Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are 0. Majority of all members haven't voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Will the Clerk please read any additional resolutions on today's Calendar.
A privileged resolution celebrating and recognizing February 15th as 215 Day of Giving, an annual - STATED - 2ND READING observance that honors Philadelphia's identity while strengthening and highlighting the role of nonprofit organizations servicing underresourced and underserved communities. Introduced by Councilmember Thomas.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas 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.) - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Jones.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and The Homeless to hold hearings to examine the Office of Property Assessment, its assessment methodology, appeals process and - STATED - 2ND READING the impact of rising property assessments and property taxes on Philadelphia residents. Introduced by Councilmember Lozada.
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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Anyone opposed? (No response.) - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing a joint hearing between the Committee on Public Safety and the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs to examine the presence of firearms in public recreation spaces, the enforcement of existing laws and strategies to reduce gun violence in parks and playgrounds across the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Lozada.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada for a motion on the resolution.
- STATED - 2ND READING 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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Reverend Michael A. - STATED - 2ND READING Major, Sr., during Black History Month for his extraordinary leadership, faith-driven service and unwavering commitment to the renewal, restoration, revitalization of the NicetownTioga community, and celebrating his Installation as Senior Pastor at Zion Baptist Church. Introduced by Councilmember Ahmad on behalf of Councilmember Bass.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of this resolution and congratulate Mr. Major, Reverend Major, in advance on his installation. (Duly seconded.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Anthony Phillips.
Okay. Trying to get the jump on Member Jones. I see that. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution. - STATED - 2ND READING
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring February 20, 2026 as Love Your Pet Day in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Ahmad on behalf of Councilmember Bass.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.) - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring Reverend Dr. J. Henry Buck, Jr., for his service, visionary ministry and contributions to the community as Senior Pastor of Grace Baptist Church of Germantown in recognition of Black History Month. Introduced by Councilmember Ahmad on behalf of Councilmember Bass.
Very fitting acknowledgement, Member Bass. Chair recognizes Member Bass for a - STATED - 2ND READING motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of this very important resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A - STATED - 2ND READING privileged resolution honoring Bishop J. Lewis Felton from the Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ for his extraordinary lifetime of service, leadership and lasting contributions to the spiritual, civic and social well-being of the City of Philadelphia during Black History Month. Introduced by Councilmember Ahmad on behalf of Councilmember Bass.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. We move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the - STATED - 2ND READING resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution, recognizing February 17, 2026 as the Lunar New Year and celebrating the cultural and historical significance of Philadelphia's Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Introduced by Councilmember Ahmad.
Chair recognizes - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad 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.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution. Stated Meeting
Thank you very much. As we prepare for speeches, I just want to take a moment to acknowledge that next week we'll be celebrating the birthday of our Majority Leader Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson. (Applause.)
Any speeches on behalf of the Minority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.
Thank you, Mr. President. Really brief today. It is very exciting to find out that 40 degrees is a whole lot better than 17. I think Stated Meeting the warmth of God smiling on us. Even in the midst of freezing temperatures, there's a big difference in those degrees. It also highlights, I think, if anyone noticed and been riding around the beginning of the melting process of the ice that seemed to not ever want to go away. And so, grateful for that. Today I just want to comment briefly and say that our office actually submitted a letter to the Administration urging the Administration, in light of all this happening, to actually respect and include D.C. 33's leadership in all decisions that shape their jobs and their livelihoods. Folks may not know this, but there obviously was a wonderful, I think makes a lot of sense idea in terms of Stated Meeting otherwise not have some employment the opportunity to do same-day-working pay to break up the ice and do that work. Unfortunately, as it came to my attention, there was no communication with the union whose job it is to do that work prior to doing that. And so, I just want to urge, as a member of the body, the Administration to be mindful to always first consider the uniontrained labor before making such decisions. This was a unique storm and I don't think anybody can dispute the fact that real leadership called on folks to move urgently. I know I was one of those that wanted to get out of my parking spot and get around. And so, I think it's heard and Stated Meeting to move to make something shake and happen. And also, can we do that at the same time by respecting the longterm relationship that we've had with D.C. 33 and honoring their labor and their work prior to making decisions that kind of undermine their power. So again, thank you for the time. I'm also naming this in light of the fact that we, many of us colleagues and all, went over to Member Bass' District to honor the life of Mr. Sapp, who we honored last week of a moment of silence, a standing moment of silence. And we want his memory to continue to be a blessing. So I think all these are important things for us to consider. And just want to make sure that we commented on that in light of all that shifting. Stated Meeting you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Member O'Rourke. Speeches on behalf of the Majority. Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips.
I just wanted to rise and also just say happy birthday to our incredible Majority Leader. Her birthday is this Saturday and she's been -
Valentine's Day. She's been a great help to so many of us on City Council that a lot of us can attest to. And I just want to say happy birthday to you. Stated Meeting
And also, just let you know all those in the 9th District, please visit our social media on Phillipdst9 on Facebook and Instagram. We're having a town hall series across our district, which starts this Tuesday at the Oxford Circle, Castor Gardens at the Bushrod Library, from 6:00 to 7:30. We're creating a space for dialogue and communication and for an opportunity to hear from you about what's important to your neighborhood. So please check out our Instagram and social media. Also, sign up for our newsletters or call our office at 215-686-3454 to learn when the town hall is near you. Thank you so much, Stated Meeting
You're welcome. Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones.
Thank you so much, Mr. President. Today I rise to support a group of professional nurses, nursing assistants, doctors who work on our eyes down at Will's Eye. I had the privilege of being worked on by them four times. First thing I saw when I came out of anesthesia was his wife and she fed me Ginger Ale and cookies -
And those were the best Ginger Ale and cookies, because you don't get to eat before surgery. But I rise for the fact that that institution does Stated Meeting locally, nationally and internationally for the people here. On their mission statement, they clearly say that we will turn no patient down based on their ability or inability to pay. That's an amazing mission. The people that go there can go there confidently to get the services that they need. Some of the services they provided in the Middle East. When the young ladies were taking off their hijabs and they were shot in the eye by soldiers so that they could later identify them because of the damage to their eye, they flew them here to work on their vision for free. It doesn't get much better than that by way of corporate good neighbors. They are fighting not just for their own wages. They are Stated Meeting they have management issues, but all they have to do is look down I-95 and see that hostile takeovers by investors are taking over local hospitals. And when a Crozer closes, it affects Lankenau up here because the overflow, the overcrowding goes right up here, and the quality of service you receive when you go into the emergency room is impacted. So they have a keen eye, no pun intended, on that. We must support them, not just for their individual families, the Squilla family is important to me, but because of all of us and because you can go there and it's a world-renowned facility producing all of these doctors right in our midst, and we should not let corporate scavengers take Stated Meeting it off for parts. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
Thank you, Member Jones. Very well said. Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I'm introducing amendments to my bill calling for a moratorium on unlicensed breeding, to strengthen the language and ensure that all provisions are clear and enforceable. The most significant changes clarify that accountability rests with bad actors engaging in illegal breeding, not with social media platforms where content may be posted. Stated Meeting those violating the laws, and this revision will make that intent explicit. We have listened carefully to advocates on both sides of the issue, and the updated version reflects thoughtful input and a shared commitment to meaningful, workable reform. This bill represents an important step forward in protecting dogs in our city, and we know it is a part of a broader effort to improve animal welfare in the city of Philadelphia. I want to thank everyone who came out today to testify, who contacted our offices and who worked collaboratively with us to reform this legislation. Your input has made this bill stronger. And it is only fitting that we also recognize and honor Stated Meeting 20, 2026 as Love Your Pet Day here in Philadelphia. Dogs, cats, birds, other companion animals are more than just pets. They are family. And so, we wanted to make that clear as well. Love Your Pet Day is a chance to spend a little extra time walking, playing or simply sitting beside the animals who you love, who give us so much love. It is also a call to support our local shelters, rescue organizations and veterinary professionals and to recommit to responsible, compassionate pet ownership. Let us celebrate the joy pets bring to our city and ensure every animal is treated with care and dignity as they deserve. Now, during Black History Month we honor the powerful role of church leaders who have Stated Meeting in the Civil Rights Movement, preaching justice from the pulpit, organizing in fellowship halls and reminding America that equality is a moral calling. Here in Philadelphia, that legacy lives on. Reverend Michael A. Major, Sr., continues the historic tradition of Zion Baptist Church advancing renewal and opportunity in the Nicetown-Tioga neighborhood through faith and community development. Reverend Dr. J. Henry Buck, Jr. at Grace Baptist Church of Germantown carries forward a vision of ministry that meets both spiritual and practical needs, expanding education, health access and economic opportunity. And Bishop J. Lewis Felton of the Mt. Airy Church of Stated Meeting decades of servant leadership advocating for justice, education and civic engagement across our city. These leaders stand in the proud tradition of clergy who have helped the Civil Rights Movement, proving that the Black church is not only a place of worship, but also a force for transformation. This Black History Month we celebrate their faith, their service and their enduring impact on Philadelphia, and we say thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
Didn't you leave out Reverend James Buck, Southern Flames Barbecue, world-renowned.
Stated Meeting Well, let me speak on that for just a second, if I may. Some of the best Southern food cooking in the city of Philadelphia is through Southern Flames Barbecue, which is currently at the Chestnut Hill Farmer's Market but moving into a location yet to be, you know, we won't put out the actual address until it's actually confirmed, but a location in I believe the Germantown section of Philadelphia. So we're very, very, very excited about that and we'll keep you posted. And hiring folks who are returning citizens from incarceration, helping folks get -
And that's the Zion Baptist Church, Broad Street?
Can we give them a round of applause, y'all. (Applause.)
Good job, Member Bass. Those that know, know. Broad and Venango.
I'm a little guy. I never really get that invite. But one day I'll be there.
You're welcome to come up. COUNCIL PRESIDENT Stated Meeting JOHNSON: But congratulations in all seriousness as we celebrate Black History Month and it's also in the spirit of our Reverend on our Council, Reverend Nicolas O'Rourke as well. Chair recognizes Councilman Jim Harrity.
Thank you, Council President. I'm also in support of my union brothers and sisters at Will's Eye as well as our Penn grad students, who are also exercising their right to protest for fair wages and fair treatment. And again, I also as the Chair of Labor, sent a letter to the Mayor today. I am also a fan of the same-day pay. I think it gives people opportunity, especially those in recovery, but I believe there needs to be dialogue Stated Meeting work from another union person, especially if you are paying them more than the union person that works every day. So very concerned about that. And then last, just again please keep Kenneth Kasib Carter in your prayers. He is Senator Street's Executive Director. He was found unconscious in his home last night. Thank God his wife was able to revive him when she got there by CPR. He was then rushed to Jeanes Hospital where he is now. As of late last night, he was still unconscious. He took a bad fall and they're actually more worried about his head trauma than the heart attack. But please keep my brother in prayer. He's a brother Mason. He's just a good dude. Thank you. Stated Meeting
Thank you, Member Harrity. We will definitely keep Kasib in prayer. Very good gentleman. Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. I first will start by wishing our Majority Leader a very happy birthday. Maybe, may there be cake. I also wanted to thank Councilmember Curtis Jones for the opportunity to co-sponsor the resolution honoring and recognizing the observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan. It is one of the holiest months in Islam and very grateful to him for this acknowledgement of the month for over 300,000 people in Philadelphia. I also wanted to speak Stated Meeting introduced recognizing February 17th as Lunar New Year in Philadelphia. For a lot of neighbors, Lunar New Year is not a festival in the abstract. It's a family moment. It's checking in on parents and grandparents. It's the food that takes hours to make, because that's what love looks like in a lot of our households. It's the reset. It's saying it's a brand new year. Let's try again. Let's do better. Let's be healthier. Let's be kinder. Let's have some luck. This year is the Year of the Horse. People talk about energy and determination. To me, it's that steady idea of momentum. You keep moving forward even when the year behind you was a lot. And that's something I think the city Stated Meeting something we see in the AAPI communities across Philadelphia every day. People are working, building, raising families, caring for relatives, holding on to language and tradition and still contributing so much to the life of the city. So I thank all my Councilmembers for supporting this resolution. And what it says very plainly, we recognize you, we respect you and we are celebrating with you. Thank you, Council President. I yield back.
Thank you. Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. Stated Meeting the last two years about the need to increase the housing stack in the city of Philadelphia. We're hearing today from the Governor apparently having conversations about housing. And I believe that before we continue those conversations about development, we need to get our own house in order. And that is why today I introduced a resolution authorizing the Committee on Housing and Neighborhood Development and The Homeless to hold hearings on the Office of Property Assessment to examine how property values are assessed, the appeals process and how rising property taxes are affecting Philadelphians. When a home's value goes up, so do the taxes. While this is a financial burden for residents Stated Meeting Philadelphia, especially seniors and low-income homeowners, it is particularly burdensome in the 7th Council District where the median income is only $38,000. Many residents in the 7th Council District can barely afford their mortgages, let alone the rising cost of property taxes. For many families, especially older residents or those who are on fixed incomes, it can make it hard to stay in their homes. We cannot allow that to happen. In some neighborhoods, home values are increasing significantly because of new development, even though their incomes are not. There is an older couple in my district who have lived in their home for over 30 years. When they first moved in, their property Stated Meeting few hundred dollars. Today they are several thousand dollars. Equity in our assessment systems is not optional. It is about fairness in our policies, stabilities in our neighborhoods and dignity for all of our residents. I'm really looking forward to hearing in this hearing how the recommendations of a past audit that called for fairness or would have allowed for fairness have actually been put in place and what we are doing to ensure that those who choose to live in specific neighborhoods can stay in their neighborhoods, regardless of the investment that comes into that community. Thank you, Council President. COUNCIL PRESIDENT Stated Meeting JOHNSON: Thank you. Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you, Council President. Today my resolution commending the Pennsylvania General Assembly for including the Working Pennsylvania's Tax Credit in the 2025-26 budget passed right as we gear up for tax season. I'd like to thank those who came out for comment. These tax credits are some of the greatest anti-poverty tools people have at their disposal. More than 1 million Pennsylvanians are eligible for the Working Pennsylvania Tax Credit, which will provide $193 million in tax relief for working families this year. The Earned Income Tax Credit as well as the Child Tax Stated Meeting back in the pockets of Philadelphians. That can be lifechanging money, especially for the 12% of Pennsylvania households that live below the federal poverty level, and another 28% earn above poverty but still struggle to afford basic needs. These credits consistently lift people out of poverty each year, which is increasingly challenging as our city and country endure an unaffordability crisis that is more harmful to the most vulnerable people. I'd also like to extend my deepest condolences to the family who lost their home recently with the recent ICE raid in Montgomery County that was described by onlookers as a family in shock and a home destroyed after agents broke Stated Meeting was a visible reminder that Philadelphia and our surrounding counties are already feeling the deep impacts of ICE's reign of terror. Similar raids are happening right here in Philly, and I'm proud that we as a legislative body are speaking out. And finally, I wanted to note the shameful act by the federal government for removing the Rainbow Pride Flag from the Stonewall monument in New York City, the birthplace of what many see as our birthplace of queer rights and the visibility movement across the country. Their attempt to remove queer visibility is short-lived. But the message I want to tell people is that we will not be erased and we will continue to show our pride 365 days a year. Flag or no flag. Thank you. Stated Meeting (Applause.)
Thank you. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. I want to also acknowledge Mr. Mike Major. Thank you to my colleague Cindy Bass for recognizing and honoring him again for his work. He's also the President of Called to Serve CDC, which serves the Germantown and Erie commercial corridors right across from Zion Baptist Church, right across from the 8th District, our neighbors. I had the opportunity to feature him on Fox 29 a couple of weeks ago for the amazing work they're doing on that Broad and Venango corridor. So I just want Stated Meeting Major, thank Councilmember Bass for recognizing the work of Mr. Major and Zion Baptist Church and congratulate him on his succession to pastor. Next week, our office in conjunction with the Mayor's Office of Muslim engagement, our Commissioner's Office, our Councilmember Jones office, we will be hosting a Ramadan toy drive during the month of Ramadan. Please reach out to our office with information on where you can donate toys. We're asking for new and unwrapped toys during the month of Ramadan. As my colleague mentioned, there are hundreds of thousands of Muslims who are celebrating in our city. We want to make sure they have a blessed Eid. I want to thank the Stated Meeting the Commissioner's Office as well. This past Monday we hosted a civic education program for our community to educate them on how to become a committee person. This was very informative. It was engaging and it allowed residents and community members the opportunity to learn about how to get involved at a grassroots level. That's what this program is about. We need our communities to stay involved in order for us to do our jobs as elected officials. And so, we encourage people to continue to get involved civically, whether it is as a committee person or as a block captain, as a nonprofit executive. We saw a bunch of folks here today who are grassroots community organizers. A few of them are in the 5th Council Stated Meeting And, Mr. President, I do have a couple of bills that are on Final Passage today. We did hold one, but these bills are to improve the quality of life of residents in the 5th Council District, right. So particularly the one bill regarding demolitions, this is about preserving housing, preserving affordable housing in our district. In August, there was an article in the Inquirer that said there was 121% increase in the price of a newly-constructed home versus one that was already existing, right. So that's what this is about. This is about creating naturally-occurring affordable housing in our communities, right. It's a term that folks like to throw around Stated Meeting this bill does. And I'm looking forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders to make sure that this bill is more fair. I'd also like to thank my colleagues today for passing Bill No. 250998, which will protect the public health, safety and welfare of the residents in the 5th Council District and all patrons of small businesses on the commercial corridor where it applies. We've consulted and connected with the community on this bill, and this bill defines specifically and clearly what a commercial establishment is on those commercial corridors. So I want to thank the community leaders who testified today. They live with this issue each and every day. We heard from Stated Meeting the 8th Ward, and she alluded to we have to make sure that we're able to enforce these types of legislation, because the things that they have to live with each and every day, we shouldn't have to endure that in our communities here in the city of Philadelphia.
This bill is about the need for our businesses and our community to just be a little bit more responsible and it sets those guidelines on how to act responsibly in our communities, on our commercial corridors. And so, we have over a projected billion dollar budget surplus, right. So I hope the city can properly enforce these laws -- we can properly fund the efforts to enforce these laws. I hope we can fund those grassroots organizations that are on the Stated Meeting our quality of life for our neighborhoods each and every day. So, Mr. President, I want to continue to fight for our community, for our neighbors, because their quality of life matters, right. And to any resident, any patron listening, if your community is enduring these, I would say, unscrupulous business practices, please reach out to our office. We will work with you to ensure that we can we get those businesses to act responsibly. These businesses are open literally 24/7 selling narcotics. This is worse than the open-air drug market that used to be on the corners because they have a legal cover. So we really have to figure out how to tackle this issue holistically. And I want to Stated Meeting Gilmore Richardson, who is continuing to work on this issue. And so, last but certainly not least, Mr. President, I want to wish my wife a Happy Valentine's Day and ask her, Please be my Valentine this year. Thank you so much, Mr. President. )
This boul just got husband of the year. That's what's up. I love that though. That's what it's all about. Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
This boul putting the pressure on me, man. I was just trying to encourage people to donate to the grassroots nonprofit organizations Stated Meeting today. But I will say -- so, no, in all seriousness, the organizations that came up here today, organizations who've been doing the work across the city of Philadelphia, these are the type of organizations where $250, $500, it really goes a long way. So the effort this year is to support 10 grassroots nonprofit organizations. Every donation that's made will go to those organizations. I'm pledging myself to donate to the effort on Sunday for 215 Day of Giving. Thank you, Council President. Thank you, colleagues.
Thank you very much. I look forward to seeing that on your budget list. Chair now recognizes my Stated Meeting Whip, the outstanding, hard-working advocate for all young people here in the city of Philadelphia, Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Mr. President. Happy Valentine's Day to everybody. And I move that Council stands adjourned until Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Thank you all very much. ) Stated Meeting 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. m. C. E. m. org 65:16 Zion 27:5 103:7,15,22 104:3 124:10 144:11 147:5,8 159:17 160:4 zoning 47:10 65:22 66:21 114:5,6 City of Philadelphia City Council Calendar Thursday, February 12, 2026 PUBLIC COMMENT Please note that this is an in-person meeting, and it is open to the public. com/watch-city-council/ Public comment will be received in-person regarding those matters printed on the agenda on the following pages. m. the day before the meeting and they must submit the following information: " Full name (including proper pronunciation and spelling) " Identify the bill number or resolution number that will be addressed " State whether you support or oppose that particular bill or resolution " Telephone number where you can be reached Speakers may also sign-up to participate in public comment on the day of the meeting in Room 400, City Hall. Speakers who submitted the above information within the required time frame will be added to the list. Speakers will have up to three minutes to speak; the Council President, however, reserves the right based on circumstances to establish a different time limit. The Council President may also limit testimony where repetitious comments are offered on an agenda item. City of Philadelphia -1CITY COUNCIL Calendar for Thursday, February 12, 2026 ORDER OF BUSINESS IN A COUNCIL SESSION Note: Some items do not occur at every session: Invocation. Approval of the journal of the preceding meeting. Requests by Councilmembers for permission to be absent from the session. Reading of communications from the Mayor. Introduction of bills and resolutions (to be referred to appropriate Committees of Council). Reports from Committees of Council. Special business. Bills on first reading. Public comment on bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars - titles are printed below. Bills that Council passed but that need to be returned by the Mayor for reconsideration. Consideration of bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Bills and resolutions on the Suspension Calendar. Speeches by Councilmembers. City of Philadelphia -2CITY COUNCIL Calendar for Thursday, February 12, 2026 . BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON FINAL PASSAGE 241070 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Thomas Resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to eliminate the requirement that City officers and employees resign from their City office or employment before becoming candidates for public office; and providing for the submission of the amendment of the electors of Philadelphia. 260086 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Landau Resolution commending the Pennsylvania General Assembly for including the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit in the 2025-2026 budget, a crucial new tool to provide essential resources and lift families out of poverty across the Commonwealth. 260089 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Harrity Resolution calling on the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework and conduct a formal safety and labor impact review of driverless rideshare vehicles operating in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania.
BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE 241056 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Thomas An Ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to eliminate the requirement that City officers and employees resign from their City office or employment before becoming candidates for public office; and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election. City of Philadelphia -3CITY COUNCIL Calendar for Thursday, February 12, 2026 250768 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Gauthier An Ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled <Contracts and Procurement,= to prohibit contractors providing solid waste, recycling or composting services to the City from incinerating discarded matter, under certain terms and conditions. 250807 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Squilla An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire, on behalf of the City, fee simple title or a lesser interest, by purchase, dedication, donation, condemnation, agreement in lieu of condemnation or otherwise, for the purpose of making, enlarging, connecting, extending, operating, and maintaining public parks for recreational use, certain parcels of land, generally bounded and located between Vine Street, Fairmount Avenue, 8th Street and 12th Street, together with all improvements thereon and all associated easements and appurtenances; and to lease the property, or a portion thereof, to the Center City District; all under certain terms and conditions. 250843 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Squilla for Council President Johnson An Ordinance amending Chapter 10-700 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled <Refuse and Littering,= to require locking dumpsters; all under certain terms and conditions. 250917 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Young An Ordinance amending Section 14-529 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled </VDO, Fifth District Overlay District,= to provide for building requirements to prevent vacant lots, all under certain terms and conditions. 250980 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Phillips An Ordinance amending Chapter 9-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled <Property Licenses and Owner Accountability,= by requiring non-resident landlords to provide verifiable contact information and a designated local contact and establishing penalties for non-compliance, all under certain terms and conditions. City of Philadelphia -4CITY COUNCIL Calendar for Thursday, February 12, 2026 250988 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Young An Ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code (entitled <Service and Other Businesses=) to add business hour restrictions in the Fifth Councilmanic District; and amending Section 14-529 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled </VDO, Fifth District Overlay District,= to restrict certain commercial uses and make other related changes, all under certain terms and conditions 250989 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Bass An Ordinance amending Title 10 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled <Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity,= by adding a new Section to impose a temporary moratorium on the breeding and transfer of puppies, all under certain terms and conditions. 251025 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Driscoll An Ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Ryan Avenue between Leon Street and Frankford Avenue. 251031 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Bass for Council President Johnson An Ordinance repealing in its entirety Bill No. 241055 (approved December 23, 2024), entitled <An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Packer Avenue, Seventh Street, Pattison Avenue, and Darien Street.
= 251097 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Phillips An Ordinance amending Chapter 9-4400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled <Responsible Business Operations,= to add illegal sales of tobacco products to minors and unlicensed tobacco retailing as nuisance behaviors, and require completion of a Department-approved Tobacco Retailer Education and Compliance Training as a condition of lifting a Cease Operations Order, all under certain terms and conditions. City of Philadelphia -5CITY COUNCIL Calendar for Thursday, February 12, 2026 RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTIONS 260098 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Thomas Resolution celebrating and recognizing February 15th as 215 Day of Giving, an annual observance that honors Philadelphia9s identity while strengthening and highlighting the role of nonprofit organizations servicing under-resourced and underserved communities. 260100 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Jones Resolution honoring and Recognizing the Observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan in the City of Philadelphia. 260101 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Lozada Resolution authorizing the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development, and the Homeless to hold hearings to examine the Office of Property Assessment, its assessment methodology, appeals process, and the impact of rising property assessments and property taxes on Philadelphia residents. 260102 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Lozada Resolution authorizing a joint hearing between the Committee on Public Safety and the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs to examine the presence of firearms in public recreation spaces, the enforcement of existing laws, and strategies to reduce gun violence in parks and playgrounds across the City of Philadelphia. 260103 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Bass Resolution honoring and recognizing Reverend Michael A. Major, Sr. during Black History Month for his extraordinary leadership, faith-driven service, and unwavering commitment to the renewal, restoration, revitalization of the Nicetown-Tioga community and celebrating his Installation as Senior Pastor at Zion Baptist Church City of Philadelphia -6CITY COUNCIL Calendar for Thursday, February 12, 2026 260104 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Bass Resolution recognizing and honoring February 20, 2026, as <Love Your Pet Day= in the City of Philadelphia 260105 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Bass Resolution honoring Rev. Dr. J. Henry Buck, Jr. for his Service, visionary ministry, and contributions to the community as Senior Pastor of Grace Baptist Church of Germantown in Recognition of Black History Month 260106 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Bass Resolution honoring Bishop J. Louis Felton from The Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ for his extraordinary lifetime of service, leadership, and lasting contributions to the spiritual, civic, and social well-being of the City of Philadelphia during Black History Month 260107 INTRODUCED BY: Councilmember Ahmad Resolution recognizing February 17, 2026, as the Lunar New Year and celebrating the cultural and historical significance of Philadelphia9s Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. City of Philadelphia -7-