Stated Meeting, October 15, 2026

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, October 15, 2026 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN CINDY GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN CURTIS J. JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN RUE LANDAU COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY M. LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN NICOLAS O'ROURKE COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR. ELIZABETH McCOLLUM NAZARIO, CHIEF CLERK - - -

Please take your seats. All visitors, please retire to the seats outside the rails. I note that the hour has come and a quorum of this City Council is present. I will ask all those present to please set your cell phones to silent and/or vibrate. Please take all sidebar conversations out of the City Council chambers. Today, to give our invocation is our very own Councilmember, most importantly, Rev. Nicolas O'Rourke.

I invite all visitors and persons in the chamber to please stand and to assume the posture that is most comfortable for you in the offering of our invocation to begin our proceedings today. (Councilmembers, guests and visitors rise.)

O Ancient of Days, as the Prophet Daniel rightly acknowledged, you, how many proceedings like this, in every town and city, every state and country, generation after generation after generation. How many of these have You seen under your all-seeing protective eye? More than we could ever number or comprehend. Today we have assembled to endeavor to do it again. And we can take confidence that as you've watched over and protected so many for so long, you'll do it again for us today. 344 years old, 100 mares deep, we are a city acquainted with promise and pain. And it seems like in the last week we felt the weight of that all at once. The families whose homes have become places of tragedy, where domestic and sexual violence have taken the lives of loved ones, and so many others who still suffer in silence in those homes. We remember Sadie Turner, Gabby Turner, whose lives were taken in their own homes by their own family members. We remember Officer Shane Seiber, whose life was taken in the line of duty. His partner, who continues to fight for his health, and their families who have to bear it all. We remember the countless citizens, neighbors who live their days in our city limits with their backs against the wall, struggling to afford housing, struggling to afford food, struggling to afford the basic necessities of life, seniors living on fixed incomes, children who are having to fend for themselves and everybody else. We remember as our nation approaches another election, guard us against the temptations of division, cruelty, racism and the pursuit of power for power's sake. Help us to see beyond it. Renew in us a commitment to truth, to justice, and the dignity of every person, without exception. And as we remember, remind us, O Ancient of Days, that the measure of this city's greatness is not merely the strength of its institutions, but the well-being of its people, particularly those who are the least protected amongst us. Bless the members of this Council, one by one, each person on their teams, one by one. You know their names and every hair on their head. All of whom produce often unseen labor that makes the work of government even possible. Grant us wisdom in our deliberations, humility and our disagreements, courage in our decisions and compassion in our service. Purify our intentions, O God. Make us worthy of our respective election. Let justice guide our decisions and mercy. Temper our judgments. Love of neighbor, let it remain the highest calling in our common life together. Hear our prayer, O Lord. Incline thine ear to us and grant us thy peace. Amen, Ahmen and Ameen. And I say thank you so much. (Amen.)

I want to take a moment to thank Member O'Rourke for stepping into this place and offering our invocation this morning. I will ask for all members and guests to please stand and join me before we conduct our official business, as we offer a moment of silence to honor the life and service of Philadelphia Police Officer Shane Sieber, who was tragically killed in the line of duty this past weekend. Officer Sieber served the Philadelphia Police Department for ten years and was assigned to the 19th Police District. He was a dedicated public servant, a husband and a loving father of two young children, ages 7 and 3. We also keep Officer Sieber's partner in our thoughts and prayers as he continues to recover from the serious injuries he sustained in a senseless act of violence. On behalf of Philadelphia City Council, we extend our deepest condolences to Officer Sieber's wife, children, family, friends and fellow officers during this heartbreaking time. We are forever grateful for Officer Sieber's service and sacrifice. May his memory live on and may his family find strength and comfort in our city support. So please join me in a moment of silence in honor of Officer Shane Sieber's life. (Moment of silence.)

Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

The next order of business is the Approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 8, 2026. The Chair recognizes Majority Deputy Whip Councilmember Cindy Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 8, 2026 be approved. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 8, 2026 stand approved. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is a request for leave of absence. And the Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.

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

The Chair thanks the Majority Leader. The Chair recognizes Minority Leader Kendra Brooks.

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

Chair thanks the Minority Leader. The Chair now recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's session of Council, and that were not listed on the Calendar circulated prior to today's Council session.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda for this session of Council and, as required by law, subsequently published on an amended agenda after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments to bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or re-called from the Mayor's amendments to bills re-called from the Mayor, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in this Council session, a motion to withdraw a bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar and a motion placing a bill or resolution on or returning a bill or resolution from the Suspension Calendar that is not listed on today's Calendar. The purpose of this motion is to provide the public with notice concerning possible actions by Council that arose too late to be included on the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by the Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson may be added to the agenda for today should those matters arise during the course of this session of Council. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our great city. We certainly invite you to come again. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.

Good morning, Council President. Today I would like to acknowledge a good friend of mine from the Pennsylvania Municipal League of Cities. For those who don't know, the Pennsylvania Municipal League of Cities is a coalition of elected officials who come together on a consistent basis to brainstorm, advocate and fight for their local municipalities. I'm proud to be a part of the league representing the City of Philadelphia. Former Councilmember Derek Green also was representing Philadelphia. And if you don't know, Councilmember Brian O'Neill is a legend when it comes to the National League of Cities. He's a former president. They got his jersey retired when it comes to the National League of Cities in Pennsylvania Municipal League. But I just want to take a moment to recognize Chris and John Brenner. Chris and John, can you stand up, please? (Applause.)

Welcome.

Welcome to Philadelphia. If you want to learn more about the Pennsylvania Municipal League of Cities, my office and collaboration with Johnny, Executive Director, as well as Chris will be hosting a briefing after lunch. I know Councilmembers are very busy, but if you have a staff member that's able to attend the briefing after lunch, we would love to tell you more about the Pennsylvania Municipal League of Cities, what we're doing with other elected officials and how you can get involved. Did I do good, Councilmember O'Neill?

I have a follow-up to that.

Thank you, Council President.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Brian O'Neill.

Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to thank Councilman Isaiah Thomas. He came up with this idea to bring staff in. John's, the Executive Director, Chris Lucas, the Membership Services Director, and I've been President twice of the Pennsylvania Municipal League. I attended their meeting last week and in Hershey. But they've never been in here like this to explain. Usually we're chasing their dues. Whether it was Derrick, Marian Tasco, Isaiah and myself, but making sure finance gets the payment in. But, Isaiah, my hat's off to you for coming up with this idea. And I think it's going to be beneficial to anyone who attends. Thank you.

Thank you, Member O'Neill. Welcome to the City of Philadelphia. Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.

Thank you, Council President. I want to honor and celebrate Michael of the Arc of Philadelphia for their work as they successfully advocated to the Pennsylvania Human Rights Coalition to waive the initiation fees for personal care assistants while they accompany individuals with disabilities to events. (Applause.)

This is near and dear to me. You know, I worked 17 years in that community. And I remember for every participant that was in a program, we had to pay double for them just to experience the wonderful thing that this city has to offer. So I want to thank Michael and the Arc for their advocacy. And if you're not aware of the new law, please make sure that you look into it to make sure that our city continues to be as accessible as possible for all our people with varying needs. Thank you so much, Council President.

Thank you very much. Welcome to City Council. Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.

Thank you, Council President. I just wanted to take a second to recognize the members from Mental Health Partnerships are here today. Let's stand up, if you were to just wave. We're honoring him today with the resolution of their 75th anniversary. Welcome, Mental Health Partnerships. (Applause.)

Thank you very much. Welcome to City Council. Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.

Good morning, everyone. I'd like to recognize Second Baptist Church who received a unanimous vote on becoming a historical site. You can't tell the story of Black Frankford if you don't tell the story of Second Baptist Church, so I'd like to recognize them on that distinction. (Applause.)

Thank you very much -- oh, I'm sorry. Go ahead. I'm sorry.

I'd also like to recognize and ask you to welcome firefighter Joshua Pagan for his extraordinary courage in saving lives of four fellow firefighters. Firefighter Pagan was recognized as the Firefighter of the Year in the City of Philadelphia. And today we're going to introduce a resolution, but I'd like to welcome all of the Fire Department and thank them all for their service to our city. (Applause.)

Thank you for your service.

And I'd also like to recognize the organizations that provide the very important services of domestic violence and connecting men, women and children with the necessary resources to have very safe lives. Many of them are involved in at all hours of the night throughout the City of Philadelphia. Some of them are represented here today, Women Against Abuse, Lutheran Settlement House, Congreso, Women in Transition, Love Shouldn't Hurt, Jamie Colleen Miller and Madre Tierra. Thank you so much to each and every one of those organizations for your tireless work in our community. (Applause.)

Thank you for your service. Welcome to City Council. As there are no 21 presentations today, the next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant- at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Will the Chief Clerk please read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications in his possession.

To the President, the members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I'm submitting herewith for the consideration of your Honorable body the following proposed: An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to acquire fee simple title or a lesser real estate interest by purchase, dedication, donation, condemnation, agreement in lieu of condemnation or otherwise in and to all portions of certain parcels of land located along the west bank of the Schuylkill River in and around an area generally bounded by South 58th Street, as extended to the bulkhead line of the west bank of the Schuylkill River, South 61st Street and West Passyunk Avenue for public park, recreation and transportation purposes, under certain terms and conditions. There are no further communications in my possession, Council President.

Thank you very much. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips.

Thank you, Council President. Good morning, everyone. I have one privileged resolution 1 and one non-privileged resolution 3 for today. Thank you. 4

Thank you very much. 6 Will the Chief Clerk 7 please read the titles of the 8 resolutions. 9

A privileged 10 resolution recognizing National 11 School Lunch Week celebrated in 12 schools October 12-16, 2026 and 13 honoring the role of school meals 14 and school food service employees 15 in addressing food insecurity and 16 supporting the health, learning, 17 and well-being of Philadelphia 18 students. 19

This resolution will be 21 placed on today's Final Passage 22 Calendar. 23

And a 24 non-privileged resolution calling on the School District of Philadelphia to re-examine its policies and practices concerning the provision of healthy, nutritious and high-quality meals to Philadelphia public school students.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes the Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.

Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Today I offer one bill 22 and one non-privileged resolution 23 on your behalf.

Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the bill 5 and the resolution.

An ordinance 7 amending Section 14-601 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use Categories," Section 14-602, entitled "Use Tables," and Section 11 14-603, entitled "Use-Specific Standards" by adding a definition to the Retail Sales Use category for tobacco sales, making changes to the use tables to reflect the updated use category definition and adding use-specific standards, all under certain terms and conditions.

Very well done, Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson. This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a non-privileged resolution 4 confirming the re-appointment of James Engler as a member of the Board of Ethics, to serve in the term ending November 16, 2031.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. The Chair recognizes the Councilmember Jaime Gauthier.

Good morning, Council President. Nothing today.

Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.

Good morning again, Council President. Good morning, Philadelphia. I have four resolutions today. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the resolutions.

A privileged resolution honoring Philadelphia Eagles Legend Lane Patterson on the occasion of his retirement after 13 incredible seasons with the 14 organization and earning two Super Bowl rings and numerous other accolades.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

(Inaudible).

Yeah. I was --

Eagles Legend Lane Johnson. What did I say?

(Inaudible).

I have no 8 idea what I said. I apologize. I should read the title again for clarification.

Read that for the record please.

Read that for the record, I apologize. Honoring Philadelphia Eagles Legend Lane Johnson on the occasion of his retirement after 14 incredible seasons with the organization and earning two Super Bowl rings and numerous other accolades. (Applause.)

Thank you.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution honoring Justin Edwards on the occasion of the renaming of Smedley Elementary School Gym, commemorating his community involvement and career in the National Basketball Association.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution honoring Merrill Reese as the voice of the Philadelphia Eagles and congratulating him on his 50th season as the Eagles radio play-by- play announcer.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution celebrating the Philadelphia Department of Prisons on the opening of the Skills Center, improving the career readiness and reentry process of incarcerated individuals.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President and colleagues. Today I offer one bill 22 and one privileged resolution.

Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the bill and the resolution.

An ordinance 6 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 on North 54th Street between Arlington Street and Montgomery Avenue, and providing for penalties, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the Please Touch Museum on its 50th anniversary, in recognition of its longstanding commitment to childhood learning through play, and its lasting impact on millions of children and families from all walks of life since its founding.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.

Good morning, Council President, colleagues and the public. Today I have two privileged resolutions.

Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the titles of the resolutions.

A privileged resolution Honoring and Recognizing Mario Zucca, also known as "One- Shot Mar," as the first ever winner of the Philadelphia Parallel Parking Association, (PPPA) Championship held on October 3, 2026.

Now, hold up. I grew up in South Philly. Our streets are about this big. And so, I got a nice whip gang. The gentleman who won Mario is from Northwest, Mt. Airy. They have driveways and wide streets, but I didn't sign up for the contest because I kind of wanted to not make it unfair. But that bill -- that resolution will be referred to today's Final Passage Calendar. Please proceed.

And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Mental Health Partnerships on the occasion of its 75th anniversary for advancing mental health recovery and peer-led support for the people of Philadelphia for three-quarters of a century.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.

Good morning, everyone. Thank you, Council President. I offer three privileged resolutions today.

Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolutions please.

A privileged resolution, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia proudly recognizes and celebrates the historic legacy, enduring service and contributions of Second Baptist Church of Frankford and the Black community of Frankford. (Applause.)

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution declaring October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Can we clap for the survivors please? (Applause.)

And a privileged resolution honoring Philadelphia Firefighter Joshua Pagan for his extraordinary courage and selfless service in saving the lives of our fellow firefighters and celebrating his historic distinction as the first Latino recipient of the Philadelphia Firefighter of the Year award.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.

Council President, I failed to say that the Domestic Violence Awareness Month resolution was co-introduced with Minority Leader Kendra Brooks.

Thank you. Good job. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.

Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one bill 4 and one privileged resolution on your behalf.

Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the bill 10 and the resolution.

An ordinance 12 amending Chapter 12-2800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Administrative Adjudication of Parking Violations" to reauthorize an amnesty program for fines, fees and penalties on parking violations, all under certain terms and conditions.

I thought y'all would clap for that jawn. (Applause.)

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a privileged resolution recognizing the late Judge Raymond Pace Alexander, former Councilmember of the 5th Councilmanic District, the first African American Philadelphia City Councilmember and the first African American Judge on the Court of Common Pleas in Pennsylvania, on the occasion of his judicial portrait rededication ceremony.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.

Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution to introduce today.

Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.

A privileged resolution commending the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, PHOC, for issuing guidance affirming that waiving admission fees for personal care assistance at public and commercial properties is an important and reasonable accommodation, and recognizing the work of Michael Anderson of the Arc of Philadelphia for his successful advocacy.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.

Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution today.

Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.

A privileged resolution honoring the life and legacy of Martin "Marty" Weinberg, attorney and former City Solicitor, celebrating his lifetime commitment to the City of Philadelphia and extending the deepest condolences to his family and friends upon his passing.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll.

Good morning, Mr. President. No bills and resolutions today.

Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Neill.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills and resolutions today.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have one bill today.

Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the bill.

An ordinance 1 amending Section 12-2405 of The Philadelphia Code ("Removal or Immobilization of Parked Vehicles; Notice") by modifying certain requirements related to the removal or immobilization of certain boats, motorhomes, truck campers and vending carts, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be 13 referred to the appropriate 14 committee. 15 Chair recognizes 16 Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke. 17

18 Thank you, Mr. President. 19 Nothing today. 20

Thank you very much. 22 Chair recognizes 23 Councilmember Cindy Bass. 24

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one privileged resolution and one bill.

Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the titles of the bill and resolution.

An ordinance 11 to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Rubicam Street, Ashmead Street, Wakefield Street and Bringhurst Street.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Licenses and Inspections to hold hearings to examine the maintenance, inspection, enforcement and demolition of deteriorating, blighted and unsafe properties in the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.

Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution today.

Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.

A privileged resolution recognizing October 18, 2026 as World Menopause Day in 2ND READING Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. There being no reports from committees. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson for the bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the use of a consent agenda to consider the following bills on Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Bill Nos. 250649, 2ND READING 260298, 260342-A, 260343-A, 260344-A, 260345-A, 260566, 260609, 260758 and 260762. The following bills on the Calendar are being held 250768, 250807, 260076, 260462, 260692, 260693, 260706 and 260707. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a consent agenda to consider the bills just read by the Councilmember and Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson. All in favor please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 2ND READING JOHNSON: The ayes have it. The motion carries and we will consider the bill consent agenda shortly. The Chair recognizes member Katherine Gilmore Richardson for the purpose of calling a resolution on the Final Passage Calendar and any additional bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.

Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions are being called up from the Final Passage Calendar and the following bills are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: Resolution Nos. 260823, 260824, 260846, 260848, 260849 and Bill No. 23 260691. The following resolutions and bills on the Calendar that were previously read into the record are being held.

Before considering these resolutions and bills, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for possible action at today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If not already signed up before today's session, please do so now by giving your name to Ms. Hasson at the table outside the rails to my left. Once you have signed up, you will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. Under ideal circumstances, public commenters each will have three minutes to speak. However, this time limit may vary from session to session. Today the time limit will be two minutes. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the two-minute limit. When you begin speaking, you will see a green light on the podium. When there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, the light will turn yellow, which is your reminder to please conclude your remarks. Once two minutes have passed, the light will turn red and the Sergeant-at-Arms will disconnect the microphone. Please do not give him a hard time. He's only doing his job. At that point, please yield the podium to the next speaker if you have not already done so. I also reserve the right, pursuant to our rules of City Council, to limit repetitious comments on the same subject matter. The right to comment does not give anyone the right to disrupt proceedings. I ask that all commenters please refrain from using profanity that disrupts the meeting so we can maintain order in this forum through respect and discourse. I will now ask that the Chief Clerk please read the names of our speakers for today's public comment.

Will President Dionne Gary, Joshua Pagan, William Small, Joanna Otero Cruz, David Alexander, John McAuley, Corinne Lagermasini, Ogbonna Paul Hagins, Jeremy Blatstein, Adam Wodka and Kira Bellolio, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good morning.

Good morning.

I'm speaking in support of Resolution 260849. My name is Gary and I'm the President of District 1199C, representing more than 10,000 health care workers in the Greater Philadelphia area. As a nurse by trade who spent over years at 14 the bedside, I saw firsthand 15 impacts of having patients without health insurance, patients who are underinsured or uninsured, delayed care until it was critical, flooding our ICUs, untreated infections that spread chronic illness that progressed without management and minor symptoms that developed into serious, sometimes fatal complications. For many uninsured Philadelphians, emergency rooms have become their primary care. Not only does this strain our limited staff, but it also increases the wait times for those seeking hospital care. Those precious minutes and hours can mean the difference between life and death for the patient waiting for a bed. These conditions are now being made worse by the horrific cuts from H.R. 1. Over 300,000 Pennsylvanians will lose access to their Medicaid coverage, with potentially thousands more unable to afford marketplace coverage now that subsidized have expired. We know that these cuts will result in more hospital sales to greedy private equity firms and eventually lead to more closures. I should know. I worked at Hahnemann. Our union believes health care is a right. Everyone has a right to have access in a preventative care and the need to stay healthy and relieve the stress on our hospitals. It will also give us greater power as union workers to bargain stronger contracts. Many of our contract fights are centered around cost and access to health care benefits, something that our employers weaponized during negotiations. Having universal health care will allow members to focus on getting higher wages, more robust pensions, and improve our working conditions on the job. In a time when the cost of living continues to increase and our health care system is becoming increasingly profit-driven, we need bold policies like universal health care to ensure a healthier population and a safer workplace. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you.

Good morning, everyone.

Good morning.

I would like to start off by saying it is an honor and privilege to stand before you all today. Growing up in Hunting Park, I always knew becoming a firefighter was what I wanted to do with my life. Dedication and service are the pillars of the oath we swore in when taking the position of Philadelphia firefighters. Being able to serve the citizens of Philadelphia, specifically in the West Philadelphia neighborhoods Overbrook, Wynnefield, Carroll Park, Cobbs Creek, etc., is something that I take pride in. While in their moments of need, whatever they may be, I'm always ready to answer that call. On the night of the collapse, we were doing what we always do, answering the call of the citizens. Unfortunately, it took a turn. And when it did, the only thought going through my mind was getting my brothers out of there no matter what happened. Thankfully, we were all able to make it out of there. One of my brothers was able to attend his wedding and marry his best friend. Others are already back at work, others almost done with their journey making it back. Even though I might be the first Latino to win Firefighter of the Year, the future is bright and I know I won't be the last. It means the world to me that I could blaze the trail for those that look like me and represent. Wepa. (Applause.)

Congratulations. Thank you for your service and representation matters. Please proceed.

Good morning, everybody. My name is William Small and I'm a member of Flip Philly Red. Today I am opposed to Resolution 260849, which calls for the Pennsylvania General Assembly to enact Senate Bill 1465, the PA Universal Health Care Act. Now, let me tell you why I oppose this resolution. You're asking the state to consider a plan that proposes a 2.5% payroll tax to employees and a 7.5% payroll tax to employers. And you're doing this in a city where working people are already struggling under the burden of taxes. Midterms are here and I get it, I get it. We got to psychologically brainwash Black people to make it seem like we're doing something right. But we need something that actually gives something back to the people of Philadelphia. Pathways for profit. And I know you be doing your work, I got you, but pathways to actually own property, you know what I mean. More jobs, not something that's going to levy more taxes on us. We tired of it. We got the Mayor running around. She's still talking about these rideshare taxes. And I know y'all was fighting against that, but we don't need something that's going to add more against us, you know. So I'm quite sure the Councilmembers here can figure out a plan, can figure out something to actually decrease it. Let's try something new. Let's try to decrease taxes in Philadelphia and come up with a good plan to actually gain more revenue inside of the city. Can we actually do that? Is that possible? Because Kensington is a mess. Our school district is a mess. We have the DA on TV blaming the police about a vicious murder. I mean, everything is just a mess right now. Thank you. (Applause.)

Good morning, and buenos dias. My name is Joanna Otero Cruz, and I'm the Executive Director and President of Women Against Abuse. On behalf of Women Against Abuse and our valued community partners who are here today, I want to thank Councilmembers Quetcy Lozada and Kendra Brooks as well as the entire City Council for recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Philadelphia. Domestic violence is incredibly pervasive and impacts in women and 1 in 4 men. Each of us knows someone whose life has been hurt by it. As Women Against Abuse celebrates 50 years of serving on the front lines of Philadelphia's response to domestic violence, I reflect on the last five decades. It represents the tens of thousands of hotline calls answered by our counselors that left survivors with peace, hope and a path forward, the hundreds of thousands of meals served to families in our emergency shelters who found respite from the stress of leaving an abusive relationship, the many children who have enjoyed stability and peaceful dreams while living at Sojourner House, our transitional housing program, the thousands of protection from abuse orders secured through our legal center that empowers survivors to break free and rebuild their lives, and the countless of first responders, community groups, and young people reached through our prevention and education programs. This has changed -- this is families and survivors supported. This is a city moving closer to safety and this is a reason to celebrate. And yet domestic violence continues to claim lives, devastate families, and fill neighborhoods with fear. The heartbreaking realities of intimate partner violence is one we have been reminded of far too often in recent days. Our work is far from finished and it is our work and with our partners that we cannot do alone. We continue to rely on you, City Council, to stand with us. You have been incredible partners and advocates in this lifesaving mission. I thank you from the bottom of our hearts and implore you to stay the course, to continue to invest in solution, strengthen protections, hold systems accountable and ensure that every Philadelphian has an opportunity to live free from abuse because safety should never be out of reach. Thank you. And let's continue to work together. (Applause.)

Mr. President, members and guests David Alexander Jenkins and I rise per Resolution 260849 in support of universal health care, a social media user has earned an audience in Philadelphia by setting a phone before a people of a given city for people to expel whatever is on their minds. Intrigued I watched in Philadelphia at the corner of 12th and Filbert Streets, people walk up to the phone to release their recordings of their innermost thoughts. The words that play over and over again in their minds filled the air. There were messages of hope, absolution, despair, disdain, fear, anger, joy and love. And there were messages like this one. A young man who was 4 years old stepped to the receiver 5 and said, what's on my mind. Yeah, 6 rest in peace to my dad. Focusing 7 on the ball, trying to just make 8 it, just trying to stay in school. 9 Another message came from a woman 10 who was of greater age, her hat 11 cocked to the side and she leaning 12 in, she kind of spoke quickly and 13 almost lyrically and she said, hello, I'm sorry, the life you're trying to reach is unavailable. Please hang up and try to breathe again. The life you're trying to reach is unavailable for far too long. Brothers and sisters, we have opined on what could make this city, this Commonwealth, this nation a much more equitable, more sustaining, more vibrant, more livable, more available place to call home. And I have to tell you, I can think of nothing more important and life-sustaining than access to comprehensive and universal health care. Today as we stand here, more than 300,000 Pennsylvanians are at risk of losing their access to health care. Now, I know we failed the young man once who was just trying to stay in school by shutting down places like Lankenau, but I'm here to suggest that perhaps children like him, the child I once was, would still have places to turn to, I don't know, their fathers, had an adequate health care, not ripped fathers from sons so soon. I don't know about you, but I want to wake up in a city that answers to the cries of her citizenry for the basic needs of a right to breathe, even clean air -- amen, Councilwoman Gauthier -- with coverage for all Pennsylvanians knowing that no one should have to hear a voice that says, please hang up and breathe again. So I rise to call upon the General Assembly of this Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to enact Senate Bill 1465. And I beg your unanimous passage of this resolution to do the same. ) MR. McAULEY: Good morning, everyone. My name is John McAuley. I'm with a grassroots organization called Flip Philly Red. We're here to offer you something different because you've been voting Democrat for the Mayor's office for the past 70 years. In regard to Resolution 3 260849, asking the PA General Assembly to push for universal health care, if you cared about cheaper health care, you would purge our systems of waste, fraud and abuse. How many women in Philadelphia create fake paystubs to receive government assistance? Why did it take a Republican to become attorney general in Pennsylvania to recover $40 million in misused Medicaid money? A South Philly pharmacy that billed Medicaid and Medicare $12 million for expensive drugs and never bought or gave the patients? Philly store owners charged for defrauding the WIC program close to $1 million, scam artists padding home care hours that they never worked to the tune of hundreds of thousands to over millions of dollars. Only corrupt politicians will cry about able-bodied people working hours a week to receive 5 government assistance. 6 If a Democrat mayor and 7 a Democrat City Council and a 8 Democrat district attorney don't 9 rid its systems of waste, fraud and 10 abuse, I have to ask the question 11 what did you actually do in the 12 '40s and '50s? Blacks were 13 independent. Now, Blacks are happy 14 with taking someone else's hard- 15 earned money for government 16 assistance, universal health care 17 and free bags of groceries. L.

Hughley and 20 Roland Martin has your Black woman stuck on the Democrat plantation. Canada has universal health care and it takes seven months to see a family doctor. Democrats are the same party that says it's normal to watch porn, is body positivity to be obese, have as many abortions as you want, it's okay to destroy your womb. If I don't want big government involved in my health care, it's okay. I'll be the coon. But Black women for Shapiro sounds a little like tap dancing for their White liberal master. Robin Byrd for State Representative in the 177th District. )

Good morning. My name is Corrine Lagermasini. I'm the Executive Director of 5th Square Advocacy in support of Bill 250649, authorizing the bike lane around City Hall. We're here today in City Hall, the literal and figurative heart of Philadelphia. City Hall serves as the intersection of Philadelphia's government transit and public spaces. Yet as important as this place is, getting here requires pedestrians, transit users and people with disabilities to navigate four lanes of chaotic and dangerous traffic. From 2020 to 2024, there were 89 people involved in crashes right outside of this building, five of whom were seriously injured. We know that removing excess car lanes around City Hall and adding bike lanes has been a success. These public health measures have increased the number of people who bike-calm traffic speeds, shorten street crossing distances and decrease the number of crashes. Since December, this new bike lane around City Hall has closed a critical gap in Philly's bike network and made traveling on foot, by bike or in a wheelchair safer. 5th Square Advocacy appreciates Councilmember Young for advancing this legislation and we hope Council will move swiftly on critical safety infrastructure in the future. While we celebrate this bill's passage, there's more important road safety legislation to advance in the 5th Council District. This includes a bike lane on 16th Street from Market Street to JFK, supported by the Logan Square Neighborhood Association and a red light camera at 22nd Street and the Ben Franklin Parkway. A high-priority intersection has been studied and recommended for this safety measure. Traffic violence is real violence. In 2024, Philly had the highest traffic fatality rate among major U.S. cities, more than triple that of New York City. We urge City Council to treat this issue seriously. Thank you. (Applause.)

Good morning. My name is Ogbonna Hagins. I'm a fourth-generation chattel slavery survivor. Domestic violence is a part of violence in general. And there was a study done by this very body called the Roadmap to Safer Communities that said very plainly that the root cause of gun violence is structural racism, and that the solution, very simply, is large-scale investments in the areas that have been decimated by crime, violence and unemployment. Unfortunately, this body hasn't taken action in the large- scale investments in North Philly, in Southwest Philly, in the hood, right. And the question has to be asked of Councilman Harrity, you did a gun buyback a few weeks ago. The question is, are you willing to work with my organization and myself? We have structural racism bill 2026 now. We had the structural racism bill 2024. Again, this body has ignored it. So I'm going to ask you, Councilman Jim Harrity, are you willing to work with my organization and myself to eradicate, to neutralize gun violence and violence in general in this city?

You're pretty funny, Ogbonna.

Pardon me, pardon me, pardon me. Councilmember Harrity, do you need recognition?

Yeah.

Okay. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Harrity. Very brief response. Thank you.

Ogbonna, I've helped you on numerous occasions. I have no 13 problem working with anyone, and you know that. Why are you pointing me out today, I have no 16 idea. But, you know, it seems kind of funny that really the only person that actually even throws you a play in this room, you just walk on all the time. I don't know why you're calling me out, because I had a gun buyback trying to get guns off the street --

Thank you. Listen, thank you all so much. Your time is concluded. Thank you so much, Mr. Ogbonna Hagins. Thank you very much.

Hello. Jeremy Blatstein, talking about 260076, the Home Rule Charter. Everyone wanted to comment on the Home Rule Charter, right. Because we're talking about $20 million. The next sheriff of Philadelphia should be the last sheriff of Philadelphia. I repeat, the next sheriff of Philadelphia should be the last sheriff of Philadelphia. Disband the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office. This body has done nothing but gaslight us into this idea of accountability and transparency when it comes to the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office. You complain about $2.2 million for the mural arts, but you're not fighting for $20 million. And guess what? It's not $20 million that's going to be found. That's just from the last year. That number is going to be massive, and you all are sitting here being like, oops, I don't care. Because guess what? You don't want to do your job and hold the sheriff accountable. As Mayor Parker said, it is this body's job in 2021 when you held that hearing to ask the questions. So I don't want to hear from City Council President Johnson that we'll look into it, we'll get to it, blah, blah, blah. No, hold the hearing. Hold the hearing on the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office. Enough is enough. The next sheriff of Philadelphia should be the last sheriff of Philadelphia. And last but not least, we're talking about SEPTA. Let's go people. I'm going to do it, right. We're going to -- the Inquirer was talking about this. Raise your hand if you rode Septa in the last month, City Council, in the last month? There you go, Councilman Thomas. I like that. I appreciate that. Ride the ride, grow Philly to 2 milly and realistically hold the hearing on the sheriff's office. Find more money, disband the office. Thank you. (Applause.)

Good morning. My name is Adam Wodka. I'm the Commissioner of the Philadelphia Parallel Parking Association. I'm here speaking in support of the resolution 24 recognizing the parallel parking competition from a couple of weeks ago. I'd like to thank Councilmember Landau for introducing this resolution. I'd also like to thank Councilmember Squilla for his support from his office in originally finding a location for the event. I'd also like to thank the South Street Headhouse District for partnering us for the event. The Philadelphia Parallel Parking Association, The PPPA, started with a simple but silly idea that Philly should have a parallel parking competition. That was, I believe, proven right with 1400 people who attended the event, 1700 people who watched it on the live stream and 900 people who applied to be a part of the event. There are many bright spots in this experience, but going through the 900 applications of people was such a privilege to be able to see people from all around the city talking about their lives, their work, going to school, being born and raised, and all their experiences with parallel parking. But it was such an insight into kind of what life was like here and such a great appreciation for the amazing people of Philadelphia. And what everyone in this room 15 knows is part of what makes Philadelphia great are the amazing people who live here. Second, the PPPA has the kind of tongue-and-cheek mission of promoting excellence in parallel parking in Philadelphia. But beyond that, we're also about promoting the mission of safe streets. And the streets are for, yes, motorists, but also pedestrians, cyclists and public transportation. And so, part of what we're hoping to promote moving forward is making sure that all Philadelphians have their loved ones get home safe and doing all that we can to keep everyone in the city safe, getting from one place to another. That's all. Thank you so much. I support this resolution. Thank you. (Applause.)

Will Pamfilo Dacua, Mario Zucca, Roxanne Umphrey-Pittman, Rebecca McJett, Dan Miller, Olivia Taduran, Dr. Jeannine Lisitski and Alexander Anderson, Shane Janick and Michael Anderson, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Hi. Good morning. My name is Kira Bellolio. I'm the Vice-President of Family and Parenting Services at Congreso de Latinos Unidos. I thank you for the chance today to speak to you about the critical need for increased domestic violence prevention education for our youth. Congreso's domestic violence program has long invested in community education and youth programming. Last year alone, we delivered prevention programming to more than 300 students. We are proud of that reach, but we know that that need far exceeds our capacity and the need for support by leaders like you to invest in prevention programming. Last summer during an Out-of-School Time program at one of our partner middle schools, we facilitated a lesson on consent and healthy relationships. Some may think these topics are too advanced for middle schoolers, but the reality is that young people are already facing situations that require them to understand boundaries and safety. After that lesson, one student asked for guidance on how to communicate personal boundaries in a relationship. Another question whether someone their age should even be learning about these topics. A third, connected with the discussion about peer pressure and the challenge of saying no when asked to share an intimate picture in a class of fewer than ten students, those were their experiences. Those conversations made one thing clear. Our youth are already navigating these issues. They need safe spaces, trusted adults, and accurate information. Prevention education gives young people the knowledge and confidence to make healthy choices before the crisis occurs. Philadelphia youth deserve more than a response after violence happens. They deserve the skills, support and education to help prevent that violence in the first place. I urge you to continue investing in evidence-based prevention programming in schools, community centers and neighborhood organizations such as Congreso. By strengthening prevention today, we can build safer families, healthier relationships, and stronger communities for generations to come. Thank you. (Applause.)

Good morning, everyone. Thank you, Council President, esteemed Councilmembers, and special thanks to Councilmember Landau for proposing this resolution for Mental Health Partnerships. My name is Pamfilo Dacua, III. I'm called Doc. I serve as the targeted case manager for the forensics team at Mental Health Partnerships. 75 years of service. Wow, that's incredible. I've only been working with Mental Health Partnerships for just over a year. And in that short time, we've done some awesome things for and with our participants. However, I've been engaged with Mental Health Partnerships for many years prior to becoming an employee. I began many moons ago with them where I trained to become a Certified Peer Specialist. I come from a veteran background. And as such, I'm accustomed to a certain degree of expertise and professionalism. I found that and then some in the staff at Mental Health Partnerships. A chain is only as strong as its link, as each individual link at Mental Health Partnerships. From our President, Janine, down to the line workers, each of us possess qualities and skills that cannot be taught or bought. Empathy and passion, we each possess a degree and depth of empathy for our participants and passion for the service we provide to ensure our participants onto the path of well-being and independence. I'm proud to be part of an organization with such a legacy that began 75 years ago. I'm 63 years old as of last Thursday. I know I won't be here for the next 75, but I can say I look forward to the next ten years serving with Janine and the staff at Mental Health Partnerships. Again, I thank City Council for recognizing us and please support any bill that's going to block the cuts that's coming up with Medicaid because our participants need that. Thank you so very much for your time and attention. (Applause.)

My name is Mario Zucca, aka One Shot Mar. I'm the champion of the Parallel Parking competition a couple of weeks ago. Thank you for having me. First, I'd like to thank Councilmember Landau for introducing this resolution. I also want to thank Adam Wodka, the commissioner of the PPPA. He just spoke a few moments ago for organizing it. When I signed up for this event, I thought it would just be a fun way to spend an afternoon. I had no idea how much excitement it would generate, how many people would rally around something seemingly as silly as a parallel parking event. And I think that's what made this event so special. Because at a time when we can't seem to agree on a lot and things just seem to be not going well in so many ways, it's just nice to inject a little bit of levity into our city. And Adam and his crew found a way to bring people together, make them laugh and give us all a reason to celebrate being Philadelphians. So I wholeheartedly support this resolution, not just because it recognizes my extraordinary prowess behind the wheel, but because it celebrates the creativity, the humor and the civic pride that make Philadelphia such a special place to live, to drive and to park. So thank you for your time, Council. Safe parking to you all. (Applause.)

Good morning, members of the Council. My name is Roxy Pitman and I'm a member of Salt and Light Church. Our congregation supports Power Interfaith's agenda because our faith calls us to pursue justice, protect our neighbors and ensure that everyone contributes to the common good. We Make Philly kicked off on Tuesday, and we would like to invite all the Council and members of this assembly to join Power Interfaith and hundreds of people of faith from across the city. As we push We Make Philly agenda together, we're asking Philadelphia City Council to take action on these pillars, our agenda lowering property tax, freezing gas bills and passing a fair wealth tax. As a person of faith, I believe our budget is a moral document. It shows who we value and what future we are willing to build together. I respectfully ask each member of Council to consider our agenda at Power Interfaith. Thank you. (Applause.) MS. McJETTE: Good morning. My name is Rebecca Mcjette. I am a Power Interfaith member and a lifetime member of St. Simon of Cyrene Episcopal Church. I am a Southwest Philadelphia resident and a City of Philadelphia retiree. Earlier this month, I received my U.S. government handbook outlining guidelines and changes for Medicare benefits and coverage in 2027. Like many other people, I also learned my current coverage for prescriptions will not be renewed and that my options for Medicare prescription drug plans have been cut by plans that are only with four companies for the state of Pennsylvania. What does this mean? I must find a new plan that works for me and covers all my medications, which is complicated. My health care is going to go up. Instead of paying $23 a month, I will have to pay $184 a month. So in 2027, my health care costs will increase from $276 to $2208 for my prescription plan. While the need for medical care and prescriptions disproportionately hurt seniors like me, we know families are struggling with parents and children with chronic diseases. Families are hurting and worried about making ends meet as costs go up and benefits like Medicaid coverage and SNAP benefits are lost due to federal cuts. Food and medicine don't belong on a pick-and-choose menu. We desperately need help. We need City Council to work with us to pass Power's We Make Philly agenda to bring relief to every neighborhood in our city. Thank you. (Applause.)

Good morning, everyone. My name is Dan Miller and I'm the Business Manager for the Training Department at Mental Health Partnerships. I'm also a Certified Peer Specialist. Councilmember Landau, thank you for recognizing the 75th anniversary of Mental Health Partnerships. It is an honor that we accept this on behalf of the organization that has spent 75 years helping people find hope, recovery and connection. What this recognition celebrates most is the people we serve every day. Mental Health Partnerships works with individuals who are overcoming mental health challenges, rebuilding their lives, reconnecting with their communities, and pursuing goals. At one time that may have felt out of reach. Through peer support, education, advocacy, housing services, and community-based programs, we meet people where they are and help them move forward on their recovery journey. One of the things that makes our organization unique is the belief that recovery is possible. We see that every day in our participants. We see people obtain employment, reconnect with family members, secure stable housing, and become leaders in their communities. Those successes may not always make headlines, but they change lives. That mission is also personal for me. Before my career, I faced my own mental health challenges. There was a time when I wasn't sure what my future would look like. Recovery took support and people who believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself. Today I have the privilege of working for an organization that helps provide that same hope and support to others. As a Certified Peer Specialist, I know that sometimes all it takes is one person saying, I've been there and things can get better. As we celebrate this milestone, I want to thank you all. Thank you. (Applause.)

Good morning, Council President and members of City Council. My name is Olivia Taduran and I am the Program Director for Lutheran Settlement House's Bilingual Domestic Violence program. Thank you for taking the time this morning to recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I have been a Certified Domestic Violence advocate since 2007. During that time, I've had the great privilege to walk alongside so many survivors and their children. At Lutheran Settlement House, we walk alongside survivors through moments of crisis, support survivors as they find their footing and celebrate their strength every step of the way. We do this because we believe that every survivor deserves to live safely and with dignity in the community. But we are seeing the safety nets that help survivors rebuild their lives grow increasingly strained. In recent months more survivors, along with others in the community, have turned to our food pantry for help. Our child therapy program has a longer waiting list than ever before. At its peak, nine months, our medical advocates are seeing more people in the emergency department after a violent incident. More survivors are calling the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline and our counseling line for help to find a safe place to live, to get clothes for their children, or simply to talk to someone who will listen and help them navigate what comes next. These are not just numbers. They represent parents trying to create stability for their children, individuals working to reclaim their independence, and survivors doing their best to move forward after experiencing violence. Members of our Survivors Network, who unfortunately could not be here today, often remind us that survivors are not broken. They are resilient. They are resourceful. And at the end of the day, they are just trying to rebuild their lives. But it has become increasingly hard to go through that journey when the very safety net survivors depend on are weakened by funding cuts and survivors face reduced access to essential services. Survivors should not have to fight for safety while also fighting to access the resources they need to heal and thrive. I ask City Council today to stand with survivors beyond this resolution to protect and strengthen funding for domestic violence, such as SNAP and health insurance so that survivors can build safe and stable lives. Thank you. (Applause.)

Good morning, Council President, members of City Council and guests. I'm Janine Lisitski, President and CEO for Mental Health Partnerships. And on behalf of everyone at Mental Health Partnerships, I want to thank you and especially Councilperson Landau for this resolution recognizing our 75th anniversary. We are grateful and we're more grateful for the city's longstanding commitment to improving the lives of Philadelphians with behavioral health challenges. This recognition is especially meaningful because Mental Health Partnerships is a Philadelphia story. For 75 years, our organization has worked to affirm one fundamental truth: People living with behavioral health conditions deserve dignity, opportunity, community and hope. Our roots trace back to a time when mental health was often misunderstood and heavily stigmatized. Back in 1951, a small group of advocates came together just a few blocks from here, united by a vision of a more compassionate and inclusive community. And that vision continues to guide us today. Over the past seven and a half decades, we've helped shape community-based mental health care in the Philadelphia region through advocacy, education, peer support, and a myriad of other recovery- oriented programs, right, where a person lives in their neighborhood, in their community, walking alongside them and touching the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals, together with countless partners across Philadelphia throughout the region and the Commonwealth. We have helped build a stronger, more responsive and more compassionate system of care. And today, more than 60% of our staff have lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery. And that fact reflects something that we've learned most deeply for 75 years. That recovery is real. And it's those closest to the challenges that are often closest to the solutions. While we're proud of our history, we're even more excited about the future. Because as we look ahead, the need for behavioral health services, affordable housing and other supports is needed more than ever. And we know what works, but we've never been able to get to scale. So if we can do that and divert some more of the very expensive services like hospitalization, incarceration, we're going to really make progress. So thank you and thank you for the resolution. (Applause.)

Good morning. My name is Alexander Anderson. I want to thank you, Councilmember Landau, for recognizing Mental Health Partnerships on its 75th anniversary. I'm a former participant and now intern at Mental Health Partnerships. I found Mental Health Partnerships when I was in a dark place in my life. With the help of some wonderful certified peer specialists, I am now able to live a life where I am not struggling with my mental health all the time. As an intern, I have found a path professionally I never thought possible within advocacy. Mental Health Partnership matters to me because it gives people like me a brighter future. Thank you for listening and thank you for standing with Mental Health Partnerships.

Will Taniek Gentles, Dr. Spencer Chen, Dr. Kaidee Akullo, Amanda Kieffer, David Levine, Jake Zychick, Shannon Criniti, Dr. Deborah Roebuck, Laquisha Anthony and Wick Savage, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

My name is Michael Anderson and I'm the legislative advocate for the Arc of Philadelphia. And I would like to please recognize Councilwoman Brooks for this registration -- I mean, for the proclamation. And I would like to thank my parents. I would like to thank my lawyer, Stephen Gold. I would like to thank all my friends and family for supporting me. This is huge. And I have to say it because I'm the legislative advocate. Don't forget to go out and vote in the midterms. Nothing about us without us. Go out and vote. (Applause.)

Thanks, Mike. Thank you, everybody. My name is Shane Janick. I'm the Executive Director of the Arc of Philadelphia. I work with Michael every single day. We're here in support of the resolution that was introduced that acknowledges the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission most recent guidance on updating the discrimination code that officially makes it discrimination to charge an extra ticket to a variety of ticketed venues for people with disabilities that require a government-funded personal care attendant to attend. (Applause.)

And I would like to say one thing. I would like to make it statewide and nationwide. I forgot to say that. Thank you very much and God bless. (Applause.)

Yes. Thank you. We really appreciate this recognition from Kendra and all Councilmembers that have supported this work for so many years. This has taken years for Michael to 6 make a reality. And just some 7 background, people with 8 disabilities face a financial 9 burden disproportionately than 10 people without disabilities. 11 And for so many years, 12 people with disabilities that 13 required a personal care attendant, a home health aide, a direct support professional would have to literally save double the amount of money to attend things like museums and concerts and sporting events. So again, this is huge. It's a monumental step of 13 years of work for Michael, and the Arc of Philadelphia has just been proud to support. We're really excited to use this resolution as the announcement of the enactment of this new rule under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. So thank you so, so much.

My money goes twice as far with this legislation. My money goes twice as far so I can spend money. I can save my money and go to two times as many events. So again, thank you very much and God bless.

Thank you. (Applause.)

Good morning. Taniek Gentles, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Sex Therapist. I am here in support of Councilmember Ahmad's resolution recognizing World Menopause Day. I heard the rumbles in the room. I'm not sure what that was about, but let me note that there has been an influx in female-bodied individuals that are presenting to therapy related to symptoms of anxiety, increased distress, difficulty sleeping, difficulty performing at work. I even have couples who are coming in reporting issues around intimacy. And the reality is at least 75% of them do not recognize that these symptoms are related to perimenopause and menopause. I would also add that I work with 80%, 85% of Black and Brown in the Black and Brown population. And we lack the knowledge and awareness and the tools to address issues relating to perimenopause and menopause. We are just not aware. We don't know what's out there. This is an area that has not received much attention. So I am very happy to hear that we are doing something to increase awareness around this. I myself am offering a free webinar just to give our community knowledge around what they need to know about the body and how the body affects other areas of their lives. So I am happy that this resolution is being proposed. It brings me joy. Thank you. (Applause.)

Good morning. My name is Dr. Spencer Chen. I'm a Resident Physician, dual-trained in internal medicine and pediatrics. I'm also a proud elected delegate of our Union Committee of Interns and Resident SEIU. I'm here because every day I see our healthcare system has failed my patients and my communities. I ask you to put yourselves in the patient's position. Lifesaving medications for heart failure, diabetes, asthma, and cancer, medications that we know that will make you feel better, that will prolong your life and allow you to achieve your dreams, medications that are physically available at the pharmacy but inaccessible to you because of profit-driven insurance. Companies have decided that it doesn't make financial sense for them to cover them. Instead Pennsylvanians carry more than $1.8 billion in medical debt, and 28 million Americans have no 20 coverage at all as their doctor. I spent countless hours fighting insurance companies, often to no 23 avail. And eventually I see these very patients in the intensive care units dying from preventable sepsis, cardiogenic shock and respiratory failure. We are sicker, we are poorer, and we are burnt out. But there is a better way. I want to tell you a story about a patient, a premature baby born with critical heart disease that needed open heart surgery. His parents were ready to sell their house and do whatever it took to go into debt in order for their son to get this lifesaving surgery. This patient was my brother. But in 1994, Taiwan, my country of origin, implemented a single-payer national health insurance program. And as a direct result of this policy, my brother got his heart surgery and my family was spared from financial ruins. Today over 99.9% of the people living in Taiwan are insured, and million residents enjoy high- 4 quality, timely and accessible 5 healthcare. 6 There is a better way, 7 and we can have that too in 8 Pennsylvania. And I'm proud that 9 the doctors of SEIU are here to 10 support the legislation sponsored 11 by Senator Saval. The Pennsylvania 12 Universal Health Care Act is our 13 answer. Thank you very much. 14 (Applause.) 15

My name is 16 Amanda Kieffer, and I want to thank 17 you for recognizing Mental Health 18 Partnership, 75 years. I'm a 19 Certified Peer Specialist. And 20 certified peer specialists play an 21 essential role in recovery by 22 providing individuals with hope, 23 encouragement, understanding and support. Certified peer specialists utilize their lived experience to demonstrate that recovery is possible and that individuals can overcome difficult challenges. Recovery is important because it allows individuals to rebuild their lives, improve their overall health and wellness and work toward becoming more independent. A CPS provides a safe, supportive and non-judgmental environment where participants feel comfortable sharing their struggles, accomplishments and personal goals. Through active listening, empathy, and open-ended questions, CPS help participants recognize their strengths and develop confidence in themselves. A CPS also encourages participants to develop healthy coping skills, strengthen communication skills and make positive decisions that support long-term recovery. Recovery is not always an easy journey, but having someone who understands the challenges firsthand can make a meaningful difference. A CPS empowers participants to advocate for themselves, celebrate their progress and continue moving forward despite setbacks. Every accomplishment, no matter how small, how big, is an important step towards achieving personal growth, stability and a better quality of life. Ultimately, CPS (inaudible) with Mental Health Partnerships are so important because they remind individuals that their past does not define their future. They are not alone and there is always hope for a better tomorrow. Thank you. (Applause.)

Good morning. My name is David Levine. I'm also a Certified Peer Specialist with Mental Health Partnerships. I'm honored to have been chosen to speak to you today on behalf of MHP, and to thank this Council for recognizing us on our 75th anniversary. While I've only been with MHP for a short time, I've worked harder, learned more and felt more rewarded than at any other time in my life. When I think about our participants, many of whom are here with us today, I'm truly humbled by their courage and determination. You inspire me every day. Again, I'd like to thank this distinguished Council for recognizing us and for your continued support. (Applause.)

Good morning. My name is Jacob Zychick and I am with the American Heart Association. Thank you to Councilmember Phillips and the entire Philadelphia City Council for the resolution recognizing National School Lunch Week and honoring the role of school meals and school food service employees in addressing nutrition insecurity and supporting students' health, learning, and well-being. Research has shown that students who eat school lunches tend to take in more whole grains, vegetables and dairy and fewer refined sugars and empty calories than those who bring their lunches from home. We know that there is still work to be done though. 90% of school-aged children consume way too much sodium, and our youth consumes more than the association's recommended sugar consumption. The American Heart Association is committed to improving children's access to healthy, nutritious foods. We continue to serve on Council President Johnson's task force to address nutrition and hunger in the city, and we advocate in Harrisburg to ensure that all students throughout the Commonwealth have access to healthy school meals for breakfast and lunch. We advocate locally for programs that promote fresh fruits and vegetables and legislation that empowers consumers to make healthier choices at chain restaurants, and we work very closely with community groups and stakeholders to ensure foods and meals provided in the community meet nutritional standards. We look forward to leveraging our expertise, science and research to assist the School District of Philadelphia and City of Philadelphia as it looks to re-examine its policies and practices concerning healthy, nutritious and high-quality meals for Philadelphia public School students. Once again, we'd like to thank Councilmember Phillips and all of City Council for working on this important issue, and have a great rest of the day. (Applause.)

Will Rachel Forbes and Christian Gant-Madison please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good morning. Thank you for the opportunity to speak in support of Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad's resolution recognizing World Menopause Day. My name is Shannon Criniti and I'm speaking today on behalf of Access Matters, which is a Philadelphia-based public health organization that works to protect, expand and enhance access to sexual and reproductive health care and information. Roughly 1.4 million women in the U.S. enter menopause each year, and I am one of them currently menopausing. Yet this topic is underresearched, underdiscussed and undertreated. Many people, including doctors, are unaware of the range of health outcomes that menopause can impact, including increased risk of heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety, and osteoporosis.

Excuse me. Excuse me one second, ma'am. I'm asking if you could take any conversations outside the Council chambers, any sidebar Council conversations, because we can't hear the individual giving testimony. Please proceed.

Sure. Thank you. Many are unaware of the range of health outcomes that menopause can impact, including increased risk of heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety and osteoporosis. To say nothing of the daily indignities that impact many women like hot flashes, brain fog, insomnia, frozen shoulder, itchy ears, so many suffer in silence, often blaming themselves for their symptoms and struggling to find therapeutic medical interventions. As a public health organization, my colleagues and I at Access Matters know the significant impact that hormonal changes can have on overall health and well-being. Awareness is the first step to reducing stigma, starting conversations and encouraging people to access care. We are grateful for the work of Councilmember Ahmad and her staff in introducing this important resolution to recognize World Menopause Day and for her continued advocacy in bringing awareness to this important issue. Thank you. (Applause.)

Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.

Thank you, Council President. I request to be excused to handle other official business and I would like to be recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions.

Thank you very much. Leave is granted. Please proceed.

Good morning, Council President and members of City Council. It's a privilege being here today. My name is Dr. Deborah Roebuck. I'm called the Menopause Whisperer and I'm excited about recognizing -- and I thank City Councilmember Ahmad for the opportunity to talk about World Menopause Day. I'll just make this personal because I've had the opportunity not only to be a health professional within Philadelphia, but I do work all over the world. And often times people will disavow the importance of menopause and how it impacts everybody. I had a young child who's about 11 and 12, and Kenya said, tell me about this menopause. I know my mother's going through things. How can I help her? And I would say to her, sit down, let's talk. We need to make this issue aware. We need to also value it. Now, we're looking at making accommodations at work. These women need to work. We don't need for them to turn off to almost resigned within their minds because their issues, their concerns are not being addressed and not being supported. So all I want to say is thank you. And I want you to also think about how menopause involves not only yourself, but your community. Thank you so very much. (Applause.)

Good morning. My name is Laquisha Anthony. I'm the Acting Executive Director at WOAR - Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence. Good afternoon or good morning still, Council President and all Councilmembers that are present today. As I said, I'm the Executive Director of WOAR - Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence. And I'm here today because violence does not happen in isolation. And our response to it cannot happen in isolation either. For many people experiencing interpersonal violence, domestic violence, sexual violence, the impact reaches far beyond the immediate crisis. They may also be navigating trauma, housing stability, instability, hardships, financial hardships, concerns of their children and barriers to accessing support. As the Executive Director of WOAR, I believe our responsibility is to meet people where they are and ensure there is no wrong door. When someone reaches out for help, that requires strong partnership between organizations responding to domestic violence, interpersonal violence and other forms of trauma. And our systems must work together because the people we serve should never have to navigate complex systems. And that's what we do on the ground every day with fellow domestic violence organizations. But collaboration requires capacity, and capacity requires investment, crisis response, counseling, advocacy, prevention, education. And survivor support programs are not optional, but we are essential services. Yet when funding is unstable and organizations are faced to make difficult decisions about staffing and programs and how people can be served, a person experiencing a crisis cannot wait until the next business cycle. So I'm asking City Council to recognize the community- based services that have been present today to be a critical part of the public health system and safety infrastructure for the City of Philadelphia and to continue to build a system where organizations collaborate rather than have limited resources, and that we can continue to do the essential work because the people we serve are essential. Thank you. (Applause.)

Good morning, everyone. My name is Rachel Renee Forbes, and today I stand here before you on behalf of my family and my sister, who was forever changed by an act of domestic violence. First, I would like to sincerely thank Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke and his entire staff for inviting us here and recognizing my sister Theresa. Your compassion and willingness to acknowledge her and her survival means more to our family than words will ever be able to express. On September 9th of this year, my sister survived a horrific act of domestic violence that nearly claimed her life. In a matter of moments, our world changed forever. But today we stand here with gratitude because my sister is still here. My sister is more than what happened to her. She is a daughter, she is a sister, and she is a woman who is deeply loved by her family. This incident may have been a part of her story and ours, but it will never define who she is. On behalf of our family, we would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the Philadelphia Police Department and the entire City of Philadelphia and all of the first responders and their extraordinary staff at Temple University Hospital, including physicians, nurses, surgeons, personal staff advocates and everyone who contributed to my sister's care. Your compassion and dedication has given our family something priceless, and that is more time with our sister. Domestic violence does affect not only the victims, but entire families and communities. Today we do stand in solidarity with every survivor and honor those who have tragically lost their lives. To my sister, you are not forgotten, you are not alone and you are loved beyond measure. Thank you again to Councilmember O'Rourke in recognizing her, our sister, and reminding us that compassion still exists even in the darkest moments. Thank you and God bless you all. (Applause.)

Good morning, everyone. Thank you all for being here. My name is Christian Gant-Madison, and I'd like to express my cautious support for Resolution 260849, which calls on the General Assembly of the Commonwealth to enact Senate Bill 10 1465. This bill would establish a single-payer health care model with the aim of providing care for all Pennsylvanians. I believe that access to affordable health care is something that we should prioritize, and our country's current system is one that is severely fragmented and, quite frankly, broken. Too often people fall through the cracks or are hit with expensive medical bills that leave them in precarious financial situations. Insurers and providers engage in intense negotiations over reimbursement rates, leading to higher costs or denials of care, and pharmaceutical companies have perverse incentives to drive up prices for prescription drugs. Given all of this, I believe any legislation that aims to expand access to care for Pennsylvanians is a noble cause that is worthy of genuine consideration to fill the gaps left by our fragmented national framework. However, we must be careful in how we structure such a system to ensure that it is fiscally sustainable. Any time that a government expands services, there is a necessary demand for funds from other services and functions to be reallocated or for increased revenues through taxation measures. To my knowledge, the current proposal calls for a payroll tax increase and is unclear how individuals and businesses are likely to respond to such a tax, which may pose harmful unintended consequences. It is also unclear whether the current revenue projections of this proposal will be sufficient to reliably cover the cost associated with providing care for a state with over 13 million residents. In America, we often look to European nations as models for health care reform. I recently returned from the United Kingdom, where they have a single-payer system known as the National Health Service or NHS. I had the chance to speak with medical professionals and citizens who expressed great frustration with the system. A King's Fund poll found that roughly 59% of British citizens are dissatisfied with the NHS. They cite severe inefficiencies and backlogs that make it difficult to obtain timely access to primary care, routine and elective surgeries and emergency care. This is compounded by the immense stress placed on their care providers due to high patient volumes leading to burnout, which raises concerns regarding care quality. Funny enough, while we were here in America calling for a single-payer system, many of our friends across the pond are calling to privatize more aspects of the NHS, which likely will happen in the coming years. Why do I mention 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING all of this? So we can heed the lessons and avoid the inefficiencies. Thank you. (Applause.)

Honor to our Council President, that concludes our listing for public comment for today.

Thank you very much. Good job, Tonya. We will now consider today's Consent Agenda. I will ask the Clerk to read the titles of all the bills on the Consent Agenda. After each title is read, any member may object to the inclusion of the bills on the Consent Agenda. Upon such an objection and without debate, the bill will be immediately removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on our regular Second Reading and Final 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Passage Calendars. The Clerk will now read the titles of the bills on the Consent Agenda.

Bill 250649, an ordinance amending Section 7 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Designation of Bicycle Lanes" to authorize a bicycle lane and removal of a travel lane around City Hall, under certain terms and conditions. 260298, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Ridge Avenue, Spring Lane, Hagy's Mills Road, Port Royal Avenue, River Road and the Montgomery County Line. 260342-A, an ordinance 22 to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING land within an area bounded by East Washington Lane, Crittenden Street, East Tulpehocken Street, East Main Street and Ardleigh Street. 260343-A, an ordinance 7 to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by East Washington Lane, Stenton Avenue, East Main Street and Ardleigh Street. 260344-A, an ordinance 15 to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by North 18th Street, Colonial Street, North 17th Street and Chelten Avenue. 260345-A, an ordinance 23 to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by West Seymour Street, Knox Street, West Logan Street and Keyser Street. 260566, an ordinance 8 authorizing various encroachments in the vicinity of 6238 Bustleton Avenue, under certain terms and conditions. 260609, an ordinance 13 amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Designation of Bicycle Lanes" to authorize a bicycle lane and removal of parking on Roberts Avenue from Henry Avenue to King Street, under certain terms and conditions. 260758, an ordinance 22 regulating the placement of a truck loading zone on South 23rd Street between South Street and Naudain 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Street, all under certain terms and conditions. And Bill No. 260762, an ordinance regulating the placement of a truck loading zone on 1716 Frankford Avenue between Palmer Street and East Columbia Avenue, all under certain terms and conditions. There are no further bills on the Consent Agenda, Council President.

These bills having been read on two different days, the question for each bill now is should the bill pass finally. The Clerk will call the roll. And upon being called, each Councilmember shall vote aye on each of the bills, nay on each of the bills or indicate those bills for which the members voting aye 10/15/26 - STATED - 2ND READING and those bills to which the members voting nay. Clerk, please call the roll.

Councilmember Phillips.

Aye on all bills.

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.

Aye on all bills.

Councilmember Gauthier was aye. Councilmember Thomas.

Aye on all bills.