Stated Meeting, February 27, 2020

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania February 27, 2025 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN CURTIS J. JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN RUE LANDAU COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY M. LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN NICOLAS O'ROURKE COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR. ELIZABETH McCOLLUM NAZARIO, CHIEF CLERK

Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)

Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)

The hour has arrived. This meeting is now coming to order. All members, please take your seats. All visitors, please reside outside the rails. Please take all sidebar conversations out of the Council chambers. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Saifullah Collins of the Masjid Ibn Taymiyyah. He is here today as the guest of Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. members and guests to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests and visitors rise.)

Good morning, Council President and those in attendance. Not going to make this a long drawn-out thing. However, during these troubling times we all need faith. We need prayer. We need supplication to get us through, to get us, our family through and those who risk their lives every day. Oh my Lord, I seek your forgiveness and your protection in this world and the next. Oh my Lord, I seek your forgiveness and protection in my religion and in this life of this world and my family and in my property. Oh my Lord, cover any faults and give me safety from my fear. Lord, guard me from what is in front of me, from behind me, from my left of me and from the right of me and from above me. And I seek your protection, your greatness from being struck down from beneath. Ameen.

Council will be at ease. The Chair thanks the gentleman for the invocation. (Council at ease.)

The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 20, 2025. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal Thursday, February 20, 2025 be approved. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 20, 2025 stand approved. All those in favor 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. The Chair recognizes Councilmember and Majority leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.

Thank you, Council President. On behalf of the Majority, there are no leave of absence requests for today.

Thank you very much. The Chair thanks the Majority Leader. The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Minority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilwoman Brooks.

The Chair thanks the Councilmember. Leave will be granted. The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's session of Council that were not listed on the Calendar circulated prior to today's session.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda for this session of Council, and as required by law, subsequently published on an amended agenda after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, 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 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 or bill or resolution from the Suspension Calendar 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 Gilmore Richardson may be added to the agenda for today should those matters arise 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 you taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our great city. We certainly invite you to come again. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity, who will present a resolution recognizing and honoring the Philadelphia Community Outreach Committee for their dedication to public safety and community revitalization. Would Ishaq Samai and Pete Wilson please join the Councilmember at the podium. Joining Councilmember Harrity is Councilmember Jamie Gauthier and Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson. Also joining Member Harrity is Councilmember O'Rourke. The Chair recognizes the presence of Councilman Isaiah Thomas. The Chair recognizes the presence of Councilman Mark Squilla. Joining Councilmember Harrity also will be Councilmember (Councilmembers and guests approach podium.)

Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)

I want to start by thanking Councilman Harrity for co-introducing this resolution with me. In a few minutes we will explain the incredible work of Mr. Pete Wilson, former State Rep Ron Waters and the Philadelphia Community Outreach Committee accomplished in the 3rd and 4th Council Districts. Before we do that, I want to commend Pete, Ron, Ishaq Samai, Abdul Malik Ibrahim, Islam Sharief, Khabir Rashid, former Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and everyone involved with this and leadership. Your Belmont Safety Model has saved lives and made West Philly a safer, healthier and more vibrant place to live. Just as importantly, you proved how powerful it is when City Hall joins forces with the community. Far too often government tells communities how to solve problems when it really should be the other way around. The City should enable the practices and solutions that neighbors know will improve their quality of life. Not only does this lead to better outcomes, but it also gives our constituents a sense of pride and autonomy and that's what we did here. When PCOC explained what they wanted to do, Council did not go about it. We said, tell us what you need and we will help you to make it happen. And it worked. This community-city partnership shut down six open-air drug markets significantly. (Applause.)

Let's clap for that. (Applause.)

So significantly reduced shootings and saved taxpayers millions of dollars. Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods, so I hope that this success encourages us to lean into neighborhood-driven and neighborhood-based solutions. We don't need to reinvent the wheel. We need to put our boots-on-the-ground partners in the driver's seat and not let bureaucratic malaise prevent them resources and services they need to get things done. And so, thank you, PCOC, Pete Wilson, Ron Waters and all involved for your commitment to public safety and for reminding us how much power the community has when we put City Hall to work for our neighborhoods. (Applause.)

And with that, we'll get into the actual resolution: A resolution recognizing and honoring the Philadelphia Community Outreach Committee for their dedication to public safety and community revitalization. Whereas, the Philadelphia Community Outreach Committee was founded by Ishaq Samai, Abdul Malik Ibrahim, Islam Sharief and Khabir Rashid at the decades-old issues of open-air drug sales and violence; and

First off, I just want to say I'm sorry. I don't know why Curt's not up here. Curt was one of the co-sponsors also. So I just wanted to make sure people knew that Curt was in on this; and Whereas, through collaboration with Pete Wilson, the 6th Ward Leader, and numerous community leaders, PCOC took direct action to rally, clean up blighted areas, fence in open lots and permanently shut down open-air drug operations in West Philly; and

Whereas, PCOC's effort led to the establishment of the Belmont Civic Association and the Holly Street Neighbors CDC. This fostered Augustine Episcopal Church and built a network of over 35 community leaders and the 16th Police District, elected officials and nonprofit organizations; and

Whereas, PCOC's advocacy resulted in the installation of surveillance cameras that are accessible to community members and law enforcement. The project later received additional grant funding with the support of Senator Vincent Hughes to sustain and expand its impact; and Whereas, PCOC's implementation of the Belmont Safety Model successfully dismantled six open-air drug operations, saving the City of Philadelphia over $3.6 million and demonstrating that community-led real and lasting change; and

Whereas, PCOC continues to grow with an expanding membership that is dedicated to replicating its success citywide. PCOC proves that with unity, commitment and partnership, communities can reclaim their neighborhoods and build a better future; now, therefore, be it

Therefore, be it resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, hereby honors and celebrates the Philadelphia Community Outreach Committee, PCOC, recognizing its contributions to public safety, community empowerment and revitalization of West Philadelphia. Further resolved, that this resolution be presented to the Philadelphia Community Outreach Committee and its members as a symbol of the profound respect and admiration felt by this legislative body and the citizens of Philadelphia. And I just want to say that I've been out there with these people, my brothers and sisters. And when I tell you, they just don't go out there with a bullhorn and stand on the corner and yell and scream at people. They go out there, they clean up the neighborhood, they knock on the doors. They make sure the neighbors know that they're there. They come with coffee and donuts and literature for anything that you may think of that you might need service-wise. So them going out there and shouting at the drug dealers. This is them out there actually making a difference in their community. Thank you. (Applause.)

The Chair recognizes Ishaq Samai and Mr. Pete Wilson for remarks.

Good morning, Council. First, I'm going to start by thanking God. I don't think any of us, any of us would be here if it wasn't for him, and thank God for everybody in the room. I want to give a special shout-out to Council President Kenyatta Johnson and the Council body. It was mentioned that Islam Sharief, Khabir Rashid was with the group, but they're no longer with we could be in front of you to highlight the work that we've done in West Philadelphia. So I want to give a special shout-out to 7th District, my friend, my brother, my senator, Senator Vincent Hughes. (Applause.)

He's been with us from the very beginning. And actually, we wouldn't be up here today if it wasn't for him and his support, giving us -- providing resources and showing up on the corner with us to let the community that he represents know that he's with us. He's not just in Harrisburg. He's also on the street trying to save lives. Former Councilmember Jannie Blackwell, she started out with us in the very beginning in 2013. (Applause.)

Vanessa Brown, former Representative Vanessa Brown was also with us. So in other words, we're talking about an all hands on deck. Everybody has to be involved to keep our community safe and prosperous. Jamie Gauthier, she stepped in the shoes of Jannie Blackwell when she took over as Councilperson of the 3rd District, and we really appreciate you. (Applause.)

She's provided her resources, City services. As the Councilman mentioned, we not only bullhorn and argue about some of these guys, open-air drugs, and our mantra was not we're not trying to lock you up, we're trying to wake you up. You're destroying your community and it needs to stop. And we're here to let them know that we feel that they are wrong. So we really appreciate you, Councilwoman. And then we have Council At-Large Jimmy Harrity, who has similar issues where he was born and raised in Kensington, but it's not just about Kensington. It's about the City of Philadelphia. And we appreciate you jumping in and being a part of this and making this happen. (Applause.)

Now, 4th District Councilman Curtis Jones, when we first started this initiative, we were at the Philadelphia Masjid as Ishaq indicated, he was one of the first to see the plans of the areas we 6th Ward. Fortunately, Helen Ubinas came out and wrote a story about the work that we were doing and put us on the front page. He knew that we had been out there for years but hadn't gotten any recognition. He texted me and said, Pete, I got tearful when I saw you guys on the front page, because he knew where we started. I want to thank you for collaborating with my Councilmember. Jim Harrity, At-Large, for having us up here today to highlight the work that we've done, the lives that we've saved and the communities that we've made better. Here we stand all these members here. Put your hands up, members. Everybody that has been with us. Members from the group. I'm sorry. Massey here who believed in us. Yes, she believed in us. (Applause.)

She's worked with us along with several captains in the 16th and 19th Districts. Again, we can't do this alone. It's all hands on deck. Everybody has to be involved. You see something, say something. Join these groups in your neighborhood that you feel are making a difference. Don't sit back and allow everybody to do the work while you complain. You have to get involved. (Applause.)

So we attack the blight. We know that that causes depression in communities all over the city, and we're going to continue doing the Listen, we even had Josh Shapiro's group involved when he was AG with our group to try to stem the purchase of firearms, the straw purchases and all the guns that come into our city illegally. So I want to give a shout-out to Josh Shapiro as well. (Applause.)

Congressman Dwight Evans has been on the corner with us. Amen Brown has been on the corner with us. So again, it's important that we all come together, our elected officials as well as the members of the communities that are affected by the open-air drug sales and the gun violence. I pray God gives us the strength to keep helping communities become safer and better. Ameen. (Applause.)

Good morning. Of course, we thank the Council. We thank the Council President and all those involved with allowing us to bring our model, a perception and work to the Council and to Philadelphia because we know that for decades people have been trying to solve a problem of open-air drugs, and this culture that is produced that put 50,000 men in the penitentiary across the state of Pennsylvania. That's a culture that does that, and we came to address that culture. We want to make sure that the people were able to see that this culture would work, that this approach would work. So we have the results. We have the statistics to show once we shut the open-air drugs -- I have them right here, I brought them with me -- we shut down open-air drugs to produce 3600 arrests. It was no bigger arena or area than this City Hall Council, the City Hall square. No bigger than that. 3600 arrests, 1000 car stops. And the issue is how much did that cost the City, because when you arrest somebody it cost the City of Philadelphia over $1,000 just to arrest a person. To take them from the handcuffs all the way to the arraignment, it'll cost you $1,000. So when we stopped that and we started a flow of crime of 3600 arrests down to -we can show where it went from 3600 to 45, do you see what I'm saying. So that means you have an approach that you can address. We wanted to bring the model. We know we couldn't do Philadelphia. ourselves the Philadelphia Community Outreach. We wanted to approach the Philadelphia community so they have an opportunity to address an openair situation that has been in our community for decades, not only Philadelphia across the country. So that's our approach. And we did that through faith-based communities, people who believe in God. People are not motivated by the social consciousness. They take the social consciousness and they take it a step further to the God consciousness. That's who these are. We have those men sitting with us on the corner. But it's not about us. It was never about us. It's about the Philadelphia community. We showed that once we address the corners down, we are able then to create a new perspective to those guys who formerly on the corner and then be able to change their lives. Some of them of course are dedicated gangsters and they'll go to jail and they'll end up being teddy bears and balloons, but a large part of them will not. They will change their trajectory, change their minds, go back to the classroom. But we say that to them when we're on the corner. If you leave the classroom early, you're going to be in the lower class. You stay in the classroom longer, you're going to be in the upper class, it's how long as you stay there. And we make it clear. That's simple, isn't it. Anybody we know we got an issue over (inaudible) Wingohocking, Broad and Olney we have an issue. Over 28th and York we have those issues. So we want to make sure that we could present a model that you can know everybody wins by. The elected official wins. The community wins. The Philadelphia Police Department wins. And you have that mouth to be assessed. And what we want to do is make sure that you understand there's a win-win for everybody.

We're going to have a PowerPoint presentation with lunch one day coming up soon.

Thank you.

Yeah, because you have to see it. You it, you got to believe it because a lot of people don't think anything can happen. But guess what, we have a partner here, Kathy Jordan who is part of the Holly Street Neighbors. (Inaudible) Holly and I, she was a part of and St. Augustine is part of as well, so we know you got business to take care of. We just want to know that you have an alternative methodology that has proven itself that will help the Philadelphia community at large to make sure we can get us up. We think 35 -- I mean, four years if we put enough people on the street we'll have that problem solved. I want to thank you again the Council President, Councilman Harrity, Councilwoman Gauthier, of course Councilwoman part of the root of all this. She's a part of this stat right here. And we thank you of course, Councilman Jones, thanks again.

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

We have some very, very important guests joining us today in the Council of chambers. So the Chair recognizes the gentleman from the 4th Councilmanic District, Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr.

Thank you so much, Mr. President. Colleagues, I'd like you to fix your eyes to the balcony to our right and welcome the students of Barry Elementary School. (Applause.)

the program from Big Brothers and Big Sisters and have dived head first into the issues involving their community. And I see future activists among them. Give them a round of applause. (Applause.)

The Chair also recognizes the gentleman from the 5th Councilmanic District, Councilman Jeffrey Jay Young.

Thank you, Mr. President. I also want to acknowledge some students on the left balcony, students from Russell Byers Charter School right here in Center City. Let's give them a round of applause as well. (Applause.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: Democracy in action. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Will the Chief Clerk please 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'm submitting herewith for consideration of your Honorable body the following proposed ordinance: An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to acquire fee title or lesser real estate interest, including a leasehold estate, for all or a portion of the premises Road, the Pennypack Creek, the Delaware River and former Hartel Avenue, to enter into a lease or sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development at said premises for the development of the facility, to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with PAID for the development of the facility, and to take title for the completed facility from PAID, all under certain terms and conditions. And that pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill Nos. 250002, 250003, 250008, 250009, 250041 with 45 days, 250042 with 45 days, 250046, 250047, 250048, 250049, 250068, 250071, 250073, 250100 and 250102. There are no further communications in my possession, Council President.

Thank you very much. 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, Council President and good morning, colleagues and the viewing public. I have one bill for introduction today. Thank you.

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

An ordinance authorizing PHILIPPIAN BAPTIST CHURCH or a subsequent owner to install, own and maintain an encroachment at 5801 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19141, under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.

Thank you, Council President, and thank you, colleagues. I offer nothing today.

Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.

Thank you, Council President. Today I have one privileged resolution that I am co-introducing with Councilmember Harrity.

Thank you very much. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the privileged resolution.

A privileged resolution recognizing Bernice Corean Wilcox for her lifelong dedication to her family and community, celebrating her remarkable contributions and expressing deep appreciation for the lasting impact of her kindness, service and leadership.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.

Morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Today I have one bill and three privileged resolutions. Two on your behalf, Council President.

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

An ordinance amending Chapter 12-3400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use of an Automated Speed Enforcement System to Improve Safety," by providing for the use, administration and enforcement of automated speed cameras on routes located within specified school zones, under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Universal Audenried High School senior guard Shayla Smith on her remarkable achievement as Philadelphia's All-Time Girls' Scoring Leader.

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

And a privileged resolution congratulating Universal Audenried High School's Varsity Girls' Basketball Team for their historic three-peat as 2025 Public League Champions.

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

And a privileged resolution calling on all of Philadelphia to recognize Black History Month, the stain of slavery in America and the ways it still affects our laws and our common humanity, and to uplift and recall those who have been advocated for moving our city and nation toward full inclusion and equity.

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

Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one non-privileged resolution.

Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the non-privileged resolution.

A non-privileged resolution renaming the 2000 block of North 59th Street "Will Smith Way" to honor and celebrate the impactful career and legacy of Will Smith, a West Philadelphia native.

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

Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Today I have two privileged resolutions.

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

A privileged resolution recognizing February 28, 2025 as HIV is Not a Crime Awareness Day in the City of Philadelphia.

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

And a privileged resolution honoring the life and legacy of Tyrone Smith, longtime community leader and champion for the Black LGBTQ+ Community in Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.

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

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

A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Streets and Services and the Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities to hold joint hearings examining the water main breaks and sinkholes occurring in District 7, evaluating the underlying causes of these issues and identifying solutions to prevent and mitigate their frequency.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.

Just one second.

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

A privileged resolution recognizing the month of February as National Cancer Prevention Month and acknowledging the disproportionate impact of cancer on the Black community.

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

And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the Philadelphia Dominican Community and celebrating the 181st Anniversary of the Dominican Republic's Independence.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jeffrey Jay Young, Jr.

Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one non-privileged resolution.

Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the non-privileged resolution.

A non-privileged resolution also naming the 2900 block of Dauphin Street as "James Blocker Way."

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

I have one non-privileged resolution, Council President, and one privileged resolution on your behalf, sir.

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

A non-privileged resolution denouncing Senator Rand Paul's National Right to Work Act as detrimental to labor, as it undermines workers' collective bargaining rights, weakens union power and threatens worker protections.

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

And a privileged resolution authorizing the Special Committee on Kensington to hold hearings on the implementation of art therapy programming as a low-barrier intervention method in addressing substance abuse disorder and serious mental illness during and after incarceration.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged and one non-privileged resolution to introduce today.

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

A privileged resolution honoring the historic North Philadelphia Tenants Union, City-Wide Tenants Union, East Broad Street Tenants Union, and Northwest Tenants Organization, which were critical in the fight for basic tenant rights and protections in the City of Philadelphia, and whose work continues to inspire local activists and community leaders today.

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

And a non-privileged resolution recognizing inadequate heating standards in rental housing across Philadelphia and emphasizing the need to efficiently and comprehensively address heating issues throughout the City.

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

Morning, Mr. President. I have two privileged resolutions, one on your behalf. I also have one bill. And I would also ask that one resolution be held. Father Judge High School won the Catholic League Championship on Sunday and we want to celebrate that at the appropriate time.

Thank you. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the bills and the resolutions.

A privileged resolution honoring Father Judge High School Boys' Basketball Team for winning the 2025 Philadelphia Catholic League Championship and celebrating their remarkable achievement.

This is the one you want to hold?

Yes.

Okay.

And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating PIDC, Philadelphia's public-private economic development corporation, on driving 25 years of job growth at the Navy Yard and recognizing March 31st through April 6th as Navy Yard Week in the City of Philadelphia.

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

And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to acquire fee title or lesser real estate interest, including a leasehold estate, for all or a portion of the premises bounded by State Road, the Pennypack Creek, the Delaware River and former Hartel Avenue to enter into a lease or sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development at said premises for the development of the facility, to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with PAID for the development of the facility and to take title to the completed facility from PAID, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla -Councilmember O'Neill.

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

Councilmember Squilla.

Yeah, you knew that already. I think that's why -- but thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill.

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

An ordinance amending Section 9-613 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Junk Dealers," by requiring a license to sell scrap metals, under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two bills and one privileged resolution -

Thank you very much -

-sponsored on your behalf, Mr. President. COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the bill and resolution.

An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," by revising Chapter 9-4400, entitled "Responsible Business Operations," to add the safe sale of tobacco in violation of 18 Pa. C.S. § 6305 to the list of nuisance behaviors, under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance amending Chapter 9-4400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Responsible Business Operations," by revising Section 9-4406, entitled "Penalties" to require businesses found in violation of state tobacco laws to post signage indicating their lack of authorization to sell tobacco under city and state law, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Philadelphia native Stephen Fulton, Jr., for his achievement in becoming the World Boxing Council Featherweight Champion.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.

Thank you, Council President. Today I have one non-privileged resolution.

Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the non-privileged resolution.

A non-privileged resolution recognizing the critical importance of legal representation and protecting the rights of immigrants when interacting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, and encouraging all immigrant-serving organizations to promote legal resources.

This resolution will be -- on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The next order of business is reports from committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla for a report from the Committee on Appropriations.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Appropriations reports three bills with favorable recommendation.

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

The Committee on Appropriations to which were referred the following bills: Bill No. 250071, an ordinance to amend Bill No. 240182 (approved June 14, 2024), entitled "An Ordinance to adopt a Capital Program for six Fiscal Years 2025-2030 inclusive," by revising various appropriation amounts and totals to conform to amendments to the FY2025 Capital Budget Ordinance, all under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 250073, an ordinance to amend Bill No. 240181, (approved June 14, 2024), entitled "An Ordinance To adopt Fiscal 2025 Capital Budget," by revising various appropriation amounts and totals, 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. 250072, an ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2025 from the Grants Revenue Fund, offices, departments, boards and commissions, to the General Fund, certain or all City department offices, departments, boards and commissions, and the Transportation Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation. There are no further bills to report out from the Committee on Appropriations, Council President.

Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a motion.

Thank you, Mr. President. rules of Council be suspended to permit the first reading this day the bills 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 these bills 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 First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports out 16 bills for favorable recommendation.

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

The Committee on Streets and Services to which were referred the following bills: Bill No. 241081, an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 229 South 45th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 241083, an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 1148-50 South 11th Street, Philadelphia PA, 19147, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 250002, an ordinance authorizing various encroachments in the vicinity of 546 South 45th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 250004, an ordinance amending an Ordinance (Bill No. 230577), approved November 13, 2023, entitled "Granting permission to Wynnefield/Overbrook Eruv Association, in order to demarcate the boundaries of a district, to construct and maintain a clear nylon cord and other ancillary facilities, including a maximum of one hundred poles and forty-five pieces of plexiglas along, over and in certain public rights-of-way in City streets, and/or to attach such demarcation facilities to existing facilities owned by other entities authorized by other City ordinances, subject to such owner's consent," all under certain terms and conditions, by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated herein; and Bill No. 250005, an ordinance amending Chapter 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Designation of Bicycle Lanes," to authorize a bicycle lane on North 22nd Street from Spring Garden Street, and remove a travel lane on North 22nd Street within the same limits, all under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 250006, an ordinance amending Chapter 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Designation of Bicycle Lanes," to authorize a bicycle lane on North 13th Street from Cecil B. Moore Avenue to Diamond Street, all under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 250008, an ordinance authorizing the vacating of Clarion Street from Addison Street to its terminus northwardly therefrom and reserving and plotting upon City Plan No. 308 of a right-of-way for sewer and drainage purposes and water main purposes within the lines of said Clarion Street being vacated and authorizing acceptance of the grant said right-of-way, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 250049, an ordinance authorizing various encroachments in the vicinity of 1625 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 250069, an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Wildey Street between Columbia Avenue and Earl Street; Dunton Street between Wildey Street and Girard Avenue; Earl Street between Girard Avenue and Wildey Street; South 7th Street between Johnston Street and Bigler Street; and Bill No.

250070, an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of York Street between Almond Street and Street; Clarion Street between Dickinson Street and Tasker Street; Ellsworth Street between South 7th Street and South 8th Street; Annin Street between Marshall Street and South 7th Street; Ellsworth Street between Passyunk Avenue and South 9th Street; Pierce Street between South 12th Street and South 11th Street; McClellan Street between South 9th Street and South 10th Street; Jackson Street between South 5th Street and South 6th Street; Cross Street between South 5th Street and South 4th Street; South 5th Street between Morris Street and Tasker Street, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation. And Bill No. 241107, an ordinance establishing parking of North 18th Street between Wood Street and Callowhill Street; Vine Street between North 18th Street and North 19th Street; Callowhill between North 18th Street and North 19th Street; North 17th Street between Callowhill Street and Wood Street; Thompson Street between North 18th Street and North 17th Street; Harold Street between North 22nd Street and North 23rd Street; and Bill No. 250007, an ordinance amending Chapter 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Designation of Bicycle Lanes," to authorize a bicycle lane on North 23rd Street between Race Street and Market Street, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 250009, an ordinance authorizing encroachments a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 542 Christian Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 250046, an ordinance authorizing the opening of a right-of-way to the public on land near the intersection of the southeasterly side of Bath Street and the southwesterly side of Victoria Street, all land being owned by the City; and Bill No. 250047, an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 1525 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, under certain terms and conditions; and Bill No. 250048, an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in 2049 East Hagert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125, under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation. There are no further bills to report out from the Committee on Streets and Services, Council President.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young for a motion.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the first reading on this day of the bills 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 these bills 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 in our First Reading Calendar for today. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. 2ND READING 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 Katherine Gilmore Richardson with 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. 250125, 250127, 250138, 250143, 250144, and 240427-A is being amended. The following bills and resolutions on the Calendar are being held: 250130, 240304-A and 240665.

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 in today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you are 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 vary from session-to-session. Due to the extremely long list of testifiers and repetitious comments, today's time limit will be one minute. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the one-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 one minute has passed, the light -- once one minute has 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 who have not already done so. I also reserve the right, pursuant to our rules of Council, to limit repetitious comments on the same matter. I will ask the Chief Clerk to please call the first speaker.

May we have Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell to the podium. May Kate Perez, Van Sam, Bach Trieu and Reverend Christopher Nielsen also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good morning, everyone, Mr. President, all members of Council. It is with great pride -- let me first thank God for the privilege and the pleasure of being here with you this morning. It is with great pride that I stand here. You know, before this I had a meeting with One Day At A Time, and they talked about how their organization has been in existence for 42 years. And I thought about coming here thereafter and realizing that I was here longer than that, even longer than the years they were in existence. I am honored to be here and I am honored because you're honoring my family. Of course when you honor my family, you honor me. I'd like them to stand as I introduce them. Donald Scott, my nephew, my great-nephew. (Applause.)

Thank you. Certainly next to him is my niece who's the daughter of Bernice Wilcox, and certainly that's Natalie Samuel. (Applause.)

Next to her is my sister Patricia Brooks, a former teacher, leader in public schools here in the city of Philadelphia. (Applause.)

Next to her is Erica Samuel, who's Nat's daughter, and she and Nat took care of my sister. And I'd like her to stand up as well. (Applause.)

And I'd like to ask Raya to stand up. We're glad to have her. And certainly is that -- and I am grateful for all of them being here and they wanted to be here because we just funeralized her about a week ago. I want to thank all of you for the wonderful cards. Cindy, Kathy, all the calls I've got from all of you and all of you signing to certainly give us respect. You know, having been here longer than I'll ever be in any other form or place in my life, nearly 45 years, it just makes -and thank you, Jimmy, for making my old office the people's office and giving me the first key even before you got your own. Thank you. I want to say I am always honored. So let me from the bottom of my heart say I love you all. I will always love this place most of all. I thank you for the honor. Thank you all very much from the bottom of my heart, and God bless you.

God bless you. (Applause.)

May we have Kate Perez. Then Van Sam, Bach Trieu, Reverend Christopher Nielsen. Then Julie Audrey Ward Carnegie. (Witnesses approached podium.)

The United States relies far too heavily on punitive strategies like deploying the National Guard to sweep Kensington or sending undocumented people to our Guantanamo Bay concentration camp. I'm worried that Bill 240665 will lead to increasing the police budget as we consistently offroad city responsibilities to nonprofits, deprive them of money until they disappear and then bolster the cops to fill in the gaps. Again, I ask that the FOP's contract explicitly state that there can be no exchanges between any apartheid states. In 2022, the City solicited a study about the Police-Assisted Diversion program, and had participants reported positive results from enrolling in case management instead of the court system. In this study, the cops admit that they don't think that they should be providing social services because they aren't trained to do that. Cops don't do wound care. They're not social workers, and yet they're already asking for 250 million more than the entire city workforce and considering offering $100,000 loan forgiven at 10k per year for new cops to stay on the force. These are hiring incentives we should be offering to teachers instead. Teachers are put under investigation for discussing genocides in our school. Free Palestine. (Applause.)

Hi, everyone. My name is Van Sam. I go by they/them pronouns. For the last eight years I have worked with numerous formerly incarcerated Southeast Asian immigrants and refugees who are facing detention and deportation because of our broken immigration system that continue to criminalize and punish our community after they already served their time. Every person I have encountered in the last decade is someone's uncle, auntie, grandparent, parent, kid who has survived almost every system that continues to fail them after incarceration and continue to be punished every day for their mistake. Punishment for these folks does not look like the indefinite detention until their deportation at prison like the Moshannon Valley Processing Center that big corporations are profiting off. It looks like the late-night call filled with anxiety about their upcoming check-in with ICE, the sleepless nights that follow, the 13-hour work day that next morning because they need to make money to renew their work permit every year. It is a lifetime of punishment even post-deportation. So we call on the City of Philadelphia to protect and support our immigrant siblings no matter what mistake they have made. In the eye of the current administration -- okay. (Applause.)

Hello. For the record, my name is Alang Wang. I'm speaking on behalf of Bach Trieu, who had to step out for work. This is an English translation of his Vietnamese testimony. Hello, everyone in City Council. My name is Bach Trieu. I am 64 years old and I have lived in Philly since 1994. I am here today to support the resolution that gives immigrants and criminal records a second chance. I would like to share my story as someone who is in the same situation as One and other potential deportees. Because until 2024, I also lived in fear for being deported and separated from my family. In 2024 after five years of working with VietLead in the Free Migration Project, I was granted a pardon by Governor Shapiro and I'm currently working on the paperwork to be able to stay with my family. My family and I were given a second chance at age 63 to live without the fear of me being permanently separated from my family, and I want others to have the same opportunity. When I was 19, I left my home country of Vietnam by boat to seek asylum. In 1983 I immigrated to the United States. Like many others, I experienced the language barrier and poverty because I was alone and had no family. The sadness and separation from my family and the psychological trauma of the world -(Applause.)

We have Reverend Christopher Nielsen -

Excuse me, Lopez. Just real quick. Excuse me, sir, who was just speaking. You said you got a pardon from Governor Josh Shapiro?

Yes.

That's a big deal. That's a big deal. (Applause.)

Go ahead, sir.

Reverend Christopher Nielsen. I work with various immigrant communities, Caribbean, Indonesian Latinx and so on and so forth. I am here to speak in favor of Bill 250138 from the tradition, the Christian tradition, in Leviticus 19 that tells us that we must treat our aliens in our midst as ourselves, as native born. Philadelphia, which is the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, city known as the work shop of the world, a city that is historically significant in terms of where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed is supposed to be the beacon of light, is supposed to be the example. And City Council, you got to be kidding me, right? City Council has that opportunity to lead in this example to be that beacon because you are fulfilling the role of government. There's a saying that evil only triumphs when good men and women do not do and keep silent. Leviticus also tells us that we must not sit idly by when our neighbors our blood is at stake. So I call upon City Council to be that beacon of light, to be that hand extended and to be that voice for the voiceless in reaching out. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity for sharing and speaking with you this afternoon, and hopefully the results will be that you have heard but not only heard, but you have heeded these words. Thank you.

Thank you. (Applause.)

We have Julie Audrey Ward Carnegie. May Sam Chattin, Jeremy Blatstein, Valerie Bai and Catzie Vilayphonh also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

To verify, I am Julie Audrey Ward Carnegie. Greetings, President of City Council, City Council, government staff, Philadelphia, Mayor Parker, Governor Shapiro, the honorable Councilwoman Jannie, retired member of City Council, Governors of New Jersey, New York, listeners of public broadcasting and public present in the assembly, I am in agreement with the presentment of Resolution No. 250125. And I need for the residing Mr. Donald J. Trump to know that it is not what he is doing currently is not governing our country. And what is being brought forth in this Resolution No. 250125 is not -- it is not an interference of government. I am asking of you, President of Council, if I may leave this with you because it's very important. The taxpayer advocate wrote this and presented it to Congress in the year of 12/6/2018. And so, that there is no delays in processing, please consider this as well. Thank you.

You're welcome, ma'am. Thank you. (Applause.)

Can somebody get the package from the young lady please.

Hey. I'm Sam Chattin. I'm speaking on behalf of the Defend Migrants Campaign Network in favor of Resolution 250138. Like with (inaudible) the sins of America still haunt our immigrant communities back both during in the decades following the Vietnam War, the U.S. government supported the genocide committed by the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. Folks don't just decide to leave their homes. It takes extreme acts of violence and devastating poverty to cause people to risk everything to move to another country, especially a country that constantly demeans them and blames them for conditions caused by the insatiable greed of the wealthiest classes in our country. So instead of helping them, we label folks like One as criminals and then exile them back to countries who the U.S. government continues to corrupt and exploit. We demand the freedoms of immigrants like One in the future, protection of all our immigrant communities. Our immigrants are not objects. They are not mere imports and exports. They are community. And if the good folks with City Council and our government refuse to protect our communities, then I challenge all of us to work beyond the government to create the challenges we wish to see today. Thank you for your time and I look forward to seeing the passing of this critical resolution. (Applause.)

Hello, City Council. My name is Jeremy Blatstein. We're talking about housing today. Housing, housing, housing, Land Bank resolutions to move land from the Land Bank. We need more of that. We need to put the Turn the Key program on steroids. It's a program that is working. I hope that each and every one of you are in support of that and are also in support of the density that comes with these types of projects. We need to streamline that process to make it faster, and we need to allow more density to be built along transit corridors from land that's controlled by the Land Bank. And the last bit that needs to be adjusted is adjusting the (inaudible) associated with Turn the Key homes along with looking at the tax abatement for homes that are for affordable housing. And last thing I will say is raise your hand if you rode SEPTA in the last week. Anybody? Oh, look at all these hands out here. All your constituents but that's zero members of City Council for another week. Thank you. Have a good one.

Thank you.

We have Valerie Bai, Catzie Vilayphonh. May Ms. Debbie Robinson, Sylvia Bennett and Dianna Coleman also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good morning. My name is Valerie. I am a nurse in the city and I urge City Council to vote yes on Resolution 250138. City Council has a chance to address the legacy of tough-oncrime policies by standing up for One and people like him demanding his release from ICE detention at Moshannon Valley and ensuring those seeking a second chance have the opportunity to thrive in our city. As a nurse, I have an ethical obligation to advocate for patients autonomy and right for self-determination regardless of immigration status or history of incarceration. I believe this obligation extends far beyond the clinical environment. It is utterly unconscionable that a beloved community member like One, who has already served time, must continue to suffer in despicable conditions of ICE detention such as the Moshannon Valley Processing Center where he is detained, which subjects people to unsanitary conditions, abuse, lack of nutritious food, unmitigated spread of infectious disease and solitary confinement and high rates of PTSD and poor mental health. Thank you to Councilmember O'Rourke for his moral courage. And I hope the rest of City Council will stand up for One and informally incarcerated noncitizens and refugees. (Applause.)

Hi, my name is Catzie Vilayphonh. I'm a Philadelphian. I am an artist. I am a long-time Philadelphian. I run an organization called Mouse in the House, which promotes storytelling in the Lao American refugee community. I actually just got my citizenship in 2021 so I was able to vote for our last Mayor, vote in our last presidential election. But my journey to become a citizen, it took a while. So even though I've achieved many things, I also have a criminal record. And one of the things that kept me from applying for citizenship was the news that people who were formerly incarcerated were being deported back to Laos and Cambodia. And for me, the two things that stood out were, one, these are people my age who do not speak the language being sent back to places they've never been to, but also these deportations weren't happening as part of the sentence, but after the fact that they had been released. And part of society had finished education, become fathers, children, got married, started organization, participated as members of society and being sent back. My time is almost up. So I just want to say that ICE is not targeting people with Canadian accents or Eastern European accents. So really it's just racial profiling. And I do believe had any of those criminals who insurrected on the Capitol, if any of them had green cards, none of them would be given a pardon. (Applause.)

We have Ms. Debbie Robinson. May Sylvia Bennett, Dianna Coleman, Theresa Howell and Michael Shields also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good morning. I'm so happy to be here today and I'm so pleased that y'all allowed us to be here today, because I'm a member of Philly Thrive and I live in Philadelphia. I'm a resident of Philadelphia. My name is Debbie Robinson, and I am in District 2. I'm a District 2 resident and a member of Philly Thrive. I'm speaking on the resolution honoring the history of Philadelphia Tenants Organizing. I remember growing up in a house that wasn't livable. It had so much mold that caused me and my siblings to have asthma. No one would help my single mother make the repairs we needed even though she was just trying to get support and live in a decent place. Now, 50 years later my friend Mary's mom, Mary Reegle's mom, is still facing the same challenges. She can literally see the sky through her roof. There is too much money -- let me say it again. It's too much money in the city of Philadelphia for people to be living the way that we're living. We the people help the city grow. We put you in office because you told us that you would help us. We invited all of you to join us this morning at the launch of our Safe Health Home -- I'm sorry, Safe Home Health Budget Campaign. We're asking for 10 million for Philadelphia Energy Authority's Built to Last and we're asking for 10 million to (inaudible) positive rental inspections. We need to get them inspections together. We will continue to advocate for safe, healthy homes and really hope that all of you will help us. Thank you for letting me share. (Applause.)

Morning, Council President and Councilmembers. My name is Michael Shields. I'm a 57-year-old Philadelphia native residing in the (inaudible) Circle area. The past seven years I'm a member, proud member, of One PA Renters United Philadelphia. I want to speak in favor of Councilmember O'Rourke's resolution honoring the history of Tenant Organization and just share a bit of my story. I'm a contractor by trade, small business owner. And when I moved into my current residence, it was deplorable. I know being a blind optimist I figured that there's things that I could do. In addition to thinking that my landlord or property management company would take care of these things. Well, they didn't. So 90, 95 percent of all repairs and upgrades were done by me without no dime asked for in return. You would think that landlords and property management would take pride in their homes and proactively make repairs, but my case is a bit different because I am pretty savvy with home repairs. What kind of conditions would I had been living in had I not had this skill set. And constant reaching out to these individuals, it seems that they're more concerned with the bottom line than the safety and health of their residents. Hundreds of thousands of people are going through this in the city of Philadelphia so my case is not different. But fighting these industries or these injustices on our own has proven futile. This is why I'm in support of the Proactive Preoccupancy Inspection program at L&I to be able to hold landlords like mine accountable. So we are asking for $10 million for a pilot program, which is a drop in the bucket, for Philadelphia's budget. Thank you for your time and consideration. (Applause.) UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Good morning, City Council.

Good morning. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: I am here with Nic O'Rourke's resolution. I am a proud member of One PA Renters United. I just want to give you a little history on what I've been through with my rental situation. I've been in my home for 11 years. It's owned by notorious scum lord Drew DeMarco. I have a Lead-Safe certificate, although my house is full of lead. I have a niece that has a level of 8, a lead level of 8 since she's been in my home for less than a year. We need help from the city. I've been fighting for six years on my own to try and get my kitchen fixed. My house was built in 1930 and in 2023 I got a brand new kitchen by advocating for myself through Renters United, and my home hadn't been touched since they built it in 1930. How many people here remember crates of grapes, the grapes that came in crates? There were -- on one wall, there were grape crates as filament in the wall. That wall hadn't been touched in 100 years. We need money for housing repair in the city of Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.)

Hi. My name is Dianna Coleman. I'm with One PA West/Southwest Rising. So what brings me here is the need for safe, healthy homes for all regardless of zip code, race, age or physical and mental status. Now, L&I, L&I is supposed to help, not hurt. I noticed very quickly that systems put in place for renters by L&I were merely an illusion. They not only worked in favor of the landlords, they were reactive, ineffective and muted systems in place that increased burdens for the tenant. And although in recent years grants for home repair programs have become available for low-income homeowners, there appears to be limited resources and responses and based on favor. City connections and therefore inequitable distributed, as a block captain over the years, I myself have beat the streets in Southwest Philly and singlehandedly supported dozens of individuals with completing their applications only to never be called. And when you follow up, you're met with excuses, opposition. Now, I'm not saying that it's not happening at all. I'm aware of certain individuals who have done the same thing that I've done, beating the streets, getting their blocks signed up for these home repairs. And everyone that they've helped actually and registered has been called and their homes repaired. One would ask, why is that happening? And when asked, the response from them is city connections. Now, despite these programs my community is still being left living in ruins. I asked, are these programs just political spectacles, an illusion, a mere distraction to make us believe in something that doesn't really exist? The shortage of safe and healthy housing has been a longtime public health crisis in the city of Philadelphia, leading to dire health effects being consciously ignored, momentarily pacified and unjustly handled. As of late, this instability inherent amongst -

Young lady, your time please and respectfully. Thank you. (Applause.)

May Annette Griffin, Andre Dawkins, Michelle Crouch, Ernest Wiley and Benjamin Hoover also make their way to the podium. Annette Griffin, Andre Dawkins, Michelle Crouch, Ernest Wiley and Benjamin Hoover. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Hi. My name is Michelle Crouch. I came out today with Philly Thrive, One PA Renters United. I was a renter for many years. Now, I'm a homeowner. I can tell you being a renter is a lot harder. It's more stressful, it's less secure. And I want to thank Councilmember O'Rourke for his resolution honoring tenant organizing. There are some responsible landlords out there, but there are also many irresponsible landlords who just want to squeeze as much money as possible out of their properties. So that's why I'm still fighting for renters. One of the first buildings I went into and met residents who are fighting and organizing for their own safety, health and dignity was the Brith Sholom House. I first went up there in 2019. That building was unsafe. In 2019 the elevators didn't work. The fire system was out of date. Raccoons were falling out of the ceiling. L&I gave them citations. They went to court, but nothing was getting better. And finally, PHA bought it in 2024. They said it was uninhabitable, but five years is too long. People are dying while they are waiting for dignity, for safe housing, and they're on waitlists for vouchers for home repair programs. We have to fix this. And I just want to take the last few seconds of my time to honor Ms. Jacqueline Tindall and Ms. Diana Dukes who are two tenant organizers who fought for the dignity of residents at Brith Sholom House and who passed away while they were waiting for the city to fix these broken systems. (Applause.)

Hi. My name is Annette Griffin, and I am here with One PA West/Southwest Rising. And I would like to thank President Kenyatta Johnson for listening and my Councilperson Jamie Gauthier, You know, she is authentic, speaks truth to power. Councilman Nicolas O'Rourke for passing the co-op -- the whole City Council, making the city of Philadelphia number one and recognizing 2025 as the Year of the Co-op. And y'all know what, when you're in the co-op, you are the landlord and the tenant, I will tell you. And you got a jewel, Councilman Jones, right in your backyard, Valley Green Apartments. Y'all should check it out. But here's what I'm here to tell you. It's my L&I story. So I grew up in Philly. I came back to care for my parents, and it was through collective economics with my siblings that we were able to stay in my family home. I have the privilege of residing there now. My L&I experience was the water main broke. We didn't think we had the money to pay for it. The City was going to finance it. Then we found out we had that American Water resource. And we had got a plumber, had a permit. And then when American Water Resource came along, we had to get another plumber. And L&I didn't give me a new permit until we canceled the original one. And then the City of Philadelphia was talking about shutting down the water. I was like, no, no. And so, red tape turned into red carpet treatment because we got it resolved through collective economics. (Applause.)

We have Andre Dawkins, Ernest Wiley, Benjamin Hoover and then Denise Clay Murray. (Witnesses approached podium.)

My name is Ernest Wiley. I used to be an emergency money tech -- medical technician. I now consider myself an emergency money technician and also a emergency management technician. I have to activate all of the emergency management systems. CMDC says that we have a perfect economy and a soft landing. They don't know why but I know why. I have messages for all countries, Canada, China, Europe. They must stop doing the tariff war with Trump. We need to use the new macroeconomic formulas that I invented. We have to start emergency protocols for coastal evacuations, and Trump shut down FEMA. He's obstructing coastal evacuations. It's a mass genocide. We need lights and sirens to build up emergency residential cabins 100 miles away from the coastlines. If we don't, the coastal chaos will cause massive starvation throughout the whole world, including this city. I know why the ice caps will melt faster than expected. I have bank bailouts for macroeconomic protocols and all the banks in all the countries. All markets are bulletproof. You do not need to sell off your assets. I also have emergency formulas to fix the hyperinflation in Venezuela. We can start selling goods in all countries. GDP expansion is extremely massive. Zero recession, zero depressions. The first global macroeconomic bailout for all countries is a total of $16 quadrillion. That's $2 million per person on the planet. It's 8 billion people on Planet Earth estimated -- that's fine.

Thank you. My name is Benjamin Hoover, legislative representative for the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers. Thank you, Councilmember President Johnson and all the Councilmembers here. I speak on behalf of our President Arthur Steinberg and the 14,000 members of the PFT Local 3. I rise in support of the resolution from Councilmember Gauthier. We need no kings in America. We have no kings in America. We need no kings in America. So thank you for presenting this. We know here in Philadelphia we're a democratic republic. We know that because we have two founding documents, a Declaration of Independence that says we need no kings and a Constitution that says we're a democratic republic. We have these two documents here in Philadelphia. We also know in Philadelphia the power of public schools. We are home to the oldest public schools in the nation. Central High School, found in 1837. An African Institute of Philadelphia, later Cheyney University found in 1838. We understood the founders knew the bedrock of liberty is education. Yet President Trump through his actions, through his proclamations is threatening to cut the Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, which will affect our members here in Philadelphia. We have coming up on March 4th, a day of action. We've invited all Councilmembers, all community members to come out, speak with us, from every school yard, from every City Hall, from every street. We need no kings in this country. Protect our kids, not pretend kings. (Applause.)

We have Denise Clay Murray. May Jacen Bowman, Asia Shada Simmons, Dontes Keys and Sappho Fulton also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Hi, everyone. My name is Denise Clay Murray. And usually I'm sitting over there minding my own business, but I come here to thank Councilmember Landau and for hopefully all of you to vote for the resolution honoring my friend Tyrone Smith. I started out as a reporter here in Philadelphia writing about HIV and AIDS in the Black community. And one of the people that helped me understand exactly what the community was going through, particularly when it came to HIV and AIDS and the fact that poverty was, in many cases, what the Black community had to deal with in addition to that was Tyrone Smith. I owe him a lot in terms of my career and what I've been able to do since. So I thank you for honoring him. And I especially thank you, Councilmember Landau, for making him one of the first members of the LGBTQ Hall of Fame for the city because I can think of no one who deserved it more. Thank you. (Applause.)

City Council, on behalf of Women Beyond Borders we want to thank Rue Landon in honoring the resolution for Tyrone Smith. We just want to send our great and deepest condolence and encourage City Council to act on Black male health. Thank you. (Applause.)

Good morning, Council President, City Council. My name is Jacen Bowman. I am the Vice-President of Philadelphia Black Gay Pride. Today I want to support and celebrate the resolution done by Rue Landau to celebrate the life of Tyrone Smith. In the words of Tyrone, to God be the glory. Tyrone was not only a pioneer, an icon, a trailblazer and an unwavering activist, he was an uncle, a brother, a mentor and a friend. And as a young queer man navigating through the city of Philadelphia, I was very blessed and privileged to have his guidance and knowledge affirm a voice in me that I didn't even know was there. Tyrone lived loudly, boldly and unapologetically even in times when his lifestyle image was far from the norm. His commitment to uplifting others and advocating for our rights has paved the way for many in the Philadelphia LGBTQ community. He inspires us all to embrace our true selves and stand firm in our beliefs. And as an openly-affirming African American gay man who lived to be 80-plus, 80-plus, that is something that does not happen because we all know the HIV/AIDS epidemic has wiped out generations of men and women coming up in the late '80s and '90s. I also want to make sure that we have this on record, that Tyrone may be gone in the flesh. But let me tell you something, we are so blessed to have Tyrone as an ancestor because the things that he got done here on earth, just imagine what he's going to do in the afterlife. And I thank you. (Applause.)

We have Dontes Keys, Sappho Fulton. May David Alexander Jenkins, Lynn Landes and Jazmine Henderson also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

All right. Good morning, Council President and City Council, I have a few remarks. I'm here on assignment both in Philadelphia and D.C. For the record, I am Dontes Keys, artist as well as the former Commissioner with the Office of Human Relations as well as the senior communications lead for AIDS United in Washington, D.C. My first remarks are on behalf of Dr. Andre Ford, Executive Director of the Colours organization where I served as a former Board member. Tyrone has been both an asset and an anchor involved in the Colours work since inception. He leveraged his wisdom to stir up necessary action within our community. Our collaboration spans over 30 years across various organizations united by the sheer commitment of supporting Black LBGTQ communities of color. His work is not done in vain. For former (inaudible) Director and CEO of AIDS United Jesse Milan, Tyrone Smith was a walking definition of Black dignity. In every room he entered a tall frame with refined character and in his measured words, all demanded respect and attention. He is an example for our excellence and he will be remembered and sorely missed. My own remarks: 11 years ago today I interviewed Tyrone Smith for Philadelphia Magazine. It was seven questions in which that he answered. And within those seven questions, he made a remark to being grateful to live 80 years. That is not actually the truth of many Black gay men or Black gay or Black men, period, in Philadelphia. The life expectancy of Black men is 65. Tyrone lived to live 80-plus, right. So if we're thinking about how we're going to move forward Tyrone's legacy, we have to change our investment in Black males. Thank you so much. (Applause.)

Sappho Fulton, David Alexander Jenkins, Lynn Landes, Jazmine Hernandez. Then Phil Lockett Freeman. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Mr. President, David Alexander Jenkins. Members and guests, I rise today in firm support of the resolution as presented by Councilmember Gauthier. As Philadelphians who live and die in the shadow of the very birthplace of American democracy, Philadelphians who carry in their DNA the memory of our founding fathers who gathered to declare that no man, no matter how powerful, shall place himself above the law. I join with you in rejecting the style of majesty and the title of king, most grossly irreverently and unhumorously adopted in what can only be acknowledged as an ignorant jest. And the abuse of powers by he whose behavior is more closely patterned to Adolf Hitler's rise to power that (inaudible) was in the monarch I have ever known. I recall today the warning penned by Alexander Hamilton in the Federalist Papers, which says that the instruments by which the government is to be enforced and executed are in the hands of the people. And it is therefore essential that the government be derived of their will. Brethren of love, sisters of affection, I remind you that we are the guardians of liberty. And today we affirm that the duty rejecting any attempt to dismantle our democratic institutions, that if any man be confused who we are, let him heed the words carved into the history by the signers of the Declaration of Independence written just six blocks from where we stand, that a prince whose character is marked by every (inaudible) can be defined as a tyrant unfit to be the ruler of a free people, that he who has sought the place in personal ambitions above the will of the people, he who undermines judiciary, he who would trample on the very Constitution that safeguards our freedoms is a domestic terror. Benjamin Franklin left us with this word, What do we have here a republic if you can keep it. Today we shall keep it today. We will defend it. Today we stand to condemn that man who seeks to destroy us. (Applause.)

Good morning. My name is Lynn Landes of Safestreetsphilly.org. I'm a registered Republican and parent of two naturalized citizens. I strongly oppose the resolutions that condemn President Trump and support illegal immigrants. (Background interruption.)

President Trump is doing his job -

Ms Landes, just one second. Everybody had an opportunity to express how they feel, so I don't want any sidebar comments or anything rather you agree or disagree with the person that's speaking. Please respectfully.

Thank you. President Trump is doing his job as he protects our nation by securing our borders. He's also discovering and eliminating a massive amount of waste, fraud and abuse created over the past several decades by politicians from both political parties. President Trump is aggressively promoting transparency and accountability in government and that makes sense to many Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike. Thank you.

We have Jazmine Hernandez, Phil Lockett Freeman. May Rhonda Goldfein and Asa Khalif also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Just to verify, my name is Jazmine Henderson, not Hernandez. My pronouns are she and her, and I'm here in support of Councilmember Landau's bill for HIV to not be a crime. For too long we have seen people who are HIV-positive criminalized to a greater degree than people who are doing the same crime. We will never get infections under control and a community viral load of 0 until the stigma behind HIV is destroyed, and this is a good first step. I would also like to just point out that I condemn Donald Trump and all of his actions that criminalize and marginalize the already marginalized groups in America. I condemn the fact that he has decided that trans people do not exist and that we must be erased from society. (Applause.)

Phil Lockett Freeman, Rhonda Goldfein, Asa Khalif. And may Sakae Kikuchi and Katrina Eames also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Okay. My name is Phillip Locket Freeman, and I'm here to support Bill 250130, where you recognize DOGE for trying to undermine the federal government. I'm also here to recognize this body for not recognizing the Philadelphia Freedmen Coalition to have theirselves(sic) recognized to this body. We've been coming down here saying the same ole thing. And if you want us to go crazy so you can blackball us, then maybe that's what we probably have to do. But how can you recognize DOGE for undermining the federal government? And on a local level you can't recognize your constituents. I want to know the answer today and we need to sit down and talk about this. We're trying to be civil and I think you all need to get it together. Thank you. (Applause.)

Council President. Point of information, Council President.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.

I just wanted to say thank you to the previous witness who just testified and all of the witnesses who come down and advocate for such initiatives. And my resolution today we actually did recognize the concept of the Freedmen's Bureau and calling on the City of Philadelphia to recognize those advocacy efforts. So I wanted to thank the gentleman for his testimony and I wanted to let him know that we do hear him in Philadelphia City Council. (Applause.)

Thank you, Member Thomas.

Good morning. I am Rhonda Goldfein, Executive Director of the AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania. Founded in 1988, the AIDS Law Project is the nation's only public interest law firm dedicated exclusively to people living with HIV and those affected by the epidemic. Thank you to Councilmember Landau for introducing the resolution to designate February 28th as HIV is Not a Crime Awareness Day. By introducing the resolution, she has already made all of you aware of the issue. Approximately, 30 states have laws that initiate or increase criminal penalties against people living with HIV solely because they have a virus. HIV criminalization is a relic from a time more than three decades ago when not a lot was known about HIV transmission and we had no effective treatment. Pennsylvania does not have a specific HIV criminalization law, but a charge of prostitution, which is a misdemeanor in this Commonwealth, is increased to a felony of people living with HIV -if a person living with HIV is involved. This is true even if there is no physical contact. Punishing people simply because they have a virus does not make anyone safe. Criminal penalties based on fear and misinformation only contribute to the stigma facing people living with HIV and the stigma fuels the HIV epidemic. It keeps people from getting tested and treated for HIV for fear of what will happen. Pennsylvania has only that one remaining reference in its criminal code, and it's long time to remove it and the stigma causes. We are fortunate that our elected leaders like Councilmember Landau who introduced the resolution, State Representative Ben Waxman who introduced House Bill 633 to remove the last stigmatizing reference, and State Senator Vince Hughes who will be introducing a companion bill. They all know that to end the HIV epidemic we must end stigma, including the stigma and outdated laws, policies and misinformation. So let us say on February 28th and every day HIV is not a crime. Thank you. (Applause.)

Good morning, Council. My name is Asa Khalif. I wear many hats, but today, this morning, I wear the hat of a grieving nephew. I would like to thank first and foremost Councilwoman -- Councilperson, excuse me, Rue Landau for the resolution honoring my uncle Tyrone Smith for his countless hard work and dedication to the LGBTQ community. It's particularly specifically people of color, Black LGBTQ queer people. Activists are not born. They're created. They're created out of the pain and the struggle. They're created out of the passion to make this world a better place. My uncle -- words escape me because of the emotion right now. I'm full of emotion. But I want to thank you again, Rue, for this. I'll leave you with this quote that he left with me, Live in your truth boldly. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

We have Sakae Kikuchi, Katrina Eames. May Wanda Walker, Ogbonna Hagins and Charlie Myers also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Hi. Good morning. My name is Sakae Kikuchi and I'm the organizing director of the Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance or APIPA. I'm a resident of District 3, and I'm here to speak in support of the resolution brought by Councilmember O'Rourke, 250138. Philadelphia has an opportunity to offer hope to residents who are under attack right now to end a (inaudible) stands by the people who work, live, worship and raise their families here, by standing with One, by preserving sanctuary policies and not caving to federal pressures. People who serve their time should not be subjected to the additional punishment of potentially lifelong separation from the only life and home they've ever known. I know from personal experience as a grandchild of people who experience incarceration, that the legacy of that trauma and family separation is something that endures and has intergenerational impacts. But on top of that, deportation, separating families and communities from each other is an additional layer of violence. Juan has an application for a U visa pending. He deserves a chance to have his application considered. Like so many immigrants or refugees in immigration detention, he's already completed his time and deserves a second chance to return to his community and have the same opportunities that other returning citizens have. We're in the middle of an onslaught as others have mentioned from the federal level. They're attacking so many different parts of our community and so many different parts of our lives. Philadelphia has an opportunity here to stand up for people and people like One. So I urge you all to pass the resolution brought by Councilmember O'Rourke. (Applause.)

Hello. My name is Katrina Eames. I'm here to speak in support of Resolution 250138 introduced by Councilmember O'Rourke. I would like to speak in support of our city being one that welcomes immigrants and refugees, that stands up for our communities and for everyone who calls Philadelphia home. I would like City Council to vote in support of this resolution and to call on ICE for the immediate release of our neighbor and community member One. I have seen so many people in Philadelphia stand up for each other time and again. My experience here has been one of people coming together from all over the city to make sure that all of us can be safe, that all of us can have a home here. And I've seen people do that regardless of their immigration status. And I'm asking all of you to join us in that so that we can be an example for our Commonwealth and our country of what we could be. And it's more important now than ever that we lead and champion welcoming immigration policies. Thank you for your consideration. (Applause.)

Good morning, everyone. How's everyone doing. Good morning. So my name is Evelyn Torres. I'm the Executive Director of Action Wellness. Action Wellness was started -- sorry. I usually have a big mouth, but let me start again. I'm the Executive Director. My name is Evelyn Torres of Action Wellness. Action Wellness was started as Action AIDS in 1986 by a group of dedicated volunteers in response to the AIDS epidemic. Today we serve over 2000 persons living with HIV or at risk of acquiring HIV and their families. We provide a myriad of services, and our goal is to support, enhance our client's physical and emotional well-being. We are one of several organizations and clinics providing services to over 18,000 people living with HIV in Philadelphia. These are our friends, family, loved one, clients and constituents. I'm here to support designating Friday February 28th, 2025 as HIV is Not a Crime Awareness Day, as introduced by Councilperson Rue Landau. A lot of this has already been said, but my colleague Rhonda Goldfein. But I just want to add that HIV criminalization is not based on science and adds to the stigmatization of persons living with HIV, especially those in marginalized community, LGBTQ individuals, African American and Latinx. It prevents people who are living with or at risk of HIV from receiving the health care and other sort of supportive services they need and deserve. I'm asking City Council to delegate tomorrow, February 28th as HIV is Not a Crime Awareness Day, thereby sending a strong signal that the City of Philadelphia stands in solidarity with persons with HIV and also to support efforts in the PA Statehouse to decriminalize HIV in Pennsylvania. Thank you. (Applause.)

We have Wanda Walker, Ogbonna Hagins, Charlie Myers. And may Maria Yelverton and Muti Ajamu-Osagboro also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good morning, beautiful people. My name is Wanda Walker. We have one minute so let's get this started. Number one, our seniors, Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida is looking into making it where people don't have to pay property taxes. We know that every city and state is different, but we need to look at this in Philadelphia for at least our seniors. Number two, you all met with U of P and they're rolling back DEI. We need to come up with a way to make sure U of P with their $22 billion-dollar endowment pays their fair share of property taxes. Then we wouldn't have to worry about them rolling about rolling back anything because we would have the money we need. Philadelphia is the number one poorest big city and we don't have to stay here if we start prioritizing what is important. We need affordable housing. We don't need expensive developers coming into Philadelphia building stuff that we can't afford. So why not take the properties that are going to the Land Bank and give it to the renters. Instead of going after landlords to fix up their property, give the money to the renters so that they can have their own properties and become property owners. Let's see what else do we have to say. Taxes, we talked about that. Tomorrow is the blackout day. So the 28th is supposed to be the day All Black people aren't supposed to be buying anything in the stores. So I'm just making it a reminder. Because after all, it was really supposed to be a whole month but people can't seem to make the sacrifice. I think -- oh, educate our kids. If we educate them in the trades and technology, then they get the jobs in -

That Land Bank.

-Philadelphia. Thank you.

Thank you, Wanda.

Ogbonna Hagins, President of the Philadelphia Reparations Coalition for America Freedmen. Imagine you're a citizen in Nicaragua or Canada or Guinea or any other country, and you know that if you come to Philadelphia illegally you will receive food, clothing, shelter, education and sanctuary. Even if you are a criminal, someone who has killed, robbed, assaulted or worse, you are still welcomed with open arms in Philadelphia. This is what Councilman Nicolas O'Rourke is proposing with his resolution. He is suggesting that someone who has violated the laws of any other country can cross our borders illegally and find refuge here in Philadelphia. Meanwhile, the citizens who have been here, the descendants of those who built this country, have no office for sanctuary, no place to turn for the same support that's offered to people who are illegal. We know there's a lot of insanity going on around the world, but there's some insanity where we have a resolution like that. And finally, finally, I'd like to thank that finally one Councilmember had the nerve to mention American Freedmen. Brother Isaiah, thank you for at least mentioning. I didn't read the resolution so I can't say I'm for it or against it. But at least you are the first City Councilmember to mention the progeny of the emancipated, the people who saved this nation, the people who built this nation. And we have someone that's trying to let illegal immigrants come in here and get sanctuary. Ogbonna Hagins. Over and out. (Applause.)

Hello. My name is Charlie. I'm a Canvass team manager at One PA. This is my friend Kingsley. This is my friend Justin. They are co-workers. So we support Councilmember O'Rourke's resolution honoring tenant organizing. I rented a studio apartment at the corner of Frankford and Allegheny for about a year and a half. The heat was barely functional. Would go out randomly and nobody should have to rush to Walmart for an emergency space heater when it's 34 degrees in their apartment. We are calling on City Hall to put people over profit by investing in safe and healthy homes for all. We are also demanding 10 million for Philadelphia Energy Authority's Built to Last Home Repair Program because nobody should be forced to sell their family home just because we may not be able to afford to repair it ourselves right away. The tax boost to the city does nothing for all the chaos, pain and trauma that is created by displacement. (Applause.)

We have Maria Yelverton and then Muti Ajamu-Osagboro. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Hello. My name is Maria. I represent Philly Thrive. I am a District 7 resident. I'm speaking on the resolution honoring the history of Philadelphia Tenant Organization. I need to move out of my current apartment as soon as possible because the conditions there are unlivable. I have not had hot water for a year and a half throughout the winter. In order for me to take a warm shower, my daughter has to carry boiling water up a flight of stairs into my bathtub. That is dangerous. And this is on top of the fact that I continue to pay my rent every month. Why is it that my landlord can get away with this, these dangerous, unlivable and human conditions while I still keep paying them every month? How can they still continue to make a profit when I am living like this? It is not right. I cannot continue living like this. After waiting months for repairs, I am forced to move. Since I am on a fixed income, finding a place I can afford in Philadelphia is hard, not to mention a place that is in my neighborhood near my community. Once I move, this will be the first apartment I have on my own and I'm so excited to put up photos of my kids on the wall and be able to host my grandkids at my house. I'm asking all Councilmembers to support our Safety Healthy Homes Budget Campaign so that everyone, renters and homeowners, can have the repairs that we need and deserve. Thank you, Councilman O'Rourke. And, Jamie, thank you, Councilwoman. (Applause.)

I'm starting to think this is a conspiracy. Any time I come up here something wrong with the mic or something. Something's going on here. I support anybody's right to say whatever it is they want to say. I support that passionately and vehemently. Even though I may disagree with them vehemently, I support their right to say it. I don't care what it is. I'm General Muti AjamuOsagboro from the great state of North Philadelphia, city of Richard Allen. And I'm here to be in opposition of Bill 240304-A. I'm in opposition to this bill as well as most of the bills dealing with housing and property, simply because on the basis of language, language alone, as I pointed out last week language is germane to our people understanding what's going on in the city of Philadelphia. The biggest crime is gentrification or one of the biggest crimes. It's not the biggest, but it's one of the biggest crimes, gentrification. And as such -- I'm trying to sprint to make this minute. Everybody knows that housing or home ownership is the engine for generational wealth. City of Philadelphia used to be the number one city of Black homeownership. And now, it's dropped off precipitously. And now it's number one in the nation in the poorest big city. The synonymous -- the up and down is synonymous with one another. And as such, you have to ask yourself are you with the gentrification that's going on. Most of it started before you all was even in this body, but now you have the opportunity to stop it. It's in its third trimester, and our job is to abort it. Thank you.

Council President, there are no further names for public comment. COUNCIL PRESIDENT 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: That concludes today's public comment period. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250125.

A resolution condemning PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP for moving our nation closer to a constitutional crisis by, likening himself to and acting like a king.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250125.

Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250125 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. 250127.

A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING of 623 Rear North 55th Street, located in the 4th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.

The Chair recognizes the gentleman from the 4th Councilmanic District Councilman Curtis Jones for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250127.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250127 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING

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. 250138.

A resolution calling on Immigration and Customs Enforcement to immediately release Sereyrath "One" Van from Moshannon Valley Processing Center, and calling on Philadelphia as members of the United States Congress to champion welcoming immigration policies in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and to recognize Philadelphia as a city of second chances, especially for formerly incarcerated 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING noncitizens.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Nicolas O'Rourke for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250138.

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

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250138 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: The ayes have it, the motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250143.

A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 4701 Sansom Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.

The Chair recognizes the Gentle Lady from the 3rd Councilmanic District Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250143.

Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250143 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. 250144.

A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING of 1124 South 56th Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250144.

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

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted -- that Resolution No. 250144 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING (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. 240427.

An ordinance amending Section 14-305 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Nonconformities," by providing for further provisions on changes from non-conforming uses; all under certain terms and conditions.

The Chair recognizes the gentleman from the 5th Councilmanic District, Councilman Jeffrey Jay Young for a motion.

Thank 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING you, Mr. President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 240427. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 240427 be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the bill has been amended. This bill will be placed on the Final Passage 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Calendar for our next session of Council. Will the Clerk please read any additional resolutions on today's Calendar.

A privileged resolution recognizing Bernice Corean Wilcox for her lifelong dedication to her family and community, celebrating her remarkable contributions and expressing deep appreciation for the lasting impact of her kindness, service and leadership. Introduced by Councilmember Gauthier.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier. (Background interruption.)

Excuse me? The Chair recognizes 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion on the resolution.

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

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the next title of the resolution. 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING

A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Universal Audenried High School senior guard Shayla Smith on her remarkable achievement as Philadelphia's All-Time Girls' Scoring Leader. Introduced by Councilmember Thomas on behalf of Council President Johnson.

The Chair enthusiastically recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a great motion on that resolution.

Thank you, Council President. It is a great motion. It's a historical moment. And I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.

A privileged resolution congratulating Universal Audenried High School's Varsity Girls' Basketball Team for their historic three-peat as 2025 Public League Champions. Introduced by Councilmember Thomas on behalf of 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Council President Johnson.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion on the resolution.

Thank you, Council President. Congratulations to that amazing team on winning the championship. Maybe we can get them down here and all of our champions from winter sports down here to Council. And good luck to all of the young people who are competing this week for PIAA District Championships, and I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Thank you very much, Coach Thomas. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.

Calling on all of Philadelphians to recognize Black History Month, the stain of slavery in America and the ways it still affects our laws and our common humanity, and to uplift and recall those who have advocated for moving our city and nation toward full inclusion and equity. Introduced by Councilmember Thomas. 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING

The Chair recognizes Councilman Thomas for a motion on the resolution.

Thank you, Council President. And thank you to all of the advocates who've been advocating for different initiatives around Black History Month, the Freedmen's Bureau and other organizations. And with that being said, Council President, not only would I like to move for the adoption of the resolution, I would like to be recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions for the rest of today's Calendar and ask for your permission to be excused as I tend to other Council business. (Duly seconded.) 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING

The first order of business the votes will be duly noted. Yes, you are permitted leave. And now, it has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the next resolution.

Recognizing February 28th, 2025 as HIV is Not a Crime Awareness Day in 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Landau.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Landau for a motion on the resolution.

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

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.

A privileged resolution honoring the life and legacy of Tyrone Smith, long-time community leader and champion for the Black LGBTQ+ Community in Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Landau.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion on the resolution.

Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.

A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Streets and Services and the Committee on 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Transportation and Public Utilities to hold joint hearings examining water main breaks and sinkholes occurring in District 7, evaluating the underlying causes of these issues and identifying solutions to prevent and mitigate their frequency. Introduced by Councilmember Lozada.

We're about to get a rate increase too. So, Chairman Driscoll, I know you're working in partnership with Councilmember Lozada to make sure that rate increase funds go toward these water main breaks. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada for a motion on the resolution.

Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.

A privileged resolution recognizing the month of February as National Cancer Prevention Month, and 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING acknowledging the disproportionate impact of cancer on the Black community. Introduced by Councilmember Lozada.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada for a motion on the resolution.

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

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.

A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the Philadelphia Dominican Community and celebrating the 181st Anniversary of the Dominican Republic's Independence. Introduced by Councilmember Lozada.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada for a motion on the resolution.

Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read -- y'all can clap. Go ahead. (Applause.)

Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution please.

A privileged resolution authorizing 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING the Special Committee on Kensington to hold hearings on the implementation of art therapy programming as a low-barrier intervention method in addressing substance abuse disorder and serious mental illness during and after incarceration. Introduced by Councilmember Harrity.

The Chair recognizes Councilman Jim Harrity for a motion on the resolution.

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

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.

A privileged resolution honoring the historic North Philadelphia Tenants Union, City-Wide Tenants Union, East Broad Street Tenants Union and Northwest Tenants Organization, which were critical in the fight for basic tenant rights and protections in the City of Philadelphia, and whose work continues to inspire local activists and community leaders 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING today. Introduced by Councilmember O'Rourke.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke for a motion in the resolution.

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

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.

A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating PIDC, Philadelphia's public-private economic development corporation, on driving 25 years of job growth at the Navy Yard and recognizing March 31st through April 6th as Navy Yard Week in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Driscoll on behalf of Council President Johnson.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll for a motion on the resolution.

Mr. President, on your behalf I move for the adoption of the 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.

A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Philadelphia native Stephen Fulton, Jr., for his achievement in becoming the World 2/27/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Boxing Council Feather Heavyweight Champion. Introduced by Councilmember Bass on behalf of Council President Johnson.

It's a three-weight class champion too. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion on the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I call for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.

Council President, there are no further resolutions in my possession.

That completes our Calendar for today. Are there any speeches on behalf of the Minority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke.

Thank you, Mr. President. Try to keep it tight. There is a word from the Minority today. I just want to remind us the members -

Member O'Rourke, just Council at ease for a second. (Council at ease.)

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. I just wanted to say I was listening to some of the testimony today and appreciating a lot of what was being shared, and was reminded as our Brother Ogbonna was lifting up a passage that comes out of the Exodus, in at least within the Christian compilation of the Bible they talk about, at least in the 22nd chapter, this piece being about the laws of social justice. 21st verse, it reminds us a very iconic passage that you shall not wrong a soldier or stranger or oppress him for you were once strangers or sojourners in the land of Egypt. And it grieves me when Black folk, folk who have been oppressed in this land do not recognize when oppression is happening to somebody other than them and laments that. So I just wanted to express that my values matter to me and I hope to legislate them to at least lift them up, give them platform so that we can possibly have a better society, a better city for all to live in. That having been said, last week on the 20th I introduced a resolution supporting second chances and welcoming policies for formerly incarcerated migrants and law or ordinance, as the media has been prone to point out here recently. But they are a part of the public record because language matters. What we say matters. Where we stand on issues matter. And I stand in lockstep with organizations like VietLead and Juntos in recognizing Philadelphia's ability to be such a city of second chances and new beginnings as a promise that must extend, I believe, as I said to everybody, every resident. The terms and conditions of incarceration are a problem everywhere, and it's important for me to share that we are also having a decarceration hearing, I believe, next week to talk about some of this. Many heard the story of One Van today. We're talking about sitting in Moshannon right now possibly facing deportation to a country that he has never been to. Let me say that again. There is a man sitting in Moshannon possibly awaiting deportation to a country that he's never been to. This is the kind of evil, the dark days within which we live. And I think it's important for those people, as Dr. King would say, of goodwill to say so. It really doesn't matter to me whether we're talking about State Road, SCI Phoenix, the Federal Detention Center on Arch or Moshannon Valley Process Center. Our criminal legal system too easily invites us to put our humanity to the side or conditions us to not see the humanity in each other. That we ought to say so. Today I also introduced another resolution acknowledging and celebrating historic tenants unions. We heard quite a bit about that today. I am also proud that our -- not just my, our at this point -- our rent price fixing ban is now in effect across the city of Philadelphia. Both these complement each other. This week I was grateful to receive the support of organized tenants across Philadelphia, proof that tenant power is alive and it is growing. I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the tenant unions fighting today and to the generations of tenant organizations or organizers before them whose hard work and legacy have brought The resolution honors the North Philly Tenants Union, City-Wide Tenants Union, East Broad Street Tenants Union and the Northwest Tenants Organization. All these groups were active from the late '60s through the early '70s.

We have seen in the city of Philadelphia and heard here today on a number of occasions how corporate landlords exploit tenants through predatory practices, including neglecting maintenance, imposing excessive fees and using rental algorithm pricing to artificially inflate rents. And as we made -- as we wade this year a hearing -- I'm reminded of the Mayor's press conference I think about a week or two ago -- deeper into the waters around housing and the housing crisis. It's worth noting that if we fix the housing stock that we currently have, as has been lifted up here, we probably have more than enough housing to house our people. And so, I want to make sure that we are reminded of that as we wade deeper into those waters. One last thing and I'll get off your mic. On the 5th of March, the Philadelphia City Council as well as the PA House Democratic Policy Committee will hold a joint hearing on SEPTA to discuss funding and investment in transportation infrastructure. Jeremy Blatstein asks us every single daggone week who rode SEPTA. Hopefully, we see Jeremy up there at the public testimony. Hopefully we see all y'all up there as well. m. m. at the IBEW Local 98 training facility located at 1101 Kitty Hawk Avenue. If you want to attend the meeting, you can RSVP at a link. The tinyurl/SEPTAhearing. You should be able to find that, at least on my IG page or something. I'll just say that it's important for me to just lift up the work of Councilman Driscoll, who is the Chair of Transportation Committee, for leading the way in involving the Council in this hearing as well as Councilwoman Gauthier, who's also been helpful in coordinating the upcoming hearing. Our communities deserve top notch transportation, and it's our duty to deliver on that. This hearing is an a fully funded SEPTA and transit infrastructure at both the city and state levels. And I want to encourage y'all to attend because democracy works best when we show up. Thank you, Council President. )

Thank you. Speeches on behalf of the Majority. The Chair recognizes Councilman Curtis Jones.

Thank you so much, Mr. President. Next Saturday -- this Saturday with the sighting of the moon, Insha'Allah will come the holy month of Ramadan. Hundreds of millions of believers, Muslims, the next 30 days, which will encompass self reflection but also reframing from things like violence, reframing from the things that the devil would have us do, because we believe that during that period of time he is locked up. I hope and pray for world peace during that time. I hope and pray for peace on the streets here, and I've been a consistent believer that when you're trying to clean up the world, sweep under your own feet first. And I want to thank District Attorney Larry Krasner for apprehending and prosecuting those individuals that about a year ago shot up an EID celebration. I would cite that at 29th and Chalmers we did the permit out there, and 25,000 Muslims attended that celebration and not a curse word could be heard. And encourage you who went to the Eid at 47th and Wyalucing, to do so again this year because it has to be stated that there are places in our society, places that we should expect safety and peace. Our churches, our mosque, our synagogues, our schools, our Council are said places that we should expect peace. So during the month of Ramadan, I encourage all my brothers and sisters, both Christian and Jewish alike, to take advantage of this spiritual time to reflect internally, to try to set a foundation, not only for the 30 days but for the rest of the year. Thank you.

Thank you, Member Jones. Quetcy Lozada, leader of the Kensington Caucus.

Thank you, Council President. I'd like to begin by saying thank you to my colleagues on a Special Committee on Kensington for their participation in both of our hearings this week. I know they were long, but I think they were enlightening. We learned a lot about the work that the Kensington Community Revival Plan has been able to deliver to the residents of Kensington. We learned a lot about the different diversion programs, about what the challenges are, how they work and what changes need to happen in the future in order to continue to restore quality of life in the Kensington community. that community. The 7th Council District represents three of the five most violent districts in the city of Philadelphia. And the fact that crime is down just shows us that the work that we're doing is working. It is a little frustrating at times, and often times residents want to see more and they want to see it faster. But I think that we can all say that we're finally working collaboratively to be able to deliver the services that that community so much deserves. One of the numbers that I found shocking, and I have to share with people because sometimes they're like you guys are exaggerating numbers. Numbers don't lie, right. 845,208 doses of fentanyl were recovered just in 2024. 845,208 were recovered, doses were recovered. And so, let's think about how much is still there, what was not recovered. And let that tell you how the residents and the children in that community have to live day-by-day. It should also tell us that we still have a lot of work to do. But I am thankful for all of the City departments and the Mayor and the Administration for their continued support in the Kensington community. We're not always going to agree on how we get there, but the fact that we are all communicating, the fact that we share our opinions in the process in a very respectful way says a lot about our prioritizing that community and our desire to ensure that those residents deserve or get deserve. I'd also like to invite everyone to join me on a Council briefing for DBHIDS. There was a lot of conversation about how many contracts DBHIDS has in that Kensington community. And again, what's working, what is not. The briefing will happen immediately after Council in the caucus room. And so, I invite you to participate and learn about the programs and how they're being funded. Thank you very much.

Thank you. And I know early on when you arrived, there was a gentleman who's Chair of Public Safety who talked about the Kensington Marshall Plan, and you created and stepped up to the plate and create this work with me to create this Special Committee on the Kensington Caucus, and it just shows the power of all of us working together and you addressing from a collective standpoint. And I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the Mayor and her Administration for really being resourceful and really obviously promises made, promises kept. And we see the numbers are going down and we address the issues of treatment as well and really taking a comprehensive approach to it. And so, I just want to commend you and the team that you're working with on your hard work and dedication.

Thank you.

I'm going to take a moment to acknowledge some very us. And we do this work day-in and day-out on a regular basis. But what always pulls my heart is when I see the little ones, especially me being a dad. And so, young people keep us honest. And so, we have the young people and the staff from the Islamic Education School. Can they all please stand? Let's give them a round of applause. (Applause.)

We welcome you and we thank you for joining us and observing our Council session today. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.

Thank you, Council President. A bittersweet moment today. I say goodbye to our Policy and Advisor, Kira Halma, who is moving on to greener pastures literally. She's going to -- we're not losing her. She's going to the Office of Sustainability, but she's been with me from the beginning and we are very happy for her, but sad that we are going to lose because she's been instrumental in my office. So, Kira, would you please stand and we can thank you. (Applause.)

And then I wanted to just remind people and invite you again as the Chair of the Philadelphia City Council Health and Human Services, I am honored to invite all of you to the voices for vitality, which is dispelling myths, strengthening trust and we're going to have a conversation on vaccination and is happening tonight, and this is a timely discussion in partnership with the Philadelphia Chapter of the NAACP. And we will be addressing longstanding myths around vaccination, preventive health in the Black community. Our distinguished panel includes Dr. Ala Stanford. As many of you know, she was instrumental in making sure the city received COVID testing and COVID vaccinations and, in fact, started a center called Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity. We're actually being hosted there by her. She's going to be on the panel with a whole host of very distinguished panelists. And our goal is to explore the historic and systemic mistrust, highlight the efforts to build confidence in health care and improve health outcomes. We will have our new Commissioner for Health there as well as Deputy Managing Director for Health and Human Services, and obviously the rest of our panel. So I hope all of you can come. The location is -- it starts at 6:00 p.m. It's at 2001 West Lehigh Avenue this evening at 6 o'clock, and that's the Evangelistic Church for many who might know. So I hope to see you. Thank you very much, in my Council colleague's District and where I live, Councilwoman Cindy Bass' District, and hopefully she'll be there. Thank you.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes

Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you Council Lady. And also, I just want to mention that's going to be at Deliverance, which everybody knows in Philadelphia, a very well-known church. Today, I introduced two critical pieces of legislation that will strengthen our commitment to responsible business operations and hold public health here in Philadelphia more accountable for illegal tobacco sales. We're going to protect our youth and ensure that those who disregard our laws face real consequences. The first bill seeks to amend Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, specifically Chapter 9-4400, Responsible Business Operations, businesses. This amendment will add to the sale of tobacco in violation of state law to the list of nuisance behaviors. By doing so, we are reinforcing the principle that businesses that flout state tobacco regulations are not just engaging in minor infractions but in behaviors that threaten public health and safety. The second bill takes our enforcement efforts a step further. It amends Section 9-4406 of the same chapter to require businesses that have been found in violation of state tobacco laws to post clear signage indicating their lack of authorization to sell tobacco under both city and state law. This measure will ensure transparency, inform customers and making it impossible for businesses to operate in the shadows when they have been caught breaking the law. These bills reflect our ongoing commitment to responsible business practices and the wellbeing of our residents. Illegal tobacco sales disproportionately affect young people and vulnerable communities, particularly African American and Latino communities, undermine public health and trust in our local businesses. With these measures, we are strengthening enforcement and sending a clear message if you choose to ignore the law, you will be held accountable. I urge my colleagues to support these bills in Council and on Final Passage and stand with us in protecting our city's future. you, Mr. President.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.

Thank you, Mr. President. First and foremost, I want to wish my friends, my family, my constituents in the 5th Council District who do celebrate the season of Ramadan, I want to wish them a blessed Ramadan season and many more blessings to come for them. I want to remind constituents that we have a town hall regarding the Cecil B. Moore Library on March 11th at 6:00 p.m. That will be held at Wayland Temple Baptist Church, 2500 Cecil B. Moore. That's on the corner of 25th and Cecil B. Moore. So that is on March 11th, so please mark your calendars. We want to hear from you. We want to hear from the community about the future of this library. We want to give the community options on what this site could potentially be for the future. We have to make sure that this is about the next generation and it's not about those who are here now. It is not about those who are trying to secure particular jobs. This is about our children. This is about children's future and to make sure that our children have the best thing possible as we move forward in our North Philadelphia community. And last but not least, I learned from Councilman Jones that interns are really, really of Councilman Jones' first interns when he started as a Councilmember here in this body, and he showed me that you got to train them up. You got to train them up. And the good ones, you keep them around, right. But unfortunately, one of my good ones, one of my first interns is leaving my office, and she will be starting a new job with -- I would leave too to work for the Speaker of the House. So with that said, Ann, would you please stand up so we can acknowledge you. (Applause.)

Thank you so much. Ann was one of my very first interns when I became a Councilmember and she stuck by me. Even though we couldn't offer her a full time job, she still stuck in us day-in and day-out to make sure that the constituents of the 5th Council District get the service that they so desperately need. And Ann will also be starting at the Fels School of Government this fall. So congratulations to you, Ann. And I look forward to working with you in the future. (Applause.)

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Landau.

Thank you, Council President. I want to take a moment to honor the life and legacy of my friend and mentor Tyrone Smith. Tyrone was a trailblazer in every sense of the word. We first met when I was an activist with Act Up and reconnected at various times years, most recently at his 80th birthday celebration. And then when just in this past December, I presented him with the Living Legacy Award at my Council Office's first ever LGBTQ+ Hall of Fame. His speech was incredible, and who would have known it was -- we wouldn't see him soon after that. So who's Tyrone? You heard some today, but he was the heart and soul of our community, a tireless advocate whose passion for justice and equality transformed Philadelphia. He stood at the forefront when Black gay men, particularly those living with HIV, needed a champion most. In a time when silence prevailed and many voices went unheard, Tyrone forged groundbreaking alliances with political and faith leaders, even that had once overlooked the struggles of Black gay men. Through his leadership at Unity Inc., the very first organization by and for Black gay men in Philadelphia, he not only provided critical support and education during the darkest days of the AIDS epidemic, but he also laid the foundation for a more equitable and compassionate city. His legacy endures in every progressive policy, every voice that rises in the name of justice and in the continuing fight for LGBTQ+ rights that marks our city's beacon of hope. Tyrone created spaces that never before existed, and his legacy is indeed living with many of us every day. I'm so sorry for his family and friends and for all of I have to say I always hear from young people, so many of the leaders that we have in the community today that they say without a Tyrone, there is no -fill in the blank for Jacen Bowman, Dontes Keys, all of the folks that you heard from today, Sappho Fulton. Without Tyrone Smith, there is no Rue Landau. There is not so many people in Philadelphia. So thank him so much for his work. And his work has inspired me also in doing some of the work like in my second resolution today recognizing February 28th as HIV is Not a Crime Awareness Day in Philadelphia. This is a day dedicated to education, advocacy and the pursuit of justice for those living with HIV. I would also like to Waxman for his leadership on the state level on this issue and who will soon introduce it on the state level as Senator Vincent Hughes. I got my start in activism by organizing for social services during the early years of the HIV and AIDS epidemic. Today thanks to prevention medication, lifesaving treatment and thoughtful education, people living with HIV are living with a diagnosis, not a death sentence. Yet despite this progress, stigmatization and criminalization is still rampant. HIV criminalization does not protect public health. It fuels hate, discourages testing and deters seeking treatment. We must promote in Pennsylvania that says diagnosis is not a crime. more important as the Trump administration threatens to roll back decades of progress on LGBTQ+related healthcare issues, including funding for preventative measures, including PrEP and funding for research. Thank you for all celebrating Tyrone's memory and with me here today, and please be sure to keep the work of his mind tomorrow during HIV is Not a Crime Awareness Day. Thank you.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.

Thank you, Council President. I wanted to take a moment to recognize some visitors from my District today. We are 3rd grade class at the Islamic Education Center. Will you all please stand up and be recognized? (Applause.)

They joined us today here in Council to see their local government in action. And also, after this we're going into a meeting so they can tell me what they want to see in the community. So I just wanted to commend them for being engaged and learning about the civic process, even so early in age. Thank you.

So with that being said, this concludes all speeches today. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman and Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion to adjourn.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March, 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. Thank you all very much. ) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I, hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence noted are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me in the foregoing matter, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. S. C. m. org. S.