Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day of the bills just read into the record by the Chief Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council to permit the consideration of Bill Nos. 240660, 240655 and 240663 just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes the gentleman Councilmember Phillips from the mighty Northwest for a report from the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
Thank you, Council President Johnson. The Chair recog -- thank you, Council President Johnson. The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.
The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs to which was referred the following bill: Bill No. 240422 entitled, An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a multi-year agreement with Cosmic Catering, LLC for the management and operation of the Lloyd Hall Recreation Center Café, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the with a favorable recommendation. There are no further bills to report out from the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, Council President.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips for a motion.
Thank you, Council President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading this day of the bill just read into the record by the Chief Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of Bill No. 240422 2ND READING just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. This bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from the Committees with the suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for the next session of Council. The Chief Clerk will please 2ND READING read the bill on the First Reading Calendar.
Bill No. 240304, an ordinance amending Subcode "A" (The Philadelphia Administrative Code) of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code (The Building Construction and Occupancy Code), to require proof of certain insurance certificates; all under certain terms and conditions.
Bill No. 240304 will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. The following bills and resolutions are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 240825, 240826, 240829, 240830, 240831, 240832, 240838, 240839, 240840, 240841, 240857, 240862, 240863, 240578, 240611, 240654, 240658, 240659, 240668, 240669, 240670, 240673 and 240674. The following bills and resolutions on the Calendar are being held: 240724, 240242, 240427, 240667. Thank you.
Thank you very much. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for possible action at today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up for today's session, please do so by giving your name to Ms. Hasson at the table outside the rails to my left. Once you have signed up, you will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. Under ideal circumstances, public comments each will have three minutes to speak. However, this time may limit and vary from session. Today's time limit will be two minutes. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the two-minute limit. When you begin speaking, you will see the green light on the podium. When there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, the light will turn yellow which is your reminder to conclude your remarks. Once two minutes have passed, the light will turn red and the Sergeant-at-Arms will disconnect the microphone. At that point please yield the podium to the next speaker if you have not already done so. I also reserve the right pursuant to our rules of Council to limit repetitious comments on the same subject matter. I would now ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.
Ashanti M. Martin. May Kate Perez, Kimmell Proctor and Jeremy Blatstein also make their way to the podium. Ashanti M. Martin, Kate Perez, Kimmel Proctor and Jeremy Blatstein. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Hi, everyone. Thank you. Thank you so much, Council President Johnson and to the entire Philadelphia City Council for recognizing WURD Radio. WURD Radio is very proud to be here City Council every single week without fail to keep our audience connected and informed of the important work that you're all doing. So I just want to give a shout-out to Troy, Will Moore and Ernest Owens who are here every week. City Council as well as the City of Philadelphia has consistently recognized the contributions, impact and legacy of Walter P. Lomax, Jr., M.D., who is the founder of WURD Radio. He founded WURD Radio 21 years ago here in Philadelphia to serve our Black community and we continue to do so to this day. And we are looking forward to celebrating him tomorrow night at the Mann Center for our Founders Day Gala. WURD Radio President and CEO Sarah Lomax could not be here today, but she and the entire WURD Radio team, including me Ashanti Martin, General Manager, are so grateful for this resolution from the bottom of our hearts and for this expression of appreciation and support from City Council and the City of Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.)
Kate Perez speaking on 240674, with this consideration to electric vehicles I hope Councilmembers consider leading a campaign to bring awareness to the slave-like conditions that the Cobalt miners in Congo are subjected to. As cobalt is an essential resource used in rechargeable batteries from laptops to cars, the Green revolution does not have to come at the expense of human rights. The climate cost of the first 60 days of Israel's genocide against Palestinians was equivalent to burning 150,000 tons of coals. More coals than Costa Rica burns in a year. Weapons manufacturers in our city contribute to the humanitarian and climate disaster by selling robot dogs from Johnson's District, naval guns from O'Neill's District and M107 tank shells from Young's District directly to the Israeli Occupation. Israel's aggression has now expanded beyond Palestine to include the indiscriminate bombings of Lebanon, Syria and Yemen. It's past time for our City Council to listen to the people, call for a ceasefire and stop these weapons from leaving our ports. I'd like to use the rest of my time as a moment of silence to think about the more than 200,000 civilians that have already been slaughtered. (Moment of silence.) (Applause.)
Thank you, Mr. President. I'm requesting a leave of absence to attend business outside of City Hall and I'd like to be noted as voting aye on all bills and resolutions.
Thank you very much, Councilmember Jones. Leave is granted. Very nice suit, sir. Have a good day.
We have Kimmel Proctor, Jeremy Blatstein. May Dr. Lieberman and Argenis Figueroa also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Hello, City Council. My name is Jeremy Blatstein. 10 o'clock on the dot. We like to see it, Council President Johnson. Good job. I'd like to take a moment of silence for October 7th. Hamas is a terrorist organization and they killed 1,200 innocent lives and started this war that's going on in the Middle East. (Moment of silence.)
Thank you. What I'm here to talk about today is Turn the Key. We love to see it. Great job. There's at least 48 more homes. A majority of them from the Minority Development Program, but it's not enough. Turn the Key is only a small little sliver of homes that needs to be built in the city of Philadelphia if we're going to hit Mayor Parker's goal of 30,000 units over the next four years. How do we do that? Upzone transit corridors. Why have I been asking each and every one of you each week about SEPTA? Because if SEPTA is not funded properly and is not a working system, then there's no point of building housing along the system. So let's do it. Raise your hand if you rode SEPTA to City Hall this morning? That's zero Councilmembers for another third week. Next week, City Council President, I'm going to meet you at Federal and Tasker and we're going to ride up together. Okay. I'll be reaching out to your office. 7:00 a.m.? Okay. But how do we do this? We need to upzone transit corridors, eliminate parking minimums and bring back the 10-year tax abatement and implement the statelevel tax abatement that you guys have not passed. It's passed on the state level and now it's just waiting for you guys to pass it. And the last thing I will say is in honor of Boots the last fight at the Wells Fargo Center was a hit. If you guys weren't there, it was awesome. He's an awesome person who represents Philadelphia. And based on the last study that was released today, and I know the anti-arena people won't like this, there will be no issues with the ambulance getting to Jefferson when there's a fight in Center City on Market Street. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Dr. Lieberman. May Argenis Figueroa and Tyler Dobrowsky also make their way to the podium.
Good morning. Firstly, I would like to express my deepest thank you to Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada for this recognition earlier this morning. I want to say that our Latino community faces many health challenges, but we truly value our health and well-being. And I have personally experienced the power of our community and our voices when we come together to demand what we need to be healthy. Health is a human right, but fighting to advance the public's health is not easy. So I am here today honored to accept this resolution, but I want to say that this work is not possible and will never be possible without the passion and dedication of many. Juntos somos más fuertes que solos, together we are stronger than alone. So I want to acknowledge and recognize the leadership at Esperanza, especially Reverend Luis Cortez, my amazing team at the Housing and Economic Development Division, my colleagues and friends at Esperanza, at Drexel and beyond, the Esperanza Institute for Latino Health Equity Advisory Council and importantly, the residents of Hunting Park, Feltonville and Juniata who remind me every day why this work is important and from whom I have so much to learn. And finally, I want to thank everyone here, the City of Philadelphia for recognizing the health needs of our community. Thank you. (Applause.)
Tyler Dobrowsky, one of the artistic directors at Philadelphia Theater Company. Thank you for honoring us as we celebrate 50 years of PTC at the Suzanne Roberts Theater on the Avenue of the Arts. Over the past 50 years we have produced incredible works of theater that have gone on to have successful productions in New York and across the country, and we've worked with tremendous actors and artists like Audrey McDonald. Terrence McNalley and Da'Vine Joy Randolph. The most important part of the past 50 years though has been that Philadelphia Theater Company is a place for community and communion, a place where young people can come and learn and grow, where we can all gather to discuss and think about the crucial ideas and topics of our time and where all people of Philadelphia can congregate to see their stories reflected back at them on stage. Philadelphia is one of the best theater cities in the country and Philadelphia Theater Company is proud to be a leader and part of this rich, vibrant and diverse community. Thank you so much for honoring us on our 50th anniversary and here's to another 50 years. (Applause.)
Just so happen to be on the Avenue of the Arts, so anybody want to do a visit to the Avenue of the Arts, Suzanne Roberts Center, you have an invitation. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Happy Thursday. I noticed that Mr. Curtis Jones had already left before I got up here. I need a solution. I have 10 days to leave and I need a solution. I have every piece of paper right here. I noticed he got up and left just before I got up here.
What's your name, ma'am? UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: As he seen my name on a piece of paper but I have everything right here. I have 10 days to leave. Where am I supposed to go with colorectal cancer and the service animal on the street? I noticed he left. So I'm asking for -- I need a solution.
So excuse me, ma'am. My staff member right here John Christmas, could you just come around and talk to him and then we'll talk to the Councilman's office and see how we can assist you, ma'am.
Can Melba Terrell, Jamal Johnson and Sharita Glenn make their way to the podium please. (Witnesses approached podium.)
My name is Jamal Johnson. I'm here to support Councilmember Bass' resolution 240724, strengthening of enforcement to address the illegal activity in stores. I think that this will help us in our anti-gun violence efforts. But in light of the current celebrations people have been making about the decrease in homicides, I'd like to ask for a moment of silence for the 861 people that have been shot in our city and for the 202 people that have been killed please. (Moment of silence.)
Thank you. Also, I'd like to make sure that it's understood that we all still have a problem out here in Philadelphia with gun violence. It has not gone away. It hasn't gotten the attention it should be getting from our elected officials, including Mayor Parker. But it still is as important as the bike lanes, as the arena, as Chinatown, as planting trees, as cleaning up trash. Unfortunately even today a young man is on life support at the hospital because he was shot in his head today riding the bike down on Sharsdale, Kensington. We all know about the three women that have been shot on the bus on Larchwood Avenue. We know about the young man that was just killed yesterday on Lex Street. How many homicides that we had just in this past five days? We still have a problem but we don't act like it. And I'm just asking that you please, if you can, find it in your schedule to put in Philadelphia gun violence. Find it in your schedule to have town halls about Philadelphia gun violence. Put in your schedule to have gatherings about Philadelphia gun violence. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Mr. Johnson. We will be having a Peace Not Guns Southwest Philadelphia Community Day on October 19th, and we surely invite you and the other activists that want to come out and address the issue of gun violence and resources for the community in the 2nd Councilmanic District, that opportunity to come out and participate. And I think a couple Members introduced resolutions today regarding -- I know Councilmember Jones did -- the impact on gun violence on children as well. We'll be sure to keep you abreast on the things that this illustrious body is working on as well as we continue to work on behalf of keeping our young people and all people safe here in the city of Philadelphia. Would the Clerk please acknowledge the next esteemed individual who's at the podium.
Good morning. My name is Sherita Glenn. I am the Ward leader for the 49th Ward of Philadelphia. I just would like to take the time to say first and foremost thank you to City Council for having us here today. Thank you, President Kenyatta Johnson. I'd like to say thank you. And I'd like to thank my daughter, the Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson. And I had the privilege and honor to work with Councilwoman Cindy Bass, Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada and Councilman Anthony Phillips. I'd like to say a special thank you to Anthony Phillips. That is why I'm here today because he has made -he on September 26th put the voting in for legislation to rename the street on the 5800 block of North 12th Street for the Honorable Shirley Gregory. (Applause.)
The Honorable Shirley Gregory served the citizens of Philadelphia, our state, our federal government for over 50 years. She has worked with Thomas Foglietta. She has worked with Congressman Bob Brady. She has been the Treasurer -- there's some music. She has been the Treasurer for the Democratic City Party. And I'd just like to take this time just to say thank you for all the family, friends, everyone that has assembled here today and I thank you even for being with me. I'm here. My voice is a little raspy. I had an asthma attack the other day and I could not not be here for Ms. Shirley. So I am going to take my seat and I just want to say thank you. I am honored and privileged and I hope that City Council would consider naming the street in her honor. Thank you. (Applause.)
May Shirley Gregory, Charlene Bennett and Shania Bradshaw also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning and thank you for this opportunity to come and thank in particular City Councilmember Rue Landau for acknowledging this week as Digital Inclusion Week here in the City of Philadelphia. On behalf of the 2,000 students that my organization Beyond Literacy serves annually, we appreciate the recognition of digital inclusion here in Philadelphia as a need. We don't live in a digital desert, per se, because the issue here where we have national telecom organizations like Comcast firmly rooted, we have cable laid, we have access. The issue isn't just access. It's the support and the skills needed for our most marginalized and vulnerable residents to access the Internet and the computers that we're able to provide them as not just the City's but the Commonwealth's largest adult education agency. Digital skills classes are our most in-demand classes with a waiting list of over a couple hundred residents long. This is because the state does not recognize digital literacy as part of foundational literacy, but we know that in our digital age, especially post-pandemic, that digital skills are required to do online banking, online classes, online telehealth visits and access from our most vulnerable residents such as the unhoused, our immigrants, our returning citizens, our seniors to be able to access vital resources. And so, at Beyond Literacy we're tackling the digital divide by offering not just access to free devices and low-cost Internet plans but also by bringing mobile Wi-Fi into the communities along with our digital navigators who help provide one-on-one support to residents and community members and then register them for the digital skills classes that they need to be able to learn how to use their computer, how to set up an email address, how to participate in a Zoom class. And so, I just want to thank again all of our digital equity Councilmembers and champions for recognizing that digital inclusion is possible here in Philadelphia and that together we can ensure that every Philadelphian of all ages and stages has the digital skills they need. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips.
I just want to briefly say that Shirley Gregory has meant a lot to the Philadelphia community, particularly to the Philadelphia Democratic Party. And in terms of -- this is a lady who has not only been a constant reminder of what good citizenship means, she has found ways to always let people know what is needed in our neighborhood, organize in our neighborhood to get out the vote and also has been a mentor to individuals like Councilman Jim Harrity and so many other across the city. She did not seek, okay, this honoring. That's different for some folks. She did not seek this. This is truly a surprise. And I think that sometimes because she's so humble and so caring people forget -- you know, you want to honor those who just put so much of that work in. And, Shirley Gregory, I want to thank you for being here for myself and so many others in the city of Philadelphia and we're looking forward to moving forward with this. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning, everyone. My name is Charlene Bennett and I'm from the 49th Ward, 21st Division and I'm a neighbor with Shirley Gregory. My mother lived down the street from her and I live five blocks. We're all on 12th Street and I've been in that area for 48 years and I've been working the poll for 48 years. And I started as a machine operator. I went to a clerk -(Applause.)
Majority Judge of Elections and now I'm a Committee person, and my daughter is also Judge of Elections for 20-something years for her and she's young. And my nieces and my great nieces living the next block down the street from Shirley, my brother and my sisters, they all grew up as family and friends, and Shirley has always been there for our neighbors. Any problems that we had she took care of. We would go to her and she would say, I got you, and we ain't had no problem. She had to come down to City Hall a couple times to get things straightened out, but everything was done. We appreciate her and the years that she put in is honorable. And we all vote. We have a powerful -- as a matter of fact, the 21st Ward is the largest voting in the City of Philadelphia so you get more votes and we stay active. And she takes care of the senior citizens in the York House. She was always active and always present whenever they need her. And we'd like to give honors to her for her years of service. She's well-appreciated and thank you all. (Applause.)
Thank you. Next up is the Honorable -- go ahead, sir.
Oh, sorry. Good morning. My name is Jeremiah Turner. I'm Shirley Gregory's grandson. I got to see a lot of what she did over the years, so I want to say she's one of the hardest working people I've ever met. Not only that, but she has a heart to help people. She consistently looks out for the well-being of others first. She served as the leader for the 49th Ward for many years and she would always stop by every polling place to help troubleshoot any problems or talk to anybody. She's the epitome of humility if you know her. So naming this street after this honorable woman I think would be given a little to someone who has given her all. So thank you for your time. (Applause.)
Good morning. Council President Johnson and City Council. I'm actually here on a personal note. I just happen to work in Center City. I grew up -sorry --
My name is Harold Toomer. I grew up next door to Ms. Gregory, Shirley Gregory. We call her Ms. Shirley. She lived at 5803. I lived at 5805. Our doors faced each other. Since I was a little kid, my mother and her were good friends and our families kind of merged so she had such an impact on our block, the 5800 block of 12th Street. If anyone needed anything done, they would come to her, whether it was children, adults, people from other blocks. If a stop sign was down, go see Ms. Shirley. If they were trying to get a lunch program for the kids, go see Ms. Shirley. Everything was go see Ms. Shirley. And I didn't know the impact of it as a kid. But when it came to poll times and election, we all had to chip in and help. She was very adamant about that, getting the vote out. She was like another pair of eyes on the block. So if my mother wasn't around, she was watching making sure we were doing what we were supposed to do. And we were back and forth from the houses. I walked her dogs, you know. It was tremendous. And probably I wouldn't be standing here today because I'm sure she had something to do with me getting this job 35 years ago. So I just want to thank her and I'm glad I'm a part of her legacy. Thank you. (Applause.)
Shirley Gregory and may Shayanna Bradshaw, Dewitt Toomer, Ashley Glasgow also make their way to the podium please. (Witnesses approached podium.) (Applause.)
I thank you, I thank you, I thank you because all of you have made me who I am, what I am and why I am. And I appreciate it. I just want you to know that. Thank you. (Applause.)
And, Ms. Gregory, Ms. Shirley, I just want to also just thank you for your service. You welcomed me as a part of the Black Ward Leaders group several years ago as a young man joining the group, so thank you for always being welcoming, supportive and most importantly making sure we're empowered as we're addressing for the participation. Congratulations. Very well done, Councilmember Phillips. (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Shania Bennett and I'm the Director of the Mayor's Office of Youth Engagement. I'm glad to be testifying before City Council today on behalf of the Parker Administration supporting Councilmember Curtis' resolution recognizing October 16th as the Day of National Concern about Young People and Gun Violence in the City of Philadelphia.
Recognizing October 16th as the Day of National Concern about Young People and Gun Violence in the City of Philadelphia. On the Day of National Concern students in schools across the country will take a pledge against gun violence by vowing not to use guns and to settle disputes. Taking this pledge reinforces the idea that with the collective power of young people's voice and actions, we can end the culture of violence and chaos and instead charter future of peace and productivity. Standing beside me is the Philadelphia Youth Commission. I also have some students from Richard Allen Charter School upstairs, but starting October 15th actually the Mayor's Office of Youth engagement we partnered with the School District, the Mayor's Office of Education and the Office of Public Safety we will launch the school safety tour. During the school safety tour, we will visit schools in each Councilmanic District so I'm plugging it right now. Councilmembers, I need y'all on my tour. And we're going to be engaging, which is going to be a part of Mayor Parker's Administration to work and make our city safer and connect them to resources and programming for our youngest constituents. And we know that none of us can end gun violence alone. We need young people which is why this upcoming school safety tour and this resolution is so important. So I want to thank you all for allowing me to speak today. I want to thank Councilmember Jones and I also want to thank the Youth Commission again. I want to thank Eric Westbrook who's here for the Office of Public Safety on behalf of Director Geer. I want to thank the Mayor's Office of Education, Sharon Ward who's here in the place of Dr. Carrera. I want to thank the School District of Philadelphia, Tyler Williams who's here in place of the School District representative. I want to also thank again the Richard Allen administration. I want to thank the American Paradigm Schools administration and I want to thank the Mayor's Office team. My team being here, the Office of Women's Engagement, the Office of Black Male Engagement and the Office of Faith. We can't do this alone and I want to thank you all. (Applause.)
That young leader just happens to be from South Philly but talk about that. In all seriousness, Shania Bennett on behalf of the Mayor's Office of Youth Engagement who's the young leader there, we thank you for bringing the children from Richard Allen Prep Charter School because if we're going to change this culture of violence, it's planting seeds of positivity in our young people at an early age. And so, we want to thank you and your team, Shania, for being here. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.
Thank you, Council President. And I promise I will not speak again during speeches. I just want to make sure that I got a chance to thank Ms. Gregory. Everybody knows that I pull double duty. I'm also the Executive Director for the Democratic Party. But I started with Congressman Brady when I was about 19, 20 years old. When Ms. Gregory had -- when Bob first ran and won the Congressional seat, Ms. Gregory had already worked for Congressman Foglietta who was a 2nd Warder, which I was a 2nd Warder, so I got to work with Shirley Gregory from a young age. And if I had to pick one word to describe Shirley, it would be class. She is a classy lady as the old-timers used to say, very intelligent and really genuinely caring for everyone that came in contact with her. I've seen her help so many people over the years out of Congressman Brady's office. She always had time. I would actually go over and spend lunch with her a lot of times sitting in her office and just talking to her about the old days, so the experience she has and the legacy she has it deserves to be celebrated. So, Shirley, you know I love you and I always told you that. So thank you and I'm glad that Councilman Phillips is honoring you while we still get to see you. Love you, baby. (Applause.)
Would the Chief Clerk please call the next person to testify.
We have Shayanna Bradshaw, Dewitt Toomer, Ashley Glasgow and then William Rodebaugh. (Witnesses approached podium.)
My name is Michaela Meyers. Thank you, Council President, members of City Council and everyone present. I'm honored to serve as the Mayoralappointed as the Youth Commissioner for the City of Philadelphia. I'd like to thank Councilman Curtis Jones for introducing this resolution and express my gratitude to Mayor Parker who prioritized gun violence from her office the first day. Her acknowledgement of this epidemic and the resolution before us are crucial steps forward. On September 16, 2020 I lost my boyfriend to gun violence. His name was Jaden Lucas. At just 18 years old on his way to college with a basketball scholarship, Jaden was tragically shot while playing basketball. His bright future was stolen in an instant. Jaden's loss is something that I carry with me every day and so do many others in our city affected by gun violence. I share my story for all the families and young people in Philadelphia impacted by this epidemic. Acknowledgement is the first step to addressing this issue. We must focus on our youth when tackling gun violence. Initiatives like the School Safety Pledge Tour against violence gives young people a voice and a sense of hope which is greatly needed in our city. This resolution recognizing October 16th as the Day of National Concern about Young People and Gun Violence highlights the challenges of our youth, but acknowledgement must lead to action. We need to provide resources and support, create safe spaces for young people to thrive and include their voices in discussion about solutions. As a community, we must show our commitment to protecting their futures as the power to create change lives which each and every one of you in these chambers and all of us across this city. Let this resolution serve as a foundation for meaningful actions that lead to real solutions, ones that make our communities safer and empower our young people to build a brighter future. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. State your name for the record and begin your testimony please.
My name is Bill Rodebaugh. So greetings, distinguished members of Council and the Philadelphia citizens that are here. I'm Bill Rodebaugh, the Plant manager of the AdvanSix chemical manufacturing facility in Bridesburg. I'm a Frankford native and lifelong resident and I've spent many years of my career at this facility. I'm pleased to be here today as the Philadelphia City Council recognizes October 2024 as Manufacturing Month in the City of Philadelphia. We were honored by Councilman Driscoll's resolution declaring Manufacturing Month and highlighting AdvanSix for its contributions and dedication to manufacturing in the city of Philadelphia. We're a diversified chemical company that produces essential materials for its customers and a wide variety of end markets and applications that touch people's lives. Our history can be traced back to the H.W. Jayne Co., which was established at the very site that we're at right now in 1884. And we're proud to play a role in the history and the future of manufacturing in Philly. We're a member of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Manufacturing Alliance, and this partnership among other things has led to increased wages and reduced staff turnover. We also have the opportunity to have co-ops and internships at the facility to encourage young people to consider manufacturing. We're excited we just started hosting interns from Science Leadership Academy at our plant this month and that will go through this year and we also have Drexel co-ops on site. So it's important to highlight the local career possibilities and manufacturing for our young people and the next generation of workers in this industry. It's important we're not just a manufacturer in the community. We're members of the community and we believe in being good neighbors. We're active with the Bridesburg Boys and Girls Club, the Bridesburg Elementary among other places. Our employees work hard each day to ensure the safe, stable and sustainable operations that our customers rely on and our community expects. So thank you again for this recognition and for this time to speak today.
May Jeremy Williams, Wanda Walker and Vanessa Brown also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
I'm Jeremy Williams. I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to speak in front of Council today. I'd like to thank Councilperson Rue Landau. I'm here with National Coming Out Day, Philly Pride 365 and coming out. National Coming Out Day is this week October 11th and LGBTQ History Month is all month of October. I'm very proud to be just one of the producers for the very large event that will be happening this weekend. My partner Tyrell Brown, the two of us have really come together to really produce something amazing and I'm really excited. One of the things that I wanted to share with everyone here is coming out in the queer community is sometimes very, very, very difficult. People go through therapy and everything that's involved with it. So having events and festivals around that really helps bring the community together. I was very lucky. I didn't necessarily have to come out. I've been out my entire existence. And the funny story is I've never even told my mother that I am gay. She does live with us, with my husband and my child so I'm pretty sure she knows. But I've never had to actually step out like many other people have had to do. So I'm very excited to be producing this event, to give the community a light to shine, to be able to come out and be a part of community. So thank you all and thank you all for your support of this event. It's really wonderful. Thank you. (Applause.)
Wanda Walker and Vanessa Brown. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning, beautiful people. My name is Wanda Walker. I've been here since we started in late summer and I'm going to keep coming every single time because what I see at City Council is every time we're here on Thursday, properties and land is being given away to the Land Bank and that concerns me. As a small landlord, I know a lot of the things that you all pass here affect us, and small landlords supply 64 percent of the low-income and underprivileged housing so it's very important that when these decisions are being made, you have someone like me at the table to speak our truth. Because once we're gone, there is no competition for the developers to keep their prices reasonable and already they're not reasonable. Our prices are and we should be supported and we're not getting that. I want to better understand what's going on here, so I'll be coming the next 10, 15 Thursdays to try to speak to every single Councilperson myself so that they understand fully what's really going on and how fast we're losing properties. We're being forced to sell or we're losing properties because we can't keep up with all the bills, the taxes, the regulations, and therefore, that is speeding gentrification. And that's why our numbers are dropping. If you don't own anything, you're not at the table, you're on the menu. This is very important. It concerns me because I have many seniors that call me complaining and it's heartbreaking to see that someone has worked all their life, paid off something in full and can't keep it and enjoy it because of things like taxes. You should not have to go to a meeting to ask for a discount. No senior should even be paying property taxes in Philly because we give out abatements. And again, there are 23,000 buildings in Philadelphia that are exempt every single year, and their value is $30 billion. And if you did just a flat tax, you would raise over $150 million. So we need to spread the responsibility. It should not fall on seniors and it should not fall on struggling business owners and properties. I also want to say, Councilman or President Councilman Jones, are you aware that there is a gun violence something or other going on at the Hilton at City Line Avenue. Thank you. I just wanted to make sure everyone knew. Thank you and I'll see you next Thursday. (Applause.)
The Honorable Vanessa Lowery Brown. Hello, welcome.
Yes, President. Thank you for having me. I'd like to just acknowledge, Councilman Jeffrey Young for putting up Indigenous Peoples' Day today. We are so proud of you. You stand on the legacy of so many others from State Senator Shariff Street, his father Mayor Street, our Indigenous Lenape, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell is also Indigenous and all of the great work of Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown to help keep Indigenous people's agendas to the table. And I'd just like to thank you for continuing that legacy of good work. I also have to give honor to my grandmothers, in particular Addie Conyers who told me I was native. I didn't get to grow up in a tradition of being native because it wasn't a good thing to do. We had to hide who we were in order to exist and to be alive in most cases. I'd also like to thank also Pocahontas who I reconnected with as an adult, who showed me the path back to who I am. And I'm grateful for that legacy she has transitioned and I want to give honor to her today. This is just a heavy day for me because it's so much to carry from a legacy of so many years. This resolution helps to set some things straight for the last 400 years, but we've been here for thousands of years. The resolution also identifies 50,000 people who identify as Indigenous but there's so many more people who could identify if they knew how to. On many of our surveys that we get they ask you are you African American, how do you identify, are you European, are you Indigenous. It only allows you in most cases one box to check, so there are hundreds of thousands of people who are Indigenous who because they are Afro-Indigenous often put African American. So I just want to set the record straight that there are so many more of us that are here in the state of Pennsylvania and in the United States of North and South America. I'd like to also before I forget invite all of you to celebrate Indigenous ancestry with us at Bartram's Gardens this Sunday from 11:00 to 5:00. We will be there in traditional regalia, our attire. We will speak in native tongue. We will be dancing, storytelling and we would like to include the entire community to be a part of that beautiful celebration. We have been fighting for Indigenous heritage for so many years, and I'm just so grateful to be a leader in the city of Philadelphia to keep this narrative alive. And I want to thank you also who was in Harrisburg with me, Councilman Driscoll, and you voted for us for Indigenous ancestry acknowledgement here in the state of Pennsylvania. So thank you for your contributions as well. I'm going to keep my comments short. I'm just grateful to be here today and thank you so much for what you've done. Thank you. (Applause.)
Council President, there are no other names for public comment.
Thank you very much. That concludes today's public comment period. We will now consider the 10/10/24 - STATED - 2ND READING bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240825.
A resolution renaming 5800 North 12th Street to "Shirley Gregory Way" in honor of her remarkable contributions to the community and her lifelong dedication to public service.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240825.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the -- I enthusiastically move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and enthusiastically properly seconded 10/10/24 - STATED - 2ND READING that Resolution No. 240825 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. (Applause.)
Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240826.
A resolution authorizing the creation of a Special Committee on Enhancing Efficiency and Transparency in Municipal Services to analyze and recommend ways to enhance the efficient and effective delivery of municipal services, identify 10/10/24 - STATED - 2ND READING optimal models and tools to improve transparency and communication with residents regarding the submission, follow-up and tracking of City service requests and propose legislative and administrative policy reforms to eliminate barriers that impede the efficient delivery of services.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240826.
Thank you, Council President Johnson. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240826 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. 10/10/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240829.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 839 North 39th Street; 3938 Mount Vernon Street; 3940, 3944 Mount Vernon Street; 3907, 3930 Wallace Street; 3833, 3902, 3912, 3922 Brown Street; 908 and 910 North Holly Street; 3948 Parrish Street; 4117, 4119, 4121, 4146 Pennsgrove Street; 3814, 3816, 3850, 3852, 10/10/24 - STATED - 2ND READING 3947, 3949, 3960, 3962, 3964 Reno Street; 666, 674 and 803 Union Street in the 3rd Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia, and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240829.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240829 be adopted. 10/10/24 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240830.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 3924 Cambridge Street; 399 Pennsgrove Street; 1110, 1112, 1113, 1118, 1128 State Street; 3900, 3902, 3911, 3912, 3919 and 3926 Wyalusing Avenue in the 3rd Councilmanic District of the City of 10/10/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240830.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240830 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
10/10/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240831.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple titled at 844 Hutton Street in the 3rd Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.
10/10/24 - STATED - 2ND READING The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240831.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240831 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240832. 10/10/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying Fee simple title to 3958 Parrish Street, 3900 Reno Street, 3972 Reno Street, 844 Hutton Street and 855 North 43rd Street in the 3rd Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia, and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240832.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of 10/10/24 - STATED - 2ND READING the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240832 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240838.
A resolution calling upon the Department of Prisons and the Office of Re-entry Partnerships to work in collaboration with local resource providers to develop a distribution 10/10/24 - STATED - 2ND READING process of re-entry resource packages for individuals released from incarceration.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Jamie -- Councilwoman Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded the resol -
Thank you very much. Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240838 be adopted. 10/10/24 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240839.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3148 North 24th Street located in the 4th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240839. 10/10/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Councilmember Jones, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240839 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240840.
A resolution 10/10/24 - STATED - 2ND READING authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to North 58th Street in the 4th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240840.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Councilmember Jones, I move the adoption of the 10/10/24 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240840 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240841.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 138 10/10/24 - STATED - 2ND READING North 58th Street; 6214 Vine Street and 3212 North 33rd Street in the 4th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia, and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title of such property pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240841.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Councilmember Jones, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly 10/10/24 - STATED - 2ND READING seconded that Resolution No. 240841 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240857.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to 2917, 2919, 2937 and 2939 Cecil B. Moore Avenue located in the 5th Councilmanic District pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act. 10/10/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240857.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240857 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240862. 10/10/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
A resolution calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to pass legislation prohibiting the use and sale of software that uses algorithms to anti-competitively set rental rates, fees and occupancy levels.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240862.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240862 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
10/10/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240863.
A resolution renaming the 6100 block of North 21st Street "Reverend Ceotis Pryor Way" to honor the life and contributions of Reverend Ceotis L. Pryor, the late trailblazing Pastor of the Corinthian Baptist Church.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240863.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) 10/10/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240863 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240578.
An ordinance authorizing 5217 Whitby Mt. Moriah, LLC or a subsequent owner to install, own and maintain an encroachment at 5217 through 5219 Whitby Avenue, under certain terms and conditions.
10/10/24 - STATED - 2ND READING This bill having been read on two different days. The question now is shall the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240611.
An ordinance authorizing the installation, ownership, replacement and maintenance of various encroachments in the vicinity of 615 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.
Councilmember Jones was aye. Councilmember Lozada -Councilmember Landau. I'm sorry.