conveying fee-simple title to 2045 South 56th Street, 5123, 5125, 5127, and 5129 Baltimore Avenue in the third councilmanic district of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia land bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of the Philadelphia code.

This resolution will be placed on the final passage calender for consideration at our next session of council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Isaiah Thomas.

Good morning, Council President. Love your energy today. Good morning to the City of Philadelphia, good morning colleagues. I have nothing. Thank you, Council President.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Council Member Curtis Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. I too recognize your energy in this new year. I have one bill and one non-privileged resolution today.

Thank you, very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the bill and resolution.

An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia zoning maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Main Street, Ridge Avenue, the Wissahickon Creek, Kelly Drive, Falls Road, the Schuylkill River, and Dawson Street extended.

This bill 4 will be furthered to the appropriate committee.

A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia land bank to dispose of 134, 138, 140 North 58th Street, located in the fourth councilmanic district in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of the Philadelphia code.

This resolution will be placed on the final passage calender for consideration at our next session of council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rue Landau.

Good morning, Council President --

Good morning.

-- Colleagues, and the public. I have one privilege resolution today.

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

And privileged resolution recognizing January 28, 2026, as a national date of privacy day in the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's final passage calendar. Chair recognizes Councilman Quetcy Lozada.

Good morning, Council President. Good morning, everyone. I have two non-privileged resolutions today.

Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the two non-privileged resolutions.

A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia land bank of 2039 East Fletcher Street located in the seventh councilmanic district 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 non-privileged resolution approving the third amendment to the redevelopment agreement of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area, designated as Revised Parcel No. 8, Revised Parcel No. 9, and Revised Parcel No. 10-A, also sometimes identified by house numbers and street addresses for Revised Parcel No. 8 as 1700 through 24 North American Street, for Revised Parcel No. 9 as 1703 through 69 North Bodine Street, including 229 through 33 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, and for Parcel No. 10-A as 1736 through 54 North American Street, and authorizing the Redevelopment Authority to execute the 3rd amendment to the redevelopment agreement with 1700 North American Street, LLC, and to take such action as may be necessary to effectuate the third amendment to the redevelopment agreement.

This resolution will be placed on the final passage calender for consideration at the next session of council. Chair recognizes Council Member Jeffrey J. Young.

Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one bill and five non-privileged resolutions.

Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the bill and resolutions.

An ordinance 11 providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to the educational supplement to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the removal of members of the Board of Education by establishing a process by which city council may remove such members as approved by resolution of the city council, fixing the date of an election for such purpose, prescribing the form of ballet question to be voted on, and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the election.

This bill 24 will be referred to the appropriate committee.

A non-privileged resolution proposing an amendment to the educational supplement to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the removal of the members of the Board of Education by establishing a process by which city council may remove such members and providing for the submission of the amendments to the electors of Philadelphia.

This bill 9 will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia land bank to dispose of 1909 North Van Pelt Street located in the 5th councilmanic district 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.

A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia land bank to dispose of 1437, 1438, 1539, 1544, 1546, and 1610 Ogontz Street, 863 North 15th Street, 841, 845, and 851 North 16th Street, located in the 5th councilmanic district 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 our next session of council.

A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia land bank to dispose of 1802 through 4 North Franklin Street, 1803, 1807 through 25 North 8th Street located in the fifth councilmanic district 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 our next session of council.

A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia land bank to dispose of 1403, 1409, 1415, 1428, 1436, and 1441 North 17th Street, 1624 and 1626 Jefferson Street located in the fifth councilmanic district in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of the Philadelphia code.

This resolution will be placed on the final passage calender for consideration at our next session of council. The Chair recognizes Council member Kendra Brooks.

Yes, I have one priveledged resolution to introduce. SPEAKER JOHNSON: Thank you, very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the privileged resolution.

The priveledged resolution recognizing January 22nd as the anniversary of the Supreme Court's landmark decision in Roe versus Wade.

This resolution will be placed on today's final passage calendar. Chair recognizes Councilman Jim Harrity.

Good afternoon, Council President, colleagues. I have one bill today.

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

An ordinance creating Title IX, Chapter 6700 of the Philadelphia code to create licensure for certified glass and metal technicians all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill 8 will be referred to the appropriate committee. Chair recognizes Councilman Nicholas O'Rourke.

Good morning, Mr. President. Good morning, Philadelphians all. I have no resolutions or bills to introduce today.

Thank you, very much. Chair recognizes Councilman Mike Driscoll.

Morning, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions today. SPEAKER JOHNSON: Thank you much. Chair recognizes Councilman Bill 25 O'Neil.

Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions.

Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilman Mark Squila.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two bills, two non-privilege resolutions, one on your behalf.

Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the bills and resolutions.

On ordinance 16 authorizing the installation, ownership, and maintenance of various encroachments along the 300 block South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, under certain terms and conditions.

This bill 21 will be referred to the appropriate committee.

An ordinance amending Section 12-701 of the Philadelphia code entitled designation of bicycle lanes to authorize a bicycle lane and removal of parking on Columbia Avenue under certain terms and conditions.

This bill be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a non-privileged resolution expressing the city's priorities for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's 95 Revive Project from Center City to South Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on the final passage calendar for consideration at the next session of council.

And a privileged resolution honoring Father Joseph J. Kelly by renaming the 2400 block of -- and a non-privileged resolution honoring Father Joseph J. Kelly by renaming the 2400 block of South 17th Street at Father Joseph Kelly Way in recognition of his dedicated pastoral leadership at St. Monica Parish and his longstanding service to the south Philadelphia community.

This resolution will be placed on the final passage calendar for consideration at our next session of council. Chair recognizes Council Member Cindy Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I will offer three privileged resolutions, two on your behalf and one non-privileged resolution.

Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk read the title of the resolutions.

A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Austin J. McGreal, Esquire, for his over 40 years of legal service and dedication to the City of Philadelphia through his tenure as general council of the Philadelphia Municipal Authority.

This resolution will be placed on today's final passage calendar.

And a priveledged resolution honoring Pushing Progress Philly, P3, and its outstanding leadership and staff for their unwavering commitment to youth gun violence prevention, strengthening families, and building safer, healthier communities in the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's final passage calender.

And a privileged resolution honoring and commending endangered kind, it's founder and Executive Director John Solomon and its leadership team Nakeem Haggins, Jalil Martin, Gary Hill, and Eric Knight-Lane for their commitment to fighting youth gun violence in their profound grassroots leadership uplifting vulnerable young men, families and communities throughout the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's final passage calender.

And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the commissioner of public property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 2726 North 15th Street in the eighth councilmanic district of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer the Philadelphia land bank fee-simple title as such properties, pursuant to Section 126-405 of the Philadelphia code.

This resolution will be placed on the final passage calender for consideration at our next session of council. The Chair recognizes Council member Dr. Nina Ahmad.

Thank you, Council President. I offer two privileged resolutions, one non-privileged resolution, and one bill.

Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the bill and resolutions.

An ordinance 19 proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for the creation of the Community Child Welfare Commission and providing for the submission of the proposed amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.

This bill 25 will be referred to the appropriate committee.

A non-privileged resolution providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia, of the proposal set forth in a resolution approved by council, proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the creation of the Community Child Welfare Commission and authorizing and directing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.

This bill 12 will be referred to the appropriate committee.

A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee of Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings examining the current state of Philadelphia's reproductive health care system, the current federal landscape effecting reproductive policy, and the City's response to protect reproductive freedom.

This resolution will be placed on today's final passage calender. Council, be at ease.

And a privileged resolution recognizing January 2026 as human trafficking prevention month in the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's final passage calendar. There being no reports from committees today, the next order of business is the consideration of the calendar. The chair recognizes Majority Leader Councilman Catherine Gillmore Richardson for a motion concerning the bills and resolutions on the second reading of final passage calendars.

Thank you, Mr. President. The following bills and resolutions are being called up from the second reading and final passage calenders today. Nos. 250303, 250768, 250986, 250990, 251027, and 251065. The following bills and resolutions on the calendar are being held, 241070, 241056, 250807, 250843, and 251025.

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 calenders for possible action at today's council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up for today's session, please do so now by giving your name to Ms. Hassin at the table outside the rails to my left. Once you have signed up, you'll 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 timing may vary from council session to council session. Today, due to the repetition of the actual public comment calender, 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 for your time, the light will turn yellow, which is your reminder to please conclude your remarks. Once two minutes have passed, the lights will turn red and the sergeant at arms will disconnect the microphone. Please don't give him a hard time, he's just doing his job. At that point, please yield the podium to the next speaker if you have not done so already. I also reserve the right pursuant to our rules of city council to limit repetitious comments on the same subject matter. I will now ask the chief clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.

May we have Stefan Roots, Maritza Padwa, Loyde Bastin, Kate Perez, Mike Ewal, and Kim Braford please come to the podium.

Good morning. My name is Stefan Roots, mayor of the City of Chester, Pennsylvania, here seeking support for the passage of the Stop Trashing Our Air Act. I am the first mayor fighting environmental justice in the City of Chester. I was born in '61, graduated in '78 from high school, played in the streets of Chester, and none of my playmates had asthma. Fast forward to 2006, I was at a school celebrating a new book for students, wrote by and sponsored by Keystone First and the students, the topic was centered around childhood asthma. On that day, I learned that 80 percent of the students had asthma. What changed in Chester between my time as a child and theirs? Chester has been a dumping ground for polluting industries for decades. When I was a child growing up in the '60s, Delaware River had this oil sheen and my dad said, that's why you see a rainbow. I marveled at that. My parents' bedroom, I would go in crying because outside my bedroom window, the sky looked like it was on fire. That was the refineries on low cloud days, making me scared that the whole city was going to go on fire. In '78, a rubber reclaiming factory, known as Wade Dumsite, sat across the street from the stadium that Philadelphia Union plays and it's now become -- it then became the third super fun site in the city. Here's my point, thanks to the efforts of the EPA, the DEP, pollution in Chester is greatly reduced since my childhood, but my childhood started 65 years ago. 35 years ago a new polluter came to town and the impact of the trash incinerator, while there's been great reductions in other pollution, has been devastating to the lives in Chester. You may be surprised to know that my environmental work started in the City of Philadelphia. When I graduated from Villanova, my first job was at PGW. I was responsible for lowering pollution in Philly. I was responsible for converting schools from coal to gas. Today, Chester City council, my work that started in Philadelphia, reducing pollution in the city, has taken place right here in my city, the City of Chester. Today you're facing council, your own Jeff Brown moment. When he was asked at the last mayor's debate what he thinks about sending Philly trash to Chester, he said he didn't care about Chester and if he ever had a chance to become mayor of Philadelphia, he lost it in that moment. The moderator thought his reaction was shocking and Mayor Parker had a few choice words for him too. Unless she's changed her position since then, I'm certain she still finds the idea of sending Philly trash to Chester disgusting. I invited Philadelphia's leaders to Chester to see the decades of damage the incinerator has done to our city residents. Councilwoman Guathier answered the call. And after taking the toxic tour of Chester, before she stepped on the van to come back to Philly, she promised she'd do something about it. Today is that day. This Stop Trashing Our Air Act is what she did and we're counting on all of you to support it. When I was last -- well, let's just go right to where it matters. In Chester, Delaware County, they own the incinerator, not the City of Chester. It burns three times more trash than Delaware County needs, but they put it in the City of Chester. The other third comes from, the other third from New York. Listen closely, 90 percent of the trash that's burned in Chester is generated from outside of Chester. What we get in return is sick people, a devalued riverfront, and no mayor willing to fight this battle from Chester until I came. Seven million pounds of trash, 7 million pounds of trash is burned in the City of Chester every day in an area no bigger than a councilmanic district you guys serve. I'm the first man to challenge Delaware County. The new government leaders in that county listened to me. They agreed to send their trash elsewhere over the next five years. Now I'm stepping to Philly, I'm asking and begging you to do the same. This is your Jeff Brown moment.

Here's your chance to be brotherly and show you care about our neighbors. I invite you to join the fight for Chester. When you go to bed tonight knowing that your yes vote today eliminates future childhood asthma in Chester, isn't it all worth it? Vote yes. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you very much, Mayor Roots. For the record, to all those assembled, we have a number of witnesses. We will keep to a two-minute limit. When you hear the bell, I ask that you conclude your remarks. We want to hear from each and every one of you here, but we will not be able to that if you do not keep to two minutes. Thank you very much.

Good morning and buenos dias. My name is Yolanda Cruz and I am the executive director and president of Women Against Abuse, Philadelphia's comprehensive domestic violence service provider. Thank you to city council for recognizing January as Human Trafficking Awareness month and for the opportunity to speak in strong support of Council Member Ahmad's Bill No. 250990. Human trafficking is closely connected to domestic violence. One of its most significant risk factor, survivors often face isolation, housing instability, and financial insecurity conditions traffickers exploit. Trafficking frequently begins not with a stranger, but with someone the victim knows and trusts. As the operator of Philadelphia's only domestic violence emergency shelter, Women Against Abuse sees this reality each and every day. Among survivors fleeing violent homes, young people who run away to escape abuse and individuals who lack the access to stable employment and legal protections. When systems fail to intervene, early to provide meaningful support, survivors are left vulnerable to further exploitation. We wholeheartedly support Bill No. 22 250990, because it advances safety, stability, and dignity for survivors. By preventing work place discrimination based on a person's status as a victim of human trafficking, this legislation removes a major barrier to economic independence, one of the strongest protections against both abuse and human trafficking. Survivors deserve healing, not punishment. They deserve welcoming places, not stigma. And they deserve the opportunity to rebuild and thrive. As we recognize Human Trafficking Awareness month, I urge council to pass Bill No. 250990. What a better way to mark this month than by making concrete action to address this crime and make Philadelphia safer to our most struggle neighbors. Thank you.

Good afternoon. I'm Lloyd Bastin, a resident of the Francisville area of Philadelphia and a professor of chemistry and sustainability at Widner University in Chester, Pennsylvania. I'm here to strongly support the Stop Trashing Our Air Act. Incineration of trash is an outdated technology that emits multiple pollutants into our air. Air pollutants, particularly particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen oxides are strongly linked to asthma, cancer, and other adverse health conditions. The impact of these air pollutants increases dramatically when a community has multiple polluting facilities. Chester suffers from the pollution of nearby oil refineries and power plants, in addition to seven facilities located along Chester's one square mile waterfront. These facilities include the largest incinerator in the country. The cumulative and additive impacts of these industries create serious air quality issues in Chester and the placement of these facilities in a predominantly black neighborhood was deliberate and is a textbook example of environmental racism. Reworld Chester is the largest contributor to air pollution in Chester and operates in violation of the Clean Air Act. For example, according to Reworld's own stats, they produce 14 percent of Delaware County's nitrogen oxide omissions. As a result of the cumulative air pollution in Chester, Chester's asthma rates are twice the Pennsylvania state level and pediatric asthma is more than four times the national average. Reworld lacks continuous monitoring of most chemicals of concern and consequently, we don't know what's in Chester's air from hour to hour. Because of that and because Philadelphia is downwind of Chester, we do not know what is in Philadelphia's air. And we must improve the quality -- air quality in Chester and Philadelphia. And I urge city council to stop sending our trash to Philadelphia, Philadelphia's trash to Chester, or any other incinerator. Thank you.

We have Kate Perez, Mike Ewal, Kim Braford, May Jasmine Bahamandi, Alex Piscatelli, Romano Jones, Alysssa Wilds, and Dawn Perice, please make their way to the podium.

I'm Kate Perez. And when I see the city moving money, I think about how much more the state should be able to give us. When you had your Christmas dinners, did you think about how our sister city has been enforcing about a blockage since March, torturing an entire population, and forcing them into famine. With our SEPTA deficit, I can't imagine why the state treasurer would invest more money into war bonds that will continue to decrease in value as more and more countries distance themselves from Israel. Gaza is about the same size as Philadelphia with double the people. Imagine if Israel used a tank to destroy our oldest church. Drones strike every single hospital, every high school, every college, every day care targeted and flattened. Imagine more than 90 percent of our population living on the street with babies freezing to death overnight, now an almost daily headline. When I asked my friends how they are, it's seven people sharing one blanket, too cold to move your hands and the war planes never left, giving everyone constant migraines and more strikes. The IOF has committed at least 1,298 cease fire violations since October 10th, killing 480 human beings, at least 169 children, with 428 documented direct shootings, 66 incursions by armored vehicles, 604 artillery strikes on populated civilian areas. Like just yesterday when the IOF killed 11 people while targeting three journalists. The newlywed Abdul Raoof Shamir Shaat, his mother's only son, and Mohammad Sala Cashta, whose wife and children were abroad when he was assassinated. As a city hosting their No. 3 1 weapon's supplier on Spring Garden, we know that this level of destruction would not be possible without our complicity and our efforts to normalize through our sister city partnership. This every climbing death toll does not include people crushed by crumpling infrastructure, lack of access, lack of medicine supplies, or wiped away in icy storms. We can cut off this relationship and I can't come back here for awhile, but I want to leave you with Basan Odwads words, getting used to a genocide is the quickest way to ensure its completion. Arms embargo now, free Palestine.

Hi, my name is Mike Ewal. I'm the founder and executive director of a national organization called Energy Justice Network, based here in Philadelphia and I'm here to speak in favor of the Stop Trashing Our Air Act 250768. I'm a member of Council Member Lozada's district and have been working and leading the work to get this bill to this point since 2021. I'm glad to see it get this far. Around Philadelphia, we have the worst cluster of trash incinerators in the nation. There are five of them surrounding the city and whichever way the wind is blowing, we're breathing someone's trash, often our own. All five of these incinerators are among the top seven industrial air polluters in the seven county Philadelphia area of the city and all the counties that touch it. This is directly related to the fact that our region is the No. 4 asthma capital in the whole country and No. 2 of the top big cities in the country in cancer incidents, something that's impacted folks in my home and almost every neighbor on my block that I know. It incinerators that we use, particularly the one in Chester, is documented to cause times more harm to public health than the 18 landfills that would be used instead, which is why 19 we're supporting this bill. We don't like 20 landfills, but we know that burning trash and 21 toxic ashes is 23 times worse for public health. 22 (Applause.) 23 We know that there are some council members that are thinking, well, what do the unions have to say, what about the jobs. We've studied this. I'm in all of your in boxes with information on this in the past few days and we've documented that there are more jobs from landfills and there are more Philadelphia-based union jobs if we pass this bill because the alternative means going from a nonunion transfer station to a teamsters-organized transfer station here in the city and ultimately to a landfill that is also being unionized. So please support this bill. Thank you so much. (Applause.)

Good morning, council. My name is Kim Braford. I have been a proud resident of the City of Philadelphia, District 4 for eight years, residing in the Wynnewood neighborhood. I am the Pennsylvania environmental manager for Reworld. The Chester facility is a sustainable solutions facility that helps a wide range of municipal, commercial, industrial clients recover, recycle, and reimage waste. Reworld also operates sustainable waste management facilities throughout the United States and Canada, all located in urban, suburban, and rural areas, converting waste into renewable energy. In fact, countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden have all enacted legislation to minimize the use of landfills as a waste management option. These countries, the United Nations, and the US EPA all recognize wasted energy as superior to landfills, which is the third largest cause of methane, the climate-damaging greenhouse gas. Like nearly all waste management processes, the Chester facility has air emissions. Unlike landfills, these emissions are strictly regulated in accordance with permits issued by PayDEP. It is my job to work very closely with the facility to ensure that the facility complies with these requirements. Our emissions are up to 99 percent below the permitted levels. Our share of emissions within the county air shed is very small. We represent just percent of the fine particulate emissions in the county and tenth of percent of the volatile organic compound emissions. The primary source of pollution in this area is mobile, such as cars and trucks. A human health risk assessment completed by an independent third party last year in accordance to the EPA protocols demonstrated that the operations at the facility is protective of human health. Consistent with our EJ policy, Reworld seeks to engage in two-way communication with our communities in which we operate. As a matter of fact, through this communication, we have embarked on four major projects to improve our environmental performance. We acknowledge that our facility is located inside a community that has long beared a burden disproportion to an environment and we are working every day to make ourselves a better community member. Thank you for allowing me to speak today. Thank you. (Applause.)

Good morning and thank you everyone for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Jasmine Bomonda and I'm the HR manager at Reworld in Chester and also a lifelong resident of Philadelphia. As a Latino who grew up in this region, I take true pride in working in a company that's not only committed to sustainability, but also the people who make our community thrive. Reworld is a sustainable solutions company, focused on helping cities and businesses manage resources as well as reduce waste and protect our environment, but for us, sustainability goes beyond environmental goals. It's also about creating sustainable opportunities for people. When I joined Reworld in February of 2023, only a few employees lived locally in the Chester area. Through intentional hiring practices, community partnerships, and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion, we have increased that number to city of Chester 14 employees and growing. 15 Those individuals bring invaluable 16 perspective, pride, and representation to our 17 Reworld force. As team members move on or retire, 18 we remain intentional while filling those roles 19 with talent from Chester and within the ten-mile 20 radius. 21 Our outreach to technical trade 22 schools and the Chester Upland School District 23 reflect our continued dedication to creating 24 meaningful community-based employment 25 opportunities. This focus on local hiring strengthens our local impact. It's about more than filling positions for me. It's about opening doors to, meaningful, long-lasting careers. Thank you for your time. (applause.)

Good morning. My name is Alex Palasandra Piscatelli and I am the facility manager at the Reworld Delaware Valley facility. I have been with Reworld for 36 years and for of those years, I've proudly served the 12 Delaware Valley in Chester, Pennsylvania. 13 My entire career has been rooted in 14 facilities operations, starting as a crane 15 operator and eventually becoming a regional 16 operations manager. So I've seen firsthand how 17 our industry has evolved and improved. 18 The Delaware facility was designed and constructed to operated on the strict requirements of the Clean Air Act, a federal law that was created to protect human health, while ensuring that air pollution remains at levels that are safe for people, as well as the environment. The fasts are clear, our facility has consistently operated at 60 to 90 percent below those standards. While no facility is perfect, over decades of operations, our performance has been strong and we continue to improve air pollution control technologies as it advances. Because it is claimed that the Delaware Valley facility has caused human health issues are simply not supported by the data. I understand that when people don't feel well, they look for causes. What I can speak on are the facts. Our admissions are continuously monitored. They have been operated well below federal limits. Those limits are set specifically to protect human health. If those were any indications our emissions were causing any harm, regulators would have intervened. The Clean Air Act framework is designed so that safety isn't just based on a company, it is an independent oversight. The key point being our emission data isn't ours, it is regulated, audited, and verified by the state and federal agencies, we report them continuously and they have the authority to act if we don't meet those standards. Community concerns matter and people deserve answers. What I'm saying is that scientific and regulatory data did not show the link between our facility and health issues. We are committed to listening, sharing information, and continuing to approve. This isn't about dismissing concern, it's about grounding the conversation in facts. Thank you for your time. (Applause.)

Good morning. My name is Ramona and I'm the facility administrative assistant at Reworld in Chester, where I was born, raised, currently reside. I retired from child care after 30 years because I was tired of the 40-minute commute to outside of Chester and back and forth. I wanted to be more easily accessible to my children, who are in school, my older child and her children, as well as my father, my mother, and other family members that reside in Chester. Reworld has given me the opportunity to work locally and be close to home. I no longer have a necessity to rely on government assistance because of being able to earn a livable wage, a higher wage by working at Reworld. I can be actively present and involved with my children's school and extracurricular activities without feeling exhausted from a long commute. I have had the privilege of working at Reworld for the past year and a half. And as the administrative assistant, I work closely with our facility team and community relations to be present, to be transparent, and to be committed to supporting the families of Chester. I am able to witness numerous, heartfelt accolades of appreciation when Reworld shows up to participate and sponsor the City of Chester events, whether it's a clean up, a festival, or making donations individually or to groups or organizations. We are present throughout the year within the city. It means a great deal to me to be part of an organization, generally invest in the place I call home. Thank you. (Applause.)

Good morning and thank you for the opportunity to speak. My name is Alyssa Wilds. I am the senior director of corporate and community relations at Reworld, leading a team of professionals whose sole purpose is partnering with residents and keeping them engaged and informed. I pride myself on the collaborative work being done in our host cities, creating partnerships and service plans based on the individualize needs and wants of each community as expressed by our key stakeholders. I too was born and raised in Camden, New Jersey, another one of Reworld's host cities. While I would never contend with the lived experience of those who testified before me, my lived experiences are far different. Camden was my home for the first 30 years of my life and for my mother's full 82.5 years. There are no 12 persistent illnesses in my family and the relationship with Reworld has not been combative or dismissive. My mother is four blocks away from our current facility in Camden and she is a vibrant elder. The relationship with the facility, even prior to my employment nearly five years ago, has been collaborative and transparent. The two-way communication, open-door policies have allowed us -- our curiosities to be quelled, our questions to be answered, and our concerns to be put to rest. Once an employee, my experiences at home allow me to seamlessly recreate the same around the country, granting residents in all of our host communities across the country the exact experiences that both my mother and I have had. With that and many more things, I ask that you vote no to Bill 250768. Thank you. (Applause.)

My name is Dawn peters, member of OnePA. Thank you for having me here. I stand in support of Bill 250768, the Stop Trashing Our Air Act. I am a mother, a grandmother, and a lifelong resident of Chester, Pennsylvania. I stand before you not as a statistic, but as a black woman who has lived the consequences of environmental racism. Decisions made without our voices. When the incinerator came to Chester, I was married, a young, vibrant, healthy mother with a toddler. I had no asthma, no 19 allergies, no breathing problems. After my second child was born, I suffered a sudden breathing emergency that sent me to Crozier-Chester Medical Center. That was when I was diagnosed with asthma. From that moment on, my life changed. I live with a worsening respiratory illness, nebulizers, repeated steroid treatments, and fear. Doctors told me to stay indoors, to keep my windows closed at home, and in my car, and to avoid being outside. Imagine being told that the very air meant to give you life, can make you sick. This is not just my story. I have watched family members, neighbors, loved ones suffer from asthma, lung cancer my father died, heart disease, strokes, and liver illness. These are not coincidences. These are patterns created when toxic facilities are placed in communities like mine. We love our children, just as deeply as any family anywhere else. We want them to play outside. We want them to walk the streets without fear. We want them to have air that is truly clean. I ask you today with urgency and compassion to see us, hear us, and protect us because if this were happening to your family, you would demand action. We are not asking for special treatment, we're asking for justice, we're asking for the basic human right to breathe. Please stand with Chester, Philadelphia, and the surrounding areas, pass the Stop Trashing Our Air Act bill. (Applause.)

Good morning council president and members of city council. My name is Matt Toomey and I represent the operating engineers, whose members work at this Reworld facility here -- there in Chester. I'm here this morning to oppose the bill that would remove a company I represent for participating in the current bid process. At stake, are up to 120 family-sustaining jobs. These aren't temporary jobs, these are careers. Professional careers that support families, provide health care, pensions, and stability. A significant amount of these workers live in Chester or have moved out of the area and everyone contributed to the local economy. Trash and waste management is reality of every major city. There is no option that comes without impact. What matters is how the impact is managed. Waste to energy incineration is one of the most heavily regulated waste management systems in the country, overseen by the EPA with continuous monitoring and enforceable standards. The facility operates in a long-established industrial zone, alongside other infrastructure that already exists. The contract is currently out to bid. That process exists for a reason, to ensure fairness, competition, transparency, and the best outcome for tax payers and residents. Removing a qualified bidder for this process completely undermines the trust and puts jobs, costs, and public confidence at risk. There are also real consequences to consider. This facility contributes power to the regional grid at a time when energy costs are rising and rate payers are already under pressure. Decisions like this do not happen in a vacuum. We support environmental protection. We believe in accountability, but we also believe in due process, working families, and fair competition. I respectfully urge counsel to reject this bill and allow the bid process to proceed and attend without political interference and without sacrificing careers that our family members depend on. Thank you for your time and consideration. (Applause)

Good afternoon. My name is Shari Hirsch. I'm speaking as a resident of Philadelphia. I'm also a member of Trash Academy and Queen Philadelphia Now Coalition. I participated in city wide campaign against illegal dumping in Philadelphia by 2028. Thank you, members of city council, for the opportunity to speak to support stop trashing our air act. In Philadelphia we are serious about becoming the cleanest, greenest biggest city in America which we support. We must end incineration and ultimately land filling and ensure that our sanitation contracts including robust waste diversion requirements. We cannot make one community cleaner by trashing another. When 4,000 tires were removed from Tacony creek park, they were sent to Reworld to be incinerated, a practice that harms nearby residents and contradicts our city's environmental hopes. Please support this act and work that provides a pathway -- provides a pathway towards long term solutions that reduce waste, improve public health and strengthen economic vitality. Our recycling rate is currently percent, far below the 22 percent we achieved before COVID. Sanitation contracts must include composting to divert food waste, curbside textile collection, and programs that recover construction and demolition materials for reuse. These measures will help Philadelphia build a sustainable equitable approach to waste management that makes all community healthier and stronger. As the clean air program continues to grow it's capacity impact let's ensure these occur during and shared across every neighborhood. (Applause.)

Hello Philadelphia city counsel and happy 2026. My name is Jeremy Blatstein. Some of you may know me as a real estate developer, some may know me as ex-account mayor and prerogative or SEPTA guy that ride to ride, he did apologize to me. Or as the guy who talks about housing. But I am here today as a member of the Philadelphia community who will never quote shut the heck up unquote. First, shout out to my guys, John Dot, AKA, Nakeen, and Jaleel, they're real ones who are in the trenches every day fighting gun violence. The home plan matters, but I question whether we're being fiscally responsible by issuing bonds for these spending properties. Supply, supply, supply. We have a housing supply problem. Most have spent ones that are gone, that's not stable or fiscally responsible. That is what general funds is suppose to be used for. Spending money is easy. Building houses in a fiscally responsible way is hard. Philadelphia keeps choosing easy. If we want affordability, we need more housing, especially workforce and middle-income housing built at scale. The solution is straightforward, create a revolving loan fund to build more housing. Capital that gets deployed, repaid and redeployed again and again. This works. Other cities have done it. One dollar can buy multiple properties instead of just one, $10,000 can create 10,000 homes. We need to invest in supply not just spending. Last but not least, we're talking about SEPTA. Raise your hand if your SEPTA fly since the last city council meeting. Shout out to my guy, Councilman Young, who came up top me at an event and told me he rode SEPTA looking fly. Thank you for riding SEPTA. It's important we need SEPTA. Thank you. (Applause.)

Robin here testifying regarding 250251065. I'm going to start off by saying, Happy New Year and Trust but verify. I'm going to say tell the truth and shame to devil. Bad deal for Philadelphia housing authority, bad deal. $25 millions is a bad debt, you all buying bad debt. Another neighborhood made change to the bill but it does not need PA funds to delay bills. Come on, it's a market value community. PHA lost this mission. PHA had worked on more abandon properties throughout Philadelphia especially in the 32 ward. Since no 14 one is speaking for us in the 32 ward, I'm going to say let us get in on that deal so we can truly show you all how to do affordable housing. We live in that area and we shelter senior and we know people are not looking to do anything but get out those shelter into housing and we also revere Raymond Rosen. PHA has been allowed to do eminent domain so councilmen came up to take imminent domain. A thousand parcels so you need to know that. I'm going to give you all a little update on your skills here. It you have 11 more families in South Philly, generation wealth soley from PHA you have to pull the cord in PHA and swear no less and just after years still trying to figure that out. Labor agreement shut out African Americans for century bad deals. Look at the job sites around town. Come up in North Philly and look at where these houses should be, $40 million for public project and no black folks on the job. (Applause.) You're borrowing money bond money and people have to pay for it. Stop say it's all your young folks, gets up and give even grandmom has her OSHA card. I want to know if you're going to get one, young folks, check out they are good about doing that, but stand up, tell the truth and shame to -- (Applause.)

Good morning. My 17 name is Bruce Griffith. I appreciate the 18 opportunity to speak on behalf of Reworld Company. 19 I'm a lifelong resident of Delaware County. I'm a 20 proud seven-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps. I was born and raised in the city of Chester, PA. I'm currently operations training supervisor at Reworld. I've been working at the facility for close to 35 years, starting out as a laborer, working as a mechanic, operation technician for ten years. I was in the control room for ten years. I have two federal licenses. You need a federal license to operate those boilers. And progressing into several management positions. We produce sustainable electrical generation for 51,000 houses, which reduces dependence on fossil fuels. We recycle over 34,000 tons of ferrous and 1,000 tons of non-ferrous metals, and we reduce the size of it by 90 percent. Just as important is our continual commitment to our surrounding community, or city cleanup efforts, serving meals at the senior center. Numerous clothing drives throughout the year. I take personal pride in assisting with opportunities for employment for the people of our community, specifically my city of Chester. New employee providing field through sustainable solutions for an ever growing concern of waste management continuing to move forward. I conduct numerous facility tours and discussions for high schools, elected officials, colleges, professional individuals, and the average person seeking information on our process year in and year out. This facility provided stability for me and my family when I unfortunately lost my job when the shipyards in Chester closed in 1989, and it afforded me the opportunity to grow my knowledge and the challenges in the field of feral nuclear operations in past is one of the future workers.

Good morning, Council President, majority, and all of you who are part of the city council. I am BP Liles, a lifelong Philadelphia resident. I want to say past speakers, I think a lot has been done. I want to talk about the fact that Philadelphia is on the precipice of decision-making. With the current president of the United States that has the devalued climate, has devalued the Department of Justice. In fact rolling, attempting to roll the plot back. I think to ensure that blacks and other people of color remain and go back to the bottom of the dump unit. It's imperative that we as Philadelphia take the stance we're moving in positive progressive directions as it's relates to housing, as it relates to home -- (Applause) I just firmly believe that it would be a mistake for us to fail as it relates to the Stop Trashing Our Air Act. I think we need to look at how Philadelphia is viewed across the country. The fact of the matter is that incineration has been banned -- the last incinerator has been -- has been eradicated and closed in the State of Oregon. Recently the same has been done in the State of California and also in Washington. The fact of the matter is we need to make it efficient to stop sending out trash over to Chester and to stop sending our trash to -- And in fact to incorporate and utilize better practices for waste management, and a concern with the overall health of our citizens in this city and all across the region. You have the power to do that and I know that the country is watching us. CHAIRMAN: The Chair now recognizes Council Member Jones.

Good afternoon, Chair. I have to go back to someone who I hold in the highest regard, high esteem. I would only say that every now and then the work clock is right oh head corps and every now somebody can be wrong. And I want to push back in BrickShalom was Ground Zero in Fourth District, the 52nd Ward and the City of Philadelphia. BrickShalom was a chapter right out of the Sopranos where somebody took out a $34 million loan and did a walk-around, and then put nothing back into the property. Taking all of the proceeds somewhere else. And then where she is correct, tried to gyp us and throw back to the City of Philadelphia this distressed property. In fact, it was more insidious. They tried to get the L&I Department to close BrickShalom because of violations so that they could not take any responsibility for it. PHA, Calvin Jeremiah, my hero, came in and negotiated one of the best -- I would never play poker with that man. He looked them in the eye, they wanted more money, he settled on 24, right? And at the settlement table, those criminals were prosecuted and are in jail. They thought they were getting away with the bag. They were wrong. President Johnson said to me right away early on, hey, we need to ask the state attorney general to pursue this. I said with all due respect, please hold up on that until they sell that property. And once they, they did. Now, moving forward, our mayor, who has committed over 30,000 units of affordable housing, 300 are going to come from BrickShalom. We are going to renovate beyond those individuals that were relocated, expectations, so that when they come home they will be coming home willing to welcome people to visit. You went with me. O'Rourke went with me on the tour. Driscoll went with me on a tour of that property. And one of the units, we stood in front of a unit, Madam Chair, it still chokes me up, where there was crime tape on the door. They said that the lady had passed away three days before and was partially attacked by varmints and insects. No veteran, no disabled person, no senior citizen deserves to live their fourth quarter of life like that. Martin Luther King said that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to live. And if we're going to live up to that creed, I thank -- I thank the unions that stepped up to the plate, putting their money where their mouth is, putting $50 million into the restoration. You may consider that a bad deal. I consider that a good break. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Council will be at ease. (A break was held.)

We'll come back to order. Ma'am, please state your name for the record and you may proceed.

Good morning, City Council. My name is Sandra Calhoun, AKA, Aminta. I'm here today, No. 1, I cannot say Happy New Year. How can we say Happy New Year when here we have a whole city, a whole industry, people suffering, strategically, intentionally from an inhuman environmental injustice. So where is the Happy New Year? You can't be happy when you cannot breathe clean. I am here in solidarity of Chester. We say here in Philadelphia, clean and -- and green. How can the clean come and the green come when you don't have no breathing come. All we are doing is writing bills. Let's write a bill to breathe clean, not just in Chester, but throughout. Stomp out these incinerators that is killing us. That's giving Chester people asthma by the moment. All type of ills by the moment. And we here in Philadelphia, we are just funk dumplings dying from unclean, injustice environment. Thank you. Stomp it out. No more bills -- (Applause.)

Good morning, Council Members. My name is John Scott. I'm a proud resident of District 5. Shout out to Jay Young. Thank you again for your servant leadership. I serve as the director of government relations for Reworld and I'm here today because of the serious concerns with Bill 250768, a bill that directly impact jobs and livelihoods for more than 100 employees and partners with ripple effects beyond just one company. I came to Philadelphia for opportunity. I earned my graduate degree at Fordham University and my undergrad from Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, the nation's first HVCU. Shout out to Councilman Thomas as well and Mayor Parker. I chose the city because I found a company that invested in communities that looked like mine. I began working at the Reworld site at 58th and Woodland Avenue, alongside Philadelphians who take pride in their work. That experience took me to Chester and eventually elsewhere. It's because of those workers and their families that I'm here today. Here are the facts. That RFP was issued December 23rd. RFP responses are due less than a month away. Vendors will be selected this spring. Reworld's existing contract with the City of Philadelphia goes until June 30th. Intervening now undermines a competitive and fair procurement process. Many of you have heard directly from leaders that you respect on this issue. Those leaders would not be reaching out and putting their names on the line if they did not believe this bill raises serious concerns. There's been strong opposition to this bill from those same labor union leaders, community leaders and other stakeholders. Because it interferes with an active RFP process, advancing claims not supported by comprehensive independent analysis, risk higher disposal costs, increased transportation emissions and job losses. Council Members, this is not about just one company. It's about process, fairness, workers, and fiscal responsibility. And let me be clear in closing. This is not a vote to approve a vendor. This is a vote to allow a qualified company to continue participating in the RFP process that is already underway. I respectfully urge you to vote no on Bill 250768. Thank you for your time. (Applause.)

Good morning. My name is Lanaya Bond and I'm the Director of Education for Physicians for Social Responsibility in Pennsylvania. Are some communities more disposal than others? And if so, which ones? Two weeks ago the EPA passed a final rule that the federal agency would no longer consider the economic cost of harm to human health from fine particles in ozone, to air pollutants that are known to effect human health. No one wants their health to be reduced to a number, especially when federal and state regulations are already often too lax and frequently violated. But at least when the EPA counted the cost of asthma, cancers, miscarriages, lifelong vulnerability that results from preterm labor, and other health impacts of incineration, for example, everyone's health was reduced to the same cold numbers. We know that it's not that they're no longer counting, it's just that our health and our lives are now worth zero dollars compared to the purchasing power of who can pay to buy the favor of the highest powers in the land. In the context of this moment, this government, if Chester is disposable to us, what protects us from the same treatment by others with more power. We are a city that resembles Chester in many ways. Philadelphia is the poorest large city in America. In Chester, because of the incinerator, you can buy a house for $60,000. Our populations have a similar racial makeup. We must stand with Chester not only because we share the same air and pollution, for burning our trash in Chester carries back to us, but because neither of our communities are disposal and we have to stand together for the importance of human health, especially of vulnerable populations. We knew seven years ago about the impacts of the incinerator and we punted. We must pass this bill today to act on what we know. Thank you. (Applause.)

Greetings, everyone, city council president, and members, my 9th District Councilman Anthony Phillips. Thank you for introducing this important resolution about women's cervical health. I am a 16-year cervical health and disabilities inclusion excellence advocate, who by the grace of God is victoriously surviving cervical cancer survivor and being paralyzed for over six years from chemotherapy and internal/external radiation beam therapy. Charter chapter leader of the National Cervical Cancer Coalition of Pennsylvania Uptown Philly chapter, I am dedicated to serving women with or at risk for cervical cancer. I am also the author and publisher of thesurvivordiva.com, digital media resource for cervical cancer awareness and disability inclusion excellence advocacy. This resolution is very important. I don't want anyone else having to go through all that I have gone through and endured fighting this preventable cancer that disproportionally effects black women who have the higher death rates and incidence of disease. Disparities in cervical cancer stem from systemic issues like social, economic status, race, ethnicity, and geographic location, leading to unequal access to prevention, which is HPV vaccination and screenings and follow-up care. Especially for marginalized groups. Key factors include medical mistrust, lack of insurance, resources, limited health literacy, screening, and follow-up gaps and structural barriers, resulting in later-stage diagnosis and higher mortality rates, highlighting issues with healthcare quality and delivery, not just biology. There's a stigma often causing women to delay or avoid vital screenings and treatment. Policy changes, education, healthcare, provider role, and community engagement are key to overcoming this stigma. Legislation must be better to address lower income under the uninsured individuals who face more barriers to preventive care. The solution is to address the root causes. Closing the cervical cancer gap requires addressing the social determinants that help improve, access, tailor education, culturally sensitive care, and policies that promote health equity. This is another rallying call to action for the City of Philadelphia to lead the charge in Pennsylvania, prioritizing and finding funding to better implement the World Health Organizations elimination of strategy for cervical cancer. Thank you for your time.

Will you please briefly state your name?

Angela Reese.

Thank you.

Thanks for the opportunity to speak. My name is Mitch Channan. I live in northeast Philadelphia in the 10th District. I also chair the Climate Justice Caucus in Reclaim Philly and I'm here to speak in favor of the Stop Trashing Our Air Act. Everyone deserves clean air, safe air, and a healthy neighborhood. But the city's current waste management practices deny people that right. As Mayor Root said, during the mayoral candidate debate two years ago, Jeff Brown infamously said in response to a question about the incinerator that Chester is Chester, he's running to be mayor of Philadelphia, the trash has to go somewhere. Council needs to decide today whether you will uphold the fierce critiques that people made of Jeff Brown at that time or if you will do the right thing and honor the health and wellbeing of people in Chester as though they are equal to people in Philadelphia. We used to burn trash here in the City of Philadelphia. We had incinerators throughout the City, including one in your council district, Council Members Jones in Roxborough, including one in Council Members Squill's district, he's not here listening, I'm sorry, at Spring Garden and Delaware Avenue. Those were closed because of the health impact of the toxic pollution. We do not want to burn trash in our city. In the 1980s, there was a fierce debate about whether or not to build a new incinerator at the navy yard. City council decided that we would not do that because we did not want the toxic pollution in our city. Yet, we have repeatedly made the decision to send 180,000 tons of trash per year to be burned in someone else's neighborhood. Do people in Chester matter less than people in Philadelphia? AUDIENCE: No. 3

Then why is it okay for us to send our trash there? If New York City were sending 180,000 tons of trash every year to be burned in neighborhoods in Philadelphia, I guarantee Philadelphia you would not allow that. So why are we doing it to Chester? Thank you. (Applause.)

Good afternoon, city council and everybody that's here. My name is Andrea Robinson. I am with the One Pennsylvania Chester chapter and I am a Chester resident. I'm here today thanking you for the opportunity to have a voice in this matter about incinerating the trash in Chester. I'm here to urge city council to please, please pass this Bill 250768 for the health and wellbeing of the City of Chester. I am someone who is affected by this. I live close to the incineration. Didn't know that I was moving to it when I moved to Chester a few years ago. I walk out my door and I smell the stinkiness of this incinerator going on. I'm embarrassed to invite my family and friends from other places to come to my house and see me and my family because of that odor. Not only that, but the chemical factory is not far from me, so I'm dealing with that and the incineration and the dust, the dirt, all over the car, all over the porch, all over the windows, and everything. We need some relief here. Please, please, please, city council, help us to live better. We want to thrive. We want to be healthy. We want to be strong. We want to contribute back into society. Well, okay. And then we're suffering from a whole lot of different health issues; sinuses, allergies, you heard lung cancer, all kinds of diseases that I have to take double medication for. I walk out my door some days and my nose just lights up. It just starts burning. And really, I mean, that's -- that's you know, that's terrible. You know, sneezing, coughing excessively. I have three granddaughters I'm raising, young teenagers. They are going through things right now that they didn't have health issues like that before we got there. And don't get me wrong, I can make it in Chester. I have a home there, but I want to be healthy and strong. So please, please. And not only that, other people around me, my neighbors, you know, other people are complaining. Other people are complaining about this. So please, please pass the bill of 250768. Thank you. (Applause.)

Good morning. My name is Talia and I'm the director of social services of the Salvation Army of greater Philadelphia where I oversee trafficking services across the city. Today I'm here in support of councilwoman's resolution recognizing January as Human Trafficking Awareness month and Bill 350990 which is up for final passage. This bill prevents victims of human trafficking who are experiencing workplace discrimination based on their victim status. Survivors deserve safety, dignity and opportunity to rebuild their lives. In the human trafficking program we see every day how critical stable, safe employment is to survivor's long-term independence. This legislation is an important step toward removing barriers to stability and self-sufficiency. Employment protection is not just a workplace issue, it's a public safety issue, a recovery issue, and an economic stability issue. Passing this bill during Human Trafficking Awareness month sends a powerful message to survivors that this city's leadership sees them, believes them and taking actions to protect their rights. City council members, on your desk you will find the Salvation Army's annual report detailing our work over the past year with human trafficking survivors. Through New Day we served 1,100 survivors across all ZIP codes in Philadelphia. We provided 296 survivors with trauma OF key management. Supported 65 of aversion and delivered critical basic need services through our drop-in center in Kensington, including 5,600 meals and 773 showers, helping survivors stabilize and take their next steps towards safety and self-sufficiency. Thank you again, city council, and especially councilwoman Dr. Ahmad for elevating this issue and for your continued partnership. On behalf of the survivors we served last year, those we continue to serve today, and the many that are still hidden exploitation, I urge you do pass Bill 250990, and I ask you not to stop there, but to continue brining human trafficking awareness to the forefront as anti-policy that protect survivors and strengthen prevention in our city. Thank you.

Thank you. Section 16 in our Resolution 240001, under public comments we are providing for an opportunity for the public to give public comment, and we have the right to set the time. We have only gotten through of 54 witnesses. At this 11 time, per the rules of council under Section 16, 12 Resolution No. 240001, I am now changing the time 13 allotted for public comment to one minute because 14 we want to have the opportunity to hear from each 15 person. So I respectfully request that each 16 person amend their comment to one minute so we can 17 hear from each of you. Okay? Everybody okay with 18 that? 19 AUDIENCE: No. 20

Okay. 21 Well, excuse me. Excuse me. Excuse me. Under 22 Section 5 of Section 15 we can also defer the rest 23 of the public comments today. I'm allowing everyone one minute. Thank you very much.

Good morning, council members. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. My name Michael Van Brian. I am a licensed environmental engineer and I lead the environmental sustainability team at Reworld. The world's most sustainable countries, like Germany, use waste energy facilities like Chester to help reduce the environmental impact of managing waste and placement of facilities directly in their cities. The EU, United Nations and EP all recognize waste energy as preferable to land. Our opponent of the report commission by Delaware County. This report makes critical fundamental errors. Instead of relying on gas emission data since 2010, the authors emission by overstating by 57 percent. An additional error was that the proponents of the bill used for recent data from NASA, EEF and others that showcase how much more damaging landfills are from than the time before. I understand that you've received lots of different and conflicting information. We're willing to have a robust conversation about the facts, but this will take time. I urge the council to vote against the bill. (Applause.)

Good morning. My name is Latisha Anthony. I'm the senior manager of Advocacy at Warden, Philadelphia Center. The only crisis center in Philadelphia. Thank you Council Member for your leadership and for Bill 6 #25099. January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the time trafficking with truth and action. Human trafficking and sexual assault are deeply connected. Sex trafficking and repeated sexual violence used to control its voice of others. There is no consent, only fraud and coercion. Trafficking is happening in our community often hidden in plain sight. It thrives when systems fail to protect the most vulnerable and when silence replaces accountability. Bill #25099 a critical step towards protection, accountability, justice for survivors. While legislation alone cannot end trafficking, it sends a clear message that exploitation will not be tolerated. Proponents of this bill provides attention role with you value to stands for justice and dignity and human rights supporting this bill and continuing to raise awareness of human trafficking through this month and beyond. Thank you. (Applause.)

My any name David Cronin. I have lived in Pennsylvania, Delaware Valley for over 40 years. Today we heard from the folks of Reworld that the main cause of pollution in the City of Chester is the vehicle, trucks. The one thing that more trucks than anywhere else in the city is Atlanta. There are hundreds of truck idling on our streets every body single day waiting to dump their trashcan or take their trash out. So how do we figure they're big pollution. In '66 Philadelphia has six incinerators. In '86 Philadelphia had 14,000 tons of unwanted toxic ash from those incinerators. That trash went on a cargo ship. They ended up dumping 4,000 tons and the rest of that stuff illegally in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The point is the -- pass the apple.

Hello again. Members of the City Council I thank you for this opportunity to testify the second time today. My name is Carmella Cruz for Survivors of Domestic Violence Relationship Abuse. Reproductive choice is essential. Many have experienced sexual violence reproductive control by their partner. One access to abortion or reproductive care is restricted the problem intensifies. Reproductive health is the pathway to safety, timely and survival. After Rowe versus Wade was overturned, Philadelphia stepped up by investing in city funding to support patients and survivors. But in the 2025 budget the funding was cut. Providers are overwhelmed barriers and national tax continue to escalate. Supporting reproductive freedom is supporting survivors, families and community. We urge City Council to act now. Thank you. (Applause.)

Natalie proud. Thank you for allowing the privilege of speaking in front of you today. I am the program director for Co-Habitat of Pennsylvania and the co-chair of Philadelphia Anti-Trafficking Coalition. The Covenant House helps young people we serve in our shelters are survivors of trafficking. And last year the Philadelphia Anti-Trafficking Coalition identified 497 survivors of trafficking, up percent from last year. And I do want to point 22 out that is only the survivors that are affiliated 23 with any kind of social service or identified by law enforcement. Trafficking costs the U.S. $9.5 million every year. While traffickers are getting rich, the rest of society is taking a financial hit. In past societies the increase in the criminal justice Court of Common Pleas decrease our wages decreased -- increased health care assistance and loss of social capital. We need City Council to earmark money specifically for the prevention of human trafficking investing in intervention. We need money to create more housing opportunity for the exploited look stable housing, often identified by survivors as an increase in trafficking or cannot extra trafficking. (Applause.)

My name is Madeer Muhammad. I'm not here to give a whole speech. I'm just going to let God speak to me through the hearts of the body. I'm a father and a long-term resident of the City of Chester that goes back seven generations. My daughters have suffered because of this incinerator. When my youngest daughter was born -- I'm a little scared -- when my youngest daughter was born she was said by the doctors for the first couple years of her life she was one of the most healthiest children ever seen. We don't believe in vaccinations. We eat clean and healthy and she's a vegan child. When we start spending a lot of time in the west end of city near the incinerator we saw a drift in her health, and one of those things was a cough that really continues to this day. Chronic cough. She has constant and chronic nose bleeds. And my youngest daughter's asthma starts to flare. It's a dangerous situation for the citizens of the City of Chester. We're here to stand with council to make sure incinerator get shut down and I -- (Applause.)

Hello. My name is Ava Muhammad and I just wanted to say I remember feeling really scared thinking my baby sister who I would protect with all my might is sick all the time not knowing the reason why. I was really young, also having really bad allergy reaction to problems, while my one-year-old sister was having really bad nose bleeds and she could barely breathe when she was asleep. She coughed all the time. We need to protect my sister so I ask of you please clean our air. (Applause.)

Hello all. My name is Tina Hines. I'm speaking as an individual and I'm also speaking as one of the co-directors of Trash Academy. This is regarding Stop Trashing Our Air Act. And so as a person that suffers from asthma and allergies, to have significant for me to have attacks. So I just find it absolutely terrifying that the residents of Chester are constantly in a position to have to breathe in this toxic air. And we all know that the rates of asthma and cancer are very high in Chester due to the incinerator. Ask what we can do to help our fellow citizens in Chester out is to rethink our waste management solution. Compared to other large cities of the country, Philadelphia is behind in waste diversion changes that and not week mined kicking the can down the road is not an option. Now here in Philadelphia we're working to end the legal dumping by 2028. Chester rightfully so those allowed to legally dump on them. Philadelphia being one of those legal dumpers. My point is just because it's legal doesn't make it right. We want clean and green in Chester. Here waste division other solution act on right away is away is being mindful of our consumption as a constant after-effect of what we can do. Thank you very much.

Good morning, City Council members. As we stood together, we stood as winners. All council member who voted for the past the Amended Home Plan --

Ma'am, please state your name for the record. Thank you.

Dawn Coldburn. Working class in homeowner need. But the fight continues. By the grace of God we stand here again. Low income citizens like me are protected from being bullying, retaliated against or treated poorly. Council members, you have the chance to make sure the house concern by home are safe and healthy for renters. We look forward to you passing this Safe Healthy Home Act. Not too long ago I was scared to speak up. I a big paycheck or degree I wasn't taken seriously. But today I know you are never alone. I stand with One PA. Please pass. Thank you. ) - - C E R T I F I C A T I O N I, COLEEN TRIFUN, RPR, CCRNJ and Notary Public, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and accurate transcript of the stenographic notes taken by me in the aforementioned matter. - - - DATE: _____________________ COLEEN TRIFUN, RPR, CCRNJ City of Philadelphia Thursday, January 22, 2026 City Council Calendar PUBLIC COMMENT Please note that this is an in-person meeting, and it is open to the public. com/watch-city-council/ Public comment will be received in-person regarding those matters printed on the agenda on the following pages. m. the day before the meeting and they must submit the following information: Full name (including proper pronunciation and spelling) Identify the bill number or resolution number that will be addressed State whether you support or oppose that particular bill or resolution Telephone number where you can be reached Speakers may also sign-up to participate in public comment on the day of the meeting in Room 400, City Hall. Speakers who submitted the above information within the required time frame will be added to the list. Speakers will have up to three minutes to speak; the Council President, however, reserves the right based on circumstances to establish a different time limit. The Council President may also limit testimony where repetitious comments are offered on an agenda item. - -City of Philadelphia CITY COUNCIL Calendar for Thursday, January 22, 2026 ORDER OF BUSINESS IN A COUNCIL SESSION Note: Some items do not occur at every session: Invocation. Approval of the journal of the preceding meeting. Requests by Councilmembers for permission to be absent from the session. Reading of communications from the Mayor. Introduction of bills and resolutions (to be referred to appropriate Committees of Council). Reports from Committees of Council. Special business. Bills on first reading. Public comment on bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars - titles are printed below. Bills that Council passed but that need to be returned by the Mayor for reconsideration. Consideration of bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Bills and resolutions on the Suspension Calendar. Speeches by Councilmembers. - -City of Philadelphia CITY COUNCIL Calendar for Thursday, January 22, 2026 BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON FINAL PASSAGE 241070 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Thomas Resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to eliminate the requirement that City officers and employees resign from their City office or employment before becoming candidates for public office; and providing for the submission of the amendment of the electors of Philadelphia. 250303 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Thomas Resolution honoring The Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Service Center School celebrating its 20th bi-annual “Carpe Diem” honoring all the judges and students who participate in this remarkable and beneficial event.

BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE 241056 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Thomas An Ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to eliminate the requirement that City officers and employees resign from their City office or employment before becoming candidates for public office; and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election. 250768 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Gauthier An Ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Contracts and Procurement,” to prohibit contractors providing solid waste, recycling or composting services to the City from incinerating discarded matter, under certain terms and conditions. - 3 -City of Philadelphia CITY COUNCIL Calendar for Thursday, January 22, 2026 250807 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Squilla An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire, on behalf of the City, fee simple title or a lesser interest, by purchase, dedication, donation, condemnation, agreement in lieu of condemnation or otherwise, for the purpose of making, enlarging, connecting, extending, operating, and maintaining public parks for recreational use, certain parcels of land, generally bounded and located between Vine Street, Fairmount Avenue, 8th Street and 12th Street, together with all improvements thereon and all associated easements and appurtenances; and to lease the property, or a portion thereof, to the Center City District; all under certain terms and conditions. 250843 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Squilla for Council President Johnson An Ordinance amending Chapter 10-700 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled “Refuse and Littering,” to require locking dumpsters; all under certain terms and conditions. 250986 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Jones An Ordinance amending Section 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Overlay Zoning Districts” by creating Section 14-545, entitled, “/WFS, West Fairmount Sports Area Overlay District,” all under certain terms and conditions. 250990 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Ahmad An Ordinance amending Chapter 9-1100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Fair Practices Ordinance: Protections Against Unlawful Discrimination,” to add protections against employment discrimination on the basis of human trafficking victim status, all under certain terms and conditions. 251025 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Driscoll An Ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Ryan Avenue between Leon Street and Frankford Avenue. - 4 -City of Philadelphia CITY COUNCIL Calendar for Thursday, January 22, 2026 251027 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Squilla for Council President Johnson An Ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2025 from: the General Fund, the Water Fund, the Water Residual Fund, the Grants Revenue Fund, the Aviation Fund, and the Transportation Fund, all from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions; to: the General Fund, the Water Fund, the Water Residual Fund, the Aviation Fund and the Transportation Fund, all to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions. 251065 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Gauthier for Council President Johnson An Ordinance amending Bill No. E programs and provide further process concerning spending, all under certain terms and conditions. - 5 -City of Philadelphia