Aye. The ayes are 17. The nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240089-A.
An ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Traffic Code," by providing for prohibitions relating to license plate flipping devices, and for penalties and enforcement, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. 3/21/24 - STATED - 2ND READING The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
The ayes are 17. The nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240013-A.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Service and Other Businesses," by adding a new section regulating the hours of operation of certain establishments and providing for penalties within an area bounded by East Lehigh Avenue, Kensington Avenue, D Street, East Tioga Street and Frankford Avenue, all under 3/21/24 - STATED - 2ND READING certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. The Chief Clerk will please call the roll.
Councilmember 3/21/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Gilmore Richardson.
Aye. The ayes are 17. The nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Will the Clerk please read any additional resolutions on today's Final Passage Calendar.
A privileged resolution honoring Super Bowl Champion Fletcher Cox on the occasion of his retirement from the 3/21/24 - STATED - 2ND READING National Football League and recognizing Fletcher's historic career with the Philadelphia Eagles, introduced by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for Council President Johnson.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. On your behalf, I move the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? 3/21/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating the Champions of the Week, the Lincoln University Lions for winning the 2024 CIAA Food Lion Men's Basketball Tournament Championship introduced by Councilmember Thomas.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I want to say congratulations to one of my amazing HBCUs in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. For those of you 3/21/24 - STATED - 2ND READING who don't know, this is a historic win and I'm excited to move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the next title of the resolution -the Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas first.
Yep. I'm sorry. Now that the resolution has passed, I want to say thank you 3/21/24 - STATED - 2ND READING to my colleagues and also extend the invitation to the Lincoln University program to join us in City Council so we can celebrate the historic win. Thank you, colleagues. Thank you, Council President.
You're welcome. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring Dr. Kahlila Johnson, principal of Overbrook High School for her years of dedicated service to the students of West Philadelphia and further commemorating the story of Overbrook High School's success introduced by Councilmember Jones.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion on the resolution. 3/21/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring our Women's History Month Heroes, Principals Sherri Arabia, Charlotte Gillum, Awilda Balbuena, Diana Garcia, 3/21/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Regina Tanghe, Momma Tameka Bowman, Momma Marika Meechins and Ericka Green. These are eight women in leadership who are dedicated to serving the children of the School District of Philadelphia investing in a better Philadelphia for all, introduced by Councilmember Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
3/21/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the next title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing March 31, 2024 as Transgender Day of Visibility in the City of Philadelphia, a day to celebrate and recognize the achievements and contributions of transgender people and to look up the joy, triumphs and pride that transgender people experience and bring into our communities, introduced by Councilmembers Rue Landau and Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank 3/21/24 - STATED - 2ND READING you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring the life, work and dedication to teaching of JoAnn Seaver whose decades of community activism and constant presence as a 3/21/24 - STATED - 2ND READING teacher, tutor and mentor for students, particularly students learning to read, has enriched and nourished the minds of young people across Philadelphia, introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 3/21/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. (Applause.)
Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring the life, work and accomplishments of Mercedes Reyes whose inspiring energy and insistence on creating safety, dignity, justice and support for domestic workers in Philadelphia has protected and enriched the lives of people across the country, introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of this resolution. 3/21/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. (Applause.)
Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution commending the work and life of Eva Gladstein whose tireless efforts to make our City more just and our City government more efficient have improved the 3/21/24 - STATED - 2ND READING lives of all Philadelphians, introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. (Applause.)
3/21/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Officer Tony Long, Sr. on the occasion of his retirement from the Philadelphia Police Department, commending his commitment to law enforcement and public service after 37 years of employment with the City of Philadelphia and 33 years as a Philadelphia Police Officer, introduced by Councilmember Jim Harrity.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.
Good afternoon, Council President and colleagues. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
3/21/24 - STATED - 2ND READING It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. (Applause.)
All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Congratulations. Will the Clerk please the read the title of the next resolution.
And a privileged resolution honoring former Philadelphia Flyers All-Star Wayne Simmonds, who after playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs will retire as a Flyer after signing a ceremonial one-day contract with 3/21/24 - STATED - 2ND READING the team, introduced by Councilmember Bass.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. That completes our Calendar any speeches on the part of the Minority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. I also wanted to be marked voting aye on the resolutions I missed while I was outside. So today in honor of Women's History Month, I am introducing resolutions in honor of several women who have been making history right here in Philadelphia. The first is Eva Gladstein. Eva devoted her career to improving the lives of all Philadelphians and to making government work for those who need it most. Her work spanned multiple City offices in City government and funneled hundreds of millions of dollars into our communities, but she never lost sight of the most fundamental improve the lives of everyday Philadelphians. When she retired, we lost one of the boldest, most brilliant public servants. She will continue to serve as a model for us who envisioned a Philadelphia where every family can count on safe affordable homes. Second, I would like to honor Dr. JoAnn Seaver. JoAnn has spent decades educating Philadelphia children in ways that embrace their culture, honor their individuality and cultivate a love of learning and challenge them to be leaders and peacemakers. Her tutoring projects have taught thousands of young people across Philadelphia how to read and how to provide life-changing services to children who have been underserved by institutions that of them. And to this day, she continues to nourish and strengthen her community. Through her teaching, mentorship and advocacy, she shows us what it means to envision a fight for education that children all deserve. And I met JoAnn during the fight for Wister Elementary. And at that time, I ended up becoming very ill. And just imagine a strange woman just coming to say what does your family need and she was willing and able just to fill in a huge gap that I needed at the time, and I am internally grateful for the support that she had given me and my family at one of the hardest times. And it's important that we support strangers that just saw a need for me and my family and will forever honor her for the work that she's done in the community as well as with me and my family. And third, Council President, I would like to join you in introducing the resolution in honor of Mercedes Reyes. Mercedes working as a domestic worker when she was 11 years old and currently lives with her family in South Philadelphia. And after experiencing significant abuse in her workplace, including wage theft, discrimination, total lack of health insurance, she began organizing with her fellow domestic workers for respect, dignity and better conditions. And she's been a pillar of the community and a leader in the fight for domestic workers' bill of rights. And although she recently retired after over 70 years as a worker, she remains committed to winning the legislation and funding that will make the promises of the domestic workers' bill of rights a reality. And also, I met Mercedes way before Council session when this domestic workers bill of rights came out. And just seeing her strengths and advocacy around this work where retaliation is unheard, very silent and behind closed doors. And just her willingness to continue to bring more women in the fight about domestic workers, the fight and support of the domestic workers. And I understand this firsthand because I too was a domestic worker early on in life, and I took care of children and took care of seniors. So I'm forever grateful for her advocacy and organizing. And I wanted to had an opportunity to give her, her flowers now.
And I'm also co-introducing a resolution with Councilmember Rue Landau to recognize March 28th is International Trans Day of Visibility. By recognizing Trans Day of Visibility, we honor and celebrate the contributions of trans people to our families, our communities, our history, our culture and our movements for justice. This Women's History Month I especially want to acknowledge the contribution of Black trans women like Marsha P. Johnson, who insisted on, No pride for some of us without liberation for all of us. And in honor of Marsha P. Johnson, Dominique Rem'mie Fells and many others, I call on this body to continue to work to protect women in our city. Thank you so much, Council President. )
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke.
Good -- I guess good morning to my colleagues as well as to the listening public, all of Philadelphia. I'm not here to speak on any policy today, but rather to let you know about some of the work that our team will be doing in the community in the upcoming weeks. I want to thank the Free Library for agreeing to our first public -- to host our first public office hours in conjunction with the Councilmanic Office of Nicolas O'Rourke, which will be a day-long event at library branches around the City. Here is how it will work: the brilliant Bethany Stewart, I don't know if she's still in our chambers, our Director of Constituent Services for our office will be onsite at a select library all day, helping to connect folks to City services and other forms of assistance. Around 4 o'clock I'll come through as well to sit and talk to constituents one-on-one for a couple of hours or as long as the time will allow, making municipal presence accessible to our citizens and for those coming as we request. I'm looking forward to hearing about all that you'd like to share. And for those coming (inaudible) and to keep the conversation focused on a specific topic or two ensure that it's a fruitful exchange or productive exchange. It would help mightily as well if you sign up to speak in advance of your coming, and you can check out our social media page to find out how to do so. But if you pull up while there's still time and the library closes at 6:00, y'all, we can still chop it a little bit. Please stay. I'm happy to announce that our first office hours event is coming in a couple of weeks on April 2nd and we're beginning at Cecil B. Moore library. We hope to see folks there because we need to hear from you to better understand how best to serve you to know where we agree or our views may diverge and to get you what you need. Government should work for you and that's what we're endeavoring to do the lookout for our other office hour events around the City as they unfold. We'll be announcing them through social media. And if you're not in North Philly, we'll be in your area soon enough. So thank you very much. (Applause.)
Thank you. Speeches on behalf of the Majority. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Anthony Phillips.
Thank you, Council President Johnson. I just wanted to briefly state that last night in Northeast at Northeast High School thanks to you and your partnership, we were able to host a town hall with Councilmembers Driscoll and O'Neill and also State Senator Jimmy Dillon was there and State Representative Representative Anthony Bellmon was there as well. So it was a wonderful evening as State Representative Anthony Bellmon says, meetings do turn to action. As a result of meetings, we were able to learn about the importance of funding violence prevention organizations. Among everything else, at a meeting I learned about the importance of ski masks. So meetings do lead to action. I just want to let people know that we learned a lot. Mental health has been said. What I believe is now the key thing that residents want to see from our City. And I think how we go about that in the City going forward is going to be our next big thing that we support people on based off of what residents said in Northeast. termed for many years now. And I think not it's time on how we can better support our parents. It came from that meeting. And also, we talked about people -- people talked about the idea of spirituality which is something that is relatively new to the discourse, but spirituality in schools being taken away and so forth, that could be potentially helpful. But those are just things that were brought up last night and for all of us to reflect on. So I just want to say thank you, Council President, and all the others who showed up, including Councilman Harrity and Councilman O'Rourke who showed us last night too. Then I just want to briefly announce that Senator Sharif Street is hosting a town hall community Logan from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. with myself, Councilman Harrity and State Representative Dorisha Parker. It's going to be at West Systems Health. And that's going to be right there in the Logan section in the City of Philadelphia, so all of our Logan residents please come out to that meeting. We're also going to be having a town hall that I'm hosting in Olney -- well, actually in East Oak Lane for our Olney, Fern Rock and also Logan residents on Thursday, March 27th from 5:30 to about 7:30 at night over at PASSI, 6925 Old York Road. We look forward to hearing from you. We'll have some City services there. It's going to be a great time. It's important for us to be in neighborhoods. I want to continue to have residents come out them and can do the people's business. So thank you very so much. God bless.
You're welcome. And great job yesterday. Council in them streets. Keep up the good work. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President. I wanted to start by congratulating Eva Gladstein and thanking Councilmember Brooks for the resolution. I'm an Eva Gladstein's fan. I see her as somebody that successfully came from activism and organizing into the City and as someone who's had such an impact, a positive impact on people living in poverty in our City. And I hope that when I retire I can say that I've had my hands in as many great things and really positive impact. I also wanted to talk about my street naming resolution. So today we named the 5400 block of Woodland Avenue "Dr. Minnie Moore Johnson Way" in honor of Dr. Minnie Moore Johnson's service to Southwest Philadelphia the City at large. Dr. Minnie's first foray into community service involved feeding seniors on Thanksgiving in 1968. Two decades later she hosted 25,000 seniors for Thanksgiving dinner at what was then the Philadelphia Civic Center, credited as the City's largest one-day feeding event in history. Dr. Minnie Moore Johnson also has a deep passion for criminal justice. After earning her Doctorate on the subject, she founded Concerned Parents, Inc., a service opportunities to the clients of the Pennsylvania Society of Prisons. Dr. Minnie Moore Johnson went on to work full-time for the Prison Society, eventually becoming the first program manager for the Re-entry Service Project, where she created the only certified job development course at Temple, which cultivated job opportunities for re-entering residents. Somehow still finding the time to do more, Dr. Minnie Moore Johnson got involved with Philadelphia's Safe and Sound, disrupting the cycle of violence by nurturing young people. Dr. Minnie Moore Johnson is no stranger to the spotlight, having already received hundreds of awards form luminaries like from President Jimmy Carter, President Ronald Reagan, President Bush, President Bill Clinton, Reverend H. Sullivan and Congressman Bob Brady. But I'd like to think that this one is special because Southwest Philadelphia has been Dr. Minnie Moore Johnson's beloved community for decades, and she nurtured it with love, tenderness and dedication. Dr. Minnie Moore Johnson's home on the 5400 block of Woodland Avenue is known among neighbors as a safe haven where they can always find a hot meal or a place to stay. No award feels as special as the one that you receive from your own people. It is only right that Dr. Minnie Moore Johnson's name graces the street she has called home for decades. Dr. Minnie Moore Johnson, thank you and your family for being here with us earlier today. I'm to give you your flowers while you're still here, and to rename a street after such an illustrious and accomplished woman during Women's History Month. I also want to acknowledge the Honorable Jannie Blackwell for helping me with the street renaming. The Councilwoman has never stopped looking out for our communities. And I appreciate her partnership greatly. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
Good job. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.
Thank you, Council President, colleagues. I was proud to be able to honor Officer Tony Long, Sr. today. Tony is a member of the graduating 297A at the Police Academy in April of 1992. In September of 2003, Officer Long was assigned to City Hall where he has worked under five City Mayors, leading back to the Honorable Ed Rendell Administration and now to the current Administration of the Honorable Cherelle Parker. Tony served as a 33-year veteran of law enforcement in the Philadelphia Police Department and a 37-and-a-half year employee of the City. Officer Long worked in various capacities, including Philadelphia's sports teams championship games, DNC and RNC Conventions, visits from several Presidents of the United States, numerous elected officials and dignitaries as well as a special visit from Pope Francis in 2015. Officer Long was also a member of the Major Incident years, Officer Long has received acknowledgements from his supervisor for his professionalism and years of service. We are sad to see Tony to leave, but it is a well-deserved retirement. We come in here every day and the one thing we know is Tony's going to be sitting down there looking after us along with the other police officers that do that detail, kind of unsung heroes, you know. They protect us every day. A lot of stuff goes on outside of City Hall that they have to attend to. It's just an honor to show him his flowers while he's still here, and especially in front his lovely wife and two children, two young men. (Applause.)
So again, please give a round of applause for Tony Long. (Applause.)
You're welcome. Congratulations. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. I wanted to acknowledge and thank and express my gratitude to our President Joe Biden who during this Women's History Month announced an Executive Order focused on women research. It's the advancing women's health research. It's called the Advancing Women's Health Research and Innovation Executive Order 14120, that solidifies women's health research as a priority for the federal government. really needed this for a long time because women's health is underfunded, unresearched, understudied. And I hope this is going to result in permanent legislative action so it's codified for the entire country. During the hearings we had in City Council here on March 8th for women's maternal mortality, we encountered evidence from our testimony from physicians who talked about the disparity in how reimbursement happens, insurance reimbursement for procedures between males and females in terms of what procedures get reimbursed at a higher rate. And much of our maternal mortality can be attributed not just to the racism in our health care system, but also to how dollars are allocated to women's want to underscore that our nation is paying attention and we in Philadelphia will also be paying attention. Thank you very much.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. As we celebrate Women's History Month, I am honored to dedicate some time today to recognize the contributions of truly incredible women in our City. Today with me as you heard are eight remarkable women who embody the spirit of care, creativity and leadership within the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. These women work hard daily to shape young minds, instill knowledge and foster a love for education and the Kensington community is invaluable to the lives they touch every day. Their impact resonates with their students, the families of their students, teachers, staff, peers and countless community members. Educators will tell you that every day presents new challenges. These challenges often go beyond the classroom. The ones that these women face every day just walking into the building seem insurmountable. They have made a daily commitment to take them on for the betterment of their students and their communities. When it comes to the work we are doing to improve the neighborhood, they are the unsung heroes in the equation. But I believe that years from now when next generation of homeowners, business owners and community leaders, they will be singing the praises of the women that are here today carrying the torch. They are the anchors for the future of Kensington. Thank you so much to all of my colleagues for joining me in celebrating their work. Thank you, ladies.
Good job. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. First I'd like to say the debate on rules, I'm here for it. I love it. That's what democracy is about, so I look forward to that conversation. But last week on Thursday we held a town hall on our City where over 200 folks participated. Thank you, Council President, for your participation. Thank you, Councilmember Thomas, and also Senator Street for participating in our discussion with the community to get some feedback on what we could be doing as a City to help better their lives. I also want to thank Commissioner Bethel as well for answering questions, and some tough questions from the community. Last night we also had a SEPTA town hall. I want to thank Councilwoman Katherine Gilmore Richardson for your leadership on this. It allowed parts of North Philadelphia to hear SEPTA's plan on their Revolution. And SEPTA I think got some great feedback last night from some communities in North Philadelphia. We had that School at 11th and Huntingdon in the 37th Ward. There will be another meeting with SEPTA at Strawberry Mansion High School April 2nd. So, folks, look forward to that flyer coming soon. And next Wednesday we will also have another community meeting at Philabundance Community Kitchen in the 10th and Dauphin area, so folks who live around 10th and Dauphin and Susquehanna, that part of the community, please come out and share your concerns with me and to get to know your new Councilmember. And last, Mr. President, at 1 o'clock today the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, chaired by Councilmember Squilla, will hold a hearing on Act 135. I am encouraging all who want to learn more about this Act to come this hearing. We're going to discuss some great things that the Act does and some things that could use improvement. And so, we welcome you all to participate in that hearing. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you. Good work. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today this body has taken a great stride in combating dangerous, nuisance and illegal driving. But passing this bill to outlaw the possession of license plate flipping devices, we are sending a clear message that these 007 devices and their reckless behavior they enable belong in an action movie. They do not belong on the streets of Philadelphia. to mask your identity when engaging in reckless driving such as speeding, running red lights, drifting, avoiding tolls and beyond. We are giving law enforcement another tool in their tool kit to combat this behavior in our City. So thank you to my co-sponsors and to every member of this body for voting in favor of this bill and to our law enforcement officers who seek to protect and serve every day. Secondly, Mr. President, I'd like to thank Councilman Curtis Jones for your leadership on the gaming bill. I think that's going to really make a difference in every neighborhood in this City, and it also shows the small businesses that have liquor licenses, legal liquor licenses, the American Legions, the VFWs, the AOHs, that they'll be able to make help them stay afloat and to keep our neighborhoods stronger. So thank you, Councilman, for that. I also on behalf of Councilmember Bass want to remind all the Councilmembers that immediately after Council, Members and designated staff, we're having a briefing on PIDC. Lunch will be served. And lastly, yesterday my dad Joe Driscoll, a World War II veteran, celebrated his 100th birthday. So I just want to give him a shout-out. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
You're welcome. That is truly an honor and a blessing, 100 years. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you, Council President. First, this is our last public meeting in this month, so recognizing all of the strong and courageous women who we've honored during Women's History Month today and throughout this month, it's just spectacular to hear the stories. And second of all, I thank my colleagues for all of our violence community town halls that we're having. Can't wait to start participating in more of those. It's so important to hear from the community. But I want to -- I really want to talk about and underscore the urgency of our call to action carrying the Affordable Connectivity Program. As Chair of the Information and Technology Committee, I believe that access to the Internet is not a luxury but a necessity, a Connectivity Program has been a beacon of hope for millions of Americans, bridging the gap between those with Internet access and those without. However, it's impending expiration and threatens to roll back years of progress in closing the digital divide. With this resolution, we urge President Biden and Congress to swiftly prioritize the reauthorization in funding of the Affordable Connectivity Program. By ensuring its continuation, Congress can reaffirm its commitment to equitable access for all Philadelphians and Americans to vital resources such as telehealth, education and employment opportunities. I hope the federal government will rise to the occasion to support our communities regardless of zip code or income second, I'm proud to recognize a resolution I introduced with Councilmember Kendra Brooks that March 31, 2024 as Transgender Day of Visibility in the City of Philadelphia. This is a day to celebrate the vibrant contributions of transgender, nonbinary and gender expansive individuals in our community and lift up the joy, triumphs and pride that transgender people experience and bring into our communities. We honor their resilience, their achievements and their invaluable role in shaping our city's identify. Our celebration must be accompanied by a solemn acknowledgement of the challenges that transgender and nonbinary individuals continue to face. Discriminations, violence and legislative attacks threaten their stand in solidarity with them, reaffirming our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can survive. In recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility, let us not only celebrate the progress we have made but also recommit ourselves to the ongoing struggle for a quality in justice. Together let us ensure that every voice is heard, every life is valued and every individual is empowered to live authentically. Thank you.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you. I was wondering if Ogbonna Hagins was going to get to speak before I did. But let me first thank my Members for standing up to giants and bullies in voting for the gaming bill. That took a lot of courage. I know you were contacted. I know people told you the sky was going to fall, but I appreciate you guys standing up to the bully. Appreciate you doing the David and Goliath thing for the neighborhoods of the City of Philadelphia. And it is not a perfect bill and we are open to continue to the conversation with people to figure out how to make it a better bill. But what I will note is that in 2017 the door got opened for these machines to be dropped into been waiting for help from Harrisburg. And I believe by passing this bill it will incentivize our colleagues at the state level to finally take this on and do something on behalf of Philadelphia. My only concern is that when they do, they do not pay attention to what our specific concerns about the gaming industry are and include us in the dialogue. Mr. President, I hope you will take that to Harrisburg for us. Secondly, for evil to triumph it only takes good men and women to do nothing, to say nothing and allow it to exist. I want to thank my Majority Leader for calming me down with the Rule book. She pulled out the Rule book on me. And thank you for that because it is Ramadan. And sho'nuff I was about to break my fast because my the way of the message and the truth. The issue for me -- and I want to thank my colleague Phillips, and I'm going to take you up on -- you said you would meet with anybody. That's what you said. It's on the record. And I want to join you in meeting with people who you may or may not agree with. Because for 17 years I turn around and I pay attention to whoever comes up to that mic, whether I agree with their cause or not because this is the people's house and they have a right to speak. And what is important is that when you silence people, it only creates agitation and hatred and other things. When you dialogue with people, when you open and really listen, guess what, we might learn something. We might view. And that's all I ask. I could have, like you said, introduced a resolution to bring the Middle East conflict right here but I was asked not to and it was wise not to, because first we as a body must always sweep under our feet first. Until we clean up the violence here in Philadelphia, who am I, who are we to talk about what should go on over there. We can have our opinion, but our work is right here. So therefore, wisdom dictated that we take care of our business, but I hope that our better angels -- because Ramadan just isn't about not eating and drinking. It's about really reflecting on what is right and what is wrong. And if we listen to people together collectively, I have faith we will do the right thing every time. We may not like it. It might not be 17 to 0 votes. It may be a little contested, but that is better public policy. So I want to thank you again, Majority Leader, for whipping out the -- that was in true Blondell spirit. And I want to say that I too, Member Phillips, believe that we are heading in the right direction. We start on time and if the speeches aren't too long, we end on time. But we should always strive to do better. And listening to people is in that reflection. I live in an interdenominational household. Everybody who believes in one God lives in my house. You know what I'm talking about, Member O'Rourke.
And when you listen to others, you experience, life experience. One Philly, right. Even if we don't like what they're saying, we're One Philly. Thank you, Mr. President. )
Thank you, Mr. Jones. I'm sure this will be first of many spirited dialogues and conversations and debates in this body. And I've been here since 2011 and I've seen a variety of them. But the rules exist for a reason. And just because we follow the rules does not mean we're shutting anyone down. If the subject of debate is not on the floor rather it's for anyone that comes to this body, then we're going to follow the rules just based upon us being aligned with the rules of this great institution that we all voted upon during the this body. However though, every member in this body including myself, whether I agree with any individual on the topic here in the City of Philadelphia whether it's Ramadan or Christmas, I've sat down with them. I've had conversations with them. No one in here can say rather or not an individual reached out to me directly and said let's have this conversation irregardless of what's said on this particular floor. Individuals know my character and how I operate as an individual. Hence, why I'm in this position right now. So as we move forward as a body, yes, this is the people's house. We will always make sure that people feel comfortable when they do come here. But nevertheless, the rules that we voted upon on this last election for this body are in place for a reason. And just because we have rules do not mean we disagree with another person's opinion. There's just rules to make sure that this body operates efficiently as we move this great City of Philadelphia forward. And so, with that being said -- I'm more than welcome to have a side-bar conversation, Mr. Jones, with yourself or anyone else. But at this particular time, sir, we're going to wrap up. And at this particular time, I'm going to call on Councilman --
Use your adage, what I am not talking about is your character. I respect the rules of this body. But for years I listened to Joe Donahue and others since you've been there that used the art of taking what is supposed to be a bill or resolution and then weaving it into whatever cause they have and that is at somewhat our discretion. So what I'd like us to be is a little more fair. That's --
You're welcome. It is a new day though. That was under the past Administration, but I will take consideration, sir. With that being said, the Chair recognizes my good friend, Deputy Majority Whip Mr. Isaiah Thomas.
Thank you, Mr. President. Before we close out, I just wanted to -- I thought someone would do it. And I agree with all the comments that was said. But there was a number of unfortunate shootings that took place this week, incidents involving young people. I'm not going to start naming any names. But on just behalf of the legislative body before we close out, I just wanted to make sure that we offered our condolences to all of the families and victims who suffered a loss this week because of gun violence and heart-wrenching be discussed for years to come. So I just wanted to make sure I put that on the record. I love the energy and the great work that all the Councilmembers are doing. But I know that those families are really suffering right now. And I mean, even me personally I went back and looked at some DMs from one of the victims who was killed this week --
-- and it's always unfortunate and it's hitting close -- it's hitting very close to home for a lot of us. So maybe next week's break is somewhat needed based on all of the emotions that folks are feeling here today. I'm sure that everybody viewing and watching can see the tension. So with that being said, President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 4, 2024. Knowing you, Council President, we'll be starting at 10:00 a.m. sharp. (Duly seconded.)
Absolutely. It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Everybody, have a great Easter holiday weekend. ) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I, hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence noted are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me in the foregoing matter, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. m. W.
134:23 163:22 78:24 79:2 146:17 com. 143:5 183:6 91:13 156:24 73:11 144:2 157:4,15, lovely 145:14 lynnlandes. 167:19,25 158:3 47:20 48:7 177:18 org. m. V.