It has been moved and enthusiastically seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. 4/9/26 - STATED - 2ND READING I love that camaraderie in Council. That's what I'm talking about. Jeffrey Young, bringing up Pastor Nicolas O'Rourke to do prayer. You honoring Councilmember Thomas. That's what it's all about. I like that. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution please.
A privileged resolution recognizing the 100th anniversary of Glaizers Local No. 252 on the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, chartered on April 12, 1926 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Introduced by Councilmember Harrity.
The Chair recognizes the Chair of Labor Councilmember Jim Harrity for a motion on the 4/9/26 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution. (Duly seconded.)
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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
A 4/9/26 - STATED - 2ND READING privileged resolution designating April 18, 2026 as Lineworkers Appreciation Day in the City of Philadelphia, and recognizing and honoring the dedication and resilience of lineworkers who build, maintain and repair the infrastructure that power our City. Introduced by Councilmember Driscoll.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll for a motion on the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. 4/9/26 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Lodge No. 2 of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons, for its historical significance in the founding of the nation, its 268 years of dedication to leadership and mentorship and its continued contributions to charitable organizations in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Squilla. COUNCIL PRESIDENT 4/9/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution. 4/9/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
A privileged resolution recognizing the week of April through April 5 12, 2026 as National Public Health 6 Week. Introduced by Councilmember Ahmad.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 4/9/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: Anyone opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and celebrating the extraordinary efforts of WOAR - Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence. Introduced by Councilmember Ahmad.
Chair recognizes for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) 4/9/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing April 2026 as National Earth Month, and celebrating Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet School's commitment to fostering the next generation of environmental stewards. Introduced 4/9/26 - STATED - 2ND READING by Councilmember Ahmad.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
Council President, there are no further resolutions in my possession.
That completes our Calendar for today. Are there any brief speeches on behalf of the Minority? (No response.)
Speeches on behalf of the Majority? Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
That's a first. I'm going to keep it very short. Just want to say again that today we are honoring our dear friend Councilmember Sharon Vaughn. As everyone knows, Councilmember Vaughn has always led with deep roots in the community. Has been a public leader for many, many years. Her community all came together to ask for this recognition. I appreciate the support that this legislative body also provided in recognizing her as well. Today I also introduced legislation to rename the 400 block of West Lehigh Avenue "Wilfredo Gonzalez Way," honoring Gonzalez's lifelong service to the Latino community and cultural life of Philadelphia. Gonzalez was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Philadelphia. Mr. Gonzalez was the beloved owner of Centro Musical, a cornerstone of the Hispanic community for more than 50 years. Devoted to his family, a U.S. Army veteran, a man of deep faith, he led relief efforts to Puerto Rico for Hurricane Maria. Gonzalez championed Hispanic commerce and community culture. He supported community organizations like (inaudible), Concilio, a merchant of the Fifth Street Merchants Association. We lost him on March 30th and we honor him and thank his family for sharing him with us in the community. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you. Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. I'll try to be as brief as possible. I'd like to take a moment to recognize National Earth Month and speak on the resolution 2 that we introduced and honoring the principal and the entire incredible student body of Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet High School. You've heard me speak about Lankenau before. There's not much more I can add. Just to draw attention to this incredible institution and the unjust recommendation by our school district to close it. I want to thank Councilmember Curtis Jones for introducing a bill today to do a zoning overlay that would make sure this space is kept for educational and civic purposes and hopefully stay green and clean into the future. Second, I just wanted to speak on the bill that I introduced, which was about changing the Philadelphia Code to add a chapter entitled "U Visa and T Visa certifications." This ordinance establishes a standardized process for U & T Visa certifications, including timely responses to requests, confidentiality of requests, guidelines of the grant or denial of request as well as other relevant procedures. U & T Visas are essential for immigrant survivors of human trafficking and victims of crime to advocate for themselves. With these individuals experiencing numerous other boundaries to support and resources, this ordinance adds transparency to the U & T Visa process and removes one more layer of stress from the process. So I look forward to hopefully having that heard in committee. And finally, I wanted to just remind everybody that our online grooming hearing is going to be held on April 24th at 10:00 a.m. in City Hall, Room 400. And all interested constituents can reach out if they're interested in testifying. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you, Council President. I will be brief. Today I introduced a resolution honoring and correct congratulating Philadelphia's iconic chefs and restaurants named as nominees for the 2026 James Beard Awards. Our unique and diverse food scene here in Philadelphia showcases cuisine from around the world and from all throughout our diverse neighborhoods. Congratulations to the teams of Friday Saturday Sunday, Royal Sushi Izakaya, Her Place Supper Club, Honeysuckle, Fiore, Kalaya, and also Emmett who was here today but they couldn't stay for public comment. I also introduced a resolution today declaring April as Jazz Appreciation Month in Philadelphia, celebrating the city's extraordinary jazz legacy, jazz's unique history, especially when it comes to Philly, which has produced legends like John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday and more. It's also the 60th anniversary of the Cleft Club here in Philadelphia. We're also the home to the Musicians Protective Union Local 274, which fought for justice, racial equity, workers' rights and dignity in the workplace for Black musicians. This month we honor not just the work they created, but the enduring legacy they left behind. As a reminder to Councilpeople, we're having a celebration upstairs in my office of 592 with the meet and greet for my exhibition and with some artists upstairs highlighting the legacy of jazz. It's happening right now, 592. And finally, I wanted to just acknowledge that today ICE agents are expected to leave PHL Airport following their deployment during the government shutdown. This is another step to keep ICE out of Philly. And I look forward to Monday's hearing that I introduced with Minority Leader Brooks and the entire Committee of the Whole here on Monday at 10:00 a.m. Ice out of Philadelphia. Thank you so much.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. First, I want to congratulate Ms. Sharon Vaughn on the street renaming. It is very well-deserved. Many folks already know I grew up with Ms. Vaughn's daughter Kanika, so I hope she doesn't say what we used to do as teenagers. But this weekend, our office is proud to host our Youth Job Fair this Saturday, April 11th, from 11:00 to 2:00 p.m. the Temple Star Complex. We're hosting our youth job fair for young people, ages to 24. We partnered with 6 National Center for Urban Solutions 7 C2L program, Temple University, to 8 just provide our young people with 9 opportunities. 10 So if you're hiring this 11 summer, if you're trying to build 12 out your program, if you're looking 13 to connect with young people, this 14 is where you need to be. We have over 200 young people registered so far, and that shows a lot, that our young people are really looking for opportunities here in the City of Philadelphia. And, Mr. President, I think that we should find funding for every single young person who wants a job in the City of Philadelphia. That should be a no-brainer for us here on this Council. And we're looking for partners. I also believe that every single entity that receives a dime from the City of Philadelphia should partner with us in hiring a young person at their facilities. So we need more partners, especially our retailers, our summer programs, our youth service organizations, we need you to come out full force. So please, you can reach out to my office if you want to register. You can show up on the spot. Again, it's this Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 15th and Montgomery at the Temple Star Complex. This Saturday, I'm also partnering with Councilmember Brooks and Hair & Company, a new hair store at Broad and Hunting Park, is having a community day. So we will be out there from 12:00 to 5:00 as well at Broad and Hunting Park. So if you're in that area, please come out and bring your family. And last, but not least, Mr. President, it is also spring cleanup time. And so tomorrow, my office will be on Montgomery Avenue between 22nd and 24th cleaning up our community. So See Me Clean and Love Where I Live Tour is what we're calling it. I'll be out there 22nd and Montgomery at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow, April 10 and on Saturday, April 11. I'll be out there at 9:00 a.m. at 30th and Cumberland before our Youth Fair. So I want a huge thank you to our Black Male Community Council Philadelphia, the office of Clean and Green and the Strawberry Mansion Community Concern for helping us organize these cleanups as we continue to make our city the cleanest, greenest city in the country. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Council President, very briefly I just want to be recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions. I apologize for stepping off the floor for a little bit. I also just wanted to again thank all of my colleagues, especially Councilmember Lozada as well as well as Councilmember Squilla, it being in his district, but all of my colleagues for all of the support and celebration, including you, Council President, on winning a State championship and being able to welcome my young men here today. And I could let y'all know they'll never forget this for the rest of their life. So a lot happened today and a lot happens every Thursday. But I could tell you for about 11 young men, this is a day they'll 12 never forget. So colleagues, thank 13 you all for making today very 14 special for them. 15 Council President, thank 16 you, sir. 17
Great job, sir. Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Council President, thank you very much. Very quickly, lunch will be provided in the Caucus room by the Philadelphia Children's Alliance, where they will be sharing their information with all of us. I also would like to ask for thoughts and prayers for the two firefighters that were hurt in the line of duty responding to a fire last Sunday. One of them was discharged at home, Will Cochato(ph) and the other firefighter is still in very serious condition at Temple Hospital. And so, I ask for thoughts and prayers for their speedy recovery. Thank you.
Thank you, Member Lozada. Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Council President. Truly appreciate your leadership today. And I move that Council stands adjourned until Thursday, April 26, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
Let me restate that for the record so we are getting everything correct. Thank you, Mr. President. I apologize for the error. I move that Council stands adjourned until Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stands adjourned until Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and this Council session is adjourned. - - - (Stated Meeting adjourned at 1:05 p.m.) - - 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. ________________________________ TANEHA CARROLL