This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer two bills and two resolutions, one privileged and one non-privileged.
Thank you. Will the Clerk please read the titles of the two bills and a privileged and non-privilege resolution.
An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Wylie Street between Perkiomen Street and Cameron Street; Cecil B. Moore Avenue between North 29th Street and North 30th Street; Vineyard Street between Ridge Avenue and Leland Street; Vineyard Street between Leland Street and Poplar Street; Thompson Street between North 27th Street and North 26th Street; Dover Street between Oxford Avenue and Cecil B. Moore Avenue; Perkiomen Street between North Wylie Street and Vineyard Street; Master Street between North 20th Street and North 19th Street; Ingersoll Street between North 23rd Street and North 22nd Street; Ingersoll Street between 26th Street and Taney Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Richmond Street between Marlborough Street and Columbia Avenue; Montgomery Avenue between Girard Avenue and Wildey Street; Ogden Street between Camac Street and North 12th Street; Leithgow Street between George Street and Cambridge Street; 12th Street between Allegheny Street and Sedgley Avenue; Diamond Street between Marvine Street and North 11th Street; Valley Forge Place and Flora Street (Cul-de-sac); North 19th Street between Montgomery Avenue and Berks Street; H Street between Westmoreland Street and Ontario Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying titles to 2917, 2919, 2937 and 2939 Cecil B. Moore Avenue located in the 5th Councilmanic District, pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act, whereas under Section 21-09 of the Land Bank Act, 68 Pa.CSA Section 2109(D)(3), a Redevelopment Authority with the consent of local governing body and without redevelopment contract may convey title to certain Redevelopment Authority property to a Land Bank.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a privileged resolution honoring the Life and Legacy of internationally renowned jazz legend Benny Golson.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Minority Leader Brooks.
Good morning, Council President. I have one privileged resolution to introduce today.
Thank you. Will the Clerk please read the title of the privileged resolution.
Declaring September as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, congratulating the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter in recognition of their 26th Annual Walter E. Brandon Sickle Cell 5K Walk/Run Fundraiser named in memory of the late Reverend Walter E. Brandon, and commending the work of researchers and medical health professionals working every day to fight Sickle Cell Disease towards the ultimate goal of a universal cure.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.
Hello, Council President. Good morning, colleagues -- good afternoon, whatever it is now. I have two privileged resolutions.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the two privileged resolutions.
Honoring and Celebrating Jocelyn Wims, activist, gospel singer and public servant on the occasion of her birthday.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing Local 692 for their victory in the 2024 Pennsylvania Pipe Trades Tournament.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one bill and one non-privileged resolution today.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bill and one privileged resolution.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-800, Landlord and Tenant, to add prohibitions and penalties related to anticompetitive rental practices, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to pass legislation prohibiting the use and sale of software that use algorithms to anti-competitive set rental rates, fees and occupancy levels.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll.
Mr. President, no bills or resolutions today. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance authorizing the relocation of the curblines of Watts Street, from Pine Street to a point northwardly therefrom, on City Plan No. 308, and the plotting on said City Plan of an area for public pedestrian use extending along the westerly side of said Watts Street and authorizing acceptance of the grant to the City of the said area for public pedestrian use, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one privileged resolution.
A privi -- a non-privileged resolution. Okay. A non-privileged resolution renaming the 6100 block of North 21st Street "Reverend Ceotis Pryor Way" to honor the life and contributions of Reverend Ceotis L. Pryor, the late trailblazing Pastor of the Corinthian Baptist Church.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have four privileged resolutions.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution recognizing September 13th to the 27th, 2024 as Welcoming Week 2024 in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
A privileged resolution recognizing Philadelphia as the host city for the TED Democracy Fireside Chats, a pioneering event series from Ted and Visit Philadelphia that engages national thought leaders in critical discussions on the evolving role of democracy in our society, leading up to America's 250th anniversary.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing September 17th, 2024 as Mid-Autumn Festival and celebrating the cultural and historical significance of Philadelphia's Chinatown.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing September 2024 as Infant Mortality Awareness Month and highlighting the ongoing disparities in maternal and infant death in Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The next order of business The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports out 10 bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you very much, Councilmember Young. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.
The Committee on Streets and Services to which were referred the following bills: Bill No. 240578 entitled, An ordinance authorizing 5217 Whitby Mt. Moriah, LLC or a subsequent owner to install, own and maintain an encroachment at 5217-5219 Whitby Avenue, under certain terms and conditions; and 240611 entitled, An ordinance authorizing the installation, ownership, replacement and maintenance of various encroachments in the vicinity of 615 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240654 entitled, An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 1320 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240658 entitled, An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 3527-31 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240659 entitled, An ordinance authorizing of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 3200 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240667 entitled, An ordinance amending Chapter 122700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Permit Parking Districts," by amending the boundaries for certain permit parking districts, all under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240668 entitled, An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 1601 South 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240669 entitled, An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a marquee canopy in the vicinity of 2654 South Alder Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240673 entitled, An ordinance establishing parking regulations -- one-way regulations in the designation of a bicycle lane in the vicinity of Maplewood Avenue from Green Street to Wayne Avenue, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports that it is considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation; and Bill No. 240670 entitled, An ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Designation of Bicycle Lanes," to add a bicycle lane on South 3rd Street, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the with a favorable recommendation. There are no further bills to report out from the Committee on Streets and Services, Council President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading on this day of the bills just read into the record by the Chief Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of the bills just read by the Chief Clerk at today's those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Driscoll for a report from the Committee on Licenses and Inspections.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Licenses and Inspections reports out two bills with a favorable recommendation.
The Committee on Licenses and Inspections to which were referred the following bills: Bill No. 240304 entitled, Amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code -- entitled, An ordinance amending Subcode "A" (The Philadelphia Administrative Code) of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code (The Building Construction and Occupancy Code), to require proof of certain insurance certificates; all under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240674 entitled, An ordinance rescinding Bill No. 240500 and amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," by adding a new chapter creating requirements related to the operation and charging stations, installed at certain commercial and residential parcels, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation. There are no further bills to report from the Committee on Licenses and Inspections, Council President.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Driscoll for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this day of Bill No. 240674 only. (Duly seconded.)
and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of Bill No. 240674 just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. And Bill No. 240674 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Bill No. 240304 will be placed on the First Reading Calendar at our next session of Council. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committees with 2ND READING the suspension of rules have been deemed to have been read on the first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following bills and resolutions are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 240751, 240752, 240754, 240757, 240760, 240764, 240766, 240768, 240769, 240770, 240771, 240772, 240773 and 240776. The following bills and resolutions on the Calendar are being held: 240724, 240242 and 240427.
Thank you. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for possible action at today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up for today's session, please do so 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 due to the volume of individuals participating today. The time limit will be one minute. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the one-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 conclude your remarks. Once one minute has passed, the light will turn red and the Sergeant-at-Arms will disconnect the microphone. At that point, please yield the podium to the next speaker if you have not already done so. I also reserve the right pursuant to our rules of Council to limit repetitious comments on the same subject matter. I will now ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.
Representative Andre Carroll. May Jamie Walker, Eric Tars and Twyla Nunes-Ueno also make their way to the podium. Representative Andre Carroll. (Witness approached podium.) STATE REPRESENTATIVE CARROLL: Good morning, City Council. For the record, my name is Andre D. Carroll and I am the State Representative-Elect in Legislative House District 201. First, I want to start by thanking Council President. I want to thank Philadelphia City Council. I also want to thank Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for this opportunity today --
Mr. Representative Carroll, could you just give me one second if you don't mind. STATE REPRESENTATIVE CARROLL: Sure.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. My apologies, Rep-Elect. I'd like to excuse myself from session and I'd like to be marked aye on all bills and resolutions.
The Chair recognizes Representative-Elect Andre Carroll. You can proceed, sir. STATE REPRESENTATIVE CARROLL: Thank you so much, Council President. Again, my name is Andre D. Carroll, State Representative-Elect for House District 201. Again, I want to thank Philadelphia City Council. Thank you, Council President, and also thank you, Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, for this opportunity. I would also like to take the opportunity to congratulate my future colleague Keith Harris for also winning his special election last Tuesday, September 17th. I want to start by saying 33 years ago there was a baby born to a mother who was battling with substance abuse and a father who would later go on to spend 95 percent of his life in prison. I was raised by my grandmother and I want to give honor to my grandmother today because without her grace I don't stand before you today with this opportunity. The journey to this moment has been long. It's been 10 years and it includes the opportunity to work in the Philadelphia City Controller's Office, also serving in the Senatory District Office of Anthony Hardy Williams. So I want to give great honor to Controller Rebecca Rhynhart and Allen Butkovich for the opportunity to serve in their office. Before ever serving in office, I met a gentleman by the name of Isaiah Thomas who at that point wasn't a City Councilmember. He, in fact, at that time was an educator, a mentor and a coach. And I want to thank him for this moment because it's his investment into young men all across the city that produces opportunities like this one. Also, I want to say that the best that America has to offer is what I keep in mind. As I embark on this journey as the next State Representative, I think about the things that unite us versus the things that divide us versus the investment in education, housing or health care. We must understand that we are working in collaboration and sometimes we will disagree and that's absolutely fine. I promise as I embark on this journey to give the best of my ability and the best that I can. On Monday in Harrisburg, Pa I will be inaugurated as the second openly Black gay man to serve in the House of Representatives in Pennsylvania. (Applause.) STATE REPRESENTATIVE CARROLL: While I take this opportunity with great honor, it is above identity that I will have opportunity to serve in this position. I will get a chance to serve the great community members in Germantown, West Oak Lane and Logan. So again, I want to yield back to Philadelphia City Council. I want to thank you for this opportunity and I look forward to serving with you all together. Thank you. (Applause.)
May Jamie Walker, Eric Tars, Twyla Nunes-Ueno and Kenny Arpels-Josiah. (Witnesses approached podium.)
My name is Jamie Walker and I work in the community to get involved and make positive changes. I'm here to support the idea that housing is a basic human right and to talk about the problems with the recent sweeps in Kensington. These sweeps are cruel and don't solve the issues. People are homeless, mentally ill or addicted to drugs, need help, not punishment. Locking them up is not the answer. A tragic example is Amanda Cahill who died in jail after a Kensington sweep. Amanda was a kind, caring person who struggled with addiction. She had dreams and hopes like all of us. She was a mother, a daughter, a sister and a friend. Her family is now left to mourn her loss, a loss that could have been prevented with proper care and support. She was arrested for drug possession and didn't get the medical care she needed. Our jails are not equipped to handle people going through withdrawal and they are already short-staffed. Studies have shown these sweeps are not effective in the long term. For instance, after a sweep the area might look clean for a short time but people often return because the root causes of homelessness are not addressed. Amanda's death shows that we need to change how we deal with addiction and mental health and we should provide stable housing, medical care and support service. Housing is a basic human right and it's the first step to helping people recover and get back on their feet. These issues don't just affect individuals. They impact entire families, communities when we fail to provide proper care and support. We tear families apart and create more suffering. We need to think about the children, parents and loved ones who are affected by these policies. I urge Council to focus on treating addiction and mental illness as issues not crimes. Let's work together to make our city a place where everyone can live with dignity and get the help they need. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Eric Tars and I serve as the Senior Policy Director at the National Homelessness Law Center where I helped to organize the national support for Gloria Johnson and her fellow homeless plaintiffs in the Johnson versus Grants Pass case at the Supreme Court. And I'm also a proud Philadelphia resident. In short, despite widespread understanding that everybody needs a safe place to sleep, the Supreme Court and a shameful ruling in the tradition of Plessy versus Ferguson and Korematsu versus the United States excluded homeless people from the Constitution's protections against cruel and unusual punishment, giving cities a green light to segregate desperately Black and Brown, LGBTQ+ and disabled population and ticket and arrest them for surviving outside even if there's no safe indoor place for them to be. Councilmember Brooks' resolution makes clear, throwing homeless people in jail or finding them makes homelessness worse and just because cities can do this, does not mean that they should. Council must pass this resolution as a first step to take a stand against the Court's ruling and then must continue to do the right thing and focus on housing, not handcuffs, services not sweeps as a proven solution to homelessness. Please support Resolution 240764. Thank you. (Applause.)
We have Twyla Nunes-Ueno. May Kenny ArpelsJosiah, Kayden Hujack and Zemoria Brandon also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Hi. My name is Twyla Nunes-Ueno and today I'm here to testify for Clara Hensley who worked on Resolution No. 240766 with Fridays for Future. She wasn't able to be here today because of the rescheduling of the Council session. I'm sure I don't need to stand here and explain to you all how catastrophic the climate crisis is becoming to everyone. We all know that and yet we still aren't doing enough about it. We are still going in the wrong direction. As a student, a climate activist and a 17-year-old, I'm terrified of my own future, not because of college or choices ahead of me, but because of the inaction from governments and the generations before me. It's undeniable by science that coal, oil and gas are all carbon bombs. All of these fossil fuel-driven sources of energy are the root of the climate crisis, the root that is hurting and destroying communities right now. Not in 5, 10, 20 years right now. Today on your agenda is a resolution endorsing the call for a Fossil Fuel Nonproliferation Treaty urging the federal government to support this initiative by entering into treaty discussions and committing the City to prioritizing a fair and equitable clean energy transition. Irreversible damage has been done, but we can still save the earth. We need to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, but this can't be done without holding fossil fuel producers accountable. We need a just equitable fossil fuel phase-out and we need it to start now. Clara worked heavily on creating and advocating for this and she's sorry that she couldn't be here today. But regardless, please think of the young people in your life. That's all. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
Hi. My name is Keanu Arpels-Josiah. I'm a 19-year-old climate justice organizer and today I speak on behalf of Fridays for Future USA in support of Fridays for Future Philly and Councilmember O'Rourke's Resolution 240766 in support of the Fossil Fuel on Nonproliferation Treaty. Last year I was at the U.N. climate negotiations known as the Conference of Parties or COP in Dubai. For 28 years of negotiations, the COP had failed to even mention the words fossil fuels, responsible for 92 percent of our emissions. For 28 years of negotiations, the COP failed to mention the very thing destroying our future, flooding our schools, bringing us deadly heat and fastening and worsening deadly extreme weather. Tearing apart our community for 28 years, the global south and island nations have demanded action and for 28 years countries like ours and the global north have said no. In a world where 46.9 million people were displaced from the climate crisis just last year in a country where we continue to be the largest expander of fossil fuel infrastructure, in a region where our sky was orange from wildfire smoke just last June and in a city where this past summer was the hottest in a history and yet the coolest one for the rest of our generation's lives, we must recognize the need for action. Our generation is screaming out for our future. The global south and folks across the country are calling out for their survival. That's why it's so critical this resolution is on the calendar today. We must have a just, equitable and immediate phase-out of fossil fuels to clean and community-driven renewable energy and that must begin with stopping the expansion of new fossil fuel infrastructure. That's what the Fossil Fuel Nonproliferation Treaty is all about. It's what science nearly unanimously calls for. So we can't wait for Philly to join cities around the country and calling for this resolution. (Applause.)
Hi. My name is Kayden Hujack. And I'm here to condemn the Supreme Court's decision to allow the criminalization of homelessness and instead I'm here to advocate that the City provide adequate services for these individuals instead of throwing them in an institution to be abused, neglected and in some case have their lives taken. The City's inherent evil to attack our most vulnerable populations will only add additional trauma resulting in the likelihood of reoffending. This will lead to even more homelessness on the streets exactly the opposite of Cherelle's plan. It is apparent with these types of reactionary beliefs in play that the City officials do not consider homeless people, people below the poverty line or substance abusers as actual humans and are indeed to them indisposable. Take my cousin Amanda Cahill, for example, whose life was just taken due to these types of initiatives. Amanda was picked up on the 4th of September sweep initiated by Cherelle Parker. And due to these inhumane decisions, they threw my cousin in a jail that was, in fact, not prepared for the influx of substance users and homeless people that they said they were prepared for. The streets of Kensington did not take my cousin. Actually she survived them. The PDP and the staff at PICC did as well as Cherelle and her insistent need to attack the most vulnerable. Not only is throwing homeless individuals in jail inhumane, this led to the death of Amanda which proves and wins the fight that myself and other harm reductionists have been trying to make, this doesn't work. If this is going to be the initiative, then maybe instead of deploying more officers in the streets of Kensington, the plan should be adequately staffing her jails making sure that the medical professionals are on deck and correctional officers are properly educated on how to keep these people safe. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case with my cousin. But this is why I am here, to make sure that this doesn't happen to anyone else, although it did a week later. The victim's name was Michael McKinnis, another individual who was left unsupervised all night. The system learned nothing and failed yet another person. I, Kayden Hujack, the cousin of Amanda Cahill condemns Grants Pass versus Johnson -
The further we neglect to treat these people like human beings, the problems will only maximize until their death, which will more than likely happen due to resolutions like these being ignored. I, Kayden Hujack, the cousin of Amanda Cahill condemns the Grants Pass versus Johnson and I'm screaming justice for my cousin Amanda, who the PDP couldn't even bother to get a gurney for and dragged her out in a body bag allegedly. Amanda, you deserve better and I hope your death at least instills much-needed change and eradicates these God-awful beliefs before somebody else is in the bag next. Thank you. (Applause.)
We have Zemoria Brandon. May Sarah PierreLouise, Rayya El Zein and Kate Perez also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Greetings, Council President Kenyatta Johnson and other Councilmembers. My name is Reverend Zemoria Brandon. I serve as the Administrator Social Worker for the Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, a community-based organization established over 42 years ago to meet the needs across the life span for children, adolescents, adults and families living with sickle cell disease through the following services: Roundtrip transportation, newborn screening follow-up, case management, supportive services and referrals, patient parent support groups, multi-cultural initiative, advocacy support, single gene genetic counseling and education. This morning we offer our support of the Brooks' honorary resolution introduced by Councilmember At-large Kendra Brooks in recognition of our organization and her leadership, commitment and advocacy along with other Councilmembers who have supported our funding requests over the past two years of $100,000. We appreciate your continued interest in the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter. However, in closing it is our hope that this year's Cultural Fund will provide a funding opportunity for our agency to continue shining a light on sickle cell by building on our 42-year history of providing supportive services and honoring our mission of improving the quality of life across the life span for children, adolescents, adults and families living with Sickle Cell Disease and sickle cell trait, may it be so. (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Sarah PierreLouis and I'm the Community Health Worker for the Sickle Cell Disease Association Philadelphia/Delaware Chapter -- all right. So I'm the Community Health Worker for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, the Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter, and I'm also one of the people in the Philadelphia area living with Sickle Cell Disease. The impact of Sickle Cell Disease on an individual as well as a family can be devastating. And while many of you may know what sickle cell is, each experience is unique. As a child this disease has kept me in the hospital, out of school and affected my family who have always supported me. But what got me to where I am now is the help from my amazing support systems of medical professionals, social workers, camps and organizations like this one. Now, as an adult through this organization I am able to assist with raising awareness, providing much-needed support services such as transportation and financial services as well as advocating for health care for those living with sickle cell disease. I thank you for all the support from the Cultural funds that we received in the past and for your much appreciated support going forward. Thank you for your time. (Applause.)
We have Rayya El Zein, Kate Perez and may Teresa Duncan also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Hello. I have letters for Council. I'm here to speak against amendments to Bill 240242. Business should not continue as usual during a genocide. We, the people of Philadelphia -- we, the people of Philadelphia, stand against our country's complicity in Israel's ongoing genocide of Palestinians. We condemn our federal and state taxes funding the war machine while our own public schools are so underresourced. We call on City Council to pass a resolution for, one, an unconditional permanent and enforceable ceasefire in Gaza; two, an immediate arms embargo of Israel; three, divestment from Israeli companies and companies complicit with the occupation like Energix; four, protecting the rights of students, teachers and workers of Philadelphia to speak against genocide and war crimes in Palestine, Sudan, Congo, Haiti and elsewhere. Over the past year in Palestine, Israel has killed more than 200,000 people, detained 10,000 hostages and 80,000 people are missing. This week Israeli air strikes killed almost 600 people in just one day. In our city, weapons manufacturers Day & Zimmerman, Leonardo and Ghost Robotics are selling directly to Israeli forces. We, the people of Philadelphia, say enough of the war machine. It is morally imperative that the City Council pass the resolution calling for, one, an unconditional, permanent and enforceable ceasefire in Gaza. Two, an immediate arms embargo against Israel; three, divestment from Israeli companies and companies complicit with the occupation like Energix; four, protecting the rights of students, teachers and workers of Philadelphia to speak against genocide and war crimes in Palestine, Sudan, Congo, Haiti and elsewhere. We are tired of watching our families get torn apart. There should be no business as usual during a genocide. Cease fire now.
Will the Clerk please call the next speaker. (Applause.) (Cease fire now.)
May Kate Perez make their way to the podium. (Witness approached podium.) (Cease fire now.)
May Teresa Duncan and Amy Eusebio also make their way to the podium. Teresa Duncan and Amy Eusebio. (Cease fire now.)
Ms. Perez, you can begin your speech or do you want to defer to your team?
Good morning, President Johnson and the illustrious City Council and citizens of Philadelphia. My name is Teresa Johnson Duncan. I'm the Director of the Center for Leadership Development and Advocacy, and I'm representing one of our signature programs today, the Fresh Bottoms Diaper Bank. Diaper Bank is defined as the lack of a sufficient supply of diapers to keep an infant or a child clean, dry and healthy. And in Philadelphia, many families struggle to afford this basic necessity. Diapers are not covered by any federal assistance program such as SNAP, TANF or WIC. And many daycare agencies require parents to provide diapers for their children. Some children with disabilities never outgrow the need for diapers. The consequences of diaper need are far-reaching without an adequate supply, severe diaper rashes and infections apparent to take a child to the emergency room over and over again. Parents may miss work or even school because they cannot leave their children at a day care. This creates a cycle of economic hardship and stress for families who are already facing financial challenges. During this week I urge you to consider helping Fresh Bottoms and other Diaper Banks. We are being featured at the PECO Crown Lights tonight, the 28th and the 29th, and we look for your support. Fresh Bottoms has been helping many of the Councilpeople here. We thank you for your support. We will show up at your baby showers and we are available for you. Remember, a clean diaper builds character. Thank you for your time. (Applause.)
Kate Perez, 240247. We know of three weapons manufacturers in your districts. Non-conformities means that these businesses no longer comply with City standards. Our conventional arms transfer policy state that the United States cannot transfer weapons when it's more likely than not to be used in violations of the Geneva Conventions or other severe human rights violations of which Israel has already been found guilty of multiple in the International Court of Justice, and especially considering their recent escalations in Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq and Syria. Companies in our city that continue to sell weapons to the Israeli occupation violate the (inaudible) Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act. U.S. soldiers are now on the ground to evacuate in Lebanon as Israel aims for a regional war. You can pass a resolution calling on Congress to support the Sanders joint resolutions of disapproval to halt this next wave of arm sales to Israel. (Inaudible) are non-conformities and detrimental to the city. Pending an end to Israel's occupation, third (inaudible) states must immediately stop all forms of aid or assistance that help maintain the unlawful occupation, including halting arms transfers and ceasing all trade with illegal settlements. We want an arms transfer. We want to cease fire. Free Palestine. (Applause.)
Amy Eusebio. May Rasheed Milledge, Paul Birdsong and Kareem Price, also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good afternoon, Councilmembers. My name is Amy Eusebio and I serve as the Executive Director of the City of Philadelphia Office of Immigrant Affairs. I'm here today to comment in favor of the Welcoming Week resolution introduced by Councilmember Nina Ahmad. And I want to just share a little bit for those who don't know the Office of Immigrant Affairs, we are a permanent City office with a mission to promote the well-being of immigrants, refugees and asylees in the city of Philadelphia. And we do this by promoting policies and programs that facilitate their successful inclusion into the City's civic, economic and cultural life. And so, today I am here to celebrate our 12th Annual Welcoming Week, and it is part of a national program initiative led by a nonprofit called Welcoming America that really has a goal of creating a sense of belonging and inclusion for all of our City's residents, including the foreign born. Just want to comment briefly on some of the featured events over the last couple of weeks, including an art exhibit at the Free Library called Belonging that's on display until October 1st. Several flag-raising ceremonies, a job fair yesterday, many wonderful events. And so, I just want to thank the support of City Council for supporting immigrants, refugees and asylees in the city of Philadelphia and for celebrating Welcoming Week. Thank you. (Applause.)
Rasheed Milledge, Paul Birdsong, Kareem Price and John Geeting also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
My name is Paul Birdsong. In reference to Resolution 240724 regarding merchants facilitating illegal activities that negatively impact our communities, I'm puzzled as to how the law enforcement community in Philly who due to an archaic forensics lab, poor community support and unused or inoperable cameras citywide who under the direction, yet without the support of Mayor Cherelle Parker, who can't tackle larger tasks such as the overwhelming epidemic of gun violence accompanied by 2,000-plus unsolved murder cases, plans on or has the resources to take on this task. City Council, you have given Mayor Cherelle Parker all the support she needs to give us community support. You've given her all the support she needs to give us cameras and a forensics lab. We no longer look to you for the solution rather camaraderie and putting pressure on our Mayor to prioritize Philadelphia's safety. And until she does, every victim who possibly could have been prevented by a decision it is on her to make is on her hands. I repeat their blood is on her hands. Also, President Kenyatta Johnson, just a question and you ain't got to answer me straight up right here, but I've noticed that there is a lot more priority in putting time on all the ceremonial things than the ability of the public to come testify. I wonder why that is when this whole thing is about making this city a better city for these people. All power to the people. (Applause.)
Kareem Price, John Geeting, Andrea Rogers, Victoria King, make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Andrea Rogers and I serve as Executive Director for Starfinder Foundation. I'm in support of Councilmember Rue Landau's Resolution 240757, calling on the School District to expand SEPTA student fare passes to all students for usage at all times regardless of the residential distance from schools. So Starfinder, my organization, is a sports-based youth development organization that engages youth in health and physical fitness, social emotional wellness and an ability to focus on the future from neighborhoods all over Philadelphia. So we see kids from over 50 schools in the city and we engage them through deep programs, supportive mentorship and a tight-knit community, and our foundational belief is that all youth deserve to learn, grow and thrive. So while we serve PreK through high school, our key program is our high school program which is an afterschool and summertime program that they come to us and we know that students that participate in afterschool and weekend and summer programs are less likely to engage in risky behaviors, engage in adverse relationships, interpersonal relationships and they have the ability to succeed. So among so many other barriers in the city that limit opportunity for our youth to optimize their potential, a key barrier that is prohibitive are the costs of transportation or difficulty navigating transportation within a limited set of rules. I am hopeful that this measure will help lift that barrier for youth and their families and lead to increased access to opportunities that will empower young people and allow them to explore their talents and promote increasing their options in the future. Thank you, Councilmember Landau, and thank you to your colleagues. I look forward to seeing this resolution passed. (Applause.)
Victoria King, Connor Descheemaker, Cymbol Lai, MaCherie Dunbar. (Witnesses approached podium.)
All right. Hello there. My name is Connor Descheemaker. I am the Coalition member for Transit Board Philadelphia speaking in support of Councilmember Landau's Resolution 240757. I've got printed letters from two folks who could not be here today, Rebecca Fabiano from Fab Youth Philly as well as a student Aumi Long. I want to thank several members of Council, Councilmember Phillips and staff, Councilmember Landau, in particular Molly, Councilmember O'Rourke and Staff member Kate, Councilmember Brooks and Staff member Eric, Councilmember Thomas and Staff member Ben. We're all here in support of expanding student fares because this is putting us in alignment with cities across the country, including most recently New York, who are expanding transportation access for youth. We have received a ton of digital support, this is a no-brainer, for enhanced independence, improved connection to community and youth engagement, more ridership for SEPTA and support for our youth and families. This is an incredible opportunity and I'm really excited to see the momentum for this. Let's get it funded and let's get it implemented. Thank you so much for your time. (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Cymbol Lai. I'm -- fine. Okay. Got it. I'm testifying today in support of the resolution authorizing a joint hearing on the use of electronic monitoring for GPS for youth involved in Philadelphia's juvenile justice system. First of all, I'd like to thank Councilmember Phillips and Councilmember Landau for introducing this resolution. We and many of our partners have been working on this problem for years so thank you very much. Philadelphia has seen an overall decrease in the spending on youth involved in the criminal justice system and a decrease in overall numbers of youth incarceration since 2016. At the same time, we've seen an increase in reliance on electronic monitoring in FY2017. We had 1500 youth on GPS surveillance. In FY2023 we have around 1,700. More and more the City has used GPS as an alternative to youth detention. While we may think that GPS is better than being confined, we've heard stories from young people challenging that assumption. So youth tell us about how they can't go to their programs and job trainings or therapy sessions that are court-mandated because they risk violations. We've heard of youth getting violations because they stopped off at a store to get a sandwich and they stayed there too long. We've heard stories about youth who can't in the middle of summer sit out on their porch because if they do, they're going to get a violation so they sit at home and they bake. So these stories and the cost of using monitoring and maintaining the GPS system is increasing are reasons why we find that the hearing is very, very, very important. We want to know what we're doing, why we're doing it and whether or not this tool has its intended effect. So again, we've been working alongside partners of this problem for years. We hope that these hearings uplift the experiences of young people who have gone through a DPS monitoring so that Philadelphia can develop a better, more holistic, more rehabilitative strategy for youth. Thank you for your time. (Applause.)
MaCherie Dunbar. May Michael Felker, Michelle Smith and Sterling Johnson also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good afternoon, Council President, ranking members and esteemed members of Council. My name is Mashare Dunbar. I'm a retired Air Force combat veteran, an out lesbian who served during Don't Ask, Don't Tell. I'm here today as a member of the Board of Directors representing the Veterans Multiservice Center known as VMC, an organization proudly supporting veterans of all backgrounds and experiences, including those like myself who faced discrimination during their military service due to the now repealed Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. First and foremost, we want to thank Councilmember Rue Landau for introducing this resolution which honors the anniversary of the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. It acknowledges the immense sacrifices made by LGBTQ+ veterans. For too long the bad paper discharge is given to over 13,000 service members between 1994 and 2011, have blocked them from basic resources like VA health care, home loan guarantees, education benefits, all critical components of successful transition from military service. At the VMC, we see firsthand the impact of these denials, creating challenges due to mental health and physical health conditions, housing insecurity and a lack of access to essential support services. These challenges are compounded for LGBTQ+ veterans who suffered additional mental, emotional and systemic trauma simply for being ourselves. Most of those discharged under Don't Ask, Don't Tell still have not come forward to seek their earned benefits and discharge upgrades. Supporting this resolution honoring the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell makes a declarative statement that says we see you, we honor you, we support you. Philadelphia can be a leader in ensuring that every LGBTQ+ veteran and our community feels welcome and is aware of the steps that they can take to restore their benefits. VMC is committed to working alongside the City to make this happen. We ask this Council to continue standing with LGBTQ+ veterans not just in words but in action. Pass this resolution and let's work together to ensure that their service is honored and that the injustices of the past do not define their future. Thank you. (Applause.)
Council President and Councilmembers. My name is Michal Smith. I'm the Executive Director of Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia. Thank you for hearing me today. Cradles to Crayons is the largest national nonprofit with children's clothing insecure at the core of our mission. There are no federal and few state-based programs that cover this essential critical items like shoes, coats and clothing. Cradles to Crayons closes those gaps that in children in Greater Philadelphia face by providing packages of clothing and essential items to kids living in low income and homeless situations. Since we opened our doors here in 2006, we've provided 1.5 million packages of clothing and essentials to kids in the region by helping 200 human services agencies in Philadelphia. This year we'll distribute 300,000 packages. But the reason I'm here today is to talk about diaper need. in families in Philadelphia face diaper need annually. When families go without an adequate supply of diapers, they risk diaper rashes and infection and it's really critical that we fund this. More importantly, when a family doesn't have diapers, they don't go to work and miss an average of 5.1 days of work a month. That's why we've provided 8 million diapers in America and 3 million diapers here in Philadelphia and today we're distributing 780,000 out of East Falls giving factory warehouse today. Thank you for your help with this. Thank you for the recognition of national Diaper Needs Awareness Week and thank you, Councilman Rue Landau, for supporting this today. Diaper need is vital for kids in our region. Please help us. Thank you. (Applause.)
Sterling Johnson, Byron Golson, Lynn Landes and Jeremy Blatstein also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
My name is Mike Felker. I want to thank Councilmember Landau for her resolution on the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell and recognition of LGBTQ+ veterans. I was a U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman, who served as a combat medic with the Marines in Vietnam in 1970. It is important that my fellow gay veterans, we who have served and sacrificed for our country, be given access to the benefits they have earned and deserve, including VA medical care, home loans and the GI bill. Thank you. (Applause.)
Hello. My name is Sterling Johnson. I'm from Philadelphia Community Land Trust in Philadelphia Housing Action. I'm here to support Councilperson Brooks' Resolution 240764 condemning the Grants Pass decision from the Supreme Court. First, I don't want to forget this, the reason that we're here is to support families, mostly Black and Latinx families and my organizing. I'm going to shout out justice for the Mitchell children which comes from the experience of Janie Mitchell which is one of our organizers here with us. We're fighting to keep people together with more decriminalization. The way that the systems talk to each other makes it impossible for housing to happen, makes it impossible for jobs to happen. I don't understand how you expect people with a criminal record to have equal access to jobs and housing. And what we must stop is the dehumanization of people. The fact that a senator in the center of Pennsylvania would deny the organizations in Kensington $7.5 million because he did not know that kids lived in Kensington is the result of the constant dehumanization. The videos, the slander, the statements made wildly without centering the actual people and actual families that live in Kensington, we have to stop it. The fact that he doesn't know that and that he says, no, you don't deserve afternoon -- afterschool activities, a soccer program. If we understand the need to come together, actually hold -actually this did happen, right, this has happened in our city. And even as recent as 2019, I will say Councilwoman Blackwell brought a lot of people together and said, we're going to make sure that hospitals are going to be held accountable for the people that end up on the street. You know, we're going to have a long conversation -- going to end now. But the thing -- I'm disabled. The thing that I cannot stand is when I see people that should be given care, health care, health care. A syringe is health care, to be in a hospital and receive care and pain management. Withdrawal management is health care. That's all it is. They should not be on the street and the hospitals have to be held accountable. Thank you for your time. (Applause.)
Byron Golson, Lynn Landes, Jeremy Blatstein and Noah Forer also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning. Good morning, Council President Johnson and members of City Council. I am Byron Golson and I'm here to support the resolution honoring my cousin Jazz composer tenor saxophone musician arranger Benny Golson who died this week at 95, introduced by Councilmember Jeffrey Young. The last time I stood here I was representing Settlement Music School. My twin brother and I are musicians because of Benny, and this is a full circle moment, because 10 years ago Jeff Young drafted a resolution on behalf of his boss, then President Clarke, to honor Benny who was in these chambers for the first time in his life. He marveled at the elegance of this room. And as I recall, Councilman Young's father was a Benny fan as well. On the same day in 2014, Mayor Nutter honored Benny in the Mayor's reception room and Vince interviewed him for WURD. Benny was born and raised in North Philadelphia, graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School. Some of his accomplishments were he composed several Jazz standards such as Killer Joe, Whisper Not, I Remember Clifford and Blues March, and he was a very, very deep influence on my life as I became a musician following in his footsteps. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Good afternoon. I'm Lynn Landes of Safestreetsphilly.org. I support the resolution to strengthen enforcement against illegal activity in certain stores, but the City needs more. We need our laws fully enforced across the board. To that end, I ask City Council to urge the Mayor to announce the new forensic lab as soon as possible. As to last Saturday night's mayhem in Center City, there's no surprise there. The Mayor and City Council need to restore summary arrests and community court throughout the city, not just for Kensington. In violation of both local and state laws, the City is still not fully enforcing the law in every part of the city. And in violation of federal law, Philadelphia is still a sanctuary city for illegal immigration. We are sending a dangerously mixed message. We must enforce a law across the board for effective and equal justice even with a new forensic lab there is no magic bullet when it comes to public safety. From retail theft to wanton murder, from broken windows to open borders, everything matters. Thank you. (Applause.)
Jeremy Blatstein, Noah Forer, Sultan Smalley and David Gibson, make your way to the podium please. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Hello, President Johnson, City Council. I'm talking about SEPTA today. You know what the question is. Raise your -- my name is Jeremy Blatstein. I'm sorry for that. Who rode SEPTA to City Hall this morning? Oh, zero. Come on. The quality-of-life issues surrounding City Hall, you saw it on Saturday night, and you see it on a daily basis. But I really would encourage you to ride SEPTA to City Hall. I think that it really will be eye-opening to see the issues that your constituents face on a daily basis. And it really is another opportunity also what's been spoken on today regarding homelessness and how that impacts around the quality of life around City Hall. Love Park and the surrounding area has progressively gotten worse over the last 6 to 12 months. The study that came out this past week reflected that. So as we talk about housing and homelessness, I would just encourage each and every one of you to really see that firsthand and ride SEPTA. So my challenge to you, I said it last week, I'm going to say every week, ride Septa on Thursdays and really show -- ride the ride and put some oomph behind it. Thank you. (Applause.)
Hello. My name is Noah Zohar Foyer. I'm a 19-year-old environmental activist and I co-founded the Philadelphia chapter of Fridays for Future at 16 years old. Thank you, City Councilmembers, who sponsored the fossil fuel nonproliferation treaty in supporting ending new fossil fuel expansion. However, words can only be the first step. I want you to react to the global climate crisis the same way you guys reacted to the global pandemic in 2022. We changed the way we were going about our daily lives and the way our systems operated in order to ensure our chances of survival. I want you to think about how many of you need air, food and water to survive. Hoping that's all of us. I want you to think about how many people around the world do not have access to all these resources. I'll let you know how many people, 2.2 billion. 17 to 20 percent of the Amazon Rainforest has already been destroyed and its irreversible tipping point is reached when 20 to 25 percent has been cut down. When I graduated from high school in 2023, we were congratulated by being engulfed in a thick, heavy smoke greeted from the wildfires in Canada. Climate change is here. Climate change is now. Margaret Mead, a revolutionary American anthropologist said, Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has. I would like to give every single person in this room today, every individual, five things that they can start doing today to reduce their impact on the planet. One, educate yourself and your friends and your family on climate change. Talk about it. Two, reduce the amount of food and plastic we are wasting. We don't need to buy more than we consume. Three, reduce the amount of resources that you are throwing away. It's okay to share. We can be a community. We can reuse clothes. We can reuse plastic. Four, lower that thermometer. If you want to put the AC on 70, bump it down to 69 instead. It's okay -- sorry, I meant heating. It's okay to have it lower than what you need. It saves energy. And five, use public transit more or bike. It will help the transit system become more accessible to everyone and that is something we need. It does not matter what your political stance, religion, background or education is. Climate change is a threat that is impacting every single one of us right now and it is not going to disappear by ignoring it. As a community, it is our responsibility to do every single thing we can to take the steps necessary to pave the path to a sustainable, livable future. Do it for me. Do it for your kids and do it for the kids to come. Please. Thank you. (Applause.)
Hello. My name is Sultan Smalley. I am a student at the Community College of Philadelphia and a member of the Sunrise Movement. I am here to support the passage of the fossil fuel nonproliferation treaty resolution. The Philadelphia youth deserve the ability to imagine their futures with equanimity, not fear. We cannot afford to act slowly in our ongoing climate crisis. The time to act is today. Billionaires and big corporations have for too long been allowed to exacerbate the warming of our planet with impunity. Today's City Council has the opportunity to help ameliorate the decades of inaction from our government. This is an existential threat and let's not forget who bears the brunt of this. It's the working-class Black and Brown communities like the citizens near the Bellwether District who reported higher levels of cancer while an oil refinery operated near their homes and dealt with the consequences of the same refinery exploding in 2019, releasing hydrochloric acid in the atmosphere. Furthermore, Philadelphia has a child asthma rate three times the national average, but the risk is unequal. The majority Black neighborhood of West Philadelphia where I grew up in Cobbs Creek has some of the city's highest asthma hospitalization rates. This is to say that passing this treaty is not just a climate justice issue. It is a racial justice issue. It is an economic justice issue and we must acknowledge the contiguity between all these different issues in order to tackle the climate crisis with the level of seriousness it warrants. We stand at an inflection point and I often feel deflated because I don't see enough action. But in times like this, I remember that there are decades where nothing happened and days where decades happened. So please make this day worth a decade. Thank you. (Applause.)
David Gibson. May Ogbonna Hagins and Wanda Walker also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
I'm David Gibson. I'm representing members of Peace Justice Sustainability now which is the associate group of Peace Action, the nation's oldest secular peace group since 1957. I'm also representing the Philadelphia area No more War Coalition speaking in favor of the resolution for our fossil fuel treaty. Thank you for allowing me time to speak. As everyone should know by now, we all face two existential threats to humanity survival, the spread and potential use of nuclear weapons and the growing climate emergency. On the introduction to the fossil fuel treaty website page it says, just like 50 years ago when the world used international treaties to diffuse the threats posed by nuclear weapons, today the world needs a fossil fuel nonproliferation treaty to phase out fossil fuels, support dependent economies, workers and communities and to diversify away from fossil fuels. In 2019 City Council passed a resolution encouraging the U.S. to support the treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons or the TPNW. Over the years we reduced the nuclear threat from 70,000 warheads to around 12,000 today, but new nuclear weapons are being planned by all nuclear countries, though they are illegal according to the TPNW. We must continue to work to abolish nuclear weapons and we know it's possible, but we will do little good if we keep the world from frying in a nuclear firestorm to let it slowly fry thanks to the current climate emergency, like the proverbial frog in the pot. It's time to take action and compel governments to end fossil fuels. Let's take a step by passing this resolution. Thank you. One last point. Democracy takes time. A minute isn't enough. Thank you. (Applause.)
Great afternoon. Ogbonna Hagins, fourth generation chattel slavery survivor. Councilmembers, while I applaud the formation of the Special Committee on Kensington, I cannot ignore the hypocrisy staring us in the face. We rush to address issues in Kensington, but where is the same urgency when it comes to the progeny of the emancipated, the American Freedmen. Let's talk about the elephant in the room. We have offices for the Caribbean and for various other immigrant groups. Where is the office of the American Freedmen, the progeny of the emancipated? How can there be offices for everybody else in this building, but the people who save this nation, the people who built this nation doesn't have an office in this building. I demand that immediately. I talked to my man right here Councilman Harrity, who has met with us. You guys got to meet. We got to have an office of American Freedmen within this building, the first one in the history. Ogbonna Hagins, unseated Council President, American Freedman and a fourth generation 9/26/24 - STATED - 2ND READING chattel slavery survivor. (Applause.)
Thank everyone for their testimony today. That concludes today's public comment period. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240751.
A resolution renaming Stenton Avenue and Washington Lane to "Isabella Fitzgerald Way" to honor her significant impact on the community. Introduced by Councilmember Phillips.
9/26/24 - STATED - 2ND READING The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240751.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240751 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240752. 9/26/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 5019 North Camac Street in the 9th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code. Introduced by Councilmember Phillips.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240752.
Thank you, Council President Johnson. I move for the adoption of the resolution. 9/26/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240752 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240754.
A resolution renaming the 5800 block of Oxford Street "Fred Rosenfeld Way" to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Frederick C. Rosenfeld for his outstanding contributions to youth sports in Philadelphia. 9/26/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Introduced by Councilmember Jones.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240754.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240754 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read 9/26/24 - STATED - 2ND READING the title of Resolution No. 240757.
A resolution calling on the School District of Philadelphia to expand SEPTA Student Fare Passes to all students for usage at all times, and regardless of the residential distance from schools. Introduced by Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Landau for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240757.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240757 be adopted. All those in the favor of the motion will signify by saying 9/26/24 - STATED - 2ND READING aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240760.
A resolution authorizing the Special Committee on Kensington to convene and explore best practices in substance use disorder outreach and to investigate the effectiveness of current methods used by the City of Philadelphia and its partners. Introduced by Councilmember Lozada.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kathy Gilmore Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution No. 9/26/24 - STATED - 2ND READING 240760.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilmember Lozada, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240760 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240764. 9/26/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
A resolution condemning the Supreme Court's decision to allow the criminalization of homelessness in Grants Pass versus Johnson and reaffirming the City of Philadelphia's commitment to housing as a human right. Introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240764.
Council President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240764 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) 9/26/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240766.
A resolution affirming the City of Philadelphia's ongoing commitment to the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, endorsing the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, urging the federal government to support this initiative by entering into treaty discussions, and committing the City to prioritizing a fair and equitable clean energy transition. Introduced by Councilmember O'Rourke.
9/26/24 - STATED - 2ND READING The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240766.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the passage of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240766 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. (Applause.)
9/26/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240768.
A resolution calling on the Pennsylvania State Senate to pass House Bill 1283, Susan and Emily's law, to empower municipalities to create parking protected bike lanes on state-owned roads. Introduced by Councilmember Brooks -- I mean, Councilmember O'Rourke. I'm sorry.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240768.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240768 be adopted. 9/26/24 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks.
Council President, I have to leave out on official Council business. Can I please be marked as aye on all bills and resolutions?
Yes. Leave is granted. Thank you, Councilmember Brooks. The Chair also recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke.
Thank you, Mr. President. 9/26/24 - STATED - 2ND READING I also too have to leave on official business and would like to be recorded as aye on all bills and resolutions.
Leave is granted. Thank you very much. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240769.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1900 East Lehigh Avenue located in the 1st Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. Introduced by Councilmember Squilla.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from South Philadelphia, Councilmember Squilla, for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240769.
Thank you, Mr. President. 9/26/24 - STATED - 2ND READING I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240769 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240770.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds 9/26/24 - STATED - 2ND READING conveying fee simple title to 2134-36 East Clearfield Street in the 1st Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia, and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240770.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240770 be adopted. 9/26/24 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240771.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 2248 Ruffner Street in the 8th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee 9/26/24 - STATED - 2ND READING simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code. Introduced by Councilmember Bass.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240771.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240771 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)