It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250084 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250090.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2248 Ruffner Street located in the 8th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250090.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250090 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Clerk will please read any additional resolutions on today's Calendar.
A privileged resolution honoring and celebrating the Philadelphia Eagles Associate Performance Coach Autumn Lockwood, the first Black Woman Coach to win a Super Bowl. 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Introduced by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for a motion regarding the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move 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.)
Those opposed? 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution celebrating and congratulating the NFL Champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, on their triumphant victory in Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs held at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9, 2025. Introduced by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson on behalf of Council President Johnson.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for a motion on the resolution. 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Council President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and the whistle for the second. Now, the resolution is adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. I thought I heard Harrity somewhere but -- the resolution is adopted. Go Birds. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating the Overbrook High School Girls Volleyball Team for winning the 2024 American Conference Championship. Introduced by Councilmember Jones.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. It's also introduced by the coach, Member Thomas. 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 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Philadelphia's living legends during Black History Month for their contributions to the African American community and their lasting impact. Introduced by Councilmember Jones.
I was waiting for this one, Councilmember Jones. This is 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING a good one. The Chair recognizes Councilman Curtis Jones for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you so much. These are living icons. You will know we're going to get them in here before the short month of February is over. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Will the Clerk please --
Thank you, sir. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts for being named Super Bowl LIX MVP. Introduced by Councilmember Young.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Young for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.) 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
It has been moved and the whistle is the second. This resolution is adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Go Birds. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Council Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities to hold hearings to investigate the potential locations of new 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING intercity bus terminals in the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing and celebrating the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Snake in honoring Philadelphia's Chinatown as a vibrant, historical and vital neighborhood in our City's fabric. Introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion on the resolution.
I move for the introduction of the res -- I mean, for the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution celebrating and recognizing Alvina Brown for her steadfast commitment to community and to her neighbors, and for her advocacy to improve the lives of people across the City of Philadelphia, on the occasion of Black History Month. Introduced by Councilmember Brooks. COUNCIL PRESIDENT 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion on the resolution.
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 will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution. 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
A privileged resolution celebrating and honoring Maggie McCall for her tenacious commitment to organizing, beautifying and connecting with her neighborhood, including serving as Block Captain for 51 years and for improving the lives of people across Philadelphia, on the occasion of Black History Month. Introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
The Clerk recognizes -the Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion on the resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution celebrating and recognizing Sheila Hawkins for her insistence on the importance of community, her tireless efforts to make the spaces around her more beautiful, and her understanding that unity is at the heart of activism, on the occasion of Black History Month. Introduced by 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion on the resolution.
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 will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and celebrating Sandra Murdock, whose love for the people around her nourishes and uplifts the people in spaces that she graces for providing to her community, and for her commitment to mentoring young girls and boys across the City of Philadelphia, on the occasion of Black History Month. Introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion on the resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution celebrating and honoring Patricia Ford for her tireless advocacy for her community, her love for her children and her devotion to improving the lives of people across Philadelphia, on the 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING occasion of Black History Month. Introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion on the resolution.
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 will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution celebrating and commending Nikki Bagby for her steadfast devotion to using her platform to positively impact the lives of youth and vulnerable communities across the City of Philadelphia, on the occasion of Black History Month. Introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion on the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A resolution honoring and celebrating National Crossing Guard Appreciation Day to highlight and express gratitude for the critical work that crossing guards do to keep roadway connection safe and intersection safe for all. Introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING on the resolution.
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 and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING privileged resolution honoring and thanking the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia Fire Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Office of Emergency Management, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross for their heroism and bravery when responding to the Northeast Philadelphia plane crash on January 31, 2025. Introduced by Councilmember Driscoll on behalf of Council President Johnson.
Thank you for your leadership, Councilmember Driscoll. The Chair recognize you for a motion on the resolution.
On 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING your behalf, Mr. President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Royal (Gene) E. Brown for his dedicated service to the 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia Gas Commission. Introduced by Councilmember Brooks -- I mean, Councilmember Driscoll. Excuse me.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Driscoll for a motion on the resolution.
Mr. President, on behalf of Councilman Jones and 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 will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and celebrating the extraordinary life of Alfred L. Dezzi and his invaluable contributions to public service, environmental policy, criminal justice reform and education, and expressing deep gratitude for his enduring impact on the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Bass.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. 2/13/25 - STATED - 2ND READING I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution should be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
Council President, there are no further resolutions in my possession.
That completes our there any speeches on behalf of the Minority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. So before we leave City Hall today and get ready to celebrate the Eagles, I want to wish a happy birthday to Councilmember Katherine Gilmore, Richardson and Ms. Dee Dee. They share a birthday, so I did not want to miss without saying happy birthday to them both. (Applause.)
And I hope your birthdays are filled with so much joy, the joy also that the Eagles brought this city so I'm so excited about that. And today I want to pay the unseen sheroes in my neighborhood in Nicetown. Sheila Hawkins, Sandy Murdock, Nikki Bagby, Maggie McCall, Patricia Ford and Alvina Brown are all Black women who look out for their neighbors, fight for resources for young people, hold our community together deep for decades, whether they were mentors to me or sisters in the struggle. Nikki and I have been together for many years. We have kids that are adults and we have kids that are children and we met in the fight for quality public education, and I want to make sure that we give our flowers while people are still living and not wait until they're sick or unable to receive it. So one of the things I just want to bring out about these Black History Month and why I feel like it's so important is because these unsung sheroes, every time we reach out to them to be recognized, they don't feel like they deserve it. But these are the folks that are taking care of our young people and our seniors, unpaid, unrecognized, and they're doing it out the kindness of their heart. And I just want to make sure when we're in an era now where our history is being erased, that we need to make sure that we're uplifting and putting people's names in the book so they can make sure that they're remembered for years to come. So I just want to celebrate these women that have brought me so much hope and encouragement in my community and help me pave the way towards politics, even though that was not the path when I came into contact with each one of these women. And I also want to thank Councilmember Mark Squilla for collaborating with my office on a resolution to rename the 700 block of Market Street in honor of Dr. Emma Chappell, the first Black woman to establish and run a bank here in Philadelphia. And you saw today I got very emotional because I entered politics very differently, and most folks didn't even want to talk to me. And this is not shade, but a lot of people that were established in politics wouldn't give me the time of day. And Dr. Emma Chappell took her time, we did breakfast together. And she just helped me in a way that I cannot ever repay, so her loss was deep for me. her funeral wasn't as it could be because it was during COVID, so I've been committed to making sure that she's recognized at this time. Another thing, like I have admired this woman since I was a small child growing up in Triumph Baptist Church when we created the credit union and Dr. James S. Hall was good friends with Jesse Jackson, which means that Dr. Emma Chappell and Jesse Jackson used to be in the church with us all the time when my grandmom ran the kitchen. And then fastforward for me to be in graduate school and her life was part of the study around my business program. And then fastforward again for her to decide to take me on, you know, like a person out of nowhere to help me navigate these politics. So I am time that I had to spend with her, and I still get very emotional because she didn't have to do it and I'm so honored that she chose me. And I also want to say thank you to Joann Bell and Melita Jordan who were her good friends, and she kind of gave them to me, like look after my girls. So I want to thank them for always showing up and being available for me and to me. So this is what it's about, celebrating Black History Month.
And the other thing is Women's History Month is where we're going to kind of finally finish this celebration for Dr. Emma Chappell when the sign goes up, so I look forward to that. And lastly, I also have a resolution today recognizing the to celebrate the strength and resilience of our Chinatown community. And 2025 is the Year of the Snake which symbolizes wisdom, transformation and perseverance. And this year we will need all three, the wisdom of historic communities like Chinatown who know how to stand up against billionaires who are ready to stand up to billionaires taking over the federal government. The transformation starts when we listen to working families and make local government work for them, and the perseverance to push through chaos and distraction and stay focused on a path forward to Philadelphia. So I want to thank you all for allowing me in this moment to kind of celebrate first all made me and keep me grounded, and see you tomorrow at the parade. )
Go Birds. And I just want to -- I think the remarks are great and I remember the late great Emma Chappell through my mentor, the late great Harley Williams. And I remember he had an account up there off on Lancaster Avenue where the United Bank used to be located. But also, I think it's great in this body that the District Councilmember, the District Councilmember who has the prerogative of introducing legislation in his own District, and he can and may not, based upon his own prerogative, decide to introduce legislation to do a street naming on behalf of Ms. Emma partnership with his colleague who represents the Working Families Party. And so, I think it's great how we can come together to get stuff done. That's democracy in action. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes, on behalf of the Majority, the gentleman from the 4th Councilmanic District, Big Bro Councilman Curtis Jones.
Thank you so much, Mr. President. Ms. Bagby, North Philly Ms. Bagby, who was part of the NAC, Neighborhood Advisory Council, my job when I worked for OHCD was to deliver newsletters to her and other sheroes and heroes around Philadelphia. And every time you did so, you got a little piece of If it was nothing more than, boy, tie your shoes or keep your head up, it's okay, kind of things that encourages young people to keep on keeping on. So thank you. Ms. Emma Chappell, had the opportunity to put a quarter of a million dollars in her bank when I was at the Philadelphia Commercial Development Corporation and I was never so proud to make that kind of deposit to try to make that bank a success. But these are little things and interactions that you don't know are going to be special until some time later in the future. So relish them and listen to them and take in their wisdom. Today I rise for two reasons: Number one is to let everyone know that on May 3rd at 10:00 a.m. the much anticipated 14th Annual Block Captains Boot Camp will happen, and we want everyone to mark your calendars. This is a time for educating the fundamental building block of any good community, which is a block captain. They know more than we do and know it before we do and we want to empower them. (Applause.)
Thank you so much. With all of those secret numbers that we as elected officials have, I'm giving them all out so that they can make the calls, so that many hands will make work few. And I invite my colleagues to come out, as they have in the past, to celebrate that. And the final thing is CPOC. We have worked very hard. And I want to shout out my Legislative Director Ms. Stack over there, who sat through -- I sat through 12 hours of interviews with these potential candidates. Ms. Stack sat through 16 hours of interviews to try to get from 50 down to 5, and we have done that. It will be a public hearing for them to be vetted by the public, but then a resolution will be introduced so that my colleagues can take a look at the resumes that are being submitted so that we can reinforce the work that is being done with CPOC. And we want to keep our fingers crossed and our minds and souls in prayer that the negotiations on the contract go well allowing CPOC to have investigatory powers. you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilmember Jones. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you, Council President. First, I wanted to thank those who came to speak about my resolution urging the federal government to expand the Child Tax Credit. As you heard today, it's a critical tool that effectively improves the economic security of millions of low-to-moderate-income families with their children. And just a reminder, even if you earned very little last year, file your taxes to get this credit money back. to tell you that earlier this week I visited Jefferson Health's David Farber ASPIRE Center. For those unfamiliar, ASPIRE takes an evidence-based approach to prevent suicides, especially in the LGBTQ+ community and especially among our youth, by expanding innovative research, clinical training and evidence-based learning for professionals and community members. The center is leading the way in lifesaving efforts for those who are disproportionately at risk as queer youth, especially Black and Brown, queer and transgender youth. As Trump's policies targeting vulnerable communities including against the LGBTQ+ community become more aggressive, we must continue to Philadelphians who are doing the crucial lifesaving work to fill in the gaps created by our federal government. I know there's a lot of fear and confusion in the community right now, but I'm now taking this day, the day before Valentine's Day, to let you all know that I love you. And that as the only openly LGBTQ Councilperson, I have your backs always. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Morning, Council President. Real quick, so first of all I want to thank my colleagues for some of the most amazing that's being honored and the causes that folks are advocating for. I just think that despite all of the things going on this week with the Super Bowl and other issues across the city of Philadelphia, folks still remain steadfast as it relates to advocating for what we know is best and as it relates to moving Philadelphia forward. So, colleagues, thank you all. It's been a very productive Council session. I just want to remind everybody that February 18th at 1:00 p.m. we will be having our next hearing. We've been doing a series of hearings around Vision Zero, looking at the hit-and-run crisis, looking at issues related to infrastructure investment, looking at issues related to congestion, and that conversation will continue next week. So February 18th at 1:00 p.m. right here in these Council chambers we will be having our next Vision Zero hearing. We look forward to the conversation. And I want to say thank you already to all of the people who agreed to be a panelist, and thank you to my staff for coordinating this effort. Last but not least, Council President, I got to say happy birthday to my sister to my right. I'm not going to embarrass her right now. I'll save that for the parade tomorrow. But Happy birthday, Sis. We love you. We appreciate you. And for the record, especially to a lot of the newer Councilmembers, what our Majority and far beyond the call of duty. She does a lot for us as it relates to members of City Council just to make sure that we're on our job. And I just want y'all to know there's no knock to other people who've been in leadership in the past, right, but it's just similar to what Councilmember Brooks said, giving her her flowers while she can smell them. So I want to say happy birthday to my sis and thank you for all you do. Thank you, Council President. (Applause.)
Happy birthday. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. want to speak on some things that I introduced today. So one, I want to thank my colleagues for passing the resolution honoring Jalen Hurts. Jalen Hurts is the ultimate professional, very hard-working. He always says the right things. And I think that he is an excellent sports role model for kids in our city and in our region. Today I also introduced a resolution calling for hearings to explore opportunities for intercity bus terminal. I think that since we lost our Greyhound Station due to proposed development, I think we leave our most vulnerable population literally out in the cold and in the rain and in the snow because there is no shelter for some of the most low-income travelers between so, we need to really explore where we can place a terminal because it is good for the economics of this city. And so, we must we have to keep in mind that when we find a location for this terminal, that it needs to be near and have access to mass transit and public transportation here in our city to be able to move those people in and throughout our city as quickly as possible. I believe that the location that we had was a perfect location for it. Unfortunately, now things happen, but we will be exploring those opportunities and I look forward to hearing from the public and all stakeholders on this particular issue of our exploring a new inner city bus terminal. And lastly -- not lastly, Mr. President. I'm sorry. I spoke on introducing legislation today. In the spirit of ensuring that our laws are just and fair, I introduced a bill that will prohibit landlords from charging late fees when the tenant has legally withheld or deducted rent due to habitability issues. So I want to thank my colleagues, Councilmembers Brooks, Landau, O'Rourke and Driscoll for sponsoring it. Essentially, we have gotten calls, I've gotten calls about landlords charging fees when a tenant has the legal right to deduct rent or to withhold rent because of issues that are in their units. They should not be charged late fees for something they have the legal right to do. And I think in the spirit of justice and fairness, I us on this legislative body to advance legislation that helps again some of the most vulnerable populations in our city. So I look forward to working with my colleagues on moving this legislation forward. And last but not least, to the residents of the Hunting Park neighborhood on February 19th, at 5:00 p.m., my office will be holding a meeting at Little Flower High School, 1000 Lycoming Street, to discuss zoning remapping of the 5th District portion of the Hunting Park neighborhood. So I'm advising all residents to come out, to learn about zoning, to learn about your community and learn about how you can help preserve some of the housing stock in your neighborhood. So please come out to that. Thank you,
Thank you. So we'll do it jointly. All right. She's part of my leadership team. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. Just a couple of things before we get to the other matter. So the first thing is I wanted to say happy birthday, Kathy Gilmore Richardson, my good friend. Kathy has -(Applause.)
You know, Kathy is really special to me, and she knows why. She really has left a mark on me personally that I just really have to thank you because I know for me really special. Thank you so much. I love you. One of the things about City Council I was saying to someone earlier is that the hardest thing about this job is that we make it look easy, but we really can't do this job without the support and the help of people in our community, in our neighborhoods and those who work around us every single day. And so, I wanted to give a shout-out to all of the folks who were recognized from Nicetown, from my part of town from 8th District, and give them recognition. And I also wanted to recognize and I want to say that I know these ladies and they are really a force, like they are not to be played with. But I also have last week that we honored in my District through North Philly Civics, which is a community-based organization that Kenny Thompson from my office, he's here somewhere -- Kenny, wave -has an organization called North Philly Civics and we've recognized a number of people who aren't here today, but I also wanted to shout them out as well that we recognize for the work that they do. Because again, the work we do we can't do without having boots on the ground, and that's what they are. And so, I wanted to recognize Dolores Kirkland, Hans E. Gadson, Quibila Divine, Regina Smith, Vernotis Edwards, Robert Black, Keith Harris, William Thompson, Linda Robinson, Tiffany Fulton, Kevin Todd, Henry Hunter from State Senator Sharif Streets' office, Charles Carn, our 13th Ward leader, Terry Gaskins, the one and only Saudia Shuler, Ruthie Brown, Joyce Smith and Kevin Upshaw. And so, all of these are the people on the ground in North Philadelphia. Some are in the 8th District. Some are in Councilman Jeffrey Young's District, but they're just North Philadelphians that we wanted to reach out, recognize and honor and say how much we appreciate all of their hard work. And thanks again to North Philly Civics. I also wanted to just briefly mention the resolution that I introduced today honoring and celebrating the extraordinary life of Alfred L. Dezzi and his invaluable contributions to public service, environmental policy, criminal justice reform and education, and expressing deep gratitude for his enduring impact on the city of Philadelphia. If you knew Mr. Dezzi, you knew he was a man who dedicated himself to making Philadelphia a better place. His commitment to fairness, efficiency and innovation shaped criminal justice reform, environmental policy and public administration for two decades. Al Desi's leadership transformed Philadelphia's recycling program into a national success, proving sustainability and smart economics can co-exist. His impact extended beyond City Hall to state government and academia, where he mentored future public servants more than a policy expert. Al Dezzi was a writer, a mentor and a friend whose influence continues to shape the city. We express our family for his service and his legacy. And to his family, Eleanor and Chris and all those others who we heard from today, we offer our appreciation for sharing him with us, and his work lives on through the countless lives that he touched. And we thank you, Al Dezzi, and your city salutes you. And those who know the Dezzi family know that, you know listen, they are true public servants. And so, we wanted to recognize them on that passing as well. When I heard that Al Dezzi had died, he had passed away, there was very little mention.
It wasn't in the papers that I saw. It wasn't well-known. And the family just carried on with their public service, but I did feel like I wanted to recognize Mr. Dezzi for work. And last but certainly not least, Mr. President, again the work we do is not possible without those who support us and our support staff. And, Michael Cook, who we are losing has been just an invaluable part. )
And we love you, Michael. He has done an outstanding job in helping each and every one of us for years now. And so, we just really want to say thank you. We wish you well on your future journeys and much success.
Let's give Mike another round of applause. (Applause.)
Appreciate Mike. I got like, you know, Mike called me and I was working with him at 1 o'clock in the morning. And we appreciate your hard work and dedication, Mike. Once a part of Team Johnson always a part of Team Johnson. But we need good hard workers like that, particularly when it comes to government. The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I've been through here through a few Majority Leaders. I guess people know that, more than a few. They've all been great, but Councilman Thomas is right. I don't know if it's because she spent 20 years preparing to come here as a member. But she didn't just get it right, she gets really, really right, and she's something special. And I just want to wish her happy birthday and echo Councilman Thomas' remarks. Thank you. (Applause.)
Happy Birthday, Majority Leader. I just ate my piece of chocolate. She always leaving some treats and gifts or text messages. I just ate my chocolate though. But thank you, Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson. And as mentioned and echoed by everyone, we appreciate your hard work and your dedication and really taking your job seriously as a Majority Leader, but also just your beautiful character. And, you know, in this body of politics, your yeses are your yeses, your nos are your nos and, most importantly, your caring and your compassion is exemplifying who you are. And so, keep up the good work as well. (Applause.)
There are no more speeches. And with that being said, as we prepare for the parade tomorrow, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Thomas. But before we say -- I said Curtis Thomas? Well, at the Mayoral luncheon yesterday they called me Council President Street. It's something in the air right now. But before I call on Councilmember Thomas for a motion to adjourn, you know, to all the listening public that can't hear us, we want everybody to enjoy themselves and tomorrow in all seriousness. It's a time to celebrate our Super Bowl Eagles. But also as Dr. Nina Ahmad talked about last week, this is a time where our city has come together irregardless of your zip code, irregardless of your ethnic background. We truly are united as a city during this moment and hopefully we can keep that momentum as we move forward. But also, we want people to enjoy themselves in a safe manner tomorrow. And I can see this is a kickoff for the whole weekend. And also Happy Valentine's Day weekend for those that celebrate Valentine's Day. With that being said, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion to adjourn.
you, Council President. And shout-out to former State Rep Curtis Thomas; is that right?
-- I got your back, Council President. You know what I mean, great North Philly man. And his son is a triumphant man too.
So we'll continue that, Councilmember Phillips. With that being said, I Council stands adjourned until Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. sharp. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you very much. And Go Birds. ) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I, hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence noted are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me in the foregoing matter, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. m. m.