Stated Meeting, January 23, 2025

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

Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)

Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)

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.)

Council will now be at (Council at ease.)

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.)

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 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.

Is there a second? (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 during the course of this session of Council. All those in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

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.

A privileged resolution condemning -one second.

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

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.

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

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.)

Thank you, Mr. President.

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.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Neill.

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.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

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.

The Chair recognizes Majority Whip Thomas.

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.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

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.

So moved, Council President.

All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

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.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

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

Councilmember Phillips.

Aye.

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.

Aye.

Councilmember Gauthier.

Aye.

Councilmember Thomas.

Aye.

Councilmember Jones.

Aye.

Councilmember Landau.

Aye.

Councilmember Lozada.

Aye.

Councilmember Young.

Aye.

Councilmember Brooks.

Aye.

Councilmember Harrity.

Aye.

Councilmember O'Rourke.

Aye.

Councilmember Driscoll.

Aye.

Aye.

Councilmember Squilla.

Aye.

Councilmember Bass.

Aye.

And, Council President Johnson.

Aye. (Applause.)

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.

With fidelity. JUDGE SAVAGE: Congratulations.

Thank you.

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.

Thank you. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for possible action at today's session of Council. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up for today's session, please do so now by giving your name to Ms. Hasson at the table in the hall -- at the table 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 limit may vary from session-to-session. Today the time limit will be three minutes. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the three-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 three minutes have passed, the light will turn red and the Sergeant-at-arms will disconnect the microphone. At that point, please yield the podium to the next speaker if you have not done so already. I also reserve the right pursuant to our rules of Council to limit repetitious comments on the same matter. I would now ask our new official Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.

Rabbi Shloime Isaacson and may Rabbi David Kushner, Jeremy Blatstein and Kate Perez also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good morning. My name is Rabbi Shloime Isaacson. Good morning, distinguished City Councilmembers and Council President Kenyatta Johnson. In the early 1980s my father, the Rabbi, would give out around 200 challahs a week to elderly Jewish immigrants recently immigrating from the former Soviet Union. It spread very quickly to businesses, offices, sports teams and, yes, the halls of City Hall. The significance was to remind people of the coming Sabbath, but most of all to enable people to remember to be happy with the most simple things in life, a loaf of bread. The challah bread opened up many doors for the Rabbi, doors that were sealed shut and even guarded. But with those doors, time -- those doors opened up and realized that the individual bringing them the challah bread was a person whose vocabulary was forever missing the letter I. While he was friendly with district attorneys, city council, mayors, senators, governors, vice-presidents and presidents, his mission was to help every single person regardless of their race or ethnicity with his top priority in life. While his passing is still very fresh in our memories and many times throughout the day we begin to cry, as his son being born in this city and living here together with my wife and our family, we will make it our goal to follow in my father's ways and continue his legacy that our city should be so proud of. I would like to thank our dear friend Mayor Parker and Council President Kenyatta Johnson for their long friendship with the Rabbi, our family and our community center. Thank you for recognizing a man that spent his entire life ensuring others were recognized. Our family thanks you for this honor and memory of the Rabbi. As was the Rabbi's tradition, we presented everybody a challah bread today in his memory. I know I didn't ask for a resolution, but maybe instead of the ayes, maybe we change it to oi vey. But I guess we'll have to do that at the next resolution. I'd just like to finish off with a blessing, Y'varechecha Adonai v'yishmerecha. May God bless you and watch over you. Ya'er Adonai panav eleicha viychuneka, may God count his light upon you in his favor. Yisa Adonai panav eleicha v'yasem l'cha shalom, God should always watch over you and give you peace. And thank you very much for your time.

Thank you. (Applause.)

I just want to share a few words that we spoke about at the funeral. In our faith and our tradition we say the following words during our morning prayers daily: Merciful Father, have mercy upon us. Instill in our hearts, (Hebrew translation) to understand and elucidate the Almighty, allow me to listen, to learn and to teach. And ultimately, (Hebrew translation) to observe and to safeguard and to perform. The valuable lessons we are taught from these verses is that we need to understand, listen, learn and observe before we can give over, teach or try to do it ourselves. I, along with countless others, including many in these hallow chambers today, have been incredibly fortunate and blessed to not just witness but to learn, observe and gain understanding from Rabbi Isaacson on such a wide array of life's critical situations. Having lived in his house in my youth and served by his side for many years, I saw him learn so much, having been present when his own illustrious parents passed away, taught us what it meant to grieve and how to use faith to accept whatever the Almighty ultimately decides. Having sat next to him as he met with political leaders, from presidents to governors to mayors and to many of you in this room, I learned what it meant not to advocate for yourself but for the needs of your community. Having stood by his side as he met with grieving families facing tragedies and as he officiated at life cycle events, both happy and sad, we learned what it meant to have true empathy and put others' needs and emotions above your own. And having spent countless hours in the car with him delivering challahs, Hanukkah presents, matzah for Passover, food for the needy, raising money to subsidize tuitions for families that couldn't afford it or to keep roofs over their head and food on their tables, I learned the true meaning of charity. Having watched the joy on his face as he gave out toys to children on Chanukah, I learned what true joy should look and feel like. And having worked alongside Rabbi Isaacson and his son, Rabbi Shloime to build their synagogue and community center, and having watched him build that community from next to nothing to what it is today, I learned what it meant to accept responsibility and never give up. And finally, having seen the genuine worry and concern on his face as the thousands of people over the years have reached out to him for help and guidance when they knocked on his door at home, tracked him down at the synagogue, stopped him in the street or called him on the phone in all hours of the day and night, we learned what it means to open your heart and to never say no. It's his example, his leadership, his empathy and his mentorship that I pray and hope can guide me and every one of us, including those in government, as we grow and accept upon ourselves personal and communal responsibilities. Thank you, Council President Johnson and all the members of this esteemed body, for your commitment to continuing his legacy. May the Almighty bless and protect each of you, your loved ones and our entire city. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you.

We have Jeremy Blatstein, Kate Perez. And may Heather Lorocta, Captain Felicia Lyle and Jocelyn Rico also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good morning, City Council, Council President Johnson. My name's Jeremy Blatstein. I'm here to talk about Resolution 241144. It's being held today, but it's a resolution that we're talking about, the Philadelphia Land Bank. Housing, housing, housing, housing, housing, housing, that's what we're talking about in 2025 I think, right. I heard that from the Mayor. I think each and every one of you in this body cares about housing, but there's members of this body that are interfering with housing being built in the city of Philadelphia. There are resolutions -I mean, sorry, projects that are getting passed by the Philadelphia Land Bank after months of going through a rigorous process for Turn the Key that are then not getting introduced into this body. At the end of last session, 19 homes got held, and 19 Turn the Key homes are not getting built in Philadelphia. Why? Good question. We'll hear that probably later today. But if we're going to actually build 30,000 units over the next three years, we need to do Turn the Key. We need to up zone transit corridors. We need to eliminate parking minimums and we need to bring back the 10-year tax abatement. There was a study that was done last year that talked about how many units were produced because of the 10-year tax abatement. Over the 10-year period, 60,000 units were produced from the 10-year tax abatement. Only .03 percent of the projects were large projects. A majority of those projects were small townhomes, right. That infill development is what we need in everyone's community. The only way to make this work is by bringing it back. Each of you on City Council at large needs to do something about this. How? Getting rid of Councilmanic prerogative. If not, you can't actually say you care about housing because you'll have people like Councilman Jay Young stopping 19 homes from being built in his District. Okay. Let's do this. Raise your hand if you rode SEPTA in the last week. See, not even today. We just need to ride it once a week. Because why? We need to see the issues facing Philadelphia. I don't understand -- I mean, I do understand, right. You get your car and you have a busy schedule. But all I'm saying is ride SEPTA once. See what every person in this room probably deals with, right. They saw it this week. And the last thing I will say is let's do it. E-L-G-S-E-S -oh, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry. Let's try that again. All right. Let's try that again. E-A-G-L-E-S. Go birds. Thank you very much.

We have Kate Perez, Heather Lorocta, Captain Felicia Lyle. May Jocelyn Rico, Natalie Proud and Lakeisha Anthony also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

I'm Kate Perez. And Israel violated the ceasefire agreement within seconds of signing it and killed more than 200 civilians. 70 children who survived 468 days of ethnic cleansing spent the morning celebrating only to be murdered by our sister city before bedtime. Philadelphia and businesses in our city continue to partner with the Israeli occupation despite their clearly expressed genocidal intent outlined in multiple international criminal court cases. Despite the United Nations repeatedly declaring their West Bank settlements illegal, Trump has lifted sanctions and the settlers and the occupation forces immediately increased the amount of military checkpoints where 25 percent of pregnant women in East Jerusalem reported tear gas exposure back in 2015, checkpoints aimed to traumatize, humiliate and separate Palestinian families while strengthening their apartheid system. As we celebrated the release of 90 Palestinian hostages, 64 were immediately detained in the West Bank, including children as young as 7. Occupation forces have engaged in a nonstop assault on Jenin following their same playbook of targeting children and then targeting the medical personnel who -

Ms. Perez, just give me a little bit about nonconformity. Just a little bit.

And tank shells that were sold -- I'm saying they were sold by Dan & Zimmerman here in Councilmember Young's District. The occupation has killed more than 1060 medical staff just in Gaza and abducted hundreds more, including Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, who was abducted December 27 after they raided the last standing hospital in the north and is being held in Sde Teiman, the torture camp famous for gang-raping Palestinians to death where the hospital director was beaten so badly that he bled from his eyes. Last year Mayor Parker said that she would love to see a ceasefire. And as we see the Israeli occupation continuously violate the Lebanese ceasefire and violate the Gaza pause, we must enforce this by stopping the weapons that leave this city and fighting against the state war bombs that continue to depreciate as more countries cut ties with the occupation. Genocide is a bad investment and comes at the expense of the American citizens. There's been a 100 percent increase in Palestinian political prisoners held without charge since September 2023. At the same time our own government passes laws to allow ICE to put human beings in detention without due process and allowing states to block visas. Remember to always ask for an in-date warrant signed by a judge. Take this time to remember the hundreds and hundreds of citizens starved and slaughtered by our sister city, and imagine what public services we could have spent $20 billion on.

Thank you, Ms. Perez.

We also have Heather Lorocta, Captain Felicia Lyle, Jocelyn Rico, Natalie Proud, Lakeisha Anthony and then Lynn Landes.

Thank you, Ms. Perez. (Applause.) CAPTAIN LYLE: Good morning. I'm Captain Felicia Lyle with the Salvation Army, and I am the leader for our Greater Philadelphia operations. I want to thank Minority Leader Brooks and Councilmember Lozada for being advocates and supporters of victims and survivors of human trafficking by putting forth this important resolution and putting a spotlight on the work that is being done and the work that we still need to do in order to end human trafficking. January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. It's a time to raise awareness, support survivors and come together to end human trafficking. The Salvation Army is proud of the work that we are doing in Philadelphia and globally across 134 countries to support survivors of human trafficking as we recognize the severity of this issue and how it has permeated our society and our city. While this month is important for raising awareness, it's important to acknowledge that the Salvation Army and our community partners are working to prevent and address human trafficking every single day, both globally and in our city of Philadelphia. The Salvation Army co-founder Catherine Booth once said, If we are to better the future, we must disturb the present. And in that same spirit, the Salvation Army has made its response to modern slavery and human trafficking a priority through our community-based work with the Salvation Army's New Day program here in Philadelphia and other programs like it across the nation. The Salvation Army desires to steward our response work in a way that honors those we are serving. We strive to respond holistically and to be a part of the solution and let those who have lived experience guide the way. We walk alongside and serve survivors as they regain their physical, mental, emotional, relational and spiritual health. Our protection responses provide a wide range of services such as safe housing, drop-in centers, education and literacy, employment and training, counseling and case management. While I'm proud of the work that we are doing in Philadelphia to combat human trafficking, we know that there is more to be done in identifying those who are suffering from labor and sex trafficking. My hope is that this resolution can spark more conversations and advocacy on how we can work together to ensure that anyone in Philadelphia who is being labor- or sex-trafficked can know where to go. If you or someone you know are aware of a trafficking situation, please call our hotline at 267-838-5866. (Applause.)

Thank you. My name is Heather Lorocta. I'm the Director of the New Day to stop trafficking for the Salvation Army. And thank you City Council for hearing us today and recognizing this as Anti-Trafficking Prevention Month. So we're here to acknowledge that. As you can see a lot of us -- and thank you also City Council for wearing blue and really driving home this issue today. I don't think the term trafficking actually really gives us an understanding of what trafficking is. I wish we could change the word. But let me just say that what it is, is when someone in our city sees someone vulnerable, whether that's a youth or whether that's an individual on our street, and decides to exploit them either for selling them for sex or using them for labor. And this happens in Philadelphia. We see it every day. We see it with our youth. We sit in courts with our youth who are being charged in these situations and we're continually seeing this. Last year my team, who shout-out over here, served over 1300 survivors that's in Kensington, again that's with our youth through our drop-in services, diversion, case management, housing and hotline. We sit at numerous tables around the city. We have the Philadelphia Anti-Trafficking Coalition, our Shared Safety Collaborative, WRAP Court, which is in our Family court system, the Philadelphia AntiTrafficking Task Force with federal and local law enforcement, and most recently a statewide partnership with our Attorney General's Office. And unfortunately, we've been having this conversation now for a while. Over 10 years ago we sat in front of City Council and talked about this, and we continue to see it get worse and we continue to see it become more prevalent. So I'm hoping that this year, 2025, is the year that we are done tolerating this in our city, that we're willing to sit down together, be creative, be innovative and not be okay with this to continue to happen to our children and our youth and our adults in this city. So I'm hoping, and you'll see a one-pager on your table, City Council, where you could really see the prevalence of this issue in our city. We're hoping that we can really look at this and have a citywide response. This pulling together, our law enforcement, criminal justice system, our health and human services, looking at all of our systems and how can we actually have a response and how can we actually make a difference in this. We need to also look at it with that intersection of genderbased violence as well. So I'm hoping that 10 years from now we're not sitting here and having the same exact conversation and seeing this continually happen to our Philadelphians. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you.

Good morning, Mr. Council President, City Councilmembers and all of those gathered in support of this crucial cause. My name is Jocelyn Rico. And as we stand here today, we recognize the urgency of addressing human trafficking in our city, a problem that remains pervasive and devastating, impacting countless individuals in our community. On behalf of the Immigrant Survivor Services program at the Nationality Service Center, I would like to express our profound gratitude for this proclamation recognizing the urgent need to combat human trafficking in Philadelphia. Each year the Nationality Service Center serves over 5000 immigrants and refugees from more than 500 countries around the world. For the past 17 years, our program has been committed to supporting immigrant survivors of sex and labor trafficking, domestic violence, sexual assault and torture. In the past three years alone we have provided essential services to 166 survivors from over 36 countries, with Guatemala, Mexico and India representing the largest countries of origin. Our clients speak a variety of languages, including English, Spanish and Hindi. These survivors come to Philadelphia with the hope of rebuilding their lives free from exploitation and abuse. And while they display incredible strength in overcoming unimaginable trauma, they continue to face significant challenges, limited access to opportunities, language barriers and lengthy legal processes that increase the risk of retrafficking. The work we do is only possible because of the collective efforts of our partners, law enforcement, social services and community at large. We are all part of a shared responsibility to ensure that survivors have access to the resources they need to rebuild their lives with dignity. Funding and support for critical resources and services, shelter, transportation, interpretation, legal assistance and mental health care are vital in helping survivors regain their independence and find safety. These services provide a lifeline to those who are still recovering from trauma, enabling them to heal, rebuild and thrive. As we gather here today, I ask you to take a moment to reflect on the fact that human trafficking exists not only in distant places, but right here in Philadelphia. The next time you find yourself waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant, pause and remember that people in their own community are still enduring exploitation. Let us unite in our commitment to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves, offer hope and healing to those still in fight and work toward a future where human trafficking is eradicated entirely. In closing, I'd like to share a powerful quote from one of our survivors. You gave me peace while I was battling. May this proclamation remind us that together we can bring peace to those who still suffer and that through our collective efforts, more importantly, we can build a safer, more just world for everyone. Thank you. (Applause.)

We have Natalie Proud, Lakeisha Anthony and Lynn Landes. May Don Hill, Ray Boyer and Jackie Pettyjohn also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Natalie Proud. Good morning and thank you for the opportunity, Councilwoman Brooks and Councilwoman Lozada, to speak today as we recognize January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month. As the Program Director of Covenant House Pennsylvania and Co-chair of the Philadelphia AntiTrafficking Coalition, I stand here to say this: Human trafficking is not someone else's problem. It's our problem happening in our city, to our children and youth. At Covenant House, Pennsylvania, 1 in 5 people under the age of 21 come through our doors have experienced trafficking. This includes youth of all genders who have endured either sex or labor trafficking or both. What this number does not reflect are the hundreds of young people our street outreach team encounter, youth trapped in the shadows, unable to seek shelter because their traffickers won't let them and the very many who do not admit to being exploited or recognize it. Traffickers thrive by exploiting vulnerability. They use physical and sexual violence, threats to loved ones, manipulation through false promises and debt bondage. They turn human lives into a commodity, selling them over and over again, creating a billion dollar industry where the financial rewards far outweigh the risks, especially when criminal prosecution is so rare. And who is at risk? The answer is all around us. Vulnerable children in foster care, LGBTQ-plus youth, Black, Latino and indigenous communities, those living in poverty or suffering from addiction, those who are unhoused or housing insecure. These are our children. And for traffickers, they are targets. The average age a child is first trafficked is 12 years old. This doesn't happen somewhere else. It happens in our own neighborhoods, on our streets, in schools, foster care facilities, restaurants, massage parlors, hotels and increasingly on online. Yet traffickers don't wear uniform and they're barely strangers. In fact, 80 percent of survivors knew their trafficker before their exploitation began. 40 percent, their trafficker was a family member. Human trafficking doesn't just rob young people of their freedom. It robs them of their humanity. It's time for us to take action, not just for awareness but for accountability. We need stricter laws, aggressive prosecution, decriminalization of the victims, and, most importantly, robust support systems to break the cycle of the vulnerability that traffickers exploit. Philadelphia has a choice. We can look away or we can lead the fight to protect our children, youth and our most vulnerable communities. Let us work together to dismantle the systems that allow trafficking to survive. Let us not be remembered as a city that said not in my backyard. Let us be remembered as a city that stood up and said, not here, not now, not ever. Thank you. (Applause.)

Good morning, President Johnson, Councilmembers and guests. Thank you, Councilmembers Brooks and Lozada, for introducing the antitrafficking resolution. My name is Lakeisha Anthony and I'm the Senior Manager of Advocacy at WOAR, Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence, an organization that has been serving the City of Philadelphia for over 52 years. WOAR is dedicated to providing support to survivors of sexual violence, including those impacted by human trafficking. We're here today to offer our full support for the proposed resolution addressing human trafficking in our city. Human trafficking is a pervasive and often hitting crime that operates in plain sight that affects individuals of all ages, genders and backgrounds. In Philadelphia, it is a growing concern that impacts our most vulnerable populations, people living in poverty, youth in foster care, individuals and experiences homelessness and those in marginalized communities. As one of the organizations that make up the Philadelphia Anti-Trafficking Coalition who work on the front lines of this crisis, we see the profound, physical, emotional, psychological toll that trafficking takes on its victims. The proposed resolution is a crucial first step in raising awareness and enhancing local enforcement efforts and expanding victim support services. Survivors of trafficking often face complex challenges in rebuilding their lives, including access to safe housing, health care, legal aid and mental health services. Human trafficking is a complex issue that requires coordinated response. Through partnership of those within the coalition, we collaboratively work to improve resource-sharing, training and joint efforts in tackling trafficking in our city. We commend City Council for addressing this crucial issue and believe that through continued collaboration, proactive measures and investment in survivor support services Philadelphia can continue to take a strong stance in preventing and responding to human trafficking and ending sexual violence as a whole. Thank you Council for your time and attention to this important matter and we look forward to continue to work together to create a safer, more supportive environment for all Philadelphians. Thank you. (Applause.)

I'm Lynn Landes of Safestreetsphilly.org and the parent of two adult sons who are naturalized citizens. I support the resolution to enforce state laws against illegal commercial activity as well as the resolution against human trafficking. It also should be noted that Philadelphia's own sanctuary city policies are encouraging human trafficking and are in blatant and willful violation of federal immigration law under Title 8 for encouraging and harboring illegal immigrants. And as such, the U.S. Department of Justice should investigate and file charges against the responsible city officials so that this injustice is brought to an end and hopefully does not happen again, for no one should be above the law. The division of powers between the states and federal government is clear. We all learn this in school. It is also common sense that our nation should decide immigration matters at the federal level and not leave it for 50 individual states and thousands of local municipalities to determine. Otherwise chaos and crime would ensue, which is the tragic situation across the nation that we have before us today. Rather than fight the Trump administration, you should do your job and help them enforce federal law and clean up the big mess for all concerned, which has been created by yourselves and other sanctuary cities and states. Regarding the transgender community, biological males should not have the same right to violate girls and women's sports in sports, financial rewards in private spaces. Again, this is only common sense, as most men are larger and stronger than women which gives them an advantage and which also creates a physical risk to women's health and well-being. Lastly, DA Krasner and other democratic officials across the country should cease and desist in their lawfare and harassment of conservatives in general and January Sixers in particular, as they refused to enforce the law against those who destroyed property and attacked others during the George Floyd riots and at other democraticsponsored events during which crimes were committed. Thank you.

We have Don Hill, Ray Boyer, Jackie Pettyjohn. (Witnesses approached podium.)

My name is Don Hill. My title is General Chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Training. My committee is behind me. We represent all the locomotive engineers and we work with the conductors on the Regional Rail system here in the Philadelphia area. I'd like to give thanks to Council for giving us the time to come and greet you, and a special thanks and shout-out to Councilmember Young. We're here today to honor one of our locomotive engineers who recently retired. As you heard earlier, she was the first female hired by SEPTA as a locomotive engineer. I'd like to make the record clearer. She is actually the first African American female in the entire nation as a locomotive engineer. (Applause.)

Mr. President, give me more time. But getting to the point, to know Jackie is to actually love Jackie. She has a very humble aura about her. She's always smiling. And I don't even think the word no is in her vocabulary. If any of you are social media inclined, which I'm not, Jackie asked me as the General Chairman in our organization not to honor her when she retired. However, the members loved her so much. When I say the members, I'm not talking about just the engineers but the conductors and the engineers, our family. I wish -ask them to stand. They loved her so much that they did a surprise, a surprise for her on her last train. I got a late text that they were doing this so I had to rush to get down there. And hundreds of our people were down there to honor her on the platform and hundreds were upstairs. Literally, it had to be over 500 of our people down there to show the type of love and inspiration that Jackie brings. She is loved by both the union and management. Management is going to miss her more than anybody else I think. But to know her is to love her and I want to thank you all. Thanks. (Applause.)

Good morning, everyone. My name's Raymond Boyer. I represent the conductors and assistant conductors that you see on SEPTA's Regional Rail Division. First, we celebrate the first female engineer, Jackie Pettyjohn for SEPTA, a woman proved that determination and skill can steer the way to new opportunities. And alongside her, we recognize the first female conductor, Pat Riley. (Applause.)

Thank you. Pat Riley had 38 years of professional service for SEPTA, also a male-dominated craft. A woman who stepped forward to guide passengers safely and efficiently, setting an example of excellence and service. She didn't just take on a role. She embodied the principles of trust, responsibility and innovation, inspiring countless others to follow in her footsteps, not only women, also men. On behalf of all of us, we thank you Conductor Patricia Riley and Engineer Jackie Pettyjohn for your courage, your vision and your dedication. You are more than pioneers. You are role models and we are forever grateful for the legacy you created. Thank you. (Applause.)

We have Jackie Pettyjohn, David Jenkins, Wanda Walker, Muti Ajamu-Osagboro and Ogbonna Hagins also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Mr. President, Council, David Jenkins. I stand in gratitude, not only for the Councilmember Bass' resolution, 240724, which begs the Commonwealth to strengthen enforcement against illegal activities and merchants that impact neighborhoods in our beloved city, with my mind circling around one of our nation's most drug-plagued neighborhoods, Kensington, and its direct relationship to activities pervasive in Lancaster County but also for the tremendous work of the members of this body who legislate with a focus on protecting the citizens of our home even when they wear two different types of cloth in one sweater. As evident in yesterday's hearings by Representative Rue Landau attended by the body, with special thanks to Councilmember Phillips for his pushback and insistence on a plan of action to protect our children in rooms of education, from what I would like to call an abduction carried out by ICE agents at the behest of the President of the United States of America. I would be remiss if I and we did not acknowledge the debt of thanks that we owe you all. We have all in the past many months been challenged individually to reckon where and how we stand, where we stand in the face of politics and economic civility and humanities for whom we fight and for whom we fall. Our introspection shows us that we are all as individuals created fallible nevertheless. We who are real Philadelphians -- and by that I mean made up of the stuff of love -- know that from whence we have fallen if we are strong enough to admit our failings, we rise together greater, far greater than ever we were divided apart. So in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King's daughter Bernice, who invited us not to call out Jeremy, your spelling is impeccable, but to call in and then up, I beg thee members of the Council of Philadelphia to please be upstanding and face your public and to allow us to gaze on you in gratitude for your steadfast commitment to keep the faith in the challenging days to come in this new administration for your oath of office and for your dedication of us all. I thank you. (Applause.)

Good morning, beautiful people. My name is Wanda Walker. I want to say Happy New Year because this is our first time back. I want to say thank you to Councilperson Nicolas, her work, Kendra Brooks, Jamie, Lou and Jeffrey for what they did as far as standing up and listening to the people in reference to the stadium. The stadium is where it needs to be. Now, with that said, yes, this is Trafficking Awareness Month. Philadelphia is a hot spot for trafficking. It is number 16 on the 100 list of big cities. This is something we need to think about. What causes these problems in a city like ours, and that's why the sanctuary issue is very important because it allows people to come here and hide and do things that they shouldn't do. I'm going to attach to the 240427 because to stay in with the rules, and that is Jeffrey's bill or something he's bringing up. I'm not totally understanding this, but I do know that when Jason or Jeremy spoke in reference to bringing back the 10-year abatement, I don't agree with that. Before we worry about building more affordable housing, we need to worry about keeping our seniors in the houses that they have paid for. We need to protect the people that are losing housing so that we don't have to build so many more affordable housing, houses that aren't affordable to begin with. So that should be on the list first before we worry about building. Also, we need something to protect small landlords. Small landlords supply 64 percent of low income and underprivileged housing. If we keep at the rate that we're going, we're not going to have any small landlords. Then the developers can come in and do whatever the hell they want to do at whatever price they want to do, and that's what we see going on in Philadelphia. So things like abatement is not something that we all agree on. Yes, you need to build but you also need to pay taxes like the rest of us. So that is not something that I agree with. I think I'll keep it short for today. Thank you. I'll see you next week. (Applause.)

Ms. Wanda, Ms. Wanda.

Yes.

You know, we welcome all your comments so when we see you next week, we just want to temper down the language.

That's in the Bible.

Thank you. I do read, but you know. You're welcome, Wanda. Thank you for your comments. Go ahead, sir.

That's mad -- that last comment was mad suspect. Talking about tempering the language. You should be ashamed of yourself, bro.

It's okay, bruh.

My name is General Muti Ajamu-Osagboro. General is my title. Muti AjamuOsagboro is my name, and I'm from the great state of North Philadelphia, city of Richard Allen. I'm here to talk about 24144. It has to do with the introduction of Councilmember Gilmore Richardson to dealing with the Philadelphia Land Bank and it's to dispose of various properties. Now, this is -- this is trifling. It's -- it's when we waste time on things like this in terms of disposing properties when we really need people to step up and dispose of the blood-sucking billionaires who want to build and push out Black and Brown people within our homes and our domiciles. Property in this city is under fire. The crime is gentrification and the goal is to push out Black, Brown and poor White folks so that they can build a world that has nothing to do with us. And the question becomes, will City Council stop them. This is a day of recognition and reckoning. It's a day of recognition for the five soldiers who stood up to the blood-sucking billionaires. They need to be recognized: Councilman O'Rourke, Councilman Brooks, Councilwoman Brooks, excuse me, Councilman Young, Councilman Randolph and Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier. They are absolute heroes and sheroes, and it's a beautiful thing that we had somebody to stand up. Unfortunately, this is sheroes and heroes and then there's sellouts, the ones who voted against or for, excuse me, for the pillage of our beautiful city. And all of North Philly is celebrating today. All of Philadelphia is celebrating today because there was a turn away -- and just for the record, the reason why they was turning out because we had took it to the streets and turned it up and the billionaires concluded, after y'all sold the farm, they concluded that if we build a stadium in that particular location, these folks ain't never going to let them rest. And they was right. So it comes down to where do you stand? Y'all proved where you stand. And now, this is what y'all need to know. Those of you who are up for election, we're going to vote y'all out. We know the Working People's party is authentic. We're going to back either them or the Republican Party or if the Democratic Party come around, because we don't have no allegiance to nobody, we got an agenda, and that agenda is going to vote those of you whose time is up for the next time, we're going to vote you out. So just get ready. Thank you. I went over my time. And as usual, it is an absolute pleasure.

Thank you for your great comments, sir. (Applause.)

Ogbonna Hagins, fourth -- Ogbonna Hagins, fourth generation chattel slavery survivor and the President of the Philadelphia Reparations Coalition for American Freedmen. I rise today to address Resolution 240724, which calls for strengthen enforcement against illegal activity by merchants impacting neighborhoods across Philadelphia. While I support this resolution, it is clear that our city must move beyond so-called Black agendas and embrace a Freedmen agenda rooted in the Reconstruction amendments. Let's be honest DEI and the so-called Black agenda are one in the same. Both are race-based frameworks that fail to address the specific and unique needs of American Freedmen. These approaches have created a broad umbrella that prioritize inclusivity for everyone while sidelining the very people for whom justice was constitutionally mandated. President Trump's executive order to outlaw race-based DEI initiatives was a clear acknowledgement that these frameworks are unconstitutional. It's time for the City to decide, are you going to circumvent this and continue the race-based policies that fail or will you rise to meet the constitutional mandate to address the badges, vestiges and incidents of slavery, as required under the Reconstruction amendments. Illegal merchants, activities in Freedmen communities reflect deeper structural failures. Many of these businesses exploit Freedmen neighborhoods without reinvesting in them, creating cycles of economic extraction. DEI and the so-called Black agenda have done nothing to stop this because they focus on symbolic diversity instead of structural repair. The Reconstruction amendments give us the roadmap to address these issues. An American Freedmen agenda would enforce protections for our communities, prioritize reinvestment and ensure that the economic harm caused by both historical and present injustices is repaired. This is not about race. It's about lineage, justice and fulfilling constitutional obligation. 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Anything less is a continuation of the confederacy by another name, allowing the legacy of oppression to live on in the very policies that claim to fight it. This Council has a choice to uphold the Constitution and fulfill its promise to American Freedmen or to perpetuate systemic inequities rooted in this nation's darkest past.

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

That concludes today's public comment. We will now consider bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240724. 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING

A resolution calling upon the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to strengthen enforcement against the illegal activity in merchants that impact neighborhoods throughout the City of Philadelphia.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240724.

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

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240724 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) 1/23/25 - 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. 241098.

Resolution honoring Central High School for winning the 2024 PIAA District 12 AAA Team Title for the fourth consecutive year and celebrating their impressive sweep of team, singles and doubles championships.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 241098.

Thank you, Mr. President. 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING And we very much enthusiastically support Central High School and call for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 241098 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. Let's give our young people a round of applause from Central High School. (Applause.) 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING

Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 241099.

Honoring Imhotep Charter High School for winning the 2024 Public League 6A and PIAA District 7 Football Championships and celebrating their legacy of excellence.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 241099.

Thank you, Mr. President. We want to call for the adoption of this resolution and also recognize that Mama Debbie from Imhotep High School is here as well. Thank you, Mr. President. (Duly seconded.)

Let's give her a round of 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING applause. (Applause.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 241099 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 any additional resolutions on today's Calendar.

A privileged resolution commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, recognizing its 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING pivotal role in securing equal voting rights for African Americans and other marginalized groups and advancing civil rights in the United States. Introduced by Councilmember Phillips on behalf of Council President Johnson.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips.

Thank you, Council President. On your behalf, 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.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: 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 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 services communities. Introduced by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson on behalf of Council President Johnson.

Now, for most of you who have been working in City Council as staff members and a lot of you who 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING are some of the members who served in this body had a chance to meet a fine gentleman by the name of Rabbi Isaacson, rather this was advocating from a faith-based perspective regarding the issue of gun violence here in the city of Philadelphia to feeding thousands of families as we address the issue of food insecurity here in the city of Philadelphia. That's the life and legacy of the work of Rabbi Isaacson, or just getting a call on a Friday evening before the sun goes down, before Shabbat just to say, I'm praying for you and I'm praying for this city. And so, I'm going to ask for a standing vote in silence on behalf of Rabbi Isaacson. Then the Chair officially asks Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for a motion on the resolution. 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING

Thank you, Council President. On your behalf, I move the adoption of the resolution with a standing vote. (All Councilmembers stood.)

Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution in her possession.

A privileged resolution recognizing January 2025 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson on behalf of Councilmember Nina Ahmad.

The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson. COUNCILWOMAN GILMORE 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING RICHARDSON: Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Councilmember Ahmad, 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 resolution in her possession.

A 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING privileged resolution honoring the African American Children's Book Project on the occasion of its 33rd Annual African American Children's Book Fair. Introduced by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.

The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.

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.) 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the next resolution in her possession.

A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington for being recognized as Superintendent of the Year by District Administration Leadership Institute. Introduced by Councilmember Thomas on behalf of Council President Johnson and Councilmember Phillips.

The Chair recognizes Majority Whip Isaiah Thomas. 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING

Thank you, Council President. On your behalf, 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.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution in her possession.

A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING hearings on the existence, purpose, use and procedures surrounding the School District of Philadelphia's reassignment rooms - sometimes called the rubber room. Introduced by Councilmember Thomas.

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

Thank you, Council President. And thank you to all my colleagues for supporting such an important issue. We 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. 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Majority Chair Thomas, just for the record and point of information, what's a rubber room?

Thank you, Council President. That's actually educational slang. So what happens, long story short, is there's a place where teachers, administrators, climate staff are asked to go to at the School District building when they've been accused of something specifically and the slang term for it is the "rubber room." But it's basically a place that you go when it's pending as it relates to your 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING status of employment when you've been accused of something in the District, and sometimes even DHS needs to investigate it. So we're examining that process. And a big part of why is because of efficiency. We're looking at the fact that sometimes people can be in this space for up to three years, right. And think about a teacher making $100,000 a year plus benefits sitting there for three years, and the academic achievement gap that it then creates for the young people who's not getting that lesson from a certified teacher. So you just saved me my speech on the floor today. But that's the short version of why we introduced the resolution. We want to examine how much money we're wasting and how it's impacting 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING issues that we have around teacher hiring. Thank you, Council President.

Thank you very much, Chairman Thomas. Will the Chief Clerk please read the next resolution within her possession.

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 the 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. Introduced by Councilmember Jones. 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones.

Thank you, Mr. President and colleagues. I move for its adoption. (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 Chief Clerk please read the next resolution in her possession. 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING

Congratulating the Temple University Men's Basketball Team for winning their 2,000th game. Introduced by Councilmember Young.

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

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (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.) 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the next resolution within her possession.

A privileged resolution honoring the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter. Introduced by Councilmember Young.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion on 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 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING 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 resolution within her possession.

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 train engineer. Introduced by Councilmember Young.

The Chair recognizes 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilman Young for a motion on 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.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the next resolution within her possession. 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING

A privileged resolution honoring the work of the Philadelphia AntiTrafficking Coalition in the Salvation Army to raise awareness of victims and survivors of human trafficking during National Human Traffic Trafficking Prevention Month. Introduced by Councilmember Brooks.

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

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

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING 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. (Applause.)

Will the Chief Clerk please read the next resolution within her possession -- the Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks.

Council President, I want to be marked aye on all the resolutions I missed when I wasn't in chamber.

Thank you. Shall be duly noted.

A 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Labor to hold hearings exploring the sugar, sweet and beverage tax and its impact on Philadelphia businesses, trades and consumers. Introduced by Councilmember Harrity.

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

Council President, I just ask for a moment to say a few words before I ask for the adoption of the resolution.

Proceed.

I am calling on hearings to explore the effectiveness of the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax. We need to re-evaluate its impact on 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia businesses, trades and consumers. Beverage industry and grocery industry workers have expressed that the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax has led to job loss and a decrease in sales in the areas impacted. The Sugar-Sweetened Beverage also has the potential to impact Philadelphia small businesses, including supermarkets, restaurants and other retailers. The Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax disproportionately impacts low-income communities and households as a poor tax for people who cannot afford a vehicle and cannot afford to leave the city to go buy their soda with the rest of the community. The people in food deserts who cannot buy their drinks and groceries in the suburbs end up 1/23/25 - STATED - 2ND READING paying most of the beverage tax costs. So I move for the immediate 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 Chief Clerk please read any resolutions within our possession.

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

That completes our Calendars for today. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones -- wait, my bad. Are any speeches on behalf of the Minority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Minority Leader Brooks.

Council President, to my colleagues, welcome back to Council. And I hope everyone had a chance to rest and recharge for the work that we have ahead of us this year. I know I did. January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and I would like to thank Councilmember Lozada for co-introducing the resolution with me, the advocates from the Salvation Army and the sharing testimony and to everyone who was wearing blue today to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding human trafficking here in Philadelphia. Just last year over 400 people in our city, many of them children, were subject to human trafficking forced into labor or sexual acts. And now that number is an undercount. Thanks to the Salvation Army and many of the survivors of human trafficking are in the process of healing, recovering their dignity and rebuilding their lives with resources like rental assistance, diversion programs and meals and clothes available at Salvation Army drop-in centers. Our City owes a debt of gratitude to the Salvation Army for and uplift survivors of human trafficking. As we raise awareness of this issue, we must also raise our level of commitment and investment to prevent and address it. Today, I'm also calling on a hearing on the use of detainers for people sentenced to probation or parole. Since 2015 Philadelphia has been a part of the MacArthur Foundation safety and justice challenge.

Hold on, Member Brooks. Can we keep it down while the member is giving her speech on the floor. Take all the sidebar conversations outside the chambers. Respect the member, please. Please proceed.

This program has brought nearly 10 to advance racial equity in the criminal justice system and reduce Philadelphia's jail population. In order to meet the challenge laid out by the MacArthur Foundation, we need full transparency around the use of detainers in Philadelphia. Without the data, we cannot craft effective solutions. So I'm calling on the First Judicial Court to release that data as soon as possible. Thank you.

Thank you, Member Brooks. The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke.

Thank you, Council President. And welcome to all those -- Happy New Year, I should say, for all those I have not seen since the start of the year. Some of what I wanted to onto it, but I did want to lift up something because our Comments Director worked so hard on our remarks. I don't know that those who suffer in our society have ever won their liberties by appealing to the moral conscience of their oppressors, but I and Assata Shakur pointed that out, but I do want to say that I thank God for faith leaders who champion our better angels and remind us of what is possible to realize a more perfect common life in our city and our Commonwealth and in the USA. We've heard and we have held space for the memory of Rabbi Isaacson. We have had and heard a fabulous invocation that focused on a number of different themes from Reverend Dr. Leslie Callahan. I think we've also, probably all of country, have heard about the remarks that were given by her grace, the Bishop of Washington, Bishop Budde, in light of the prayer service. I'm grateful for faith leaders in our society. " Our Comments Director wrote these words that I thought I should share at least today. The President found it fitting to call acts of harm a revolution in common sense, revolution in common sense, calling out queer communities and migrants especially. His is the common sense of the scammer. His is the common sense of the playground bully. His of the tyrant. It's common sense for those bent on seeing certain communities dismantled, but it'll never make a lick of sense in this city, and it shouldn't. I hope if this battle didn't stain the day that we honor one great faith leader who constantly calls us to our better angels and prophetically calls us to be better, Dr. King. For all of those who were there that day, Martin Dr. King had a -- Martin Luther King had a different revolution in mind. He spoke of a radical revolution of values, one against militarism, one against racism, one against exploitation, one against occupation and unnecessary wars, a revolution, which to me declares a different common sense with a source, and that's care. Care has got to become common sense in our interpersonal lives, our relationships. And as we exist as a city, as a Commonwealth and as a country, care is common sense in a world where we rely on each other, where we need each other. It's common sense in a world that is growing hotter and less hospitable and habitable every single day. Care is common sense in a world that has fallen but full of people who can and must find beloved community, common union, community, to make something out of this life. It should be the ethos that grounds our actions from City Hall all the way to the White House. And so, just frankly I just want to make an appeal to make it cool to care again, to care about livelihoods, to care about where they're going to sleep. We have folks -- Council President was out last night with folks counting to see who the faceless, homeless persons, houseless persons were in the city so we can account for them. We now live in a country where it's somehow immoral to find shelter for those who are houseless and it's undignified for a Bishop in her cathedral to plea for mercy to a President who's sitting in her cathedral. And so, at some point I think that we have to care again. Revolutions don't start on the outside. The first revolution as we learn as organizers is internal. Let there be a revolution for care, for value, for love, and for a desire to see a real, beloved community in our city.

And hopefully, we can be a light that see on a hill, as Reagan called it and Jesus said, that shines across the country and is inspiration for everybody else, even the President today. Thank you, Council President. )

Are there any speeches on behalf of the Majority? The gentleman from the 4th Councilmanic District, Councilmember Jones.

Thank you so much, Mr. President. I too want to recognize the fact that you went out in negative degrees looking for homeless people to put in our shelters, Code Blue. My staff joined you and talked about what went out. They had contacted over 30 people, and only one of them, one of them, wanted to go into our shelter system. And when I asked why that was in such frigid temperature. One person responded that they are safer in jail than they are in our shelters. Now, I applaud what our shelter folk do. I would not want to have to do that on a day-to-day basis, but there is something wrong when people would rather stay on a bench in the cold than be in our systems. And during the budget process, I think it was Kathy Gilmore Richardson, who first uncovered some of the problems here. We need to take a deeper dive and a better look as to why that happens. But I rise today because I introduced a resolution calling on neutralization bill. And you might ask, well, why would you want that? Two things, Mr. President, can be true at the same time. I can be for economic development on Market Street, I can be for economic development in South Philly, and I can also look out for the taxpayers' interest that own homes that are experiencing tax rates. And why is that important politically, politically? I asked some people that I went to dinner with, good people -- not political like us, they're not into it like that -- how they felt about the election. They said, I voted but I wasn't enthusiastic about it. So I further delved into well, why? The price of eggs, the cost of gas and taxes. They said that for them the American dream was away, to not be able to afford a home, to not be able to buy a first property, and it was out of reach for them. I was in this body when we started AVI. And the big deal was that the taxable properties in the city of Philadelphia was $130 billion. And we were like, wow, that's a lot. Over the years it has increased beyond $200 billion, but we haven't adjusted the millage rate. So let me explain the hustle, not to any administration because all of them kind of have done this. Rather than come talk to us about millage rates, reductions or increase, they'd rather just raise the value of properties around the city and get what they need and then some, and then some to run a government. for simply is that we look at it. Every time when that average value goes up, shouldn't we look at do we need to tax the homeowners at that rate. And all I want to do is look at it. A lot of people will say, well, you can look at it, you're a Councilman. We must look at it, not should look at it. We must look at it to value, to see if what we need to run this government is met and then let's give the taxpayers a break because they don't feel that we always look out for them. This resolution and subsequent bill will look out for them. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)

Thank you, Councilmember Jones. Lozada.

Thank you, Council President. A few things this morning. I want to thank Councilmember Brooks for her partnership in introducing the human trafficking bill. I also want to recognize those organizations like Salvation Army and the Covenant House who do the important work in connecting some of our victims with resources but, more importantly, connecting them to safe places. We can't do the work alone, and it's really important to recognize the work of those who are our boots on the ground and doing the hard work every day. You are appreciated, and often times we don't have the opportunity to thank you and tell you how much we you're doing. I also want to take an opportunity to share a message in a language that some of the folks who are visiting, who are watching us at home who don't understand English but who really need this important information as a result of what we're seeing across the nation with our immigrant community. And so, if you would just bear with me for a second, I want to make sure that I share some important information about creating an emergency plan because it is what we need some of these communities to do and we need them to understand that they need an emergency plan now. (Spanish translation). Gracias. Thank you, Council President. COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips.

Thank you, Council President. Yesterday I had the privilege to sit through a Committee hearing on how well is the City of Philadelphia prepared for Donald Trump in his actions. I want to note that it is very important for us as people who are servants in the city of Philadelphia to understand that we cannot play with Donald Trump. Donald Trump cannot be played with. He has showed us time and time again that despite the laws on the books he will find a way to dismantle those laws to make it see fit for him and his agenda. And, therefore, we have to play harder. We have to work harder to make sure citizens, especially our most vulnerable citizens, our seniors and our children, from this man and his policies. And so, when I heard this -- I'm calling for the School District of Philadelphia in particular to be very aggressive with their plan against Donald Trump and his people that are going to be carrying out his plan. So I ask that we become a lot more aggressive in the ways of Joe Clark, as we all know the famous East Side High principal. So one time Joe Clark when his students were attacked, he had to make sure that the chains were on the door, and he called Code 10 to take the chains out the door once the fire marshal was coming. But listen, when Donald our doors and his people are coming to our doors to take our children, we need to call Code 10 saying, get those chains on the doors, the enemy is here and we need to protect our children. (Applause.)

So, School District of Philadelphia, y'all need to get really tight with y'all response. The time is of the essence and we need to make sure that our children are the first priority. All this call the General Counsel when the lawyers get -- when Donald Trump's people get here and all that stuff like that, by the time the General Counsel is called, they're going to already have our children. And not only that, will I say this, that you need to think about the children that are going to who are their friends that are going to be affected by this. This is not a game so we cannot play with Donald Trump. We can't play the game with him. Sometimes like we got to get federal funds. We got to play games. No, we don't play games with this man. This man is not for us, and we need to make sure that the School District of Philadelphia has taken a really aggressive approach to make sure that we're serious about making sure he's away from our children. Thank you so much.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.

Thank you, Council President. back here with you guys. And just also wanted to touch on my hearing yesterday looking at the City's preparedness and commitment to the next four years of Donald Trump. You know, we learned a lot in the first four but there's nothing that can get us ready enough for what's about to happen. We've seen it already. We heard so many people testifying from our great social service agencies to institutions in Philadelphia about ways in which we're trying to be prepared to make sure that every single person in the city, every single immigrant, every single member of the LGBTQ-plus community, especially the trans community, protecting our reproductive rights, other marginalized communities, we've got to make sure that we as a city, as in both Spanish and English, are preparing both individually with your family and with the community. And when we can stand together and look out for each other and make sure that we are really looking out for our neighbors, our classmates and everybody else in our communities, throughout the entire city, that's when we will have a successful way of protecting Philadelphia against Trump and what is happening here. The folks we're protecting I want to remind everybody they're our neighbors, they're our family members, they are contributing to society. They are often paying taxes and not getting Social Security. These are folks who are really strong members of our communities, and we got to be there as they are there for us. So I'd say not only for anybody who needs help making a plan, we have individuals in our offices that speak a few different languages but also all of our offices can utilize LanguageLine. Come to us. We want to help you. We want to talk this out with you. If you don't have a community group to go to, come to our offices. We will help you come up with an individual plan of getting your documents in order and where your kids would go if they need to go. It is essential. You can't hide your heads from this one. It's got to happen. Today I introduced a resolution also because we got to just name what is happening of condemning Donald Trump's cabinet, people like Elon Musk and Pete Hegseth. America is at a crossroads right now, and I urge the federal government to consider the ramifications of these dangerous picks for this dangerous cabinet. They're going to have a direct impact on the livelihood of all Philadelphians. On a lighter note, somewhat lighter note, as we take our step to the next step, I am happy to be sponsoring with Councilmember Anthony Phillips right after Council today a briefing with Children First. It's going to be held in caucus and we're going to be learning about how the juvenile justice system is working and how it differs from adult incarceration and the things that we need to do to fix Philadelphia. So thank you everybody so much.

Thank you. Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.

Thank you, Mr. President. As Chair of Streets and Services and Vice-chair of the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee, I definitely wanted to make sure that, you know, some folks say I'm a new advocate for SEPTA but I've always been an advocate for Black women in our city. And so today, I definitely want to come together and celebrate Ms. Jackie Pettyjohn, the First Lady of SEPTA, as she retires from an incredible 40-year journey that's touched the lives, touched countless lives in our city. She is engineer hired by SEPTA and first African American woman in the entire country, as we heard today, to hold that particular position in a field where women were previously underrepresented. Over the years her unwavering dedication, resilience and compassion for her passengers and colleagues of the like, as you saw today, have made her not just a trailblazer but a cherished mentor and role model with the SEPTA family. As you heard, she is loved by both union and management, which in today's times is kind of unheard of, right. And so, her story is one of hard work, determination and selflessness. She balanced a demanding career with raising a family and even found time to pursue all her commitment to excellence never wavered. Jackie was committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and performance. Her legacy is one of inspiration. And today we honor her in her retirement. We express our deepest gratitude for her decades of service and her profound impact as she has had on all of us, and we're proud to celebrate her remarkable journey. So thank you again, Ms. Pettyjohn. (Applause.)

Thank you, Mr. President.

You're welcome. Very well done. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.

Thank you, Council President. Real quick. I just want to take -- first of all, I want to recognize Councilmember Anthony Phillips because of that Lean On Me reference, right. I spent some time over the vacation taking Councilmember Brooks' advice and spent some time with family, and me and my 12-year-old son watched that movie. And I was telling Councilmember Phillips, and he referenced it was one of his favorite movies so I was happy to hear how you incorporated that in your speech. As we close out Council today, Council President, I just want to remind the members of Council as well as the listening public that yesterday we had our hearing, our Legislative Oversight hearing on gaming and the Gaming them so much for their intellect, their time, their energy and their advocacy. They produced a report that give us as government recommendations on things that we can do to make Philadelphia a gaming city. I'm not going to stop in the advocacy, Council President. We're going to do everything we can in our power to make this city a gaming city because we recognize by the year 2029, the gaming economy will be over $90 billion, $90 billion globally. And the gaming economy has no home. And so, we want to make Philadelphia the city of eds, meds, beds and gaming. I don't know how it rhymes with those other words. That's not my job. But listening to Councilmember O'Rourke, maybe I can get him to help me with some crafty figure out how we fit it in. But either way, Council President, I want to say thank you to Councilmembers Young, Lozada, Squilla, Landau, and Councilmember Landau for joining me in yesterday's hearing. And I want you to know, Council President, as we get ready for this year and next year, because 2026 is a major year for us, gaming is going to be one of the things that's going to be at the top of our priority. People ask us all the time what can we do to generate revenue for the City and for people without increasing taxes on businesses and on people, and attracting gaming can be one of many answers. Thank you, Council President. And thank you,

Thank you, Member Thomas. And as you advocate for that 90 billion, I think the City of Philadelphia will welcome you. You know, I have two boys and we spend a whole lot of money for roadblocks and buying them skins on Fortnite. And so, we want to make sure our kids get a little break, Councilmember Thomas. So I'm going to be calling you because the more they play gaming the more it's coming out of my pocket. So no, one, keep up the great work. It's a great field, and we look forward to partnering with you on making sure this particular area of economic opportunity thrives in the city of Philadelphia. Great job, sir. There are no more recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion to adjourn.

Thank you, Council President. I've already been told it's eds, meds, beds and devs. So I'll get back to you as to what that means because I don't know. But, Mr. President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. sharp. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the Council stand adjourned until Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you. ) 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. S.