Stated Meeting 1 01/25/2024 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, January 25, 2024 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON 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 F. SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting 2 01/25/2024
Good morning, everyone. Good morning, everyone. Shhh, let's bring it down, y'all. First and foremost, I want to welcome everyone back to City Council as we kick off our 2024 City Council session. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will come to order. Members will please take their seats. Visitors will retire to their seats outside the rails. Before proceeding, I will ask all those present to please set your cell phones to silent or vibrate. Thank you. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor James A. Lovett, II of the Great Tasker Street Missionary Baptist Church in South Philadelphia. He is here today as my pastor, guest and Stated Meeting 3 01/25/2024 all members and guests to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
Let us pray together. We come, our Father, this special morning and we thank you that we are alive to witness this moment of history. We're praying that you will guide this Council in wisdom and in harmony that the City might be greater. We thank you for your grace and your mercy. And we ask you, our God, because you're kind to us, that you will allow us to see and witness many victories this year. In the name of Jesus the Christ, we do pray. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks the Pastor for his Stated Meeting 4 01/25/2024 will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the journal of the meeting of Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Can y'all bring it down some please. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Tuesday, January 2, 2024 be approved.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Tuesday, January 2, 2024 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by Stated Meeting 5 01/25/2024 (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is requests for leave of absence. And the Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Majority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks Councilmember Gilmore Richardson. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.
Thank Stated Meeting 6 01/25/2024 you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Minority Leader, we request a leave of absence for Councilwoman Brooks.
The Chair thanks the Councilmember, and leave will be granted. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of the session of Council and that were not -
Councilman O'Neill is recognized as being present.
The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's session Stated Meeting 7 01/25/2024 that were not listed on the Calendar circulated prior to today's session.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following 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, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in this session, a motion to withdraw a bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar and a motion placing a resolution on or returning a resolution from the Suspension Calendar that is not listed on today's Calendar. The purpose of this motion is to provide the public with the notice Stated Meeting 8 01/25/2024 actions by Council that arose too late to be included on the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matter stated by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson 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 indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair will dispense the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors Stated Meeting 9 01/25/2024 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 the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to come again. As there are no presentations today, the next order of business is communications. The Chair recognize -- the Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief will read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2024 North Natrona Street located in the 5th Stated Meeting 10 01/25/2024 District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 5906 Market Street and 5908 Market Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 4320 and 4322 Lancaster Avenue located in the 3rd Councilmanic District; and An ordinance amending Title 11 (Streets) and Title 21 (Miscellaneous) of The Philadelphia Code to amend requirements concerning publication of notices in newspapers; and A resolution confirming the appointment of Adam N. Geer as the Chief Public Safety Director; and A resolution confirming the appointment of Renee Garcia, Esquire, as the City Solicitor, all under certain terms and conditions. Stated Meeting 11 01/25/2024
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in his possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips. COUNCILMAN PHILLIPS. Thank you, Council President. It's good to see you up there. I offer one bill for introduction today.
Thank you, Councilmember Phillips. This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance Stated Meeting 12 01/25/2024 authorizing the Commissioner of Parks & Recreation on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into a multi-year agreement with Bennett Compost, Inc., for food scrap collection and management of a compost facility on City property located at 5650 Rising Sun Avenue.
Thank you very much. This bill will now be referred to the appropriate Committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Council President. Today I offer three bills and seven resolutions. One bill and two resolutions on your behalf.
The Clerk will read the titles of the bills and resolutions.
An ordinance Stated Meeting 13 01/25/2024 amending Title 11 (Streets) and Title 21 (Miscellaneous) of The Philadelphia Code, to amend requirements concerning publication of notices in newspapers; and An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to create the Office of Homeless Services Ombudsperson, as set forth in a resolution approved by Council; and An ordinance amending Chapter 9-600, Service and Other Businesses, of The Philadelphia Code to add requirements that retail customer parking lots maintain video surveillance of parking areas.
And a non-privileged resolution for referral concerning the appointment Stated Meeting 14 01/25/2024 of Adam N. Geer as the Chief Public Safety Director; and A privileged resolution recognizing January 22 through 26, 2024 as National Gun Violence Survivors Week; and A privileged resolution honoring the African American Children's Book Project on the occasion of a 32nd Annual African American Children's Book Fair; and A privileged resolution recognizing January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and commending the Pennsylvania National Cervical Cancer Coalition, Northwest Philadelphia Chapter Leader Angela "The Survivor Diva" Reese for her work promoting awareness about cervical cancer; and A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Finance to investigate the operations and significant overspending of the Stated Meeting 15 01/25/2024 Office of Homeless Services under the previous administration, as well as quality of services provided in the homeless services system; and A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings concerning the practice of "leveling" and its impact on students and teachers in the School District Philadelphia, especially following the learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; and A non-privileged resolution for referral proposing the amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for the creation of the Office of Homeless Services Ombudsman, and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Michael Decker, Mr. Chief Clerk. Stated Meeting 16 01/25/2024 The bills read will be referred to the appropriate committee. The privileged resolutions will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar and the non-privileged resolutions will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President. Today I offer two non-privileged resolutions and a privileged resolution as well as a non-privileged resolution on your behalf.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the resolutions.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development Stated Meeting 17 01/25/2024 to conduct a hearing on the City of Philadelphia's capacity to prepare individuals of all educational backgrounds for careers in the growing life sciences industry, with a focus on the cell and gene therapy subsector; and A non-privileged resolution approving the 2023-2024 Neighborhood Preservation Initiative Program Statement and Budget, which addresses the expenditure of $150 million by various agencies in the third year of the Neighborhood Preservation Initiative Program; and A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 5906 Market Street and 5908 Market Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District; and A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 4320 and 4322 Lancaster Avenue located in the 3rd Stated Meeting 18 01/25/2024 Councilmanic District.
Thank you very much. The privileged resolutions will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The non-privileged resolutions will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for the consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Isaiah Thomas.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I have one bill, three resolutions on my behalf. One resolution on your behalf, Council President. And I would like to be recognized upon the introduction of the resolutions.
Will the Clerk read the titles of the resolutions and bill. Stated Meeting 19 01/25/2024
An ordinance amending The Philadelphia Code to add a new Chapter 21-3400, entitled "Youth Name, Image, and Likeness Protection," to establish provisions related to education and counseling for certain Philadelphia youth and their families who are considering licensing publicity rights; and A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Streets and Services to hold hearings to investigate the rise in moving violations and traffic deaths since 2020 and explore solutions to create a safer Philadelphia for walking, cycling and driving; and A privileged resolution recognizing and congratulating the Champion of the Week Adrienne Smith, creator of the Blitz Champz football-themed card game and trailblazer for women of color in sports and gaming; and Stated Meeting 20 01/25/2024 A privileged resolution honoring the life and legacy of Rich "Yank" Yankovitz, the legendary Public League head coach at Dobbins Technical High School; and A non-privileged resolution for referral confirming the appointment of Renee Garcia, Esquire, as the City Solicitor.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Isaiah Thomas.
Good morning, Council President. I'm going to start by agreeing with my colleague, my Councilmember, that you look great up there. I just want to take a moment to thank my other young colleague, Councilmember Young, for co-sponsoring the resolution with me around Richard "Yank" Yankowitz, who unfortunately passed away at the age of 80 on January 19, 2024. His life Stated Meeting 21 01/25/2024 celebration will be on Monday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel. And I'll make sure I send that information out to everybody. For those who don't know, Coach Yank is a sports legend here in the City of Philadelphia, most notably known for his 30-plus years -- I actually want to say 40-plus years of coaching -- at Dobbins High School, multiple sports, mentored a lot of young men coming out of the City of Philadelphia, and also paved the way for coaches like myself to be in the position to lead. So my thoughts and prayers go out to his family as the entire sports team mourns as well as the Dobbins family mourns the loss of Coach Yank. I also want to take a moment to recognize the great work that Blitz Champz is doing. Unfortunately, the Eagles are not in the playoffs anymore, but we can Stated Meeting 22 01/25/2024 still celebrate the Eagles based on the work that Adrienne has done. She's here in City Council with us today. She's a professional football player, and the Blitz Champz cards that we've given to every member of City Council is an example of a model that she's created to help teach young people how to learn mathematics, how to improve their social skills and how to work together with one another while simultaneously playing cards that's related to football at the same time. So Adrienne is here. If you can stand up so we can give you a round of applause. (Applause.)
Thank you for coming to Philadelphia. And more importantly, let's continue to uplift women in sports and athletics. Thank you, Council President.
Stated Meeting 23 01/25/2024 Thank you. The following bills that were recently read, the bills will be referred to the appropriate committee. The privileged resolutions will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar and the non-privileged resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for the consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilman Curtis Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have five bills, four resolutions, and I'd like to be recognized to speak on two of them.
Will the Clerk read the titles of the bills and resolutions.
An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Ainslie Street and Stated Meeting 24 01/25/2024 Vaux Street and Conrad Street; Calumet Street and Dobson Street; and An ordinance establishing parking violations in the vicinity of Gross Street and Arch Street; Dewey Street and Market Street; Arch Street to North 57th Street; North 61st Street between Arch Street and Race Street; North 57th Street and Market Street; and An ordinance amending Chapter 9-5900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Prohibition on Certain Gambling Machines and Skills Games," to add additional prohibitions and provide for remedies; and An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Pechin Street and Green Lane and Markle Street; Umbria Street and Lemonte Street; Manayunk Avenue to Hermit Street; Seville Street and Terrace Street; Salaignac Street and Pechin Street; Rector Street and Stated Meeting 25 01/25/2024 Pechin Street; Fountain Street and Smick Street; and An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designation of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Queen Lane, Wissahickon Avenue, Roosevelt Boulevard (extended), and Henry Avenue, and to amend Section 14-524 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "/FDO, Fourth District Overlay District," and make related changes; and A privileged resolution honoring Jerry Jordan, President of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, on the occasion of his retirement; and A privileged resolution honoring the life and legacy of activist and changemaker Paula Peebles, the Philadelphia Chairwoman of the National Action Network; and A privileged resolution Stated Meeting 26 01/25/2024 honoring Philadelphia's Living Legends Brian Pollitt, William Dade, Owen Gowans, III, Theodore Hicks, Carl Riley, Gabriel Hart and Catherine Hicks for their generation-defining contributions to African American History in Philadelphia; and A non-privileged resolution calling on the leadership of the City of Philadelphia to implement the over 140 recommendations and next steps found in the Blueprint for a Safer Philadelphia, such as expanding the safe school corridor program and ensuring witness relocation, creating a "helping hand" release program, examining firearm restrictions, reducing retail theft, examining drones, increasing the closure rate of homicides, supporting Philadelphia's youth and instituting "The Promise Initiative."
Stated Meeting 27 01/25/2024 The Chair recognizes Councilman Curtis Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to speak to one of the bills and the resolution dealing with the Crime Summit recommendations. First, I want to thank my colleagues because there are no real original ideas. They're only using them in a codified manner to be able to use as an instructionary tool to reduce crime in Philadelphia, so I thank you. Most prevalent this day is the Kensington Marshall Plan adopted by the Kensington Caucus, of which I am an honorary member. And the reason I say that is already that recommendation is being embraced by the Administration. The Police Commissioner announced his appointment in Kensington at the school where we had Stated Meeting 28 01/25/2024 our hearings about that. So some of these recommendations are already being utilized. One of the recommendations, and I want all of us in our particular chairmanships, vice-chairmanships to look at this and see how these recommendations in education and other places deal with the school-to-prison pipeline to create a school-to-paycheck pipeline so that we embrace this as an instruction guide throughout our budget process, Mr. President. This bill also has a recommendation that deals with terrain tracing of crimes. What that means is it's not who pulled the trigger only. It is where the trigger was pulled, which addresses the bill that I put in for gambling machines today, Mr. President. I thank my 10 co-sponsors on this bill because I understand clearly that there is a strong Stated Meeting 29 01/25/2024 lobbying presence to stop this, and the reason that is, is because right now they don't pay taxes. Right now we don't know where they are. Right now there are no payout regulations that govern them, so the money you put in, you don't know whether there's a ratio similar to where our legal casinos are. They don't have to abide by any of those rules. They snuck in on a provision that said that bus and train rest stops along the expressway could have these machines. They took it a step further and put them in our community. So I understand my colleagues and appreciate the pressures that are put on you, but we aren't elected for them. We're elected for the people. And as Member Brooks would say, I ain't come here to make friends. I came here to make a difference. Thank you, Mr. President. Stated Meeting 30 01/25/2024
The following bills that were read will be referred to the appropriate committee. The following privileged resolutions will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar and the following read non-privileged resolutions will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Rue Landau.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. So great to be here. So great to see up there. I am introducing today two privileged resolutions and one privileged resolution on your behalf. Stated Meeting 31 01/25/2024
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the resolutions.
On behalf of Council President Johnson, a non-privileged resolution authorizing the appointment of a Chief Ethics Officer for the Council of the City of Philadelphia; and On her own behalf, Councilmember Ran Landau offers a privileged resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on Technology and Information Services to hold hearings examining data to most effectively implement place-based strategies and appropriate technologies to reduce violence through the targeted investment of resources, services and environmental improvements; and A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating the Philadelphia restaurants and chefs Stated Meeting 32 01/25/2024 named as semi-finalists for the 2024 James Beard Awards.
Thank you very much. The following privileged resolutions will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar and the following read non-privileged resolutions will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. Today I offer five bills and one privileged resolution.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bills and the resolutions.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Service Stated Meeting 33 01/25/2024 and Other Businesses," by adding a new section regulating the hours of operation of certain establishments and providing for penalties within an area bounded by the East Lehigh Avenue, Kensington Avenue, D Street, East Tioga Street and Frankford Avenue; and An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, by amending Section 9-203 relating to Street Vendors, by prohibiting street vending in the 54th Ward; and An ordinance adding a new Chapter 6-1600 to The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Reports on Opioid Antidote Use," to require certain reports from the Office of the Managing Director to Council concerning the City's use of opioid antidote; and An ordinance amending Chapter 11-708 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Traffic Calming Measures Stated Meeting 34 01/25/2024 for Schools," by authorizing the Department of Streets to additionally install traffic calming measures in the vicinity of recreation centers, playgrounds, parks and libraries; and An ordinance adding a new Chapter 10-2700 to The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Reports on Impermissible Camping," to require certain reports from the Office of the Managing Director to Council concerning camping activities carried out in violation of the Code and the City's efforts to address such activities; and A privileged resolution congratulating President Pedro R. Rosario for his promotion to Deputy Commissioner, as the first Latino officer to hold the position in the 226-year history of law enforcement in the City of Philadelphia.
The following bills read will be Stated Meeting 35 01/25/2024 referred to the appropriate committee. And the following privileged resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one privileged resolution this morning.
Will the Clerk read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings regarding the Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act of Pennsylvania.
The following non-privileged resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Stated Meeting 36 01/25/2024 Council. The Clerk recognizes Councilman Nicolas O'Rourke.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Minority Leader Brooks, I have one bill and would like to be recognized to speak on that bill.
An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," by providing for the licensing of persons responsible for performing tenant evictions at residential properties.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.
Thank Stated Meeting 37 01/25/2024 you, Council President. Today on behalf of Minority Leader Brooks along with my colleagues Councilmembers Gauthier and Landau, I'm introducing the Angel Davis Eviction Accountability Bill. This bill is named for Angel Davis, the Philadelphia woman who was shot last March by a private contractor of the Landlord-Tenant Office or LTO. The bill is designed to bring much-needed oversight and accountability to a dangerous for-profit operation that led to three shootings in the span of four months last year. At our hearing of the Landlord-Tenant Office last summer, what was learned were two things: One, the LTO has a disturbing lack of oversight and standards, especially compared to the Sheriff's Office and other municipalities like New York and Pittsburgh. The people, Stated Meeting 38 01/25/2024 two, most impacted by the LTO's operations are Philadelphia's most vulnerable renters, seniors, people with disabilities, single mothers and children. City Council has a responsibility to protect Philadelphians from such a reckless and dangerous system. Removing someone from their home is a grave public function and one that demands public input and oversight. This legislation for the first time requires a City license and standards for those who do evictions in our city. Although Council is limited in the action we can take because of state preemption, we can't and should not accept the dangerous out-of-control status quo that we have here. This bill is a powerful tool to bring more accountability to our eviction system. So thank you for our Stated Meeting 39 01/25/2024 colleagues who attended our hearing or signed onto our statement calling for greater public accountability for evictions. Thank you all to our co-sponsors Councilman Thomas, Councilman Driscoll, Councilman Squilla, Councilman Jones, Councilwoman Ahmad, Councilman Phillips, Councilman Young. I look forward to working with the entirety of the Council to curtail the violence that has already impacted far too many Philadelphia renters. Thank you so much.
Thank you. This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jim Harrity.
No bills or resolutions. Thank you, Council President.
Stated Meeting 40 01/25/2024 You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mike Driscoll.
Morning, Mr. President. Today I offer one bill on your behalf for consideration.
The Clerk will read the title of the bill -- one second. As a matter of personal privilege, I would like to acknowledge Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President. I was wanting to speak on the bill that Councilmember O'Rourke introduced.
Evictions carried out by the landlord-tenant officer and her Stated Meeting 41 01/25/2024 civilian subcontractors follow a harmful formula that traumatizes our neighbors and leaves them without life-saving resources when they need them the most. There is no written contract between the Municipal Court and the landlord-tenant officer. There is no public bidding process, no written standard for how to perform evictions, no direct notice to tenants about when an eviction will occur, no resources provided to tenants during an eviction, no accountability to Philadelphians and no government oversight. It was within this context that the landlord-tenant officer'S civilian subcontractors shot Angel Davis and Latese Bethea within a matter of months. Yesterday in this very room Angel Davis, who might never fully recover from being shot in the head, raised her head high and Stated Meeting 42 01/25/2024 shared why she believes that we need to take immediate action to restore accountability over a public function that operates recklessly and opaquely. I agree. That's why today as both the Chair of City Council's Housing Committee and a tenant myself, I'm proud to co-introduce the Angel Davis Eviction Accountability Bill. The Angel Davis Eviction Accountability Bill requires all civilians conducting evictions to obtain a license from the City of Philadelphia. City Council already mandates licenses for many types of businesses to keep Philadelphians safe. Requiring private contractors who perform lockouts to similarly receive a license from the City will bring accountability to a public function that operates dangerously and without oversight. Through its licensing Stated Meeting 43 01/25/2024 requirements, the Angel Davis Eviction Accountability Bill brings the landlord-tenant officer in line with other entities that conduct lockouts in the state of Pennsylvania. Subcontractors will need to complete 184 hours of basic eviction officer training and the safe use of firearms, crisis intervention, cultural diversity and de-escalation. Licenses must also participate -licensees must also participate in five hours of dangerous dog training provided by the Pennsylvania Academy for Animal Care and Control, and 29 hours of annual continued education. After completing training and obtaining their license, the Angel Davis Eviction Bill requires subcontractors to carry proof of insurance and visibly display their license while conducting evictions. And subcontractors involved in an Stated Meeting 44 01/25/2024 incident of violence or use of force during an eviction will be unable to renew their license for a year, incentivizing them to summon law enforcement when a lockout becomes argumentative. Setting standards in these areas promotes the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved with an eviction. It builds public trust in our businesses and in our government, and it sends a powerful message to tenants across Philadelphia that City Council will not sit on our hands and let a dangerous, unregulated and unaccountable eviction process continue. I want to thank Minority Leader Kendra Brooks for her wonderful leadership on this issue as well as my fellow co-introducers of this legislation, and I want to thank also the majority of our colleagues for co-sponsoring the legislation as Stated Meeting 45 01/25/2024 well. Thank you so much.
Thank you very much. Will the Clerk read the bill sponsored by myself and introduced on behalf of Councilman Mike Driscoll.
An ordinance adopting an amendment to Section V of the Articles of Incorporation of the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, by increasing the Authority's term of existence to a date 50 years from the date of approval of Articles of Amendment by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Brian O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one privileged resolution. Stated Meeting 46 01/25/2024
Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.
A non-privileged resolution renaming the 10900 block of Kirby Drive "Tony Caruso Way."
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Clerk recognizes Councilman Mark Squilla.
Good morning, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer four bills and two resolutions, one on your behalf. Stated Meeting 47 01/25/2024
The Clerk will read the titles of the bills and resolutions.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning;" and An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Gravers Lane and Millman Street; and An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Rockland Street and North 2nd Street; Lawrence Street and Rockland Street; Ruscomb Street and North 2nd Street; Ashdale Street to North 3rd Street; and An ordinance amending Chapter 12-2700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Permit Parking Districts," by amending the boundaries for certain permit parking districts; and On behalf of Council President Stated Meeting 48 01/25/2024 Johnson, a non-privileged resolution authorizing requests for the Law Department to represent City Council in appeals from decisions of the Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment and, if the Law Department declines to render such services to City Council, authorizing the retention of outside counsel to provide such services; and A non-privileged resolution renaming the 2900 block of North 22nd Street "Ray Murphy Way."
The bills just read will be referred to the appropriate committee. And the resolutions recently -- the non-privileged resolutions will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes now Councilmember Nina Ahmad. Stated Meeting 49 01/25/2024 2ND READING
Thank you, Council President. I offer one privileged resolution.
The Clerk will read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing January 2024 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the City of Philadelphia.
This privileged resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Reports from Committees. There are no -- being no reports from Committees today, the next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. As there are no bills on our First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Majority Leader Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for Stated Meeting 50 01/25/2024 the purpose of calling up resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolution is being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: Resolution No. 240001.
Thank you. Before considering this resolution, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for possible action at today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up for today's session, please do so now by giving your name to Ms. Hasan at the table Stated Meeting 51 01/25/2024 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 will each have three minutes to speak. However, this time limit may vary from session-to-session. Today the time limit will be three minutes. In order to be fair to all wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the three-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 the three minutes have passed, the light will turn red and the Sergeant-atArms will disconnect the microphones. At that point, please yield the podium to the next speaker if you Stated Meeting 52 01/25/2024 have not done so already. I also reserve the right pursuant to our rules of Council to limit repetitious comments on the same matter. I will now ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.
Ms. Santos, please come to the microphone and give your comments. (No response.)
The next speaker, Mr. President, is Anisa George commenting on 240001. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, members of the Council. My name is Anisa George. I live in South Stated Meeting 53 01/25/2024 Philly. I oppose Bill 240001 on the grounds that it -- is it off -public comment to bills on the agenda, which inhibits the public to speaking to issues that the Council influences and controls such as the unconscionable clear-cutting of 150 acres on the west side of FDR Park to make way for 16 athletic courts worth of toxic plastic grass. It is toxic. I'd like to quote Kyla Bennett, the scientist who discovered PFAS in 2019. I spoke to her last week. "There is no PFAS-free turf. That is a lie. They're going to contaminate everything there with PFAS and microplastics. You need to call the DEP immediately." So, Council President, I understand that you're holding a pro-fields rally in the space where the trees will be cut on Saturday. If you have seen an independent lab report to verify the Conservancy's Stated Meeting 54 01/25/2024 claim that this turf they're going to install is toxin-free, I think the people of Philadelphia would like to see that report. And I think if that lab report does not exist -(Applause.)
Thank you. Then the people of Philadelphia deserve to know that there has been some false advertising around this turf. I'm a mom. I care deeply about kids having a space to play in this City. This is not a way to support our young people, just like putting lead paint and asbestos in their schools was not a way to support them. The difference is, is that when we painted those walls with lead paint we didn't know what we were doing. But PFAS, these toxic forever chemicals was discovered in turf in 2019. It's 2024. California has banned it. Boston has banned it. Stated Meeting 55 01/25/2024 Even the NFL Players Association is calling for its removal based on elevated injury, so this is bad stuff. This is toxic stuff and it should not be our legacy. None of the FDR plan has ever been discussed before City Council. There has been no hearing called. I would like to know how a privatelyfunded nongovernmental entity like the Conservancy clear cuts 150 acres of public space without a mandate from the public. It is shameful. It is undemocratic and it is in violation of the Sunshine Act. Mayor Parker has just promised to make this the greenest city in the nation. Councilmembers, do you support that vision? Do you have children whose health you care for? Then it is time to press pause for the plan for FDR. Thank you. (Applause.)
Stated Meeting 56 01/25/2024 Thank you. I will ask the Clerk to please read the name of our next speaker.
Queen Judith, that is. (Witness approached podium.)
So I was trying -- my name is Judith Robinson. Good morning. Queen Judith Robinson. And for the record, I was going to pass around an article that is within the Scoop Magazine January 6th, especially to the African American representatives. And I hope you get it soon, and please read it since I was not able to get here earlier. But I want to say good morning and Happy New Year to all, all the best in 2024. Welcome to all of the new representatives and welcome back to all those who are back. Your discussion today is on government and Stated Meeting 57 01/25/2024 rules and regulations. And I will say govern yourselves accordingly. Based on this article referencing the Black Political Forum -- some of you are a little young, you all went young, so under 50 years old -- but you need to get your researchers here in this body to get a copy of this article and then refer back to the Black Political Forum. I'm going to say John White, Jr. said, okay, and you all need to open your ears. So I want to bring you all back to -- I wish I could play Jay-Z, I just want to send you a reminder. Black women are 70 percent of Philadelphia yearly evictions. And I heard some reference about how they are evicted, which is horrible, with their Black children being traumatized. In addition, I want to remind you all that you have MV Realty to Stated Meeting 58 01/25/2024 deal with, over 1,000 homeowners scammed out of their equity in their homes with a contract, a listing contract of sorts -- that's very strange for me as a real estate broker to even call it that -- but it was a document that was able to be recorded in our City Hall Records Department, which holds them under hostage for the next 40 years. A lot of real estate scams going on. I'm going to say you are real youthful in this body, and I'm going to say get some respect on your names. I already have had a great relationship with some of you, and I have a little selfie with Reverend O'Rourke, thank you very much, so I'm getting to know the young ones too. All right. So get ready. And then Rue Landau, an attorney, and someone who over the years understood when I came to her and asked about changing communities. Stated Meeting 59 01/25/2024 She was able to help us out in that regard. I'll be back out, Rue, okay, to see what else we can do together. So it's about representation. So since you all are a younger body, and the gentleman just walked past who I'm going to reference, you all don't have the experience, so you need to go and get the experience and I'm going to tell you to cross the aisle, because I know good and well that I should be represented by my representative in zoning with a $32 million police station being proposed on Philadelphia's first historic corridor, Diamond Street. That's history right there, y'all. We want a traffic study, a parking study, an environmental study as quickly as possible. Councilman Brian O'Neill is who I want to reference. I saw him in -- okay, in a zoning hearing representing his District. Go talk Stated Meeting 60 01/25/2024 to him about how you can represent 5th District. Thank you very much. I appreciate you all. (Applause.)
Will the Clerk please read the name of the next speaker.
A matter of personal privilege. The Chair recognizes Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr.
Thank you, Mr. President. Just a correction of the record. As a teenager, I attended the Black Political Forum, Queen. I was there. Stated Meeting 61 01/25/2024
The Chief Clerk now recognizes the next speaker, Reverend Dr. Gregory Holston. (Witness approached podium.)
My name is Reverend Gregory Holston, co-facilitator of the 57 Blocks Coalition. We are thankful for Councilperson Landau's leadership in having a resolution to do an investigation and data collection and find out much more about this Coalition that we've been building over the last 18 months. Thank you, Councilman Johnson, Jones, Gauthier, O'Rourke, Thomas and others here who have been involved in our meetings and our conversations over the last 18 months as we have gone all over the City, over 75 meetings with people all over the City that have helped put together this strategy and this plan to Stated Meeting 62 01/25/2024 directly look at the 57-plus blocks of 10 or more shootings since 2015. That number is now 89 blocks of that number. And 79 of the 89 are formerly redlined areas of the City of Philadelphia, making a direct link between the dishistoric, intentional, racist disinvestment that has happened in this City and others directly related to the gun violence that we're seeing today. That understanding does not go lightly. 10 or more shootings means children on those blocks have seen blood in the street. They've seen bullets come through their house. They've seen friends and family members shot dead, and they're dealing with the trauma of that each and every day of their life. We want to have a real comprehensive way of addressing that trauma, addressing that pain and addressing the historic disinvestment Stated Meeting 63 01/25/2024 that is creating the conditions of gun violence. We are thankful for this resolution, thankful for the hearing so we can explore it and come out with a real comprehensive way of addressing it. Very quickly, what did we learn during the pandemic? We learned that when we take investment out of our communities, gun violence shoots through the roof. We learned when we put some investment back, it starts to level off. When we opened our schools, actually you could see the gun violence starting to level off. And when we got $50 million-plus from the state, 13.5 million from this City Council directed to gun violence prevention organizations, we actually saw the numbers go down, an almost 30 percent reduction from that point since September 2022. It is because we Stated Meeting 64 01/25/2024 invested in gun violence organizations. We invested in communities. We invested in regular folk who care deeply about our children. Yes, we can be called the repairers of the breach. Yes, we can be called the ones who can build old waste foundations. Yes, we can be called like Isaiah and Nehemiah. We can do it in this City, one Philly together with a new Mayor and a new Council President. I believe it can happen. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
Will the Chief Clerk please read the name of our next speaker.
The next speaker is Reuben Jones. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, everyone. Council President, congratulations. Stated Meeting 65 01/25/2024
My name is Reuben Jones. I'm a member of the 57 Blocks Coalition. We've been working this project for I guess the last two years, addressing gun violence in Philadelphia based on the hardest-hit and highest rate of violence in the communities. So I just want to say thank you to Councilperson Landau for introducing this resolution to bring technology into the mix. And if I could use a football analogy, Bill Parcells years ago said that if you want me to cook the dinner, then let me buy the groceries, right. So he's talking about the players that he was going to be responsible for coaching. So while I applaud this City, City Council specifically for creating grants to empower community organizations who's doing this work Stated Meeting 66 01/25/2024 in this City to save lives, I also want to just challenge us to let those same community groups buy the groceries. But I mean, we need every tool possible in our toolkit to reduce and address gun violence in Philadelphia. And technology is one of those too. So I'm going to run down a couple of numbers just to kind of conceptualize it for you. So a couple of years ago I had a conversation with Councilman Jones who let us know that there are 11 zip codes in this City that are responsible for what Councilman Jones for -- what's the number, Councilman Jones, about 80 percent of the residents on State Road, I might misquote that number, but it was a small number of zip codes and high number of inmates. If you look at the school closures in the City -- the City Stated Meeting 67 01/25/2024 closed I believe it was 26 schools, half or more in North Philadelphia -they overlap, you know, these 57 block target areas that we're talking about. If we're talking poverty in the City, right, look over the (inaudible), the poorest neighborhood and the poorest big city in America, right, sits in the middle of some of those 57 blocks. So when we're talking about that there is no surprise in terms of why we see violence the way we see it in this City, the only surprise is we don't connect the dots. And I think the use of technology, the use of data, the use of research, to use evidence-based approaches, the use of community-based strategies could enhance the success. Right now I think we're around a 20-percent reduction. So we believe that introducing technology and data and research as Stated Meeting 68 01/25/2024 an additional tool to those communities, to the City, to the police, to the new Mayor, to all these entities that are working collectively and collaboratively to save lives and reduce violence in the City, I think there should be a feather in our cap. If this resolution were passed, I tip my hat to the supporters of the bill. As a member of the 57 Blocks, the 57 Block Coalition, I just want to tell you that we deal with this gun violence -- got the yellow light -- at the ground level and we see every day the impact of when we don't make those investments, when we don't see what the outcomes could be just for introducing new tools to the mix. So I'm here to just really support the resolution, ask this honorable body to at least consider it passed, and we have that Stated Meeting 69 01/25/2024 additional tool to put to our use and save lives in Philadelphia. On behalf of the 57 Blocks Coalition, I thank you for the time and opportunity to speak and I look forward to the vote. Thank you. (Applause.)
You're welcome. Thank you. I will ask the Chief Clerk to please read the next person, our next speaker.
The next speaker is LaQuisha Anthony, commenting on a resolution introduced today by Councilmember Ahmad. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning, City Council, community partners and members. My name is LaQuisha Anthony and I serve as Advocacy Senior Manager at WOAR. January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month nationally. And for us at WOAR, the Stated Meeting 70 01/25/2024 Honorable Judge Lori Dumas, the Salvation Army New Day Program, and Enon Tabernacle Human Trafficking Ministry She's My Sister, this is a time and an opportunity for us to highlight the important goal of preventing human trafficking in our communities and supporting the people who we serve, who are survivors, and work that we do all yearlong. WOAR started its Anti-human Trafficking Program because of the growing understanding of the intersectionality between sexual violence and human trafficking. And over time, our commitment to serving victims and survivors of human trafficking has grown to include support groups for adults, individual therapy, counseling and as-needed case management. But we also understand the importance of prevention efforts to educate and to share knowledge and resources to all Stated Meeting 71 01/25/2024 individuals, especially young people who are at risk in our City of Philadelphia. We fully support this resolution to declare January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the City of Philadelphia, and we appreciate City Council acknowledging this critical work in supporting victims and survivors who are impacted by exploitation. This resolution serves as a step in the right direction to publicly honor survivors and further bring awareness to the important topic in this great City of Philadelphia. Human trafficking is a form of modern day slavery that occurs in every state and every community, including Philadelphia. Philadelphia is one of the cities with the highest rates of human trafficking due to our geographical location and intersection between our major Stated Meeting 72 01/25/2024 highways. Therefore, highlighting this issue is imperative in Philadelphia. If you are a survivor and if you know a survivor who's impacted by the exploitation, WOAR's available and our hotline is 215-985-3333 or you can contact any of these individuals who are behind me and their organizations as well. Also, all of you can make a difference in human trafficking and prevention by making sure that you donate to our Human Trafficking Drive that is happening during this month. And I thank you for this resolution. And thank you to Nina Ahmad for introducing this on our behalf. (Applause.)
Thank you for having us here, Council President. Congratulations again.
Stated Meeting 73 01/25/2024 Thank you very much.
I wanted to take a moment to expand upon what our sister just shared. This has been a long journey. It was 2010 that New Day started. It was 2011 that Enon started our Anti-Human Trafficking Ministry, and it was 2013 where Judge Lori Dumas started WRAP Court that's still going on. We keep talking about this issue. Councilman Phillips brought the Children and Youth Caucus to Enon to present and talk about the issue. We keep talking about it. We keep talking about it. We keep talking about it. It's time to do something about it. And I'm grateful that so many of you have been supportive, but also that Councilwoman Ahmad has called us to this moment to address the issue, to highlight prevention month and to bring awareness. We can't keep talking about being aware. Stated Meeting 74 01/25/2024 We need to begin to do something and it needs to happen right now.
Just a small matter of personal privilege. I just want to acknowledge the Honorable Lori Dumas. Thank you for your advocacy around this message. (Applause.)
Will the Clerk please call up the next speaker.
The next speaker is Lynn Landes, commenting on 240001. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Lynn Landes of LynnLandes.com. Congratulations on beginning a new year for Philadelphia City Council. Taking your oath of office and representing the public is Stated Meeting 75 01/25/2024 serious business, which is why it's important for City Councilmembers to be aware that under this resolution, 240001, rules for the government, that the City Council itself and its Committees are in blatant violation of the Sunshine Act by limiting public comment to agenda items only. This rule constitutes an explicit censorship of the public to only those bills and resolutions which have been proposed by Councilmembers themselves. In addition, some City Council Committees, which also have the same restrictions, do not meet on a regular or a monthly basis, thereby denying the public the right to comment before the Committees in a timely manner. In addition, many City departments and Commissions such as Parks & Recreation have never had a public meeting in their remembered history. So what they have is Stated Meeting 76 01/25/2024 show-and-tells, warm and fuzzy community events that they control. Also, as City government officials you have a sworn duty to uphold the laws of the land. Yet today in Philadelphia, local laws are being routinely violated, particularly under Title 10 prohibited in disorderly conduct, as all too often the police refuse to issue civil violation notices or make arrests. The District Attorney also refuses to prosecute. So businesses and residents suffer needless crime and harassment. Again, congratulations City Councilmembers on the beginning of a new year and please remember that you took an oath to uphold the Constitution and the local, state and federal laws of the land. Thank you.
Thank you. (Applause.) Stated Meeting 77 01/25/2024
Will the Chief Clerk please call the next person for public comment.
The next speaker is G. Emile Reuter. (Witness approached podium.)
Mr. President, Councilmembers, my Councilperson Mr. Phillips, I am a poet from Lawndale. My name is G. Emile Reuter. Philadelphia, I dream of my City of Philadelphia, the time when people will come to its streets. I see the people of this City, the City I love in white, black, yellow, tan and brown. I celebrate the people of my City, the good people who love their families, aspire to the same goals of peace, comfort, love. This is not an easy city, a city named for love. We have overcome resistance through centuries, for this is a city Stated Meeting 78 01/25/2024 of immigrants, blending in over time who chart their own course, strengthen neighborhoods as their culture becomes part of the fabric of the City I love. And in this City I dream of, the City that I love. I'm a realist. Know of hard scrabbled neighborhoods. Have walked its tough streets. Survived a few fights here and there. And yet in every neighborhood, there is hope and love and people who dream as I do of a time when peace will come to its streets. I have sung my poems. I have sung to the end of violence. I have sung of its beauty. I have sung of its people. And I sing now for my City, my Philadelphia. I sing to the people of Philadelphia from Broad and Glenwood, 68th and Woodbine, Rhawn and Oxford, Cottman and Frankford, Benner and Torresdale, 10th and Washington, 70th and Woodland, 52nd Stated Meeting 79 01/25/2024 and Lancaster, Ridge and Ripka. From all the streets of this City, I sing of my dream that peace will come to our streets. I raise my hands to the sky, sing my poems and I have hope for Philadelphia. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the name of our next speaker.
Good morning, everyone. My name is Adrienne Smith. Thank you, Council President Johnson and Councilman Thomas. Thank you so much for the honor of being Champion of the Week. As a little girl, I grew up in Alexandria, Virginia so not too far from here. And I remember in elementary school we came to Philadelphia, so this is a full Stated Meeting 80 01/25/2024 circle moment for me to be standing in front of all of you. Also, with the name Adrienne, I can't think of any other city where I would be more welcome. Both of my parents were teachers so education was very, very important and very revered in my household. I invented the Blitz Champz Football Card Game as a way to spread the joy of football but also to teach mathematics and strategic-thinking skills for children. I'm honored that Councilman Thomas has chosen me as Champion of the Week, and I will continue to work hard to bring Blitz Champz workshops to elementary and middle school students not only in Philadelphia but throughout the United States. We all know that reading is fundamental, but I also want to propose that mathematics is Stated Meeting 81 01/25/2024 paramount. Lastly, as a die hard 49ers fan, I'm still feeling --
I'm still feeling some kind of way with respect to the beatdown that you gave us in the NFC Championship last year, so I'm a little surprised that I am going to even say this. But once again, Council President Johnson, Councilman Thomas, all of the Councilmembers, thank you so much for honoring me as Champion of the Week and Fly Eagles Fly.
Will the Chief Clerk please read the name of our next speaker.
The next speaker is Jovita Mill -- Jovita Mill -- Stated Meeting 82 01/25/2024 Hill.
Good morning, Council President. I can't tell you how good it feels to say thank you, Mr. President.
And thank you all of Council. I am Jovita Hill and I am the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Commission for Women. When we are at full capacity, we are comprised of 10 people appointed by the Mayor and each of 17 Councilmembers appoint a person for a commission of 27 people, committed to working to improve social education, economic and health outcomes for women, girls, people who identify as women, including non-binary individuals and foremost, support Stated Meeting 83 01/25/2024 equitable initiatives for women to bring us to full equality. We embrace a collective impact model of advancing social justice initiatives. And so, thank you for this opportunity to express our appreciation, and in particular to Councilmember Ahmad, to stand here in solidarity recognizing January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Human trafficking and modern day slavery causes significant and lifelong, physical and mental costs to its victims. Victims of human trafficking can be divided in three categories: They are children under the age of 18 induced into commercial sex; adults induced into commercial sex through force, fraud, coercion; and children and adults induced to perform labor or services through force, fraud or coercion. Prevention has to be a priority. And make no mistake, while human trafficking is a Stated Meeting 84 01/25/2024 global issue, it's happening right here in our city and the surrounding suburbs. In many cases, these victims are homeless teenagers. Since 2017, the Philadelphia Commission for Women has joined individuals and organizations to call attention, especially during the month of January, to Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Since 2018, we have partnered with WOAR, Philadelphia's center Against Sexual Violence, for a personal care collection drive, and you can drop off your donations at Room 577 between now and the end of the month. We recognize the important work of the She is My Sister's Ministry of Enon Tabernacle Church and its founding leader, Dr. Ellyn Jo Waller, who has been doing this work since 2005, and the 24/7 365 lifesaving outreach of the Salvation Army's New Day Ministry. Stated Meeting 85 01/25/2024 I propose a challenge to all of us to collectively roll up our sleeves. It is critical to use datadriven methods to identify at-risk populations, provide continued and increased funding for services and resources for already identified victims and invest in programming to reduce vulnerability and improve resiliency. Let's work together to eradicate this blemish on our humanity. And before I leave, I want to remind all of you Councilmembers that you're new Councilmembers and you get to appoint somebody on the Commission for Women and you will all be hearing from me for your appointments. Thank you.
Will the Chief Clerk please call the Stated Meeting 86 01/25/2024 next speaker.
My name is Ogbonna Hagins and I was told that I had to speak on this resolution to provide rules for government. Of course, rules are necessary for everything. Its laws are necessary for everything. But what good are the rules and the laws if you don't follow the rules and the laws. Lemon laws are laws that provide a remedy for purchasers of cars and other consumer goods to compensate for products that repeatedly fail to make standards -to meet standards of quality and performance. We need the same laws for voters who elect people who Stated Meeting 87 01/25/2024 repeatedly fail to deliver solutions to longstanding problems. Here's a case in point: The City of Philadelphia stated in its 2021 Roadmap to Safer Communities, which is a comprehensive study of Philly gun violence, and it states and I quote, "Structural racism and inequity are at the root of gun violence. Unemployment, poverty unresourced schools and the lack of educational attainment remain drivers of violence. In addition to targeted interventions, we must continue to harness the City's large-scale investment in education and health, and stay committed to reducing unnecessary and disproportionate contact with the justice system and incarceration for the Black and Brown Philadelphians, and to address the causes, the root causes of gun violence. This is how to prevent further violence." Stated Meeting 88 01/25/2024 This is what's on in that report. Can someone please direct me to the large-scale appropriations that address structural racism, poverty and unemployment in this City. There's a reason why there will be zero investment in this said area. Philadelphia 2035 is the official vision for the future of the City of Philadelphia. And very simply put, Afro Americans are not in that plan. So I suggest that you revisit that 2035 plan to include specifically the American Freedmen, the Afro Americans, which data states that by 2053 we'll be at zero wealth. What are you doing about that, City Council? What are you doing? So that's it. You guys have a great day. Welcome to the new Councilmembers. I really hope that you don't follow the standards of the previous administrations that, as we Stated Meeting 89 01/25/2024 look around the City, have failed Afro Americans. Have a great day. (Applause.)
Thank you for your comment. This concludes today's public comment period.
There are three more? Not at the moment. We will now ask the Chief Clerk to please call the next speaker.
If Angela isn't here, could the -- oh, she's here. Okay. Let's go, Angela. (Witness approached podium.)
My name is Angela "The Survivor Diva" Reese, and I am here to speak on the Cervical Stated Meeting 90 01/25/2024 Cancer -- the Cervical Health Awareness Month resolution. Good morning, Council President, Councilmembers and citizens all in attendance. I am a victorious and blessed 15-year survivor of metastatic carcinoma of the cervix. I was paralyzed from the waist down for eight years from side effects of cervical cancer treatments. I give leadership to the Pennsylvania National Cervical Cancer Coalition. I am the editor and publisher of the Survivordiva.com Digital Media Resource for cervical cancer awareness and disability inclusion excellence advocacy. I am an active member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Pennsylvania Chapter, and I'm serving on the Health Committee in that organization. Thank you, Councilwoman uh -- Stated Meeting 91 01/25/2024 I'm sorry. Thank you, Councilwoman La -- Lozada and Councilwoman Katherine Gilmore Richardson and all others that are listed on the resolution. I'm speaking on behalf of cervical cancer survivors such as myself, advocates and supporters. My concerns since the last time that I actually gave public comment here at City Council have been -- they continue to be about one stigma, attitudinal barriers, resources and access in regards to preventative vaccination, screening and effective treatment of precancerous conditions. I really just don't want anybody else to have to go through all that I have gone through and that I have suffered through in all these years. I've endured a lot and it doesn't have to be because cervical cancer is a preventable disease. I hope that all of you do vote for the Stated Meeting 92 01/25/2024 Cervical Health Awareness Month resolution and keep the conversation going, not only in January but also all year-round. Please visit the Survivordiva.com, my website, or NCC-online.org for more information about cervical cancer. And our Chapter, we also had proclamations across the country. And so, I'm glad that we're doing this on a local level here in Philadelphia to bring awareness to this issue. And please remember that teal and white is the new pink. Those are the colors for cervical cancer awareness. And I thank you for your time. God bless you all.
The final speaker is Lindsey Franklin, commenting on Councilmember Young's Stated Meeting 93 01/25/2024 Act 135 resolution. (Witness approached the podium.)
My name is Lindsey Franklin and I'm here to speak on me and my family's experience with Act 135. I first like to thank Councilman Young for introducing a resolution to get a hearing to address Act 135. Act 135, the Abandoned and Blighted Property Act, is being used against me and my family by the Fishtown BID as I stand here today, 1500 Frankford Avenue right on the Frankford corridor. From the moment the Act 135 petition was filed against us, we felt as though we were targeted. From the second this petition was filed against us, we have felt nothing but helpless. My aunt who had lived in the house had to go into a rehab after losing the use of her legs. We took Stated Meeting 94 01/25/2024 care of her as best we could and the home as best we could while she was in there. Utilities were all on. The taxes were paid and we frequented our house. All of my aunt's belongings were there as well as all of our family things and stuff that I grew up with. We have been loud and clear since the petition was filed that we have not in any way abandoned our home, but that didn't matter from the second the Act 135 petition was filed. It's time for Act 135 to stop flying under the radar. From the start of this journey, I did a ton of research and started contacting many people to try and get help. Most people I spoke to had no idea that it even existed. I knew more than most. And the ones that did know about it said, I'm sorry you're going through this but we cannot help you. Because of the way Act 135 was Stated Meeting 95 01/25/2024 written, our hands were tied. This is the most stressful thing we have ever experienced. My day begins and ends with all of it. My aunt could do nothing but cry and say that they were taking her home at the first hearing and she wanted to go home very badly. She passed away December 23rd. The last eight months of her life were overwhelmed with the stress of this. The last conversation I had with her before she passed, she was defeated. She couldn't stop crying and begged me to get the things out of the home before they took it. Act 135 is a tool being used in a destructive method. It's used -- its use needs to be turned back into something that is productive for communities, something that can help support housing equality. Act 135 has a role to play with respect to improving communities Stated Meeting 96 01/25/2024 all across Philadelphia. We cannot continue to allow it be wielded in such a predatory self-serving manner. There are people suffering at the hands of this just as we are now. It's being exploited in the pursuits of redevelopment in lower- and middle-class neighborhoods. In a University of Penn study, they state that Act 135 petitions are disproportionately filed in communities, vulnerable to or actively experiencing gentrification. An amendment to Act 135 in 2014 made its use increase significantly. A 20-percent conservatorship fee and all other fees are laid at the hands of the owner of the property. So not only were we forced to get a lawyer in contingency, but the second the petition was filed we had to pay everything else that we did not accumulate ourselves. Changes must be made to Stated Meeting 97 01/25/2024 1/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING protect vulnerable people in times of need. Any entity or person using Act 135 against people who are suffering should be ashamed of themselves. No one who is trying their best in hard times should be put through something like this because they struggle or are at a disadvantage. And unfortunately, my family and I know this firsthand. I just hope that changes can be made to Act 135 so that it can become beneficial in its use. Thank you.
This concludes the public comment. We will now consider the resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. The Clerk will read the titles of the resolutions. Stated Meeting 98 01/25/2024 1/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
Resolution No. 240001, A resolution to provide Rules of the Government of the Council of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gauthier for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I call for the adoption of the resolution.
I raise that not to be rude, but to point out that in our rules there is no such thing as point of personal privilege. And what I'd like us to consider is adopting a measure that does that because we have -- those of us who Stated Meeting 99 01/25/2024 1/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING have been here before have used that kind of a rude way of jumping in front of each other. And what I'd like to hopefully avoid during the budget process is us actually doing that to each other. I've been guilty of it, Mr. President. And if we do and adopt that, in a way we can move faster some of the budget process. And I appreciate us kind of either saying what it really means and where it is in the rules or get us to stop doing it. The second -- and that's what I would have to say. Thank you.
Thank you very much. And I will recommend you have a conversation with the Majority Leader after and y'all can consult as we establish the rules for City Council. Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson. Stated Meeting 100 01/25/2024 1/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you so much, Council President. And I appreciate that point and I look forward to working with Councilmember Jones. Mr. President, I just wanted to note that points of order are listed in Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure under 150-2, 232 to 236. We are governed by the rules of Council but also Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure. With that, I call for the orders of the day and I call for the previous question. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I call for the adoption of the Stated Meeting 101 01/25/2024 1/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution may be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. This bill hasn't been read -- excuse me. The Clerk will please read any additional resolutions on the Calendar today.
A resolution recognizing January 22 through 26, 2024 as National Gun Violence Survivors Week in honor of survivors of gun violence and the lifelong burdens they carry, introduced by Stated Meeting 102 01/25/2024 1/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmember Gilmore Richardson on behalf of Council President Johnson.
The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Councilwoman Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I call for your adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
And the Stated Meeting 103 01/25/2024 1/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution honoring the African American Children's Book Project on the occasion of its 32nd Annual African American Children's Book Fair, introduced today by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) Stated Meeting 104 01/25/2024 1/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution recognizing January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and commending the Pennsylvania National Cervical Cancer Coalition Northwest Philadelphia Chapter Leader Angela "The Survivor Diva" Reese for her work promoting awareness about cervical cancer, introduced today by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.
Again, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Angela "The Survivor Diva" Reese, I call for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It Stated Meeting 105 01/25/2024 1/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING has been moved and 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.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Finance to investigate the operations and significant overspending of the Office of Homeless Services under the previous administration as well as the quality of services provided in homeless services system, introduced today by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.
The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Stated Meeting 106 01/25/2024 1/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and 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.