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 12/19/24 - STATED - 2ND READING signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold a hearing concerning the deaths of individuals incarcerated in Philadelphia correctional facilities in recent weeks, including Amanda Cahill, Michael McKinnis and Joseph Gabor, and evaluating the changes that are needed to prevent further 12/19/24 - STATED - 2ND READING tragedies. Introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion on the resolution.
Council President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the 12/19/24 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on People with Disabilities and Special Needs to hold a hearing regarding the state of accessibility in the City of Philadelphia, including ensuring the celebratory events that will be held in Philadelphia in 2026 are maximally accessible to every person in the City. Introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion on the resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. 12/19/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion 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.
Council President, there are no further resolutions in my possession.
This completes our Calendar for the day. Are there any speeches on behalf of the Minority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. This is a long speech alert too just so you know. Good afternoon, colleagues and to everyone in the Council chambers today. I want to take a few minutes this afternoon to talk about the resolution that I introduced. First, I want to acknowledge my resolution along with you, Council President, and Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke honoring the life and legacy of was many things, a poet, activist, independent thinker who channeled the joy, pain, love and celebration of the Black experience. Philadelphia played an important role in that including where she wrote her first poetry collection, Black Feeling Black Talk. And her words get me through challenging times and I look to them often. And I pray for her family and may she rest in power. I also introduced two very important resolutions to hold hearings next year on priorities we were unable to address during this calendar year. First, I'm introducing a resolution calling for a hearing on our City's preparedness to ensure accessibility of our disabled national attention we will receive in 2026. As the Chair of the Committee on Disabilities and Special Needs, I want to make sure that everyone has access to the cultural events that showcase the best of Philadelphia. That starts with the city. We will look at ways to make sure that planning for these citywide events reflect the diversity we need to ensure we do not leave behind our disabled community. Second, I introduced a resolution calling for hearings on the recent deaths in Philadelphia jails. While much of attention has been focused on the arena for the last two months, the challenges of our city faces have not gone away. We will see schools closed in the next coming years. common, a huge concern despite federal flex spending we received and just this weekend at least two dozen people were shot, including teenagers right outside the doors of City Hall. This body and the Mayor must prioritize these challenges in 2025. And sadly, this weekend we also got word of another death in the jail system involving someone going through medical detox and their needs not being met. Joseph Gabor passed away after being found in his holding cell with paraphernalia nearby, and he was supposed to have been transferred by then. And he was supposed to have been checked on. This is the fifth time we have seen death in our jails this year, including similar circumstances, and the sixth since 2020. So when I first entered Council, I raised these concerns in our budget hearings and directly in meetings with the Administration. These deaths cannot be swept under the rug, because we were too busy working on a playground for billionaires. This fall Amanda Cahill's family spoke directly to this chamber so that her death might not be in vain. And I ask this body to take meaningful action and this is my first step in the promise I have made to her family, Michael McKinnis' family and Joseph Gabor's families and loved ones. (Thank you.)
I'm not done. I'm still going. I'm -- it's long. I was elected to represent working families whose voices and struggles are often lost in money, special interests that dominate politics. My base across Philadelphia has demanded and pushed me to fight against these corporate interests on the behalf of our neighborhoods, including Chinatown. And over the last two years I've opposed the arena at every step. I voted no on every procedural vote and I'm one of the three Councilmembers who put out a plan around a $300 million CBA for public consideration. I personally faced 1.5 million in attack ads from these same special interests who are pushing this arena and I'm the only public position on the woefully inadequate CBA totaling 50 million. And if I want to say so myself, that's courage. And that's what we're supposed to do as elected members, to lead from the front. History has shown us time and time again that the only path for our collective survival is our collective struggle. And when power and money descend on our communities, we must stand up and fight back even when the fight is impossible and difficult. The arena vote held today demonstrates how far we go as a Council, how far we have to go to truly listen to and reflect the voices of our community instead of the voices of the wealthy few. Overwhelming opposition for working people across the city failed to billionaires from carpet-bagging the heart of our downtown and pitting two communities of color against each other. This to me is heartbreaking. It is the backbreaking of our communities and it represents another terrible example of the cities racing to the bottom to appease billionaires. To the allies who have my back, thank you. We need more courage, more movement, more power to resist the kinds of darkness and I am grateful to the people and our coalition for doing everything they felt was possible to resist. This fight is not over and I will continue doing everything within my power to ensure that Chinatown is made whole by this city. It may not be easy to see it now, but this moment will our movement. Great leaders come from great struggle. It is my own fight against billionaires trying to privatize my children's school that activated me and brought me here. I know this is happening as we speak in Chinatown. In fact, I can promise you that someone in this very room may be radicalized by this moment and using this betrayal to Chinatown to get active. We will all witness the power of this movement has activated in the coming years. We have our own power in this legislative body and the people of this city expect us to use that power on their behalf. And as we enter 2025, I will not forget where the people stood in this fight, the strength they showed to make their voices heard to fight for their communities against all odds. They will not rest. We will not rest. This fight is not over and I believe that we will win. And I want to thank you all and let's get back to doing the people's work. (Applause.)
Thank you, Mr. President. There is another word from the Minority. And today on the final Council session of 2024 that word is anticipation. In a commercial country like ours, we've made the start of November through whenever y'all go back to work the entire Christmas season in order profit. Point of information, Christmas begins on the 25th and it culminates on the 6th of January, which with an observance of a holy day that we call the feast of epiphany or if you're in the Eastern Church theophany. The season that precedes the 12 days of Christmas, the one that we're in now, is known as Advent, Adventus in the Latin. It means coming, coming, a nod to the coming in breaking of the divine in the Christian tradition into human flesh and into human history, an event we acknowledge as the birth of Christ. The Advent season coming is big on anticipation of Jesus' first coming, big on his anticipation of Christ's second coming and anticipation of the lives and the hearts that are open to the Holy. Anticipation, however, isn't always excitement. The feeling can be accompanied by anxiety, by dread, by fear and hope and cynicism and much more, naturally affirmed by the darkening of every passing day in this season. So this may be a good reminder that for as much as people approach this season with excitement and cheer, it truly isn't complete without a more complicated and sometimes troubled complexity of feelings. People should know it's okay not to be okay, that darkness is a part of this season as well. And if you felt darkness and confusion through this holiday season, those who are listening now later, know that that is part of many traditions along with cheer and charity by its side. So reach out to someone, feel your way to the light in this dark time. It's important that we do that. But not only does darkness come with the season so does the cold, and that reminds me of those someones who, and those neighbors really, who are without shelter, without houses. Councilmember Gauthier has been introducing the resolution that we call today Homeless Persons' Memorial Day for the last few years, and I want to thank her for keeping this issue front and center over the past few years in your work. The resolution acknowledges December 21st as Homeless Persons' Memorial Day in Philadelphia, acknowledging the people we have lost over the past year, those nameless persons too many of us that have transitioned, and bringing attention to housing insecurity across the city. It should be noted that an estimated 48 percent of Philadelphians pay more than 30 percent of their income on housing alone and only 38 affordable housing units exist for every 100 low-income households. This resolution also recognizes efforts that were made by the government of the City of Philadelphia, local organizations and individuals who are supporting unhoused populations. And I just want to lift up a nod and a thank you really to groups like Project HOME, folks like uh Roz Pichardo of the House, our allies and friends over at Prevention Point, so many of us. While many of us are feeling generous and charitable in this time of the season, I think the spirit of the season calls on us to move from just generosity and donations to recognition. We have to recognize Phillies homeless as our neighbors. As much as we do with our house neighbors, sadly enough even when we know people before they lost their homes, this is a hard principle to maintain, particularly when it comes to the stranger.
They are our neighbors as well. Quick word here on this, to the people out there who were disappointed by this body's decision and intent on making it known, as they have been, as it relates to the arena today, that's to be me, Council President, outside the ring making demands of those seated within this ring as well. The feeling is familiar to not just me but generations of Philadelphians for all sorts of reasons, some of whom have gone on to be legends and leaders in this city sitting in seats of power today. It is my hope that this process hasn't pushed you all away, which was my ask at the beginning of all this, from your government. But, in fact, I hope that it's moved you into thinking deeply about how to win the next fight that you take up. There were all sorts, people came into Council every week talking about land use, talking about shifts in property ownership, gentrification and a decreased control, whether they were imagining a prior era of influence or not. These were all such resonant issues for those of us that -- and many of us sat through all of them through this process because many of us can and do relate to them at different scales all across the city. Questions related to land, housing ownership and influence are all deep-seated issues that fundamentally shaped views of democracy, especially locally. Democracy not just voter turnout in election season. The vote today leaves Council with some hard questions to answer, including the capital and operating costs that SEPTA has said they need for this to work. Neighborhood protection be an ongoing struggle. So to touch on the word of the day, as I said at the beginning, that is something to anticipate. Again, it is my prayer that this process hasn't pushed you away from your government but moved you into thinking deeply about how to win the next fight that you take up. As Angela Y. Davis taught us, freedom y'all is a constant struggle. You're alive and you're not dead, as my mentor used to say, because you're not done. There is more that is required of all of us. Finally, speaking of anticipating next fights, the next Stated meeting, Council President, of this Council is on January 23rd. That's three days after the inauguration of now President There will be a new regime in town across this land when we come back in these chambers. Different constituencies, I'm sure many of us have gotten emails about it and have talked about this a bit since the election. Many constituencies have been trying to prepare for the consequences of this new administration, thinking about immigrant rights and migrant justice groups. Associated orgs have held two recent marches asking for the city to rededicate itself to the sanctuary city designation it has held down for so long, I think that's notable. LGBTQIA+ communities, thank you Leader Landau -- Member Landau, for the work that you do as well. People are rushing to procedures, access to medicine, adoption rights and marriage licenses as you all well know. I have a close friend who is trans trying to get a vacation before he gets inaugurated because they don't know if they're going to be able to move around the way they want to. This is real for many of us. Sadly, The Inquirer reports that there's little impetus among queer communities, queer Philadelphians to fight back with demonstrations because many people believe not enough Americans would care. That's a damning indictment.
We believe this new Trump administration will be more ideologically coherent and potentially more efficient at achieving their many goals. This is a city that relatively speaking during the election. 3 percent from 2020 and Trump did better with working class, working poor voters than ever. We're not leaving this post-2016 era in conclusion better off by demonizing our neighbors, no matter how we feel about their views, pro or con. We must do right by Philly week-by-week, month-bymonth, year-by-year so that people feel that voting is worth it at all, which is why I feel compelled often to call our attention to the concept of democracy. It's much more than voting. It's about what we do and how we show up week-byweek, month-by-month, year-by-year. Over the break we will rest. We should reflect and then we must move the city as you say, President, often forward because this body has so far to go to serve our people. I do anticipate our collective work together going forward. Thank you, Council President. )
You're welcome. Any speeches on behalf of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I swear to you on all I love my intentions was not to give a speech today. I wanted to get up out of here and be a part of the holiday season, but I feel compelled to do so. Listening to my colleagues, who I love and respect, love and respect, if you listen to them, they would have you believe that the City took an L today, that somehow we all lost. We didn't all lose. There's a kid at ESPN Barbershop that has a shot at getting on a construction site today. There's a kid in ESPN Barbershop that may well work at the stadium, learn some things, start his own business and become the next person of means in this town. You would think Donald Trump won today. He did not. The City of Philadelphia Market Street East won today and have -(Applause.)
At least I got one. All right. I don't do this for applause. I don't do this for likes. I don't of that. I do this for the people. And when you make tough decisions, sometimes you're going to get booed. But I know the people that are in this room care, all of them, they don't always agree. But if everybody agreed, 16 of us would not be necessary. We're supposed to struggle in this room about issues pertaining to the people. Now, let's go to where we agree. Winter is coming. Donald Trump is coming. Spigots will be turned off from the federal government. We have to get what we can to do what we can for our people going forward. Night will pass and the dawn will come, but we're going to struggle while he's in that office. So as we start to look at how that affects us department by-department, agency-by-agency, we need to put our heads together and figure out what we can do to protect not just Chinatown but the City of Philadelphia. Ain't going to be a bunch of agreements in places that's going to get gentrified going forward, so we got to figure out what laws, what policies we can put on the books from this chamber to protect them. And I stand ready for that work. I stand ready to join my colleagues in that work, but I just don't -- I can't sit by and just say that -- people in my District, some of them won today. And we're going to keep fighting for all of the citizens of Philadelphia, not just one town. Thank you, Mr. President. COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: Thank you, Councilmember Jones. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President. Today we renamed the 3900 block of Haverford Avenue "Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Triangle" in a wave of success following the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the march on Washington for jobs and freedom. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. continued to galvanize Black Americans through his Freedom Now rallies. And on August 3, 1965 10,000 Philadelphians gathered at the intersection of 40th and Haverford in West Philly to hear Dr. King speak about the collective power we yield when we, the people, stand up for justice. is a proud piece of our community's history and a milestone in West Philly's story tradition of leading our society into a more equitable future. Philadelphia is the birthplace of modern democracy and freedom. But for most of our nation's history, the rights enshrined into law by our founding fathers at 5th and Chestnut did not apply to those who lived at 40th and Haverford. Luckily Philly's quest for true freedom did not end when Congress left Independence Mall. Because whether we are talking about 1965 or 2024, West and Southwest Philly loudly challenged America to live up to its promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all. Every year on MLK Day we Martin Luther King, Jr. Triangle and recommit ourselves to the values Dr. King asked our community to model nearly 60 years ago, compassion, justice and peace. This January will mark the sixth year I participate in this tradition, but it will feel different for many reasons, and not just because we will have a newly named street and a freshly restored mural. While we gather in community on the very same day down in Washington D.C., President-elect Donald Trump will be taking the oath of office, officially marking the start of what we know will be some of the darkest four years in our nation's history. This body will not meet again until after President-elect Trump and his cronies seize control of meeting, we may very well have to reckon with new crises such as the mass deportation of our constituents, a crumbling economy brought upon us by ill-advised tariffs, a rollback of our fundamental rights and cracks in the very foundation of our democratic institutions that were started right here in this city. But today's street renaming makes me recall Dr. King's teaching, that the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice. The newly minted Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Triangle is both a recognition of our history and a recommitment to fighting for a future with collective care and liberation, just as Dr. King taught us to do. your leadership, Council President, this body is working to ensure that no matter what is happening in Washington, Philadelphia remains a place where everyone can thrive regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, economic background or immigration status. Too much is at stake to sit back and wait for what we know is coming. We must continue to show the world that the City of Philadelphia, just like Dr. Martin Luther King, will always be a "drum major for justice, peace and righteousness." Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Very briefly, Council President and colleagues. I first and foremost want to thank you all for your vote today and your support for our Prison Oversight legislation. As I thank Councilmember O'Rourke earlier for working closely with my office and my team to pass this historic legislation, I know it's a lot of other stuff going on. But at the end of the day since Thanksgiving alone, there has been four stabbings at the prisons and two guards who've been charged with smuggling contraband in the jail. So when we look at the issues that we're facing in the prison, I automatically think of our former colleague Sharon Vaughn who, while wasn't in Council that long, took on this issue and tried her best to raise awareness around that we're facing. I think about Councilmember O'Rourke's speech in Council a little while ago when he talked in-depth about some of the horrific conditions and experiences that the prisoners and the staff and the folks who are out there are dealing with. So I just want to take a moment to thank the Defender's Association, the Prison Society and a special thank you to the Abolitionist Law Center and my man Saleem. I want to give him a personal shout-out for his advocacy and sticking with us throughout the course of this process. I want to recognize both District Councils 33 and 47, but especially District Council 47 for their willingness to sit with my team to figure out exactly what to look like. And of course, we have to thank Mayor Parker. Thank you Mayor Parker, Rachel and her entire team for working with us. We've been in negotiations with the Mayor for the entire year so while all the other issues are taking place and while we're discussing a lot of things, we still were able to put ourselves in a position to essentially get this done. And as I close out, Council President, I could not have done this without my staff. And I know we don't give our staff a lot of credit, but Dave Maynard and Dan and Don Miller in my office, them three specifically, have met with people for over two years, two years, Council President, in order to put us in a position for this into law today. But the work continues. Next year we'll continue to work with the Mayor and the Coalition to put us in a position to define exactly what this Prison Oversight Board will look like. We're also going to ask the constituents of Philadelphia to vote on this matter because it will turn into a ballot measure. And I want to close out by thanking my colleague Councilmember Jones. He doesn't even know this, but the work that he did with the CPOC, with the Board that he helped lead, is a foundation that we tried to use to put us in a position to be able to get this passed. Thank you, Council President. Thank you, colleagues. And, the City of Philadelphia, we you around this legislation and hope to earn your vote next year so this becomes the new law of the land and in the City of Philadelphia as it relates to prison oversight. Thank you all. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. This year was a very different year for me as a first member first-term Councilmember, right. So a look at the things that we had to accomplish, right. This year we have -- my office removed 300 cars, 300 abandoned cars from the street. We've taken thousands of constituent service requests, but I think our last day -- we spent so much time on this arena and it took away time from doing the little things that matter in our Districts and in our communities. And the Pastor that said the prayer today he mentioned, he said something that kind of resonated with me when he talked about marginalized communities and taking care of the least of thee. And I think that when as I sit here on this body and I make decisions, those two are always at the forefront of decisions that I make, marginalized communities and taking care of the least of thee. But this particular proposal for this arena, I want folks to know that it is not an arena that has caused issues or that folks are upset with. I really think that if this was differently, a little bit more thoughtful, we could come to a conclusion that would benefit all Philadelphians. I think that when we allow companies, corporations to basically create the deal, I don't think that that is always in the best interest of the residents of the city of Philadelphia. And you look at what this deal is, it has some positives, it has some great things, that I think City Council under your leadership, Mr. President, was able to accomplish with the historic 50 percent goals in our EOP, historic. But we need to have those historic points because this is a historic development. This is a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity. And when these once-in-a-lifetime itself, we have to govern what I think is in the best interest of the public. And understanding what arena deals are and what stadium deals are and looking at all the facts and looking at history, when history tells us that the revenue projected will not come, when history tells us that the destruction of communities is likely, we have to ask for a little bit more when it comes to protecting these communities. And so, when I threw out there early that $300 million figure, it wasn't just out of thin air, right. It was not. It was out of what our real tax projections are going to be over the next 30 years, right, and that we have to think about that. It's 30 years. at what the impact is going to be on our public services. So they say there's no public money going into -- there's no City money going into this. But at the same time, yes, there's no City public dollars, but our City is still going to get taxed, we're going to get taxed with the issue of SEPTA and traffic and transportation, right. We're going to get taxed. And, yes, it's a great deal for our brothers and sisters in the union, it is a great deal, and I can tell you that there are some wins for you all in this deal, some great wins in this deal. But we have to look at the landscape of our entire city and taking care of our students that go to Dobbins and Ben Franklin and Youth Build and Mastbaum and Edison and Randolph, those kids, I just don't see where it is guaranteed that they're going to benefit from this arena. And those are the kids that we have to look out for in our communities if we're say they're the future. Those students we need to provide real opportunities for them, not just these dreams that they'll be able to participate. Where is it on paper, right. I'm using my experience as an attorney.
I mean, I can't help it. That's just who I am, to look at deals from a different perspective. And this deal for the City of Philadelphia for the residents of the 5th District I do not believe was the best deal from the beginning. And I think that Council has done its due diligence. its due diligence and done what Council believes is in the best interest of their constituencies. I really truly believe that and understanding what capitalism really is. We are going to increase the value of the Philadelphia 76ers by at least 50 percent by this. And so, what that means is that they $4-something billion company is going to go to about $6 billion or $7 billion. Billion is a lot of money when you think about how we can level up. We're trying to level up. Let's get more of the pie. If we come together collectively, we can get more of the pie and the people will win. And I think that as we move forward in developing our city and developing East Market Street, I look forward to working with the Council President, working with the Mayor, on ensuring that our communities really benefit from this deal because that's the only way that this will be a success, if our communities really benefit from this deal. And as I look forward and I see the things that are happening in the chambers today, you know, it reminded me of stories I've heard from -- everyone knows I'm a proud Girard College graduate, but stories I've heard from the Cecil B. Moore Freedom Fighters when they were protesting Girard College to integrate Girard College to do what's right for the community for the people, to allow me this education to be here at this very moment, right. The Freedom Fighters who just had a birthday, like Bernyce DeVaughn, like Vivian -- Attorney Vivian Crawford, those were young people protesting for what's right, to do what's right. They were dragged around, dragged out, hauled in jail for protesting what is right. And I look at what my ancestors would say who held this seat, what would my ancestors say, what would Dr. Ethel Allen say, right, what would the honorable Judge Raymond Pace Alexander say, what would Cecil B. Moore say, what would they say when this vote came up, what did my community say, what did the 5th District say. As I went around and talked to folks, talked to hundreds of people and only two people who did not have an economic political said that this is something that they wanted to see for our city at this current rate. And so, when you have all these facts, because these are facts, facts about what arena deals are and what they project and things like -- these are all facts. So when you have all these facts and we're entrusted by the people to make the best interest of the public health, safety and welfare of the community, I think I had to come to that decision because I believe that's the right thing to do. And I want folks to know I am not anti-development, antilabor. I am 100 percent in solidarity with our labor movement. And they have to realize it was less than 100 years ago when members of the labor movement were abused, right, for fighting for equity and efficiency to have their voice in their careers, to have a seat at the bargaining table. There's a lot of similarities there, a lot of solidarity that can be there. But we can't never bargain in bad faith and I think that's what this -- I think that was what was presented to us from the very beginning. It was a bargain in bad faith.
And so, as we think about our future and developing our city where we have a potential $11 billion SEPTA subway, right, on the Roosevelt Boulevard, something that unions will be able to build, as we think about our School District infrastructure, right, and working with Councilmember Thomas on the School Development Authority, right, we think about how those for our communities, for our members, for our brothers in the unions to provide for their families, there's going to be opportunities. So it's not about the opportunity that you have presented in front of you. It's about spreading that cheese and that's how I've been saying it, right. It's more that we can get for our city because we will be taxed at some point. And, Mr. President, I know I'm rambling. I normally don't ramble. I'm normally very consistent and concise, but I think I just want to point home that we don't even have a Greyhound station anymore. I mean, let's think about that. That's a tax that's going to come on our public, right, on the public space. What are we going to do about that and how can we use really think about the value of our city and the leverage that we really have as a people in this city. And so, thank you, Mr. President. I appreciate you allowing me some time today. )
Thank you, Councilmember Young. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you, Council President. I will be brief. This has been an extremely difficult month or so for so many of us. And what I am looking forward to in January is that we do have a Donald Trump 2.0 coming, and that is very, very scary bad news. And so, I hold a hearing to look at the City's readiness and commitment to protecting immigrant rights, LGBTQ+ rights, all marginalized communities and also our commitment to protecting our reproductive freedom here in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, that hearing is not going to happen until January, but I will say that we're gathering community experts, experts from organizations, legal experts to talk to us about not only the great laws that we already have on the books, but really hearing even from the Administration about what we're willing to enforce, what needs to be made stronger and where we have to go as a city. So I'm glad to have that hearing. I think it's going to lot of things, so we can make sure that we're sending the message to everybody in Philadelphia, that you're protected here in Philadelphia and that we got your back. I know Council does. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
That's it. Oh, that's -- I think I could go on and on and on. Thank you.
That completes our speeches for the day. I just want to take a moment to acknowledge the Sergeantat-Arm staff, the Chief Clerk and their staff. (Applause.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: I think Liz isn't in here, but also thank our Interim Chief Clerk who will be made permanent after the new year. Let's give her and her team a round of applause. (Applause.)
I also want to acknowledge my Tech team to the left. Let's give them a round of applause, all of them who are here making sure we're moving forward. (Applause.)
I also want to acknowledge the Office of Civil Affairs. I want to thank them as well for working with us. (Applause.)
I also thank our Sheriff's Department. We thank Philadelphia Police Department. I thank them as well. (Applause.)
But most importantly, this is my first year as Council President so my word for the today is gratitude, so I want to thank all the members of the City Council for your support. (Applause.)
I think -- I know for a fact as a body we have accomplished much during this past year. I also believe that every member of this body works hard day-in and day-out to improve the quality of life of all Philadelphians here in the city of Philadelphia. We will never all agree on every single issue because we're all individuals who have been sent constituencies and we all have our own particular issues that we're focused on, but the common goal is working to improve the quality of life of all Philadelphians. And so, I want to thank each and every last Councilmen for your hard work and your dedication. We walk and chew bubble gum contrary to popular belief. And so, I just want to thank you for your hard work, your dedication. I want to say happy holidays to everyone. If I don't see you as well, Happy New Year. And this completes our first session of City Council this year. At this time, the Chair recognizes my Majority Leader. I'm going to give it to Councilwoman Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Council President, and thank you very much for your leadership this year. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until January 23, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Thank you very ) 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. C. P. L.