Stated Meeting, March 23, 2023

STATED MEETING 1 3/23/2023 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 23, 2023 10:38 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILWOMAN SHARON VAUGHN MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK STATED MEETING 2 3/23/2023

Good morning. We're going to get started. Thank you. Before we get started, I'd like to recognize the best Police Commissioner and the best Commissioner of Prisons. (Applause.)

Not only on the East Coast, but in the entire world. Some serious stuff here. Thank you. Thank you for your service. We appreciate you all. All right. We're going to get kicking off, and to give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes the Reverend Eric Goode of the People's Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Brooks. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Councilmembers and guests rise.) STATED MEETING 3 3/23/2023

I was told that the pastor is an awesome, awesome pastor. I want to take a chance and go out, just endorsed by Councilman Kenyatta Johnson as one of the sparkling presentations of the word of the Lord. Pastor.

Good morning. (Good morning.)

May we pray. Loving and life-giving God, thank you for this gathering of elected persons who have assembled in this Chamber. May these officials continue to do the work of imagining a better Philadelphia. They are the voice of the voiceless and hopeless. They lead in the most critical time in our city. Their work is fraught with many obstacles and opportunities. Today they come to deliberate and to discuss the present issues that pervade our city, but also to think STATED MEETING 4 3/23/2023 Bless their hands that they might serve with fervor and energy. Bless their minds that they might imagine a Philadelphia that can be. May they imagine a Philadelphia of justice and equity. May they imagine a Philadelphia where safety and security are a priority. May they imagine a Philadelphia where our children receive a fruitful education. May they imagine a Philadelphia where no one goes to bed hungry or homeless. May they imagine a Philadelphia where our seniors are cared for. Bless their efforts this day. May these elected officials be drum majors of justice and love. May they indeed be facilitators of liberation and holiness in a world full of injustice. Finally, bless their personal lives. May you grant health and vibrancy in their work. Look upon their families and grant them peace from this time forth and evermore. STATED MEETING 5 3/23/2023 name of our loving, liberating, and life-giving God, amen. (Amen.)

Thank you, Reverend, so much for those inspiring words this morning. We really appreciate you being here. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Thank you. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 16, 2023, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla -- I'm sorry; Bass. I'm sorry.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 16, 2023 be approved. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 16, 2023 stand STATED MEETING 6 3/23/2023 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and our Journal is approved. And the next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.

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

The Chair thanks the gentleman. And our next order of business is the Sunshine Act motion. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla now for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course STATED MEETING 7 3/23/2023 session of Council that were not listed on the Calendar prior to today's session. Councilman Squilla.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda for this session of Council and, as required by law, subsequently published on an amended agenda after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments to bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or re-called from the Mayor, amendments to bills re-called from the Mayor, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in this session, a motion to withdraw a bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar, and a motion placing a bill or resolution on or returning a bill or resolution from the Suspension Calendar that is not listed on today's Calendar. STATED MEETING 8 3/23/2023 (Duly seconded.)

The purpose --

Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Councilman Squilla may be added to the agenda for today, should those matters arise during the course of the Council session. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and the motion is approved. And our next order of business is communications, and the Chair recognizes the Clerk, who will please read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications that he may have in his possession today. STATED MEETING 9 3/23/2023

From the Mayor to the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on March 22, 2023, I signed the following bill, which was passed by Council at its session on March 9, 2023: Bill No. 220941, and that I am returning Bill No. 220973 and 230001 without my signature and Bill No. 230106 as disapproved. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution appointing Vince Latucca to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Housing Authority a deed conveying fee simple title to 1 through 49 Rudy Robinson Way in the Third Councilmanic District; and A resolution appointing Laura Beyer to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District; STATED MEETING 10 3/23/2023 Cheryl McConnell to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District; and A resolution appointing Nathan Muchnick to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District; and A resolution appointing Sereena Quick to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District; and An ordinance amending Chapter 11-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Right of Way Management," by revising requirements for obtaining access to and permits for construction in the underground portion of the right-of-way and making technical changes; and amending Chapter 9-300, entitled "Communication," by deleting provisions relating to poles and overhead wires, all under certain terms and conditions. STATED MEETING 11 3/23/2023

Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes our communication, and our next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. I would ask the Clerk to please read the titles of the bills and resolutions that are being offered by our members today.

Councilman Phillips offers a privileged resolution honoring Diane Richardson, Angela Smith, Nabeehah Parker, Marlene Trice, and Marilyn L. Torres as Heroes of the 9th Council District for their laudable service to the community.

Today's Calendar.

Councilman Thomas offers a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Labor and Civil Service to hold a hearing examining the economic burden of the unregulated STATED MEETING 12 3/23/2023 business economy on the City of Philadelphia.

Today's Calendar.

And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Champion of the Week, Julissa Ortiz, for becoming the first young woman to win a Philadelphia Public League wrestling title.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Thomas.

Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Ms. Ortiz and her family is here today in City Council. She's a student at Mariana Bracetti. She actually wrestled the 121-pound weight as it relates to wrestling, and her sister is also a wrestler as well as her brother. So I just wanted to take a moment to honor her and recognize her and STATED MEETING 13 3/23/2023 her family. Can you stand up, and can we give her a round of applause. (Applause.)

Any time we could put ourself in a position to recognize young people for the great work that they're doing, whether it's academically or through extracurricular activity, we want to do so, and we're hoping that Ms. Ortiz inspires the next young woman to get involved in athletics, whether it's wrestling or some other sport, and achieve their best self. So thank you, and what better -- well, I'm sure there's other people we're going to honor for Women's History Month, but I think that she belongs on that list with some of the other people we're going to honor. Thank you, Council President.

STATED MEETING 14 3/23/2023 Thank you, Councilman. That will be on today's Calendar.

Councilman Jones offers six resolutions. On behalf of Council President Clarke, a non-privileged resolution also naming the 1700 block of West Montgomery Avenue, as "Christopher Fitzgerald Way."

Next week's Calendar.

And on his own behalf, a non-privileged resolution calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to temporarily suspend firearm preemption for cities of the first class to allow Philadelphia to enforce measures that will reduce gun violence.

Next week's Calendar.

And a non-privileged resolution appointing Cheryl McConnell to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special STATED MEETING 15 3/23/2023 Services District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion.

Referred to committee.

And a non-privileged resolution appointing Laura Beyer to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion.

Referred to committee.

And a non-privileged resolution appointing Nathan Muchnick to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion.

Referred to committee.

And a non-privileged resolution appointing Sereena Quick to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia and Lower STATED MEETING 16 3/23/2023 Merion.

Referred to committee.

Councilwoman Brooks offers a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the dedicated service of Deborah Wei, whose steadfast championship and work on behalf of the Philadelphia Chinatown and Asian American communities has inspired a new generation of community advocates and preserved Philadelphia's Chinatown as a vibrant, national cultural icon.

Today's Calendar.

And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Maria Adames, for her decades of life-changing work on behalf of vulnerable Philadelphians and her commitment and passion for her city and community.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brooks.

Thank STATED MEETING 17 3/23/2023 you, Council President. In honor of Women's History Month, I am continuing my series of resolutions honoring powerful Philadelphia women who shaped our city's history and transformed it for the better. I've had to miss some sessions this month to take care of some official business, so today I'm excited to honor two amazing Philadelphia women, Debbie Wei and Maria Adames. Debbie Wei is a lifelong organizer whose commitment to her Asian American community has been unshaken during her entire lifetime. Debbie helped found Asian American United, one of the oldest Asian Pacific Islander-based organizations in Philadelphia, which has championed the rights of and inspired new leadership of Philadelphians of Asian descent to challenge oppression. Debbie has also fought to improve our public schools, for safe housing for all residents, and for STATED MEETING 18 3/23/2023 expanding opportunities for young people. Debbie's work also centered on the Chinatown community, has preserved Philadelphia's Chinatown as a vibrant, national cultural icon. It inspires a new generation of community advocates. And Maria has spent her life advocating for and assisting our most vulnerable neighbors. Maria spent 29 years as a paralegal with Community Legal Services helping low-income Philadelphians facing foreclosure, utility and tax issues, and emergency housing programs. Today Maria serves as a CARES administrator at PECO's Universal Service Department working to help low- and moderate-income Philadelphians manage and pay their utility bills. Maria has also volunteered with La Liga Del Barrio, Philadelphia's first Latino youth basketball league, for two decades, and she has been -- she can be found there many Saturday mornings STATED MEETING 19 3/23/2023 helping with registrations or concessions while appreciating the enthusiasm and heart of the kids put into each game. The leadership and dedication of these two amazing women have inspired generations of women organizers and caretakers, and I am so grateful to honor them both today. Can they stand, please. (Applause.)

Thank you so much, Council President. It's been an honor to honor all these women throughout this month, because so often we forget these unsung community heroes that do the work on the ground. So thank you so much, colleagues, for co-sponsoring, and thank you, ladies, for being our sheroes in the City.

Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman. STATED MEETING 20 3/23/2023 The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Lozada.

Yes, Council President. I'd like to take the opportunity to say thank you to Councilmember Brooks for recognizing Maria Adames, who I've known for over 20 years, has been a selfless servant to my constituents and to the City of Philadelphia. It doesn't matter the day. It doesn't matter the time. Maria has always said yes, has always been present, and does everything she can, goes beyond the call of duty to be able to serve and make sure that people receive the necessary resources that improve their quality of life. And so I'm honored to call her my friend, and I want to congratulate her and thank her publicly for everything that she has always done for us in the Latino community.

Thank you. STATED MEETING 21 3/23/2023 (Applause.)

Thank you. Today's Calendar.

Councilman Driscoll offers a privileged resolution recognizing April 2022 [sic] as Autism Acceptance & Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia, and commending the work of the Philadelphia Autism Project.

Today's Calendar.

And a privileged resolution proclaiming the Month of March in 2023 as Irish Heritage Month in the City of Philadelphia and Honoring the St. Patrick's Day Observation Association of Philadelphia.

Today's Calendar.

Councilwoman Bass offers a privileged resolution honoring STATED MEETING 22 3/23/2023 Philadelphia Department of Prisons Commissioner Blanche Carney for being a pillar of the community, and her exemplary work throughout the City of Philadelphia, and outstanding leadership during Women's History Month.

Today's Calendar.

And a privileged resolution honoring the Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle M. Outlaw for being a pillar of the community, and for her exemplary work throughout the City of Philadelphia, and outstanding leadership during Women's History Month.

The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass. You want to do them all?

Yes.

Okay. Go ahead, Mr. Decker.

And a privileged resolution honoring Sheriff Rochelle STATED MEETING 23 3/23/2023 Bilal for being a pillar of the community, and for her exemplary work throughout the City of Philadelphia, and outstanding leadership during Women's History Month.

The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I just wanted to take this moment during Women's History Month and I wanted to recognize these three women, and I thank them all for being here today. Can we have them stand and give them a round of applause for being women -(Applause.)

-- working to service our community. (Standing ovation.) STATED MEETING 24 3/23/2023

You know, Mr. President, I think sometimes people on the outside might look at what we do in City government and think that it's easy, that what we do is super easy. We make it look easy, but it's not easy. And to recognize these three women and the work that they have done in keeping Philadelphians safe and keeping the City running and all that they have done for our communities, I think at this moment as we recognize Women's History Month as it comes to an end, that we recognize these three women as not only being women who are doing something significant, but really making a difference in all of our lives, whether we acknowledge it, know it, see it on a day-to-day or not. And we wanted to take a moment and just say thank you, thank you, thank you for the work that you have done, and I wanted to just, if you would indulge me, Mr. President, because I know that they have very busy schedules, as you can STATED MEETING 25 3/23/2023 imagine, and probably I might lose one or two of them before we actually get down to the end of our session. But I wanted to recognize our Commissioner, I'll start with Danielle Outlaw, who began her career in the Oakland Police Department. She rose through the ranks to Deputy Chief after various assignments, including patrol, community services, the Office of Chief of Police, the Criminal Investigations Division, Internal Affairs, and the Office of Inspector General. In 2017, Commissioner Outlaw became the first African American woman to hold a position of Chief of Police of the Portland Oregon Bureau of Police. Prior to her appointment, there have been only two other female chiefs in the Portland Police Department. On December 30th, 2019, Danielle M. Outlaw was named Commissioner of the Philadelphia Department, making her the first female African American STATED MEETING 26 3/23/2023 commissioner in the City's history. She stands at the helm of the nation's fourth largest police department, which employs more than 6,500 sworn officers and 800 civilians who work to make the City of Philadelphia safe. Commissioner Outlaw is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police Human and Civil Rights Committee, the National Organization of Black Law Executives, and is an eastern region representative member of the Major Cities Chiefs, as well as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Kudos to Commissioner Danielle Outlaw. Commissioner Carney: Commissioner Carney began her work and career with the Philadelphia Department of Prisons as a social worker. She was promoted to the Social Work Supervisor position and was responsible for the Intake Unit at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility. STATED MEETING 27 3/23/2023 Commissioner Carney was instrumental at implementing gender-responsive training to correctional officers, treatment staff, and contractors in working with female offenders, and has been strongly advocating for drug and alcohol treatment and transitional services. In January 2015, Commissioner Carney was promoted to the position of Deputy Commissioner for Restorative and Transitional Services where she continued her commitment to providing evidence-based programs and services to the inmate population and support of positive reentry for returning citizens. And in April of 2016, Blanche Carney was appointed to the position of Commissioner of Philadelphia Department of Prisons, making her the first African American woman to head the Department. With distinction, she leads a staff of 2,300 employees and contracted staff, which operates six facilities in STATED MEETING 28 3/23/2023 Northeast Philadelphia. And last, but not least certainly, Sheriff Rochelle Bilal. Sheriff Bilal has 27 years of service in the Philadelphia Police Department, where she fulfilled many significant roles.

She served on units that focused on sex crimes and drug trafficking, including work in the high intense drug trafficking area, a joint task force with the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration. For over a decade, Sheriff Bilal has served as the Secretary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the NAACP, Philadelphia branch and is the former President of the Guardian Civic League, a law enforcement community oversight organization comprising of active and retired Philadelphia police officers. Sheriff Bilal was the first female hired to serve as the Director of Public Safety, where she managed the STATED MEETING 29 3/23/2023 Police Department and the volunteer Fire Department. And on January 6, 2020, Sheriff Rochelle Bilal was sworn in to lead the Office of the Sheriff for the City and County of Philadelphia. She has the distinction to be the first elected African American woman sheriff in the 181-year history of the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office. And those three women have made history. Kudos, congratulations, and a great big round of applause and thank you for your service. )

Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.

Yeah. Thank you, Council President. I'm just going to be real quick. I just want to echo the sentiments of my colleague STATED MEETING 30 3/23/2023 Councilwoman Cindy Bass for taking time out of her schedule and acknowledging these three outstanding leaders here in the City of Philadelphia, particularly around the area of public safety. And I work very closely with my colleague Councilman Curtis Jones and these three leaders on a variety of different issues. So, again, we just want to say hats off, continue to keep up the good work, and we know it's not an easy job, but y'all get up day in and day out on the front line addressing the issues around public safety. And one thing I think that the wider public takes for granted is that these three individuals who are out there doing this work, they're not guaranteed to go home and see their families on any given day. Rather it's the Sheriff's Office where she's on the front line kicking in doors and providing arrest warrants for fugitives or it's Commissioner Carney who is working in our STATED MEETING 31 3/23/2023 Prison System on State Road and anybody try to take over the prison, right, as well as our Commissioner going day in and day out on the front line addressing all the issues around crime and gun violence and public safety. It's not guaranteed that they come home day in and day out to their families. So we personally thank all three of you for being on the front line and making sure we have a safer and better city. So thank you very much.

Thank you, Councilman. (Applause.)

The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.

I just want to echo what Member Johnson said, but kudos, hats off to what Cindy Bass had the sense to acknowledge during Women's History Month. STATED MEETING 32 3/23/2023 All you had to do is when they stood up and all three of them were beside each other, to see how impressive, how powerful that imagery is of people who are, as Member Johnson said, on the front line. I have had an opportunity to work with each and every one of them, and their path was not easy, is not easy, and their responsibilities day-to-day are hard. So for you to be here today, you do honor to this Chamber. You do honor to this Chamber for your professionalism and not being afraid to go head first into some of the problems that you did not cause but you are part of the responsibility to solve. So thank you very much. Mr. President.

Thank you, Councilman. (Applause.) STATED MEETING 33 3/23/2023

That will be on today's Calendar.

There are no other bills or resolutions being offered today by the members, Mr. President.

Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. And our next order of business is reports from committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Thomas for a report from the Committee of Streets and Services.

Big report. Thank you, Council President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports out 26 bills with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.

To the President and members of the Council of the City of STATED MEETING 34 3/23/2023 Philadelphia, the Committee on Streets and Services, to which was referred Bill No. 220906, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of 67th Street between Callowhill Street and Girard Avenue"; and Bill No. 220939, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of 63rd Street between Malvern Avenue and Wynnewood Road"; and Bill No. 220943, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the paving of 34th Street from Maiden Lane to Jackson Street, Forten Way from Maiden Lane to Jackson Street, and Jackson Street from 34th Street to Vare Avenue"; and Bill No. 220944, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 24-S, 25-S and 32-S by relocating the existing curblines and houselines along the western side of Vare STATED MEETING 35 3/23/2023 to 28th Street, along the southern side of Maiden Lane from 34th Street to Vare Avenue, and at the intersection of Vare Avenue and Maiden Lane to accommodate the widening of certain streets and various intersection improvements"; and Bill No. 220945, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 25-S and 32-S by placing on the City Plan 34th Street from Maiden Lane to Jackson Street, Forten Way from Maiden Lane to Jackson Street, and Jackson Street from 34th Street to Vare Avenue"; and Bill No. 220946, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the striking from City Plan Nos. 25-S and 32-S and abandonment of a certain right-of-way reserved for sewer and drainage purposes, located along the former Jackson Street, west of Vare Avenue, and extending westwardly therefrom to 34th Street"; and STATED MEETING 36 3/23/2023 220947, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the paving of Frances Harper Drive from Passyunk Avenue to Penrose Avenue, Hartranft Street from 26th Street to Schuylkill Avenue, Schuylkill Avenue from Passyunk Avenue to Penrose Avenue, and an extension of Passyunk Avenue Special Service Road (also known as Frontage Road) from its current terminus to Schuylkill Avenue"; and Bill No. 220948, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 32-S, 33-S, 39-S, 40-S, 46-S, 47-S, and 53-S by relocating the existing curblines and houselines along the southern side of Passyunk Avenue at its intersections with South 28th Street and Passyunk Avenue Service Road (also known as Frontage Road), along both sides of Passyunk Avenue Service Road (also known as Frontage Road) at its intersections with Frances Harper Drive and Passyunk STATED MEETING 37 3/23/2023 Avenue, along the western side of 26th Street and center median of South 26th Street at its intersections with Passyunk Avenue, Hartranft Street and Penrose Avenue, along both sides of the northwesterly Service Road of Penrose Avenue (also in known as Lanier Avenue), and along the northern side of Penrose Avenue and center median of Penrose Avenue at its intersections with the northwesterly Service Road of Penrose Avenue (also known as Lanier Avenue), Frances Harper Drive, Schuylkill Avenue, and 26th Street"; and Bill No. 220949, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 32-S, 33-S, 40-S, 47-S, 48-S, 53-S, and 56-S by placing on the City Plan Frances Harper Drive from Passyunk Avenue to Penrose Avenue, Hartranft Street from 26th Street to Schuylkill Avenue, Schuylkill Avenue from Passyunk Avenue to Penrose Avenue, and an STATED MEETING 38 3/23/2023 Service Road (also known as Frontage Road) to Schuylkill Avenue"; and Bill No. 220950, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the striking from City Plan Nos.

40-S, 47-S, 48-S, 53-S, and 56-S and abandonment of certain rights-of-way reserved for water and gas main purposes, located along the former Lanier Avenue from Penrose Avenue to former Schuylkill Avenue and located along the former Schuylkill Avenue from Lanier Avenue to Passyunk Avenue"; and Bill No. 220968, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 12-919 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'On-Street Parking of Boats, Motor Homes, Truck Campers, Semitrailers, Truck Tractors, and Vending Carts,' to provide prohibitions on semitrailer and truck tractor parking in the Ninth District of Council"; and Bill No. 220970, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of STATED MEETING 39 3/23/2023 a portion of City Plan No. 167 by relocating the curblines and a portion of the southerly houseline of Arch Street, between Sixty-Third Street and Gross Street, in order to conform more closely with existing conditions"; and Bill No. 220971, entitled "An ordinance establishing a two-way regulation on the southwesterly cartway of Vare Avenue, extending along the southwesterly side of The Schuylkill Expressway (I-76), from South 28th Street to Maiden Lane, and establishing a two-way regulation on South 28th Street, from Vare Avenue to Porter Street"; and Bill No. 230002, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of North 57th Street between Lansdowne Avenue and Media Street"; and Bill No. 230003, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of North STATED MEETING 40 3/23/2023 Avenue and Monument Road"; and Bill No. 230009, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 12-2800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Administrative Adjudication of Parking Violations,' by further providing with respect to monetary penalties for on-street parking of semitrailers and truck tractors"; and Bill No. 230033, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the vacating of Sloan Street from Ogden Street to its terminus northwardly therefrom and the reserving and plotting upon City Plan No. 106 of a right-of-way for sewer and drainage purposes and public utility purposes within the lines of said Sloan Street being vacated"; and Bill No. 230035, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 370 by striking from the City Plan Southampton Road from Bustleton STATED MEETING 41 3/23/2023 southeastwardly therefrom"; and Bill No. 230078, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the installation, ownership, and maintenance of various encroachments in the vicinity of 3317 through 33 Chestnut Street"; and Bill No. 230103, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 11-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Right-of-Way Management,' by authorizing the Department of Streets to install traffic calming measures in the vicinity of School District schools, Charter schools, and private schools"; and Bill No. 230128, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 125 by placing on the City Plan Boston Place from Tenth Street to Eleventh Street, north of York Street"; and Bill No. 230130, entitled "An ordinance establishing a no truck parking STATED MEETING 42 3/23/2023 of 66th Street between Morris Park Road and Sherwood Road"; and Bill No. 230131, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Mifflin Street, and South 20th Street; South 17th Street, between Wolf Street and Jackson Street; South 18th Street and Snyder Avenue; Mole Street, between Morris Street and McKean Street; Carlisle Street and Jackson Street; Rosewood Street and Tasker Street"; and Bill No.

230153, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Morris Street and South 6th Street; Fernon Street and South 6th Street; South 7th Street and Wharton Street; Latona Street and South 12th Street; Ellsworth Street and South 12th Street; Broad Street and Dickinson Street; Annin Street and South 7th Street"; and Bill No. 230154, entitled "An STATED MEETING 43 3/23/2023 in the vicinity of: Passyunk Avenue to Queen Street; Queen Street and South 5th Street; Washington Avenue to South Front Street; League Street and South Front Street"; and Bill No. 230155, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Daly Street and South 8th Street; Emily Street and South 6th Street; McKean Street and South 6th Street to South 9th Street; Mifflin Street and South 7th Street; Warnock Street and McKean Street," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Thomas.

Thank you, Council President. I move that the rules STATED MEETING 44 3/23/2023 as to permit the first reading this day of the 26 bills that were just read into the record by the Clerk. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the 26 bills that were just read by the Clerk. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and they will be on our First Reading Calendar today. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Johnson for a report from the Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities. STATED MEETING 45 3/23/2023

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Mr. Decker, please read the report.

The Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities, to which was referred Bill No. 230108, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to enter into a concession agreement with Slice Wireless Solutions, Incorporated for the operation, maintenance and expansion of a neutral-host radio, cellular and WiFi system and other wireless services," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to STATED MEETING 46 3/23/2023 recommendation.

Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Johnson.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of this day of Bill No. 230108. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 230108. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The STATED MEETING 47 3/23/2023 have it, and this bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. We will now proceed under a special order of business, a motion that Council reconsider the vote by which Bill No. 230106 was passed. This bill was passed by the Council on its March 9, 2023 session and was returned disapproved by the Mayor at today's session of Council. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the bill.

Bill No. 230106, entitled "An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council amending The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter by establishing the Office of Chief Public Safety Director to be responsible for ensuring public safety by coordinating the resources (personnel and employment, property, plant and STATED MEETING 48 3/23/2023 within the departments of Police, Prisons, Recreation, and other relevant City agencies; and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.

Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Council reconsider Bill No. 230106, which was approved by City Council on March 9th, 2023.

Thank you. Is there a second? (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. All in favor let it be known by saying aye. (Aye.)

STATED MEETING 49 3/23/2023 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)

The motion carries. Bill No. 230106 will be placed at the end of today's Calendar. And our next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had their first reading. They will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. There are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, so the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar at today's session.

Thank you, Mr. President. The following bills and resolutions are being called up from First [sic] Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 230215, 230216, STATED MEETING 50 3/23/2023 230218, 230079, 230104, 230105, 230106, 230209 -- no; 220914, and 220972. All other bills are being held and resolutions.

Thank you. Before considering these resolutions and bills, we will consider public comment. It will go as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for possible action at today's session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up, you may do so now at the table outside of the Chambers with the Sergeant-At-Arms. Once your name is called in the order in which you appear on the sign-up sheet, you will come up to testify. Under ideal circumstances, unfortunately what we don't have today because we have a significant number of individuals, STATED MEETING 51 3/23/2023 we're going to ask you to adjust your timeframe on your testimony to two minutes. We want to make sure that everybody has an opportunity to testify today. In order to be fair, we intend to hold faithfully to the established time limit. So when you begin speaking, you will see a green light on the podium on the device. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks, and when the light turns red, we'd ask that you please adhere to our guidelines and conclude your remarks. We again thank you for your willingness to participate in your government in action. We genuinely appreciate you being here to testify on the bills and resolutions that are up today. Mr. Decker, please call the first name on the list.

The first STATED MEETING 52 3/23/2023 speaker, Mr. President, is Lance Haver, commenting on 230216. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning.

Good morning.

My name is Lance Haver. I'm a Board member of the Philadelphia Unemployment Project, a 48-year-old advocacy group, and I'm here on their behalf today to say thank you for Council for fighting to raise the minimum wage. The state and federal minimum wage in the United States has remained glued at 7.25 an hour for the last 12 years, the longest stretch without a boost since the minimum wage was first adopted in 1938. Every state surrounding us has raised its minimum wage, and food at fast food restaurants is not less expensive in Pennsylvania than it is in surrounding states. STATED MEETING 53 3/23/2023 Jobs have not moved from New Jersey into Pennsylvania because the minimum wage went up in New Jersey. The states surrounding Philadelphia and Pennsylvania which have raised the minimum wage have not seen their economies collapse. Since the 1970s, we have seen the complete divorce between wages and productivity, with most of the gains going to the people at the top. If the minimum wage had kept pace with gains in the economy's productivity over the last 50 years, the minimum wage would be nearly $26 an hour today or more than $50,000 a year in annual income. In addition, because the minimum wage has not been raised, other incomes have been stagnant. People who make more than the minimum wage would see an increase if the minimum wage was raised. And because wages have been frozen for so long, housing, utility, and even food have become unaffordable to STATED MEETING 54 3/23/2023 tens of thousands of Philadelphians. Housing, utility bills, and food are more affordable to people who make more. The more people make, the less need for subsidy programs and the more the City budget can be used to invest in our future. So I appreciate and Philadelphia Unemployment Project appreciates the resolution, urges every member of Council to vote for it. It is time, it is time to raise the minimum wage in the State of Pennsylvania. Thank you.

Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you for your testimony.

The next speaker is John Bynum, commenting on 230216. STATED MEETING 55 3/23/2023 (Applause.) (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning. My name is John Bynum. Good morning, City Councilmembers. I would like to thank Councilmember Johnson for inviting me to speak on raising the minimum wage today. My name is John Bynum. I am the Assistant District Leader of Mid-Atlantic 1201 District of SEIU 32BJ. The Mid-Atlantic 1201 District of 32BJ represents over 10,000 bus drivers, janitors, building engineers, security guards for both Pennsylvania and the School District of Philadelphia and commercial office buildings. This includes the cleaners and security guards in this building. My union, along with most of you here today, have been fighting to raise the minimum wage in Pennsylvania and across the country for more than a STATED MEETING 56 3/23/2023 decade. Since kicking off the Fight for 15, 26 million workers across the country have won raises, but not here in Pennsylvania. While all our neighbors and states have raised their wages, Pennsylvania minimum wage has stayed the same, 7.25. Pennsylvania minimum wage of 7.25 has not raised since 2006. 7.25 barely buys me a dozen eggs. Almost one and a half million Pennsylvanians earn less than $15 an hour. This leads many Pennsylvanians living in poverty, barely making ends meet and relying on social safety nets just to get by. Many of the workers who are struggling are the very same workers we called heroes and essential during the pandemic. It is an insult that we are not raising the wage for them and all Pennsylvania workers. Full-time workers earning a minimum wage currently cannot cover the STATED MEETING 57 3/23/2023 average cost of living. They spend a bigger portion of their income on necessities like housing, food, utilities that often cannot -- which can often not be delayed. Increase in prices for basic necessities -- okay. I'm sorry -- in particular can result in low-income households becoming housing, food, energy -- housing, energy, and food insecure overnight. Government action to raise the minimum wage is necessary to protect these impacted workers from today's record high prices. The power to lift wages currently rests entirely in Harrisburg. When the lawmakers last raised the Pennsylvania minimum wage in 2006, they also --

Thank you.

-- preempted local minimum --

STATED MEETING 58 3/23/2023 Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. Sorry. (Applause.)

Again, I just ask you to please adjust your time for the two-minute limit, because we have a lot of people that want to speak today.

The next speaker is Rashad Eaton, commenting on 230216. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning.

How's everyone doing? My name is Rashad Eaton. I'm a concession stand worker with Aramark at Wells Fargo Center. I've been there a little over a month after finishing the Unite Here Philadelphia Hospitality STATED MEETING 59 3/23/2023 Academy. Before the pandemic, my family had a landscaping business with over 300 clients, but we had to shut down due to COVID. After that, I struggled to start over and was out of work for some time, until I went through the Hospitality Academy and got my union job at the stadiums. Now I'm a member of Unite Here Local 274. In my community I've seen people struggle making less than $15 an hour. I have lots of friends with kids who needed a chance, and I watched them struggle trying to feed their family making less than $15 an hour. People can't afford to live. They can't take care of their kids at home. They have to get second jobs just to pay the bills. It's like they are robots, overworked with little pay. One of my co-workers lives in Chester and takes a two-and-a-half-hour commute just to get to work, and she STATED MEETING 60 3/23/2023 doesn't get home until 1:00 in the morning. She has a 14-year-old daughter who needs her. She struggles to pay her rent. I think people need at least $20 an hour to get by. These corporations make billions of dollars and they can afford to pay people more, but we can't afford to make less than that. Inflation is going up, so how are we supposed to make it? The cost of living is rising, but we're still making pennies. Groceries alone you can't even afford. If we don't raise the minimum wage, we'll have more homeless, more crime, more kids not being raised by their parents, because they need three, four jobs just to pay the bills. The minimum wage has to go up. Thank you. (Applause.) STATED MEETING 61 3/23/2023

Thank you for your testimony.

Gregory Moody, commenting on 230216. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning.

Hello, everybody. My name is Gregory Moody. I currently work for Aramark at Wells Fargo. I'm a concessions cook member. I got the job from knocking on doors at Unite Here. I was out of work since 2020 when the pandemic started. So Unite Here gave me an opportunity to work again. So I know how it feels to make under $15 an hour. It's stressful. It's hard coming home trying to take care of your family not knowing that another check is going to come or whatnot. So we definitely need to raise the minimum wage so we can be able to take care of our families as well as take our loved ones on trips, enjoy life. $15 STATED MEETING 62 3/23/2023 an hour or less than $15 an hour is not going to do it, especially with the inflation and the way everything is going up, especially the groceries. Day-to-day living is going up. So it's urgent and mandatory that we raise the minimum wage, or life as we know it is going to get worse every day. Thank you, and have a wonderful day. (Applause.)

The next speaker is Briheem Douglas, commenting on 230216. (Witness approached podium.)

Briheem Douglas. Hello. My name is Briheem Douglas. I'm the Vice President of Unite Here Local 274 and the Outreach Coordinator for the Unite Here Philadelphia Hospitality Academy. I was born and raised in STATED MEETING 63 3/23/2023 Philadelphia. I worked for many years down at the stadiums in South Philly and fought with my co-workers to raise the wages, like to bring the wages down -you know, bring the wages up through having a strong union. And now so many years later, I'm helping to spearhead our Hospitality Academy. We train Philadelphians from the poorest zip codes to place into union jobs and have benefits that workers fought to change. A lot of people who come to the Hospitality Academy have never had a union job before and come from deep poverty and have had jobs where they were making less than 15 an hour, and we're able to even -- weren't even able to afford transportation to get to and from work. Our training academy helps work through those matters when folks get a job. We help provide transportation until they get their first check, STATED MEETING 64 3/23/2023 paycheck, and they get up on their feet. If you're making less than 15 an hour, folks are working multiple jobs, and they aren't able to spend time with their families and loved ones and they're not able to take breaks. They're exhausted. By comparison, our most recent graduate class will be going to Citizen Bank ballpark and will be making over 15, with a pathway to benefits. We've been fighting to raise the standard there in South Philly for many years with your ongoing support, Councilman Johnson. Our union is working to raise the standard for both union and non-union workers in our industry. Here are some numbers to consider: The average annual income for Philadelphians employed in visitor accommodation, includes management, is 24,061. That is well below the poverty line for our family -- for a family of four. STATED MEETING 65 3/23/2023 The living wage for one adult and one child in Philadelphia is $37 an hour. For a year-round 40-hour-per-week employee, that would be approximately 77,000 per year. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you. Mr. Decker.

The next speaker is Evelyn Sample. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning, esteemed members of Council. My name is Evelyn Sample-Oates, and it is my pleasure and my pride to be here today to speak on behalf of Police Commissioner Danielle M. Outlaw, who stands at the helm of the Philadelphia Police Department. The Department employs more than 5,600 sworn officers and 800 STATED MEETING 66 3/23/2023 professional staff who work to help make Philadelphia a safer city. And as unbelievable as it may sound, she is the first African American female police commissioner to serve within the Department's 169-year history. Commissioner Outlaw does not hail from a family of law enforcement officers. Her passion for this career was borne out of a true desire to improve the police-community relations in her hometown during her high school years. Her journey began in Oakland, California where she rose through the ranks as a compassionate and respected leader. After serving her community faithfully for over 20 years, she became the first African American female police chief of the Portland, Oregon Bureau of Police. Throughout her significant career of firsts, she leads the members of the Philadelphia Police Department with authenticity and extends humanity to STATED MEETING 67 3/23/2023 the community she serves. Police Commissioner Outlaw's career in Philadelphia continues to be an exciting journey. Life-altering events that may occur once in a police commissioner's lifetime, if they occur at all, happened all at once. But Commissioner Outlaw did not only lead the fourth largest police department in the nation during this unprecedented time in history, but did so while enduring a pandemic, the murder of an officer, significant staffing shortages, increased illegal weapons and ghost guns on our streets, and a heartbreaking amount of lives lost, that burden of which she shoulders with the community she serves and her police officers serve. So what shines through in her leadership is resilience - resilience under pressure, resilience under change, resiliency that allows those around her to know that they can survive the trauma STATED MEETING 68 3/23/2023 and they can endure. Her task is not for the weak of heart. Under Commissioner Outlaw's direction, the Police Department instituted several programs to ensure that police officers connect with community members in a way that is meaningful and gives voice to marginalized members of our community. The Procedurally Just Youth Engagement program and the Youth Advisory Commission were created to make sure that the youth, who are often direct and indirect witnesses to violent crime in our community, could unite and find solutions to issues that they encounter every day. I will wrap it up with this final statement. Commissioner Outlaw, according to, in fact, Mayor Jim Kenney, who after a nationwide search that brought Commissioner Outlaw to Philadelphia, recently said Commissioner Outlaw has shown unfailingly courageous STATED MEETING 69 3/23/2023 leadership and commitment to public safety in the three years since her appointment to the position. While our city navigated the uncertainty and social aftershocks of an unprecedented global health crisis, Commissioner Outlaw has been a trusted advisor and partner to my office and all of our collaborators in public safety, violence prevention, and criminal justice. Under her leadership, we have made significant strides in policing reforms and data-driven strategies, advancing public safety. I commend her integrity, her compassion, and her dedication to promoting safety and progress. So join me today as we recognize my friend, my sorority sister, my Link sister, and applaud Commissioner Outlaw for her tireless dedication as a law enforcement leader and a true public servant. STATED MEETING 70 3/23/2023 (Applause.)

Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read the next name.

The next speaker is Kim Ramirez. (Witness approached podium.)

Kimberly Ramirez. Good morning, City Councilmembers. I am Kimberly Ramirez, a Philadelphia Department of Prisons Advisory Board member, and I feel incredibly honored to pay tribute to Commissioner Blanche Carney during Women's History Month. I had the privilege of meeting Commissioner Carney at a conference focused on improving adult literacy in Philadelphia back in 2015. Little did I know that a few months later she would become the first female prison commissioner in Philadelphia and one of STATED MEETING 71 3/23/2023 only a handful of women to hold that position in the United States. Since her appointment, Commissioner Carney has effectively led Philadelphia Prisons through significant transformations and unprecedented challenges, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, the City of Philadelphia has implemented a restorative approach to pretrial incarceration, with access to critical services such as GED programs, job training, and mental health and addiction treatment. Incarcerated individuals return to their communities as productive workers and taxpayers, enabling those with children to be more actively involved in their children's lives. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Commissioner Carney and her team worked tirelessly to keep the virus from spreading in our jails. Their efforts successfully prevented a major STATED MEETING 72 3/23/2023 outbreak and kept the pandemic -- or kept the impact of the COVID-19 -- sorry; and kept the impact of COVID-19 inside the jails below the community infection rate. However, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of addressing inefficiencies and inequalities within our criminal legal system. As a city, we must recommit ourselves to reform efforts, criminal justice reform efforts, for the betterment of Philadelphians now and for future generations. I am proud of our work under Commissioner Carney's leadership. Philadelphia's criminal justice reform efforts are better off because of her compassion, her unwavering belief in the power of transformation, and her ability to lead through adversity. Thank you for your time today, and happy Women's History Month. (Applause.) STATED MEETING 73 3/23/2023

Thank you so much. Mr. Decker.

Dr. Movita Johnson-Harrell. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning, Council President and Councilmembers. My name is Dr. Movita Johnson-Harrell, and I am a former representative of the 190th District and made history four years ago this month being elected as so. I stand in support of the Honorable Rochelle Bilal, the first female sheriff. As a career police officer, leader of the Guardian Civic League, officer of the Philadelphia NAACP, and now Sheriff of the City of Philadelphia, she has fought to empower and to uplift the most marginalized and disenfranchised communities in Philadelphia. As Sheriff, she has fed STATED MEETING 74 3/23/2023 families during COVID and beyond, hosted coat drives and toy giveaways, and brought RAM and Dent-Med to the City of Philadelphia, the first free, totally free, dental, medical, and vision clinic. I am honored to be Chair of her Sheriff's Executive Committee of Chaplains and Honorary Deputies, and I can tell you that this Sheriff has so much more to bring to the City of Philadelphia. And please can we give this Sheriff a round of applause as a history-maker as the first female sheriff in the City of Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you so much. Mr. Decker.

The next speaker is Kaia Chau. STATED MEETING 75 3/23/2023 (Witness approached podium.)

Hello, everyone. My name is Kaia Chau. I am Debbie Wei's daughter and the co-founder of Students for the Preservation of Chinatown. I co-founded SPOC in response to the proposal to build a basketball arena that would sit on the same block as Chinese-owned businesses. My mother was born to Chinese immigrants. New to the country, Chinatown was the only place they could feel comfortable and buy groceries to cook familiar food, being one of the only ways to make this country feel like home. My mom, a second-generation Chinese American, also saw Chinatown as a safe haven, a place where she did not have to be ashamed of her identity. Now as a third-generation Chinese American, I can say that I feel the same way about Chinatown. I grew up going to Folk Arts-Cultural Treasures Charter School, a STATED MEETING 76 3/23/2023 school that my parents founded. Going to Chinatown and seeing peers who looked like me every day strengthened my identity. The holiday I looked forward most wasn't to Christmas. It was Mid-Autumn Festival, which my parents were also founders of. Chinatown was where I learned to walk around on my own. I did that even as a young child, because I felt safe there. Amidst the rise of anti-Asian violence throughout the country, Chinatown is still my safe haven. My earliest memories consist of attending protests in City Council hearings, watching my mom fight against the construction of a proposed casino in Chinatown. My mom also taught me that it isn't just Chinatown. We need to work in solidarity with all people who face oppression and injustice. My mom taught me about family, STATED MEETING 77 3/23/2023 not just of blood. Our home is always filled with her former students who she mentored over the years. When people ask me how many people are in my family, it's so hard to answer. There's so many people who call my mom "mom." My mother has dedicated her life to the fight for the existence of Chinatown, both so my grandparents could always have a place to feel comfortable and so her children did not have to lose connection to their heritage and Asian American identity. Now as an adult, I have the responsibility to fight as hard as I can for the sacred community so my parents can also grow old here and so my children have the same safe haven as I was provided as a child. Thank you for honoring my mom and all her work to preserve Chinatown. (Applause.) STATED MEETING 78 3/23/2023

Thank you so much. Mr. Decker.

Linda Cheung. (Witness approached podium.)

Ms. Cheung will be testifying in Chinese and I'll be reading her translation right after.

Thank you. Just state your name and then proceed.

(Ms. Cheung testifying in Chinese.) (Applause.)

The next speaker is Pheng Lim.

Hold on. They're translating. MS. CHAU (translating): Hello. My name is Linda Cheung. I have lived in Philadelphia's Chinatown since I was a teenager when my family emigrated to the United States. I grew up, worked, got STATED MEETING 79 3/23/2023 married, raised my children, and have now retired in the Chinatown community. This community can be said to be my home. Over the decades, our community has gone through many changes, and of those changes, the ones I remember the most is knowing, being with, and working with Debbie Wei. Debbie is one of the founders of Asian Americans United and a leader in the fight against inequality in Chinatown. She co-founded the annual Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival celebration with Chinatown high school students. She helped us fight for a school bus to pick up Chinatown elementary school students and established the first public charter school in Philadelphia's Chinatown. Philadelphia's Chinatown has a history of over 150 years. Over the past few decades, the developments and new construction projects around Chinatown have forced us to shrink again and again. Because of the construction of the Vine Street Expressway, Market Street East, STATED MEETING 80 3/23/2023 and the Convention Center, Chinatown in Philadelphia has gotten smaller and smaller. Our community will not give up the fight, the right to continue to survive. In this community, although oppressed, we continue to survive and thrive. Debbie Wei organized and led us, reminding us that the community is our home. We are the masters of this community, and we have rights that should be respected. Every time a proposal to build a stadium or a casino is announced, Debbie informs the community of the details in a timely manner so that our community has the ability to make the right decision. As a volunteer, Debbie really gave a lot of her personal time and energy. The most important thing is her love and care for this community. I can say that Debbie is part of what I call home. She is one of our family. STATED MEETING 81 3/23/2023 I hope that Debbie can continue to be our leader and continue to fight for equal treatment in our community and protect the rights that our citizens should have. Finally, I want to say I am against the construction of the basketball arena that will destroy Chinatown. The traffic is already bad in our community, and this will make it so much worse. Property values will rise and we lower-income people will suffer the most. We are now in another fight for our beloved community, and like so many times before, Debbie is one of the leaders helping to save our community. Thank you for honoring her, because it means that you also honor Chinatown, and I hope you will support us. Thank you. (Applause.) STATED MEETING 82 3/23/2023

Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read the next name.

President Pro Tem, point of order. I'd like to be recognized.

Councilmember O'Neill.

Thank you. I have to leave the session and request an absence for the rest of the session to attend to City business, and I'd like to be voting aye on all bills and resolutions and also aye on any attempt that's made or any vote that's taken on overriding the Mayor's veto. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilmember. It will be noted for the record aye votes on all bills or resolutions and overrides. Mr. Decker, please read the next name.

The next speaker STATED MEETING 83 3/23/2023 is Pheng Lim. (Witness approached podium.)

My name is Pheng Lim and I am the Principal of the Folk Arts-Cultural Treasures Charter School in Chinatown, a National Blue Ribbon-awarded public school, but before I was a principal there, I was a teacher, and I started at FACTS in 2005, its first year, and the principal who hired me, the founding principal was Debbie Wei. It was clear that Debbie had a vision for education, a vision where the central mission of the school is to create communities of care and nurture for children, honoring families and community knowledge and values, and respect in the professional learning space for educators. The founders had exactly six months to build a school from the ground up. Debbie is an advocate for our students and families. When families who faced deportation and mistreatment at the STATED MEETING 84 3/23/2023 hands of ICE, Debbie rallied support for the families, testifying, calling newspapers, even allowing families to stay in her home when they needed support. The first few years at FACTS was a transformative experience for me and the members of the school community. A school does not stand as a single entity but a community. She helped us learn about the history of the neighborhood and space our school resides. In turn, we all learned to be advocates. We have a voice to stand up to injustice. We helped fight a casino development to protect families struggling with gambling addiction. We helped -- we were a safe haven for students who fled violence at their school and spent nine days boycotting and meeting at FACTS for change. The school sits on top of where a stadium was proposed. "We work to help STATED MEETING 85 3/23/2023 ourselves and our community" is a line from our school pledge that Debbie co-wrote. And now we are seeing the community rally once again for its life under the threat of an unnecessary arena proposed by predatory developers. She is absolutely deserving of this, but knowing Debbie, the biggest honor you can give her is not necessarily this resolution. It is the commitment from all of you as elected officials to protect all communities across Philadelphia, including Chinatown. It is what she would see as appreciation for her work and the work of so many others. She had said something that stuck with me: We will always be protecting what we love. Yesterday I heard an 8th grader say, change and movement do not happen with only a few individuals but many, many people. Thank you. STATED MEETING 86 3/23/2023 (Applause.)

Thank you. Thank you for your testimony.

Reverend Robin Hynicka. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning.

Good morning. Thank you, Council President Clarke and Councilmembers. My name is Robin Hynicka and I serve as the lead pastor at the Arch Street United Methodist Church, which I might add is over the Masonic Temple and City Hall. For over 150 years, the residents of Chinatown have been our nearest neighbor, so I'm honored to speak to this resolution recognizing Debbie Wei for her dedicated work to preserve Chinatown. Debbie considers Arch Street her spiritual home. To me, Debbie is the STATED MEETING 87 3/23/2023 beloved community incarnate. Her tenure as a Chinatown advocate inspired not only Chinatown residents but Philadelphians of all kinds to stand in opposition to the existential threats to her neighborhood presented by the Vine Street Expressway, a commuter tunnel, the Convention Center, a baseball stadium, a casino, and now a 76ers arena. Her soulful work simply is to preserve Chinatown, the last remaining working-class neighborhood of color in Center City. In a recent article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, David Adelman, a principal in the development of the arena, reminisced about attending 76ers basketball games as a six-year-old boy. What a privilege it was to feel free to go into a crowd of unknown people and not feel unsafe even as a child. Compare that to Debbie Wei, who as a child felt safest and most welcome only in Chinatown, a place where STATED MEETING 88 3/23/2023 benevolence, family bonds, and a broad array of traditional foods meant more than mere acceptance. It was a sacred experience that belied the racial slurs and physical assaults that were and still are an everyday occurrence outside of Chinatown. In a time when public safety is so important to the residents of our city, why threaten something that already exists in Chinatown, one of the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia? So like hundreds of other people of faith and conscience from around the City, represented in POWER Interfaith, I commend Debbie for her erasable, irresistible, and inspirational decades of leadership. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

The next speaker is Samira McCafferty. STATED MEETING 89 3/23/2023 (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning. MS. McCAFFERTY: Good morning. Hello. My name is Samira McCafferty and I'm the Executive Assistant for Sheriff Rochelle Bilal. I just came here today to speak on behalf of Sheriff Rochelle Bilal on behalf of millennials. It's so great to see three women right here who have made a long, long, long, well-deserved history-making for our city. A Black African American like me to see these Black females inspires me. Every day you always go and you see people like you. However, not at the top. In honor of Women's History Month, to see three Black females in the top of the City inspired me to be a better individual. I believe that these women should always be honored, because little Black girls need to see females who go STATED MEETING 90 3/23/2023 through hardships, but, however, they prosper and they inspire the youth. By inspiring the youth, we will have future doctors, future lieutenants, future captains, or future people who want to go into law enforcement to make it better in their neighborhoods. So thank you, Sheriff Rochelle Bilal, for inspiring me, for allowing me to break in your administration, for helping those in need, for being a community outreach advocate, and always allowing the youth to be the future of Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you. Thank you for your testimony.

Diane Richardson. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning, Councilmembers. STATED MEETING 91 3/23/2023

Good morning.

My name is Diane Richardson and I'm the block captain of the Gilbert 79ers. I have been in existence with the Gilbert 79ers for 18 years as a block captain and five years as a co-block captain. In our block, we're very organized. We pretty much do all the clean-ups in the City of Philadelphia throughout with the spring cleaning and throughout the division in whole. We are a very organized block. We want to take this opportunity to thank Councilmember Anthony Phillips for this honorary resolution today. We are so grateful that you honor us, that you continue to see the work that we do in our neighborhood and throughout the City. Thank you so much. I appreciate it with the Councilmembers within this block that this resolution STATED MEETING 92 3/23/2023 will always stand. Thanks again.

Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.)

Angela Smith. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning.

Hi. My name is Angela M. Smith. Hi, Council. I just want to, first of all, start off by thanking Anthony Phillips. I thank you so much for honoring us in the Ninth District. Never been honored before. I'm so happy, especially with the women that are being honored today for Women's Month. I do a lot in Olney and upper Olney, community events, different things of that nature, and I just want to say no matter what your title is, as STATED MEETING 93 3/23/2023 stakeholders of Philadelphia we need to come out and support our leaders, support them very strong. When people like Rochelle Bilal give community meetings, come to community meetings and do things, and Anthony Phillips, it lets you know, no matter where they live or what their address is, they still participate as stakeholders in the City of Philadelphia, caring about our communities and the children and the parents and seniors in it. So nobody has an excuse. I believe in a model that I always say, building bridges in our community, all we need is you, no matter what your title is. People like Isaiah Thomas, his family, they come out to community meetings. They all get involved, and that's what it takes in our city, for us to all be involved. And I'm, again, so happy to be honored today, so happy, but, again, it takes all of us, and that's all I want to STATED MEETING 94 3/23/2023 say. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you for your testimony.

The next speaker is Nabeehah Parker. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning.

Good morning. I'm Nabeehah Parker. I'm Partnership Coordinator at Building 21 High School. So it's kind of dangerous when you ask teachers to come up and talk, but I'mma watch the light. So, first, I would like to invite everybody in here, if you would like to be a part of Building 21, just get on their website, contact me. But I would like to say, Councilman Phillips, thank you very much STATED MEETING 95 3/23/2023 for this recognition. It is really an honor to be recognized today when there are so many thousands of women currently and throughout history who could stand here in this space because of their contributions to the success of our youth. Councilman Phillips, we are also thankful for your partnership with Building 21 and your personal attention to nurturing our students by hosting them at your office, contributing to their professional growth, and also learning from our young people, who are arguably our most important citizens. To all of the Councilmembers, thank you, and please continue your commitment to the children in Philadelphia, from early childhood education through high school and beyond. We at Building 21 thank you for holding the School District accountable, for providing access to records and documents needed for us to return safely to our STATED MEETING 96 3/23/2023 school building. The educational system in Philadelphia has a myriad of issues that will require creativity, partnerships, funding, and long-term change, from the important agenda of creating spaces for minority students at our special admit schools and then making them comfortable, to mental health support for all of our children and young adults, to the seemingly never-ending dilemma of asbestos, lead, and safety at our edifices of learning. Your work as Councilmembers is never-ending. Your work is appreciated. As you might have heard from some of your other teachers, you'll hear from me, keep trying. You can do it. Keep going. And thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. STATED MEETING 97 3/23/2023

Ogbonna Hagins, commenting on 221015. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning.

Great morning, everybody. I'm speaking on the ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finance, Taxes and Collections," to incentivize affordable housing development by authorizing tax exemptions pursuant to the Affordable Housing Unit Tax Exemption Act, all under certain terms and conditions. My question is -- Ogbonna Hagins, H-A-G-I-N-S. My question is, what exactly is this word "solid"? What exactly does amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code mean? Who exactly is this incentivizing? Does the average citizen really understand this? Who is being exempted from taxes? I want to remind this body to STATED MEETING 98 3/23/2023 know that simply providing affordable housing is not the answer to lifting people up. What is being done for those who qualify for affordable housing to be lifted from those roles? We need people to be lifted up so that they're not a part of affordable housing. Generally people are in affordable housing from generation to generation. I want to remind this body and those listening that the government as it relates to Afro Americans historically has discriminated against this group. As noted by the Brookings Institute, there has been empirical data that shows longstanding social, economic, and legal repression of Afro Americans in Philadelphia through home and commercial property ownership. The average loss in the Afro American community value in houses is $48,000 -- that's been since the year 2000 -- per home, amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars of STATED MEETING 99 3/23/2023 cumulative losses. This injustice warrants a committee accompanied by the District Attorney's Office to investigate and, if need be, prosecute those who are responsible. Note, only have African Americans been robbed in the past. We need to get reparations. We need to be economically repaired from the decades of loss from Jim Crow laws, convict leasing, and discrimination in education, et cetera, et cetera. And I just really got to say --

Thank you.

-- two minutes is just not enough. How do you guys just like know we got to get out of here in --

Mr. Hagins.

-- two minutes? What do we got to do? So two minutes is not enough. STATED MEETING 100 3/23/2023 We can stay in here a little bit longer. To be rushed --

Mr. Hagins.

It's not right.

Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.)

The next speaker is Horace Clouden. (Witness approached podium.)

Hello. Good after -- good eve -- good morning. Whatever. My name is Horace Clouden talking about affordable housing. You know, how would you feel if you received a tax notice that your taxes have been increased to over 100 percent because someone is building in your zip code, not beside you? You know, I'm talking about the area Item No. 4 for the reason of deteriorated area. STATED MEETING 101 3/23/2023 The question is, if you have a home or two on your block that is deteriorated, why should my property be taxed at over 100 percent? When on fixed income and you have to go into your savings to pay the taxes, you are not making my home affordable. You are taking away from my generational wealth. When the land or space in question has been changed from deteriorated to prepped for new construction, does that change the status/definition of the property, you know? To increase the property assessment does not -- does me no good, because I'm not ready to sell or ready to pay a tax increase because of an assessment for new construction in the name of affordable housing. Say no to that bill. Have everyone pay their fair taxes, fair share of taxes. Take people like myself off the tax increase list. STATED MEETING 102 3/23/2023 Thank you.

Thank you for your testimony. Appreciate it. (Applause.)

The next speaker is Mama Gail Clouden. (Witness approached podium.)

Good morning -- good afternoon. Sorry.

Peace and love, family. Can you hear me?

Yes, we can.

Peace and love. Can you hear me now?

Yes, we can.

Before my time starts, I just want to say thank you for coming to visit Pea Sweet (ph) at Strawberry Mansion High School, sir. STATED MEETING 103 3/23/2023

You're welcome.

Thank you, President. Peace and love, family. I sat here today in City Council remembering how I never had the opportunity to learn civics. Writing and remembering a slogan that -- excuse me. It was written, and I remembered this slogan as a young person: Taxation without representation, and that was written, I believe, in the 1740s. So as I stand here thinking about how many of our families have been used and abused in the name of taxation, how people are constantly getting abatements all the time on the backs of people that have the least. And so I understand, inner-stand, over-stand that there is universal law. So I stand here in City Council on this day of our Lord and I declare, claim, and decree that on this day of our STATED MEETING 104 3/23/2023 Lord, that those that have the least will stop being taken advantage of. Many of our people have voted for you all who are here and you have left to run for Mayor, and we voted for you knowing, believing, thinking that you would do something to help. In a city that has been racially divided over many, many years, and that hasn't changed, as I think in terms of riding up and down the street and I remember when I said to Dr. Hite, Dr. Ackerman, bless her soul, ride up and down the streets and see who is working, it reminds me of South Africa. Look at who is working. When people say our children, our young people, our adults can't pass tests, why is that? Why is that? So you're constantly taxing and taxing and using them for tax abatements, the children, the adults. It's over. And I said I believe in universal law. Again, I stand here in City STATED MEETING 105 3/23/2023 Council. I decree, I declare, I claim on this day of our Lord that you will stop using our poorest to get the most.

Thank you.

It's got to end. Thank you.

Thank you for your testimony. Appreciate it.

Thank you. (Applause.)

The next speaker is Leah Clouden. (Witness approached podium.)

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon. Leah Clouden. I didn't prepare anything, but I'm going to go off of what my parents STATED MEETING 106 3/23/2023 said -- well, what my mother said about driving around and seeing that -- I don't see people that look like us, African American. I know that we have the majority. I don't know if we still have the majority, because we're importing a lot of immigrants. But the thing about tax abatement is that us as residents, we get nothing out of this. All we do is pay, pay, pay. The educational system, and I'll say it again, is eight percent away from total failure. So in the name of the children does not work, because the system does not work. Even my trash services, the services you're supposed to get from the police, they come the next day for reports, no matter what it is. I've watched accidents outside my house because the City has agreed or gave a contract to these people to redesign the streets and they don't put the streets back the way they used to be. So I watch STATED MEETING 107 3/23/2023 accidents, I would say, about three to four times a week happening outside my door. I've called several times. So this tax abatements are the low income moving into the neighborhood. They need help when they move into our neighborhood. And we all had -- well, if you're Black in Philadelphia, we have many a moments where we've all been low income, because we know that there is no fair pay. There hasn't been fair pay, especially with people here today about raising the minimum wage. We have -- this city has to do better. We're tired of paying and not getting anything back. You have companies coming in and making crazy money for 30 percent of their units. This has to stop. Thank you.

Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.) STATED MEETING 108 3/23/2023

The next speaker is Captain Nicole Nobles. (Witnesses approached podium.) CHIEF DEPUTY HAIRSTON: Good morning -- good afternoon.

Good afternoon. CHIEF DEPUTY HAIRSTON: My name is Chief Deputy Vonda Hairston and I am honored to speak on behalf of my boss, Rochelle Bilal. I have worked with the City of Philadelphia for 31 years. Four of those were with the Philadelphia Prisons and 27 years with the Office of the Sheriff. I have served under three administrations, and I must say Sheriff Bilal has brought a different atmosphere to the office. She's very approachable, down to earth, and cares about the office and, more importantly, our deputies. Because of her, we are finally being recognized as a law enforcement STATED MEETING 109 3/23/2023 agency that we always have been, and because of that, we are gaining more respect throughout the City of Philadelphia. I have great respect for her as my boss, as a strong Black woman, and consider her a mentor. The Sheriff has promoted me twice since taking office, and I want to personally and publicly thank her for seeing a potential in me that I didn't necessarily see in myself, at least at this level of responsibility. So with that, I just want to thank you, Sheriff Bilal, for what you're doing for our office, what you have done for me, and the way that you care for all of us. (Applause.) CAPTAIN NOBLES: Captain Nicole Nobles. I really am not a speaker, but STATED MEETING 110 3/23/2023 I'm head of the Warrant Unit of the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office. I just want to say that Sheriff Bilal, she's been a real mentor since she came. When you speak about Black girls, young Black girls in the City of Philadelphia being and having someone to look up to, I'm a product of that. When she came here, I was just in awe to see a Black woman being head of the Sheriff's Office. I also worked up in the Philadelphia Prison. So just having her as a boss means a lot to us. She's done a lot for us. I mean, we didn't have any vests. We didn't have any shields. We went through houses without no shields. I mean, when Sheriff Bilal came here, we got shields, we got helmets. That means a lot to us. When nobody else cared about us, she came in here and she cared about us. And, again, thank you. (Applause.) STATED MEETING 111 3/23/2023

Thank you.

The next speaker is Lynn Landes, commenting on 210913. (Witness approached podium.)

Good afternoon. My name is Lynn Landes of HealthAlertPhilly.org. I support Resolution 210913, but I also have a question. Why is the Board of Health continuing to mandate COVID vaccines for City employees, contractors, and others? And could it have anything to do with the tens of millions of dollars of federal funds the City received? Because it is now common knowledge that COVID vaccines do not stop COVID, but instead come with dangerous and deadly side-effects, particularly clots in the blood, which is why they are often called clot shots. It has also become increasingly clear that COVID was made in a Chinese STATED MEETING 112 3/23/2023 lab using funds provided by the U.S. government, but did you know that many vaccines are also made by the Chinese? That's according to a Pfizer whistleblower as well as a May 10th, 2021 press release I have in my hand from a Chinese vaccine company. Why would our federal government pay the Chinese to manufacture vaccines to guard against the very disease the Chinese themselves created? And why would our federal government and most other governments around the world then mandate these vaccines for their citizens? By the way, China did not give their citizens the mRNA COVID vaccine. It's time to connect the dots. Last September, City Council formally apologized for coerced medical experimentation on mostly Black prisoners at Holmesburg Prison from the 1950s to the 1970s. That tragic injustice of the past is hauntingly similar to what is STATED MEETING 113 3/23/2023 happening today, except now it's on a global scale. The COVID shots that Philadelphia is coercing people into taking are dangerous and deadly. The Society of Actuaries has reported that deaths went up dramatically after the rollout of the COVID vaccines. Something has gone terribly wrong. City Council needs to do the right thing and end all COVID vaccine mandates now before more deadly damage.

The next speaker is Sheriff Rochelle Bilal.

To the Commissioners, you might as well tee up too. (Applause.) (Witnesses approached podium.) SHERIFF BILAL: Good afternoon.

Good afternoon. STATED MEETING 114 3/23/2023 SHERIFF BILAL: Get my partners up here. Good afternoon, Councilman. Sheriff Rochelle Bilal for the City and County of Philadelphia. I just want to thank Council for honoring us in this Women's History Month, because we do work hard in this city. I want to thank my staff for coming here. I didn't know they were going to speak. I do know that I appreciate what y'all said. What we do in this city is more important than what some opinion people can say about us, because we do it anyway. I've been in the City all my life, and what I care about is what the people need in this city. I don't stay in a box as just the Sheriff. I do what I see is needed for the people of the City. And so when you see me out in the community, it's not just about the Sheriff position. It's about what we need here in the City. And STATED MEETING 115 3/23/2023 so whenever I can help out, wherever I can help out, whatever we can do, then I'm there to do. I'm not leaving this city when I get done this job. I'mma stay here and be a pain in somebody else's backside, because that's me. I'mma do what it is when I need to do it. And I thank y'all so much. You don't know. The amount of work that we do, most people don't even see it. Thank you. Appreciate you. (Applause.)

Thank you, Sheriff.

The next speaker is Commissioner Danielle Outlaw. COMMISSIONER OUTLAW: Good afternoon.

Good afternoon. COMMISSIONER OUTLAW: I didn't STATED MEETING 116 3/23/2023 know we were speaking, but I do want to say thank you. I didn't expect my staff to be here as well. I appreciate the support. I also want to thank Evelyn Sample-Oates for your kind remarks as well. I just want to say this very quickly. We tend to get these jobs -- I know what we're standing here, what we represent, and what people see. We're all firsts, but I want to remind people that we tend to get these jobs when things are at their worst. I got an amen corner over here. I know that, right? We get these jobs when things are at their worst, and when they don't turn around right away, folks are real quick to say, see, I told you. We are not going to be successful in these roles without everyone's collaborative effort. I said it on day one and I'mma say it again. I moved across the country because I care STATED MEETING 117 3/23/2023 and I'm passionate about this work, as is everyone in this room, and the sooner we work together, the quicker we will see the results. And the last thing I'mma say is this: It can't be February or March where we continue to recognize the accomplishments of so many people in this city. Our young people have to know that they're on the right path as well, and that's all day every day regardless of what we look like. But we also recognize that women bring a strength to this. We have a different set of interpersonal skills, quite frankly, that maybe some people don't. Grace, strength, compassion, mercy, empathy, understanding, these are not weaknesses. These are strengths. And the sooner we see that, the better off we'll be. So thank you very much for this recognition, and I appreciate everybody's support. STATED MEETING 118 3/23/2023 (Applause.)

Thank you, Commissioner.

The next speaker is Commissioner Blanche Carney.

Good afternoon, Commissioner. COMMISSIONER CARNEY: Good afternoon, Council President, and thank you, Councilmember Cindy Bass and all Councilmembers that are honoring us. I echo the comments of my sisters, because unbeknownst to the general public, we work closely together behind the scenes, not looking for recognition, standing up on the darkest days. It's not easy with the task and the COVID pandemic and everything that has been thrown at the Police, the Sheriff, and the Prisons. And, yes, things do happen, but this is not for the faint of heart. But we show up every day dedicated, because STATED MEETING 119 3/23/2023 we're public servants. We understand people's lives are in our hands, and we give it 100 percent. And standing up under that scrutiny is because we're committed to this work. We are committed to this work. That means every day there's a challenge, and we stand up and we meet it. And we stand supporting each other, and that's the key here. Understanding that we communicate, picking up the phone, not going e-mail for e-mail, how can I help you, what do you need, I heard that's happening. This is all happening because we're part of that public safety cluster. And it's so easy to finger point, to say, look, they're not doing it. There's no way anyone in this room could have predicted the pandemic and the impact that it would have had. All right? But we show up every day under those circumstance. Yes, we're short of staff, but we're working to draw people back to public safety. STATED MEETING 120 3/23/2023 There's been a lot of negative press about Police, Prisons, Sheriff. We have to change the narrative to attract people back to these very positions that will help keep us safe in the City of Philadelphia. So we have to continue, press forward, and I'm just grateful to stand with these women, because it's not easy. And sometimes you look at us and it says they don't care. No. We don't wear that on our sleeve. We pull them up and we do the task and we meet that challenge, and we're committed to this work. So thank you, and God bless. (Applause.)

Thank you. Thank you for you all. Thank you very much. That concludes our public comment for today. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and STATED MEETING 121 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Final Passage Calendar. We're going to take a brief four, three-minute recess. Let's do a five-minute recess. (Short recess from 12:30 p.m. to 12:36 p.m.)

Thank you. We are back. Great. Okay. We're going to get started again. Thank you all. And, again, thanks to our fine Commissioners and our Sheriff for their awesome, awesome work and their public service. Thank you. We will now proceed with our Calendar on our bills and resolutions on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 230215.

A resolution also naming South 22nd Street, between Market Street and Chestnut Street, "Pat Eiding STATED MEETING 122 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Way", to honor Patrick J. Eiding for his service as President of the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO and his accomplishments on behalf of Philadelphia workers.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.

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

It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 230216. STATED MEETING 123 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING

A resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to act on Governor Shapiro's call, in his 2023 budget address, to raise the state's minimum wage to $15 and to deliver a living wage for workers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Johnson.

Thank you, Council President. I just have brief remarks regarding this particular resolution and as we take the final vote today on this resolution supporting Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's call to raise the state's minimum wage from 7.25 per hour to $15 per hour. At this moment, Pennsylvania is one of 20 states nationwide where their minimum wage is no higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25, which was set 14 years ago in 2009. Every state STATED MEETING 124 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING that borders Pennsylvania has already raised its minimum wage. Among our neighboring states, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York have already raised the minimum wage above $13 and have plans in place to continue to raise the minimum wage until they reach $15 per hour in the coming years. So my colleagues -- all my colleagues in this room all too well know the impact of the state's antiquated minimum wage on working families. We meet people in Philadelphia who work hard every day, but still live below the federal poverty line. It should be clear that anybody looking at the numbers of the state antiquated minimum wage is holding back working families in Philadelphia and across the Commonwealth. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, two percent of Pennsylvania hourly wage workers were paid at or below the federal minimum wage STATED MEETING 125 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING in 2022 and only 13 percent were paid between $7.25 and $12 per hour. That's nearly one million people in Pennsylvania who made less than $15 per hour last year. The result is that far too many working families in Pennsylvania have trouble making ends meet. When we account for the cost of living, Philadelphia is one of the major cities where it costs -- where it's most difficult for minimum wage workers to make ends meet, and our neighbors across the Commonwealth don't fare much better. The MIT living wage calculator estimates that in Pennsylvania single adults with no children need $16.67 per hour to support themselves. A single adult with one child needs $32.42 per hour. And a household with two working adults and two children needs $23.28 per hour per adult. These numbers should make it clear that the current minimum wage is STATED MEETING 126 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING not a living wage in Philadelphia or any other county in Pennsylvania. For years, democrats in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, including myself, have joined with working families and union leaders to fight for a $15 an hour minimum wage. Now it's time to make it a reality. A $15 per hour minimum wage will help all residents throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania rise out of poverty and towards a brighter future. The late President John F. Kennedy once said, no American is ever made better off by pulling a fellow American down, and every American is made better off whenever any one of us is made better off. A rising tide raises all boats. I want to thank members from Unite Here, SEIU 32BJ, and the Pennsylvania Unemployment Project for supporting this resolution. And at this particular time, STATED MEETING 127 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Council President, I move for the adoption of the resolution, and thank my colleagues for their support. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. Resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 230218.

A resolution renaming the 2800 block of North 22nd Street to "Willie Seward Way", to recognize, honor, and celebrate the life and legacy of Willie Seward for his dedication to the City of Philadelphia.

The STATED MEETING 128 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I'm pleased to move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 230079.

An ordinance constituting the Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Ordinance to the Restated General Water and Wastewater Revenue Bond Ordinance of 1989, as supplemented; authorizing the Bond Committee to issue or sell one or more series or subseries STATED MEETING 129 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING of tax-exempt or taxable water and wastewater revenue bonds and revenue refunding bonds; authorizing agreements to provide credit enhancement or payment or liquidity sources (or any combination of the foregoing) for such Bonds; providing that such Bonds shall bear interest at fixed or variable rates; determining the sufficiency of pledged Project Revenues; and authorizing the Director of Finance to take actions with regard to the sale of such Bonds.

Thank you. This bill having been read on two different days, the question is now shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.

Councilwoman Bass.

Aye.

Councilwoman Brooks.

Aye. STATED MEETING 130 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING

Councilman Driscoll.

Aye.

Councilwoman Gauthier.

Aye.

Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.

Aye.

Councilman Harrity.

Aye.

Councilman Johnson.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilwoman Lozada.

Aye.

Councilman O'Neill is voting aye. Councilman Phillips.

Aye. STATED MEETING 131 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING

Councilman Squilla.

Aye.

Councilman Thomas.

Aye.

Councilwoman Vaughn.

Aye.

Council President Clarke.

Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are zero. A majority of all members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, 230104.

An ordinance approving the amendment of the Fiscal Year 2023 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works, including the supplying of funds in connection therewith. STATED MEETING 132 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING

This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.

Councilwoman Bass.

Aye.

Councilwoman Brooks.

Aye.

Councilman Driscoll.

Aye.

Councilwoman Gauthier.

Aye.

Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.

Aye.

Councilman Harrity.

Aye.

Councilman STATED MEETING 133 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Johnson.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilwoman Lozada.

Aye.

Councilman O'Neill is voting aye. Councilman Phillips.

Aye.

Councilman Squilla.

Aye.

Councilman Thomas.

Aye.

Councilwoman Vaughn.

Aye.

Council President Clarke.

Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are STATED MEETING 134 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING zero. A majority of all members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. 230105.

An ordinance authorizing the extension of the program authorized by Bill No. 181043 under which advance approval is given to the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation to enter into certain contracts and transactions arising thereunder for the purchase, storage, distribution, transportation and/or transmission of natural and other gas supply on behalf of the Philadelphia Gas Works.

This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.

Councilwoman Bass.

Aye. STATED MEETING 135 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING

Councilwoman Brooks.

Aye.

Councilman Driscoll.

Aye.

Councilwoman Gauthier.

Aye.

Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.

Aye.

Councilman Harrity.

Aye.

Councilman Johnson.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilwoman Lozada.

Aye.

Councilman STATED MEETING 136 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING O'Neill is voting aye. Councilman Phillips.

Aye.

Councilman Squilla.

Aye.

Councilman Thomas.

Aye.

Councilwoman Vaughn.

Aye.

Council President Clarke.

Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are zero. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, 220914.

An ordinance renaming and designating the property commonly referred to as the Hillside Recreation Center, located at 201 STATED MEETING 137 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Fountain Street, as the "Lonnie Cohen Recreation Center" in the City of Philadelphia.

This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.

Councilwoman Bass.

Aye.

Councilwoman Brooks.

Aye.

Councilman Driscoll.

Aye.

Councilwoman Gauthier.

Aye.

Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.

Aye.

Councilman STATED MEETING 138 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Harrity.

Aye.

Councilman Johnson.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilwoman Lozada.

Aye.

Councilman O'Neill is voting aye. Councilman Phillips.

Aye.

Councilman Squilla.

Aye.

Councilman Thomas.

Aye.

Councilwoman Vaughn.

Aye.

Council President STATED MEETING 139 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Clarke.

Clarke. I'm sorry. Aye. The ayes are 15 -- long session. The ayes are 15; the nays are zero. A majority of all members present having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, 220972.

An ordinance amending an Ordinance (Bill No. 877), approved September 16, 1994, by amending an exhibit thereto, in order to increase the limit of the amount of funding any entity may receive in any fiscal year from the Philadelphia Activities Fund.

This bill having been read on two different days, the question is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.

Councilwoman Bass. STATED MEETING 140 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING

Aye.

Councilwoman Brooks.

Aye.

Councilman Driscoll.

Aye.

Councilwoman Gauthier.

Aye.

Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.

Aye.

Councilman Harrity.

Aye.

Councilman Johnson.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilwoman Lozada.

Aye. STATED MEETING 141 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING

Councilman O'Neill is voting aye. Councilman Phillips.

Aye.

Councilman Squilla.

Aye.

Councilman Thomas.

Aye.

Councilwoman Vaughn.

Aye.

Council President Clarke.

Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are zero. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, do you have any additional resolutions?

A resolution honoring Diane Richardson, Angela Smith, STATED MEETING 142 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Nabeehah Parker, Marlene Trice, and Marilyn L. Torres as Heroes of the 9th Council District for their laudable service to the community. Mr. President, Councilman Phillips would like to be recognized on this resolution.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Phillips.

Good afternoon, colleagues. Good afternoon, Council President. Thank you so much. And also good afternoon to the viewing public. And for this particular resolution, good afternoon to all of those who are viewing from the Ninth District. This week I am proud to introduce a resolution honoring Diane Richardson, Angela Smith, Nabeehah Parker, Marlene Trice, and Marilyn Torres as Heroes of the 9th District for their laudable service to the community. This is my second heroes of the STATED MEETING 143 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Ninth District resolution, and what I plan on being an ongoing series of resolutions in this month, I was intentional about honoring servant leaders who are women in our district given that it is Women's History Month. Today I have with me Angela Smith. If we can have Angela Smith please stand. (Applause.)

I want to let you know that, Council President, when I first met Angela Smith, one of the first things she said to me was something centered around are you going to serve, are you going to help us in Olney. And let me tell you something. I took everything that she said to heart. I went home that night and thought about all the things that I can do to be a better representative or whatever I can STATED MEETING 144 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING do to make sure that Olney is one of the best areas represented by our district. But I did that because Angela Smith was a person who let me know all of the issues and concerns that Olney was having, in the upper half of Olney for sure. But also one of the things that I loved about her was that she was already doing a lot of the work to take care of the residents of Olney, from food drives to making sure that Olney residents understood the importance of voting, but also understand the right people that should be in office. But the most important thing that people don't know that Angela did that was really, really great, Sturgis Recreation Center was a shell before Angela Smith. Angela literally made sure that the City of Philadelphia got the funding that was needed in order for Sturgis to be renovated. And I'm so thankful for her, because not only did she do that, recently there was trouble STATED MEETING 145 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING at Sturgis Recreation Center around Saturday operation hours. She made me aware of that, and now because of her advocacy, we have better Saturday operation hours at Sturgis Recreation Center. Her mother should be proud of her for all of the work that she's done for her community. But, most importantly, in memory of her mother, she's had a lot of issues -- a lot of events and programs that address cancer research, cancer awareness and, most importantly, funding for cancer. So I just want to say, Angela, who is a business owner of Knowledge is Learned LLC, but outside of her work, she is a committee person, she's a board member on several organizations, and she's a special events coordinator liaison to communities in the Ninth District. To some, she is well known for her work with Sturgis Playground, but to STATED MEETING 146 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING others, for her work supporting those who are dealing with breast cancer as well as celebrating survivors. So, Angela, I love you and I thank you for all of the work that you've done for our Ninth District. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you.

And before I go, I just also want to mention that Ms. Diane Richardson was here today and also Nabeehah Parker. Ms. Diane Richardson is known for being an incredible block leader in our city. Mount Airy is better because of her in the same way that Olney is better because of Angela. Because of the renowned work that Ms. Diane Richardson has done with delivering City resources in Mount Airy as well as food resources, STATED MEETING 147 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING our communities are stronger. Ms. Nabeehah Parker for all of the work that she's done at Building 21 is incredible with our students, making sure that they have internships, making sure that they have college access materials, as well as making sure they have loving and caring support systems at the school. So I just want to say I thank those two women very much so. And Marlene Trice, who could not be here today, I also would like to just quickly say she is a woman who cares about her Mount Airy community. She has run the Kitchen of Love food pantry for 30 years, and it currently operates out of the Dorothy Emanuel Recreation Center. Kitchen of Love has also organized fundraisers, distributed toys, food, and candy for kids in December and has given away turkeys and food at the Thanksgiving time. And then, finally, Marilyn STATED MEETING 148 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Torres, she's been a resident of the Tookany/Frankford area for a little while, and she works at the Academy of Natural Sciences where she advocates and ensures that the Academy becomes a more inclusive and accessible institution for the citizens of Philadelphia. I'm really thankful for all of her work with the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed partnership, which is a local non-profit in our district. And the last thing I just want to say, all of these women care about our district and they want to literally see our community grow and significantly get better. So I'm just beyond proud and thankful for all their work. And with that being said, Council President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Hold on. The Chair recognizes Councilman Thomas. STATED MEETING 149 3/23/2023 3/23/23 - STATED - 2ND READING

Good afternoon, Council President, colleagues. I wanted to commend my Council colleague and my Councilmember, Councilmember Phillips. That's an amazing list of women that he's recognizing today, and I commend them all, and I definitely just wanted to take a quick second to say thank you to Angie Smith, who is here today, who I know firsthand does amazing work in our community, in our neighborhood, providing free programming and free resources to people across the City. So I just wanted to thank her for being here, and the flowers that Councilmember Phillips is giving her today, she deserved a long time ago. Thank you, colleagues.

Thank you, Councilman. Thank you. Councilman, make the motion again, please.