Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Via Microsoft Teams Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, January 28, 2021 10:08 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting January 28, 2021
Thank you, and good morning, everyone. We're going to get started. I understand that state law currently requires that the following announcement be made at the beginning of every remote Council session: Due to the current public health emergency, City Council is currently meeting remotely. We are using Microsoft Teams to make this remote meeting possible. Instructions for how the public may view the meeting and offer public comment are included in the Stated Meeting notice that was published in the Daily News, Inquirer, Legal Intelligencer prior to the meeting, and can also be found on PHLCouncil.com. I now note that the hour has come. The Clerk will please call the roll to take attendance, and members that are in attendance will please indicate that you are present when your name is called. Also, please say a couple of Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 sure that your image will be displayed on the screen when you speak. Mr. Decker, please call the roll.
Good morning. I am present, Council President, colleagues, and Philadelphians. Good to be back.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and Philadelphia. I'm present.
Good morning, Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 President, colleagues, and the listening public.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and to the public. Excited to be back in session.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. And good morning, Philadelphia.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, members of Council. Looking Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 productive session in the City of Philadelphia.
Good morning, colleagues. Good morning, Council President.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Happy New Year to all. I hope everybody is safe and healthy.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Happy New Year. Still seeking justice for Breonna Taylor. Stated Meeting January 28, 2021
Good morning, Mr. President. Good morning, colleagues. Happy New Years to the viewing public.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I am present.
Good Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 morning, Philadelphia, Council President, and colleagues. Great to be back.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. Present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the listening public. Happy to be back.
And good morning to all. We've established a quorum, so we will now come to order. Despite the great need, there will be no invocation today. We will, however, observe a very brief moment of silent prayer for our city, its leaders, and citizens during the current public health crisis. We will now observe a brief moment of silence. (Moment of silence.)
Thank you. Thank you very much. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 10, 2020, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 10th, 2020 be approved. Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 10, 2020 stand approved. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. And our next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the members of Council, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
Can you repeat that? Stated Meeting January 28, 2021
No requests for leaves of absence today, Mr. President.
Thank you. The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. Thank you very much. And our next order of business is communications, and the Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications that he may have in his possession. Mr. Decker.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on January 20, 2021, I signed the remaining bills that were passed by Council on December 3, 2020, except Bill No. 200425-A, which I am returning without my signature, and that on Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 15, 2020 and January 7, January 20, and January 27, 2021, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council on December 10, 2020. And I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution confirming the appointment of Lisa Salley to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia; and A resolution confirming the appointment of Reginald L. Streater, Esquire, to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia; and A resolution confirming the appointment of Cecilia Thompson to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to certain properties located in the First Councilmanic District; and Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to certain properties located in the Fifth Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 833 East Madison Street located in the Seventh Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1736 through 38 Bodine Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1907 North Phillip Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2001 Pemberton Street located in the 2nd Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2006 Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 in the 7th Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2031 Orkney Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2034 Hope Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2249 Waterloo Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2551 North 6th Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2661 North Orianna Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2919 Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 23rd Street located in the Eighth Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 4257 North Fairhill Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 4338 Tackawanna Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District; and An ordinance authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of a Service Agreement between The City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development relating to the refunding of certain bonds previously issued to finance and/or refinance Alternative Funding Mechanisms for a portion of the unfunded actuarial accrued liability of the City of Philadelphia Retirement System implemented pursuant to the Municipal Pension Plan Funding Standard and Recovery Act; approving the issuance by Stated Meeting January 28, 2021
OF BILLS the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development of bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness in one or more series, to refund such bonds, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes our communications, and our next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. By way of a reminder, we are asking that all resolutions, including privileged resolutions, be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council, unless they are being referred to committee. In our current remote environment, this procedure will provide an appropriate opportunity for public comment. I want to thank you very much in advance for your anticipated cooperation. Mr. Decker, will you please read the titles of the legislation that Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 is being offered today by the members.
Councilwoman Parker offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution honoring the 90th North Atlantic Regional Conference of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and Declaring March 4, 2021 as 'Alpha Kappa Alpha Day' in the City of Philadelphia."
Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson offers two resolutions, entitled a "Resolution honoring the African American Children's Book Project on the Occasion of its 29th Annual African American Children's Book Fair."
And a resolution calling on the City of Philadelphia Board of Pensions and Retirement to adopt Environmental Social Governance criteria and disclose climate risk information Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 from all relevant parties.
Councilman Henon offers two resolutions, entitled a "Resolution calling on Congress to pass House Resolution 6422 to create a National Infrastructure Bank."
And a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Ted Kirsch for his lifelong commitment to educating children, empowering and supporting teachers, and strengthening the Labor movement.
Councilman Jones offers one bill and two resolutions, entitled "An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Dexter Street and Lyceum Avenue and Green Lane; Baker Street and Leverington Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 Avenue; Apple Street and Shurs Lane; Boone Street and Markle Street and Roxborough Avenue; Conarroe Street and Pechin Street and Mitchell Street."
And a resolution honoring and celebrating Philadelphia's living legends: Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, Reverend Gregory Holston, Reverend Mark Tyler, Deputy Police Commissioner Melvin Singleton, State Representative Joanna McClinton, and the Doctors of the Black Doctors Consortium, who were the "Guiding Lights" of the year 2020 and are trailblazers and leaders in their respective fields of medicine.
And a resolution honoring the life and legacy of esteemed Philadelphia entrepreneur and restauranteur, KeVen Parker.
And Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 that would be on next week's Calendar.
Councilman Johnson offers four resolutions, entitled a "Resolution honoring Henry Aaron for a lifetime of pioneering achievements as a professional athlete and civil rights champion."
And a resolution also naming the 1300 block of South Street "KeVen Parker Way."
And a resolution also naming the 7000 block of Woodland Avenue "Paul 'Earthquake' Moore Way."
And a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2001 Pemberton Street located in the 2nd Councilmanic District.
And Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 that will be on next week's Calendar.
Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez offers two bills and 15 resolutions, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 140902) approved March 4, 2015, entitled 'An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 224 and 232 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Cayuga Street from Whitaker Avenue to its terminus eastwardly therefrom.'"
And an ordinance amending Chapter 9-1004 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contractors," to amend standards for contractor licenses related to insurance.
And a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 833 East Madison Street. Stated Meeting January 28, 2021
And a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1736 through 1738 Bodine Street.
And a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1907 North Phillip Street.
Next week's Calendar. Mr. Decker, are all of those Land Bank resolutions?
I can continue to read the ones that go on next's Calendar until I finish, Mr. President. There are about ten more. Do you want me to read through them?
And a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 dispose of 2006 North Lawrence Street; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2031 Orkney Street; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2034 Hope Street; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2249 Waterloo Street; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land bank to dispose of 2451 North 6th Street; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2661 North Orianna Street; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 4257 North Fairhill Street; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 4338 Tackawanna Street.
Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 Those resolutions just read by the Chief Clerk will be on next week's Calendar.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Appropriations to conduct hearings regarding the Philadelphia Water Department's equitable approach to workforce development, including employment and procurement strategies that support safe, diverse, and inclusive family-sustaining careers.
And a resolution confirming the appointment of Cecilia Thompson to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia.
And a resolution confirming the appointment of Lisa Salley to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia.
Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 Referred to committee.
And a resolution confirming the appointment of Reginald L. Streater, Esquire, to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia.
Councilman Green offers three bills. On behalf of the Council President, Councilman Green offers an ordinance authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of a Service Agreement between The City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development relating to the refunding of certain bonds previously issued to finance and/or refinance Alternative Funding Mechanisms for a portion of the unfunded actuarial accrued liability of the City of Philadelphia Retirement System implemented pursuant to the Municipal Pension Plan Funding Standard and Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 Recovery Act.
And on his own behalf, Councilman Green offers an ordinance signifying the intention of the City of Philadelphia to organize the Philadelphia Public Banking Authority pursuant to authority established under state law.
Thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to say a few words.
Councilman Green, can you hold on a second. Can somebody mute. Can I ask the members to mute, please. Thank you. Councilman Green, please proceed.
Thank you, Council President. Thank you for the Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 opportunity to speak on this bill to be introduced today. Many of my colleagues and others know that I started my career as a small business lender with Meridian Bank at Broad and Glenwood in North Philadelphia. It's funny because for a number of years while I was there, people would not call me Derek. They would call me the Meridian Man because I worked at Meridian in the Garment Square District of North Philadelphia. But it was during that time that I really got a real understanding of the issues of redlining and the access to credit and how so many businesses in that community and communities around the City of Philadelphia were not able to grow because of historical issues of systemic racism and just challenges in getting credit. And I met a lot of small business owners, small business owners like my father-in-law, who is no longer with us, Ned Mitchell, also known as Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 Mitch, who started his career working at Cadillac as a mechanic and then was able to open a gas station at 20th and Indiana, and just having an understanding and talking with him over the years and seeing the challenges he had in trying to grow his business, just like so many small business owners in the City of Philadelphia. And as we look at the issue of this pandemic and some of the issues and some of the data and news reports we've seen, I know WHYY talked about pre-COVID, how less than one-third of black businesses had any relationships with banks. Also only about 12 percent of black businesses even went to an SBA in order to get loans. And then here in the City of Philadelphia, we saw a recent study by the Center City District looking at business density and the role of black and minority-owned businesses. And according to the census, Philadelphia has Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 one of the lowest, if not the lowest, number of black-owned firms in relation to black residents in the nation, and that also correlates to the lowest number of businesses in relation to the overall population. S. Black Chambers, Ron Busby, said that access to credit is the number one issue that's limited businesses in being able to grow. And so from my perspective based on this history, I thought this idea of a public bank is an opportunity to address that issue, and having the City take a more active role in helping businesses, especially small businesses, especially businesses of color and principally African American-owned businesses, get access to credit. And I think the City needs to take a more active role in helping these businesses to grow, and as these businesses grow, Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 that creates opportunities for jobs and opportunities for us as a city to address poverty. I want to thank my colleagues in Council. We've had 11 co-sponsors to this legislation. And this legislation is something that I've been working on for some time, from the hearings we had during my first term about this idea, to the fact working with the Administration where we hired a national consultant to do a study talking about the benefits of a public bank, having hearings on that report, and then more recently working with the Law Department and the Treasurer's Office in drafting today's legislation. So we still have additional work to go in reference to this legislation being passed. I'm looking forward to a very robust conversation with a number of stakeholders. I want to thank all of the grassroots, community-based organizations who helped Stated Meeting January 28, 2021
OF BILLS to put forward and help us draft this legislation and bring a number of people into this coalition regarding this issue, and look forward to a way and this legislation coming to fruition so we can help business owners like Mitch be able to grow and provide jobs and reduce poverty for the benefit of our city. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you, Councilman. That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Mr. Decker, you are muted.
Sorry. I apologize, Mr. President. Councilman Green also offers an ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Funds Deposits, Investments, Disbursements," by amending Section 19-201, entitled "City Depositories," by authorizing the City Treasurer to deposit funds in Santander Bank, National Association. Stated Meeting January 28, 2021
That will be referred to the appropriate committee.
Councilwoman Brooks offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Committee on Children and Youth to conduct hearings examining the relationship between the property tax exemption for wealthy non-profits on the School District's budget and the resulting environmental hazards in School District facilities on the health and safety of Philadelphia's most vulnerable children."
Councilman Domb offers three resolutions, entitled a "Resolution recognizing the outstanding work of Deborah Diamond as President of Campus Philly upon her departure from the organization."
And that will be on next week's Calendar. Stated Meeting January 28, 2021
And a resolution honoring and congratulating Dr. Rachel Levine upon her appointment to Assistant Health Secretary in the administration of President Joseph Biden and recognizing her outstanding contributions to the safety and health of Pennsylvanians during the Covid-19 pandemic.
And a resolution recognizing AJC Philadelphia for its work with We Are Here! and ORT in the 2021 commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day and further acknowledging January 27th as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in the City of Philadelphia.
Councilman O'Neill offers two resolutions. On behalf of the Council President, Councilman O'Neill offers a resolution Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 authorizing the creation of a Zoning Code Review Commission to evaluate and recommend improvements to Philadelphia's Zoning Code.
And that will be referred to committee. Was that a resolution, Mike?
It's authorizing the creation of a Zoning Code Review Commission, Mr. President.
Okay. We'll actually put that on next week's Calendar.
On his own behalf, Councilman O'Neill offers a resolution recognizing and honoring Paul Deegan on his retirement, after more than 30 years of service to PIDC and more than 45 total years of service to the City of Philadelphia.
Councilman Squilla offers one resolution authorizing Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to certain properties located in the First Councilmanic District.
Councilwoman Bass offers four resolutions, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings to investigate the City's vaccine contracting process, including an examination of Philly Fighting COVID's contract with the City."
Yes. I'm sorry. I'd like to be recognized. Stated Meeting January 28, 2021
Thank you, Mr. President. This is a moment in Philadelphia history to be remembered, but for all of the wrong reasons - a global pandemic, over 429,000 Americans dead and right here in Philadelphia over 2,800. A vaccination process that is expected to be of the highest of standards after the most thorough vetting and then being selected by a city branded as a city of eds and meds and to have been selected -- or to have selected an unknown and unproven entity for a contract of over $100,000 for testing and then to be given the green light for a massive operation at the Philadelphia Convention Center, without doing our homework, is absolutely unacceptable. That this has happened calls our attention to what everyone knows was a hookup, and we demand answers - who, Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 when, how, why. More needs to be known. When I think of the unprecedented amount of security -excuse me; of scrutiny that was put upon the Black Doctors Consortium in the earliest days of the pandemic, I am outraged. The difference in treatment is yet another stark reminder of racism at work when it comes to the treatment of some versus others. Over the years, I can't even remember the number of times I've sat at a board meeting or other meeting and the need to hire came up, only to be addressed by saying we want to hire someone of color, but they have to be qualified, as if a recommendation will be made to replace someone with another that is unquestionably unqualified. It really just makes my blood boil. We owe more to our communities. I look forward to hosting this hearing. We really owe those in our communities who have a mistrust of the medical Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 community, we owe them an explanation, and we owe all citizens and taxpayers an explanation as to how this could happen. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. And, again, that will be referred to committee.
And a resolution supporting House Resolution 25, which would initiate investigations and call for the sanction, including removal from the House of Representatives, of members who sought to overturn the 2020 Presidential election.
And a resolution honoring and recognizing Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett for her leadership and achievement on the National Institutes of Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 Health's COVID-19 vaccine research.
And a resolution honoring and recognizing Stacey Abrams for her leadership as the founder of Fair Fight Action and The New Georgia Project, and her achievement in fighting voter suppression.
Councilman Oh offers one bill and three resolutions, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Finance, Taxes And Collections,' by adding three new definitions to Section 19-1501 and adding a new Section 19-1507, entitled 'Student Debt Tax Credit.'"
And a resolution authorizing hearings in Council's Committee on Public Health and Human Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 Services to assess citywide compliance of Bill No. 200306, which mandates healthcare workers receive paid leave should they become infected with the novel coronavirus.
And a resolution calling for a public hearing to examine the City of Philadelphia's compliance with the Pennsylvania Firefighter Cancer Presumption Act.
And a resolution honoring and celebrating the legendary record label, Philadelphia International Records, on the occasion of their 50th Anniversary.
There are no other bills or resolutions being offered by the members, Mr. President. Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 2ND READING
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions. There are no reports from committee today, so our next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. There being no bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for the purpose of calling up resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today. They are Nos. 200719, 200720, 200722, 200723, 200724, 200725, 200726, and 200728. All other bills and resolutions are being held, Mr. President.
Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 Thank you very much, Councilwoman. We will now move to our public comment session. I think we will only need a brief moment to pause to allow our technology professionals some time to connect the speakers we have for today's meeting. We'll take like two minutes, it should take. (Brief pause.)
Thank you very much. Now that everyone is connected to the meeting and before considering the resolutions and bills we have before us today, we will consider the public comment session. It will go as follows: Public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for possible action at a session of Council. A speaker on any of those matters must sign up in order to testify. You must call 215-686-3406 by 3:00 p.m. the day before the session to Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 sign up for public comment. When you call, we will take your name, phone number, the number of the legislative item you are commenting on, and whether you are in support or against the legislation and add you to the list. We will telephone each person on the list during the Council session and invite them to our remote meeting. Under ideal circumstances, you will have three minutes to speak. So today you actually have three minutes to speak, because this is ideal circumstances. We don't have a significant number of people. So a timer will be started. We will monitor your remaining time throughout your testimony, and when there are 30 seconds remaining, it will be your time and you will be reminded of this. Once your allotted time has passed, you will be asked to conclude your remarks. Shortly thereafter, you will be muted and disconnected from the remote meeting. Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 I also reserve the right to limit the number of speakers where repetitious comments are being made on the same matter and to limit the scope of testimony to only certain items on the agenda during the emergency, which could affect callbacks for public comment at the meeting. Please be aware that this public meeting is being recorded. Because the meeting is public, participants and viewers have no reasonable expectation of privacy. So by continuing to be in the meeting, you are consenting to being recorded. I will now ask the Chief Clerk please read the name of our first speaker.
Good morning. MS. DeJESUS: Good morning, Council President. Stated Meeting January 28, 2021
Just state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony. MS. DeJESUS: My name is Gabriella Nicole Rodriguez DeJesus. I want to thank the Council for allowing me to speak today. I want to thank my District Councilmember, Mark Squilla, for sponsoring this resolution, and I want to thank Councilwoman Maria Quinones for introducing this resolution. I'm speaking on behalf of her resolution in support of the Puerto Rico (connection issue). This resolution is an example of non-partisan not only in the U.S. but in PR as well. It is an honest accounting of the island's history and its problematic colonial relationship. As stated in the resolution, Puerto Rico has multiple non-binding referendum but with irregularities and low turnout, only to be used as a political football between parties. Only Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 the Puerto Rican people can decide, but only Congress has the power to acknowledge it. It is clear that previous attempts by the statehood party to settle this status dispute have failed. The latest private site is an example with the statehood vote-winning margin being less than the 40,000 intentionally left blank ballots. Bottom line, there is no consensus. This bill, HR 8113, should be supported because it is the only non-partisan and unbiased option presented in Congress at this time. It does not attempt to force one specific outcome or decision, and allows the island the opportunity to make a binding decision that has not been arranged by a single party. Support Puerto Ricans by letting us decide our future after 500 years of colonialism. Thank you so much. I yield my Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 1/28/21 - STATED - 2ND READING time.
Thank you. Thank you so much for your testimony. We appreciate it.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes our public comment session for today. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, can you please read the title of Resolution No. 200719.
A resolution congratulating and honoring Joseph A. Lukaitis, Sr. on the occasion of his retirement from the Philadelphia Police Department after 24 years of dedicated service to the residents of Philadelphia.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 1/28/21 - STATED - 2ND READING Jones for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the passage of the resolution and thank him for his service. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 200720.
The Chair again recognizes Councilman Jones. Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 1/28/21 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. My smarter cousins in my family only looked at that channel as they grew up, and they are much better off because of it financially. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 200722.
A resolution recognizing and honoring the West Philly Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 1/28/21 - STATED - 2ND READING Panthers for their success in competing in the 2020 American Youth Football National Championship in Kissimmee, Florida.
So I asked Member Thomas, who is the recognized advocate for youth sports, to co-introduce this, and he agreed. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 1/28/21 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 200723.
A resolution calling upon the United States Congress, including members of its Pennsylvania delegation, to support the passage of House Resolution 8113, which recognizes the inherent authority of the people of Puerto Rico to call for a Constitutional Assembly on Status.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Council President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 1/28/21 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 200724.
A resolution recognizing and honoring Drew Weissman, Medical Doctor, Ph.D., and Katalin Kariko, Ph.D. for their visionary discoveries at the University of Pennsylvania leading to development of the messenger ribonucleic acid technology which is the foundation of leading COVID-19 vaccine candidates.
Thank you, Council President. This is pretty amazing that in Philadelphia we have the two doctors who were able to develop the solution for these pharmaceutical companies to get the vaccine. We should all be like so proud of that. It's kind Stated Meeting January 28, 2021 1/28/21 - STATED - 2ND READING of amazing that Philadelphia is the reason why these vaccines are out there. It's amazing to me, and we should all be very proud. Now what we need to do, as Councilmember Bass and all of us feel, is make sure we get the right vaccines and get them distributed, because we're really the reason why the vaccine is available. We just have to make sure they come out. And with that, Council President, I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)