-- from a teacher, from someone who loves this work and loves these children, I am begging you to protect this program, protect these families and protect their futures.
We have -may Sonya Hackett and April Jackson make their way to the podium along with Janae McAllister, Marianne A. Fray and Seneca Grant.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips.
Thank you. I've been enjoying all the testimony today, especially from the many daycare workers that are from our area in the 9th District. I actually just wanted to make a request to leave to attend to business in the 9th District today, just to be excused, but I want to be recorded aye on all bills and resolutions.
Thank you. Would Chief Clerk, please, call the next person to testify, please?
Sonya Hackett, April Jackson, then Janae McAllister, Marianne A. Fray and Seneca Grant.
Hello. My name is Sonya Hackett. I'm here representing Your Child's World Learning Center. I am also a parent for Head Start and I've been with them for over a year now, and they have provided my son who's on the spectrum the well -- services that he needs, the support. And I don't think that this should be null and void at this moment. I benefited from the program. The support, education and resources my family received through this program made it a lasting difference in our lives. Early Head Start gave my child a strong foundation and gave me the tools I needed to be more confident and an informed parent. I truly believe this program is essential for families in our country and our community. Please continue to support and prioritize funding for Early Head Start. Investing in our youngest children is one of the most impactful decisions we can make for our city's future. Please stand with all our families and protect these essential programs. Our children deserve a strong start no matter the zip code or income level.
To Council President Johnson, to all the esteemed members of the council, I want to say thank you. My name is April Jackson Washington. And the first thing I need to let you guys know is I'm not originally from Philadelphia but I am a proud Philadelphian. My husband and I relocated, he's originally from Philadelphia, but I relocated from the South in Alabama because Philadelphia was known to me as a place of prosperity. I'm standing before you today as a Head Start alumni and as a current Head Start parent. I'm begging you guys to please make sure you support the Resolution 250-298. I don't need a piece of paper because I can speak from experience. Head Start was where I first learned how to correctly speak English. Head Start was where I got the support services I needed as a student with a disability. With a mother who worked and retired from the state with an honorable 25-year career, and a father that retired from the U.S. Navy after a 25-year honorable career, I experienced the benefits of Head Start as an alumni, and I'm now reaping that benefit as a parent of a child that is in Head Start. Not only is it important for the children, but it is an investment in the future economic development and economic prosperity of the city of Philadelphia. This city was founded on Quaker principles of prosperity and religious freedom. And what I want to make sure that it's very clear and very understood that we have an opportunity in the city as we have always done. We have always stood against whatever the national temperature is when it does not go in the best interest of our citizens. And I can say that I was intentional in my relocation to this city, not just anywhere in the country, but this specific city. It's so important with Head Start that we recognize that our children, it's not just a resolution in favor of them. It is supporting the men and women that pour themselves and dedicate themselves to the future workforce of Philadelphia. It is not just meals and guaranteed security and guaranteed places to learn and grow. It is reminding the men and women that show up every day that are qualified, that are trained, that dedicate themselves, they need to be paid fair wages. It's an investment in current Philadelphia. It's an investment in future Philadelphia. So please, whatever you do, when it is your opportunity to stand firm for the city of Philadelphia, remember that it is not just small children. You are letting men and women know right now that we value education. We're not afraid of the current administration's attack on education, and we believe in economic uplift. Please and thank you. Whatever you do, remember a vote for this resolution is a vote for our current and our future. Thank you.
Good morning, Janae McAllister in support of Black Maternal Health Week resolution. I am in a community as a wellness coach, postpartum doula and wellness coordinator for A Home from Shana Foundation. But before all of that, I am a mom, a Black mom. First, I would like to thank Councilmember GilmoreRichardson for introducing this resolution. As a community member on the ground doing the work, I appreciate the work being done at the tables that make a difference. Black Maternal Health Week will continue to be a staple in bringing the awareness and education to the crisis that we are in. Black mothers and birthing persons are dying of preventable causes. Rallying together as a community from all aspects is just the beginning of a solution. A part of my birthing story is the beautiful outcome of having a doula and midwives being a part of my birthing plan. Creating access for all moms to have the option for this type of pregnancy and birth and support is vital. The other part of my story is my postpartum journey, which was the most difficult part of it all. Starting with getting stitches after my son tore me without enough medication and felt the pain of that process. The stigma that black women can bear pain needs to stop. And now, I went on to experience postpartum depression and anxiety. I felt alone and isolated because my medical team was not asking the right questions. Questions that should be culturally motivated, the questions that would highlight my daily life as a black woman and where those gaps were. These illnesses look different and feel different to each individual. My story is just one of many. Thank you again, Councilmember Gilmore-Richardson, for being the voice at the tables that we are not sitting at and creating the spaces for us to continue to do the ground on the work. Thank you.
Good morning. Good morning, Council President Johnson, Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore-Richardson, and the esteem members of City Council. My name is Marianne A. Fray and I serve as president and CEO for Maternity Care Coalition. Thank you. So Maternity Care Coalition is a community-based nonprofit organization serving Pennsylvania and Delaware with over four decades of commitment to improving maternal and child health and early child -early care and education. Maternity Care Coalition's mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of pregnant women and parenting families and enhance school readiness for children zero to three. We achieve this through direct service advocacy and research, and collaboration with individuals, families, providers and communities, and many other community members that are represented here today. We -- and I want to also acknowledge Gina Curry, our partner at the state level, want to thank you for your support. So we envision a future where parents impacted by racial and social inequities can birth with dignity, parent with autonomy and raise babies who are healthy, growing and thriving. We are encouraged to see our work affirmed and bolstered by Majority Leader Gilmore-Richardson's Black Maternal Health Week resolution, which celebrates black mothers and families and underscores the collective dedication and investment to address the Black Maternal Health crisis wonderfully explained and sadly in many of the other testimonies shared earlier in Philadelphia. MCC is committed to partnering with City Council, the administration of Mayor Parker, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and other community organizations to find and implement solutions for the persistent rates of and racial disparities in maternal mortality and morbidity in our city. These are complex and multifaceted challenges. And to see results, our solutions must be that as well. We are hopeful that this resolution and investment will bring us one step closer to a future where all black birthing people have better birth outcomes, live healthier lives, have greater access to high quality and equitable services and experience the joy of raising their children in a safer and more just Philadelphia. Thank you for your time.
We Have Seneca Grant. May Mark Clancy, Sean Fleming and Marguerite Byrd also make their way to the podium.
Hi, everyone. My English is not that good but I'm here to represent -- to be the voice of low-income people that have been discriminated and harassed by landlords. I'm with the Councilmember Quetcy Lozada and I live on asset management. I lived there for 18 years, and I've been harassed by David Gonzalez for a couple of years, and his management harassed and discriminate. Asset management's supposed to help low income, but I've been living there for years and it is -- it is not what I've seen. I've been discriminated, I've been harassed, I've been getting sick for all the harassment they be making me go -- I'm sorry. For all the harassment they be doing to me. And I would like to Council Members to hear my voice for me and other low-income people. Thank you, and I'm sorry for my English.
Good morning, City Council. Good morning, everybody. My name is Sean Fleming and I'm representing Renters United Philadelphia, PA. I'm urging everyone to please support The Safe Healthy Homes Act. It is crucial. We all -- we all could benefit from it. I myself used to be a tenant before I moved out because I was facing harassment from my former landlord. So I just wanted to set the record and let this be known that this is urgent. Stand with us, stand with all of us. We can all benefit from this. This is -- this is from -- this is -- this is from personal experience. So I urge you.
Thank you for having me here. My name is Marguerite Byrd and I didn't know I should have written something but whatever you hear from my mouth, it's from my heart. Whatever I'm going say here this morning, I mean it from my heart. I've always been a person of justice ever since I was a little girl. Now I'm a senior and I believe in justice. And I'm here on behalf of all seniors everywhere. I am precious, okay?
I want you to know, I am -- I'm super precious. So if I'm precious, that means all the seniors are precious.
Okay. So, you write these bills, you pass these resolutions and whatever. They're words. Okay? And good words. But if they're not being used in the correct way, they don't mean anything to me. They really don't. And my suggestion to you is, anybody that's a slumlord, you need to make them stay in their property. Let them -- let them -let them see what it's like to live with mice and roaches and garbage and unruly people and whatnot. You'll hear from me, maybe come when it's time to vote again. If I don't see -- if I don't see any change, hey.
I don't want no smoke at all. You-all better pass them bills. At this time, as we prepare for the eyes of the world to be focused upon the city of Philadelphia, at this moment we're going to dispense with the regular order of business to welcome the chairman of the Philadelphia Soccer 2026 Board of Directors, Mr. Dan Hilferty and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Dan Hilferty led Philadelphia's successful bid to be a host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and continues to lead the board in preparation for this historical event. President Gianni Infantino has served as FIFA'S president since February, 2016. During his presidency, he has led the organization to a new era of stability, transparency, and prosperity, making FIFA a respected and reliable partner to many. We are also joined by the city representative who's the best and most extraordinary event planner in the history of the city of Philadelphia. She's the first lady of the 4th Councilmanic District City Representative Jazelle Jones. And so at this time, I'm going to ask for Mr. Dan Hilferty and the president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, to please join us at the podium for brief remarks. Could we give them the city of Philadelphia, a real big round of applause?
Good morning, Council President Johnson, distinguished members of council and fellow citizens of this region. It's so heartwarming to come and see the City Council, this great body, allows public discourse to happen right in the middle of a session. And I commend you and the entire Council for that. It's truly incredible and thank you for having us to think about all that's coming to Philadelphia in 2026 next summer. As we prepare for the 2025 FIFA World Cup, we have two of them. We have the World Cup in 2026 and the Club World Cup in 2025. We are so excited for the opportunity to show off our city and the Commonwealth to fans and visitors from around the world. I want to take a moment to thank Mayor Parker, Council President Johnson, and the entire City Council for your ongoing partnership and support. This will be a great event among great events, not only in 2025, but most importantly in 2026. This is a big moment for our city, our region and our state. And not to brag, but Philadelphia has a great track record of embracing these moments especially on the world stage. None of this would be possible without our fantastic partners at FIFA who have been working with us every step of the way. We have the honor of having FIFA President Gianni Infantino with us today. Gianni has traveled all over the world to promote the game of soccer, or as he calls it, football. He has a busy day today visiting Lemon Hill, the site of the fan festival, this afternoon, and meeting with some of our sponsors later tonight. It is wonderful that Gianni can be here to see for himself what an amazing and passionate group of supporters and fans we have right here in the city of brotherly love and sisterly affection and to meet with our corporate community. With that, I will turn it back over to Council President Johnson.
At this moment -- you know, he's responsible for doing the FIFA World Cup all throughout the world and we'll have an international crowd that will be here in the city of Philadelphia. And for some of you may or may not know from what I understand, the FIFA World Cup that we will host will be how we hosted the Super Bowl on steroids, right? And so at this time, I'm going to introduce Gianni Infantino. The floor is yours, sir. Let's give him a Philadelphia round of applause, please.
Dear Council President, ladies, gentlemen, what an honor, what a pleasure it is for me to be here in this beautiful city of Philadelphia. Here we are -- here we are to bring actually excellent news, not just good news because football, as we call it, soccer as you call it, it's difficult in this city, right, to speak about football or soccer. Well, go Birds, this I learned already. Anyway, football or soccer, it doesn't matter. The importance is to have fun, to bring happiness. And FIFA is known to be, dear Council President, official happiness provider to humanity since 1904. And we are here in Philadelphia to bring not one but two FIFA World Cups. One happening this year and one next year. This year we have a new competition, a new FIFA World Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup, the World Cup of the 32 best club teams in the world from Manchester City to Real Madrid to Chelsea. Many, many, many more from South America, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America. They will determine who are the best players in the world for the first time in history, which is the best team in the world. And, of course, to be in the city where everything started almost 250 years ago here in Philadelphia is a symbol in itself. Here the American dream started, and here we'll start with a new FIFA World Cup. And the next year, of course, United States, Canada, Mexico, the FIFA World Cup of the countries of the national team. We are here, dear Council Members, ladies and gentlemen, to come and unite the world. Unite the world in Philadelphia. We'll have eight games this year, six games next year. We'll bring teams from the entire world. We'll bring fans from the entire world. And we bring them here because we know that you are such a welcoming city. We know that they feel good, they will mingle with all of you. You will fill the stadium, but they will fill the city with joy and with happiness. And, dear friends, at FIFA, we are also aware of our social role and our social responsibility. And, as such, we want to donate to the whole city of Philadelphia, here in Philadelphia, $1 million U.S., to be used as a legacy for being a host city of the FIFA Club World Cup. Thank You. We would like to build together with you a few small soccer pitches, mini pitches in the areas which more -- which have more need, and then some activities with local associations to bring smile and happiness to girls and boys of Philadelphia who can play soccer and enjoy being together. Football or soccer unites the world. We want to unite the world here in Philadelphia. I thank you very, very much for your support, for your help, for your enthusiasm. Thank you.
Thank you very much. Council will be at ease for a brief picture. (Council at ease.)
We will now resume our regular order of business.
May Tonya McClary, Jeremy Blatstein, Julia Koprak, George Matysik and Jasper Liam, please, make their way to the podium. Tonya McClary, Jeremy Blatstein, Julia Koprak, George Matysik and Jasper Liam, please make their way to the podium.
And for all of the individuals who are testifying, I just want to personally say thank you for being patient with us during this council session. Please begin. Please begin.
Good morning to Council President, Councilmember Jones and the other members of Council. I'm Tonya McClary. I am the Executive Director for the Citizens Police Oversight Commission. I'm joined at the podium with the Chair of the Commission, Hassan Bennett. And today, I just wanted to introduce to council, you will be taking a vote on putting five new people on the CPOC commission and reappointing one member. So, as I call their name, I just want you to see them. So, Michelle Enix-Kenney, you can stay standing. Malika Rahman, Gilberto Gonzalez, LaTanya Whitehead and Ericka Stewart. So, these are the five people that you'll be hopefully affirming today. And we also have one reappointment, Haakim Peay. Commissioner Peay was here, but had a family emergency and had to run out. So I just wanted to -- you-all to see them. And I think our chair just wanted to say something to council as well.
Thank you, Council. As we hover over, Mayor -I'm sorry. Mayor Dilworth Park, right? 1958 was the beginning of oversight in Philadelphia, right? The first city in the United States of America with a government oversight agency, right? So with these appointed or proposed candidates, proposed commissioners, right, I would like to acknowledge the people that have paved the way for us before to make this oversight agency. Some of the unsung heroes, right? Honorable Judge Samantha Williams. I'm sorry, I see the red light. Is that for me or is that for Tonya? All right. Thank you. Honorable Judge Samantha Williams, Keir Bradford-Grey, Anjelica Hendricks, just to name a few that have been in this fight. Elder, Commissioner Elder Melanie DeBouse, who has not been here, but I just want to acknowledge them. A month after Women's History Month, women's history is still in. Women's history is still the thing. That has been a backbone. Oh, you're killing me. That has been the backbone of this fight. So once again, I would like to thank everybody that has participated in oversight in Philadelphia and making it the leader in Philadelphia, as well as our championship executive director, Ms. Tonya McClary. But above all, I would like to thank the women as we have four out of five of our candidates who are women. Thank you.
Good morning. My name is Julia Koprak. I'm here representing the Food Trust. Thank you to Council President Johnson for introducing Resolution 250-318, addressing federal funding, food security, nutrition, and local agriculture. We are so glad to be here to voice support for that resolution. The Food Trust Mission is to ensure delicious, nutritious food for all. We are proud to serve as co-chairs on Council President's food and nutrition security task force. We know that canceling these federal funds from the local food purchasing and local food for schools' programs will limit healthy food options for Philadelphians, especially our most vulnerable neighbors. It will also cut important revenue for farmers. And we've tested this program here in Philadelphia. So I wanted to offer a local example. At The Caring Center in West Philadelphia, our local food purchasing pilot program made it possible for the preschool to purchase thousands of dollars of fresh Pennsylvania-grown produce to include in over 50,000 meals and snacks for preschoolers. And we're not just talking about a couple of apples and oranges. We're talking about 40 different varieties of fruits and vegetables that, as a result, caregivers were reporting that their kids were eating and trying more fruits and vegetables at home. But now these farmer contracts are paused or getting canceled across the city. We are deeply concerned about this, and potentially other federal nutrition and agriculture programs getting reduced, frozen or canceled at the federal level. This will have devastating effects on the health outcomes of Philadelphia citizens and families and will be extremely harmful to our businesses. Thank you again to City Council for demanding that this crucial USDA funding be restored. Thank you.
Good morning, everybody. My name is George Matysik. I'm executive director of the Share Food Program. We are a food bank. Thank you, Curtis. Thank you. We are a food bank in Philadelphia serving hundreds of thousands of individuals, more than 300,000 kids in our region who we serve at Share Food Program. I'm here to thank Council President Johnson and members of Council for this important resolution demanding the Trump Administration restore USDA funding to our communities. In 1965, our country rallied around an idea, an idea of declaring war on poverty. At that time, the Johnson Administration among others, put forward incredibly important programs for our communities, including SNAP benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, and historic funding for public education. Those investments worked. In the late 60s, early 70s, we saw poverty drop nearly in half. And using those vehicles, the Biden administration was able to continue progress seeing the lowest poverty rate in the history of our country over the course of the last few years. But while we had a war on poverty that started back in the 60s, the Trump Administration hasn't declared war on poverty. They've declared war on poor people. In Pennsylvania alone, we have seen $13 million in cuts to food banks, $21 million in cuts just for nutritious food for kids at our schools. Above all, more than anything else today, I just wanted to come here to thank Council for saying something, for stepping forward. It is one thing for individuals, it is another thing. We need our institutions to continue to speak up against the Trump administration, whether that is government, whether that is schools, whether that is our universities or our nonprofits. We need to continue to make our voices heard against this administration. Thank you.
We also have Jasper Liam, Lynn Landis. May David Alexander, Wick Savage and Thomas Kennedy also make their way to the podium.
Ms. Landis, can you give me a second please? Council will be at ease. I just want to ask, if you have a cell phone or alarm on your watch, could you -- yeah, just put your phone on silence or your watch or your digital devices on silence. Thank you very much. Ms. Landis, the floor is yours.
My name is Lynn Landis of safestreetsphilly.org. I want to speak on the Police Oversight Committee, the Citizens Police Oversight Commission. I want to suggest that we help the public engage in oversight as well because in our neighborhood, and several neighborhoods across the city, we have repeat offenders, generally speaking, panhandlers, drug addicts, drug dealers, the mentally ill and the mentally ill homeless that are on our streets. And I only live four blocks away from here. Many of them have been here for years, and we don't even know who they are. And what I am suggesting is that the police take pictures of these people when they give them their CVNs, if they even do that. And that these pictures for people who get civil violation notices and arrests are published on the police website, easily available. I've tried and I called and I said, why can't I find these photos, because we had one individual we were tracking. And they said, no, they're not readily available to the public. So that's my first suggestion. My second suggestion is that the police enforce the laws on the books. Why are these people there, day after day, week after week, year after year, and in some case, decades? We've lived in the city since 2001, and some of these people have been there for that long. So we treat stray dogs better than we treat many of these people. Many of them deserve to be on Social Security disability. And how does that happen when nobody knows their names? We can't follow where they are. Their relatives can't find them. So this is the thing, oversight is all well and good, but it has to be coupled with engagement, transparency, and police enforcement. Thank you.
Okay. My name is Mark Clancy. I'm representing Philly Thrive and Renters United. And we are talking -- I am talking about the HUD resolution. More than ever, senior citizens like myself and other people that are living in apartments and homes need home repairs and we can't afford them because of the economy. And we have largely been ignored or marginalized. And we're saying, no more. We're speaking up. We will not be the silent majority anymore. We want, the most importantly, home repairs. We want healthy and safe homes. We want homes we can be proud to live in. Free of roaches, mice, rats, or whatever. We need the inspectors to come in and inspect the homes and apartments and hold the landlords, or as we call them, slumlords, accountable. If they're not going to do it, then they should be arrested. Secondly, well, thirdly, our homes and apartments should also be wheelchair accessible. You have a lot of us that are physically challenged that are in wheelchairs, walkers, electric carts, electric walkers. They can't -- they don't have the mobility they used to have. We call that limited mobility. But we are not weak by the way, either. We are strong and that's why we're here speaking to City Council today. You have your job to do and we have ours. And I say thank you, and I am complete.
We have David Alexander Jenkins, Wick Savage, Thomas Kennedy. May Jacqueline Galindez and Andre Dawkins also make their way to the podium.
Mr. President, members of Council, I rise today officially to stand with those in chamber who support resolutions 250-298, 250-229, 250325, 250-317 and 250-218. With limited time to address the chamber, the overarching thematic material is the resolutions aforementioned is an emergent demand for the preservation of humanities. Be it to preserve impoverished children's access to early childhood education or to aid those whose lives have been shattered by natural disasters like the floods in East Falls. Be it the malfeasance underlined by cruelty, so aptly named ill-informed decisions made by the Housing Secretary, Scott Turner, that upended the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative. The very program that allows us to preserve and extend affordable housing. Or simply the astonishing and most grossly heinous behavior of the Department of Agriculture, which stripped funding for food banks, a measure that deepens the crisis of hunger for 210,000 of our neighbors here in the city named for love. It is apparent to me that this federal government is waging a war against us at the very foundation of our core. A war that seeks to strip us of our humanity. Likewise, it is apparent to me that the federal government is deeply misconstrued as to who we are. We are the people entrusted with Liberty's flame, handed down through the smoke of revolution and the ink of declaration. We are the product of the forefathers, like Thomas Jefferson, who etched in our pores the core of human life and happiness, and not the destruction of it is the first and only legitimate object of good government. Therefore, let cries of this chamber, of we the people that rise from this chamber, echo across every agency, every district, every hall, every hollow, indifferent place in ink this time through these resolutions. And let us all who dare to extinguish the flame of liberty at any level, as we say in Philadelphia, come round my way, where we, the people, do not yield.
Good afternoon, Mr. President, Councilmembers, community members, and all those gathered here today. My name is Thomas Kenney, and I'm honored to speak in support of resolution 250-252, which was introduced by Councilmember Jones on behalf of Michelle Enix-Kenney, who I've had the blessing of calling my friend for over three decades and my wife for the past 25 years. When you spend that much time walking beside someone, you see them for who they truly are. Not just the public -- in public spaces or professional settings, but in the quiet moments, in the trials, and in the ways that respond to the needs of others. And I can say without hesitation that Michelle is a woman of uncommon integrity --
-deep empathy, and relentless purpose. She is a natural advocate, not because it's fashionable, but because it's foundational to who she is. I've watched her champion the overlooked and unheard, not just with her voice but with her time, her energy, and her heart. Whether it is in our community, with our family, or in professional circles. Michelle shows up fully, authentically, courageously. She believes in justice. Not just as a legal concept, but as a daily practice. She listens closely, she acts deliberately, and she always asks the hard but necessary questions. That's the kind of oversight this city needs. Not just accountability, but compassion. Not just process, but purpose. Her appointment to the city police oversight commission is not just a next step. It's a natural extension of the values she's upheld her entire life. This is a woman who doesn't just want change, she works for it. She embodies it, and she inspires others, including me. As her husband, I could not be more proud. But as a resident of this great city, I'm also deeply encouraged because I know that Philadelphia is gaining a commissioner who will lead with both strength and sincerity. Michelle's presence on this commission is not just symbolic, it's strategic. Her discernment, her determination and her deeply held belief in the value of every life will be an asset to this work. So on behalf of myself, our family, and the countless lives Michelle has touched through her unwavering service. I offer my so full support --
- for her confirmation. And I thank you all for seeing in her what so many of us already know to be true.
Okay. City Council have Black love. That's what I'm talking about. That's what the world need right now. A little bit of love. Yeah. Bro, you going to be good for a while. You aren't going to see the doghouse no time soon. We all got to step up. That boy said, ah. You know what I mean? I'm saying, that's what's up. God is good. Mr. Savage, the floor is yours, sir.
Good afternoon, Council President and Councilmembers. I'm quite sure you was belt ready to come down and do your ceremony because you feel the same way about your wife.
I'm here to share some insight on Act 135, which Councilman Young brought to this body's attention last session last Thursday. I will not want to share shade on a certain profession, but you have slick lawyers that are taking advantage of this particular bill. By time the citizens of Philadelphia catch up with them, that ship have sailed and that adds to the homeless population. In LA, 70 percent of the homeless is women, mothers, homeowners. We have got to put the brakes on these bad actors immediately. With the power of this body and your colleagues in Harrisburg, that can be accomplished. And I will say, put it on the record, I have a problem with bullies. They can be dealt with. It's like taking a chimpanzee and putting a gorilla in a boxing ring. Your citizens don't have a chance with these slick lawyers. Thank you.
We have Jacqueline Galindez, Andre Dawkins. May Obona Hagans and Tyrese Roger also make also make their way to the podium.
Roger, can you come closer to the microphone? Thank you, sir.
Hello. My name is Andre Dawkins. Good morning, everyone. I'm here speaking for One Pennsylvania about the homeless situation and the fair housing situation. I've lived in Philadelphia for 63 years now. I done seen a lot and I noticed that a lot of bad -like, I live in Broad and Wyoming, there was a fire because the landlord was renting to people that was actually homeless getting high, in an abandoned building that had no heat, no running water, it caught on fire, almost set the other two on fire. That's between 11th and 12th of Wyoming. And it was so bad that it had rubber tires in it that you could smell the fire from Broad Street to Huntington Park, and it was a bad fire and it lasted most of the night. But it's -- we have to do something. I have -- I have 35 years clean, June 19th. Thank God. So I've been there. I lived on the streets for five years. But the only thing I do know, and I say this clearly to everybody, it's a part of this here that we need to really understand. Yeah, it's a part that says, we got to accept the things we cannot change. But we do have the courage to change the things we can if we really want to. And we need to do this because there's too many young folks. I've done seen young folks, when I say young, 20, 30, on the streets. And you got buildings that's just sitting there that's owned by a city and other people that will not do nothing with them and it don't make sense. But we will send millions to another country to get them off and get them fed, but we can't feed the ones that we walk over everyday. Look at it. How do that really look to us? No, that don't make sense. We can't even feed our own, but we feed someone else. So all I'm asking that you-all really passed this bill so that people. And Philly and not just -- I might not see it. I'm 63. I'm worried about my grandkids, their kids. So it'll be a change that they don't have to struggle like I am. That's all I have to say.
Okay. How are you doing? My name is Ms. Porter. Ivana Porter for the record. I'm here to advocate for black women. I'm a just tell a short, sweet story and why it's important to support what the solutions we have to offer. And please support us. My daughter would've been 15 this year. And the system failed me. I was 19. I had nowhere to turn to. I kept telling them I couldn't feel my baby move. They did not listen to me. They would only give me two ultrasounds. One around 16, 20 weeks to see what I'm having. And then around 36 weeks to make sure the baby head was down, I told them I couldn't move. They did not listen to mom. I cried. I called, I asked for help. My daughter passed away. With that being said, I could go on with plenty of stories. I know everybody want to get out there. All I want to do is bring awareness that this is real. Don't wait 'til it happens to you. Don't wait 'til it happens to a loved one. Don't wait till it happens to a family member. Every time I see something on Instagram, social media, every time a mother pass away, every time a baby injured, every time the mom injured, I drop another tear. I do a lot of other things, but this is what I'm passionate about. And just support us because we need the support, dads do, too.
Good afternoon. My name is Tyrese Rogers and I am a member of One PA, Renters United. And then I have other people I consider my family, that would be Philly Thrive and West by Southwest. I am here for all people -well, for all Councilmembers rather to support the Safe and Healthy Homes Act. When I started renting I lived in Councilman Thomas's district. My place was inspected. My place was -- what is that? My landlord, he called out the people to conduct a lead, you know, test. Everything passed. I live in a decent enough place, but as long as my people don't have what they need, I'm going to be here. Okay? I thank you all and please support our bill. Thank you.
Good morning, Obona Hagans, fourth generation chattel slavery survivor. I stand before you today to honor the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Service Center School and their incredible Carpe Diem event, which celebrates the dedication of both students and judges. This initiative is truly remarkable, offering our young people an opportunity to engage, learn, grow in a meaningful way. However, as we celebrate the achievements of these students, I'm reminded of the conversation I had earlier today with a student from the School of the Future. This student expressed a lack of awareness regarding their student council, a vital component of student governance. It's concerning that even our youth in schools that offer such councils don't fully understand the structures available to them. I also spoke with my son, a ninthgrader at FLC, who shared with me that the school does not have a student council at all. This, to me, speaks volumes about the disconnection many of our youth, especially freedmen youth feel towards their heritage and the institutions that could empower them. We must recognize that our youth, descendants of the emancipated, they must know their rights. They must know the Constitution. They must be taught it. It is essential that our young people understand the reconstruction amendments, the Civil Rights Act of 1866, and the protections that were fought for them and codified specifically for them. I urge this body to ensure that every freedman, the descendants of the emancipated, whether in student council or in the classroom, knows their history and understands the legal rights that protect them as the progeny of the emancipated. We must do better in connecting them with their past so they can confidently navigate their future. Obona Hagans. Over and out.
Council President, there are no further names for public comment.
That concludes today's public comment period. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the second reading of the final passage calendar. Would the clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250-250?
A resolution appointing Malika Rahman to the Citizens Police Oversight Commission.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Majority Leader Gilmore-Richardson for a motion on Resolution No. 250-250.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilmember Jones, I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250-250 will be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. COUNCILMEMBERS: Aye.
Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will a clerk please -- will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250-251?
A resolution appointing Gilberto Gonzalez to the Citizens Police Oversight Commission.
The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore-Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250-251.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Councilmember Jones, I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. And for the record, it's 250-251. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250-252?
A resolution appointing Michelle Enix-Kenney to the Citizens Police Oversight Commission.
The Chair recognizes Majority Gilmore-Richardson for a motion regarding the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Councilmember Jones and her loving husband, I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been enthusiastically seconded that Resolution No. 250-252 be adopted. All those in favor of motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250-253?
A resolution appointing LaTanya Whitehead to the Citizens Police Oversight Commission.
The Chair recognizes the Majority Leader Gilmore-Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250253.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Councilmember Jones, I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution No. 250-253 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250-254?
A resolution reappointing Haakim Peay to the Citizens Police Oversight Commission.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250254.
In conjunction with my Majority Leader, I move for the adoption. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution No. 250-254 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. I want to take a moment to acknowledge all the appointees, especially Ms. Rahman, we know the work you have been doing on behalf of the city of Philadelphia. And take a moment of special privilege and just acknowledge our colleague, Councilman Jones, for his hard work and dedication for the appointees. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250-297?
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1911 Mountain Street, located in the Second Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of chapter 16-700 of the Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore-Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250-297.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution No. 250297 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250298?
A resolution calling on the Trump Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services to preserve funding and administrative support for Head Start, prevent program disruptions and protect access to early childhood education for low income families.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Majority Leader Gilmore-Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250-298.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250-298 will be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250-299?
A resolution calling on the Trump Administration to reverse the termination of an Environmental Protection Agency grant awarded to the city of Philadelphia to support efforts to address flooding in Eastwick, a community that has been disproportionately impacted by environmental injustice and hardships.
The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore-Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250-299.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250-299 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250-300?
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 813 Union Street, 6130 Ellsworth Street, 4910 Kingsessing Avenue, 5417 Florence Avenue, 5425 Florence Avenue in the 3rd 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.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Jamie Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250-300.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250300 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250-304?
A resolution renaming the 5700 block of West Oxford Street Fred Rosenfeld Way to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Frederick C. Rosenfeld for his outstanding contributions to youth sports in Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250-304.
On behalf of those Overbrook Panthers, I move for the adoption.
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250-304 will be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250-305?
A resolution appointing Erica Stewart to the Citizens Police Oversight Commission.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250-305.
On behalf of the Beatles that we are installing, I move for the adoption. I'm very proud of each and every one of them.
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250-305 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please be the title of Resolution No. 250-310?
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 2323 through 31, North 5th Street, 2322, 2324, 2326, 2328 and 2330 North Orkney Street in the 7th 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.
The Chair recognizes the gentle lady from the 7th Councilmanic District, Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250-310.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250-310 be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250-314?
A resolution recognizing the central role of labor organizing and labor unions in the history of Philadelphia, their ongoing importance of -- to the well-being of working class families and condemning the Trump Administration's continued pursuit of anti-labor and anti-worker policies.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicholas O'Rourke for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250-314.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250-314 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250-317?
A resolution responding to the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, HUD, Scott Turner's ill-informed understanding of public housing development and call for deregulation by reinforcing the importance of continued preservation of local control over housing development decisions to ensure development aligns with the needs and desires of our communities, and calling on Turner to preserve the Choice Neighborhood Initiative program, which enables PHA to preserve and expand its affordable housing stock.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Majority Leader Gilmore-Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250-317.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilmember Bass, on your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution No. 250-317 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. And the resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250-318?
A resolution demanding the Trump Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the USDA, to restore the funding that was cut for programs supporting Pennsylvania food banks and schools accessing local produce, which will endanger food security for vulnerable children and families in Philadelphia, and further deepening the crisis of hunger in the city.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250-318.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of this resolution on your behalf.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. And for the record, that's 250-318. Would the Clerk please read the title of the Bill No. 240-333? This bill has been read on two different days. As the Clerk shall read the bill.
An ordinance amending section 14-533 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Mixed Income Neighborhoods Overlay District, to update the illustrative maps to reflect recent redistricting changes, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill has been read on two different days. The question now is: Shall the bill pass finally? Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll?
Councilmember Phillips was Aye. Councilmember Gilmore-Richardson?
Aye. And I'd like to be recorded. Aye on all resolutions I may have missed, Mr. President.
Council President, I vote aye. And I'd like to be marked aye on any resolutions I may have missed.
Aye. The ayes are 17 and nays are zero. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative. The bill passes. Would the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240-427-AA?
An ordinance amending Section 14-305 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Non-conformities by providing further provisions on changes from non-conforming uses, all under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from the 5th councilmanic district, Councilmember Jeffrey J. Young for a motion on this bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Bill No. 240-427-AA, be placed on a suspension calendar.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Bill No. 240-427-AA be placed on the suspension calendar. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The next order of business is the consideration of privileged resolutions. Would the Clerk please read any additional resolutions on today's calendar?
A privileged resolution recognizing the week of April 5th through 11th, 2025 as week of The Young Child in Philadelphia in support of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and commending the work of NAEYC for promoting high quality education and developmental services for children under eight years of age, introduced by Councilmember Phillips on behalf of Council President Johnson.
The Chair recognizes the Majority Leader Richardson for motion on a resolution.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips, and on your behalf, I move the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution recognizing April 11th through the 17th, 2025 as Black Maternal Health Week in the city of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilmember Gilmore-Richardson.
The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore-Richardson for motion on a resolution.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus, led by representatives Cephas, Curry and Mays and on behalf of all of the stakeholders that joined us here today in Philadelphia City Council, I move the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. And the resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Eric Reynolds for his historic contributions to the St. Joseph University Men's Basketball program, his record breaking journey to becoming the university's all-time leading scorer, and his lasting impact on the city of Philadelphia introduced by Councilmember Thomas.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the Elevation Project, a non-profit organization for its outstanding contributions to reducing recidivism, supporting formerly incarcerated individuals, and helping create pathways to a brighter future, introduced by Councilmember Jones.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion on the resolution.
On behalf of all of the citizens getting a second chance, I move for the adoption.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution honoring Inspector Verdell Johnson for his retirement and years of service from the Philadelphia Police Department, introduced by Councilmember Jones on behalf of Council President Johnson.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion on the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution recognizing April 10th, 2025 as a National Youth, HIV and AIDS Awareness Day in the city of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Landau for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please be the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating the Philadelphia Chefs and Restaurants named as the finalist for the 2025 James Beard Awards, introduced by Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Landau for a motion regarding resolution number -