A resolution honoring and congratulating the Educator of the Month, Elaine Estes, a Spanish teacher at Furness High School who recently participated in the U.S. Olympic Trials as a marathon runner, introduced by Councilmember Thomas.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Stated Meeting 178 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING 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.
A resolution recognizing the life and legacy of Baba Joe Foster, a community leader in the movement for African-centered education in Philadelphia introduced by Councilmember Thomas.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion on the resolution.
Thank Stated Meeting 179 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING you, Council President. I'll speak more indepth about Baba Joe on the floor. So for now 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.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
A resolution recognizing and honoring Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman for her leadership as the first female and first Black Chief Executive Officer Stated Meeting 180 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING and President of the Philadelphia Zoo, introduced by Councilmember Jones.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones for a motion on the resolution.
I just want to recognize that that's mostly in the 3rd Councilmanic District, but I move for the adoption for the parking lot that I represent. (Duly seconded.)
That parking is a big deal though. 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 181 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
A resolution recognizing and honoring Joy Parham-Thomas for her impactful contributions to thriving Black food culture in Philadelphia as a chef, culinary educator and advocate for food justice introduced by Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion on the resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. Stated Meeting 182 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor will signify be saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
A resolution authorizing Philadelphia City Council to conduct hearings and to investigate the efficiency, implementation and enhancement of the outdoor dining program and improve opportunities for restaurants to operate streeteries and sidewalk cafés, introduced by Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion on the resolution.
I Stated Meeting 183 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING 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.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
A resolution 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 -(Applause.)
-- have Stated Meeting 184 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING invigorated and supported civic life in the City of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion on the resolution.
Yes, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Stated Meeting 185 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A resolution honoring and recognizing Prudence Powell for her powerful advocacy, love for her community and her inspiring work to keep families in Philadelphia whole and to provide sanctuary and stability to all, introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion on the resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that a resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Stated Meeting 186 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A resolution honoring and recognizing the life, work and accomplishments 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, introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion on the resolution.
Stated Meeting 187 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING 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.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. (Applause.)
Congratulations. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A resolution honoring and recognizing the work and accomplishments of the Stadium Stated Meeting 188 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Stompers whose dedication to advocating for the North Philadelphia community and for housing rights for all people have helped secure neighborhood stability for communities in the City of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion on the resolution.
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 189 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. (Applause.)
Congratulations. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A 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, introduced by Councilmember Driscoll.
Make sure you bring them donuts too. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll for a motion on the resolution. Stated Meeting 190 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that a resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
A resolution celebrating the life and honoring the memory of trailblazing physician, researcher and humanitarian Dr. Edith Peterson Mitchell, introduced by Councilmember Ahmad. Stated Meeting 191 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad 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.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring and celebrating Stated Meeting 192 02/29/2024 2/29/24 - STATED - 2ND READING the life and legacy of former Chief Clerk Michael Andrew Decker, our friend, colleague and dedicated public servant, introduced by Councilmember O'Neill.
The Chair recognizes -- this will be a standing vote. The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Neill. All members please stand. (All Councilmembers stood.)
I move for the adoption of the resolution and a moment of silence. (Moment of silence.)
Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
There are no more resolutions on the Calendar for consideration, Mr. President.
That completes our Calendar for today. Stated Meeting 193 02/29/2024 on the part of the Minority?
Thank you, Council President. Today on the last day of Black History Month I'm introducing resolutions in honor of several Black leaders who have been making history right here in Philadelphia as part of Living History PHL. The first that I introduced was Prudence Powell. Prudence was unable to be here, and earlier you saw a picture of her because she's currently in hospice so her children were here for her and they wanted to get back. Prudence is a champion for immigrant justice and her work is an important reminder of the Stated Meeting 194 02/29/2024 and immigrant justice in our city. As a leader of the Shutdown Berks Coalition, she succeeded in closing down the Berks County Detention Center which imprisoned Black and Brown immigrant families seeking asylum. Prudence is currently in the hospital, but her family was here on her behalf. Second, I would like to honor Rochelle Nichols Solomon who took this kicking and screaming. I had to call her personally myself. And I have to say this because so often as Black women we feel like we don't deserve the honor after all the hard work and setting a pathway for just women in general in our city. Rochelle is a champion for Black and Brown young people in Philadelphia. She has been a leader in over 10 organizations Stated Meeting 195 02/29/2024 equity, including Youth United For Change, Education Law Center, School Advocacy Council at Samuel Powell School, Philadelphia Public School Notebook, Research for Action and POWER Interfaith. Through her advocacy, she has known what is possible when parents, grandparents take the lead in transforming our schools. Third, I would like to honor, I'm co-introducing with Councilmember Young, Denise Ripley is a seasoned leader for people in North Philadelphia as a block captain, a community person and an organizer with Stadium Stompers and the Philadelphia Unemployment Project, she shows us the power of blending direct service and public advocacy to strength her community. And finally, I would like to honor the Stadium Stompers. The Stated Meeting 196 02/29/2024 in 2015 as a coalition of community members, students and faculty who came together to oppose a proposed football stadium on Temple University's campus. Through their efforts, they showed the power of community members coming together to make an impact on how land and resources are used. When we think of history, we sometimes think about the musty textbooks that we had when we were in school or we think about politicians and generals and other famous men who dominate all the pages in the history books. It's harder to learn the stories of everyday people who held families and communities together, who nurtured movements, who shouldered their way into rooms where they weren't supposed to be and who challenged the course of Stated Meeting 197 02/29/2024 and persistent force of their love. Those are the stories that we are honoring today and these people are living history, and we owe them the reverence and gratitude for the ways they have shaped our communities, our city and our future. And I just want to thank each and every one of these folk that I introduced or the groups that we introduced because these are the folks that help formulate me into being a strong activist when I was boots-on-the-ground. And I have been committed to that since I've been elected.
So this Living History PHL was just a representation of what it means to be a Black woman, raising a family, trying to figure it out but still standing up and fighting for your community, and so Stated Meeting 198 02/29/2024 the list of all these women that came way before me never receiving any recognition. And I think it's important that we celebrate our own. And we have to make sure that they realize that they are worthy of recognition, worthy of the appreciation and worthy of the support of the City that they carry on their backs and don't complain about it. And lastly, I would be remiss if I didn't just say something about Mike Decker. You know, I just remember just him talking about wanting to take a vacation and that's what he was going to do. And as I honor this Living History PHL, it reminds me that we should all take a break, step back, smell a little roses and enjoy our families while we still have time. Stated Meeting 199 02/29/2024 Mike's honor, Living History PHL I just remember all the amazing stories that he would tell me over in the Clerk's Office. And I just want him to know that he will be remembered. And I also want to welcome our new Acting Chief Clerk Liz McCollum for stepping up to the plate and helping us get back on track. This is hard for all of us. )
It's a hard transition for all of us here in Council, so I just want to thank her for her service and being able to do that. And last but least, a part of this Black History PHL, a few years ago I think we honored Mike Hinson in this room, and it's really my honor to continually see things moving forward based on his Stated Meeting 200 02/29/2024 the work that he's done around HIV prevention, LGBTQ community and housing, all the intersections coming together. And we're still seeing his legacy play out. So I'm very warmed and kind of humbled by that. And I want us -- my last shout-out. See, I saved it all. I usually don't say anything so be patient because all of y'all talk a lot. (Laughter.)
So one other thing is that we said that we wanted to do something in honor of Black History Month. So I want to thank all of my colleagues for being willing to come and represent what it means to be a part of Black History, whether you're representing a fraternity or sorority or African history and your sorority over there in the Stated Meeting 201 02/29/2024 to thank you for us coming together. And thank you everyone that was willing to just take a pin, because it's Black History 365 for me. However, it would be a lost opportunity if we didn't celebrate our history today collectively, realizing that Black people have made a huge contribution on our city and continue to do so. Thank you so much, Council President. (Applause.)
You're welcome. Good job. Any speeches on the part of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Curtis Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. As I look at that wreath Stated Meeting 202 02/29/2024 Decker, the 18th member of City Council, Member Brooks is so right. He was next door to me and I would see him in the hallway. And I asked him, are you going to stay around another term. And he talked about whether or not he would, I'm sure you know that. You got to take the time y'all to -- this is important work that we do, but no more important than you. It's important work that we do, but it's not more important than self-care and making sure that you're okay. Transitioning from my friend Mike Decker, I want to thank everybody that came out last Saturday to Parent University. Members of this body included himself, Mr. President, showing a lot of parents that they are important, that they matter. Stated Meeting 203 02/29/2024 some of the findings we've had in the Crime Summit and the Blueprint for a Better Philadelphia, what we realize is what goes in the wash comes out in the rinse. If we don't address our children early, they will be problem adults later on. You wind up spending whatever the investment was as a child three to five times as much trying to correct grown people. And of the workshops, the resource, I thank you and your family for taking the time to walk to each of those 100 -- no, 75 resource tables. It meant a lot to the providers. Some of the workshops were insightful, informative but frightening. The one about words do matter, they showed a clip from the movie Precious. I don't know Stated Meeting 204 02/29/2024 but there's a part in there where the mother is berating her daughter and it brought tears to people's eyes to think that someone that you look to for guidance can push you so low. Another workshop that I thought was impactful was -- and I got this from Member Bass, and I give you credit every time I say it -- what do you do when you realize when the shooter lives with you, and it was informative about what to do without overprosecuting your child but keeping them safe even if it's from themselves. The other one that I thought was pretty impactful was grandparents with a second tour of duty. More and more grandparents are stepping up to the plate for the second time to take on the responsibility of raising kids. This was a first time, an inaugural Stated Meeting 205 02/29/2024 effort, that we're working with DHS, CUAs, JEVS and the Parker Administration to not only make Parent 2.0 but Parent 3.0 to be able to provide this. And thank you for your generous commitment to fund this activity, Mr. President. Thank you so much.
You're welcome, absolutely. The Chair recognizes Councilman -- it was a very, very informative event. I was raised by my Nana so I get it, the second tour of duty as well. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jim Harrity.
Good evening -- well, good afternoon, colleagues and Council President. I'd like to commend my colleague Councilwoman Gauthier for recognizing Brother Muhammad. It is true that we wait sometimes too Stated Meeting 206 02/29/2024 the work that they're doing. And I encourage anybody that hasn't been over to the museum that he keeps there on Lancaster Avenue. As a student of history, I was very, very impressed. With that being said, I'd also like to thank the co-sponsors of my pothole bill today. You know, during the campaign there was a poll that came out of what the citizens of Philadelphia thought that we were short on. Of course, the top two we all know which is crime and education, but number three on that poll by far -- number four wasn't even close -- was potholes. And as a highway worker, I thought there was something that we should be doing about that because the bottom line is what's being labeled a pothole is not a pothole. It is a construction hole Stated Meeting 207 02/29/2024 by a contractor. And the way I know it was done illegally is because if that contractor was to pull a permit, then the City of Philadelphia would come out and fill that hole because we want to make sure it's done right. There's a certain way it has to go. And it always drives me crazy when they get labeled a pothole. And I'm sure it drives the citizens of Philadelphia crazy when they think that they hit a pothole and call us in the City trying to get some money for the damage that was done to their car, and then they are told once we go out and investigate that, no, that wasn't a pothole, that was a construction hole. And of course then we have to figure out who did that construction hole. Stated Meeting 208 02/29/2024 This is very important to the citizens of Philadelphia. This is commonsense stuff that we need to be doing as a City. People need to be able to get around. People need to be able to drive on our roads without having to worry about losing their suspension or a tire to one of these massive construction holes. So I thank you all and look forward to what we're going to do in the future. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. I just want to thank everyone, including her sister Phyllis Arnold and her daughter Dale and all that spoke so eloquently about the trailblazing Stated Meeting 209 02/29/2024 physician, researcher, humanitarian Dr. Edith Peterson Mitchell. I wanted to just speak to one aspect of her amazing career. Her work that she did that helped increase minority participation in clinical trials, and she worked tirelessly to eliminate health disparities affecting too many individuals and communities in Philadelphia and across our country. If nothing else, I want her endearing legacy to continue in making sure we end medical racism. That is a huge issue in our medical communities and it is literally killing people. So I want to commend her for all the work she's done, and I want all of us to continue and carry out that work so that medical racism is no more. I also wanted to thank my staff members here Kyra Harris and Stated Meeting 210 02/29/2024 this together, since I actually never met Dr. Mitchell and I'm sad that I didn't. And speaking to the point that giving people their flowers while they're here and she died very suddenly, so I want to thank all of you for recognizing her, but most importantly continue her legacy. Thank you.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Anthony Phillips.
Council President, Council colleagues as well as all of Philadelphia, good afternoon. Several weeks ago Councilwoman Lozada and her colleagues Councilmembers Harrity, Driscoll and Squilla rendered and Stated Meeting 211 02/29/2024 good will to end the long nights of human captivity that residents of Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia have experienced. Unfortunately, their noble decision has not gone without opposition. This opposition has risen to incredible proportions. While the majority of residents of Kensington welcome the swift moves of the Kensington Caucus, there remains a loud minority of individuals that live in places like Ardmore, Narberth and other neighborhoods outside of Kensington voicing harrowingly comments about their efforts. Though Kensington does not encompass the 9th District, I wish to offer my public and unqualified support for a dramatic, thoughtful, compassionate and timely shift in policy for one of Philadelphia's Stated Meeting 212 02/29/2024 challenges and, that is, what do we do about Kensington. Most of us here on Council welcome the efforts of the Kensington Caucus. Our colleague Councilwoman Lozada and the other members of the Kensington Caucus and our new Mayor Cherelle Parker have struck out on the early stages of a new and welcomed approached to battling the challenges faced by Kensington residents. I want to be reflected on the record that they are not alone. I stand, think, act, pray and strategize with them as we seek to address a moral imperative. Kensington despite its richness and resilience represents a global and local call to action for those who care about people of the future of the City of Philadelphia. As Kensington goes, so goes Stated Meeting 213 02/29/2024 to say to the opposition from individuals, that for over a decade we have tried it your way. We have offered food, clothes and counseling services. Yet the problem in Kensington still exists. We have calmly tried to get individuals into treatment and have done protection support. Yet the problem in Kensington still exists. After we tried it your way for over a decade, the residents of Kensington are still held hostage in their homes. While many of those in opposition can afford to go back to their privileged lives, there are people in Kensington, the residents have to live through this treachery of reality and they're calling out for our wavering support. It is now time to give our Mayor Cherelle Parker and City Council's Stated Meeting 214 02/29/2024 to lead differently. I would be remiss if I didn't say that 7th District Councilwoman Lozada is a hero. She's going to lead us into something greater when it comes to this issue. " I'm confident in our Police Commissioner. I'm confident in our Mayor. I'm confident in Councilwoman Lozada and the rest of the Kensington Caucus to solve this issue. In too many corridors Kensington has become a code word for community in freefall. Online and in the minds of too many people, Kensington has become Stated Meeting 215 02/29/2024 modernity. I want to say it's a new day dawning. I'm in complete support of new direction that emphasizes both compassion and responsibility. In my world and the rest of world, most of the people we serve there are twin towers of the problem-solving, compassion and responsibility. One without the other is simply incomplete. It says I care about you but willing to leave unchallenged and unchanged, that somehow the state government cares more about you than you care for yourself cannot be the position. This is ultimately inhumane and does not transform people.
People must be active agents in their own healing and transformation. And our city in Kensington needs to transform desperately. I'm reminded of someone in Stated Meeting 216 02/29/2024 was active in their own healing and own transformation. I'm reminded of one of my aunt's stories. My aunt who struggled with addiction for several years once came to my grandmother's house in North Philadelphia strung out on drugs. The grandmother from South Carolina said, Cuda -- that was my mom's nickname -- don't let her in my house. It pained my grandmother not to let the daughter she loved for several years not to come into that house, but she knew that the only way to support her was not supporting her addiction. She knew that she wasn't raised that way and my grandmother from the south was not going to tolerate that foolishness. My aunt at the time did not understand. She said, Mommy, you won't let your own daughter in the Stated Meeting 217 02/29/2024 house, how could you, Mommy. And my grandmother just looked and said, Go do what you got to do. If my grandmother would have let my aunt in that house, my aunt would not have graduated from college with two Master's degrees. If my grandmother would have let my aunt in that house, my aunt would not have become a great health care professional that she is today. I say to you all today that we have to stop enabling these people so they can be people like my aunt and understand that they have to be able to support themselves, and we're going to be there with them every step of the way. As policymakers, we must endow our policymaking with equal parts of compassion and responsibility. We must act bold, nimbly with our paralyzed ideologies that Stated Meeting 218 02/29/2024 reason, responsibility, experience and human nature. That when we act aggressively, we are doing so out of love and sometimes fueled by the desperation of our neighbors who are forced to drive the streets of Kensington looking for their children or mothers or fathers who have been sucked into an unescapable web of addiction and modernity. Kensington Caucus, push us, bring us along. Tell us what you and the communities represent and need. We're not here for Narberth. We're not here for Ardmore and we're not here for anyone else that is not other than the residents of Kensington. We are with you. We stand with you and you are our neighbors and we're here to listen and do. We're here. Thank you. ) Stated Meeting 219 02/29/2024
Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President. First, I wanted to invite all my colleagues and their staff to a briefing and a report launch by Philadelphia Coalition for Affordable Communities on the state of affordable housing in the City. It will be happening immediately following Council, and lunch will be provided. Next, I wanted to just offer a few words about the late Michael Decker. First, I want to express my condolences to his family and friends and everybody who knew and loved him. I think the thing that made me most sad about his passing beyond the fact that he's not here is that I never personally got to tell him how much Stated Meeting 220 02/29/2024 everything that he did for this place to keep it running and going. And I just hope that he knew how much all of us appreciated him for his efforts and how instrumental he was to keeping City Hall running every day. And it also made me want to say a word of appreciation to all of the staff here. We appreciate everything that you do to keep our offices moving forward, to keep City Council moving forward. And I hope that we can show each other that every day. But I also wanted to say that when I think about how much Mike Decker gave to this place, it makes me also want -- I hope that people realize that they're more valuable than the work that they produce, right, on behalf of other people. Stated Meeting 221 02/29/2024 public servants, but all of us at the end of the day are whole people. And I hope that we all realize that. And I hope that we continue to give a lot to the City of Philadelphia, but I also hope that we take the time to give to ourselves and to recognize that beyond the work that we do we are valuable because we are humans and because we exist. And so, thank you so much.
Afternoon, Council President. Similar to the energy of Councilmember Brooks, I don't normally do speeches on the floor but I have a lot to say. So I'm going to try to get through this as Stated Meeting 222 02/29/2024 y'all know I'm a big fan of lunch, right. First, Mr. Decker, similar to Councilmember Gauthier, great minds think alike, I was literally thinking about all of the staff, right. So we had an Education Committee hearing earlier in the week, and I offered my condolences as well as the members of the Education Committee to Mr. Decker. But listening to Elizabeth today, she did a phenomenal job and looking at the Tech staff as well as the Sergeant-at-Arms, I was on a panel recently listening to an educator talk about the fact that often teachers spend more time with our children than we do because we spend so much time here. And you look up, we all spend so much time together as a unit, as a Council family, that you just never know not only when your Stated Meeting 223 02/29/2024 be called, but you never know how these losses are going to impact us. Of course, my condolences to Mr. Decker, but similar to the spirit of Councilmember Gauthier I just want to say thank you to everybody who allow us to kind of sit here, stand here, get all of the credit for all this stuff that, you know, most of it we don't even think of ourselves, right. We've got great staff and great people around us who advise us and who recommend what we do in the best interest of the City. So my condolences to Mr. Decker. Great job, Elizabeth. But thank you to everybody who moves Council forward. Elaine is here today. I don't know if she's still here. We've been here for a while, but Elaine was the person who we wanted Stated Meeting 224 02/29/2024 Educator of the Month during public comment. She is here. Can we give Elaine a round of applause. She's still here. (Applause.)
I talked about those teachers who spend so much time with our children. S. Olympics doing something that I would never do, which is run a marathon. So thank you, Elaine. Thank you for leading by example. And of course, thank you for all you do for our children. A couple of quick announcements and then I'm going to Stated Meeting 225 02/29/2024 spicy, Council President, if that's okay with you. I wanted to thank my colleagues Councilmember Phillips, Councilmember O'Rourke, Councilmember Young. It's not necessarily popular to talk about some of the things that they stand for, but the most important thing that I want to recognize them for today is the demographic that they represent. On Monday I had a chance to share the stage with the Mayor. It was actually my first time sharing the stage with the new Mayor. She's phenomenal. But I had an opportunity to look at the young Black girls who seen Mayor Parker for the first time in person, and she didn't even have to say any words, her presence, right, where she's from, her story, it inspired them young sisters. Stated Meeting 226 02/29/2024 thinking about what we can do because just like she's a sister from the City, we're all young brothers who live and represent different parts of the City, and I commend each and every one of those Councilmembers for stepping up to the plate and deciding that we are going to fight one of the most important issues we have in 2024, which is getting young Black men to participate in the democratic process. So our goal in 2024 is 2024. We want to get 2400 young Black men registered and pledged to vote in this year's General Election. And this is a bipartisan effort. We appreciate the Commissioner's Office for joining us in this initiative. And we will continue to announce other efforts, events and activities to get young Black men educated, informed and Stated Meeting 227 02/29/2024 also want to take a moment to announce that starting tomorrow and, Council President, we're in a lot of meetings together, so I want to publicly thank Harrisburg, right. We're thanking our legislators in both the House and the Senate. Somebody, please record this and put this out there because they say we don't thank them enough. But I really want to thank them for what they did in enacting and enabling the City of Philadelphia to be able to put up more cameras to address issues around traffic safety, traffic calming and looking at what we need to do to keep cyclists safe, pedestrians and the citizens across the City of Philadelphia. So I want to thank all of the District Councilmembers who Stated Meeting 228 02/29/2024 with my office. This is a campaign that will be starting tomorrow. And we want to hear from constituents all across the City of Philadelphia as it relates to where they think these cameras should go and what corridors in the City of Philadelphia are not safe and what we need to do as government to improve that. I'm getting towards the end, Council President. I introduced a resolution today in recognition of Baba Joe Foster. Anybody who knows me knows that I believe in African-centered education and African-centered pedagogy and Baba Joe Foster who while we were in Council today, family and friends and educators actually buried him this morning. And Baba Joe Foster, for those who don't know, was a Stated Meeting 229 02/29/2024 education not just in Philadelphia but all across the country. He was one of the co-founders of the African-centered Public Charter School of PA, former principal at Imhotep and just to get a little closer to home, actually taught with my father.
For those who don't know, my father was a teacher in the School District for over 40 years. And Baba Joe and my father as well as Mr. Art Steinberg for those who might not know is the leader of the PFT, all of those folks worked together. And when we talk about standing on the shoulders of those who came before us, the entire African-centered community, the entire education community mourns the loss of Baba Joe. And I felt that it is only befitting on the last day of Black History Month Stated Meeting 230 02/29/2024 body honors him, his work and his legacy and what he means to education and specifically African-centered education here in the City of Philadelphia. In the spirit of Baba Joe, we know that we're having some issues as it relates to Black-led institutions here in the City of Philadelphia, and there were some decisions that were made around a specific school, Math, Civics and Science that I publicly and privately disagreed with. Based on the hand that we have right now, as government we should feel obligated to step up for the families and the children at Math, Civics and Science and make sure they have a soft landing. Tonight the School Board of Philadelphia is going to be making an important vote as it relates to Stated Meeting 231 02/29/2024 families and children involved in Math, Civics and Science and whether or not we'll be able to give those folks a soft landing as it relates to the possibility of transitioning as many staff members and families and stakeholders to the possibility of them being a part of the Global Leadership Academy program. I will be at the Board meeting tonight, Council President. I encourage anybody who cares about what's going on with those families to be at the Board meeting tonight. And I emphatically ask the School Board of the City of Philadelphia to please get this right. We need to make sure that the things that we can't control that have put us in a position to have to make a tough decision, we have to do what's in the best of children, we have to do what's in Stated Meeting 232 02/29/2024 families and we have to preserve what a lot of us called The Pub. Math, Civics and Science has done a great job of being a phenomenal brand of what we called The Pub. And some of the things that they've done as it relates to protecting the integrity of the Public League needs the opportunity to continue, and that journey needs to essentially move forward. And so, I'm in the position right now where I'm somewhat frustrated, I'm extremely concerned and I'm willing to do everything in my power as the Chair of the Education Committee to protect the families, the children and those who are suffering from the unfortunate decisions that adults have made. We tried for months to get this right, and it's unfortunate Stated Meeting 233 02/29/2024 of Black History Month we put ourselves in a position where some of the most vulnerable Black people in the City of Philadelphia may become even more vulnerable because adults in government can't get it right. So I'll stop right there, Council President. I probably can give another 15-minute dissertation about this issue, but I'm going to save that monologue for the School Board meeting tonight. Thank you, Council President. )
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember -- you sure you don't want another 15, Councilman Thomas? You good?
Stated Meeting 234 02/29/2024 The floor is yours, opportunity for Majority speeches. At this time, I want to acknowledge Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you so much. I know it's been a long afternoon, so I will be quick. First, I want to shout out Philadelphia chef Joy Parham-Thomas who's made remarkable contributions to Philadelphia's culinary scene. My resolution that I introduced today honors not only Chef Joy, but her accomplishments in Philadelphia's food scene and her advocacy for the well-being of food and hospitality workers. As we heard from her today, she is giving out free food in Kingsessing, and she needs to be honored. So during Black History Month, my office has been proud to Stated Meeting 235 02/29/2024 who make our city the vibrant and exciting city we know it to be. Second, I'd like to thank my colleagues who cosponsored and supported my new resolution to re-open the conversation around streeteries and sidewalk cafés. As a city renowned for its culinary, diversity and innovation, Philadelphia's outdoor dining scene was a wonderful addition that benefited restaurants and visitors alike. However, the transition from emergency measures to permanent regulations has presented overbearing hurdles for many restaurateurs. Through my new resolution, we aim to engage in constructive dialogue, identify areas for improvement and pave the way for a more inclusive and thriving dining experience. At Stated Meeting 236 02/29/2024 moment, we have the opportunity to champion our small businesses, enrich our culinary landscape, especially as our city moves toward 2026. And finally, I'm excited to introduce the Consumer Protection ordinance today. This ordinance championed by Mayor Parker's Administration is a crucial step in combating unfair business practices and safeguarding the interest of Philadelphians. Philadelphia doesn't have a consumer protection ordinance, and this ordinance gives our city the ability to act on the public's behalf to protect Philadelphians from unfair and unscrupulous business practices, fraud and scams. By empowering our Law Department to swiftly investigate and act against deceptive practices, we send a clear message Stated Meeting 237 02/29/2024 be tolerated in our city. From misleading financing to false product advertising, we are committed to protecting our residents from exploitation. I thank Mayor Parker for prioritizing this ordinance and each of you for your support. Let us continue working together to create a fair and secure environment for all Philadelphians. Thank you. (Applause.)
You're welcome. Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. First, I want to congratulate Ms. Denise Ripley, a resident of the 5th Council District in the 47th Ward. Stated Meeting 238 02/29/2024 me a lot about her work in the past and her continued support for residents in North Philadelphia and beyond. I also want to thank the Stadium Stompers. As a former staffer, I worked on that matter under Council President Darrell Clarke, and their advocacy actually led me to take a trip down to New Orleans with Temple University to figure out if it was actually feasible for a stadium to be in North Philadelphia, which we concluded it was not. So thanks to the efforts of the Stadium Stompers for that. I want to thank Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for giving us the platform to reach young men of color in the City, particularly Black and Brown men, because it is important that our issues are pushed to the forefront Stated Meeting 239 02/29/2024 it is us who are jailed more frequently than others. It is us who are murdered more frequently than others. And so, it is imperative that us as the young leaders of this body to make sure that they see representation in their City. I want to give my sincere condolences of the family of Michael Decker. Again, as a former legislative staffer his insight was invaluable to me when I first started working here in this body as the legislative counsel to former Council President Darrell Clarke. And I want to make sure that I acknowledge the passing of a former 5th District staffer, Zenobia Harris who has worked in Council for over 30 years, worked for former Mayor John Street when he was Councilman of the 5th Stated Meeting 240 02/29/2024 Council President Darrell Clarke. When I first started working for Council President Clarke, I took over zoning duties from her. I was an attorney so I knew the legal aspects of zoning, but I didn't know the community side and she taught me the community aspect of zoning, and she will forever be missed and will forever have a place in my heart. But what I want to speak on is last Friday was not just another day in the 5th District. It was a thunderous declaration of our community resilience and resolve. As Chair of the Streets and Services Committee, a member on the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development and also a member of the Public Safety Committee, my team led by this indomitable spirit of Bonita Cummings and then in Stated Meeting 241 02/29/2024 partners, Mayor Cherelle Parker launched her first ever Safe, Green and Clean Tour in the heart of Strawberry Mansion on the 29th Street Corridor, showed her commitment and dedication to North Philadelphia. We seized the moment rallying together with fiery determination to reclaim our streets, our pride and our future. We didn't just show her the blight, the short-dumping, the nuisance businesses, we thrust them in the spotlight exposing the neglect my constituents have endured for far too long. We didn't just point fingers. We pointed the way forward. Our initiative was a battle cry against the decay that has marred our streets, a rallying call to reclaim our neighborhoods Stated Meeting 242 02/29/2024 neglect. And let me tell you our message was heard loud and clear. The Office of Clean and Green Initiates under the steadfast leadership of Carlton Williams didn't hesitate. They pounced into action, coordinating City agencies along with department heads such as Streets, Sanitation, Commerce, Building Enforcement and Quality of Life, also with the Parking Authority who I've never seen to move this fast to remove abandoned vehicles.
Essentially, Parking Authority purged our streets removing abandoned vehicles. Streets Department removed tons of debris. Their swift response was a testament to our unwavering commitment. We will not tolerate neglect in our community, not now and now ever. Our community spirit Stated Meeting 243 02/29/2024 eyesore removed, each blight banished. Last Friday wasn't just about cleaning up our streets. It was about unleashing the power of collective action and community pride. We stood shoulder-toshoulder, a force to be reckoned with, united in our mission to build a better tomorrow. Our work has only just begun. This is not the end. This was just an example of our unwavering commitment to the 5th District and the transformative power of our collective efforts. So I'm urging all community members in the 5th District and beyond, that was just the first tour that we will have, but there will be many others. So if you have a commercial corridor, if you have an area in the City that needs this type of rapid response, we Stated Meeting 244 02/29/2024 we need your support to keep it up. We can come through, remove the debris, but it's up to the community to maintain this effort. And we will provide you with all those necessary resources to maintain those efforts. So, Mr. President, I want to thank you for this time. Thank you. )
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. I just want to take the opportunity to also extend my condolences to Michael Decker's family. He was someone who was very supportive of myself and my legislative team since the day I Stated Meeting 245 02/29/2024 but also was very supportive of me as a Chief of Staff walking into City government with no idea what government actually had to do, and he really provided his knowledge and unwavering support. So my condolences to all of his family. Please know my family is keeping all of you in our prayers. And then I'd also like to take an opportunity to thank Councilmember Phillips. His District does not abut mine. His District does not abut any of us in the 7th Council District, but I am grateful for the fact that when there is a question, when he is not clear, when he connects with people on social media about the things that are happening as a result of the work that the Kensington Caucus is doing or as a result of the work that I'm doing as an individual Stated Meeting 246 02/29/2024 7th Councilmanic District, he picks up the phone, he calls, he asks questions. He corrects me, right, if I need correction and he also provides support and ideas and recommendations about how to further improve the quality of life for the residents of the 7th Council District. And so, I say that to say to all of my colleagues here, the work that we are doing in the 7th Council District and through the Kensington Caucus will not be easy. The optics are going to be painful and they are going to challenging, but they are absolutely necessary. And I've said that many times. I invite you, my door is open, my cell phone is always on, my text messages are always available. I invite you and your staff to sit with me, sit with the Stated Meeting 247 02/29/2024 Caucus, ask us questions. Don't take the things that you read in the paper or the comments that people make that often times are not of those who live in that community. Don't take that as facts because often times they are not and/or there is more information associated with that. My providers are being bombarded by calls from folks on this legislative body about wanting to provide support to them. We are grateful for that. We appreciate that, but please connect with us because we are working. I don't want them to be overwhelmed and confused and fear that they are doing something incorrect as a result of supporting us. And so, again my doors are open, 484. 6-3448 is our number. My staff and I are ready to provide the necessary information and Stated Meeting 248 02/29/2024 agree and it's okay, right. We may not agree and it is okay, but we will be respectful to each other. I will always, always take what you say with respect even if I don't agree. I'm here to serve. I'm here to serve alongside you, but my priority is my community, the people who live, work and play in the Kensington Harrowgate community. Thank you, Council President. (Applause.)
Thank you. There are no more speeches on behalf of the Majority. Before we adjourn, I just want to take a moment, again as we continue to move forward, the life and legacy of our beloved Michael Decker, I give my condolences and prayers to his family. Stated Meeting 249 02/29/2024 take a personal moment to thank Wendy Prescott-Tate as well as John Christmas for just stepping up and working with the team and Chief Clerk's office, Elizabeth McCollumNazario and the rest of their staff just to make sure in the spirit of Michael Decker we continue moving this great institution forward. And I thank all my colleagues for being patience with us through this process. But most importantly, I just want to take a moment to acknowledge them as we continue to do the work on his great behalf. On behalf of this great city of Philadelphia, as well as John Finn and his team and Lopez and the Sergeant-at-Arms team, just making sure they stay available to all the staff and Councilmembers during this period. So I just want to Stated Meeting 250 02/29/2024 And at this particular time, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Council President. Before we adjourn, I just want to take a moment to announce that services for Mr. Mike Decker are as follows: Visitation will be Friday, tomorrow, March 1, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Holy Innocents Church, which is at 1337 East Hunting Park Avenue and L Street in East Hunting Park Avenue, 19124. The actual funeral will be at the same location, Holy Innocents Church. And the funeral will start at 11:00 a.m. Again, visitation 9:00 to 10:45. Funeral services at 11:00 a.m. And with that being said, Stated Meeting 251 02/29/2024 President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you very much, everyone. Have a great weekend. ) Stated Meeting 252 02/29/2024 C E R T I F I C A T I O N I, hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence noted are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me in the foregoing matter, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. m. P. A. m. org. V. S.