Stated Meeting, October 17, 2024

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, October 17, 2024 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS 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 ELIZABETH McCOLLUM NAZARIO, INTERIM CHIEF CLERK

Good morning, everyone. Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)

I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of City Council is present. This Council is now coming to order. Will all members please take your seats. All visitors please retire to your seats outside the rails. And before proceeding, I will ask all those present to please place your cell phones on silent or vibrate and please take any sidebar conversations outside of the Council chambers. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair has the distinct honor and privilege of recognizing the Reverend Mark Tyler of the historical African American Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal today as the guest of Councilmember Landau. I will ask all members and guests to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests and visitors rise.) REV.

Morning. (Morning.) REV.

Let us pray. The hymn writer penned the words God of grace, God of glory on thy people, pour thy power. He went on to write later, Grant us courage, grant us wisdom for the facing of this hour. Grant us courage, grant us wisdom for the facing of this hour. This is our prayer for this Philadelphia City Council on this day. Grant them courage, grant them wisdom for the facing of this hour. For God in this hour, we find ourselves tested once again. hour, democracy is literally on the ballot. It's filled our people with so much anxiety as some try to roll back the hands of time and even go as far as to threaten the use of the American military against dissenting American citizens. We need you in this hour. In this hour even locally we need you for there are far too many parents who wake up this morning grieving the loss of a child due to gun violence. We need you in this hour to fill us with grace, with courage, with wisdom for we need a comprehensive new vision of public safety that goes beyond throwing people away and tossing away the key. In this hour, God, someone is literally sleeping outside as the temperatures dip close to freezing. We need you in this as visitors that come to our city who don't have the luxury of flying in or taking Amtrak but on Greyhound buses and can't find a warm place to rest. We need you in this hour. We need moral development that finds a way to develop and not displace existing communities. We need you, God, because someone still lives even in this city in fear of racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia. And then in this hour on this special day, we pause in these chambers to recognize victims of domestic violence. And so, those of us who are standing need the courage to confront even our loved ones who are often the perpetrators to bring an end to this disease. And so, God, now in this hour give our Council President, give every District Councilmember, Council, every staff member, every intern, every volunteer and, in fact, every citizen in this city that we love so much the courage and wisdom to face, to meet and to excel in this hour. Finally, God, help us to see as you see. Expose the myth and lie of scarcity, that there's only so much to go around. Expose it by showing us instead your infinite abundance and possibility. Let your abundance fall in this city until every child has a quality seat in every school, public charter or private. Let your abundance fall until every citizen has a livingwage job and everyone has a roof overhead and a refrigerator that is full, that everyone has a retirement that is fully-funded, that everyone has health care. In fact, God, let your abundance fall so much that every neighborhood looks like Chestnut Hill, that every neighborhood looks like Society Hill, that every neighborhood looks like Rittenhouse Square. Let that abundance fall and then we'll give your name the praise. Send your name that we ask it all. Amen. (Amen.)

The Chair thanks the Reverend Mark Tyler for his invocation. Council will now be at ease. (Council at ease.)

The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting on Thursday, October 10th of 2024. The Chair recognizes

Good morning. Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October 10th, 2024 be approved.

It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, October the 10th of 2024 stand approved. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is request for leaves of absence. And the Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson.

Thank you, Council President. On behalf of the Majority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilmember Young.

The Chair thanks the Councilmember. Leave will be granted. The Chair recognizes Minority Leader Brooks.

There are no leaves of absence today, Council President.

The Chair thanks the Councilmember. The Chair now recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson for a motion regarding certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's session of Council and that were not listed on the Calendar circulated prior to today's

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, amendments to bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or re-called from the Mayor, amendments to bills re-called from the Mayor, 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 bill or resolution on or returning a bill or resolution from the that is not listed on today's Calendar. The purpose of this motion is to provide the public with notice concerning possible 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 matters stated by Councilmember Majority Leader 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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in chambers 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 to the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to come again. The Chair also recognizes the presence of Councilmember Mark Squilla. At this time the Chair recognizes Deputy Whip Councilmember Cindy Bass who will present a resolution honoring and recognizing the distinguished Waller on his 30th Pastoral Anniversary and loyal and dedicated service to God, his church, humanity and the city of Philadelphia. Would Reverend Dr. Alyn Waller and those accompanying him please join the Councilmember at the podium. Joining Councilmember Bass will be Councilmember Nina Ahmad, Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson, Councilmember O'Neill, Minority Deputy Whip O'Rourke, Councilmember Phillips, Minority Deputy Leader Councilmember Brooks, Councilmember Thomas, Majority Whip -(Everybody.)

No, that ain't everybody. And also, Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier. We can begin. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. Well, good morning, everyone. Thank you so much for being here today. And it's really truly an honor for me to be able to present this to my pastor, really everybody's pastor, Pastor Alyn E. Waller. And also, I wanted to take a moment really quickly to recognize Sister Ellyn Jo Waller. The two of them have really been so significant in the lives of so many Philadelphians, including myself, and not just as advisors on a spiritual level but on every level and every aspect of being, Pastor Waller has given and given and given of himself. And last night I was listening to an interview with the late great Howard Thurman. And he was being interviewed, and this was probably like in the '70s or so. And so, he credited his entire who he never knew his name, never really knew, period. He was a young man preparing to go off to college who needed fare for his belongings, was at the train station, didn't have fare. This is at the turn of the century, around then. He didn't have fare. And he as a young man was sitting sort of to the side distressed, crying, upset. And when a stranger walking down the train tracks approached and said, why are you crying? And he said, I don't have the fare for my belongings. I'm not going to be able to go to college. And so, this stranger paid the fare and kept on walking. And he told the story 60 years later. And he credited his entire life's work to a stranger, someone who he didn't know, someone to. And so, I thought about that this morning and I thought about the impact you can have on someone's life that you don't know. And Pastor Waller has had such a profound impact on so many lives of so many people that he does not know. And so, I'm going to ask you to really give him a round of applause and thanks for all that he has done -(Applause.)

-- for this city and for so many. And so, we have a citation or a resolution which reads, Honoring and recognizing Reverend Dr. Alyn E. Waller on his 30th Pastoral Anniversary and his loyal and dedicated service to God, his church, humanity and the community.

Whereas, Dr. Alyn E. Waller was Baptist Tabernacle Baptist Church, a historic Black church located in Germantown section of Philadelphia on July 3, 1994 and was installed as a Senior Pastor on September 11, 1994; and

Whereas, under Dr. Waller's leadership Enon's congregation grew tremendously so that by July of 2006, the substantial number of congregants necessitated the development of a new 34-acre campus on in East Mt. Airy. The new campus included a 5000-seat sanctuary, a family life center, athletic field that accommodated numerous youth ministries, including cheerleading -- which my daughter was one -- football, basketball, baseball, track and soccer. COUNCILWOMAN GILMORE RICHARDSON: And whereas, the church which now serves over 15,000 members became a church in two locations -(Applause.)

-- with worship services in both sites and establishment of key community programs, with nearly 100 innovative ministries and partnerships, including educational and humanitarian initiatives and critical health screenings. During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Dr. Waller partnered with the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium to offer free testing for thousands of people on Enon's parking lot and then administered vaccinations at the church as well; and

Whereas, Dr. Waller gathered various religious backgrounds and community affiliations to establish a men's ministry offering a perceptible presence and positive influence in Philadelphia's neighborhoods; and

Whereas, Dr. Waller's outreach extends far beyond the walls of the church through the local and international community activism, with Enon committing 10 percent of the church's yearly revenue to support diverse community needs within Dr. Allen and Dr. Ellyn's vision leading to the establishment of Enon Tabernacle Western Cape Church in South Africa; and

Whereas, Dr. Waller earned a Bachelor's degree in Music Business, a Master's of Divinity degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Doctor of to Marriage and Family from the Palmer Theological Seminary, and he also holds an Honorary Doctorate from Lincoln University. Dr. Waller is also an alum of the Harvard Business School's program for Leadership Development and a Certified Life Coach, Executive Life Coach by the International Coach Federation; and

Whereas, Dr. Waller prior to being called to lead Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, served as Minister of Music at Canaan Missionary Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky and later accepted the call to pastorship as the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Donora in Pennsylvania; and

Whereas, this year 2024 marks Dr. Alyn Waller and Dr. Ellyn Jo 30-year anniversary at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church that -- we can clap for that. (Applause.)

-which was celebrated on Saturday, September 7, 2024. And it is noted that they continue to lead the largest Black congregation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with distinction and dedication; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that it hereby honors and recognizes Reverend. Dr. Alyn E. Waller on his 30th Pastoral Anniversary and his loyal and dedicated service to God, his church, humanity and the community, and Further Resolve that an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend Dr. Alyn E. Waller as a token of the sincere body. Congratulations, Pastor Waller. (Applause.)

The Chair recognizes Reverend Dr. Alyn E. Waller for remarks. REV.

Let me say thank you to Councilwoman Bass and to all who have come together for this resolution and really to all of you who are here today, to the city of Philadelphia. I thank God for the privilege of serving with you. I call the name of Louise Williams because she helped me get my Philly card. As you know when you're not from Philly and you move to Philly, Philly will let you know you're not from Philly until you get your Philly card, and I thank God because once you're in Philly and of Philly if you're loved by Philly, there's no greater love on the planet than Philadelphia. (Applause.) REV.

So thank you very much for taking these few moments out. I know there's much more business to be done on behalf of the people of Philadelphia, but I'm honored to be a part of that business today. Thank you so very, very much. (Applause.)

Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

The Chair takes a moment of personal privilege to acknowledge the PARENT POWER organization. We ask for them to stand just to acknowledge them for their hard work. Can you stand please? (Applause.)

advocacy and fighting for parents across the city of Philadelphia. At this time the Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass who will present a resolution honoring and recognizing Jaron "Boots" Ennis, the reigning International Boxing Federation World Welterweight Champion for -- y'all can clap. We got a champion in the building. (Applause.)

He's being honored for his outstanding achievements in professional boxing and working in the community. Would those accompanying Jaron "Boots" Ennis and those accompanying him, please join him at the podium. Joining Councilmember Bass will be Councilmember Jim Harrity, Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, O'Rourke, Councilmember Mike Driscoll and Councilmember Nina Ahmad. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)

And if Bud Crawford is out there, the City of Philadelphia want you to know we want all the smoke. Come back down that weight class.

All right, all right, all right. (Applause.)

There it is. Well, good morning, everybody. The champ is here. All right now. (Applause.)

All right now. Okay. We want to thank him for coming out. Philadelphia is a boxing city. Listen, we're -Reverend Waller, we're a praying city and we're a boxing city, so we over this upcoming fight. This fight we have on November 9th, right, at the Wells Fargo. This is going to be exciting. We have a champion here in our midst and we are so excited about it and taking this time and opportunity out to say congratulations in advance. Congratulations on your last fight, but congratulations on your upcoming fight for the victory is at hand. And so, we want to recognize Germantown, 8th District, Germantown's own Brickyard is in the house. Brickyard is in the house. (Applause.)

So we want to recognize our champion and let him know that we've got his back as he prepares to get ready fight here in the city of Philadelphia. And so, we have a resolution recognizing and honoring Jaron "Boots" Ennis, the reigning, reigning International Boxing Federation World Welterweight Champion for his outstanding achievements in professional boxing and his work in the community. Whereas, Jaron "Boots" Ennis was born on June 26th, 1997 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in the Germantown section of the city of Philadelphia; and

And whereas, Jaron Ennis trained in the sport of boxing since he was a young child under the tutelage of his father, professional boxer Derek "Bozy" Ennis, who helped hone his son's talent to become a successful fighter in the world of professional boxing. Jaron's silver and gold medals at the U.S. National Golden Gloves Championships in 2014 and 2015 respectively; and

Whereas, Jaron made his professional debut on April 30th, 2016 with a first-round knockout victory over Cory Muldrew, followed by a string of victories, including wins over Chris Alexander and Marcus Beckford in 2016 and multiple stoppage wins in 2017 and throughout subsequent years; and

Whereas, Jaron continued his success with notable victories over such opponents as Sergey Lipinets and Thomas Dulorme in 2021 and Custio Clayton in 2022. He later claimed the IBF, Interim World Welterweight title in a boxing match against Karen Chukhadzhian in 2023, followed by a successful defense against Roiman Villa in July 2023; and

Whereas, on November 9th, 2023 Jason was awarded the IBF World Welterweight title following the Federation's removal of the previous champion, and he subsequently successfully defended the IBF belt against David Avanesyan on July 13, 2024, winning by technical knockout in the first round; and

Whereas, Jaron with his father are significant role models to young people in their community by providing mentoring and training through their boxing program; and Whereas, Jaron holds the distinction of being the only current World Boxing Champion hailing from the City of Philadelphia; now, therefore, be it (Applause.)

Resolved that the Council of the City of Philadelphia recognizes and honors Jaron "Boots" Ennis, the reigning International Boxing Federation, IBF, World Welterweight Champion for his outstanding achievements in professional boxing and his work in the community; and Further Resolve that an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Jaron "Boots" Ennis as evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. Let's give him a big round of applause, y'all. (Applause.)

The Chair recognizes Jaron Ennis "Boots" and Mike Wise.

Well, I want to thank everybody for coming. I want to thank the City, you know, for getting behind me and backing me. November 9th I can't wait to put on a show and win in a dominating fashion and another knockout. And I got more belts to get. I'm trying to be undisputed. (Applause.)

Hey, how y'all doing. I'm Mike Wise. I'm just here to talk about his father and Boots knowing him since he was about 4 years old, and his father being like a father to me and everybody in my neighborhood. I mean, we honoring this man and his son for not just what they bring to the table in the boxing world but what they also bring to my community. I mean, I can tell you like me being young, 12 years old, me and my friends running up in the gym, in the dungeon. It was called the dungeon. It was a real hard gym, like chasing chickens-like gym. So we in the gym and he'd come get us all the time and let us spar and do our thing. And then one day when I got a little older he seen me walking down the street and I got into a street fight. And he pulled me out the streets and brought me back to the gym and then started bringing up all my friends that was troubled on the streets, and then he brought my son up. And my son is a professional fighter because of this man. And Boots, it's a little story a lot of people don't know. Like when he was a child it was like a Goku thing with me. If y'all don't know what that's about, the Goku thing. His mother was like Bulma and his father was Goku super saying son that like watched the father. The father, he was that with the hands. And then he had another son, Pooh, he was that with the hands. Then he had another son Farah, and you seen Farah was that with the hands. And then we seen this one come up, but he was never allowed to come to the gym and box because his mother always made sure that he had his school work first. And I'm talking about for years we didn't see him. But this is our champion of the world now, Philadelphia's own bringing light to our city in the honor of his father Bozy Derek Ennis. Let's bring it together. (Applause.)

Thank you. And I just wanted to also recognize Simon One-Punch Carr everybody know from, from -- what you from? You're not from Germantown. (Everywhere.)

Mr. Everywhere.

It's always a pleasure to come here, man. And, City Council, thank you for having me, Philadelphia. We here to celebrate a champion. I watched him since he was a little kid develop into a real champion, not just a professional champion in the ring, but a people champion that represent Philadelphia. This is what it's all about. Bozy, he's been like a father figure to me ever since I was coming up. Pooh and Farah, they like brothers to me. Although I'm from a different section of the city, they like my cousins. So they always protect me on the opposite side of the world. And to the Wells Fargo, I protect them so it's like a reciprocity, you know. I mean, we have this joint camaraderie, and it's always good to see everybody connected and coming together. And I owe it to this man because he's bringing fights back to Philadelphia, and we getting everybody unified and connected and it's not segregated no more. So give a round of applause to Jaron "Boots" Ennis. (Applause.)

Thank you, Cindy Bass, for having me. I wouldn't even really be here if it wasn't for her, Councilman -- Council President Johnson as well as Curtis Jones, Jr. We get ready to put on a citywide tournament all around the city of Philadelphia. We want to kick this off. We going to always honor the champs that come going to keep this homegrown base going, continuing on and on and on. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

Thank you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

At this time the Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks who will present a resolution declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness this month in the City of Philadelphia. Would Maritza Padua and those accompanying her please join the Councilmember at the podium. Joining Councilmember Gil -- joining Councilmember Brooks is Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson, Councilmember Squilla, Quetcy Lozada, Councilwoman Lozada, Harrity, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, Councilmember Rue Landau, Councilmember O'Neill, Councilmember Driscoll, Councilmember Jones, Councilmember O'Rourke and Councilmember Thomas. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)

Thank you, Council President. I want to thank all of my colleagues and staff members who are wearing purple today to demonstrate their support for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As some of you know, I lost my cousin Tiana to domestic violence. About 10 years ago my cousin Tiana recognized that another family was being abused. She noticed her black eye and had the courage to speak to her about it and encourage her to leave an how hard it could be to escape an abuser because she, herself, was trapped in an abusive relationship. A few days later Tiana's abuser murdered her. She was not able to escape her own abuser, but her kindness and courage helped a loved one break free of an abusive relationship that had caused that black eye. And in honor of that kindness and courage and in honor of all survivors trying to break free, I introduced legislation to expand the definition of domestic violence to include coercive control. (Applause.)

Some often ask what is coercive control. It refers to a pattern of abusive behaviors that limits another through manipulation threats or intimidation. Coercive control does not have visible signs like a black eye or bruises, making it even more difficult to identify and stop that abuse. Because of the law we passed in 2021, victims of coercive control are now entitled to the same protections as victims of domestic violence, including taking time off from work to access services and to find housing. I will continue to honor Tiana's memory by fighting for victims of domestic violence, making resources more visible and accessible and ensuring survivors know that they are not alone. Whether we are aware of it or not, all of us know someone who has been impacted by domestic violence. Domestic violence is a it impacts people across the lines of race, class, gender, sexuality and ability. Domestic violence often happens behind closed doors and survivors often face intimidation, threats and shame that prevent them from speaking out. It can be hard to recognize, even harder to talk about. So by declaring October Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we commit to ending the silence surrounding domestic violence and we send a clear message to survivors: We see you, we value you, you are not alone and we are here to help. We have several great partners in this work and we are recognizing and honoring them today. Congresso de Latinos Unidos, Lutheran Settlement House Bilingual Domestic Violence Program, Women in Transition and Women Against Abuse. Many of us in Council are familiar with Women Against Abuse and have advocated for them to receive City funding to continue their important work. Women Against Abuse serves 10,000 Philadelphians each year and provide the City's only domestic violence emergency shelter. They also provide life-saving legal representation for impacted families and served as the lead operator for the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline. I hope today's presentation will serve as a reminder of this critical service Women Against Abuse provides and their dependence and on-timely disbursement of City funds for their daily operating costs. So with that, we'll read our resolution.

As a child domestic violence, this is personal. Whereas, one in three women and one in four men and over half of the LGBTQIA+, over half, will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.

And whereas, domestic violence is not a private family issue. It is a widespread community problem that requires comprehensive community solutions. We must acknowledge this so we can work collectively towards ending domestic violence and creating safe, healthy communities for everyone; and Whereas, each year the Philadelphia Police Department responds to more than 100,000 domestic violence-related calls. However, domestic violence extends far beyond Philadelphia; and

Whereas, domestic violence is a pervasive national issue where every minute 24 people are victims of physical violence, rape or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States. This amounts to more than 12 million people annually and it results in the loss of life for more than four individuals each day; and

Whereas, amidst a time of great division, we are calling for a coming together to prevent intimate partner violence and build a community where every member can thrive; and Whereas, in declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the City of Philadelphia commits to supporting the strong Philadelphia network of advocates, survivors, supporters and organizations working to end a culture that ensures survivors find the help they need; and

Whereas, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is being sponsored locally by Women Against Abuse and Congresso de Latinos Unidos, Lutheran Settlement House's Bilingual Domestic Violence Program and Women in Transition, and through their sponsorship they are encouraging everyone to help to increase the awareness of domestic violence in our homes and communities and to decrease its negative impact on Philadelphia. And in Council, we all remember Linda Rios.

Yes. (Applause.)

And whereas, abuse in Philadelphia's -- Philadelphia's comprehensive domestic violent service provider, touching the lives of 10,000 people each year through emergency shelter, transitional housing, legal services, hotline counseling and community education and advocacy; and

Whereas, Women Against Abuse and its partners Congresso de Latinos Unidos -- I used to work there so I cheated -- Lutheran Settlement House's Bilingual Domestic Violence Program and Women in Transition make up the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Collaborative; and

Whereas, the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Collaborative provides a comprehensive continuum of services to survivors of domestic violence and their families in Philadelphia, housing, legal aid, counseling, medical advocacy and behavioral health services; and Whereas, the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Collaborative provides life-saving resources to victims as well as education and training to the community about domestic violence; and

Whereas, Philadelphia Domestic Violence Collaborative partners with the City of Philadelphia to operate a 24-hour toll-free Philadelphia domestic violence hotline that provides callers with crisis intervention, safety planning and linkage to community resources, including intake into Women Against Abuse's emergency safe havens; and

Whereas, in Fiscal Year 2024, more than 9,739 calls were answered via responses; and

Whereas, to ensure a more holistic approach to addressing violence in our community, the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Collaborative is partnering with the City Administration's Office of Domestic Violence Strategies and over 70 different community stakeholders to implement shared safety, Philadelphia's response to relational violence, a citywide plan to respond to domestic violence in Philadelphia; and Whereas, to support a coordinated community response to domestic violence, the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Collaborative organizations will hold events throughout the month of October to promote awareness about domestic violence and to build community Philadelphians will take a stand against violence; now, therefore, be it

Resolved that the Council of the City of Philadelphia declares and recognizes October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia. Further Resolved, that an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the representatives of Women Against Abuse, Congresso de Latinos Unidos, Lutheran Settlement House Bilingual Domestic Violence Program and Women in Transition as a sincere expression of City Council's gratitude and appreciation for and commendation for raising the public awareness regarding domestic violence. Thank you. (Applause.)

We would like Maritza to come and

The Chair recognizes Martiza Padua for remarks. But let's back up. Can we give them a real big round of applause first. (Applause.)

Very important topic, very serious topic. Ms. Padua, the floor is yours.

Good morning, everyone. My name is Maritza Padua. I am the Vice-president of Policy and Strategic Initiatives at Women Against Abuse. On behalf of Women Against Abuse, our sister agencies Congresso de Latinos Unidos, Lutheran Settlement House, Women in Transition, our DV community partners such as Madre de Tierra, Love Shouldn't Hurt, Dos Puentos, and the survivors especially of domestic violence we serve, I want to thank Councilmember Brooks and all of City Council for recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Philadelphia. For more than 48 years, Women Against Abuse and its partners have led Philadelphia's response to domestic violence. We are the safe, welcoming shelter that parents run to with their children when their homes become danger zones. We are the team of experienced, caring attorneys who help victims navigate the complicated court system successfully. We are the understanding hotline counselor who answers the phone at 3:00 a.m. and tells the person whispering on the other end that they are not alone. We are the community educators who are teaching 6th graders and 8th signs of abuse so they can pursue healthy relationships and break intergenerational cycles of domestic violence. We are the volunteers handing out hotline cards at resource fairs in communities most heavily impacted by gun violence. We are the ones hugging those who weep in grief after losing their mother, sister, cousin or friend to an abusive ex. We are the ones working with first responders to create a more effective response to the 100,000 911 calls that are made each year for domestic violence. We are the front lines in Philadelphia's movement to end intimate partner violence. We fulfill a critical and life-saving role and we need your help to keep the safety net healthy and strong. We need City government's attention, action, funding to ensure the doors remain open and the lights remain on. Amid a time of division, transition and a difficult fundraising landscape, of course I had to mention that, we must work together in unison to ensure Philadelphians who are trapped in abusive relationships receive the safe escape and support they deserve. While today is an important day to officially recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month, our city is only as strong as the weakest among us, and your commitment is essential to ensure the well-being of some of Philadelphia's most vulnerable. I thank you for proclaiming October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Philadelphia and I urge you to put your advocacy into but all yearlong because your communities are counting on us and we are counting on you. Thank you. (Applause.)

Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications in her possession.

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 dispose of 666 and 674 Union Street; 3842, 3844, 3851 and 3855 Aspen Street; 747 North 39th Street; 3902, 3903 and 3906 Brown Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms in Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 2750 Amber Street; 2850 Amber Street; 2041 East Auburn Street; 2730 Emerald Street; 2762, 2787 Emerald Street; 2730 Frankford Avenue in the 1st Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1520-40 Venango Street and 1600-20 Venango Street in the 8th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 23, 24, 45, 49, 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 62, 65, 67, 73, 75, 77, 78, 89 through 91 and 106 East Ashmead Street in the 8th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of the Philadelphia Code; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2407, 2409, 2411, 2413, 2415, 2439, 2441, 2443, 2445 and 2447 North 6th Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 32 North 58th Street in the 4th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment simple title to 1118 North 39th Street; 3864 Pennsgrove Street; 4701 Sansom Street in the 3rd Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 713 North 35th Street; 719 South 54th Street; 711 North Preston Street; 713 North Preston Street; 710 Wiota Street; 726, 730, 732, 736 Wiota Street; 3518 Wallace Street; 5234 Walnut Street; 5039 Market Street; 5045 5047 Market Street; 4222 Powelton Street; and 1115 North 41st Street in the 3rd Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1212 South 17th Street; 1317 and 1511 South 20th Street; 1904 South 23rd Street; 1216 South 31st Street; 1911 Gerritt Street; 1932 and 2044 Titan Street located in the 2nd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to various properties located in the 3rd Councilmanic District, including on the following streets: South 44th Street and Ludlow Street pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to 1517 West Stiles Street and 1518 West Stiles Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank a deed conveying title to 2351 South

OF BILLS Beulah Street located in the 1st Councilmanic District pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act. There are no more communications in my possession, Council President.

Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips.

Good morning. Thank you, Council President. Good morning, Philadelphia and colleagues. Today we have no bills or resolutions for introduction today.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson.

Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Today I offer four non-privileged resolutions on your behalf.

Will the Clerk please read the titles of the non-privileged resolutions.

A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 2741 Latona Street, 2743 Latona Street and 1329 South 15th Street in the 2nd Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.

And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title in 1911 Mountain Street in the 2nd Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.

And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 1329 South 15th Street in the 2nd Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.

And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 1501-17 Point Breeze Avenue in the 2nd Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.

Thank you, Council President. Today I have one privileged resolution and one non-privileged resolution on your behalf.

Thank you very much. Will the Clerk please -

I think -- sorry. Today I have one non-privileged resolution and one privileged resolution on your behalf.

Thank you. Will the Clerk please read the titles of the privileged and non-privileged resolutions.

A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to various properties located in the 3rd Councilmanic District including on the following streets: South 44th Street and Ludlow Street pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the creation of a Special Committee on Gun Violence Prevention to address Philadelphia's enduring plague of gun violence by facilitating coordination among stakeholders and formulating a comprehensive gun violence prevention strategy.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas.

Morning, Council President. I have two resolutions, two privileged resolutions today. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Will the Clerk please read the titles of the privileged resolutions.

A privileged resolution calling on Philadelphia residents to register to vote before the upcoming election deadline of Monday, October 21st.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Alan Horwitz, the Philadelphia 76ers "Sixth Man" and superfan on the occasion of his induction to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. (Applause.)

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one bill on your behalf along with Member Young and two non-privileged resolutions.

Thank you very much. Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bill and the non-privileged resolutions.

An ordinance authorizing and directing the changing of the name of Taney Street to LeCount Street, from West Toronto Street to West Sommerset Street, from Ridge Avenue to Cecil B. Moore Avenue, from Master Street to Aspen Street, from Pine Street to Bainbridge Street, from Catherine Street to Christian Street, from Dickinson Street to Morris Street and authorizing and directing the changing of the name Taney Terrace, from Point Breeze Avenue to Jackson Street to LeCount Terrace, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a non-privileged resolution renaming the 400 block of Krams Avenue to "Jack Wheeler Way," in recognition of his outstanding services to the Roxborough community and his role in the formation of the Roxborough Development Corporation.

This resolution will be placed in the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.

And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 32 North 58th Street in the 4rth Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.

Good morning, Council President, colleagues. I have one privileged resolution today.

Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.

A privileged resolution honoring and celebrating the exemplary career of the Reverend Dr. Mark K. Tyler.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Will the Clerk please read -- will the -- the Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.

Good morning, Council President. Today I offer one non-privileged resolution.

Will the Clerk please read the title of the non-privileged resolution.

A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 532 West Dauphin Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada -- the Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks.

Good morning, Council President. I have one privileged resolution to introduce today.

Will the Clerk please read the privileged resolution.

A privileged resolution honoring and celebrating Quibila A. Divine and The EARTHS, Inc. for 30 years of uplifting and nurturing parent-student relationships, and for working to support parental involvement in the education of their children. (Applause.)

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.

Council President, I have no bills or resolutions today.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke.

Thank you, Mr. President. I do have one resolution on your behalf.

Thank you very much. Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.

A non-privileged resolution calling on the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to adopt House Bill 1756 of the 2023-2024 session which would expand voting access and education in prisons.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll.

Mr. President, no bills or resolutions today.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Neill.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill and two non-privileged resolutions.

Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bill and the non-privileged resolutions.

An ordinance amending Chapter 9-4100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Promoting Healthy Families and Workplaces," to modify the manner in which certain leave benefits are administered during a pandemic or epidemic and making technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 2750 and 2850 Amber Street; 2041 East Auburn Street; 2730 Emerald Street; 2762 Emerald Street; 2787 Emerald Street; 2730 Frankford Avenue in the 1st Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council.

And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deed conveying fee simple title to 2351 South Beulah Street located in the 1st Councilmanic District pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two non-privileged resolutions.

Thank you very much. Will the Clerk please read the titles of the non-privileged resolutions.

A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1520-40 Venango Street and 1600-20 Venango Street in the 8th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.

And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 23, 24, 45, 49, 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 62, 65, 67, 73, 77, 75, 77, 78, 89 through 91 and 106 East Ashmead Street in the 8th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.

placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad.

Thank you, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.

Thank you. The next order of business is the reports from the Committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mark Squilla for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilmember Young, the Committee on Streets and Services reports 15 bills with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.

The Committee on Streets and Services to which were referred the following bills: 240613, an ordinance amending Chapter 12-1100 ("Miscellaneous Regulations and Penalties") and Chapter 12-2800 ("Administrative Adjudication of Parking Violations") of The Philadelphia Code, making revisions to disability parking space standards and procedures, creating an application process for residential disability parking spaces, limited for use by a specific person with a disability, creating a new administrative hearing process and amending applicable penalties. 240748, an ordinance legalizing an existing flood wall 2400 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240749, an ordinance amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Traffic Code," to add provisions related to parking prohibitions in specific places and to change certain penalties related thereto, all under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240813, an ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Designation of Bicycle Lanes," to authorize a bicycle lane on Woodland Avenue from Chester Avenue to South 42nd Street and make associated changes to parking regulations within the same limits, all under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 240814, an regulation on Hadfield Street between South 45th Street and South 53rd Street; South 58th Street between Chestnut Street and Ludlow Street; Carpenter Street between South 60th Street and South 61st Street; Lindbergh Boulevard between Grays Street and South 54th Street; Ludlow Street between South 44th Street and South 43rd Street; South 59th Street between Market Street and Chestnut Street; Melville Street between Kingsessing Avenue and Woodland Avenue; Chester Avenue between South 54th Street and St. Bernard Place; Rodman Street between South 58th Street and South 57th Street; Chancellor Street between South 53rd Street and South 52nd Street; and Bill No. 240815, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on North 42nd Street Powelton Avenue; North 42nd Street between Powelton Avenue and Baring Street; Brandywine Street between North 42nd Street and North 41st Street; Poplar Street between North 41st Street and Cambridge Street; Cambridge Street between North 40th Street and North 41st Street; North 31st Street between North Fairmount Avenue and Wallace Street; Mantua Avenue between Fairmount Avenue and North 34th Street; Spruce Street between South 63rd Street and South 62nd Street; and Markoe Street between Linmore Street and Woodland Avenue; and Bill No. 240816, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Sloan Street between Powelton Avenue and Baring Street; Mount Vernon Street between North 37th Street and North 38th Street; North 42nd Street between Spring Street; North 37th Street between Brandywine Street and Spring Garden Street; North 37th Street between Fairmount Avenue and Mount Vernon Street; Spring Garden Street between North 41st Street and North 42nd Street; Lindenwood Street between Arch Street and Race Street; Sansom Street between South 59th Street and South 60th Street; Wallace Street between North 34th Street and North 35th Street; and Bill No. 240818, an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of North 50th Street and Wynnfield Avenue, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No.

240819, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Connaroe Street between Lawton Street and Ridge Avenue; Lauriston Street between Avenue; Maris Street between Jannette Street and Henry Avenue; Cresson Street between Dawson Street and Salaignac Street; Terrace Street between Dawson Street and Salaignac Street; Terrace Street between Roxborough Avenue and Lofty Street; Manor Street between East Street and Hermit Street; Jamestown Street between Manayunk Avenue and Terrace Street; Herman Street between Terrace Street and Cresson Street; Lofty Street between Terrace Street and Boone Street. Bill No. 240820, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Bryn Mawr Avenue between Parkside Avenue and Gainor Road; Overbrook Avenue between Lancaster Avenue and South 63rd Street; Robinson Street between Market Street and Arch Street; Robinson Street between Master Avenue; Edgewood Street between Race Street and Vine Street; Bryn Mawr Avenue between Wynnfield Avenue and Gainor Road; South 62nd Street between Market Street and Arch Street; Dupont Street between Silverwood Street and Wilde Street; Smick Street between Dupont and Green Lane; Manor Street between Hermit Street and Salaignac Street; and Bill No. 240821, an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Wiley Street between Perkiomen Street and Cameron Street; Cecil B. Moore Avenue between North 29th Street and North 30th Street; Vineyard Street between Ridge Avenue and Leland Street; Vineyard Street between Leland Street and Poplar Street; Thompson Street between North 27th Street and North 26th Street; Dover Street between B. Moore Avenue; Perkiomen Street between North Wiley Street and Vineyard Street; Master Street between North 20th Street and North 19th Street; Ingersoll Street between North 23rd Street and North 22nd Street; Ingersoll Street between 26th Street and Taney Street; and Bill No. 240822, an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Richmond Street between Marlborough Street and Columbia Avenue; Montgomery Avenue between Girard Avenue and Wildey Street; Ogden Street between Camac Street and North 12th Street; Leithgow Street between George Street and Cambridge Street; 12th Street between Allegheny Street and Sedgley Avenue; Diamond Street between Marvine Street and North 11th Street; Valley Forge Place and Street, a cul-de-sac; North 19th Street between Montgomery Avenue and Berks Street; 8th Street between Westmoreland and Ontario Street; and Bill 240824, an ordinance authorizing the relocation of the curblines of Watts Street from Pine Street to a point northwardly therefrom on City Plan 308 and the plotting on said City Plan of an area for public pedestrian use, extending along the westerly side of said Watts Street and authorizing acceptance of the grant to the City of said area for public pedestrian use, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation; and Bill No. 240647, an ordinance amending Title 12 of The Code, entitled "Traffic Code," to prohibit stopping standing or parking a vehicle in a bicycle lane and increase monetary penalties for illegally stopping, standing or parking a vehicle in a bicycle lane, all under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No.

240812, an ordinance amending Section 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Farmers Markets," by adding a permissible location on Point Breeze Avenue, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. There are no further bills to report out from the Committee on Streets and Services, Council President.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla for a motion.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move the rules of Council be suspended from the first reading of this day the bills just read into the record by the Clerk. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of Bill Nos. 240613, 240657, 240748, 240749, 240812, 240813, 240814, 240815, 240816, 240818, 240819, 240820, 240821, 240822 and 240824 just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a report from the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.

The Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless to which was referred the following bill: Bill No. 240823, an ordinance amending Chapter 9-800 ("Landlord and Tenant") to add prohibitions and penalties related to anti-competitive rental practices, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. There are no further bills to report out from the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless, Council President.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion.

you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading this day of the bill just read into the record by the Chief Clerk. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of Bill No. 240823 just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. This bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for 2ND READING today. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committees with the suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for the next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars.

Thank you, Mr. President. The following bills and resolutions are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 240894, 240895, 240896, 240897, 240904, 240909, 240910, 240911, 240912, 240913, 240655, 240660, 240663, 240667 and 240422. The following bills and resolutions on the Calendar are being held: 240724, 240887, 240915, 240916, 240242, 240427, 240304. Thank you.

Thank you. Before considering these bills and resolutions, 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. Hasson at the table 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 each will have three minutes to speak. However, this time may limit from very -this time limit may vary from session-to-session. Today the time limit will be two minutes. In order to be fair to those who are wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the two-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 two minutes have passed, the light will turn red and the Sergeant-at-Arms will disconnect the microphone. At that point please yield the podium to the next speaker if you have not already done so. I also reserve the right pursuant to the rules of our Council to limit the repetitious comments on the same subject matter. I will now ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.

May Kate Perez make their way to the podium along with Ali Naganuma, Shamar Pitts and Gary Andress. Kate Perez, Ali Naganuma, Shamar Pitts, then Gary Andress, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Hello, everybody. My name is Ali Naganuma and I'm here along with my fellow clowns -- hey, clowns -- to proudly support Bill 240655 which would give additional tax breaks to HilcO's Bellwether District. For all of you who don't know, that's the former South Philly oil refinery land that was the largest polluter in the city for 150 years until those pesky environmental justice activists raised such a fuss. Okay. Well, there was cancer and asthma and the explosion almost killed everybody in the city, but, hey, we're still here, right, no problem. Anyhoo, thank you to everybody for joining us for today's show. Halloween came early this year. City Council presents an environmental justice horror show. We clowns were so inspired and felt really deeply connected to all of the absurdity put on here today by City Council, Hilco, the Mayor, the DEP and the EPA, so we wanted to come out to celebrate this truly momentous occasion. Thanks to our leaders today marks a successful shut-out of the environmental justice community surrounding the old oil refinery site and all of their silly little concerns about the future of their health, you know, their housing security and their families. You know, it is just so fun to play around with people's lives. Can we get a round of applause for that. Yeah. (Applause.)

We are just so enthusiastic about achieving a second round of tax breaks for Hilco before there has been any City Council hearing on this redevelopment project as a whole. Whoa, can you say efficiency. And no annoying public input on the plan for 12 million square feet of warehousing. That will bring a whopping 10,000 trucks per day through our neighborhoods. Thank goodness y'all squashed any of that clean air talk. It is fantastic that City Council and all of our environmental protection agencies don't even care that Hilco plans to raise their site above the floodplain and doesn't account for any increased flooding impacts on nearby neighborhoods. Out of -- oh my gosh, and the cherry on top. I almost forgot. How you even figured out how to avoid giving the community a legally binding Community Benefits Agreement, which was promised to us back in 2020 when you got the first round of tax breaks. The way that Hilco just wrote up some community benefits commitments that nobody can even hold Hilco accountable to, that's so awesome. It's just a truly celebratory day. In closing, we clowns would love to nominate Council President Kenyatta Johnson and CEO of Hilco, Roberto Perez, to the Board of the Clowning Society of Philadelphia to celebrate their leadership and their commitment to not one inch of environmental justice. So congratulations to you all. We're so proud to call you one of our own. (Applause.)

Will the Chief Clerk please call the next speaker.

Shamar Pitts, Gary Andress. And may Wayne Miller also make their way to the podium.

Good afternoon. I got to follow up -- oh, I'm sorry. My name is Shamar Pitts. And I'm a lifelong resident of Grays Ferry in South Philadelphia. And I have to follow up the presentation by our clown friends, but I do want to reiterate that this is very serious. It's not a joke. So we have an opportunity here in our city with the largest redevelopment in our history to actually make a change. And I would like to say I'm proud of the change that has been made by our leadership and City Council, including our Council President Kenyatta Johnson, with gun violence going down 40 percent. (Applause.)

This is huge. And right now when I see this development I see that we have opportunity we can stomp this thing out 100 percent and make it happen, but we have to be serious. We have to be serious about it. We can't put the people second. And in our society the people normally come second. And in this situation it is an example of the people coming second. And the people come second because we have built, we have built a system where a person like our Council President is responsible for this development taking place in his District. He's responsible for that. So if anything goes wrong with that, he'll be graded as being a failure. So this is the reason why the pressure is put on our City officials, but we got to stand up. We got to stand up for the people. We have to. We cannot give tax breaks and promises of all these lucrative things to corporations before considering the citizens of the city. We just can't do that. (Applause.)

And in this situation we all want redevelopment here. We want this redevelopment to be the best that it can be. But at the same time, all of the things that's wrong with our society and our community, we want to correct those things while we have the opportunity to do so. And I want -- yes, I'm wrapping it up right now. I'm wrapping it up. I want our community members and our residents to be held accountable for fixing these problems. But I also want a CBA so both sides can be held accountable in fixing these issues. I want to be held accountable. I want my community to be held accountable and I want Hilco to be held accountable. And the only way we can be held accountable is if we have a bonding agreement that we both want to be held accountable. And that's what we want. And that's why the clowns are here and this is serious. It ain't no joke. Thank you. (Applause.)

We have Gary Andress, Wayne Miller and also Lynette Sutton, make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good morning. My name is Gary Andress. I'm the Assistant Business Manager for Steamfitters Local Union 420. Local 420 is committed to supporting efforts to revitalize Philadelphia in order to attract new business and new employment opportunities for our members and our all residents. For this reason Steamfitters Local 420 strongly supports Bill No. 240655. The development of the former PES Refinery into the Bellwether District is a transformational opportunity for the trades and for our city. With a development timeline of more than 10 years, this project provides job opportunities for our members as well as a training ground for apprentices and journey workers. Over 2,000 union workers have already been employed at the project site, with the total projected to be over 20,000 at full build. Opportunities for site work will accelerate with the pace of the development, which is one of the many reasons we support this legislation. HRP Group, the developer of the Bellwether District is committed to diversifying and expanding the labor workforce pipeline, a commitment we share also at our Local. Through their Economic Opportunity Plan, the participation in voluntary workforce development programs, HRP is facilitating pathways for local students to get exposed to careers in the trades and the pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs that we offer. The Local is proud to partner with HRP to bring the Bellwether District to life with local union labor and urge the City Council to pass this legislation today. Thank you. (Applause.)

My name is Wayne Miller. I'm the President of the Philadelphia Building Trades. Council President Johnson and City Councilmembers, thank you for considering the testimony of Laborers District Council of Philadelphia supporting Bill No. 240655. Again, my name is Wayne Miller and I'm the President of Philadelphia Building Trades. We work to secure family-supporting wages, safe working conditions, quality benefits, quality of life, essential for members of the Building Trades in Philadelphia. The Bellwether District in South and Southwest Philadelphia is a generational opportunity to create tens of thousands of familysustaining jobs right here in our city. The development is projected to create over 20,000 construction-related jobs for union workers. Our members are at work on the site every day, transforming nearly 2 percent of the city. The City Council supports for measures to responsibly increase the speed of development means more opportunities for our members, which is why the Building Trades strongly support Bill No. 240655. Additionally, HRP Group, the developers of the Bellwether District, has demonstrated a strong commitment to expanding and diversifying the workforce pipeline in Philadelphia, a commitment we share, for providing direct educational opportunities for the School District of Philadelphia's students at the Bellwether District to funding Community College of Philadelphia scholarships to support pre-apprentice programs with the Building Trades. HRP is a partner for a positive change for our community. In addition to these individual initiatives, HRP has joined with us collaboratively partner of Everybody Builds, an organization dedicated to diversifying Philadelphia construction industry. The Building Trades strongly support Bill No. 240655 and urge the City Council to vote favorably on this legislation today. (Applause.)

Kate Perez. Non-conformities are businesses that are no longer legal and will eventually be shut down by the City. By this definition, Leonardo in O'Neill's District, Day & Zimmerman in Young's District and Ghost Robotics in the President's District must immediately be shut down as they are all violating our Federal Conventional Arms Transfer policies by continuing to supply weapons to Israel despite the knowledge that these weapons will be used to perpetuate more crimes against humanity. Since its creation as a settler colony in 1948, Israel has been guilty of the crime of apartheid and has since been found guilty of torture and sexual and gender-based violence against more than 10,000 Palestinian civilian hostages who are being held in well-documented torture camps with at least 1,000 of whom who are children who are subjected to the same well-documented torture as the adults. As a reminder, this cannot be called a war as one of the richest militaries in the world drops bombs on civilians in a country that has no formal military, air force or navy. Our sister city is also the only state in the world that puts children in military courts. Many held in administrative detention, meaning they have committed no crimes. Selling weapons to states that hold children in administrative detention violates our country's Conventional Arms Transfer policy. The youngest hostage released was a 13-year-old boy who was shot, arrested and eventually released with only half of a brain left. I'll be sure to email you all the video later today, but Palestinians started this morning with the Occupation bombing a school in their refugee camp, forced to watch their families burn alive again. That bomb could have been sold to them by Day & Zimmerman right on Spring Garden Street. On March 30, 2018, 30,000 Palestinians protested Israel's blockade at the border wall of the Gaza strip. They continued their nonviolent protests every Friday until December 27th the next year. The Occupation responded by claiming it was a cover for Hamas, releasing tear gas and live ammunitions into the crowd, eventually murdering 223 civilians, wounding 13,000 where a majority were struck by three to five bullets each. Today more than 200,000 Palestinian civilians have been slaughtered and Israel continues its complete blockade of the Gaza strip, has now extended its bombing campaign to Yemen, Syria and Lebanon. Companies in our city are selling these weapons to help kill civilians. It's time for you to call for an arms embargo. Free Palestine. (Applause.)

Good morning, Council President Johnson and members of City Council. My name is Lynette Sutton and I'm the Managing Partner of Girl Concrete, a minority-owned business based in Philadelphia. Our mission is to provide high-quality -- Lynette Sutton. Our mission is to provide high-quality concrete construction services, but we also pride ourselves in an inclusive, diverse and local workforce, men, women, apprentices and returning citizens. I am here today to express my strong support for Bill No. 240655 and urge Councilmembers to vote in favor of the bill's passage today. Girl Concrete is proud to serve as the prime concrete contractor for the first build at the Bellwether District, which represents the largest contract since the founding of our company. Not just crumbs and that is serious. This opportunity has allowed us to build our capacity, grow our workforce and scale our business. HRP's commitment to inclusive practices in construction is evident through their support of firms like ours, Girl Concrete. We are deeply committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce pipeline, and HRP is a valuable partner in that endeavor. We look forward to being on future builds at the Bellwether District as construction progresses. Thank you very much for considering Girl Concrete's testimony in support of Bill No. 240655. (Applause.)

May Anton Moore, Ricky Duncan and Charles Reeves also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good morning, Honorable City Council. Thank you for considering my testimony and support of Bill No. 240655. My name is Ricky Duncan and I'm the CEO and Executive Director of the NOMO Foundation. NOMO is acronyms that stands for New Options More Opportunities and is deeply committed to our mission in providing a safe space for youth and young adults to develop positive life skills and break the cycle of poverty. We believe in nurturing positive outcomes and focusing on what young people need to thrive. Our approach is proactive, moving beyond reacting to problems and needs. Since 2010, NOMO has offered a holistic anti-violence program, including education, job training, counseling and more and empowering our youth for a brighter future, which brings me to my testimony. The Bellwether District development in South and Southwest Philadelphia, that I would like to say that I live in and been living in all my life, is an exciting project that will provide immense opportunity for economic investments in our communities and jobs for our youth, which is why I'm testifying. With more than 19,000 permanent jobs anticipated, including the majority of positions that do not require a college degree, is incumbent on all us to ensure that our youth have the skills they need to succeed. Not everyone is going to be a college graduate. Not everyone has the skills that they need to pass the test to maybe be in a labor union. But given this opportunity, this will open doors for a lot of the young people that I serve. HRP Group, the developer of the Bellwether District, has made inclusive workforce development a priority and it's a collaborative partner for our community events and programs, including sponsoring our youth programing and partner with us to provide resources such as winter coats for our neighbors in need and also offering school supplies when it's time for our young people to go back to school and materials needed for our workforce development training to get our kids ready to go into this development. We are deeply committed to building a brighter future for Philadelphia youth and HRP is a valuable partner in these efforts. Thank you very much for considering this testimony on Bill No. 240655. Thank you. (Applause.)

May Charles Reeves -

My name is Charles Reeves and I'm a resident of Grays Ferry. I want to thank City Council, Mr. President. You're one of ours so you already know us. So I've been listening to both sides. I want to thank the clowns because y'all represent my community, right, and I love y'all, right, and we going to continue to fight. We just got different opinions on how this going to go, but I appreciate y'all. But y'all heard all the stats, y'all heard all the numbers, y'all heard everything, right. I've been doing this for a while, right. My community at one time led this city in killings. Through the work that we've been doing, nobody got shot in two years. That's my priority. My priority is to continue the education part. The school needs the education help. We need the funds. We need everybody working together to ensure that this project -- I'm on that board. I've been on there four and a half years. I listen to -- do I agree with all this stuff? No. Is it transparent enough? No. But I'm there. I'm in the room. I'm listening, right. I know what they trying to do. I just need y'all support to back me and I'm going to continue to fight to make sure we do it. But again, I share my community with two different facets. We have two different opinions, right, on how to go about saving our community. But we love our community. We love our city, right. So we going to continue to work, right, and we just appreciate all the help we get. The number -what's the number, Mr. Lopez? 60-something-something. Go ahead, Mr. Lopez.

Good morning. I'm just going to just go over a little bit of his time. But one thing that Charlie didn't mention is that his father was a longtime advocate on Tasker Street. I have a property on Tasker Street. And the reality of it is that nobody spoke about what the KOZ zone is. First of all, it will stimulate investment in the community. It's about economic development and employment. The reality of it is that this is the opportunity to change the quality of life of the people in this city. All right. And so, you may dress as a clown which makes me think that you symbolize this as a joke. But the reality of it is, is that we're talking about saving people's lives. And you can jump around and play, but the reality is that people are being displaced. Black and Brown people are being displaced from South Philadelphia because of gentrification. This is our opportunity to create apprenticeship jobs, build, get construction jobs, build better housing. You sit here and talk about these bills, but you fight against something and then you just -- you mentioned about the old people who damaged the property but you didn't talk about the people who are remediating the property, you understand. So the reality of it is Hilco has done great things and good things in the community. And you may see them as small things, but we have to start somewhere, right. You can't just say, well, let's just kill it and that's it. No, we have to start somewhere and move forward. So stop all the nonsense. This is not a joke. Take your clown stuff off. Come to the table. And yeah, right, because I want you to represent me. And I'm not a clown and my kids are not a clown. The people who died on the street are not clowns. All right. So -- oh, I'm sorry. Well, they went over their minutes. I should have mine too. I want my senior minutes. All right. But again, God bless this chamber. But the reality of it is we support this bill. This bill should be passed to the better and best interest of the citizens, the youth of this community. Amen. (Applause.)

Wanda Walker. May Ogbonna Hagins -

Morning, beautiful people. My name is Wanda Walker and I always come to talk about generational wealth and houses being stolen in Philadelphia. My biggest concern, number one, are the seniors and how they're being treated. I am going to stay on topic so I'm supposed to mention a bill that I agree with. So I want to say thank you, Councilwoman Rue, for your 240663 it looks like. And, President Johnson, it looks like you're putting something in place where properties are going to be individually looked over before they get sold. I come to City Council every week and it sounds more like an auction. I'm looking at the amount of properties that keep going to the Land Bank. I looked it up. They have over 5,000 properties. They're not being moved. I look at the sheriff's sales and thank God for Rochelle Bilal. It seems like she's not allowing a lot of things to be sold. But the problem is we have to keep people in their homes. There's nothing more affordable than the house your grandmom or granddad was trying to give to you that gets stolen over taxes or water, and it should be something in place with so many properties being exempt that seniors after so many years of paying taxes just don't have to pay taxes anymore. You should not have to apply for a program. So many seniors don't even understand it. We have 10 Districts. Each one of you all represent about 160,000 people in your District. And when you have these little church meetings to help people apply for these LOOP programs and such, you see about 20 people. So come on, you might help maybe 60, 80 people a year out of 160,000 that you represent. And at least 80,000 need some type of tax exemption. This has to stop. You're giving stuff to developers. They build in our neighborhood and the minute they finish, all of our taxes go up and that becomes the next round of people that have to give up their homes. On top of that when you look at all these buildings going up, you can't find not a single community person or Black person on the job and that's the number one thing we need, so this has to stop. (Applause.)

I got you. This has to stop people. You all are our first line of defense. You're supposed to be our representatives, our protectors, and that's what I need you all to do. We don't want any more turkeys, tampons, bookbags or street namings. We need jobs. We need education and we need our seniors to stay in these houses because we're smart enough to know our seniors are our secret sauce. They're the ones that hold most of our wealth. Stop pushing them out of our community. Thank you and I'll see you next week for the next 10 Thursdays. (Applause.)

May Ogbonna Hagins please make his way to the podium. Then Jeremy Blatstein, Khalif Alexander. Then Norman Tookes. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good morning. My name is Ogbonna Hagins. I'm a 4th generation chattel slavery survivor and I'm an American Freedman --

Just one second, sir. Council will be at ease for a second. (Council at ease.)

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.

Thank you, Council President. I'm going to request that a leave of absence be granted as I have to tend to other Council bills. And I would like for the record to be voted aye on all bills and resolutions that will come before the legislative body today.

Leave is granted. Thank you very much.

Yeah. I would like you to just take three minutes to stay here and listen to what I have to say, Councilman --

Absolutely.

-- Thomas.

Oh, okay. Go ahead.

Councilmembers, today you are introducing Bill No. 240660 which aims to amend the Homestead Exclusion by changing the deadline for property designation. This is a step in the right direction. But with that in mind, I am here to call for the establishment of an Office of Freedmen Affairs, a continuation of the Freedmen's Bureau. The Freedmen's Bureau Act of 1866 was never repealed, never declared unconstitutional and never concluded by presidential proclamation. Its provisions remained active and enforceable. Yet the descendants of the emancipated in this city have been left without the protections that is rightfully ours. While Philadelphia has created offices for immigrants, LGBTQ people and others, the American Freedmen, the progeny of the emancipated, chattel slavery survivors who built this city, we don't have an office. How do you as American Freedmen Councilmembers justify that. I had a meeting with Councilmember Harrity before the summer. You promised to introduce this bill. We gave you everything in writing. We're waiting to hear from you. No, no need to talk about it now. We were in the meeting. I'm just saying I've been waiting all summer. We've been waiting all summer and we haven't gotten a response from you. We need a response for our office the same way if it was anti-Semitism you would jump to it right away. So we need your attention in this matter for the progeny of the emancipated right now. The Office of Freedmen Affairs will provide the comprehensive support that we need in education, health care, economic empowerment and legal advocacy. These are not privileges. They are the constitutional rights of the American Freedmen and we are demanding that this city fulfill them right now. Believe me, I know many of you may not even understand a lot of the language but your legislative aides do. I suggest that you consult them and find out what you have to do. Ogbonna Hagins, unseated council president, fourth generation chattel slavery survivor. Over and out. (Applause.)

Can Jeremy Blatstein, Khalif Alexander and Norman Tookes also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Hello, City Council. My name is Jeremy Blatstein. Congrats, Council President Johnson, on your appointment to the Clown Club. That's a big accomplishment. I'm glad that you can have a sense of humor about this because I think that both sides today what you heard on that bill is important to talk about, right. The Keystone Opportunity Zone, and that's what the bill is about, is spurring development in an area of the City of Philadelphia that needs remediation. It's an area that without Hilco and without the Keystone Opportunity Zone tax credit would not be happening right now for the City of Philadelphia. With that being said, and you heard both sides, transparency and accountability should be at the forefront of this while we move forward. What we're talking about and you hear people say, well, there's not people from the community on the job sites. That's just not true, straight up, right. The unions are using labor and the apprenticeship program from the neighborhood to really build up from this, the ground up. And I just want that to be heard and it be clear what the stats are. So that's just something to keep in mind as we move forward, the transparency and accountability from the unions, which isn't usually transparent and accountable, right. What is the makeup of the workforce, where do they live, what's going on. That's something that I think we can talk about. The last thing I'll talk about, SEPTA. Raise your hand if you rode SEPTA to City Hall today. That's zero. Councilmember Johnson, you were off the hook this morning because I had a prior engagement. But next week what stops better for you? Let's commit now. Tasker, Morris or Federal stop? What do you want -- what time, 7:00 a.m.? 7:00 a.m., okay, perfect. I'll meet you there at 7:00 a.m. That's a commitment. And the only other thing I will say is if you didn't read the article that was yesterday in the paper about PHA and the vouchers, I would encourage each and every person in this room to read that. The article stated that the market rate units that was being built were being then filtered down to voucher holders, and that is from PHA. That's just a thing that happens when more units are built in Philadelphia. And thank you.

We have Khalif Alexander, Norman Tookes. And may Dr. Jonesia and Marvin Robinson also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

So what is it -- good afternoon, everyone. My name is Khalif Alexander and I am here to speak on the bill in regards to Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act, which is HR 9002. Now, this is an important bill for many reasons. First of all, shout-out to Councilman Young for introducing this bill, but not only that, looking at downtowns and revitalization. As we begin to discuss revitalization, we want to look at economics, right, and that's one of my favorite things. So let's discuss downtown and historical districts. We know that Black people, Black Americans in particular, built this city of Philadelphia. Not only just the city of Philadelphia, the 13 colonies and the Deep South. So we know this. Then we should also say that the Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act should focus on Black Americans who helped develop these cities. And when you begin to talk about the contracts, when you begin to talk about the economic opportunities and advancement, that should go to those fellow Black residents. Now, honestly -- shoutout to people on City Council. I know some of y'all. I've known some of y'all for years. I know some of y'all people that work for y'all. But let's be real. We know these contracts, they not going to go to Black people. We know that Black people aren't going to get these opportunities because we're in one of the biggest cities in America. Yet we have the highest level of poverty out of the biggest cities in America. We know that Black people in America that live in Philadelphia are living at extremely high levels of poverty. So what is our solution? Our solution is again to develop an Office of Freedmen Affairs Agency for our Black Americans. Just like my previous colleague Ogbonna Hagins said, we have an office for the Immigrant Affairs and the LGBTQ Affairs, but where's our office for Black Americans. He got on Councilman Harrity. Councilman Harrity, he said he gave you the bill. I don't know what's going on, but we're going to have to get this bill out to the other individuals because at the end of the day, there's a long standing of what we call benign neglect from Black politicians not only in the city of Philadelphia, not only in the state of Pennsylvania but nationwide. And if you don't know what the benign neglect clause means, it basically means do something for everyone else but the Black Americans. You can give us turkeys -- like the woman said, you give us turkeys and tampons, but when we go to try to get a $10 million or $20 million, a micro grant to develop an economic hub and an economic engine for our Black Americans, we don't get that. So again, I'm going to close off with this. Now is the time -- and I know a lot of y'all working on the election right now so I'm going let y'all do your thing. But after that -- I'm going to let y'all do y'all thing on that. Win, lose or draw. But after the election we have to begin to focus on the economics of Black Americans. Yes, the gun violence is down. Now that the gun violence is down, we have a new initiative, focusing on the economics for our Black Americans in the city of Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.)

Good morning. My name is Norman Tookes. And I'm here to talk about the Office of Freedmen Affairs in Philadelphia, is about to make an effort in this century to finish the works on reconstruction. The unfortunate sabotage of the Freedmen's Bureau stifled upward mobility and caused the collapse of the burgeoning economic infrastructure and systems of inheritance that today's generation would benefit from. Without institutional infrastructures backed by government appropriations, we remain vulnerable to impossible factions and solutions to Freedmen communities. As they said earlier, every impacted population in Philadelphia has an office. Why aren't the emancipated afforded the same protections, because this is a sabotage of you guys' political career if y'all stand with the African American, the Black American, the Freedmen of this city, to give us equal opportunity to do the things in which will empower us as people to stop the killings the shootings in our neighborhoods. Why? Because we can flourish the same way that you can. And you cannot say that it's not business as usual when Congressmen will not stand up and say, okay, look, what are we going to do for African Americans, Black Americans, cotton-pickers, freedom fighters. None of y'all have anything on your agenda that's going to say that this is what we're going to do for Black America. And until any of you have a Black agenda, I don't think that any of you deserve a Black vote, period. Thank you.

Dr. Jonesia and Marvin Robinson also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

All right. Good morning, everyone. I'm Dr. Chinchila Jonesia, Executive Director of Right the Wrong Coalition and Be a Voice. I am here today to actually support the bill introduced by Councilmember Bass for the resolution to enforce against illegal things taking place in stores throughout this city in South Philadelphia. There are at least five stores that I know of and I've done interviews and put out stuff on media and all that stuff and stories on that are selling marijuana. They're selling alcoholic beverages. They're selling hard liquor like bottles of tequila and everything else, and they're open 24 hours and this illegal activity is causing a big problem. And so, I am so glad that you introduced that bill, Councilwoman Bass. Also, I am in support of Councilmember O'Rourke's bill, and that is Bill No. 240904 calling on the state of Pennsylvania to abolish the death penalty with House Bill 9999, although that's a great bill to abolish the death penalty, but the death penalty goes far beyond ending the death penalty through executing people that are incarcerated. The death penalty also is death by incarceration, which is men and women behind the walls that are serving life sentences without the possibility of parole. Those people will never get out of prison so they're actually going to die in prison, so that is also a death penalty. So we also need to look at that and address that as well. And I want to thank also Councilwoman Bass and Council President Johnson on the bill for the Homestead to increase that time for that and then real estate taxes and all of that. And I really like what Wanda Walker said about that. And also, I just want to bring the fact to people that are having problems with their property taxes you can always appeal it. So you need to do that and it's very easy to do. So try to appeal your taxes because most people's property taxes have gone up three times the amount from last year. All right. I'm Dr. Chinchila Jonesia. Thank you.

Good morning. Actually good afternoon. My name is Marvin Robinson. I'm a committee person in the 4th Ward, second vice-president of the 4th Ward. I'm only coming here to say to the President, to all the City Council, especially At-large, ask this (inaudible) all of y'all will be held accountable for what we want in our communities. It's not fair when people like myself is out there in the wilderness with guns trying to clean up my neighborhood and I don't get no support. So this is for you, President, to you, all your City Councilpeople, it has to stop. After the election everybody will be hold accountable. Have a great day.

Council President, there are no further names for public testimony.

Thank you very much. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on Second 10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Reading and Final Passage Calendars. The Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 240894.

A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 1766-72 North Bodine Street, 2244 Hope Street and 2246 Hope Street in the 7th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada for a motion 10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING regarding Resolution No. 240894.

Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240894 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Will the Clerk please read the 10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING title of Resolution No. 240 -excuse me. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240896.

895.

Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240895.

A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 2271 North Philip Street in the 7th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.

10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING The Chair recognizes Councilmember Lozada for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240895.

Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240895 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the Resolution No. 10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING 240896.

A resolution authorizing the Special Committee on Kensington to convene and investigate processes and effectiveness of the current and past diversion programs in relation to individuals suffering from substance abuse disorder in the Kensington area.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Lozada for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240896.

Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240896 be adopted. All those in favor of the 10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240897.

A resolution joining the City of Pittsburgh and calling on Congress to pass HR 9002, the Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240897.

Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Councilmember 10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Young, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240897 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240904.

A resolution calling upon the Pennsylvania State Senate to pass House Bill 9999 also known as the Death Penalty Repeal Bill, to abolish the death penalty 10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240904.

I move for the passing of the bill, motion. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240904 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. 10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240909.

A resolution appointing Bridget Foy to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240909.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240909 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? 10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240910.

A resolution appointing George Reilly to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240910.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240910 be adopted. 10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240911.

A resolution appointing Robert Perry to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240911.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. 10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240911 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240912.

A resolution appointing Ivan Joseph to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a motion regarding 10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Resolution No. 240912.

Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that -- Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.) Councilmember O'Neill.

Yes, Mr. President. Thank you. I'd like to be recorded as voting aye on the resolutions that I was out of the chamber for except for Resolution 240904, which I would like to be recorded as voting no on. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Your vote is recorded for the record. Will the Clerk please read 10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING the title of Resolution No. 240912.

Did we finish? Did we finish?

No, never finished. We were in the middle of it. Let's go back from the beginning. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240912.

911, right. We have to finish 911.

Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240913.

Wait. Councilmember Squilla, did you finish moving the motion for 911?

No.

They didn't vote on 911.

All right. Let's go back from the top. Will the Clerk please read 10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING the title of Resolution No. 240911.

A resolution appointing Robert Perry to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District.

The Chair now again recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240911.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240911 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? 10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)

The ayes have it and the motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240912.

A resolution appointing Ivan Joseph to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District.

The Chair again recognizes Councilmember Squilla for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240912.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240912 be adopted. 10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the tile of Resolution No. 240913.

A resolution appointing Gil Arends to the Board of Directors for the South Street Headhouse District.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240913.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. 10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240913 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240655.

An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Keystone Opportunity Zone, Economic Development District, and Strategic Development Area," to provide for additional extensions 10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING of certain benefits, under certain terms and conditions.

This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is should the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.

Councilmember Phillips.

Aye.

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.

Aye.

Councilmember Gauthier.

Aye.

Councilmember Thomas was aye. Councilmember Jones.

Aye.

Councilmember 10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Landau.

Aye.

Councilmember Lozada.

Aye.

Councilmember Brooks.

Aye.

Councilmember Harrity.

Aye.

Councilmember O'Rourke.

Aye.

Councilmember Driscoll.

Aye.

Councilmember O'Neill.

Aye.

Councilmember Squilla.

Aye.

Councilmember 10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Bass.

Aye.

Councilmember Ahmad.

Aye.

And, Council President Johnson.

Aye. The ayes are 17. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative -

The ayes are 16. Young's absent.

The ayes are 16. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative the bill passes. (Applause.)

Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240660.

An ordinance amending Section 19-301.2 of The 10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia Code, entitled "Homestead Exclusion," to revise the deadline by which applications for designation of property as homestead property are due and making conforming changes, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.

Councilmember Phillips.

Aye.

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.

Aye.

Councilmember Gauthier.

Aye. 10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING

Councilmember Thomas was aye. Councilmember Jones.

Aye.

Councilmember Landau.

Aye.

Councilmember Lozada.

Aye.

Councilmember Young's absent. Councilmember Brooks.

Aye.

Councilmember Harrity.

Aye.

Councilmember Driscoll -- O'Rourke. I'm sorry. Councilmember O'Rourke.

Aye.

Councilmember Driscoll.

Aye. 10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING

Councilmember O'Neill.

Aye.

Councilmember Squilla.

Aye.

Councilmember Bass.

Aye.

Councilmember Ahmad.

Aye.

And, Council President Johnson.

Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are 0. The majority of all members having voted in the affirmative the bill passes. Council will be at ease for a little brief quick announcement. (Council at ease.)

To the circus team, we don't mind 10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING you coming down and enjoying and expressing your issues and your concerns. We're just going to ask that you just refrain from making the obscene noises while we're conducting the business of Council. If you want to come back and give your opinion during public testimony in the future, you are more than welcome to exercise your right in this fine body. Thank you very much. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next bill.

Bill No. 240663, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," to provide for a mechanism for informal review of individual property assessments, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill having been read on two 10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.

Councilmember Phillips.

Aye.

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.

Aye.

Councilmember Gauthier.

Aye.

Councilmember Thomas is aye. Councilmember Jones.

Aye.

Councilmember Landau.

Aye.

Councilmember Lozada. 10/17/24 - STATED - 2ND READING

Aye.

Councilmember Brooks.

Aye.

Councilmember Harrity.

Aye.

Councilmember O'Rourke.

Aye.

Councilmember Driscoll.

Aye.