STATED MEETING 1 2/9/2023 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, February 9, 2023 10:40 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY LOZADA COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILWOMAN SHARON VAUGHN MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK STATED MEETING 2 2/9/2023
That sounds more like a city that's getting ready to celebrate with a big parade on next Thursday. (Applause.)
Councilman -- I'm going to put this on Councilman Thomas. Councilman Thomas, since you are the most athletic in the City Council -- some may question that, but I don't -- we are going to see if we can get some additional buses for the parade, because we know some of the citizens would like to be a part of that process too. All right? I know that's a heavy STATED MEETING 3 2/9/2023 you, sir.
Since we're going to be starting in Councilman Johnson's district, I'm sure that he has a couple of phone numbers down there. And, Councilman Johnson, thank you so much, sir.
Councilman, we really appreciate you helping us celebrate this awesome, awesome opportunity that we have.
Go Birds. You want to wing it? Want to rock it?
Rock it now. Let's rock it. (Councilmembers singing "Fly, Eagles Fly.") (Applause.)
That's what I'm talking about. All right. I guess it's time to go to work. Good morning, everybody. We are obviously really excited about the possibilities and the likelihood that we will be in a very, very special place Sunday night. So we're going to get it kicked off. I note that the hour has come. We have a quorum, so we're going to get started. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair will recognize the Imam Kenneth Nuriddin of the Philadelphia Masjid. He is here today as the guest of STATED MEETING 5 2/9/2023 ask all guests and visitors to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
To the City Council and to we, the people of Philadelphia, let us all begin by calling on the creator of all of us. In the name of God, the most gracious, the most compassionate, all the praise belongs to God, the Lord of all the worlds. Almighty God, we ask you to guide our Council leaders in a manner that you have guided wise leaders in the past. We ask you to preserve their health and their efforts so that they can succeed. We ask you to expand their networks so that they can be all inclusive of we, the people. And we ask you to bless them with the blessings that can come only from you. And we ask you to save them and protect them from the STATED MEETING 6 2/9/2023 that can come to leadership. Our Lord, we, the people, the City Council as well as the common people, we ask and we seek your protection from the anxiety of the acute issues that we face, such as gun violence. We seek protection from you and help from you to overcome the chronic conditions that befall all of us in the City. We seek help and protection from you from having the inability to face the challenges that we have or the lack of commitment. We seek refuge and protection in you from being overcome by our obligations and duties and the oppression of men. Almighty God, bestow upon the leadership in City Council the guidance and the wisdom and the knowledge that will make them successful. And bestow upon us, the common people, access to that information so we can be better STATED MEETING 7 2/9/2023 that they do. We ask that you bless them and give them the adequate resources, both financial and material, reminding them that the greatest resource exists among we, the people. So we ask that you give them access to all the resources that are necessary for them to succeed, and we ask that you protect them and you bless them and you give them the ability to perform their duties in a manner that's pleasing to you and in a manner that's acceptable to we, the people. Ameen. (Amen.)
Now, as a personal aside, I would like to thank the Council President and the Councilmembers for their warm welcome. I want to thank my friend Councilman Jones for his invitation, but I want you to know a precedent has already been set. I was asked to give the invocation at the State STATED MEETING 8 2/9/2023 2018 by Senator Anthony Williams, and that was the same week that the Eagles won the Super Bowl. Go Eagles. (Applause.)
Thank you so much, Imam. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Imam, again, thank you so much. We really appreciate you being here today to give us some spiritual guidance. And the next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 2nd, 2023, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 2nd, 2023 be approved. STATED MEETING 9 2/9/2023 (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 2nd, 2023 stand approved. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. And our next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the members of Council, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. STATED MEETING 10 2/9/2023 Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's Council session that were not listed on the Calendar circulated prior to today's session.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda for this session of Council and, as required by law, subsequently published on an amended agenda after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments to bills on first reading, the consideration of a bill vetoed by or re-called from the Mayor, amendments to bills re-called from the Mayor, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in this session, a motion to withdraw a bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar, and a motion placing a bill or resolution on or STATED MEETING 11 2/9/2023 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 in the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. Go Birds. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Councilman Squilla may be added to the agenda for today, should those matters arise during the course of the Council session. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) STATED MEETING 12 2/9/2023
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Thomas.
Good morning. Thank you, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. As the Chair of the Education Committee, one of the first things I did was host a hearing around Act 158 to see where we are as it relates to young people graduating from high school. I'm so proud of my Council colleagues for stepping up to the plate, and I don't want to start naming Councilmembers because I don't want to miss anybody, but so many Councilmembers have decided to open up their office to take on high school interns to allow young people to get the credit that they need in order to graduate from high school. And this is just another example of this legislative body going over and beyond the call of duty to make sure that STATED MEETING 13 2/9/2023 of Philadelphia are being served. So can we just take a moment to welcome all of the young people who are in their Council session for the first time today because they're completing their Act 158 internship requirement. Can you please stand up. (Applause.)
Thank you, colleagues, for stepping up to the plate, and let's make sure that these young people have an experience in Council that they'll never forget. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you. Thank you so much, Councilman. And welcome all. We really appreciate you being here and look forward to working with you. And our next order of business STATED MEETING 14 2/9/2023 ask the Clerk to please read the messages from the Mayor or any other communications that he may have in his possession.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on February 8, 2023, I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on January 26, 2023: Bill No. 220770 and Bill No. 220942. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body an ordinance constituting the Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Ordinance to the Restated General Water and Wastewater Revenue Bond Ordinance of 1989, as supplemented; authorizing the Bond committee to issue and sell one or more series or subseries of tax-exempt or taxable water and wastewater revenue bonds and revenue refunding bonds; authorizing agreements to provide credit enhancement or payment STATED MEETING 15 2/9/2023 or liquidity sources (or any combination of the foregoing) for such Bonds; providing that such Bonds shall bear interest at fixed or variable rates; determining the sufficiency of pledged Project Revenues; and authorizing the Director of Finance to take certain actions with regard to the sale of such Bonds; and An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to enter into a concession agreement with Slice Wireless Solutions, Incorporated for the operation, maintenance and expansion of a neutral-host radio, cellular and WiFi system and other wireless services, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. And our next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and I would ask the Clerk to please read the titles of the legislation STATED MEETING 16 2/9/2023 that's being offered by our members today.
Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson offers three resolutions. On behalf of Council President Clarke, a non-privileged resolution also naming the 700 block of North Broad Street (between Fairmount Avenue and Brown Street) "Reverend Dr. Herbert H. Lusk II Way." Mr. President, Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson would like to be recognized for a motion on this resolution.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit consideration of this resolution at today's session of Council. (Duly seconded.)
It's STATED MEETING 17 2/9/2023 been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution will be on today's Calendar.
And on her own behalf, Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson offers a privileged resolution honoring the African American Children's Book Project on the Occasion of its 31st Annual African American Children's Book Fair.
And a privileged resolution honoring and celebrating Philadelphia Eagles Seasonal Sports Performance Associate Autumn Lockwood, the first Black woman to coach in the STATED MEETING 18 2/9/2023 Super Bowl.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Council President and colleagues. I would like to thank each of you for co-sponsoring my resolution honoring the African American Children's Book Project on the Occasion of its 31st Annual African American Children's Book Fair. Founded in 1992 by Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati, the African American Children's Book Fair was created to promote and preserve children's literature written by and about Black Americans. It is the oldest and largest single-day event for African American children's books in the country, bringing out more than 3,500 attendees each year, and best of all, it is free to attend. At the fair, attendees will be able to connect with and support nearly 40 literary creators. Events like the STATED MEETING 19 2/9/2023 African American Children's Book Fair are so pivotal, especially for our children, and I can say that now as a mother. From grades K through 3rd grade, they're learning to read, 4th grade on they are reading to learn. So this experience is pivotal for our young people. I want to take a moment to recognize and thank Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati, who is the founder and CEO of the African American Children's Book Project, for bringing this book fair to life and for her steadfastness for her dedication to this work for so many years. And as I call your name, please stand. So, Vanesse, please stand, our PECO family for their belief and support in this project in the spirit of our friend Ed McBride, Liz, Tony, Doug, Michelle, Romona, Keeya, Keith, Jose. All of them are here with us today, and one of the featured authors, who is a New York Times best-selling author and National Book awardee nominee, Ibi Zoboi. STATED MEETING 20 2/9/2023 In closing, I want to encourage my colleagues and the public to attend the 31st Annual African American Children's Book Fair taking place from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. this Saturday, February 11th at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. My office will be in attendance, and I hope you can join us as we uplift the African American Children's Book Fair. (Applause.)
We also have Wells Fargo with us as well, one of the sponsors of the African American Children's Book Fair. Please stand. (Applause.)
STATED MEETING 21 2/9/2023 Secondly, Council President, as we prepare for Super Bowl Sunday and to cheer on our Philadelphia Eagles -(Applause.)
-and as the cousin of Emlen Tunnell, who was the first African American inducted into the Football Hall of Fame, I am pleased to offer a resolution honoring Autumn Lockwood. On Sunday, Autumn will make history as the first Black woman to coach in the Super Bowl. (Applause.)
She will also become the fourth woman overall to coach in a Super Bowl game. Since August of 2022, Autumn has served as the Seasonal Sports Performance Associate with the Philadelphia Eagles. She is responsible STATED MEETING 22 2/9/2023 for helping our players maximize their performance potential and finding ways for them to get stronger, faster, and be able to move efficiently. These are all the skills that we need to bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Philadelphia. As a woman of firsts myself, I know from experience the hard work that Autumn put in to make it to this point in her career and particularly in the NFL, and I'm certain that she was inspired by many barrier-breaking women who came before her, women like Jennifer Welter who in 2015 became the first woman coach in NFL history, like Collette V. Smith who in 2017 became the first Black woman coach of any NFL team, and women like Jennifer King who in 2021 became the first Black woman to become a full-time coach in the NFL. Autumn's accomplishments are a reminder to young Black women everywhere that there is no glass ceiling that cannot be shattered. STATED MEETING 23 2/9/2023 So, colleagues, please join me in congratulating Autumn Lockwood on this career-defining moment. Autumn, we all wish you the best of luck, and go Eagles. (Applause.)
Thank you so much, Councilwoman. Mr. Decker, read the last resolution. I didn't refer it.
Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson also offers a privileged resolution honoring and celebrating Philadelphia Eagles Seasonal Sports Performance Associate Autumn Lockwood, the first Black woman to coach in the Super Bowl.
Councilman Thomas offers two resolutions, a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating STATED MEETING 24 2/9/2023 the Champion of the Week, Monica Miraglilo, for the work of her company, Girlbuild, which trains women on how to renovate, design, and finance their own home improvement projects.
Today's Calendar. Councilwoman, did you want to be recognized again?
And a non-privileged resolution expressing the Philadelphia City Council's support for the graduate student workers at Temple University and urging Temple University to return to the table and bargain a fair and equitable contract with its graduate student workers. (Applause.) STATED MEETING 25 2/9/2023
Good morning again, colleagues. Thank you, Council President. Unfortunately with all the great news that's going on and happening here in Council and across the City, there's still some dark marks, and this unfortunately is one of them. I want to first say thank you to my colleagues, Councilmember Gilmore Richardson, Gauthier, Driscoll, Vaughn, Harrity, Lozada, Bass, and Brooks, for co-sponsoring this resolution, and I think that I speak for all of the members of Council when we express our concern not only over the negotiations that's taking place but some of the things that we found out yesterday as it relates to young people's tuition essentially being suspended for just using their voice and STATED MEETING 26 2/9/2023 standing up for what they felt like was right. As a legislative body, we're very concerned. This is something that I feel like is alarming, and clearly based on the number of co-sponsors and the number of supports from elected officials all across the City, really all across the Commonwealth, because we've seen even federal partners talk about this particular issue, that's extremely alarming. So we're urging and asking Temple to return to the negotiating table, give those young people a fair wage, a quality opportunity to earn a living while they get their degree. Because, look, at the end of the day, as someone who earned my Master's degree, I understand firsthand how difficult it is to try to put yourself in a position to educate yourself so you in turn can be not just a better asset to society but also be an asset to the next generation STATED MEETING 27 2/9/2023 of young people walking through those collegiate walls that's looking to make a difference and change the world. So at the end of the day when we pay those young people, they pay society. Thank you, Council President. Thank you, colleagues, for your support.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Vaughn.
Good morning, Mr. President. I just would like to add to Councilman Thomas's comments that, yes, Temple is trying to work out that situation, but we're talking about graduate students that don't usually stay. We're also talking about their benefit package where they're trying to increase their salaries by 50 percent. Hell, I would like to have mine increased as well by 50 percent. STATED MEETING 28 2/9/2023 And then I've also been informed that they don't pay into their insurance package. That is another item that is being negotiated, and they want that insurance to not just cover the individual but their spouse and their children. So as Councilman Thomas stated, I think that they need to just get to the table and negotiate on what exactly is possible to make this problem go away. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilwoman. That will be on next week's Calendar.
Councilman Jones offers five resolutions. On behalf of Council President Clarke, a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1736 North 22nd Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District.
Next STATED MEETING 29 2/9/2023 week's Calendar.
And on his own behalf, a privileged resolution congratulating the Philadelphia Eagles on their National Football Conference Championship Win, and Challenging the City Council of Kansas City to a bet that the Eagles will beat the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII.
Councilman, before you say that, did we ever send those -
We sent cheesesteaks, Tastykakes down, unfortunately, as we lost that bet. But we don't intend to lose STATED MEETING 30 2/9/2023 this bet.
So I'm going to yield this moment to the coach of Council, Member Thomas, to make this bet to Kansas City.
Thank you, Mr. Majority Leader, and thank you, Council President. I think I'm on fire this morning, so let's continue to send that energy and that warm wealth to our Philadelphia Eagles. And so we are betting the City of Kansas City -- and I don't know. Councilman O'Neill, if we would have known this a little while back when we were out in Kansas City for NLC, we might have had some different energy towards that Kansas City legislative body out there. But nonetheless, we're going to STATED MEETING 31 2/9/2023 be asking the Kansas City City Council and leaders in Kansas City after we win on Sunday to make a donation to the Eagles Autism Foundation. At the end of the day, we're always fighting for those that are most in need, and this is another example of how the City of Kansas City can help us with that fight after we kick their butt on Sunday. And just in case we don't, we will be making a donation to Travis Kelce's 87 & Running Foundation. So the bet is out there. We're extremely excited about next Sunday. Go Birds.
Thank you. Thank you, Councilman Jones and Councilman Thomas. Today's Calendar. STATED MEETING 32 2/9/2023
And a privileged resolution authorizing the joint City Council Committees on Public Safety and Education to hold public hearings to examine the status of capital programs for infrastructure repair as well as for toxic hazard remediation in Philadelphia's public schools.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the joint City Council Committees on Public Safety and Education to hold public hearings to examine the School District of Philadelphia's use of in-school and out-of-school suspension as well as other disciplinary tactics to understand what actions merit such a penalty.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the joint City Council Committees on Public Safety and STATED MEETING 33 2/9/2023 Education to hold public hearings to examine statistics for in-school violence protocols, student-to-student violence, parent-to-parent violence, and teacher safety.
Councilman Johnson offers three resolutions, a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Chris DeShields, a SEPTA bus operator, for his heroism and the bravery he exhibited while stopping a carjacking and protecting his fellow citizens.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities to hold public hearings on the status of Hilco Redevelopment Partners proposed Bellwether District Development Project, formerly known as the Sunoco Refinery Site. STATED MEETING 34 2/9/2023
And a privileged resolution honoring the Philadelphia artist King Saladeen for his artistic contributions to Philadelphia and for his community advocacy through his foundation, Create Motivate Inspire.
Councilwoman Brooks offers a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Evette Denise Jones, a caring educator, fierce advocate, and a lifelong community builder, who has tirelessly fought for the children, teachers, and parents of Philadelphia and for schools that meet the needs of the communities that they serve.
Thank you, Council President. I am proud to STATED MEETING 35 2/9/2023 honor Ms. Evette Denise Jones today as part of my series this month celebrating influential Black women in Philadelphia. Ms. Evette is a caring educator, an advocate, a community builder, and throughout her life she has been a relentless champion for young people, educators, and caregivers. Ms. Evette served more than a decade as a teacher, worked for the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers where she was a powerful voice for teachers and also the founding member of PCAPS, Parents Coalition Advocating for Public Schools. In her years of advocacy, Ms. Evette demonstrated fierce love and care for all those around her. She chose to teach in Philadelphia public schools in North Philadelphia and give back and work in her own community. She was also a forceful advocate for stopping the takeover of Steel Elementary where she used to teach, STATED MEETING 36 2/9/2023 helping to mobilize parents and teachers in that community she served in. And that's where I met Ms. Evette. She has been a mentor and a supporter of me when I was just a parent just fighting for what's right in my school. When everyone told me that it was impossible, I didn't have enough people, I didn't know the right folks, Ms. Evette helped me organize my community, and that's one of the biggest fights that I ever won, and it kind of pushed me into wanting to be a City Council member for the City of Philadelphia. So I want to thank Ms. Evette for always being an example of what is possible when we put our arms together in the community and we support our children and our young people and our parents regardless. And I want to thank her for her years of service and recognize her for just all the inspiration that she has STATED MEETING 37 2/9/2023 done for me and other parents in Nicetown, Tioga, and Erie area, because she has been the epitome of what it means to be a leader. And so often us Black women don't get our kudos right now, so I thought it not robbery to recognize her for being my mentor and my supporter in one of the roughest times in my life. And I just want her to stand up and let her know that I love you, Ms. Evette. (Applause.)
I would not be here today without Ms. Evette's support. So thank you, Council President, for giving me this moment. And thank you, Ms. Evette, for always being there for me.
Thank you, Councilwoman. That will be on today's STATED MEETING 38 2/9/2023 Calendar.
Councilwoman Gauthier offers one bill and two resolutions, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the installation, ownership, and maintenance of various encroachments in the vicinity of 3317 through 33 Chestnut Street."
And a non-privileged resolution also naming 53rd Street, between Parrish Street and Westminster Avenue, "Ethel Hedgemon Lyle Way." Mr. President, Councilwoman Gauthier would like to be recognized for a motion on this resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit consideration of the resolution STATED MEETING 39 2/9/2023 also naming 53rd Street at today's session of Council. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. That will be on today's Calendar.
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 4993 West Girard Avenue in the Third Councilmanic District.
Next STATED MEETING 40 2/9/2023 week's Calendar.
Councilman Squilla offers two bills and one resolution. On behalf of Council President Clarke, an ordinance constituting the Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Ordinance to the Restated General Water and Wastewater Revenue Bond Ordinance of 1989, as supplemented; authorizing the Bond Committee to issue and sell one or more series or subseries of tax-exempt or taxable water and wastewater revenue bonds.
And on his own behalf, an ordinance continuing a neighborhood improvement district, known as the Northern Liberties Business Improvement District.
And a non-privileged resolution initiating STATED MEETING 41 2/9/2023 action to continue a neighborhood improvement district, known as the Northern Liberties Business Improvement District.
Councilman Oh offers one bill and one resolution, entitled "An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for the creation of a Music Office, as approved by Resolution of the City Council; fixing the date of a special election for such purpose; prescribing the form of ballot question to be voted on; and, authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election."
And a STATED MEETING 42 2/9/2023 amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for the creation of a Music Office, and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.
There are no other bills or resolutions being offered today by the members, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes the introduction of bills and resolutions, and our next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills -- I'm sorry. We got to go to committees. The next order of business is report from committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson for a report from the Committee on Law and Government. STATED MEETING 43 2/9/2023
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Law and Government reports out four bills and three resolutions with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Law and Government, to which was referred Bill No. 220733, entitled "An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to change the requirements for contributions and minimum balance of the Budget Stabilization Reserve and make other technical changes"; and Bill No. 220864, entitled "An ordinance providing for the submission to STATED MEETING 44 2/9/2023 the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the creation of the Division of Workforce Solutions within the Department of Commerce, to promote workforce development activity serving Philadelphians seeking jobs and training opportunities in the public or private sectors"; and Bill No. 220865, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 18 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Commerce,' by adding a new Chapter, entitled 'Workforce Development Activity and Reporting,' to promote workforce development activity, and to require the Department of Commerce to report to Council certain aggregate information regarding employment rates and training opportunities, and to report on assessments of the economic impact of the City's workforce development programs"; STATED MEETING 45 2/9/2023 230004, entitled "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 relating to civil service exemptions for staff of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission"; and Resolution No. 220743, entitled a "Resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter changing the requirement for contributions and minimum balance of the Budget Stabilization Reserve and making other technical changes"; and Resolution No. 220872, entitled a "Resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to create the Division of Workforce Solutions within the Department of Commerce, to promote workforce STATED MEETING 46 2/9/2023 seeking jobs and training opportunities in the public or private sectors"; and Resolution No. 230016, entitled a "Resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for exemption from civil service for staff of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission; and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia," respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills and resolutions to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill STATED MEETING 47 2/9/2023 220733, 220864, 220865, and 230004. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the first reading this day of Bills No. 220733, 220864, 220865, and 230004. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. Resolution No. 220743, 220872, 230016 will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Squilla for a report from the Committee on Commerce and Economic STATED MEETING 48 2/9/2023
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, to which was referred Bill No. 220244, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Miscellaneous,' by adding a new Chapter 21-3300, entitled 'Flag Raisings,' to establish uniform standards for flag raising ceremonies, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. STATED MEETING 49 2/9/2023 Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the first reading this day of Bill No. 220244. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the first reading this day of Bill No. 220244. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries, and this bill will be on our First Reading Calendar today. STATED MEETING 50 2/9/2023 2ND READING That concludes our reports from committee, and our next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had their first reading. They will be on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up resolutions and bills on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being brought up from Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 210434, 230062, 230063, 230068, 220689, 220690, 221036, 221037, and 221038. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
STATED MEETING 51 2/9/2023 Thank you very much, Councilman. Before we consider the resolutions and bills, we're going to have our public comment session. It will go as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for possible action at today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already done so, you may do so now at the table outside of the Council Chambers with the Sergeant-at-Arms. Once you sign up, you will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. Today we don't have ideal circumstances, saying that to say there's a significant volume of individuals that would like to testify. So to ensure that everybody has an opportunity, we will alter the time limit from three minutes to two minutes. So I would ask that you please adjust STATED MEETING 52 2/9/2023 your testimony today to reflect a two-minute time limit. In order to be fair, we're going to hold that time limit faithfully. Once you begin speaking, you will see a green light on the podium in front of you. When the lights turns yellow, we will ask you in 30 seconds to conclude your remarks, and when the light turns red, we would ask you to please comply with the guidelines to conclude your remarks. I want to thank you very much. We do reserve the right to adjust repetitious comment on the same subject matter, but I don't think we'll have that issue today. So I, first of all, would like to thank you all so much for coming down and participating with your government in action, your ability to speak and testify on matters concerning not only this Council but this city. So thank you very much for coming in. STATED MEETING 53 2/9/2023 And with that, Mr. Decker, can you please read the first name on the list.
The first speaker, Mr. President, is Reginald Johnson, commenting on 230082. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Reverend Reginald C. Johnson and I am thankful for our chairman, President Clarke, and this august body, all Councilpersons present. I am privileged and honored to stand, being a very close friend and brother from another mother, in the person of Reverend Dr. H. Lusk II. We just lost him a few months ago, and as you might know, it's still heavy on our hearts. He served over 20 years in the City in West Philadelphia. And I stand in support of the resolution to name Broad Street the Herb H. Lusk II Way STATED MEETING 54 2/9/2023 between Fairmount and Brown Street. I have the privilege and honor to serve as the current Executive Director of People for People. Philadelphia is very historical, as we might know. People from all over the world visit our town because of our rich history. This city has produced so many people, particularly religious leaders, like Absalom Jones, Saint Thomas Episcopal; Richard Allen, Mother Bethel AME; Harry Hosier, Zoy United Methodist; Charles Tindley, pastor and composer; Bishop Benjamin Smith, Deliverance Evangelistical; Bishop O.T. Jones, Holy Temple Church of God in Christ; James Kirkland, Union Baptist Church; Leon Sullivan, Zion Baptist Church; William H. Gray, Bright Hope Baptist Church. In this cloud of witnesses, with so many others that I have not the opportunity to name, look down upon us with one addition, Herbert H. Lusk II. STATED MEETING 55 2/9/2023 He has served our community in the Fifth Councilmanic District for 40 years. He left the NFL to pursue the vision of the call on his life. In that, the City has been made better. The community, Francisville, Richard Allen Projects has been made better, with our charter school with 500 students, our early learning childhood center with kids from the infant up into K, pre-K.
And I know I'm a Black preacher, I'm out of time, so let me go and finish it. I say this: We ask this Council a humble request. As God would say to Moses and Joshua, Jehovah-nissi. For us to remember what people coming down the pike, down the road, we shall remember. Your action will help us to remember H.H. Lusk II. Thank you for your time.
STATED MEETING 56 2/9/2023 Thank you. (Applause.)
The next speaker is Lailah Artis, commenting on 230082. (Witness approached podium.)
My name is Laiah Lusk-Artis, and Reverend Dr. Herbert H. Lusk was my father. I stand today just seeking your hearts to turn in this matter in favor of Broad Street being named after my father. He served this city with all that he had. He gave everything in him. And when people say he'd bleed green, he really did. What I want you to remember is that a name can do two things. It can be a key or it can be a padlock. My father was more than a key. He was a bridge. STATED MEETING 57 2/9/2023 He was a bridge from poverty to generational wealth. He was a bridge from despair to hope. He was a bridge to those that had no hope to joy. So I just ask that you remember him and be in support of Broad Street being named Reverend Dr. Herbert H. Lusk II Way. Thank you for your time. God bless you.
Thank you so much for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The next speaker is Herbert Lusk III. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, STATED MEETING 58 2/9/2023 Mr. President. Pastor Herb Lusk III here. Good morning, City Councilmembers. And I'm not going to take a lot of your time. My father's resume speaks for itself. But I see that sign that's in this Chamber and it says "it's a Philly thing." Herbert H. Lusk III. It's a Philly thing to name Broad Street Herb Lusk Way. You cannot mention -(Applause.)
-- economic development, you cannot mention enhancing families, you cannot mention revitalizing neighborhoods without saying the name Herb Lusk. It's a Philly thing for us to show the impact not only on Broad Street but the impact that he's had all over this country. STATED MEETING 59 2/9/2023 I don't waste more of your time, but I say this: Being as though this is Black History Month, one of my favorite heroes is Dr. Martin Luther King. One of his famous quotes was this: In the end, we will not remember the words of our enemies, but we will remember the silence of our friends. As I stand before you today, you don't have to worry about that about Herb Lusk, because his life has spoke volumes. God bless you all.
Point of personal privilege, I just want to say thank you all so much. It's befitting that we do this today. At the home-going service I talked about Pastor Lusk carrying that ball for the STATED MEETING 60 2/9/2023 Philadelphia Eagles. He is now carrying the ball for God to continue to serve the people. (Applause.)
And after Sunday, he's going to carry a bigger ball and the Super Bowl trophy. So, guys, thank you so much on behalf of the Pastor and the Council. I mean, he's just been an awesome, awesome person and, more importantly, a very good friend to not only myself but a whole lot of people in the City of Philadelphia. So thank you and God bless you so much. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Council President. I also just want to STATED MEETING 61 2/9/2023 take a moment of personal privilege to honor the life and legacy of the late, great Herb Lusk. And I met Mr. Herb Lusk through one of my big brother pastors, Anthony Sharkey Stevenson, who studied under him, and I remember most recently, you know, I was kind of distracted dealing with some other things in life and even in the midst of that process, I have a bunch of pastors that prayed for me in a group text and I remember sending some messages out and him responding while he was in the hospital, saying, Councilman, we're praying for you, continue to keep your head up and continue to keep God first. And also how Pastor Herb Lusk, he was a man amongst men in terms of the issue of economic development here in the City of Philadelphia. So with the help of Council President, on that north corridor, right, a lot of people don't know, a lot of that property up there, the high value STATED MEETING 62 2/9/2023 property, is owned by people -- the people, church, which was founded by the late, great Herb Lusk. And I'mma wrap up on this one part. One of the last text messages that I got from him was in 2021 and it was a total of eight people shot, one person murdered, right, and it was on Father's Day. And on Father's Day Sunday, the Inquirer article says, Faith leaders struggle for answers to Philadelphia's gun violence, and he said, quote, "We think we are evolving, but we are going down," the Reverend Herb Lusk, Pastor at Greater Exodus Baptist Church, says following an overnight rally which eight people -- in the overnight time where eight people were shot and one person was murdered. And I don't think it was mentioned today, also Herb Lusk was a former NFL player. So he didn't have to come back to North Philly and establish his roots. He could have just said, STATED MEETING 63 2/9/2023 listen, I'm going to make this money, I'm going to move, I'm going to take my family with me. But he anchored himself right there on North Broad Street. So for me, his life also represented how -- no matter how much we succeed in life, it's always about giving back, and for me being a man of faith, that he always kept Christ first and foremost in his life. He led by that, right? And so to the family, I just want to say congratulations on this honor. It's truly deserving, and long live the life of the Reverend Herb Lusk. Thank you, Council President. (Applause.)
The next speaker is Evelyn Sample Oats, commenting on STATED MEETING 64 2/9/2023 230096. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, Council President and all members of City Council. It is great to be back in here and see all of you all. My name is Evelyn Sample Oats and I'm especially excited as the daughter of an NFL Super Bowl champion, who also wore green and white but another city. I know that come Monday morning, we will bring that trophy back to Philadelphia. I am joined by two of my sorority sisters, who are also on the list to testify. So I'm going to ask them to stand with me, because they will not testify. We will speak with one heart and one mind. So Marcia Shepherd Baker and Lorina Marshall-Blake, if you could come and stand with me. STATED MEETING 65 2/9/2023 (Applause.)
Thank you, Council President. Professionally I am the new Chief of Communications and Community Affairs for the Fairmount Park Conservancy. In my personal life, I am a 39-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Ms. Baker is a 38-year member and Ms. Lorina Marshall-Blake is a 32-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha. We are lifetime members, and I am a charter member of Omega Mu Omega chapter. Ms. Baker is a member of Rho Theta Omega chapter, and Ms. Lorina Marshall-Blake is a member of Omega Omega chapter. I have served on the national Board of Directors and held several leadership positions in our beloved sorority. Today, today we come before you asking that you pass this resolution STATED MEETING 66 2/9/2023 co-naming the 400 block of North 53rd Street the Ethel Hedgemon Lyle Way. If I could ask all members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority who may be in here today to please stand. In honor of our principal founder and the inspiration behind starting Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated 115 years ago, this remarkable woman gave birth to the first Greek-letter organization for college-trained African American women in the United States. Ethel Hedgemon Lyle was a student at Howard University when she founded Alpha Kappa Alpha on January 15th, 1908 on the principles of service and sisterhood. After graduation, she moved to Philadelphia, teaching English in Thomas Durham and Chester Arthur Schools while pursuing graduate studies at both University of Penn and Temple University. She was a pillar in the STATED MEETING 67 2/9/2023 Philadelphia community, active in both church and civic affairs. She was the founder of the Mothers Club of Philadelphia and a charter member of the West Philadelphia League of Women Voters. In 1937, she was appointed Chairman of the Committee of 100 Women, who played an important role in planning the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Constitution of the United States. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority stands strong today with more than 350,000 members and over 1,000 chapters in 11 countries. We are dedicated to service to all mankind. The legacy of Ethel Hedgemon Lyle, a woman of faith and devotion, of courage and strength, of vision and foresight, a woman of conviction and determination, lives on in the hearts and minds of those who continue to serve Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. And we especially thank Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier for bringing this resolution STATED MEETING 68 2/9/2023 forward. In four weeks, over 7,000 women adorned in pink and green will come to Philadelphia to conduct the 95th North Atlantic Regional Conference, and we invite every one of you to come and join us. Thank you. Thank you, Council President. (Applause.)
The next speaker is Bridget Powell, commenting on 230063. (No response.)
The next speaker STATED MEETING 69 2/9/2023 is Hamilton Robinson. (No response.)
The next speaker is Erik Purcell, commenting on 210434. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. First, I'd like to say good morning to everybody and especially to our Council as well. My name is Erik Purcell. I have 31 years of martial arts experience and training. I was a professional athlete a long time ago, Brazilian jujitsu and Japanese jujitsu black belt, as well as coach for the USA Sambo team, which competed around the world representing this amazing country. I state that just to kind of STATED MEETING 70 2/9/2023 state my experience in the matter before we kind of move on. Sitting here this morning, I've heard just amazing, passionate people describe their love for the Birds obviously. A lot of that going on this morning. And, more importantly, their love for education. I've heard so many great stories of some of our youth moving on to college, all the help that they received, Master's degrees and becoming an asset to our communities was a key word that I believe one of our other Councilman had said as far as his education was concerned. And when we talk about education, it's a tough issue in our communities going on when we speak in regards to our law enforcement, and I'm here specifically in regards to help our law enforcement get and gain more education to become assets to our communities. We are all one team despite our STATED MEETING 71 2/9/2023 differences and maybe philosophies. We are all together in this community, smaller communities into larger communities, into the City. We all want the best for our sons, our daughters, our mothers, our families. What happens when an officer receives consistent quality training? A trained officer becomes a more capable officer of de-escalating and handling interactions more safely for themselves and for civilians. A trained officer is more confident. A confident officer is more calm. A trained officer can navigate high stress situations more safely and more efficiently. A trained officer is least likely to have to resort to maximum force. You see, a trained officer is a prepared officer and is a better teammate, which we are all part of that team. I own a mixed martial arts training facility that's been open for STATED MEETING 72 2/9/2023 over 12 years. We train everybody from all communities, all walks of life, all religions, Christians, Catholics, Muslims, all colors, ethnicities.
We all train together under one community and one love. I implore the people, the community, and Council to help our police officers gain the training that they need to help give back and become those assets to our community.
The next speaker STATED MEETING 73 2/9/2023 is Paralee Knight. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, Councilmembers and all of the guests today. Happy Thursday, because a new day isn't promised and I'm grateful to have it. Happy Black History Month, even though I celebrate being in the beautiful skin of Black skin 365 days a year. And to my fellow Eagles fans, I'm happy to celebrate the fact that we're going to the big dance on Sunday, so go Birds. My name is Paralee Knight, Vice President of Community Relations at Wells Fargo, and it is a pleasure to be here today in support of the African American Children's Book Project. Special thanks to Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati for her founding of this organization and leading it in a wonderful direction and to Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for the resolution to support this special event. Our children, all children, but STATED MEETING 74 2/9/2023 more specifically the children of the City, and more specifically the children who have had barriers to accessing equal resources, and more specifically Black and brown children, deserve to have access to quality learning resources and literature and to see themselves represented. Representation is so necessary, but holds the ability to have significant pieces of one's self reflected back to them, and that mirroring creates a wealth of understanding of one's self that cannot be measured. Representation feels like acceptance. It feels like belonging. For children it can create the reassurance that it is indeed okay for them to fully occupy the spaces that they're in by simply being themselves. As a leading financial services company, Wells Fargo has a role to play in addressing social, economic, and environmental issues, which strive to STATED MEETING 75 2/9/2023 utilize our resources and our expertise through our philanthropy and business efforts to help support communities and build a more sustainable and equitable future for all. And so with that, I am proud to be here today to stand to solidify our support of the African American Children's Book Project. Children with access to quality resources become vice presidents of banks. They become councilmembers. They become organizational leaders. They become authors, and the list goes on. So let us continue to support the efforts of bringing in the next generation of those who will carry on the missions of the work that we have deemed so important to have started. Thank you so much for your time here today. (Applause.) STATED MEETING 76 2/9/2023
Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it.
-- guests and visitors. My name is Ibi Zoboi, a New York Times best-selling author, award-winning children's book author, and I am here in support of the African American Book Project, the African American Children's Book Fair, headed by the wonderful Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati, and I want to talk about the importance of this book fair and the importance of books for African American children and Black and POC children in general in light of the recent book banning that is happening across the country. STATED MEETING 77 2/9/2023 The book fair is a safe haven, and we are 20 to 30 authors coming from all over the country right here to the Philadelphia Convention Center to be in community with children from Philadelphia in particular and families coming from the tri-state area. This is vitally important for us authors, for educators, for parents, and children in general. I want this book fair to exist 30 years from now. This is the lifeline of children's education and the well-being, and I'm sure many of you here attended the Scholastic Book Fairs or probably the African American Book Fair in general. There is no doubt to the importance of literacy in this country and there's also no doubt to the importance of knowing American history, and right here Philadelphia history is the heart of American history. And as a Haitian American, Philadelphia history is also Haitian and American history. STATED MEETING 78 2/9/2023 Philadelphia is the site of America's first refugee crisis. French planters and their enslaved workers first found -- wanted solace here in Philadelphia while it was the U.S. capital as they were fleeing the impending Haitian revolution, and this is part of the American history that is being blocked in various libraries and schools across the country, and this is the type of stories that we as authors are writing, and these books will be available at the African American Book Fair this Saturday. And, again, this is in support of the African American Book Project and its ongoing, ongoing celebration of books for children of all races. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. STATED MEETING 79 2/9/2023
The next speaker is Keeya Branson Davis. (Witness approached podium.) (Applause.)
Thank you so much. Good morning, everyone. What a wonderful, auspicious occasion it is to be recognized in Council Chambers. I'm sincerely humbled. And I'd like to begin by thanking Council President Clarke, Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson, and Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson for introducing the resolution today and for recognizing the excellence that is the African American Children's Book Fair. While other kids played outside until the street lights came on, I was the kid who was known on my block in Wynnefield as Keeya, that girl who reads and writes all the time. And nothing got a bibliophile like me more excited than STATED MEETING 80 2/9/2023 to hear my mom say on a bright Saturday morning, get your stuff together, we're going to the mall. B. Dalton Bookstore in Granite Run Mall was my favorite happy place. I didn't discover Black authors until high school when I read Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye, and it was the first time that I read a book with a voice and language that was familiar to me. It was a revelation and an inspiration. Now it's a frustration. Now I wonder what it would have been like to have had literary exemplars who looked like, thought like, and spoke like me. But thanks to Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati, Black children can attend the African American Children's Book Fair and choose books written by Black authors and meet the authors in person. I am proud to say that PECO is a longtime sponsor of the African American Children's Book Fair, and Vanesse makes sure that the PECO table STATED MEETING 81 2/9/2023 has the most beautiful books to give children for free. It always gives me joy when a Black child looks at a book cover and says, that girl or boy looks like me, and they hug their treasure. Now more than ever, it is important to inspire children to read. Educators worry that the pandemic and the shift to virtual learning could exasperate existing gaps in literacy rates, largely among socioeconomic and racial lines. So I'd like to thank Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati for her incredible vision to create the African American Children's Book Project and for her steadfast leadership. I want to thank my dear friends and my colleagues at PECO, who are here today. I am so fortunate to have all of you in my life. I'm eternally grateful to Romona Riscoe Benson and her leadership. I also appreciate the STATED MEETING 82 2/9/2023 Philadelphia school educators at Gompers, Lamberton, Central High School, who helped me foster my love of learning. To my husband, Douglas, thank you for being here, and I want to express my love to my wonderful parents, who have provided me with the books that have shaped my life.
And in closing, I want to thank and encourage all of you to attend the African American Children's Book Fair and bring a child to experience the magic of reading. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.)
The next speaker is Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati. (Witness approached podium.) STATED MEETING 83 2/9/2023
(Speaking in Italian.) Okay. I'm from Philly. Okay? But I know how to rock another language, and it's through my efforts as a young child to explore the world around me that I ended up in Italy learning to speak fluent Italian and working as a journalist. And now I'm here in my hometown, and people often say to me, you want to live in Philly? I love Philadelphia. This is a great city, and the African American Children's Book Project started in 1992, and it's through the efforts of Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Kenyatta Johnson, Curtis Jones, Jamie Gauthier, and Cindy Bass and our President, Darrell Clarke, that have helped to support this effort. When people say Black people don't read, I'm thinking to myself, they never been to Philadelphia. First Saturday in the month, STATED MEETING 84 2/9/2023 and we're now in the second because we in the big house at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, you see lines of people who come to celebrate reading. There's no singing. There's no dancing. It is all about books. Recently, Visit Philly, I reached out to them for a donation, and they said, well, we've given you $5,000 over 31 years. And I said, and? Because people don't understand the work that we're doing. We bring nationally recognized authors and illustrators into Philadelphia. Ibi Zoboi is one of the top authors in this country. She recently won an American Library Association award, newly minted, for her most recent book. And here's the really wonderful thing: It doesn't cost anything. When children walk in the door, they own a book. They don't have to purchase a book. We give away free books to STATED MEETING 85 2/9/2023 authors -- I'm sorry; to educators, children, and caregivers, because reading really does open up a world of opportunities. I also want to acknowledge Romona Riscoe Benson, who was one of the first people at PECO to make sure that we had funding, and again Paralee Knight. Want to stand up? Because Paralee Knight just became the regional advocate for the private. (Applause.)
And even though Wells Fargo is focusing on homeownership, she said, no, we got to continue to support this effort. And I'll tell you a short story and I will take my seat. We have a book fair at Community College, and there was this woman with two kids and a man just following me around. She had a book. STATED MEETING 86 2/9/2023 It's called I Love My Hair. And I said to her -- it's a classic. I said, both the author and illustrator are over there and they'll sign your book. And she said to me, no, I wanted to thank you. And I said, thank me? Well, you're welcome. And anybody who knows me, it's like I'm running a mile a minute in my stilettos. So needless to say, she said, I wanted to thank you because when I was a kid, my family was homeless and we were in and out of shelters, but we came here every year. You gave us a free book. She said, there was no face painting, and I walked around and I was like all the other kids. She said, I'm in college and I'm raising a family of readers. So you never know the impact. She said, every time we moved from shelter to shelter, home to home, I had a home library. And that's what we're advocating, because, folks, a book opens STATED MEETING 87 2/9/2023 up a world of opportunities.
Forget about banned books. You can't ban a book if you're buying a book.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.)
The next speaker is Ogbonna Hagins, commenting on 230062. (Witness approached podium.)
Great morning, everyone. Ogbonna Hagins, H-A-G-I-N-S. Of course there should be justice in policing and on a national level, but how about some justice for the City? How about justice for the youth in this city? How about justice for the seniors in this city? How about justice STATED MEETING 88 2/9/2023 for veterans in this city? How about justice for the economically deprived in this city? We all are happy about the Philadelphia Eagles and their possibility of winning the Super Bowl, but at the same time, remember that Philly is the poorest big city in the nation and people are hurting. What are you going to do about that, City Council? I am calling for economic justice in the City and in particular in the Afro American community. We have a wealth gap in this city, and the problem is not going to stop by you just sitting on your hands. We have a serious, serious crime and violence problem in this city directly linked to economic injustice. I'm a retired teacher from Dobbins High School. I'm also a graduate of Dobbins High School. We need justice in our education system in Philadelphia. STATED MEETING 89 2/9/2023 What about an elected school board? 1867 was the last time that Philadelphia had an elected school board. What is this body doing about that? And, finally, based on the people that I speak with throughout this city, they're disappointed in you, so much so that they don't want to vote. I believe the last election, 13 percent of the registered voters voted for who is in office right now. So, yeah, we need justice reform for policing in this country, but we have to remember that Philadelphia needs justice and the people in Philadelphia are hurting, and until someone in this body does something about it, we're going to continue to celebrate the Eagles victory and all this kind of stuff, but our people are going to be hurting. Thank you.
Thank you. STATED MEETING 90 2/9/2023 (Applause.)