Aye. Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 12/3/20 - STATED - 2ND READING
Councilman Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 12/3/20 - STATED - 2ND READING Thomas.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members present having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 200574.
An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code to address matters related to commercial leases and provide eviction and financial relief to restaurant businesses that operate on leased premises.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Councilwoman Bass. Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 12/3/20 - STATED - 2ND READING
Councilman Oh. Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 12/3/20 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, please read the Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 12/3/20 - STATED - 2ND READING title of Bill No. 200425-A.
An ordinance amending Title 6 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Health Code," by creating a new Chapter 6-1300 entitled "Healthy Outdoor Public Spaces," to promote a healthy environment that protects the public from the risks of toxic herbicides by prohibiting their use on all city-owned or used public grounds including but not limited to parks, trails, recreation centers, and playgrounds; establishing reporting requirements; and establishing a private right of action.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. First, I would like to thank the public for voicing both their support and concerns on this bill during the Public Health and Human Services Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 12/3/20 - STATED - 2ND READING Committee hearing in October. We had over 50 people testify and over 40 people submit written testimony. During the hearing, we heard from testifiers about a number of issues, including the health and environmental risks linked to toxic chemicals found in synthetic herbicides, the issues of managing and suppressing invasive species in order to protect our native plants and animals, and the concerns with cost and implementation of using organic land care methods without using synthetic herbicides. In the end, we all could agree Philadelphians want to reduce pesticide use, protect both the public health and the health of the land, improve record-keeping oversight and accountability, and promote non-chemical pest and land management. They also want to be involved in the process. This bill, as amended, will give our volunteer organizations, sports Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 12/3/20 - STATED - 2ND READING turf, and field managers and golf course managers more time to learn and grow, especially with the help from our partners who are already using organic land management practices on golf courses and athletic fields. It will also provide flexibility to the prohibition on synthetic herbicide use by establishing a waiver process under the Department of Health to allow for the use of synthetic herbicides when there is an emergency that threatens the public health, safety or welfare of persons or involves an invasive species that threatens the overall health of the ecosystem and is necessary after organic methods prove insufficient. An advisory committee of accredited professionals in medicine, public health, environmental science, and organic land management from the community will be established to evaluate and make recommendations to the Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 12/3/20 - STATED - 2ND READING Department concerning waivers requested and to oversee the implementation of this legislation. This year especially, our communities are turning to Philadelphia's parks, fields, and playgrounds more than ever before. We must prioritize the health and safety of our communities, particularly our underserved communities, which have been plagued by enhanced exposure to environmental toxins. We must also reevaluate our approach to land management. 1 percent of an applied pesticide interacts with its targeted weed or pest. The remainder contaminates the soil, the air, and water and can have significant non-target effects throughout the entire ecosystem. Reliance on these chemicals have disrupted soil health. Residues of these chemicals have been detected in our drinking water and everyday foods, and these chemicals are documented as harmful Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 12/3/20 - STATED - 2ND READING to birds, fish, pets, aquatic organisms, and bees. Organic land care is not simply about the type of pesticide used but rather a holistic practice that focuses on restoring and enhancing biological cycles involving soil, microorganisms, plants, and animals. If we learn to manage our land through an organic and regenerative systems approach, the need for chemical treatment will disappear. Many organizations here in Philadelphia and outside the City of Philadelphia are already doing this work. We have a network of experienced professionals and national and local organizations ready to partner with the City to assist with implementation by developing a strategy and to transition an organic land management plan that is fiscally responsible and meets targeted goals, providing staff and volunteers with education and training and will also Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 12/3/20 - STATED - 2ND READING provide grant application assistance and grant funding.
In Philadelphia, we do what we do because it's always what we've done. The long-term benefits of this legislation far outweigh any initial cost. We have the power to promote clean green spaces that are safe for Philadelphia, unthreatening to public health and never dependent on any chemicals or toxins. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to work together with our city and our community members to bring this legislation to fruition, and I urge my colleagues to vote for this bill. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilwoman Bass. This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Councilwoman Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 12/3/20 - STATED - 2ND READING Bass.
Aye. Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 12/3/20 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 12/3/20 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 200416.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Buckius Street (extended), the Delaware River, Orthodox Street (extended), and Richmond Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Councilwoman Gauthier. Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 12/3/20 - STATED - 2ND READING
Councilwoman Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 12/3/20 - STATED - 2ND READING Quinones-Sanchez.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 200588.
An ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contracts and Procurement," by amending Chapter 17-100, entitled "Procurement Contracts," to add disclosure requirements related to prior contracting experience and the Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 12/3/20 - STATED - 2ND READING demographic characteristics of employees and board members of contractors and subcontractors for City contracts for competitively bid goods.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for an amendment to Bill No. 200588.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 200588. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. All in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 12/3/20 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 200588 has been amended. Bill No. 200588, as amended, will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 200589.
An ordinance amending Chapter 17-100, entitled "Procurement Contracts," by adding requirements related to the provision of information regarding the demographic characteristics of the employees of, and the labor force used by, City contractors and subcontractors in the performance of work under certain City contracts for competitively bid services.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 12/3/20 - STATED - 2ND READING offer an amendment to Bill No. 200589. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 200589 has been amended. Bill No. 200589, as amended, will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 200590.
An ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contracts and Procurement," by amending Chapter 17-100, Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 12/3/20 - STATED - 2ND READING entitled "Procurement Contracts," and Chapter 17-1400, entitled "Non-Competitively Bid Contracts; Financial Assistance," to add disclosure requirements related to prior contracting experience and the demographic characteristics of employees, other sources of labor, and board members of contractors and subcontractors for City contracts for public works, other competitively bid services, and professional services, and by adding reporting requirements.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 200590. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.) Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 12/3/20 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you. All in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Bill No. 200590 has been amended. Bill No. 200590, as amended, will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. Mr. Decker, do you have any additional resolutions?
A resolution authorizing the Committee on Licenses and Inspections to hold hearings to evaluate current permitting procedures and to identify ways to safely simplify the construction permitting process, with the ultimate goal of accelerating the timely completion of commercial and residential projects, introduced by Councilwoman Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 12/3/20 - STATED - 2ND READING Parker on behalf of Council President Clarke.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Committees on Public Safety and Public Health and Human Services to hold joint hearings to Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 12/3/20 - STATED - 2ND READING examine the City's preparedness to respond to hospital bed needs of the public during the public health emergencies, and to explore "Plan B" locations for temporary hospital sites, introduced by Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I recognize all the co-sponsors that have signed onto this resolution, and I move for its adoption. (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 Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 12/3/20 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia City Council Committee on Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs to hold public hearings examining the feasibility of establishing a new Boys and Girls Club at Rose Playground, introduced by Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 12/3/20 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Committees on Public Safety and Public Health and Human Services to conduct joint hearings to examine available options for protecting Philadelphians in the Philadelphia jail system and the Pennsylvania prison system from COVID-19, introduced by Councilman Johnson.
Council President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 12/3/20 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Fiscal Stability and Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee to hold hearings examining the economic impact of the Coronavirus-related restrictions on Philadelphia's restaurants and other significantly affected businesses and to explore how these actions will impact the safety of our citizenry and the City of Philadelphia's Five-Year Financial Plan, introduced by Councilman Domb.
I move for its adoption, Council President. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
There are no other resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. That completes our Calendar for today. Prior to recognizing members regarding speeches, I will note for the record at this time that we will use the Chat feature available in Microsoft Teams to allow members to signify that they wish to be recognized. In order to comply with the Sunshine Act, the Chat feature must only be used for this particular purpose. Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 said, are there any speeches on behalf of the minority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you very much, Council President. Today I introduced a bill to amend the code regarding the sections that deal with emergency epidemic control and prevention of congregation of persons under Section 6-205 and 6-206. There's no limitation on these orders compared to Section 10-819, which is state of emergency, which is what I originally thought was the authority of the Mayor to issue citywide restrictions, and that's a well-written section that basically provides the Mayor two weeks in which he can declare an emergency to shut down bars, restaurants, things like that, followed by another two weeks, but after four weeks, the Mayor must get approval from City Council with a written explanation of what he is trying to do Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 to do that. However, the other two sections, which appears is how the City's proceeding, has no time limitation, no reporting requirements or anything like that. The code properly gives the Mayor and the Health Department the power to issue restrictions for public health. What I'm introducing, very similar to the section on state of emergency, is a limitation of 60 days, after which if there is a desire to continue with these restrictions, they have to get approval from this body, which I think is proper being that this is a check and balance, a body that is very accessible to the public whereby we can ask the Health Commissioner, the Administration why they want to continue the restrictions, have they been successful, what is their data, what have they learned, what is their goals, and that will ensure the engagement of this body in this process. Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 I introduce it. I just wanted to explain it. Thank you very much.
Thank you, Councilman. Speeches on behalf of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you so much, Mr. President. I have two important issues I want to raise today. First, I want to thank you, colleagues, and all of the citizens who testified in support of the green recovery resolution. Right here in Philadelphia we are already feeling the impacts of climate change. 8 degrees in Philadelphia since 1970, and the season has 19 more days with above normal temperatures. Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 had record-breaking average minimum, which we were also around five degrees warmer than in the 1960s. We cannot wait any longer to take action. As climate change worsens, entire swaths of the globe will be uninhabitable, disrupting life as we know it. And these impacts are not felt equitably. Today in Philadelphia your zip code determines your life expectancy, and that isn't an accident. Black and brown Philadelphians were redlined into specific areas, areas that are more likely to be near polluting industries and will also see disproportionate impacts from climate change, like urban heat island and flooding. Our economy is also in need of new growth and innovation, and clean energy, energy efficiency, organic land management, green infrastructure, materials reuse and recovery, and many more sectors of the green economy provide Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 put Philadelphians back to work in family-supporting and sustaining jobs, spur new business development, and put Philadelphia at the forefront of these fast-growing industries. I want to thank the over 60 organizations that participate in the Civilian Environmental Advisory Committee who have taken the time to partner with us to work on how we can address these big challenges. And I want to thank you, colleagues, and the Administration, past and present, who have worked so hard to build the strong foundation on climate action here in Philadelphia. I appreciate your willingness to stand with me on this bold vision for our city, and I look forward to working with you to make this vision a reality. Second, I want to address an issue that feels deeply personal to me. As a graduate of the Philadelphia High School for Girls, I know how impactful a Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 can be. Every good thing in my life is a result of the Philadelphia High School for Girls. Girls' High gave me a strong academic foundation, confidence, and the support I needed to thrive. Without Girls' High, I may not be sitting here today as a member of Philadelphia City Council. So when I read about John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls High School and Bishop McDevitt High School, I felt compelled, compelled to support the respective boards, alumni, staff, and students who are fighting to keep their doors open. John W. Hallahan is the first all-girls Catholic high school in the country and is on the cusp of celebrating their 120th anniversary. Hallahan has graduated over 43,000 women of all backgrounds and faiths, many who are industry leaders and public servants right here in Philadelphia and also in Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 Bishop McDevitt has been a leader in educating an incredibly diverse student body for decades. Over 70 percent of the student body is African American, and the vast majority of students live in Philadelphia. Both of these schools have strong support from board leaders, alumni, and students who have shared their love for their schools and worked hard to increase enrollment and saw financial challenges, only to be met with a surprise announcement about closing with little to no communication.
Additionally, I do not think it's a coincidence or a happenstance as this information continues to unfold that the site adjacent to Hallahan at 1801 Vine, what we've known as Family Court, will go back out to bid after it was proposed as a hospitality site and a black-owned hotel to the surprise of many of us. So more on that at another time. Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 institutions are closed, it will not only be a loss for the students who attend Hallahan and McDevitt, but it will also be a loss for our region as a whole. These schools are community anchors, and I am grateful for their significant contribution to the Philadelphia community. So thank you to my colleagues who co-sponsored this resolution, particularly you, Council President, as the District Councilmember where Hallahan is located and our Majority Leader, Councilmember Cherelle L. Parker, who represents the families of a number of McDevitt students who reside in the Ninth Councilmanic District. To all the students and alumni of Hallahan and Bishop McDevitt, please know we stand with you and support you in your efforts. More importantly, we will continue to work with you to get a meeting scheduled with Archbishop Perez. Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 Perez, we are looking forward to meeting with you and the respected boards of each school. Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you, colleagues.
Thank you, Councilwoman. On behalf of the majority, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduced a resolution to evaluate what I call Plan B. Plan B deals with the fact that we as a nation have come dangerously close to running out of beds and facilities that can house patients that are stricken by the Coronavirus. 2020 is a year that none of us will forget but all of us hope to put behind us. It is a year that has -- and yesterday alone there were over 3,100 deaths nationally due to the Coronavirus. To give you some context of how many that is, it is more deaths than what resulted Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 9/11 terrorist attack on the Twin Towers. To give you further context, we've reached over 264,000 deaths nationally. To give you further context, if you put World War I, the Vietnam War, the Afghanistan Conflict, and the Iraq Conflict combined, more people have died of COVID-19 than all of those wars combined. I was excited to hear that the vaccine is being distributed as we speak in Great Britain and the fact that the United States may indeed start by the end of the year distributing to even places like Philadelphia. I am thankful for our health czar, Dr. Fauci, and locally Dr. Farley. They are making us focus on the science to keep us healthy. But if you're a sports buff like I am, then you realize that we are approaching the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter of this virus. You'll realize that we are in the fourth leg of the relay to beat this race. You will Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 in the final round of the fight to defeat COVID in our city. And for you that are auto racing buffs, you don't take your foot off the pedal until you pass the finish line, Mr. President. So I'm telling Philadelphians to mask up during these final days of the COVID-19 crisis. I deal with a lot of people all the time, and there are all kinds of conspiracy theories about how COVID started in a laboratory just to kill off black and brown people, and I get all of that. I get those same conspiracy theories on YouTube and others on how the vaccine is designed to do terrible things, but we need to follow the science. I also hear in barber shops, often they say, I don't like wearing masks. Let me tell you something. If you don't like the mask, you're going to hate the ventilator. All right? So let's not lighten up, Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 while we end this thing and let's look for better days and better ways, but you stay masked up until we cross this finish line. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilman. You are so right. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. Thank you, Councilmember Jones, for those comments. We definitely have some challenging weeks ahead before we get into the new year and we start to receive that distribution of vaccine in our city, state, and nation. I want to thank and give a shout-out to my colleague Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson, who is a proud graduate of Girls' High, along with my wife and mother, who are also Girls' High grads. They are coming to the rescue. The women are leading. And when Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 43,000 graduates of John Hallahan High School for Girls, I would be remiss in not talking about one of those leaders in our midst in City Hall, my Chief of Staff, Sharon Vaughn, who is working with so many other Council staff to help in the fight to keep Hallahan open. So thank you, Councilmember Gilmore Richardson, for those comments. I just have two other points. One, today is the International Day of Disabled People. m. org to get more information. The Thrive Aid really focuses on a couple major outcomes - to raise awareness and discussion about disabled people and the pandemic; to support disabled people all over the world with messages of strength, Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 solidarity, and focus anger with non-violent direct action; to celebrate disabled people and their achievements; and to celebrate disability arts globally. So I want to make that announcement. I hope as many people that can participate and support Disability Pride Philadelphia as possible and the great work that Vicki Landers and her team does with that organization. As I was reflecting on some of the comments made by Councilmembers Domb and Johnson earlier, I just took a time to just kind of look through some of my old e-mails and information about the real work and leadership that this legislative body has done really to help small businesses. We know a lot more needs to be done, but I wanted to thank Council President Clarke and Councilmember Maria Quinones-Sanchez back in March 12th of this year for the $85 million transfer ordinance, and of that Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 ordinance, $7 million was dedicated to the Philadelphia COVID Small Business Relief and Grant Fund. I believe just based on my work with both the National League of Cities and Pennsylvania Municipal League and Democratic Municipal Officials probably one of the first, if not the first, initiative by a legislative body in this country to help small businesses. Remember, March 12th was a week before we actually had the full lockdown or the beginning of the lockdown here in the City of Philadelphia and also around the nation. And out of that $7 million, it went to a total of about $13 million, another 2 million from Commerce and a couple other million dollars raised from private sources, to help small businesses, and within the first 15 days of that grant process being open, we at the City received 7,200 applications, representing $146 million. So this was an initiative Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 work of this body to create a fund to help small businesses well before the Payroll Protection Program and even before some of the initiatives at the state level. And then throughout the summer working with Councilmember Squilla, we had hearings in the joint Finance and Commerce and Economic Development Committee, and then we also learned that over the summer that Governor Wolf and Senator Hughes and I know Councilmember Parker, our Majority Leader, helped pull together a number of us on calls to talk about that initiative of $225 million helping small businesses, and we implored the City to provide additional dollars to help in that regard. When we continued having hearings September 30th, we heard from Jim Burnett and Dan Betancourt.
Many people know Jim Burnett from the West Philadelphia Financial Services Institution and Dan Betancourt is the CEO Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 Fund, and they are both part of a CDFI network. And what they informed us during that September 30th hearing that was a joint Finance and Commerce and Economic Development Committee hearing is that we needed to put in additional money to help small businesses to augment the money that Councilmember Parker told us about as well as Senator Hughes to provide some additional resource to help small businesses here in the City of Philadelphia. We learned that Montgomery County put in $10 million, Pittsburgh had put in $20 million, and we still were just at that $7 million threshold, and in a period later the Administration put in initially 20 and then another $10 million of CARES dollars following up with some of the issues that I and other members of Council as well as the CDFI advocates made to help small businesses. And I know that throughout this Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 year, Councilmember Domb had legislation that we adopted in reference to sidewalk sales. Councilmember Isaiah Thomas focused on local bid preferences to help small businesses during COVID. Councilmember Jones, through his longtime work in talking about small businesses, introduced a resolution for hearings on safe reopening for small businesses. And I know that Councilmember Domb as well as Councilmember Johnson have been bringing together restaurants to talk about these issues, how they've been impacted by these issues. And then just this week we had a Finance Committee hearing and we were having some questions about relief measures, and in my office Frank Iannuzzi and I reached out to the Revenue Commissioner asking what about some relief on use and occupancy tax, and we were set to meet with the Revenue Commissioner and then we learned a few days later that the Administration was Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 relief on use and occupancy, because many of our restaurants are not using all of the space that they are leasing because of these measures. So I just want to take a few moments to kind of give some of that perspective and thank this body for the work that you've been doing for small businesses. And despite all the challenges that we are seeing, small businesses are still opening. This past Saturday in Councilmember Bass's district a young entrepreneur by the name of Tina Dixon Spence, a graduate of Central High School -- sorry, Kathy -- Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson, but a graduate of Central High School and Spelman College opened up a retail boutique at Emlen and Mount Pleasant called Buddha Babe, and she's been in business for 2014 but decided to open up her storefront business on Small Business Saturday in spite of all the challenges that are Stated Meeting December 3, 2020 the pandemic and the challenges for small businesses. So I just wanted to take a few moments as I was reflecting on the comments made by Councilmember Domb and Johnson and give some perspective on just really quickly -- because I'm sure there's a lot of other things that this body has done in reference to small businesses that I have not had a chance to mention, but just a quick recitation of some things that I remember that this body has done regarding small businesses, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to help all the small businesses get through this global pandemic that has also been an economic crisis in our city. Thank you, Council President.