Stated Meeting, February 29, 2024

Stated Meeting 1 02/29/2024 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, February 29, 2024 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN CURTIS J. JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN RUE LANDAU COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY M. LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN NICOLAS O'ROURKE COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK F. SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR. ELIZABETH McCOLLUM-NAZARIO, INTERIM CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting 2 02/29/2024

Good morning, everyone. Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)

I note that the hour has come and a quorum of the Council is present. Council will now come to order. Members will take your seats. Visitors will retire to their seats outside the rails. Before proceeding, I'd like to ask that all those present to please set your cell phones to silent or vibrate. Thank you. All of us in Philadelphia City Council extend our deepest condolences in the recent passing of our esteemed colleague Council Chief Clerk Michael Decker. I want to ask everyone to stand so we can have a moment of silence in his memory. (Moment of silence.) Stated Meeting 3 02/29/2024

Thank you. Council Chief Clerk Michael Decker has dedicated service spanning over 36 years in City Council and has left an indelible mark on our city. Michael was a diligent public servant and a cornerstone in City Council. His commitment and invaluable contribution to the efficient functioning of our legislative body will be remembered with gratitude and respect. He became Chief Clerk starting in September of 2009 under the late Council President Anna Verna. He served under three Council Presidents, Anna Verna, former Council President Darrell Clarke and myself until his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael's family, friends and colleagues. Stated Meeting 4 02/29/2024 to rest tomorrow March 1st and we share in the sorrow of his loss and will forever cherish the memories of his unwavering dedication to the betterment of Philadelphia. I would like to thank Elizabeth McCollum for her willingness to serve as Interim Chief Clerk during our transition. At this moment I will ask for Father Mark Kunigonis, Pastor of the St. John Cantius Catholic Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilmember Driscoll. I will ask for all members and guests to please rise. And I want to also thank Pastor Mark for also doing a special prayer for our beloved Chief Clerk Mike Decker.

Thank you very much for having me here today. I thank Councilman Driscoll for inviting me, and I bring Stated Meeting 5 02/29/2024 of St. John Cantius and the citizens of Bridesburg. Our prayer this morning is dedicated to Michael Decker and his memory and his soul. Let us pray. God of power and might, wisdom and justice, through you authority is rightly administered. Laws are enacted and judgment is decreed. We come to you today asking for your guidance, your wisdom and your support as you begin this City Council session. Assist with your spirit of Council and fortitude, these Councilmembers of the City of Philadelphia. Unite our lawmakers beyond the personal agendas, fostering wisdom and understanding for the betterment of our city. May they always seek the ways of righteousness, justice and mercy. Stated Meeting 6 02/29/2024 be enabled by your powerful protection to lead our city with honesty and with integrity. Let the (inaudible) of this governing body stir thoughtprovoking ideas that positively shape our local government. As we embark on this journey, may your guiding hand be evident in every decision made, grant us steadfastness and respect for diversity as we serve together for community development. We pray this as we pray all prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Amen.)

The Chair thanks the Pastor's invocation. Council will now be at ease. (Council at ease.) Stated Meeting 7 02/29/2024

The next order of business is the approval of Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 15th of 2024. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 15, 2024 be approved. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting on Thursday, February 15th of 2024 stand approved. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

Stated Meeting 8 02/29/2024 and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is request for leave of absences. And the Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson.

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

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.

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

Thank you very much. Stated Meeting 9 02/29/2024 now recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's session of Council that were not listed on the Calendar circulated prior to today's session.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda to this session of Council and as required by law, subsequently published on an amended agenda after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments to bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or recalled from the Mayor, amendments to bills recalled Stated Meeting 10 02/29/2024 Mayor, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on 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 returning a bill or resolution from the Suspension Calendar that is not listed on today's Calendar. The purpose of this motion is to provide the public with notice concerning possible actions by Council that arose too late to be included on the Calendar that was published prior to today's session.

Is there a second? (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson may be Stated Meeting 11 02/29/2024 the agenda for today should those matters arise during the course of this session of Council. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the motion carries.

The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in the chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate you taking the time to join us as we attend the legislative affairs of Stated Meeting 12 02/29/2024 certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass who will present a resolution honoring Renee Chenault-Fattah for her unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence throughout her esteemed career. Would Renee Chenault-Fattah and those accompanying her please join the Councilmember at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)

Well, good morning, good morning, good morning.

Councilmember, before you start your presentation, the Councilmember will be joined by Councilmember Kendra Brooks, Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Stated Meeting 13 02/29/2024 Richardson, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, Councilmember Rue Landau and Councilmember Nina Ahmad.

Thank you, Mr. President. And I want to start again. Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)

We also want to invite anyone who is a part of Renee's village as a member of the Links who is in journalism or any of the many other areas that Renee is being recognized for today to please feel free to join us this morning. And as we gather here today to honor Renee, we stand at the intersection of two significant observances, Black History Month and Women's History Month. This is the perfect time to reflect on the profound contributions of Black Stated Meeting 14 02/29/2024 resilience, courage and brilliance have shaped our world in numerous ways, from being broadcast as a reporter to serving as leadership of numerous organizations to practicing law. Today we come together to honor and celebrate the achievements of one remarkable woman Renee Chenault-Fattah. (Applause.)

Her impact transcends boundaries and inspires us all. In recognizing her accomplishments, we not only pay tribute to her individual journey but also acknowledge the countless narratives of strength, leadership and excellence within the community of Black women. And I do want to say this morning as I was driving in, on the radio I heard a song and it really Stated Meeting 15 02/29/2024 me. And it was from Teddy Pendergrass and it was "Somebody Told Me to Deliver This Message." And I thought about journalism and how important it is to not just get the story, but to get the story right and also to have diversity in that newsroom. So I want to take -- this is an opportunity to say on behalf of all of us that we thank you, Renee, for all of your contributions to journalism here in Philadelphia and moving the City forward. So that being said, whereas an American journalist and former co-anchor of the WCAU NBC10 News, Renee Chenault-Fattah has served three decades proven to be a beacon of journalistic integrity. With ease, she illuminated the stories of our communities with compassion, Stated Meeting 16 02/29/2024 professionalism; and

Whereas Renee Chenault-Fattah has demonstrated leadership, bringing her perspective to each story while simultaneously embodying objectivity. She is an inspiration to her colleagues and viewers alike. Earning a Master's of Arts in Journalism from the University of Missouri, after a few years co-anchoring the news broadcast, she was promoted to the 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. news where she spent her next eight years co-anchoring; and

Whereas through film, Renee Chenault-Fattah has helped to voice those who have been impacted by dementia, directing a documentary entitled "In Our Right Mind: Stated Meeting 17 02/29/2024 Impact In Communities of Color," in which she bravely showcased her own journey with her aunt who suffered from the disorder; and

Whereas Renee Chenault-Fattah undoubtedly left a unique mark throughout her journey. She has shown intelligence and grace under pressure and continues to look in the direction of other's lives with interest and stories that impact women as well as health disparities because of racial and economic inequality.

Whereas Renee Chenault-Fattah has spoken before universities, audiences, church congregations and civic organizations about the issues concerning health disparity law, education and ethics, and currently serves as a trustee of Stated Meeting 18 02/29/2024 a former trustee of Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity, served on the Board of the Philadelphia Zoo and a member of the Penn Towne Links, Inc.; and

Whereas Renee Chenault-Fattah's most notable stories included political conventions and the school shooting massacre in Litteton, Colorado, her hometown. She was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame in 2009; and

Whereas Renee Chenault-Fattah earned her Bachelor's degree in Political Science from John Hopkins where she received the Black Alumni President's Award and earned her career in law by first graduating Stated Meeting 19 02/29/2024 Pennsylvania Law School, where she received an alumni award of merit where working at Hughes Hubbard & Reed in New York City and clerking for the late Judge Damon Keith on the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

Therefore by virtue of this citation, the Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby honors Renee Chenault-Fattah for being an active member of the community and an inspiration to countless individuals. And I just want to add that if this body, if the folks in this building have really learned nothing else in the last couple of weeks, what we've learned is to give our flowers to her friends while they are here to smell them. And so, it is with great honor and Stated Meeting 20 02/29/2024 to recognize my friend Renee Chenault-Fattah and thank her for all of the work that she's done on behalf of the City of Philadelphia. (Applause.)

Chair recognizes Renee ChenaultFattah for remarks. Congratulations.

Thank you. I am speechless, which is no easy feat for somebody who is both a lawyer and a journalist. I always say the only people who like to hear themselves talk more than lawyers are journalists, and yet I am struggling to find the words to let you know how much this means to me to be standing here with my sisters, to see President Johnson, to see, you know, I look out -- I don't even know where to begin. And this is dangerous because I Stated Meeting 21 02/29/2024 full agenda. But I do want to say just a few words. First, let me just start off by saying to hear about the passing of Mike Decker, because I worked so many years in journalism, I know how important he was to this institution and what a loss it is, so it breaks my heart to hear that loss. My heart is full today. I struggle to find the words in part because this recognition is coming from City Council. I so admire and respect the sacrifices that you all make for this City. The fact that you're public servants, that you give them your time, because you care and you love Philadelphia. As you heard from this, I felt like my life was flashing before me. But, you know, I'm not from Philadelphia. I was born in Ohio. I grew up in Colorado. I Stated Meeting 22 02/29/2024 Baltimore. I practiced law in New York and Detroit. When I went into T.V., I got a journalism in /Missoura/, because that's how they say it out there. I worked in T.V. markets in L.A. and Atlanta and New York and New Jersey. And I say all that to say that over all those years, there is no city I loved more, no place I would rather be than right here in Philadelphia. (Applause.)

And I promise I'm not going to go on much longer, but I do have to say I really feel like I owe this City so very much. Philadelphia gave me my law degree -- well, no, no, I earned that law degree at the University of Pennsylvania Law School. It just happened here. But certainly, Philadelphia gave me Stated Meeting 23 02/29/2024 tell you how rewarding it is to walk down the street or even this morning when young people come up to me and say, hey, I grew up watching you or they were watching when I was pregnant with my girls who are now 20 and 25, so that let's you know how long ago it was, or people will remind me of the fact, the time when I fainted on the air covering the Olympics in Atlanta. People don't forget things. So you gave me my career. Not just that career, but I just finished Philadelphia Lawyers Social for Equity. City Council was so supportive and instrumental. Councilman Jones, thank you so much for the support you gave our organization in giving people second chances. I was at Senior Law Center. The amazing thing City Stated Meeting 24 02/29/2024 Councilwoman Brooks, my God, the things you do around housing and tenants that support our seniors. (Applause.)

I can go on and on. Like you said, I mean you see I found my words. But I owe this City. This is where I met and married my husband. This is where we raised our kids. My parents, my God, after 40 years of living in Colorado they moved here, and they both -- this is their final resting place here in Philadelphia. So Philadelphia is home. And this has made me just want to sort of rededicate myself to helping however I can in this amazing time when we're being lead by this incredibly diverse City Council, more diverse than ever and Stated Meeting 25 02/29/2024 board, and being led by a Mayor who, my God, my girls can look at her and see themselves in her. This is an incredible time. So thank you. I'm going to stop. Like I said, I honestly found my words and then some. Thank you very much. This means more to me than I can say, but I try. Thank you. Thank you so very much. (Applause.)

Council be at ease. (Council at ease.)

At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips who will present a resolution recognizing the 10th graders at Hill-Freedman World Academy for being featured in the HBO documentary Stand Up & Shout: Songs from a Philly High School. Stated Meeting 26 02/29/2024 those accompanying him please join the Councilmember at the podium. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)

Wow. Hill-Freedman, welcome to City Hall.

The Councilmember is joined by Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Councilmember Driscoll, Councilmember Squilla, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.

All right. As Hill-Freedman comes to the rostrum, I just want to briefly say that I am proud to say that in a city where too often young people have been noted as not being as engaged, being as responsible, we have a group of responsible young people who are doing the right thing thanks to the leadership of Stated Meeting 27 02/29/2024 outstanding music instructor Mr. Thurman and Principal Majewski. Thank you. But I just want to briefly say that I had the privilege to sit through the concert that Hill-Freedman World Academy did, Stand Up & Shout last year. And when I tell you y'all killed it, y'all killed it. I mean, these kids got energy and excitement and talent. So today we're going to recognize them for not only doing this incredible concert, but having this incredible -- so incredible to the point that HBO did a documentary recognizing all their musical talents, right. In addition to that, this school thanks to the support of Principal Majewski and Mr. Thurman who leads the initiative have world class Stated Meeting 28 02/29/2024 as other technology that allowed these young people to flourish. So I want to say that today we are pleased to support and celebrate all of your artistic and creative endeavors. And I'm happy that we're able to present you to the City of Philadelphia all the way from Mt. Airy 19150 and we're beyond excited to say thank you all so much. So we're going to kick it off. Afterwards Principal Ma -Mr. Thurman is going to give some remarks about what you all have done, but I just want to say we're so proud of y'all. (Applause.)

All right. So today's resolution we're recognizing -- today we'll start off with our resolution which will be followed by other Councilmembers. We're recognizing Stated Meeting 29 02/29/2024 10th graders at Hill-Freedman World Academy for being featured in the HBO -- oh, 10th to 12th right, there we go. We're recognizing the entire Hill-Freedman World Academy for being featured in the HBO documentary Stand Up & Shout: Songs from a Philly high School, whereas the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to support and celebrate the artistic and creative endeavors of young Philadelphians, and whereas students at Hill-Freedman World Academy have demonstrated an impressive talent for songwriting and the musicship. The music they have written and produced beautifully portrays their nuance experiences as Philadelphia youth.

And whereas their laudable musical undertaking is featured in the HBO documentary Stated Meeting 30 02/29/2024 & Shout: Songs from a Philly High School. Their documentary underscores the importance of their artistic expression and highlights all their inspiring musical creations, and whereas the students' immense success so early in their musical careers demonstrates the importance of adequately funding artistic outlets for students in and out of academic settings; and

Whereas in all that the students of Hill-Freedman World Academy have done, they have furthered the progress of our City of Philadelphia who through dedication and excellence contribute in a meaningful way to the well-being of their communities through music, art and film are integral to the functioning wholesomeness of the vibrance of our city, as such the Stated Meeting 31 02/29/2024 Academy are much appreciated; and

Whereas the Council of the City of Philadelphia does hereby extend its sincere gratitude to the students of Hill-Freedman World Academy for their extraordinary contributions through our communities. We wish them success in the days ahead and extend the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. Therefore be it --

Resolve that the Council of the City of Philadelphia recognizes the 10th graders at Hill-Freedman World Academy, 10th through 12th, for being featured in the HBO documentary Stand Up & Shout: Songs from a Philadelphia High School.

Further resolve that an embossed Stated Meeting 32 02/29/2024 the students of Hill-Freedman World Academy, further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body. (Applause.)

So we will -- just before we -- oh, yes. I just want to say thank you all for making this happen, the Chairman of Education, I'm the Vice-Chair of Education, Isaiah Thomas, these are the things that we want to see more of in the City of Philadelphia. So you guys are doing the work. Continue to do it. I love y'all. Continue to press forward and continue to make not only the 9th District proud, but the entire City of Philadelphia proud. (Applause.)

The Chair recognizes Ezechial Stated Meeting 33 02/29/2024

Thank you. On behalf of the Hill-Freedman World Academy school community, we'd like to thank Councilmember Phillips and all the Councilmembers here, of course Council President Johnson for this great honor for our amazing 12th grade students. They were 10th graders when the film was documented, but we want to be really clear, we're so proud of these students. An example, Hill-Freedman's program is very unique in that it's not a music class. It's everyone in the 10th grade makes a record whether they love music or not. And so, we have this amazing journey of writing songs, creating music, publishing an album. And HBO, executive produced by John Legend jumped in for a year-and-a-half filming in the Stated Meeting 34 02/29/2024 Up & Shout. We do want to also acknowledge while we're in this hollowed building Mayor Parker. She's been a huge advocate support of our program. She's been on albums and recordings with students in videos and actually helped support the program. And of course her Chief of Staff, my better half Tiffany Thurman. But these students certainly stand alone for their talents and abilities. And we encourage everyone in the room if you have Max, please see the documentary. It's up and it's streaming worldwide, feedback coming from Europe, all around. People can't believe the amazing work that our Hill-Freedman students in Philly, high school students are doing leading innovation and change in education. Stated Meeting 35 02/29/2024 students. Got to give some credit, thank you to of course our school community. Working in public schools takes a deep, deep commitment with lots of hard labor. So first, to our innovative strong leader, the head of school, Principal Majewski. Let's give it up for him. (Applause.)

We got to thank Hill-Freedman teachers and all teachers, thank you for the 5 percent bump yesterday by the way everyone who was a part of that. We appreciate it. And we want to thank our staff. We're there day-in and day-out laboring and supporting students. Also, of course Dr. Watlington, our Assistant Superintendent James Gordon and all the District-level staff that supports students every Stated Meeting 36 02/29/2024 go outside the District to do this one because it's so outside the box and different so we had to rely on nonprofit support. And we were very blessed to find some partners that had deep pockets. And I just want to say we can never overspend on amazing students who have the future in their hands. (Applause.)

And with the last two seconds that I have, we need to acknowledge Hal Real from World Cafe Live, the founder and president of that venue, have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars over a seven-year span investing into this program, providing his contacts, his connections and his artists, including some really prominent ones that are featured in the film. Stated Meeting 37 02/29/2024 at Hill-Freedman, I want to acknowledge Kristal Tytewriter Oliver, I want to acknowledge Andrew Lipke and Bethlehem Roberson who you'll see in the film when you check it out. Also, Hal Real was joined by David Bradley who is the head of their Education Division, and these folks poured into our students. We also have been partnered by Elevate 215 and Spring Point, and I mean big numbers, not a little small amount but large amounts of money. We want to acknowledge them. Finally, HBO and John Legend. In addition to making the film, John Legend has donated along with his partners Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius, they donated 100k to the Hill-Freedman records program to help keep it moving forward. Can we give it up Stated Meeting 38 02/29/2024 his colleagues Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius. (Applause.)

We want to thank Amy Schatz. She's the awardwinning director from HBO that saw this, heard it and decided to tell the story worldwide. What an exciting thing for our school, for our students. And most recently, a really famous Philadelphian, a guy named Jordan Mailata, who's been in our studio and recorded with our students and he just donated another 100,000 to our program. We wanted to acknowledge him publicly and thank him. (Applause.)

I know I'm over time. Thank you again, Council. Thank you, everyone. Thank you, students. We are so honored to have you with us and God bless. Stated Meeting 39 02/29/2024 (Applause.)

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

The next order of business is the communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications in her possession.

To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am transmitting for the consideration of your Honorable Body a resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee Stated Meeting 40 02/29/2024 214 North 5th Street in the 7th Councilmanic District in the City of Philadelphia; and A resolution appointing James Aros, Jr. to the position of Chief Assessment Officer of the Office of Property Assessment; and An ordinance amending Title 9 Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions of The Philadelphia Code to add a new chapter concerning protections for consumers against unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices and providing remedies; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fees simple title to 2903, 2907 and 2925 Cecil B. Moore Avenue in the 5th Stated Meeting 41 02/29/2024 City of Philadelphia; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 5307 Market Street and 723 North Sedgwick Street in the 3rd Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 61, 65, 77, 23, 24, 44, 49, 51, 53, 55, 57, 67, 73, 78, 89, 93 and 106 Ashmead Street. 18, 34, 61, and 87 Collom Street, 69, 71, 89, 91, 93 and 95 East Wister Street in the 8th Councilmanic District in the City of Philadelphia; and Stated Meeting 42 02/29/2024 5th Amendment of the redevelopment proposal for the Tioga Urban Renewal Area being the area generally bounded by Hunting Park Avenue on the north, Broad Street, Germantown Avenue, Venango Street, 15th Street, Allegheny Avenue and Germantown Avenue on the east, Glenwood Avenue and Lehigh Avenue on the south and 23rd Street, Allegheny Avenue and 22nd Street on the west, including the 5th Amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan, which provides for changes that would make it consistent with the Tioga Redevelopment Area Plan and generally consistent with the most recent comprehensive plan approved by the City Planning Commission of the City of Philadelphia; and pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am Stated Meeting 43 02/29/2024 transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: 240012, 240020, 240063, 240064, 240065, 240066, 240086. There are no further communications in my possession, Council President.

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

Councilmember -- Council President, I have one privileged resolution, but just want to quickly say with the privileged resolution, we have the organization, the United States of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine here recognizing Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Stated Meeting 44 02/29/2024 so you all can please stand. So I just want to say thank you.

Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.

A privileged resolution recognizing March 2024 as Colorectal Awareness Month and promoting the public awareness of the risk of colon cancer.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Katherine Gilmore Richardson.

Good morning, Council President. Today I offer four resolutions on your behalf; three privileged and one non-privileged.

Will the Clerk please read the titles of the resolutions. Stated Meeting 45 02/29/2024

A non-privileged resolution authorizing the creation of the Philadelphia Task Force on Food and Insecurity to study and develop proposals, strategies and recommendations to alleviate hunger and increase access to high quality food in the City of Philadelphia.

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

A privileged resolution honoring Kenneth E. Lawrence, Jr. on his appointment as Board Chair at the Southeastern Transportation Authority and recognizing Mr. Lawrence for his dedication to improving transit service across the SEPTA network.

This resolution will be placed on Stated Meeting 46 02/29/2024 today's Final Passage Calendar.

A privileged resolution congratulating the Audenried High School Girls Basketball Team for winning the 2024 Public League Championship.

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

And a privileged resolution honoring the Defender Association of Philadelphia on the 90th anniversary of the Association's founding and recognizing the contributions of the Association and its attorneys to Philadelphia's criminal justice system.

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

Stated Meeting 47 02/29/2024 Thank you, Council President. Today I offer three resolutions; one privileged resolution, one non-privileged resolution and one non-privileged resolution on your behalf.

Thank you.

One privileged resolution, honoring Mr. Abdul-Rahim Muhammad on the occasion of Black History Month for his contributions to West Philadelphia.

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

A non-privileged resolution appointing James Aros, Jr. to the position of Chief Assessment Officer of the Office of Property Assessment.

Stated Meeting 48 02/29/2024 This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.

And a non-privileged authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 5307 Market Street and 734 North Sedgwick Street in the 3rd Councilmanic District.

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

Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Today I offer two Stated Meeting 49 02/29/2024 resolutions.

Will the Clerk please read the titles of the resolutions.

A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating the Educator of the Month, Elaine Estes, a Spanish teacher at Furness High School who recently participated at the U.S. Olympic Trials as a marathon runner.

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

And a privileged resolution recognizing the life and legacy of Baba Joe Foster, a community leader in the movement for African-centered education in Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting 50 02/29/2024 The Chair recognizes Councilman Curtis Jones.

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

Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.

A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman for her leadership as the first female and first Black Chief Executive Officer and President of the Philadelphia Zoo.

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

Good morning, Council President and colleagues. Stated Meeting 51 02/29/2024 I offer today one bill and two privileged resolutions.

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

An ordinance amending Title 9 Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions of The Philadelphia Code to add a new chapter concerning protections for consumers against unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices and providing remedies, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Joy Parham-Thomas for her impactful contributions to a thriving Black food culture in Philadelphia as a Stated Meeting 52 02/29/2024 chef, culinary educator and advocate for food justice.

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

And a privileged resolution authorizing Philadelphia City Council to conduct hearings to investigate the efficiency, implementation and enhancement of the outdoor dining program and improve opportunities for restaurants to operate streeteries and sidewalk cafés.

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

Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one bill and one non-privileged resolution on your behalf. Stated Meeting 53 02/29/2024

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

An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of two new lightpoles and three existing lightpoles in the vicinity of the southeast and northwest corners of John F. Kennedy Boulevard and North Broad Streets and the northeast corner of John F. Kennedy Boulevard and North Juniper Street, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a non-privileged resolution authorizing and ratifying the designation of Councilmember Jeffrey Young, Jr. as Council's Stated Meeting 54 02/29/2024 representative in connection with an appeal of the decision of the Zoning Board of Adjustment with respect to 1451 North Broad Street and all litigation related thereto.

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

Good morning, Council President. I have no bills and no resolutions this morning.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.

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

A resolution Stated Meeting 55 02/29/2024 honoring and recognizing the work and accomplishments of Denise Ripley, whose dedication to the City to community service and to the housing rights of all have invigorated and supported civic life in the City of Philadelphia.

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

A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Prudence Powell for her powerful advocacy, lover for her community and her inspiring work to keep families and Philadelphia whole and to provide sanctuary and stability to all.

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

A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the life, work and accomplishments Stated Meeting 56 02/29/2024 of Rochelle Nichols-Solomon whose dedication to serving, teaching and advocating for students and marginalized peoples has improved the lives of people across the City of Philadelphia.

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

And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the work and accomplishments of the Stadium Stompers whose dedication to advocating for the North Phila -(Applause.)

-- for the North Philadelphia community and for housing rights for all people have helped secure neighborhood stability for communities in the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on Stated Meeting 57 02/29/2024 today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Jim Harrity.

I have one bill today, Council President.

Will the Clerk please read the title of the bill.

An ordinance amending Chapters 11-203 and 11-204 of The Philadelphia Code to impose penalties, applicants for failure to comply with the terms of their permit for the complete and satisfactory replacement of the permanent paving.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas Nic O'Rourke.

Blessings, Council President. I have no bills or Stated Meeting 58 02/29/2024 resolutions to introduce today.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Driscoll.

Morning, Mr. President. I offer one privileged resolution today.

Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.

A privileged resolution proclaiming the month of March in 2024 as Irish Heritage Month in the City of Philadelphia and honoring the St. Patrick's Day Observance Association of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.

Thank Stated Meeting 59 02/29/2024 you, Mr. President. I offer one privileged resolution.

Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.

A privileged resolution honoring and celebrating the life and legacy of former Chief Clerk Michael Andrew Decker, our friend, colleague and dedicated public servant.

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

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

Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bills and Stated Meeting 60 02/29/2024 resolutions.

An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 2401 East Norris Street, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

An ordinance authorizing Pat Olivieri d/b/a Pat's King of Steaks to vend from a location in the right-of-way adjacent to Pat's Steaks location in the vicinity of 9th and Wharton Streets, under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

An ordinance authorizing Norris Street Holdings, LLC, to install, own and maintain a Stated Meeting 61 02/29/2024 streetery in the right-of-way adjacent to 2401 East Norris Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19125-2913, under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a non-privileged resolution also naming Federal Street between 6th and 7th Streets as Bob Pantano Way.

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

And a non-privileged resolution also naming Chestnut Street between 12th and 13th Streets in the Gayborhood as Michael Hinson Way to honor the life and legacy of Philadelphia's first appointed -- Stated Meeting 62 02/29/2024 (Applause.)

-- liaison within the City's LGBTQ+ communities.

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

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

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad.

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

Will the Clerk please the title of Stated Meeting 63 02/29/2024

A privileged resolution celebrating the life and honoring the memory of trailblazing physician, researcher and humanitarian Dr. Edith Peterson Mitchell.

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

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Rules reports five bills with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the reports. Stated Meeting 64 02/29/2024

Mr. President, I apologize. Four -- Five.

Four or five?

I have two scripts. One says four and one says five.

It's four. I apologize, Councilwoman.

Okay. We'll go with your number.

One was held. I apologize.

Thank you. No problem. Thank you.

To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia. The Committee on Rules to which was referred Bill No. 240020, entitled Amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," all under certain terms and conditions, Stated Meeting 65 02/29/2024 considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation; and The Committee on Rules to which was referred Bill No. 240064, entitled, To Amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Salmon Street, Ontario Street, Richmond Street and Westmoreland Street respectfully reports it has considered the same and has returned the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation; and The Committee on Rules to which was referred Bill No. 240065, entitled To Amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded Stated Meeting 66 02/29/2024 Avenue, Academy Road and Willits Road, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation; and The Committee on Rules to which was referred Bill No. 240066, entitled To Amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Wood Street, 4th Street, Vine Street and Lawrence Street, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Stated Meeting 67 02/29/2024 as to permit first reading this day of the four bills that were just read into the record by the Clerk. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of this day of Bill Nos. 240020, 240064, 240065 and 240066. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Driscoll for a report from the Committee on Licenses and Stated Meeting 68 02/29/2024

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Licenses and Inspections reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.

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

To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Licenses and Inspections to which was referred Bill No. 240013, entitled Amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Service and Other Businesses," by adding a new section regulating the hours of operation of certain establishments and providing for penalties within an area bounded by East Lehigh Avenue, Kensington Stated Meeting 69 02/29/2024 Avenue, D Street, East Tioga Street and Frankford Avenue, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Driscoll.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 240013. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading on this day of Bill No. 240013. Stated Meeting 70 02/29/2024 will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

And this bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones for a report from the Committee on Public Safety.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Public Safety offers one bill with a favorable recommendation.

Will the Clerk please read the title of the report.

To the President and members of the Council of the City of Stated Meeting 71 02/29/2024 Philadelphia, the Committee on Public Safety to which was referred Bill No. 240010, entitled Amending Chapter 9-5900 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Prohibition on Certain Gambling Machines and Skills Games," to add additional prohibitions and provide for remedies, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returned the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones.

Thank you again, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of Bill No. 240010. (Duly seconded.)

Stated Meeting 72 02/29/2024 and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 240010. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and this bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a report from the Committee on Education.

Thank you, Council President. The Committee on Education reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.

Stated Meeting 73 02/29/2024 Clerk will please read the report.

To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Education to which was referred Bill No. 240007, entitled Amending the Philadelphia Code to add a new Chapter 21-3400, entitled "Youth, Name, Image and Likeness Protection," to establish provisions related to education and counseling for certain Philadelphia youth and their families who are considering licensing publicity rights, 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 74 02/29/2024 Thomas.

Thank you, Council President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the first reading on this day of Bill No. 240007. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 240007. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and this bill will be placed on our First Reading Stated Meeting 75 02/29/2024 2ND READING Calendar for today. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from Committee with the suspension of rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for the purpose of calling up resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars.

Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar: Nos. 240103, 240107, 240108, 240109, 240111 and 24112. Stated Meeting 76 02/29/2024

Thank you. Before considering these resolutions, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters of the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for possible action at today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up for today's session, please do so by giving your name to Ms. Wendy Prescott at the table outside the rails to my left -- to Ms. Hassan who's over there. Once you have signed up, you will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. Under ideal circumstances, public commenters will have three minutes to speak. However, the time will vary from time to time and session to Stated Meeting 77 02/29/2024 session. Today's time limit will be two minutes. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the two-minute limit. When you begin speaking, you will see a green light on the podium. When there is 30 seconds remaining to your time, the light will turn yellow which is your reminder to conclude your remarks. Once two minutes have passed, the light will turn red and the Sergeant-at-Arms will disconnect the microphone. At that point, please yield the podium to the next speaker if you have not done so already. I also reserve the right pursuant to our rules of Council to limit repetitious comments on the same matter. I will now ask the Clerk to please read the name of our first Stated Meeting 78 02/29/2024 speaker.

Amanda Ayala, in support of a resolution Gauthier introduced and adopted today. Amanda Ayala. Council President, she's signifying she's upstairs. Give her time to come down and come back?

Yes.

Ms. Ayala, if you'd like to make your way down. In the meantime, Zak Pyzik in support of a Landau resolution introduced and adopted today. (No response.)

Are you here, Zak? (Witness approached podium.)

Zak Pyzik. Good morning, Council President Kenyatta Johnson and fellow Stated Meeting 79 02/29/2024 Councilmembers. My name is Zak Pyzik and I'm the Senior Director of Public Affairs at the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association, representing 400 operators in Philadelphia and more than 5,000 members statewide. Firstly, thank you to this Council in its prior efforts in formalizing the City's permanent Outdoor Dining program. I also commend Councilmember Rue Landau for introducing this resolution today authorizing City Council to conduct hearings on the City's Outdoor Dining program. While streeteries have become an integral part to the City both for residents and visitors, it's important to recognize that the Streetery program is relatively new to Philadelphia. Given the program's novelties and the recent changes to the Administration and Stated Meeting 80 02/29/2024 City Council, we believe it's critical for Philadelphia to evaluate the current program comprehensively assessing what is and isn't effective. PRLA supports Councilmember Landau's resolution marking the initiation of this critical dialogue. The collaboration between this body, the former administration and stakeholders across various industries ensured the permanence of outdoor seating in Philadelphia, and for that we express our gratitude. As with any new initiative, enhancements can be made. The increased opportunities for outdoor dining showcase the creativity of our businesses, providing a unique dining experience for residents and visitors. I should also note that there is urgency to this conversation not only due to spring Stated Meeting 81 02/29/2024 and summer being on the horizon, but especially given all the visitors we intend to host as a region in 2026. Last week the Administration released a new streetery licensed guide offering updated guidance to owners and operators facilitating outdoor dining. We commend this step and hope it signals a commitment to providing certainty, predictability and guidance to the hospitality industry. Philadelphia's thriving restaurant scene, predominantly locally-owned and reflecting diverse backgrounds, contributes significantly to the City's appeal for visitors and residents. The hospitality industry not only creates jobs but fosters a sense of community in our neighborhoods. The Streetery program has Stated Meeting 82 02/29/2024 opened new opportunities for operators and diners alike benefiting restaurants and their surroundings. Once again, thank you, Councilmember Landau and this body, for initiating this very important conversation. We look forward to working with you and collaborating in any way we can. PRLA stands ready to assist in any way possible as we collectively move forward. Thank you.

Thank you. Will the Clerk please call the next person for public comment.

Erica Brown commenting on 240109, Violence Incident Clearance Act. (No response.)

Erica Brown. They're coming.

Did Amanda make her way down yet? Stated Meeting 83 02/29/2024

I'm not sure. (Witness approached podium.)

My name is Erica Brown from West Philly. Thank you for having me. What I have here is a poster board full of postcards that young kids have drawn of what they want to see at their rec centers and libraries. It's very beautiful. I'm happy to send you a picture later. But what I'm here to talk about is public safety. And my dad was shot. He lives in West Philly. During Hurricane, my grandmom's basement was destroyed. My dad had to go there three days a week to bring her groceries. And the real solutions to public safety is making sure that everyone has their basic needs, right. So that's why I'm here. And I talked to many of Stated Meeting 84 02/29/2024 you. I really appreciate giving me the time to go over our Green Spaces Active Places Campaign, which is, one, fully funding and staffing rec centers and libraries to keep them open and have programming; number two, repairing every rec center and library so they're safe, accessible and one-on-one 100 percent renewable energy; number three, creating public community gardens to grow fresh food; and number four, creating family-sustaining union jobs and training programs to accomplish all of the above. And if we do this, we will have a much safer city, a much more vibrant city. And so, I appreciate again having met with many of you. And I would please recommend that you put us in contact with the Mayor because despite our efforts, we have not been able to contact Stated Meeting 85 02/29/2024 her yet. And I know that this is something she would want to support. So thank you so much.

Thank you. (Applause.)

Will the Clerk please call the next person for public comment.

Joy ParhamThomas speaking on 240107, Private City Sector Diversity. Joy Parham-Thomas. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning, everybody. Thank you for your time and your recognition. I'd just like to say that this is a honor to stand here today and be recognized for the work that I've done in this City with food, justice and education through culinary arts, and I hope to Stated Meeting 86 02/29/2024 connect with some people in this room today and move forward to create safer spaces with the community wrapped around education and access. For anyone who knows anyone in the 19143, we're offering free meals and free brunches to everyone in need. The goal is to feed the Kingsessing area for free. You can join us there every Tuesday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., I believe. We have our small grocery store. Everything is free down to the bags. You do not need to provide any form of identification. Just come as you are. So I hope to see you guys there. Feel free to share the word. Thank you. (Applause.)

Amanda Ayala. (Witness approached podium.) Stated Meeting 87 02/29/2024

Greetings. My name is Amanda Ayala. Thank you so much for having me today. I'm here in honor of Brother Rahim-Abdul Muhammad and also known as the Mayor of Lancaster Avenue for those of you who know him well. And I'm just absolutely excited for him. He's such a huge inspiration. I met Mr. Muhammad about a couple of years ago. And he said, why don't you come on down and help me with my summer camp program -- actually it was a winter camp program. And I said, absolutely. I'm a homeschool mother of two. I'm also a member of the Black Farmers Co-op and farmer myself. And I came down and assisted him with the program and we've been tied at the hip ever since. We've had a beautiful relationship working with each Stated Meeting 88 02/29/2024 other and he's an absolute joy to work with and a true inspiration to the community. He works tirelessly to make sure that every child in West Philadelphia has something fun to do any time they're outside of school. He gives me carte blanche to run the program the way I see fit with all the different activities, and he's just -- he's one of the most exciting men I've ever met about this New Freedom District And his redevelopment plan. And I'm just honored to know him. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

Excuse me one second. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson.

Thank you, Council President. Stated Meeting 89 02/29/2024 Today I respectfully request an early leave and I would like to be recorded as voting aye on all resolutions that are listed on the Final Passage Calendar, particularly the resolution for our dear departed colleague Mr. Michael A. Decker. Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you, colleagues.

You're welcome. Leave is granted. Will the Clerk please call the next person for public comment.

Jeff Hornstein speaking on 240107, Private City Sector Diversity. (Witness approached podium.)

Hi. I'm Jeff Hornstein, the Executive Director of the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia. Good morning, Mr. President and esteemed Stated Meeting 90 02/29/2024 members of City Council. The Economy League is our City's and region's independent think-and-do tank founded in 1909 by forwardthinking business leaders united by the belief that businesses have a civic responsibility beyond profit-making. And our mission is to foster inclusive and equitable growth and prosperity in Greater Philadelphia. That's why I'm thrilled to be here this morning testifying in support of Resolution 240107. People who know me know I hardly ever testify in support of anything. We really just try to stick to the facts. But this Committee is so important to create, Council's Special Committee on City and Private Sector Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. As many of you know, the Economy League has Stated Meeting 91 02/29/2024 been the backbone for collaborative effort between our eds-and-meds anchor institutions to boost the share of their billions of dollars of annual spending that goes to diverse and local firms, an initiative that we call Philadelphia Anchors for Growth and Equity or PAGE. In the past five years, we've helped dozens of local firms capture tens of millions of dollars of contracts with institutions like Penn, Drexel, CHOP, Jefferson, Temple, among others. We've helped firms achieve growth by leveraging institutional supply chains. We've gotten significant funding from Bank of America, Lenfest, TD Charitable Foundation Barra, J.P. Morgan. We've launched a portfolio of PAGE-certified companies we're calling the diverse local firms that are Stated Meeting 92 02/29/2024 prequalified to do work with major institutions. As it happens, tonight we will be celebrating the 5th anniversary of our work at our Annual PAGE Summit to be held on this, the last day of Black History Month. I'd like to call this Black Leap History Day at the Underground Railroad Museum. Mayor Parker, Commerce Director Martinez will be featured speakers as we discuss breaking down barriers to access for local and diverse firms, access to capital regional best practices and a need for robust data-sharing among the partners. We'll be releasing our Annual Impact Report this evening, laying out the significant progress that has been made. But to paraphrase my mentor and our PAGE Co-chair Harold T. Epps, we need to be doing more and doing it faster. Stated Meeting 93 02/29/2024 Frankly, while we have a great set of partners in our anchor institutions, and many of them are innovators in creating opportunity for local and diverse firms. There's a lot of room for improvement. Our Impact Report analyzed nearly $9 billion in institutional spend and found less than 5 percent of it going towards local and diverse firms. So we need this Committee. We're in support of it. I look forward to working with this Council to increase. And talk is cheap. It's time to act.

Thank you. Will the Clerk please call the next person for public comment.

Regina Hairston, speaking on 240107, Private City Sector Diversity. Regina Hairston. Stated Meeting 94 02/29/2024 (Witness approached podium.)

Regina A. Hairston, President and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce for Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. Good morning, President Council and esteemed members of City Council. I stand here before you today on behalf of the members of the African American Chamber of Commerce in support of Resolution 240107, authorizing the creation of a Special Committee on City and Private Sector Diversity. AACC serves as the voice of over 200,000 Black-owned businesses in the Delaware Valley and Southeastern region with around 80 percent of our membership being located right here in Philadelphia. Yet more than half report having less than 35 percent of its Stated Meeting 95 02/29/2024 contracts in business in Philadelphia. Too often we've heard from our members about the difficulty of navigating the procurement processes, whether it's deciding to become a minority-owned certified enterprise or connecting to non-minority firms in the hopes of partnering as a JV or subcontractor on contracts that have been long held by non-minority firms. While we know this City Council has taken steps on dismantling these barriers, they still persist. Too often we hear the other stories of not being able to connect to affordable capital and favorable returns in order to scale and take on new opportunities. And for those that do have the capital, they do not have the talent, which is not always readily available. Stated Meeting 96 02/29/2024 Too often we hear the stories of Black women-owned firms yet being the fastest growing population of entrepreneurs, they are making average revenues of $30,000. For instance, the AACC conducted a yearlong study with Black women early education providers and found that not only disparities in revenue persist but also policies that govern the ECE do not reflect the unique challenges Black and Brown ECE providers face. We are in support of this because while we are witnessing DEI effort being dismantled across the nation, this Council has the opportunity to double-down on ensuring all of its residents and businesses have access to opportunities and basic services that are the hallmark of our great city and nation. Thank you for Stated Meeting 97 02/29/2024 this opportunity.

Thank you. (Applause.)

Will the Clerk please call the next speaker.

Debra Irons, commenting on 240109 in support of the Victim Act resolution.

Can the following individuals please make their way to the podium if that's okay: Michael White, Angelo Perryman and Donna Allie. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning. My name is Debra Irons. I am here to represent being a part of the solution, not the problem. And I work at Parkside Evans seasonally. This will be my eighth year coming back. And in those eight seasons, Stated Meeting 98 02/29/2024 I've noticed that things have been disappearing as in art camp, organized basketball that I used to officiate there and just popsicle sticks. We need some organized programs at Parkside. I feel that we've been neglected and my heart is in it. And I would just like to once again be a part of the solution, and we need some help there. So I'm just here to state that case. This is my first time being here and I like it. Thank you. (Applause.) (Witness approached podium.)

Michael White. Good morning. The one thing I know about everybody in this intimidating room is that we love Philadelphia. Looking on the news and seeing you guys in chambers, it just looks easy but I see this is a Stated Meeting 99 02/29/2024 difficult job that you guys do. I'm here today because of the young man who had the poster board, Erica. He walked in my rec center and asked, what do you guys need, how can I help. And I just want to urge everyone in the room to walk in your local rec center and do the same thing Erica did, say what do we need here and how can I help. This is terrifying for me. I don't want to be here. I came up with every excuse to not come. But I don't think I would have had a good day had I not spoke. We need funding in our rec centers. Thank you. (Applause.)

Will the Clerk please call the next speaker for public comment.

Angelo Perryman speaking on 240107, Stated Meeting 100 02/29/2024 Private City Sector Diversity. Angelo Perryman. (Witness approached podium.)

Council President Johnson, distinguished members of Council, good morning. My name is Angelo Perryman. I'm the President of Perryman Building and Construction Services. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to participate in this Council session to offer comments on the creation of a Special Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, DEI. We've heard so much about what DEI should be, but I want to share for a moment what it is. In its simplest action, DEI acknowledges the beneficial results delivered in Black, Brown and women-owned business communities when the odds for normal success Stated Meeting 101 02/29/2024 are smaller. Again and again these firms go out with resiliency to really challenge the system to continue to show that they've earned the right to be a part of this commerce and to be a part of what this Council believes and supports. You guys are the front line. There is nobody else that defends businesses like ours the way you're going to defend us. The return on investment to the City and the Commonwealth merit support of DEI. While our firm has created over 1,000 construction jobs and completed over 1,000 projects within this Greater Philadelphia market, I can't see all the faces that we've touched. But I see the chances that we've created for a better Philadelphia. We hired the first African American carpentry foreman in the Stated Meeting 102 02/29/2024 City of Philadelphia. There was a long legacy before I got here, but we were the ones that did it. I can only tell you how -- I can't tell you how many Councilpeople -I can't tell you how many people that we have hired that are on the apprentice (inaudible), but being a part of that community allows us a chance to shape their lives, show them a better way, give them a chance to be a different person in their own community to show that they can be a valued part of it. With this distinguished body, I ask -- in short when I'm talking to my team, I usually ask them one question every day before we start out. Is it a 411 issue or is it a 911 issue. They usually tell me and I know pretty clear how critical it is. This issue regarding DEI is a 911 issue that requires Stated Meeting 103 02/29/2024 first-hand attention. And that first-hand attention requires everybody to look in the mirror. And when they look in the mirror, they say I did my part. In doing -- when I do my part as the business person, you as the front line, I need that help to say that we have the opportunities and the access that we need to continue to grow our businesses. Three quick points that I want to make in two areas that are critical to me: Education, we need to create the best next 21st century educated students that can take the new jobs that are now coming out. We need to create some grant funding which showed itself very important through the pandemic to allow us the chance to bridge what we're planning to correct. On economic opportunity, we want to encourage the financial Stated Meeting 104 02/29/2024 institutions to better devise access to grow capital, specifically intended to address the issues that keep businesses from getting access. I'll leave comments. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you very much. Will the Clerk please call the next person for public comment.

Donna Allie for 240107, Private Sector Diversity. And can Lorina MarshallBlake, Tom Webster and Evelyn Sample-Oates all make their way to the podium. Thank you. Donna Allie. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning, Council President and --

Stated Meeting 105 02/29/2024 Good morning.

-Councilmembers. I'm Donna Allie and I'm President of Team Clean, which is a building maintenance firm here in Philadelphia. I'm supporting the passage of Resolution 240107 sponsored by Council President Kenyatta Johnson that would create City Council's Special Committee on City and Private Sector Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. I will begin with the definition of DEI, just the one sentence. Diversity, this involves actively seeking out and engaging with suppliers from various backgrounds, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability and socioeconomic status. Equity, equity in procurement means providing fair Stated Meeting 106 02/29/2024 and impartial opportunities for all supporters regardless of their background or size. Inclusion, inclusion means creating an environment where all suppliers feel valued, respected and supported. My company Team Clean began over 40 years ago. I was cleaning houses with my mom around the Main Line with my mom and several women from West Africa. The company has grown since then to providing employment like Angelo for thousands of men and women in the City, and I will say good union jobs. I could not have -(Applause.)

Thank you. I could not have grown my business without the help of Councilman Jones, who was then Director of MBEC. Thank you, Councilman. I always tell people, Councilmembers, Stated Meeting 107 02/29/2024 if it had not been for OEO and these type of programs, I would still be a domestic housekeeper on the Main Line. And I want to thank you all for that. And today we face an attack on affirmative action, which undoubtedly will spill over to procurement opportunities. We need these policies. The next generation of businesses need these policies. Like Angelo said, we need you more than ever. Upcoming opportunities like technology, life sciences and even the $2.5 billion new sports complex right here in South Philadelphia, these opportunities are too numerous to ignore. I can count on my hands and toes the number of Black and Brown businesses that are over 20 million, and they're not many. I don't have all the answers, but Stated Meeting 108 02/29/2024 what I'll say to you is please, I beg of you, we need your support. Thank you and God bless you. (Applause.)

Thank you. Will the Clerk please call the next individuals for public comment.

Lorina Marshall-Blake for an Ahmad resolution introduced today. Can also Tom Webster, Evelyn Sample-Oates and Vernoca Michael make their way to the podium. (Witness approached podium.)

Thank you. I am Lorina Marshall-Blake, the former President of the Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. here representing my President Charlene Collins and our Stated Meeting 109 02/29/2024 over 500 members. I am speaking today for the Chapter in support of the resolution which honors the life and legacy of renowned oncologist Dr. Edith Mitchell, a truly, amazing and inspirational woman which was introduced by Councilwoman Member Nina Ahmad. Joining me today are some of our Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority members. We have been active in service to the Philadelphia community for almost 98 years. In fact, the Chapter just last weekend hosted the Pink Goes Red Healthy Heart Program for the West Philadelphia community. And speaking of service, Dr. Edith Mitchell was the epitome of excellence, integrity and grace, a true trailblazer in cancer research, a retired Air Force Brigadier General, the first female physician to attain this rank and Stated Meeting 110 02/29/2024 she was a member of the Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Okay.

Dr. Mitchell was born and raised in Brownsville, Tennessee. And when she was a little girl, she was influenced by a Black doctor, someone who looked just like her, who treated her grandfather when he made a house call. She was valedictorian of her high school class and at Tennessee University she was initiated then into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Her medical degree was from the Medical College of Virginia. Her studies continued at Meharry Medical College and Georgetown University. Dr. Mitchell was an oncologist at Jefferson Health and most recently was the Enterprise Stated Meeting 111 02/29/2024 Vice-president for Cancer Disparities at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center. She transitioned at the age of 76. But most importantly, her leadership extended not just here in Philly but beyond that. At her memorial service -- and I see the red light -- on Tuesday, it was heartwarming to see and hear her colleagues talk about her being a trailblazer, brilliant and highly respected. Dr. Mitchell, I hear her voice saying life has not always been easy but she never gave up. She faced adversity with poise and resolve. She indeed was an amazing person and incredible friend. The world is a better place because she was here. Those of us who were honored to be a part of her life are truly blessed. Thank you, Mr. President. Stated Meeting 112 02/29/2024 (Applause.)

Will the Clerk please call the next person on public comment.

Tom Webster speaking on 240107, Private Sector Diversity. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning, Council President and your esteemed colleagues here at City Council of Philadelphia. My name is Tom Webster and I'm here in support of City Council Resolution 240107, which authorizes the creation of programming coming out that's going to produce the DEI program for the City of Philadelphia. My perspective on this issue is unique. As a 40-year entrepreneur, I also had the responsibility in the Casey Administration of overseeing Stated Meeting 113 02/29/2024 affirmative action EEO minority businesses, small business programs across the state of Pennsylvania. It really doesn't matter whether you're calling them that or during my era, affirmation action or civil rights initiative. What these programs do is create opportunities for people who have been limited by barriers to achieve higher education, go into business and even own homes. With my organization Black Squirrel, we currently founded an initiative here in Philadelphia to invest in local community developers to build 60 affordable housings here across the City of Philadelphia working with the Land Bank. In addition to that, what you have is historically limitations put in front of people. The MBDA, a federal agency puts out Stated Meeting 114 02/29/2024 several facts. The first thing is that minority businesses are denied loans at three times the counterparts of their Whites. Minority firms often when given loans are forced to pay higher interest for lesser amounts. And minority firms in terms of government contracting, whether it's local, state or federal often find themselves limited in terms of opportunities that's presented to them. In addition to that, what you have is when programs are driving to be significant, you are then given the opportunity to make change. One of the things that we saw when I was with the Casey Administration that we were coming around and introducing programs coming out of first the Bakke decision that was changing education in terms of affirmative Stated Meeting 115 02/29/2024 action, in terms of enrollment and then the Croson decision which limited minority set-aside businesses. As a result of that, we were given a mandate to figure out how to still drive minority participation and state contracting across 30 percent. I am proud to say not only did we meet that goal, but also too we exceeded it. And we exceeded it based on intentionality. This body has the opportunity to do something significant here in the City of Philadelphia by being intentional. And through being intentional, you can create policies, but more importantly hold people accountable. Let me repeat that, hold people accountable for what it is that you're mandating that they can be done. Stated Meeting 116 02/29/2024 In the Casey Administration, we were responsible for holding cabinet members accountable for meeting their procurement goals and contract responsibilities, and that's how we created and funded many of the significant businesses here in Philadelphia today from PRWT to EMSCO to the Lomax Companies. Thank you very much Council for allowing me to speak this morning. (Applause.)

Thank you. Will the Clerk please call the next person for public comment.

We will have Evelyn Sample-Oates speaking on a resolution Councilmember Ahmad introduced and adopted today. Can Vernoca Michael, Eveline Phillips and Julia Platt also make their way to the program. Stated Meeting 117 02/29/2024 Evelyn Sample-Oates. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning, Council President and all members of City Council. My name is Evelyn Sample-Oates and I am a proud member of the Links, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. I am here today to speak on the life and legacy of my dear friend Dr. Edith Peterson Mitchell. She made her mark in this world by giving back and committing her life to eliminating health disparities affecting individuals in communities in Philadelphia and beyond. Dr. Mitchell was an oncologist at Jefferson Health and determined, determined to change the trajectory of medical outcomes of cancer in the Black and underserved communities. She was a teacher, a Stated Meeting 118 02/29/2024 healer, a health equity champion and a pioneer in her field. She was highly decorated as a retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General, the first woman physician in history to attain this rank. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend to many. But to me she was a mentor, a confidante and my sister, not by blood but by love. In October of 2020, I had the honor of sponsoring her membership into the Links, Inc., a beloved organization that was founded in Philadelphia in 1946 by two African American women. The Links is one of the nation's oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of extraordinary women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans. Stated Meeting 119 02/29/2024 Our core values are friendships, service and commitment. The Links, Inc. has attracted many distinguished women who are individual achievers and have made a difference in their communities and the world. Like our very own Mayor, Mayor Cherelle Parker, City Representative Jazelle Jones, retired City Councilmember Marian Tasco and the late great Councilwoman Augusta Clark, all members of the Links, Inc. Dr. Mitchell served our organization well as the Chair of our Health and Human Services Committee. She will be greatly missed, but her legacy and her work will live on to save lives forever. I want to thank Councilmember Ahmad for sponsoring this resolution for your friend. Thank you, Dr. Nina Ahmad. Thank you.

Stated Meeting 120 02/29/2024 Thank you. (Applause.)

Will the Clerk please call the next individuals for public comment.

Vernoca Michael. Also, can Eveline Phillips, Julie Platt and D'Angelo Keyes also make their way to the podium. Vernoca Michael. (Witness approached podium.)

President Johnson, members of City Council and all assembled. Good morning.

Good morning.

I'm here to speak about Dr. Edith (inaudible) and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and a friend of the legendary Blue Horizon, the number one boxing venue in the world. Stated Meeting 121 02/29/2024

Amen.

Dr. Mitchell treated both my friend and my Boxing Director of the Legendary Blue Horizon, but she was also supportive of our Annual Cancer Boxing Show, to which we invited cancer survivors and contributed to many cancer organizations. Dr. Mitchell was also a person who received an honor award from the Blue Horizon Boxing Promotion, LLC. She received it for her excellence in her field of work and her support of the education of the Blue Horizon students, and I represent the students. We continue to support and salute Dr. Edith P. Mitchell for a job well done. Thank you very much, Council. (Applause.)

Stated Meeting 122 02/29/2024 You're welcome.

Eveline Phillips speaking on a resolution introduced by Councilmember Phillips today. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning, Council President and Councilmembers. My name is Eveline Phillips. I am a research coordinator and health educator at Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center Office of Community Outreach and Engagement where I address disparities in colorectal care screening among vulnerable populations in underserved communities. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to help to clear March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Philadelphia. I'd like to thank Councilmember Stated Meeting 123 02/29/2024 Anthony Phillips for his help to make this happen. Also, sponsoring the bill, Jamie Gauthier and Councilwoman Ahmad. I would like to share a few facts about colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the cancer or growth of the large intestine. It is the third most common and lethal cancer in the United States. In 2024, approximately 150,000 individuals will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and about 50,000 of those will die of this disease. Individuals over the age of 45 are at risk even if they do not have symptoms. Fortunately, a colorectal cancer screening is entirely preventable. There are many tests available to prevent and find colorectal cancer early, from simple at-home tests to colonoscopy. Penn Medicine is here to help you to prevent you and your Stated Meeting 124 02/29/2024 loved ones prevent colorectal cancer. We are working with insurance companies, foundations and other research agencies and our beloved sports teams. Councilmembers, it would be a great privilege to collaborate with you. I hope you consider allowing us to attend future events and work together towards creating healthier, happier and more-informed communities one screening at a time. Thank you.

Thank you. (Applause.)

Will the Clerk please call the next person for public comment.

Julie Platt speaking on a resolution introduced by Councilmember Thomas. Also, D'Angelo Keyes, Lynn Landes and Melba Terrell, please make your way Stated Meeting 125 02/29/2024 to the podium. (Witness approached podium.)

Hi, everyone. My name is Julie Platt. Some of you guys might know me because I work for Bellevue Strategies but I'm also a runner. I'm part of the Philadelphia Runner Track Club, and I just wanted to thank Councilmember Thomas for honoring my teammate and friend and teacher Elaine Estes. She qualified for the Olympic Trials in 5 -- I'm sorry. She qualified with the Olympic Trials running 5 minute 57 seconds per mile for 26.2 miles which is really, really fast. (Applause.)

And she was only -- 163 other women in the country made the Olympic Trials. She ran the Olympic Trials in Stated Meeting 126 02/29/2024 Orlando, did really well, ran a 245 which is about 6:20 per mile people which is also extremely fast. And the best thing about her though is that she's also a public school teacher at Furness High School in South Philly and she teaches Spanish, and she's been inspiring her students to really understand that anybody can achieve something and that you don't have to be a professional runner or be sponsored by a big company to be able to really follow your dreams and make a difference. So I just wanted to honor her as a fellow teammate and thank Councilmember Thomas. (Applause.)

Will the Clerk please call the next person for public comment.

D'Angelo Keyes speaking on a resolution introduced and adopted by Squilla Stated Meeting 127 02/29/2024 today. Can Lynn Landes, Melba Terrell and Dr. Atrayee BasuMallick also make your way to the podium. D'Angelo Keyes. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning. My name is Lynn Landes of safestreetsphilly.org. We do not support the resolution calling on the U.S. Congress to pass the VICTIM Act. It is ironic for City Council to want federal support to stop crime in the City when at the same time City officials have gone out of their way to invite crime by declaring Philadelphia a sanctuary city. What kind of message is City officials sending when they encourage the violation of federal immigration laws, and did the Stated Meeting 128 02/29/2024 citizens of Philadelphia even support such an unlawful illegal policy. Was our sanctuary city designation the result of the informed consent of the governed? Was there a referendum that the public could vote on? No. Our sanctuary city status was a result of an Executive Order from the former Mayor's Office. It is an open invitation to drug dealers as well as sex and human traffickers. Tens of millions of illegal immigrants were already living in the United States, but an estimated 7 to 10 million additional illegal aliens, mainly military-age young men, have poured across the borders in just the past three years. Do you know how many active military personnel we have? Only 1.3. Make no mistake, this is an invasion. We are now literally a Stated Meeting 129 02/29/2024 narco state with government officials assisting the drug cartels in their takeover of immigration into the United States as well as controlling the illegal drug trade across the country. Our federal government as well as government officials in Philadelphia and other sanctuary cities and states are responsible for this invasion, which is a large part of our crime problem. And all the money in the world won't fix it, but enforcing the law will. It's the obvious solution that City Council needs to finally embrace. Thank you.

Will the Clerk please call the next speaker for public comment.

Melba Terrell speaking on 240103, Land Bank for District 3. (Witness approached Stated Meeting 130 02/29/2024 podium.)

Happy Thursday. Kenyatta Johnson, congratulations being the President.

Thank you.

I was here 10 years ago. I am a 24-year colorectal cancer warrior. Mr. Jones, I came to your office. Mr. Jones, I spoke to you. I am being sued over -- I am being sued over a tangled title. I am being sued over a tangled title that your office -- I thought I was getting a City home. Nine years later I've been paying the City. I cannot even get a mortgage. I am about to be homeless in 60 days. I am a 24-year colorectal cancer warrior. All I'm asking you, Mr. Jones, is please rectify this because there is no Stated Meeting 131 02/29/2024 place for me to go. There is no housing for nobody. I'm asking you, Mr. Jones, if you can rectify this. Either I'm going to have to sue the City to get all of my money back. So I'm asking you again can you please help me rectify this. I have everything I need. The City made an agreement with me. For 12 years --

Excuse me, ma'am.

-- to pay off back taxes --

Excuse me, ma'am. I just want to make sure that your comments are germane to the actual Bill No. 240103, which refers to Land Bank, land distribution in the 3rd Councilmanic District.

President Johnson, I understand that. President Johnson, but this was the Stated Meeting 132 02/29/2024 only way for me to come in here to express myself. This was the only way for me to do this. I done called down there. I done been to be the Municipal Building, so this was the only way for me to express how I feel. So I apologize to you if it's not the resolution for today.

Chair recognizes Councilman Curtis Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. The young man standing right there, Mr. Glass, will take you and we can start that process right now.

I have everything that I need right here, Mr. Jones.

Okay.

Okay. Let me get my stuff. Stated Meeting 133 02/29/2024 (Applause.)

Will the Clerk please call the next speaker.

Dr. Atrayee Basu-Mallick or Basu-Mallik speaking on the resolution Councilmember Ahmad introduced and adopted today. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning, Council President Johnson. Good morning to esteemed Councilmembers. Thank you to --

Excuse me. Can everybody tone it down just for a second so we can hear the individuals providing public comment please. Please restart your remarks.

Good morning, Council President Johnson. Stated Meeting 134 02/29/2024 Good morning, esteemed members of the Council. Thank you, Councilmember Dr. Ahmad, for bringing up this resolution and thank you to Councilmember Squilla for attending the memorial service and speaking at Dr. Edith Mitchell's memorial service at Jefferson. I am Dr. Atrayee BasuMallick, an oncologist by profession and one of her many, many mentees. I'm here with my colleague Hugh Lavery to pay tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. Edith P. Mitchell. Born in the late 1940s to a farmer and a homemaker in Brownsville, Tennessee, she was inspired to become a physician after witnessing firsthand the lack of access to adequate health care for people of color at that time. This inspiration also Stated Meeting 135 02/29/2024 guided her career, not only as a health care pioneer but also as a barrier breaker and civil rights champion. Perhaps there's no greater testament to Dr. Mitchell's legacy of service than her ability to prioritize individuals in medically underserved communities. Dating back to a time as stated Surgeon of Missouri by volunteering at a clinic, she was known to make sick home drives to examine immigrant farming families in a remote area with a high rate of sickle cell disease. Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Mitchell had a multitude of leadership roles at Jefferson. As the Enterprise Vicepresident for Cancer Disparities and the Director of the Center to eliminate cancer disparities, she tirelessly championed the cause of health equity. Stated Meeting 136 02/29/2024 Dr. Mitchell was a barrier breaker. She earned her flight wings at the age of 40 with two teenage daughters and also became certified in aerospace medicine. And in the process, she created history by becoming the first woman physician who was a Brigadier General in the Air Force. Over her 36 years of military service, she earned over 15 prestigious military service medals and ribbons, including the Legion of Merit and Air Force achievement and commendation medals. Dr. Mitchell's extensive list of professional, civic and community awards is too lengthy to cover in this brief talk. Her influence transcended her medical practice with sought-after insights from prestigious organizations like National Cancer Advisory Board and NIH Council of Councils as the 116 Stated Meeting 137 02/29/2024 President of the National Medical Association and a dedicated member of numerous professional (inaudible). She tirelessly championed diversity and inclusion in health care. Due to her profound experience in cancer research, Dr. Mitchell was appointed to the NCI's Blue Ribbon Panel advising on then Vice-president Biden's National Cancer Moonshot initiative. As we bid farewell to a true trailblazer, let us not mourn her passing, but rather celebrate the extraordinary life of Dr. Edith P. Mitchell. Her legacy will continue to inspire us all to strive a world of equity, justice and compassion reign supreme. Thank you. (Applause.)

Will the Clerk please call the next Stated Meeting 138 02/29/2024 individuals on public comment.

Is Hugh Lavery speaking? Hugh Lavery. (Witness approached podium.)

Council President, I just want to thank you for the opportunity to honor the legacy of my friend and colleague Dr. Edith Mitchell. Thank you so much.

Thank you. (Applause.)

Can we also have Rich Garella, Jeremy Blatstein and Ogbonna Hagins make their way to the podium as well. Malik Muhammad. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning, President Johnson, Councilmembers and my fellow Stated Meeting 139 02/29/2024 Philadelphia siblings and guests. My name is Malik Muhammad and I'm the Director of Inclusion Initiatives and Social Justice Education at the University of Pennsylvania. On this, the last day of Black History Month, I'm beyond honored to be here today to speak in full support of the passing of the resolution recognizing my father Abdul-Rahim Muhammad as a Black History maker. Since the day I was born and well before, this humble man has been committed to a life of service. For over 50 years, he has served the City of Philadelphia community with the highest form of dedication and persistence that is truly inspiring. I remember when I was young he consistently instilled in me that patience is a virtue. Today Stated Meeting 140 02/29/2024 is a testament to that, his patience and perseverance and uplifting the African American Muslim community of Philadelphia are a reflection of a long line of social change-makers that have undoubtedly shaped the experience of past, present and future generations. As a young man myself who lives here in the City, I've seen firsthand how my father gives of himself tirelessly as an activist, educator and public servant. His energy, spirit and drive for freedom, justice and equality is all inspiring and needed today more than ever. As I yield my time, I invite you to embrace my father's light as you continue to shine your own on this City, this country and our world. Thank you.

Stated Meeting 141 02/29/2024 Thank you. (Applause.)

Will the Clerk please call the next speaker.

Speaking on 240107, City Private Sector Diversity. (Witness approached podium.)

That was --

Let me back up. Mr. Muhammad, go ahead, sir. We yield the floor to you, sir.

My name is Abdul-Rahim Muhammad. And I'm the Director at the New Africa Center Muslim American Museum and Archive over at 4243 Lancaster Avenue. And I would love to thank this distinguished body for honoring me as a Black History maker and to the Councilmember Jamie for even Stated Meeting 142 02/29/2024 recognizing the work that we do. I stand here today really in my whole mind, heart and soul that I'm no more than a continuation of the spirit of my ancestors. My father was the founder of the Lancaster Avenue Business Association and I stand on his shoulders. He was known as the Mayor of Lancaster Avenue. And so, I'm carrying that title today. I'm the new Mayor of Lancaster Avenue. (Applause.)

My dad had a dream of transforming Lancaster Avenue and make it a vibrant corridor, and God has blessed me to be able to partner with distinguished people like Mosaic Development Partners and my capacity to connect with people, not because I have any money, but because my social capital and because of my sincerity and because Stated Meeting 143 02/29/2024 I'm a mission-driven person. Like my son just said, God has given me the quality of patience. And with patience and consistency, God says he guarantees you success. So I'm a living witness that you can be successful. So thank you so much for this distinguished honor. I invite you all to come to our New Freedom District Neighborhood Plan meeting that we're hosting Saturday, March 9th at the Clara Muhammad School. And I invite you all to come and give your input and your ideas on how we can use arts and culture and history and neighborhood identity to transform our community. So welcome to the New Freedom District. (Applause.)

I know that's right.

We have Rich Stated Meeting 144 02/29/2024 Garella speaking on 240107, the City Private Sector Diversity. Can Jeremy Blatstein, Ogbonna Hagins and Stephanie Marsh also make their way to the podium. (Witness approached podium.)

Well, that's a little tough to follow. (Laughter.)

Good morning, Council President Johnson and Councilmembers. My name is Rich Garella and Happy Leap Day, everyone. Today you will consider a bill on diversity, equity and inclusion. Five years ago the Parks Department and Fairmount Park Conservancy --

Excuse me, Mr. Garella. Mr. Garella, just one second. The Chair recognizes Councilman Curtis Jones. Stated Meeting 145 02/29/2024

Thank you, Mr. President. Very briefly, I had the honor of knowing Mr. Muhammad's father. And if you ain't the apple that fell from the tree, I don't know about trees. And to see your son following in your footsteps in his own way is truly, truly heartwarming and to see that patience does pay off. So As-salamu alaykum.

Wa 'alaykum salam.

Today you will consider a bill on diversity, equity and inclusion. Five years ago, the Parks Department and Fairmount Conservancy developed a plan to renovate FDR Park. A major part of that plan would replace meadows, woodlands and protected heritage trees with a large suburban-style sports complex Stated Meeting 146 02/29/2024 featuring 16 artificial turf playing fields at a cost of $100 million supposedly in name of equity for the kids. Now, thanks to this past Sunday's Philadelphia Inquirer, all of you know the true cost of this toxic turf. Young athletes fall victim not only to injuries but to brain cancer, leukemia and more because --

Mr. Rich, Mr. Rich -

-- of the forever chemicals --

Mr. Rich, can we speak on what's germane to the -

That's right.

-- bill at hand, which is focusing on creating a Special Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the public and private sector as it Stated Meeting 147 02/29/2024 relates to addressing equity and making sure Black and Brown and women and other individuals have an opportunity to have a seat at the table when it comes to developing businesses here in the City of Philadelphia. Go ahead.

Well, I will -- certainly I do think it's relevant. Thanks to the Inquirer, you all know that the claims that there is artificial turf that doesn't contain these forever chemicals, they're simply untrue. The testing is misleading. The vendors lie. The Conservancy lies. There is no such thing as safe artificial turf. Yet in that five years this Council has never voted on this plan to replace a large part --

Rich, I'm being -

And that's Stated Meeting 148 02/29/2024 why we never get to address --

All right. Go ahead and -- thank you, sir. Will the Clerk please call the next person to speak.

Jeremy Blatstein speaking on 240103, a Land Bank resolution in District 3. Can Ogbonna Hagins and Stephanie Marsh also make their way to the podium. (Witness approached podium.)

I'd just like to say how moving that was just to hear Mr. Muhammad speak just now. That was really powerful. I for the last year had spent time with Queen Mother Falaka Fattah at the House of Umoja, and those types of people are the backbone of the communities that we have in Philadelphia and their Stated Meeting 149 02/29/2024 organizations need to be supported. So I just first off wanted to say that. But good morning, Kenyatta -- President Johnson, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier and City Council. My name is Jeremy Blatstein and I'm the Director of Finance and Design for Orens Brothers Real Estate. Some of you in this room may know me from my Twitter account, Next PHL Mayor, but that's not why I'm here today. (Laughter.)

I'm here in support of Bill No. 240103, which will transfer land from the Land Bank to allow us to build 11 homes for ownership in West Philadelphia sold at prices between $200,000 and $280,000. How? The Turn the Key program. The Turn the Key program allows us to build these homes and Stated Meeting 150 02/29/2024 sell them at those prices. It creates generational wealth for families via homeownership. This is only a small step in tackling the affordable housing problem facing Philadelphia. But as Mayor Parker has said in her first term, I'm committed to building 30,000 units of affordable housing and putting Turn the Key on steroids. Let's make it happen. Streamline the Land Bank process, support organizations like Black Squirrel and of course end Councilmanic prerogative. Thank you.

Will the Clerk please call the next person for public comment please.

Ogbonna Hagins, speaking on 240109, the Violence Incident Clearance Act. (Witness approached podium.) Stated Meeting 151 02/29/2024

Good morning, Ogbonna.

Before I start, I would really like to send Council and the City of Philadelphia my condolences for the passing of Michael Decker and the new Clerk mispronouncing my name -

I'm sorry.

-- just reminds me of the first time that Mr. Decker mispronounced my name and I had to go in the office and tell him that it's Ogbonna and the G is silent.

Ogbonna Hagins, my apologies.

So I really send everybody my condolences because it's a great loss. So I understand the reason to investigate violent crimes. I'm speaking on the Violence -- the VICTIM bill. So I understand the Stated Meeting 152 02/29/2024 importance of dealing with crime. I understand the importance of decreasing the closure rate in murders, right. But I don't want Council to forget that the objective of getting rid of the ghost guns, it was not to make them legal which it actually does because it provides people who have federal licenses the ability to manufacture those guns. And as I spoke two weeks ago, it actually is structurally racist because the only people who can really get a federal license to produce ghost guns are White folk who have money and the individuals who actually are, for negative reasons, but popularize ghost guns are going out of the ghost gun industry the same way that Afro Americans are locked out of the marijuana industry that Afro Americans pretty much promoted and Stated Meeting 153 02/29/2024 made happen. So I just want to implore Council to review the bill that I introduced as an unseated Councilmember on structural racism, because almost everything that I heard people talk about today is a result of structural racism. When I was a teacher in an architecture program, we had a contest. We had to compete against the suburban schools. And the suburban schools had computers and top of the line equipment, and my students had broken drafting boards. So guess what we were told, you have to overcome, you have to overcome. Why? Because the Dobbins School should have been equal to the schools in the suburb. Structural racism is the greatest problem that's affecting not only Philadelphia but this country. Stated Meeting 154 02/29/2024 And by Philadelphia being the city of first, it would be absolutely incredible for the members who have not read this bill to read it and to adopt this bill because it solves a lot of problems, particularly gun violence which is the -- the study Roadmap to Safer Communities says at its roots, gun violence is a result of structural racism, so I decided to produce this bill since none of you guys did it. Maybe you're so busy, I know. But what I'm saying to you is read this bill, adopt this bill. Someone please introduce this bill and get it to the first Afro American woman Mayor's desk to sign this historic legislation. Thank you. (Applause.)

Will the Clerk please call the next Stated Meeting 155 02/29/2024 person for public comment.

We have a Stephanie Marsh speaking on a resolution Councilmember Ahmad is adopting today. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning, President Johnson and Councilmembers. Hello to Liz McCollum, a Girls' High girl. I am Stephanie Marsh and I'm not speaking for the Administration or for AKA, but am saluting a remarkable woman Dr. Edith Mitchell. It's still Black History Month and we are on the cusp of Women's History Month. Thanks to Councilmember Ahmad and her staffers aka Kyra and Duwayne. Dr. Edith Mitchell rare like the leap day was born on a Tennessee farm and was later high school valedictorian in Stated Meeting 156 02/29/2024 Brownsville, Tennessee. She had credentials. She was a biochemistry major at Tennessee State University, an HBCU in Nashville. Think, Oprah, Wilma Rudolph, Sixers Robert Covington are graduates. Dr. Mitchell was initiated into AKA in 1966. She graduated from the Medical College of Virginia and she furthered her studies at Meharry, another national HBCU. She was phenomenal, brilliant, a rock star. And she was a world-renowned Jefferson Health oncologist for almost 30 years. Her expertise was in cancer research and she concentrated on colorectal, prostrate and breast cancer and specifically triple negative breast cancer, which disproportionately impacts women of color, like Gloria Caserez, who has a state marker posted outside of Stated Meeting 157 02/29/2024 City Hall. Dr. Mitchell made breast awareness an international focus of AKA. How? The past International President of AKA, Glenda Glover, is the current President of Tennessee State University. Dr. Mitchell hosted our AKA Omega Omega Chapter members at Jefferson Hospital for a few times. She educated us so that we could educate others. My mom who's here liked those events. In February, for Black History Month she would host a symposium at Jefferson Health for Black Physicians as she invited all of her other groups for the history lessons and to honor medical scholarship recipients. She was a mentor to scores of medical professionals throughout her career. A focus for her was to increase the number of Stated Meeting 158 02/29/2024 underrepresented individuals in medicine. When she became the President of the National Medical Association, those are the Black doctors, this was in 2015, she wanted then Mayor Michael Nutter to appear at an NMA Board meeting. He attended and then the following year the National Convention of the NMA was held in Philadelphia. That was Dr. Mitchell, always teaching, connecting, seeing the big picture. Interestingly, her memorial service the other day was held in the Michael Nutter auditorium. Also, as the NMA President Dr. Mitchell and famed attorney Benjamin Crump who was the NBA President, those are the Black lawyers, hosted an event for Black doctors and lawyers during the DNC held in Philadelphia. The talent in that room was all inspiring. In 2020, she was recognized Stated Meeting 159 02/29/2024 as a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of London. The RCP was founded in 1518 by King Henry the VIII, the mark of achievement and skill as a doctor. She's a Black woman being recognized in London for this achievement. Dr. Mitchell's life journey was to eliminate cancer disparities for all populations regardless of background or zip code and to increase the diversity of patients enrolled in clinical trials. She had extraordinary credentials and accolades but was very humble, but also very demanding. I learned very quickly when Dr. Mitchell called, you responded and made whatever she wanted happen. She was always the Brigadier General. Like the three AKAs in Hidden Figures, Dr. Mitchell was a hidden figure who should be saluted for her Stated Meeting 160 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING contributions to Philadelphia and beyond.

And I just want to point out, her sister Phyllis and daughter Dale are here today. I know Dale is here from Missouri. Thank you. )

Are there any other speakers on public comment for today?

Council President, there are no other speakers on today's Calendar.

That concludes today's public comment period. We will now consider resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.

Resolution 240103, a resolution authorizing Stated Meeting 161 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 18-20, 24-30 and 34-36 South 44th Street, and 4422 and 4426-30 Ludlow Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier for a motion on the resolution.

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

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) Stated Meeting 162 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.

Resolution 240107, a resolution authorizing the creation of a Special Committee on City and Private Sector Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policies to examine the impact of such policies and to provide practical evidence-based recommendations to enhance policy effectiveness in the promotion of minority, women and disable-owned businesses in the City of Philadelphia.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion on the Stated Meeting 163 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution on my behalf.

Thank you, Council President. On your behalf, 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. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.

Resolution No. 240108, Councilmember Thomas for Council President Johnson, a resolution authorizing the Stated Meeting 164 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING reconvening of the Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission and its Advisory Committee to conduct an updated comprehensive analysis of all taxes imposed in the City of Philadelphia and to make recommendations concerning tax reforms that support the City's economic growth and competitiveness.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion on the resolution on my behalf.

Council President, I just want to take a second to really thank you for your leadership on this particular issue. This is one of the biggest problems we have in our city right now that's not being discussed. So I enthusiastically move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Stated Meeting 165 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Duly seconded.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.

Will the Clerk please read the title for the next resolution.

Resolution No. 240109 introduced by Councilmember Jones, a resolution calling on the United States Congress to pass the bipartisan Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods, VICTIM, Act which will give law enforcement the support Stated Meeting 166 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING they need to investigate violent crime and increase the closure rate of homicide cases.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Curtis Jones for a motion on the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.

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

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read Stated Meeting 167 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING the next title of the resolution.

Resolution No. 240111, introduced by Councilmember Lozada, a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2428 North Orianna Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada for a motion on the resolution.

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

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will Stated Meeting 168 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.

Resolution No. 240112, introduced by Councilmember Young, a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2464 North Natrona Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young for a motion on the resolution.

Thank Stated Meeting 169 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)

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

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read any additional resolutions on today's Calendar.

A privileged resolution recognizing March 2024 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and promoting the public awareness of the risk of colon Stated Meeting 170 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING cancer introduced by Anthony -Councilmember Phillips.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Anthony Phillips for a motion on the resolution.

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

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

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please Stated Meeting 171 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING read -

A resolution introduced on behalf of Council President honoring Kenneth E. Lawrence, Jr. on his appointment as Board Chair at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and recognizing Mr. Lawrence for his dedication to improving transit service across the SEPTA network.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember -- I missed that. Who was that again?

Sorry. Gilmore --

She's not here -

-- she asked for leave.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas. Stated Meeting 172 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING

Thank you, Council President. On behalf of you and Councilmember Gilmore Richardson, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

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

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Thank you very much, Councilmember Thomas. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution. Stated Meeting 173 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING

A resolution congratulating the Audenried High School Girls Basketball Team for winning the 2024 Public League Championship. It was a resolution introduced by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson on behalf of Council President Johnson.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion on the resolution.

Thank you, Council President. On your behalf as well as Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson, I hesitantly move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will Stated Meeting 174 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and this resolution has been greatly adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.

A resolution honoring the Defender Association of Philadelphia on the 90th anniversary of the Association's founding and recognizing the contributions of the Association and its attorneys to Philadelphia's criminal justice system. Also, a resolution introduced by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson on Council President Kenyatta Johnson's behalf.

Stated Meeting 175 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion on the resolution.