COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, October 30, 2025 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER 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
Members, please take your seats. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. All visitors please retire to the seats outside the rails. Before proceeding, I will ask all those present to set your cell phones to silent and/or vibrate. I'm asking for all sidebar conversations to please be taken outside the Council chambers. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Wanda Novales of City Reach Church. She is here today as a guest of Councilmember Quetcy Lozada. I will ask all members and guests to please rise.
Join me in prayer. Heavenly Father, we come before you lifting up the City of Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love. We thank you for the privilege to gather in this chamber, to serve this city and to steward the future with integrity and wisdom. Your word paints a vision of cities where children safely play, where peace and joy fill the streets and homes. Father, may that vision be true of Philadelphia. We pray today for Mayor Cherelle Parker. Strengthen her as she leads our city, grant her divine wisdom, courage and compassion to make decisions that uplift every neighborhood. Surround her with the wise Council and grace for the weight of leadership she carries. President Kenyatta Johnson and every member of the Philadelphia City Council District, members from District 1, Mark Squilla; District 2, Kenyatta Johnson; District 3, Jamie Gauthier; District 4, Curtis Jones, Jr.; District 5, Jeffrey Young, Jr.; District 6, Michael Driscoll; El Distrito Siete, Quetcy Lozada; District 8, Cindy Bass; District 9, Anthony Phillips; District 10, Brian O'Neill. Oh Lord, bless our At-Large members. Bless Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Isaiah Thomas, Jim Harrity, Nina Ahmad, Rue Landau, Kendra Brooks and Nicolas O'Rourke. Lord, let their deliberations be guided by your truth, their hearts by your compassion and their votes by your justice. with integrity, transparency and a deep concern for the welfare of all the city's residents. I pray for spiritual renewal in our city and that the church may rise as a beacon of hope, that broken lives may be restored and that unity and love may spring forth in our neighborhoods. I ask, Lord, for economic renewal, that entrepreneurship, innovation and opportunity will rise again in every corridor of Philadelphia. Bless small business owners, the workers and the residents who make our city strong. I pray for collaboration across every sector, faith, business, education, government, that together we will build a city that reflects your heart. Father, we declare your kingdom. Come in Philadelphia as in heaven. Let your will be done in our city, streets, our schools, our parks, our homes and workplaces. Let our streets be filled once again with laughter, with hope, with healing and purpose. May Philadelphia be known not for its problems but for your presence, a city where justice and mercy walk hand in hand. Bless this meeting and every decision made within these walls. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair Thanks Pastor Wanda Novales for the invocation. Council will now be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting on Thursday, October 23, 2025. The Chair recognizes Deputy Whip of City Council Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 23, 2025 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 23, 2025 stand approved. All those in favor please signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is request for leave of absence. And the Chair recognizes Majority Whip of City Council Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Good morning, Council President. And again, happy birthday to you, sir. Today, Mr. President, on behalf of the Majority a leave of absence is requested by Majority Leader Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.
The Chair thanks Councilmember Isaiah Thomas. Leave will be granted. recognizes Minority Whip Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.
Thank you, Birthday President. On behalf of the Minority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair thanks Councilmember Minority Nicholas O'Rourke. Leave will be granted. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Thomas 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 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, amendments to bills re-called from the Mayor, resolutions taking substantive action to be vetoed on in this 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 concerning possible actions by Council that arose too late to be included on the Calendar that was published prior to today's session.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Councilmember Isaiah Thomas may be added to the agenda for today should those matters arise during the course of this session of Council. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. 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 next order of business is presentations. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr., who will present a resolution honoring and recognizing Bernie Prazenica on the occasion of his retirement after 17 outstanding years of distinguished service as President and General Manager of WPVI-TV 6ABC. those accompanying him please join Councilmember Curtis Jones at the podium. Joining Councilmember Jones are the following members, Councilmember Landau, Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke, Councilmember Jim Harrity, Councilmember Mike Driscoll, Councilmember Phillips, Councilmember O'Neill and Councilmember Squilla. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
There goes that news van again. So there are certain things that are Philadelphia; cheesesteaks, water ice, water plugs and Bernie Prazenica. They are all a part of the fabric of the City of -- oh, and by the way, Council President, the news station is located in the 4th Councilmanic District.
There you go. You got the stadiums. I got the stations. So when we look at what his 17 years has represented, you can't have Thanksgiving without the Thanksgiving Day Parade, which they've consistently covered. You can't have some of the -- when everybody else was getting away from DEI, he hosted Black History. He hosted mayors that came here of color. He did not back up, he did not waver, he did not flinch. And we appreciate him. He is truly, truly a Philadelphian. things that he does. But one day he called me up to the station, I was impressed. I said, he called me up to the station. I wonder what this is about. Maybe he's going to bestow some type of 4th District award or something like that. He looks out the window and says, you see that street over there, it needs a streetlight and it's dangerous and you're the District Councilman. Do you remember that?
And for the record, I got it done. So his orders shall be punctually obeyed. I don't know what this city would have been like without 17 years ago you stepping up to the plate. And all I will know -- and that's in '07, and that was the me and you came and did service together, so I'm not leaving. You can stay. You can stay too. So we hope that he will still be around, providing his leadership and guidance to the media at-large, in the city in particular. And with that, Whereas,
Honoring and recognizing Bernie Prazenica on the occasion of his retirement after 17 years of distinguished service as President and General Manager of WPVI-TV 6ABC;
Whereas, Bernie Prazenica, a Temple University graduate, began his broadcasting career in Pittsburgh in 1982, later holding leadership positions in Richmond, Virginia and Raleigh, North Carolina before returning home to Philadelphia in 1994; and
Whereas, in 2007 Prazenica was named President and General Manager of 6ABC, becoming the longest serving General Manager in the station's history, and for nearly two decades has guided the city's most watched local newscast, Action News; and
Whereas, under his leadership WPVI continued its dominance as Philadelphia's top-rated local news station, a tradition spanning nearly half a century and maintained its reputation for journalistic excellence, community service, innovation; and
Whereas, Prazenica oversaw the office and state-of-the-art studios on City Avenue in 2009 and -- yeah, 2009, ensuring the station remained competitive in an evolving media landscape; and
Whereas, throughout his career Prazenica was described by longtime anchor Jim Gardner as a guy who keeps the lights on at 6ABC, reflecting his steady leadership behind the scenes, dedication and commitment to both staff and community; and
Whereas, Prazenica's career has been marked not only by his professional achievements but also by his compassion, humility and competitive drive. These qualities made him a respected leader, mentor and colleague; and
Whereas -- and proud to be actually. Whereas, on December 31, 2025, Bernie -- I don't like being called by my last name so it's Bernie -- Bernie will step down as President and General Manager, closing a remarkable chapter in Philadelphia broadcasting history and leaving behind a legacy that will continue to shape the station for years to come; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it Hereby honors and recognizes Bernie Prazenica on the occasion of his retirement and expresses its gratitude for his many years of leadership at WPVI 6ABC and his civic and cultural leadership; Further resolved, that this Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Bernie Prazenica as a small token of gratitude and respect of this legislative body.
Congratulations, Mr. Prazenica. The floor is yours for remarks.
Oh. Well, I'm overwhelmed, to say the least. Thank you. First off, Council President Johnson, and happy birthday. I hope that's okay to say that. District 4, the best district, right. The support of Councilmember Jones has been amazing. Not only does he fix streets, but he's there for everything that we need and we course, his wife Jazelle is the best and maybe even better. (Applause.)
She's just been the best to 6ABC. And to everyone at Council, this ballet that you performed is just amazing. Thank you. Thank you for recognizing me. I have my wife Patty and my son Michael -
Without my family, you know, nothing goes bright or nothing goes at all. So I love them and thank them for being here. I want to recognize my team at 6ABC because quite frankly, they're the ones that do all the work. I may get some credit for it, but they're behind me. And guys, I appreciate you so much. (Applause.)
And my friends from the City Avenue Services District are here with me, Brian Fenstermaker. You know it's been a joy to be part of the City Avenue corridor and Brian's doing an amazing job pushing us forward. So listen, it's just been an honor to be part of 6ABC and to have the opportunity to do some significant things for the city of Philadelphia and for this region. And again, it's a long heritage not started by Bernie, but by many, many years of recognizing that if we're all going to move our community forward, we need to do it together and we have a loud voice and it's an opportunity to do some good things. So thank you so much for this. I'm Thank you. (Applause.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeantat-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Will the Chief Clerk read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications in her possession.
To the members and -- to the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I'm submitting herewith for the consideration of your Honorable body the following: An ordinance authorizing the City Treasurer, on behalf of the City, to enter into a provider agreement with Citizens National Bank Association for provision of payroll banking services to the City, under certain terms and conditions; and An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Department, on behalf of the City, to enter into an agreement with the Philadelphia Energy Authority for implementation and evaluation of energy conservation capital measures designed to reduce energy, water, wastewater or other consumption or operating costs at specified City properties, under certain terms and conditions. An ordinance amending Section 14-602 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use Tables" by defining building types and the RTA-2, Residential Two-Family Attached base zoning district, all under certain terms and conditions; and An ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Traffic Code," by revising certain definitions and adding a new Section 12-926 entitled "Fee for Use of Bus Loading Zones and Facilities" to impose a fee on certain activities by intercity buses; authorizing the installation and use of camerabased monitoring systems for administration of the fee system; and authorizing an agreement with the Philadelphia Parking Authority for enforcement and collection of certain fees for intercity buses, all under certain terms and conditions; and 2025-2026 Housing Opportunities Made Easy, (H.O.M.E.) Program Annual Program Statement and Budget, which addresses expenditures by various agencies in the first year of the H.O.M.E. Program. And I am pleased to advise you that on October 29, 2025 I signed the following bill which was passed by Council at its session on October 23, 2025: Bill No. 250718-A. And that on October 29, 2025 I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on October 16, 2025: Bill Nos. 240872, 250575, 250576, 250652, 250653, 250706, 250710, 250711, 250712, 250713, 250714, 250715, 250716, 250719, 250723, 250724, 250725, 250770, 250772 and 250774. Council President, there are no further communications in my possession.
Thank you. The message will be printed in the Journal. The next order of business is the introduction of bills resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips. Good morning.
Thank you, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions for introduction.
Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Good morning, Council President. Today I have one bill and two non-privileged resolutions. One on your behalf.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the bill and resolutions.
An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 4435-37 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the 2025-2026 Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) Program Annual Program Statement and Budget, which addresses expenditures by various agencies in the first year of the H.O.M.E. Program.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution calling on the Pennsylvania State Senate to approve House Bill 304, the Community Energy Act, and the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to pass this legislation to allow for the creation of Community Energy programs in Pennsylvania.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the listening public. Today I have two privileged resolutions. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution recognizing the Exhibition of "Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design" at the African American Museum in Philadelphia and Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Ruth E. Carter. COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing October as Black Male Educators Month in the City of Philadelphia and honoring the Center for Black Educator Development and the National #WeNeedBlackTeachers Campaign for their leadership in the recruitment, development and retention of Black male educators.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones.
Happy birthday prayers. And I offer one bill, two privileged resolutions today.
Thank you very much, Member Jones. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the bill and resolutions.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by North Frazier Street, Master Street, North Ithan Street and Media Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia for over four decades of dedicated service to victims and survivors of violence.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Sixx King for his accomplishments as a film director and for his contributions to the community and small business ecosystem in Philadelphia's 4th Councilmanic District.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Well done, Member Jones. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues and everyone here. I have two privileged resolutions to introduce today.
Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the titles of the privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution recognizing November 2025 as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the Independence Business Alliance (IBA) for being named the 2025 National LGBT Chamber of the Year by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Good job, Member Landau. Councilmember Quetcy Lozada --
The resolution for Hunger and Homelessness was also co-introduced by Councilmembers Jay Young and Jamie Gauthier. Thank you.
Thank you very much. Should be duly noted. Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Good morning. Thank you, Council President. Today I offer two bills and one non-privileged resolution.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the bills and resolutions.
An ordinance amending Chapter 21-1600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Housing Trust Fund" to add a new chapter requiring the Housing Trust Fund to submit an annual report to Council that details the geography of the revenue and disposition of funds in the Housing Trust Fund, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning" to establish 7th District Overlay District and restrict certain residential uses, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
And a non-privileged resolution calling on the Philadelphia City Council to call on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to add medetomidine to the list of controlled substances in Pennsylvania.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer five resolutions. Three are privileged. Two are non-privileged.
Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the titles of the privileged and non-privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution recognizing the devastating impacts of Hurricane Melissa on the islands of Jamaica and Cuba and calling on the City of Philadelphia to support hurricane relief efforts and provide assistance to Philadelphia's Jamaican community.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Dr. Alycia Marshall on her appointment as President of the Community College of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing SELF Incorporated for its transformative work in addressing homelessness and empowering lives across Philadelphia. COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to 1807 North 8th Street, 1809, 1811, 1813, 1817, 1819, 1821, 1823 and 1825 North 8th Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District, pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council.
And a non-privileged resolution requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 240493-A, entitled An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Roosevelt Boulevard, 9th Street, Erie Avenue and Broad Street for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final -- no, this resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution to introduce today.
Thank you very much. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution commending the Department of Licenses and Inspections for launching its new Virtual Inspection Program and celebrating its continued efforts to develop proactive rental property inspections to ensure that all Philadelphians have safe and healthy homes.
Good job. This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll.
Morning, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution and two bills, and one non-privileged resolution on your behalf.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the bills and resolutions.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council, proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the creation of the Philadelphia Retirement Savings Bond; and authorizing and directing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for special election.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Traffic Code," by revising certain definitions; adding a new Section 12-926, entitled "Fee for Use of Bus Loading Zones and Facilities" to impose a fee on certain activities by intercity buses; authorizing the installation and use of camera-based monitoring systems for administration of the fee system; and authorizing an agreement with the Philadelphia Parking Authority for enforcement and collection of certain fees for intercity buses, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, providing for the creation of the Philadelphia Retirement Savings Board and providing for the submission of the proposed amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council -- this bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Thank you, Liz.
And a privileged resolution honoring the Saint Hubert's Catholic High School for Girls' soccer team for winning the 2025 Philadelphia Catholic League Championship.
Good one. This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Thank you, Member Driscoll. Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I offer three bills.
I have no bills or resolutions, but I do have to leave the building for the remainder of the session and would ask to be recorded voting aye on all bills and resolutions, but with one exception Bill No. 250773. It's the paper bag bill. Okay?
Thank you very much. Leave is granted. Thank you, sir. Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. Happy birthday. No bills or resolutions.
Thank you very much. Let me go back. Councilmember Harrity.
Thank you, Council President. Happy birthday to you of course, my brother. You know, a lot of you, especially the Democratic leader ones in here, know that I pulled double duty as the executive director for the party for Chairman Brady. So a lot of times that means that my wife kind of gets slighted. We don't actually celebrate her birthday until after Election day because we're usually both running. So I'd like you to all please and join me in wishing my wife Marnie a very happy 60th birthday. (Applause.) UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: You said 16th?
Yeah, 16th, that's right. Listen, I know a lot of us men we tend to say that, you know, our significant other saved our lives, but she really did save my life. 18 years ago when we met I was still not sober, but watching her struggle as a single mother and still get up to go fight for her community, it really did inspire me to be a better man. And I just want to thank her for that and let her know that I do love you, baby. Happy birthday. (Applause.)
I thought you was about to introduce some bills or something, but I didn't get to that part yet.
Can we give Marnie -- and Marnie's an outstanding community leader. Well done, Member Harrity. (Applause.)
Y'all take notice. Okay. Good job, Member Harrity. Happy wife is a happy life. My man, very well done. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla.
No, no bills or resolutions. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, sir. Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. Happy birthday, Marnie. Happy birthday, Council President. Today I'm offering three bills on your behalf, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. Will Chief Clerk please read the titles of the bills.
An ordinance amending Section 14-602 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use Tables" by defining building types and clarifying uses permitted in the RTA-2, Residential Two-Family Attached base zoning district, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Procurement Department, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an agreement with the Philadelphia Energy Authority for implementation and evaluation of energy conservation capital measures designed to reduce energy, water, wastewater or other consumption or other operating costs that's specified City properties, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the City Treasurer, on behalf of the City, to enter into a provider agreement with Citizens National Bank Association for provision of payroll banking services to the City, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.
Happy birthday, Council President. Happy birthday, Marnie. And I have no bills or resolutions today. Thank you.
Thank you very much. The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young for Committee on Streets and Services.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports out four bills with a favorable recommendation.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President. And I apologize. I meant to do this earlier, but I wanted to acknowledge some guests from my district today. We have students from the Penn Alexander School. They are here with Teacher Jeanette Moon and they are actually Penn Alexander Student Council, and see how our Council operates. And so, I just wanted to recognize these young leaders. Can you stand please? (Applause.)
Which one is the student body president? Please stand. Give him a round of applause. (Applause.)
Democracy in action. Good to see you and welcome to City Council. There are four bills reported out from the Committee of Streets. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.
The Committee on Streets and Services to which were referred the following bills: Bill No. 240873, an ordinance establishing parking of North 2nd Street between Roosevelt Boulevard and Ashdale Street; Champlost Street between North 3rd Street and North 4th Street, North 6th Street between Grange Avenue and Chew Avenue; Fairhill Street between Grange Avenue and Chew Avenue. Bill No. 250835, an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 1526-32 North American Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation. Bill No. 250830, an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 5015 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143, under certain terms and conditions. And Bill No. 250887, an ordinance authorizing the City of Philadelphia to construct, own and maintain right-of-way encroachments in various parts of the City, 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 out from the Committee on Streets and Services, Council President.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading 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 as to permit the consideration of these bills 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. These bills will our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion regarding special business.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of special business at this time. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the consideration of special business at this time. All those in favor of the motion was signify by saying aye. (Aye.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion regarding a resolution introduced today to recall Bill No. 250493-A.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended -- no, no, no. Chief Clerk please read the title please.
A resolution requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 240493-A entitled, An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Roosevelt Boulevard, 9th Street, Erie Avenue and Broad Street for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 250493-A. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move.
Well, Council will be at ease just on procedure. (Council at ease.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: I got it.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move to suspend the rules to allow the consideration of the resolution today. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of the resolution at this time. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Thank you, Mr. President. Now, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I'm returning herewith as requested by your resolution adopted today Bill No. 250493-A entitled, An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Roosevelt Boulevard, 9th Street, Erie Avenue and Broad Street for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion that Council reconsider the vote by which Bill No. 250493-A was passed.
President, I move for the -- so moved, Mr. President. Sorry.
Thank you very much, sir. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative the motion carries, and the vote by which Bill No. 250493-A was passed has been reconsidered. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. Now, I would like to to Bill No. 250493-A. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council and I move for the adoption of that amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 250493-A be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the bill has been amended. This bill will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. 2ND READING The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committees with the suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for the next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion concerning the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following -- thank you, Mr. President. The following bills and resolutions are being called up for the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: Bill Nos. 250930, 250572, 250577, 250722, 250767, 250773, 250800, 250802, 250803, 250808, 250810 and 250811. The following bills and resolutions on the Calendar are being held today: Bill Nos. 250303, 250534, 250646, 250648, 250708, 250709, 250721, 250771 and 250804.
Thank you. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will now consider public comment as follows: The public comment must concern matters on a 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. 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 conclude your remarks. Once two minutes have 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 done so already, 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.
May Kate Perez, Zachary Wilcha, Pamela Rainey Lawler, David Alexander Jenkins, Jake and Sarah Adams and Nancy Rimmer please make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached witness table.)
Kate Perez commenting on Bill 250708, adjusting the punishments for violating stop orders. The city wants to make it clear if you're told to stop and still persist, there will be consequences. As of Tuesday, our sister city ceasefire violation count has jumped to more than 125, having murdered 104 people just last night with 46 of them being children. More than 200 people were injured and hundreds more are still trapped under the rubble, making it Day 754 of paramedics digging through the rubble for remains for people or their remains. I am still shocked at the photos of headless children being walked into overcrowded, crumbling hospitals from last night. Any person who violates Section A 504.7 shall be subject to immediate arrest by police and issued a citation. This is similar to the arrest warrant the ICJ submitted calling for the arrest of war criminal Netanyahu and some of his cabinet. I worry that our partnerships with the occupation grows our apathy to human rights, especially as we somehow still allow cross-trainings between the PPD and the IOF. These are the same soldiers that regularly arrest Palestinian children during nighttime raids, separating and interrogating them for hours before bringing kids as young as 12 before a judge and holding them in military prisons indefinitely. We're seeing increases of ICE activity and we know their history of separating children. Just Tuesday, we had Mahmoud Khalil in our city fighting for his freedom of speech. We need to enact an arms embargo against Israel now. (Applause.)
Hello. Good morning, Council President Johnson. Happy birthday to you and to anybody else in this room that that applies to and good morning to all of City Council. Appreciate the chance to speak. My name is Zach Wilcha, pronouns he/him and his. And I'm CEO of the Independence Business Alliance. I represent our Board staff corporate partners are amazing members today in support of but more accurately, in gratitude for Councilmember Landau's resolution recognizing our ongoing work as well as our recent achievement of being National LGBTQ+ Chamber of the Year by the National LGBT and Allied Chamber of Commerce. We thank City Council, not only for this recognition and not only for taking us seriously as a member of the Diverse Chambers Coalition of Philadelphia and inviting us to have seats at the table whenever decisions are being made about our community's economic and social well-being, but also for making the work we do possible without having to play defense. The work that LGBTQ+ Chambers do is more important than ever. And at the IBA for the last nearly two decades, we consider entrepreneurship and steady employment in affirming spaces, the paths to self determination for queer people and that the vitality of business and efforts to maintain a robust economy depend on a diverse and inclusive workforce and clientele, the ability to feel safe, valued and protected from bigotry even in this challenging era or especially in this era. We must do the right thing for communities and the good thing for the bottom line. At the same time, we're going to continue to prioritize the programs that focus on trans and diverse communities, even if that prospect is scary right now because they are central to our mission and because LGBTQ+ Chambers are uniquely positioned to lead in these spaces. We are so honored to work amongst the very best that our community has to offer, the Chamber leaders and elected officials across the city who are friends and colleagues and brave innovators in the face of dark times and we are grateful for your support and encouragement as we do what's best for our communities that we represent in Philadelphia. Our work would not be possible without a supportive City Council whose vision aligns with ours to foster an environment of equitable access to economic empowerment for local, vibrant LGBTQ+ communities and all of those who support equality. Thank you, Councilmember Landau and all of City Council for the citation. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning, Councilmembers and thank you, Councilwoman Landau, for introducing this very important resolution and recognition of November to be the month of recognizing homelessness and hunger. As you all know, we're all dealing with the amazing cutbacks in federal assistance, food assistance. My name is Pam Rainey Law -- you know, this is -anyway. Can I -- oh, good, thank you. My name is Pam Rainey Lawler and I'm the founder and board member at Philabundance and we've been involved in this work for 40 years. And it's hard to believe that 40 years on we're still dealing with this problem. The need is greater than ever as we all know. I mean, the media is filled with the stories of people who are struggling every day to meet their most basic needs. Philabundance is stepping up to the plate, as are many other organizations that are working on the whole issue of food security. You know, food security, it's an interesting term. It's the term that we use a lot, but we're talking about hunger and people who don't have enough food to eat every day, whether it's families, children, seniors. So I think all of us care very deeply about this issue, exacerbating the crisis that people are dealing with in terms of high cost of living. The cutbacks in federal assistance have been profound in the past couple of months. It is -- oh, you know, I wonder if a whistle might be a good idea when someone goes over. You know, I bring whistles to things. Anyway, I'm basically here to say that the situation is -- does that mean no? Does that mean I'm done? Okay. You could call me. Anyway, you know that the situation is dreadful. People are dealing with the most profound situation. In November and why this resolution is so important is because SNAP benefits which help solve the problem, but don't do it completely, are going to be withheld, and the federal government is not releasing -okay, I got to wrap it up. I could have read the whole thing which some people prepared for me, but you get the gist. And, Councilmember Landau, thank you so much for doing this. It's all about recognition and taking action to solve this incredible problem. These are solvable problems. Thank you. (Applause.)
Madam Chair, members, guests, David Alexander Jenkins and I rise again to address Resolution 250303, jumping at the opportunity to complete the thought I began two weeks or last week ago with only two minutes to paint more broadly my enthusiasm about the Justice Juvenile Service Center. The phrase Carpe Diem is broadly entered into (inaudible). We are taught to believe in English it is translated to mean seize the day. No, no, I'm sorry, that is wrong. It does not actually mean that. For those of us who are intimately more familiar with Latin, I can tell you that that is incorrect. Carpe diem actually means to pluck the day, pluck -come on, somebody. To pluck requires discernment. It is a gentle, yet deliberate, act that asks us to mind and heart, to choose carefully what is ripe for the moment, like seizing something which simply and blankly overlooks it all. Carpe requires us to insist something is chosen. And so, when we speak of Carpe Diem in the context of Juvenile Justice Service Center schools, we are not applauding conquest but celebrating cultivation. For 20 years this program has plucked with intention and care from our city's young people. Judges, educators, mentors and advocates who have reached deep into the lives of many often overlooked, they have selected each moment spent as an opportunity to impart wisdom, dignity and hope. It is just as easy to haphazardly misinterpret the word carpe as it is to overlook the lives of those touched by this program, easy to speak of justice in broad, aspirational terms. But carpe diem reminds us that justice is intimate. It happens in choosing. When a judge pauses to listen, when a teacher extends that silence for a space of grace, when a student for the first time believes the diem ahead might truly belong to them. Today as we commend this program and all who sustain it, let us impart across the great city its titled tenet, that each life in our care is worthy and ripe for choosing that the plucked fruit of that labor nourishes our city for the next 20 years and far beyond. I yield back. (Applause.)
We have Jake and Sarah Adams, Nancy Rimmer. May Robert Sims, Lynn Landes and Allison Houghton also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached witness table.)
Good afternoon. My name is Jacob Adams and this is my wife, Sarah. We have ran and owned the Barber's Hall in Philadelphia, 1402 West Oxford Street for 47 years. I'd like to thank you for recognizing the Barber's Hall for the service that we have rendered to the community. And I'd also like to let you know that my wife and I, we've been married 60 years. (Applause.)
And another thing, I'd like for all of you to know that I have been a Ward leader under Tate, under Rizzo, under Wilson Goode. I've been a Ward leader for over 20 years serving the Democratic Party and the community in which I represent. So I'd like to thank you all for recognizing me and my wife as well and naming Oxford Street Jacob and Sarah Adams Way. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
Thank you so much for all that you've done for the city. Thank you.
Good morning. My name is Nancy Rimmer. I'm the Legal and Advocacy Director at the Homeless Advocacy Project or HAP. HAP is a legal services organization that represents adults, youth and children experiencing or at risk of homelessness in a variety of civil legal matters such as public benefit applications, eviction, judgment relief, shelter advocacy, identification issues and more. HAP meets its clients where they are. We hold legal clinics every week at city homeless shelters and social service agencies, and we know from firsthand experience that our clients are facing growing food and housing insecurity because their ability to access food assistance as well as evidence-based housing and treatment programs is in jeopardy. We support today's resolution to recognize Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month and we thank Councilmembers Landau, Gauthier and Young as well as the other members of City Council and numerous organizations throughout Philadelphia who are advocating for housing and food justice on behalf of the most vulnerable residents of our city. Thank you. (Applause.)
We have Robert Sims, Lynn Landes, Allison Houghton. May Jeremy Blatstein and Ogbonna Hagins also make their way to the podium.
Yes. Hello. My name is Robert Sims. I'm here to talk about the juvenile justice system. Our juvenile justice system is twisted, man. We really need to talk to our kids and straighten them out so we don't have to -- so they don't have to go through the juvenile system. Me, myself, I was in a juvenile system, not like -- so I'm saying we need to really talk to our kids, show them we love them, man, so they don't turn their backs on us and end up in the juvenile system. But anyway, again I need to talk about the thing that's going on in the streets. I'm running for inspector of election. I chose to run with the pedophiles, the people that's trying to -- that like to have little intercourse with little kids. I need to talk about that. I need to get on that. I've been striving and running on that point for a long time. Thank you. Have a nice day.
Good morning. I'm Lynn Landes of Safestreetsphilly.org. I oppose some sections of the bill regarding minimal training -- minimum training for security officers, such as requiring training program be owned and operated by a nonprofit. That sounds like a gift to the nonprofit community. I'd also like to point out that currently and in violation of Title 9-4400, many security personnel do not take responsibility for what goes on outside of their facilities, particularly on their sidewalks, such as at the Reading Terminal Market. But more importantly, when security personnel do secure someone who has violated the law and the police arrest the offenders, our District Attorney Larry Krasner is systematically failing to enforce the law and refusing to prosecute many of them. Worse yet, it has been reported that Larry Krasner has essentially invited those who have been lawfully and rightfully convicted and incarcerated to appeal their sentences and sue for damages to which his office rolls over. Recently, the FBI and our police department broke up a large criminal syndicate freely operating in Kensington, but those arrested will be tried in federal court because Krasner cannot be trusted to do his job. Public safety is government's number one job. Yet businesses and residents continue to flee our unsafe city because private security cannot overcome a fundamentally flawed public prosecutor's office. Very sincerely, Mayor Parker and City Council need to put an end to the reign of terror that is DA Krasner and publicly endorse Democrat Pat Dugan for District Attorney for next week's election on November 4th. And if that doesn't work, they should sue Larry Krasner for failure to do his job and enforce the law. Thank you.