A privileged resolution honoring and expressing gratitude to Nicole Bartlett for her work helping grieving families cope with loss 3/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING and mentoring young women in Philadelphia and across the country on the occasion of Women's History Month. Introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the motion -- that the resolution is adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 3/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring the dedicated employees of the Philadelphia Gas Works in recognition of Natural Gas Utility Workers' Day on March 18, 2025. Introduced by Councilmember Driscoll.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Driscoll for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption 3/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
Council President, there are no further resolutions in my possession. COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: That completes our Calendar for today. Are there any speeches on behalf of the Minority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. Today for Women's History Month, I want to recognize an outstanding Black woman business owner, Nicole M. Bartlett with her business Nicole M. Bartlett Funeral Home. She has succeeded in the male-dominated industry and served as a guiding light for countless grieving families. She puts the service at the center of her work, offering free workshops and consultations and mentoring young women in the industry. She is a gem in our community and in our city, and I'm so glad to have a here today. So thank you so much, Council President.
Thank you. Y'all can clap. It's okay. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nic O'Rourke.
Thank you, Mr. President. There are a couple things I wanted to kind of talk about today, but I think a lot of it's been hit up during the public comment. So let me just direct our friends and colleagues that after our session today, I invite you all to join us for a very important briefing on cooperative businesses. Some may recall that we did call 2025 the Year of the Cooperative, kind of keeping in that pattern that Councilwoman Bass did some years ago. We'll hear from local and national cooperative leaders about how these models empower workers and strengthen our economy. And if great conversation is enough, we've got some great food. My Legs Director just texted me and said, tacos are set up and looking real tasty. So if you're hungry, come by and grab you a bite. The briefing will be catered by TacoTaco Mexicano, a worker-owned cooperative. So come hungry and ready to learn. I believe that you will benefit greatly by this briefing. Thank you very much, Council President.
You're welcome. of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Thomas.
No speeches, Council President. Just on standby to close out session.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you, Council President. First of all, I want to wish a very happy birthday to our colleague Mike Driscoll, and just one day, happy birthday to Jimmy Harrity.
I think we may have set the record this year for birthdays on or about Thursdays, I think. So we'll do a little count on that. This is a very special year. Anyway, thank you. Today I introduced a resolution honoring my longtime friend and mentor to many, the Honorable Phyllis W. Beck. Phyllis was a pioneering member of the Philadelphia legal community, a philanthropist, trailblazer and a mother. She was the first woman to serve on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, which is especially impactful to recognize during Women's History Month, as she opened the door for so many women the legal profession and in public service. She was appointed to the bench 44 years ago and went on to serve as a fierce advocate for reforms to create a more equitable justice system. I was so lucky to have known her and learned from her, and I'd like to thank her and her family members and friends who showed up today and came out to celebrate her legacy. She will be dearly missed. Today I also introduced a resolution recognizing this week as National LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week in the City of Philadelphia. As a member of the community, I am hearing the fears of the LGBTQ community in the wake of constant attacks from the Trump Administration. fact, just yesterday the Trump Administration discussed cuts to the CDC Domestic HIV Program, including funding for prevention. Decisions like these aren't rooted in science. They're rooted in ignorance. And our community, especially its most marginalized members, are very, very fearful. The LGBTQ+ community is disproportionately impacted by a wide range of health threats. And as we recognize National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week here in Philadelphia, we reaffirm our commitment to health equity and access to care for all. The disparities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals are not just statistics. We are real people who deserve to be treated with respect and compassion. I urge my colleagues, health care providers and every Philadelphian to take this week as an opportunity to learn, engage and act. Finally, I also introduced a resolution condemning President Trump and his Administration's decision to suspend income-driven repayment plans and politicize the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. This choice is not just an attack on borrowers. It's an attack on working people, the LGBTQ+ community, undocumented immigrants and those who serve the American public. I vehemently disapprove of Trump's policies and recommit to working tirelessly for those Philadelphia residents and impact anybody impacted by his executive orders. Thank you very much.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I just wanted to say a couple of things and just want to pull something up really quickly because I wanted to talk just briefly on the bill that we just passed today on the nonconformities. And I voted for the bill. I want to thank my colleagues that voted for the bill. And I just wanted to remind everyone that a few weeks ago I talked about a nuisance business in my District that was in business and is still in business right now. And when it opened up, it had no license to operate which is required. It had no certificate required. It had done construction without the required permits and had illegal signage. The sale of tobacco was happening without a license which is required. The sale of loose cigarettes, loosies, which is prohibited and illegal. They did tobacco sales on the same block as an elementary school which is prohibited. There was a lack of heat and air circulation which is required. There were exposed radiator pipes which is a plumbing code violation. There were loose and exposed wires which is an electrical code violation. And they were selling drug paraphernalia. And so, all of that combined if this bill was in place when they set up shop, we would shut them down immediately because they would not have been able to rely on the zoning which was actually in place previously. So again, I just really wanted to thank my colleagues who found themselves able to vote for what I think is going to be groundbreaking legislation. I also wanted to give a shout-out to Dr. Shervon Thompson, a proud North Philadelphia native and Dobbins alum and now its inspiring principal. She has been walking the halls as a student to leading one of the City's largest schools, and Dr. Thompson's journey is a true testament to perseverance, passion and the power of education. Earning her Doctorate in education is not just a personal milestone, it is a victory for our entire community and I would say for our entire city. She has broken barriers, uplifted countless students and remained a shining example of excellence, dedication and leadership. We are beyond proud of her accomplishments and grateful for her unwavering commitment to our young people. So again, congratulations, Dr. Shervon Thompson. And I also wanted to share with 8th District residents that my budget survey is still alive. If you live in the 8th District and you would like to share your thoughts through the budget survey, it's on our social media. And there is a QR code, but you can also visit us at bit.ly/BassBudget, BassBudget. That's bit.ly/BassBudget. Capital capital B for Budget. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. Great idea to survey with the QR code to get ideas about the budget. Very forward-thinking, Member Bass.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. As you are all aware, March is Women's History Month. This is a time to recognize and honor the achievements, contributions and resilience of women not just throughout history, day who are taking action to make impact in our city. Often times we tend to focus on large-scale accomplishments, but each day women throughout our city are doing small things to bring our communities together and make impacts on each other's lives. Today I introduced a resolution recognizing the efforts of community organizations who promote both physical and mental wellness, Latinas in Motion, Philly Girls Who Walk and Coach Zha Pilates Club are local organizations in our city who have built communities of their own through inclusive fitness programs. I am proud to have had them here today as my guests in Council. These groups are resources for women to connect and fostered a safe, inclusive environment for women throughout the movement, conversation and a shared sense of love and support for one another. As we celebrate Women's History Month, let us continue to uplift and recognize the women and organizations in our communities who are creating these spaces, spaces where women are supported. By supporting their work and amplifying their voices, we contribute to a stronger and more inclusive city of Philadelphia. I'd also like to share that we are having a Thriving Together Expo Community Resource Fair in my District. All of you are welcome to join us on Saturday from 11:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Roberto Clemente Middle School and share well. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you. Thank you, Council President. First, I wanted to just acknowledge again our colleague Councilmember Phillips for earning his Doctorate degree. I know we found out about that last week -(Applause.)
-- but I'm sure it's been a hard journey to earn your Ph.D. over these last several years while serving as a member of Philadelphia City Council. So kudos and congratulations to you. remind all of our colleagues that the women of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women - Pennsylvania Chapter are still here and are looking forward to the members of Council stopping by to meet with them as they discuss their legislative priorities. Because there were so many members, we had to move them down to Conversation Hall on the 2nd floor. So if you have any time in your schedule to stop by and say hello, that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Council President.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mike Driscoll.
Thank you, Mr. President. by thanking the St. Patrick's Day Observance Association for all their hard work and putting together a wonderful weekend. We had a great parade. Thank you, Mr. President, for joining us all day. I'd like to thank Mayor Parker. She was a big hit in her green outfit. We certainly had a wonderful time. And these things just don't happen. A lot of work goes into it. And, Council President, you were there for honoring our Grand Marshal Paddy Rooney and our Ring of Honor. So we appreciate everyone's well wishes over the weekend. It was just a wonderful, wonderful weekend. Councilman Harrity, born on St. Joseph's Day, happy lastly, I'd like to recognize a lifelong Philadelphian, graduate of St. Stephen's Parish on Broad Street, a graduate of Roman Catholic High School, Hall of Fame basketball player, Councilman Isaiah Thomas, last living player to play for Billy Markwood, a graduate of LaSalle College, a World War II veteran, Army, served in the South Pacific, American hero to me, my father, 100 years old today, Joseph Driscoll. (Applause.)
And to quote a line from the movie Old School, You're my boy, Blue. Happy birthday. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from the 5th Councilmanic District, Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. So yesterday, my office in conjunction with the National Alliance of Women Veterans hosted a ceremony in honor of Women's History Month honoring women veterans in Philadelphia, specifically there were many of those who lived in the 5th Council District. So I want to thank Dr. Cathy Santos-Bennett for partnering with my office and sharing her resources with us to allow us to celebrate those women veterans. Just news for residents of the 5th Council District. My office in partnership with Committed Community Mentors is hosting a grant-writing party. So if you are a nonprofit, you're nonprofit, you just want information on how to apply for grants, this event is for you. We have two dates scheduled. One is Saturday, March 22nd. The other is Saturday, March 29th. m. , and it will be located at 3002 Cecil B. Moore Avenue in Suite C203. So this event is for anyone, specifically folks who live in the 5th District, but anyone who's looking to gain insight on how to apply for grant funding. We are looking to provide you with some of that information to make sure your organization and your business is as successful as it can be. And I also want to thank my colleagues today for passing legislation Bill No. 240427-AA with since coming to Council, I've been focused on quality-of-life issues for residents in the 5th Council District. And I just want the listening public to understand what this bill seeks to do. It seeks to protect communities by preventing a property owner from reverting back to a grandfather use when a new use is established without a zoning permit. So what that means is essentially if we have a grandfather use and the zoning changes for that use over time, typically when the zoning of a property changes, it's because that use is no longer desired in that community. And because the use is no longer desired, what we are seeking to do is if you change that use without a zoning permit, the process of obtaining a zoning permit, which every single property owner must do when you change your use, unless it's a single family and some other limited circumstances, you're a bad actor. And so, what we are seeking to do is prevent bad actors from going back to an undesired grandfather use by-right. And we want to make sure that the communities have some say in that and allow folks to go through that Zoning Board process to make sure that the community is okay with that particular grandfather use, again after someone has changed the use of their property illegally, right. And so, I think that is the point that we have to stick to, is that they're changing the use of so, we should not reward them by allowing them to go back to a use that is not allowed under the current zoning because they did something illegal. And so, that's what we're seeking to do, is to root out bad actors in our city, to protect our communities, to allow our communities to have some say in what is happening in their neighborhoods. So again, I want to thank my colleagues. We've worked with all of our colleagues on this legislation. We worked with the Planning Commission, as I mentioned before, to try to just come up with legislation to look at nonconformities in general, right, and grandfather uses in general in our city. We've worked with make sure that this amendment doesn't -the bill doesn't affect those who are good actors, right.
We want to make sure we are penalizing bad actors for not obtaining the necessary permits that are required when changing the use. So again thank you, colleagues, for passing this legislation. I believe it's going to help us in the 5th Council District as we look to make sure that we protect the public health, safety and welfare of our communities. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Member Young. There are no more speeches. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion
Thank you, Council President. Congratulations, Councilmember Young, on your bill being passed. Happy birthday to our colleagues. Congratulations to Councilmember Phillips. And with that being said, Council President, I move that Council stands adjourned until Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
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