COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania January 23, 2025 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN CURTIS J. JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN RUE LANDAU COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY M. LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN NICOLAS O'ROURKE COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR. ELIZABETH McCOLLUM NAZARIO, CHIEF CLERK
I note that the hour has come and a quorum of this Council is present. I will ask all members to take your seats. I will ask all visitors to retire outside the rails. And before proceeding, I will ask all those present to please set your cell phones to silent or vibrate, and I will ask for anyone in the chamber with sidebar conversations to please take it out of the chamber. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes the Reverend Dr. Leslie D. Callahan, Pastor of the Saint Paul's Baptist today as the guest of Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke. I will ask all members and guests to please rise. (Councilmembers, visitors and guests rise.)
Pastor Callahan, please take the rostrum. REV.
Mr. Council President, City Councilmembers and all who are gathered, let us pray. Almighty and loving God, we recognize the privilege that it is to sit and stand and live in a city known as the birthplace of liberty and the cradle of democracy. We are particularly mindful of his privilege at a time when we are faced with just how fragile liberty and democracy can be. We give you thanks for legislative session. Openings and new beginnings are a blessing. We give you thanks for having already opened the windows of heaven and pouring out goodness and kindness and this morning renewing mercy. We pray for the Council to have openness of perspective and vision, ideas and ingenuity. We pray that their solutions will be borne of the best of the political process with an awareness of and commitment to the dignity of all. We pray for the wellbeing of our city, of our state, of our nation. Loving God, bless our Mayor and Council President. Give them and all of the Council wisdom and insight. Make them and all of us especially mindful of the most vulnerable, the children, the seniors, the poor, the unhoused and insecure, especially in these frigid temperatures. Help us to be mindful of the faithful and the agnostic, the atheist and the believer, the civicminded and the disengaged. And at the end of this session, whatever may be said of this legislative body and its deliberations, may it also be said that this body and their deliberations contribute to the strengthening of the values of democracy in all 10 Districts and at large. And in the name of the God who answers when called by many names and in the power of justice and righteousness for the sake of openness and democracy, we pray. Amen. (Amen.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 19, 2024. The Chair recognizes Deputy Whip Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 19, 2024 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 19, 2024 stand approved. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is request for leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Majority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilmember Nina Ahmad.
The Chair thanks the Councilmember, and leave will be Chair recognizes Minority Leader Kendra Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. There are no requests for leave from the Minority.
The Chair thanks the member. The Chair now recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's session of Council and that there 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 action to be voted on in this session, a motion to withdraw a bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar, and a motion placing a bill or resolution on or returning a bill or resolution from the 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 the Calendar that was published prior to today's session.
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 during the course of this session of Council. All those in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. continue with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to come again and Happy New Year to everyone. I want to take a matter of personal privilege to now acknowledge the following individuals who are joining us in our City Council chambers today: Federal Judge Timothy Savage; City Commissioner Lisa Deeley; Councilmember Sharon -- former Councilmember and Honorable Sharon Vaughn; former Chief of Clerk Patricia Rafferty, Judge James Crumlish; Judge Joshua Roberts; State Representative Joseph Hohenstein and Timothy J. Savage, Democratic Ward Leader. Can we give them a round of applause for joining us today. (Applause.)
The Chair takes this time to acknowledge Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. And I just wanted to take a moment today as we're recognizing Central High School's tennis team, the girls tennis team. If you all could stand up, here in the balcony. (Applause.)
Our outstanding student athletes from Central High School, which is in the 8th Council District, but also that at winning the team title. They swept the District Championship in team singles and doubles and that just completely dominated with their athletic talent. So we just wanted to recognize each and every one of them as they're here today. And we are offering a resolution on their behalf today here in Philadelphia City Council. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
You're welcome. The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-atArms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Will the Chief Clerk please read the message from the communications in her possession.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on December 23, 2024 I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on December 19, 2024: Bill Nos. 240963, 240964-A, 240966, 240967, 240968, 240969, 240970, 240971, 240972, 240973, 241062-A and 241084. And that on December 23rd, I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session On December 12, 2024: Bill Nos. 240932, 241055, and 240159. And I am pleased to advise you that on January 15, 2025 I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on December 19, 2024: Bill 241022 and 241023. And that also on January 15th, I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on December 12, 2024: Bill Nos. 240430, 240612, 240871, 241029, 241031, 241050, 241051, 241052, 241053, 241054, 241058, 241061 and 241063.
And then I'm submitting herewith for the consideration of your Honorable body the following proposed ordinance: An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Commissioner to enter into agreements to purchase electricity, natural gas and motor fuel for use by the City and City facilities and vehicles, including agreements that obligate payment for delivery of such energy supplies in future fiscal years, all under certain terms and conditions; and A resolution authorizing to dispose of 2406, 2434, 2440, 2444 North 6th Street, 2425 and 2427 North 7th Street, 2434, 2438, 2440 and 2445 North Marshall Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 2406, 2434, 2440, 2444 North 6th Street, 2425, 2427 North 7th Street, 2400, 2403, 2455 North 15th Street, 2424, 2460 North 16th Street, 2415 North Bancroft Street, 1509 West Boston Street, 1500 and 1507 West Cumberland Street, 1501-03, 1510 West Berks Street, 1422 and 1437 West Hagert Street, 1422 and 1430 Street, 2434, 2438, 2440, 2445 North Marshall Street, 2452 North Mole Street, 2418, 2419, 2421, 2428 and 2433 North Sydenham Street in the 5th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 623R North 55th Street, 5110 Harlan Street, 5122-24 Harlan Street, 2117 North Dover Street, 2715 North Dover Street, 2731 North 29th Street, 2738 West Silver Street, 2703 West Sterner Street, 2714 West Sterner Street, 2717 West Sterner Street, 2627 West Lehigh Avenue, 2629-31 West Lehigh Avenue, 2623 West Silver Street, 2726 West Sterner Street, 2705 West Sterner Street, 2710 West Sterner Street, 2723, 2731 West Sterner Street, 2655 West Silver Street, 2626 West Silver Street, 2720 North 28th Street, 2715 West Sterner Street, 2749 West Sterner Street, 2733 West Sterner Street, 2647 West Lehigh Avenue, 2711 West Sterner Street, 2628 West Silver Street, 2655 West Sterner Street and 2651 West Silver Street in the 4th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code; and Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority these conveying fee simple title to 719 South 51st Street, 1124 South 56th Street and 1218 North 41st Street in the 3rd Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code. And I'm pleased to advise you that on January 22nd I signed the following bill which was passed by Council at its session on December 12, 2024: Bill No. 241025. Council President, there are no further communications in my possession.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips.
Well, good morning everyone. Welcome back to Philadelphia City Council to everyone that's here today. And thank you, Council President. I actually have one resolution on your behalf honoring the 60th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, recognizing its pivotal role in securing equal voting rights for African Americans and other marginalized groups and advancing civil rights in the United States.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Today I offer one bill on your behalf, three resolutions. One on your behalf, one on behalf of Councilmember Ahmad and one on my behalf. And all three of the resolutions are privileged.
Thank you very much. Would the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the bill and resolutions.
An ordinance authorizing the Procurement Commissioner to enter into agreements to purchase electricity, natural gas and motor fuel for use by the City and City facilities and vehicles, including agreements that obligate payment for delivery of such energy supplies in future fiscal years, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution celebrating the life, legacy and unwavering commitment of Rabbi Solomon Isaacson, leader of Congregation Beth Solomon and dedicated advocate for Jewish as well as broader faithbased and social service communities.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing January 2025 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring the African American Children's Book Project on the occasion of its 33rd Annual African American Children's Book Fair.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Good morning, Council President. Today, I have one non-privileged resolution and two bills.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the bills and resolution.
An ordinance authorizing various encroachments in the vicinity of 546 South 45th Street, Philadelphia PA 19104, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3862 and 3864 Pennsgrove Street and 1118 North 39th Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council.
And an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 20-40 South 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Majority Whip Councilmember Thomas.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the listening public. Today, I have four resolutions. Three on my behalf, one on your behalf, Council President.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the resolutions.
A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington for being recognized as Superintendent of the Year by the District Administration Leadership Institute.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution amending Resolution 240834-A, which the Council adopted on December 19, 2024, entitled "Proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation of the Philadelphia Prison Community Oversight Board and the Office of Prison Oversight and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia," to make a technical correction.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a non-privileged resolution requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 240817, entitled "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 relating to the creation of the Philadelphia Prison Community Oversight Board; and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election; all under certain terms and conditions," for the purpose of reconsideration by Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings on the existence, purpose, use and procedures surrounding the School District of Philadelphia's reassignment rooms - sometimes called the rubber room.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. And welcome back colleagues to a new year and a new session. I offer one bill and two resolutions, one privileged, one non-privileged.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the bill and resolutions.
An ordinance amending ordinance(Bill No. 230577), approved November 13, 2023, entitled "Granting permission to Wynnefield/Overbrook Eruv Association, in order to demarcate the boundaries of a Wynnefield/Overbrook eruv district, to construct and maintain a clear nylon cord and other ancillary facilities, including a maximum of 100 poles and 45 pieces of plexiglass 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 the City ordinances, subject to such owners consent, all under certain terms and conditions, by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 623R North 55th Street, 5110 Harlan Street, 5122-24 Harlan Street, 2715 North Dover Street -- 2715 North Dover Street, 2731 North 29th Street, 2738 West Silver Street, 2703 West Sterner Street, 2714 West Sterner Street, 2717 West Sterner Street, 2627 West Lehigh Avenue, 2629-31 West Lehigh Avenue, 2623 West Silver Street, 2726 West Silver Street, 2655 West Silver Street, 2626 West Silver Street, 2720 North 28th Street, 2715 West Sterner Street, 2749 West Sterner Street, 2733 West Sterner Street, 2647 West Lehigh Avenue, 2711 West Sterner Street, 2628 West Silver Street, 2655 West Silver Street, 2820 North Newkirk Street, 2758 North 28th Street, 2719 North 29th Street, 2602 West Sterner Street and 2651 West Silver Street in the 4th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a privileged resolution authorizing City Council's Committee of the Whole to conduct hearings to assess the implementation of a mandatory millage rate adjustment review in response to citywide property assessments conducted by the Office of Property Assessment with the goal of maintaining revenue neutrality to alleviate increasing tax burdens on Philadelphia taxpayers.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues and the public. I have one privileged resolution today.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the privileged resolution.
Excuse me. A non-privileged resolution condemning President Donald J. Trump for his selection of underqualified cabinet, subcabinet and leadership nominees to further advance his Project 2025 agenda and undermine the integrity of American democracy, equity, human rights and freedom.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Good morning, Council President. (Spanish translation). I have no bills and no resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Happy New Year. Today I offer three bills and four resolutions, one non-privileged and three privileged.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please --
Mr. President, I'm sorry. I ask may I speak briefly after the introduction of the resolutions?
Okay. 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 to Green Street and remove a travel lane on North 22nd Street within the same limits, all under certain terms and conditions.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And 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.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And 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.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution also naming North 10th Street between Oxford Street and Master Street as "Paula Peebles Way."
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council.
And a privileged resolution congratulating the Temple University Men's Basketball Team for winning their 2,000th game. COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes -
And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Jackie PettyJohn, the First Lady of SEPTA, on the occasion of her retirement after 40 years as SEPTA's first female-trained engineer.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair will recognize Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young for some brief remarks on his bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. As just read by the Clerk, today we are honoring Ms. Jackie Pettyjohn, SEPTA's first female engineer. And I just want to honor and recognize her and ask her to stand and we can give her a round of applause on her retirement from SEPTA. (Applause.)
You're welcome. Well done. The Chair now recognizes the Minority Leader Kendra Brooks.
Oh, thank you, Council President. I have one bill, privileged, and one unprivileged resolution to introduce today.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the bill and resolution. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
A privileged resolution honoring the work of the Philadelphia AntiTrafficking Coalition and the Salvation Army to raise awareness of victims and survivors of human trafficking during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. A privileged resolution.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold a hearing on detainer policy in the City of Philadelphia and calling on the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania to provide an overview of its policies and practices regarding detainer issuance on individuals with post-trial probation and parole sentences.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.
Good afternoon, Council President. I have one privileged resolution today. COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Labor to hold hearings exploring the SugarSweetened Beverage Tax and its impact on Philadelphia businesses, trades and consumers.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Minority Whip Nicolas O'Rourke.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, Philadelphians, all. Good morning to the official Chief Clerk of the City of Philadelphia Liz McCollum Nazario as well. We do have one -- we can clap for that. (Applause.)
I do have one non-privileged resolution to introduce today.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the non-privileged resolution. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
A privileged resolution recognizing the devastation caused by the wildfires to the Los Angeles community, the accelerating rate of climate change and calling on the City of Philadelphia to provide the funding and resources necessary to fully update and implement humancentered climate mitigation and resilience plans.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll.
Morning, Mr. President. And no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from South Philly, Councilman Mark Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two bills and one non-privileged resolution.
Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the bills and resolution.
An ordinance authorizing the vacating of Clarion Street from Addison Street to its terminus northwardly therefrom and the 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 to the City of the said right-of-way, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 542 Christian Street, Philadelphia PA, 19147, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution also naming Market Street from 7th Street to 8th Street as Emma Chappell Way.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Deputy Whip Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions this week.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion regarding special business.
Good morning, Council President. A lot of special business today, but I want to first say thank you and I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of special business at this time.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of special business at this time. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair again recognizes Councilmember and Majority Whip Thomas for a motion regarding the resolution introduced today to recall Bill No. 240817. Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution requesting the Mayor to return to Council Bill No. 240817, entitled "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 relating to the creation of the Philadelphia Prison Community Oversight Board; and officers to publish notice and make arrangements for the special election; all under certain terms and conditions" for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.
Thank you, Council President. I move to suspend the rules to allow the consideration of this resolution today.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of the resolution at this time. All those in favor of the by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair again recognizes Majority Whip Councilmember Thomas.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.
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 and the motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the letter from the Mayor.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am returning herewith as requested by your resolution adopted today Bill No. 240817 entitled, "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 relating to the creation of the Philadelphia Prison Community Oversight Board and authorizing the publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election, all under certain terms and conditions" for the purpose of reconsideration by the Council of the vote by which said bill passed Council.
The Chair recognizes Majority Whip Thomas for a motion that Council reconsider the vote by which Bill No. 240817 was passed.
All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. A members having voted in the affirmative the motion carries, and the vote by which Bill No. 240817 was passed has been reconsidered and the bill will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars at our next session of Council. Before we consider the next order of special business, I want to take a moment of personal privilege. I was talking to the media last week about my first year as Council President. They said, what was your defining moment that you can reflect upon. And I'm honored to have this opportunity to lead this distinguished body and I'm humbled to have this opportunity to lead this institution. And about two weeks after I took the oath of office to lead this distinguished body, we lost a the name of Michael Decker who was our Chief Clerk. And he had so much institutional knowledge about how this body operated. And at that particular time, I had to rise as a leader. I worked with my team to make sure this great institution continued to move forward. And so, I want to thank this young lady who rose to the occasion on behalf of this great City of Philadelphia to fill this role, to make sure we continue to move this city forward. On behalf of the City of Philadelphia, I want to acknowledge Ms. Liz McCollum. Let's give her a really big round of applause. (Applause.)
Thank you, Liz, for hitting the ground running. We beat as a City Council body. Thank you. And so officially, the next order of business, the election of the Chief Clerk of the City Council of Philadelphia. Nominations are now in order. And the Chair recognizes Majority Leader Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of all of the colleagues in Philadelphia City Council and so many of us who have had the honor and privilege to work with you over the years, I am honored and privileged to nominate Philadelphia High School for Girls alumna Ms. Elizabeth McCollum. (Applause.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: The Chair thanks the Majority Leader. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Driscoll.
Mr. President, I enthusiastically second the nomination. Are there any further nominations? (No response.)
Hearing none, the Chair recognizes Majority Whip Isaiah Thomas.
Thank you, Council President. And it's again my honor to close the nomination for Chief Clerk. Thank you, Council President.
The Chair recognizes Minority Leader Kendra Brooks.
I enthusiastically, Mr. President, second that motion.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the nominations be closed. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion is carried. (Applause.)
There being no further nominations, all those in favor of the election of Elizabeth McCollum as Chief Clerk of the City of Philadelphia, we will now take a
The ayes are 16. The nays are 0. Ms. Elizabeth McCollum, having received a unanimous vote of the members of City Council, I now declare Ms. Elizabeth McCollum duly elected Chief Clerk of this City Council. (Applause.)
At this time the Chair asks Councilmember Quetcy Lozada and Councilmember Brian O'Neill to escort Ms. McCollum to the rostrum. The oath of office will be administered by the Honorable Federal Judge, Timothy J. Savage, Senior Judge of United States District Court. If any family members want to join during this moment can please join Ms. Liz McCollum at the rostrum. JUDGE SAVAGE: Raise your right hand. I, Elizabeth McCollum Nazario -
I, Elizabeth McCollum Nazario -JUDGE SAVAGE: Do solemnly affirm -
Do solemnly -JUDGE SAVAGE: That I will support, obey and defend -
That I will support, obey and defend -JUDGE SAVAGE: The Constitution of the United States -
The Constitution of the United States -JUDGE SAVAGE: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania -
The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania -JUDGE SAVAGE: And the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter -
And the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter -JUDGE SAVAGE: And I will discharge and perform -
And I will discharge and perform - SAVAGE: All the duties of the Office of Chief Clerk -
All the duties of the Office of Chief Clerk -JUDGE SAVAGE: With fidelity.
Congratulations. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Let's give our official new Clerk for 2025 another real big round of applause. (Applause.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 2ND READING JOHNSON: The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Kathy Gilmore Richardson for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following bills and resolutions are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 240724, 241098 and 241099. The following bills and resolutions on the Calendar are being held: 241097, 241144, 240427, 240304-A and 240665.