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.
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.
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.)
-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.
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.
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
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.)
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.
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.
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. 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.
Thank you, Mr. President. The young man standing right there, Mr. Glass, will take you and we can start that process right now.
Okay. Let me get my stuff. Stated Meeting 133 02/29/2024 (Applause.)
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.
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.)
Speaking on 240107, City Private Sector Diversity. (Witness approached podium.)
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.)
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.)
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.
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, can we speak on what's germane to the -
-- 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 --
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
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 -
-- 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.
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
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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?
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.)
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.)
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.
Thank you, Council President. On your behalf as well as the behalf of the Majority Leader, 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.)
The ayes have it and the resolution Stated Meeting 176 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING is adopted.
A resolution honoring Mr. Abdul-Rahim Muhammad on the occasion of Black History Month for his contributions to West Philadelphia introduced by Councilmember Gauthier.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier.
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.)
Those opposed? Stated Meeting 177 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. (Applause.)