COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 11, 2024 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN CURTIS J. JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN RUE LANDAU COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY M. LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN NICOLAS O'ROURKE COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK F. SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR. ELIZABETH McCOLLUM NAZARIO, INTERIM CHIEF CLERK
I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of the Council is present. This Council will now come to order. Members will please take their seats. Visitors will retire to their seats outside the rails. Before proceeding, I will ask all those present to please set your cell phones to silent or vibrate. Thank you. To give our invocation, the Chair recognizes my good friend Imam Suetwedien Muhammad of Masjid Muhammad. He's here today as the guest of Councilmember Nina Ahmad. I will ask all Members and guests to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests and visitors rise.)
Before I pray, I just wanted to say just a couple of words. One of the things is that there are 109,000 cities in the United States of America, and Philadelphia is the sixth biggest city. It's 1.6 million people in the City of Philadelphia and there are only 17 Councilpeople, right. That's a unique group, very unique. And we should not take that for granted. Also, in line with our Mayor, and may God grant her success, that I'm tired just like her of hearing people say that Philadelphia is the dirtiest city or Filthadelphia, you know. Just like I'm also tired of them of our City. Poorest biggest city in the country, highest murder rate in the history of the City, you know, highest gentrified city, poverty level. So I'm tired of them boasting those numbers. One of the things is that they said to the prophet, Peace be upon him. They said, Prophet, they said, This guy, he prays all the time. He always pray. And he said to them, right, he said, Well, who takes care of him? They said, We do. And he said, Then you all are better than him. Meaning, that prayer alone won't change anything, right. We got to do more than prayer. It takes prayer and it also takes good work. And at this time I want to pray for our Mayor. I want to pray for our City Councilmembers. I want to pray for our City. I want country as well as our world. There's a prayer that I make 10 times a day. And I always ask God to bless all the children and families around the world who have no food to eat and no place to live, right, because if we can't help them, the least we can do is pray for them. So at this time let us pray. (Arabic translation). What I said, it translates into English, what the name of God most gracious, most merciful. Praise be to God, the Lord, sustainer and cherisher of all the worlds. Master of the day of judgment. Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek. We ask that you show us the straight way. The way of those whom Thou has bestowed our grace, those who's not gone astray. By the token of time through the ages, verily man is in loss, except for those as have faith, do good deeds and righteous works and invite others to the truth with patience and constancy. Oh God, we ask that you make us successful in this life as well as the next. And as you bless all of the children and families around the world who have no food to eat and no place to live. And that you bless our Mayor of this great city, that you bless our Councilmembers of the this great city, and that you allow us to turn this city around because we know that you see the eyes of the world is on Philadelphia. And when Philadelphia comes together, the world will come together. God bless you all. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks the Imam for his Council will now be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 4, 2024. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 4, 2024 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the Meeting of Thursday, April 4, 2024 stand approved. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is the request for a leave of absence. And the Chair recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Minority, is requested for Councilmember Brooks.
Thank you. The Chair grants the leave of absence. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's session of Council and that were not listed on the Calendar circulated prior to today's session.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda to this session of Council and is 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 recalled from the Mayor, amendments to bills recalled 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 included on the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly the legislative matters stated by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson may be added to the agenda for today should those matters arise during the course of this session of Council. All those in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors in chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you, we welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate you taking the time to join us as we attend to the City. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier who will present a resolution honoring and recognizing Dr. Kahalin Kariko and Dr. Drew Weissman for winning the 2023 Nobel Prize in Medicine. Will Dr. Weissman and those accompanying him please join the Councilmember at the podium. Joining Councilmember Gauthier will be Councilmember Rue Landau, Councilmember Nina Ahmad, Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke, Councilmember Squilla and Councilmember Mike Driscoll. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President. And good morning, everyone. presentation for a long time and I'm really glad that it's finally here. When COVID-19 struck and we went into lockdown, experts predicted that we may be social distancing for years because at that point the average vaccine took more than a decade to develop. So the only reason we are here today, back to doing the people's business completely in person is thanks to Dr. Drew Weissman and his partner Dr. Katalin Kariko, who integrated a safe, effective, enlightening fast method to develop and manufacture vaccines. To be sure, the pandemic changed our City and our world's trajectory and our communities are still dealing with the consequences, but we are well along the road of recovery. And I shutter to think about how many lost and how much more catastrophic the economic damage would have been if Dr. Weissman or Dr. Kariko did not find a way to free us from COVID-19's chokehold sooner than anyone could have imagined in March of 2020. To me, Dr. Weissman and Dr. Kariko's accomplishment is about much more than fighting COVID. Ever since Benjamin Franklin flew his kite during a stormy Philadelphia day in June 1752, Philadelphia has been on the cutting edge of science. Dr. Weissman and Dr. Kariko's transformative mRNA technology continued this trend by demonstrating the prowess of our burgeoning life sciences industry. Other scientists here and across the world have already started building off this pair's therapeutics that will treat and cure diseases like HIV, Ebola and Malaria. So while Dr. Weissman and Dr. Kariko have already received science's highest honor, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank them for the impact that they have had specifically on our City, both when it comes to saving lives and reminding the globe that good things happen in Philadelphia. With that, we will now read the resolution: Whereas Dr. Katalin Kariko is a Senior Vice-president at BioNTech and an Adjunct Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine. Dr. Kariko received her Bachelor's Degree in Biology 1978 and her Doctorate in Biochemistry in 1982 from the University of Szeged in her native Hungary. the Biological Research Center of the Hungary Academy of Sciences in Szeged before integrating to the United States in 1985; and
Whereas Dr. Drew Weissman is the Roberts Family Professor in Vaccine Research at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. Before joining Penn in 1997, Dr. Weissman was a fellow at the National Institutes of Health studying HIV in the lab of Dr. Anthony Fauci. Dr. Weissman received his Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree from Brandeis University. Dr. Weissman earned his M.D. and Ph.D. from Boston University and completed his residency at Beth Israel Hospital; and
Whereas after a chance meeting in 1990s while photocopying research papers, Dr. Kariko and Dr. Weissman began investigating mRNA as a potential therapeutic. In 2005, they published a key discovery, mRNA could be altered and delivered effectively into the body to activate the body's protective immune system. And whereas mRNA-based vaccines elicited a robust immune response, including high levels of antibodies that attack a specific infectious disease that had not been previously encountered. Unlike other vaccines, a live or attenuated virus is not injected or required at any point; and
Whereas when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the true value of the pair's lab work was revealed in the timeliest of ways as companies and deploy vaccines to protect people from the virus, and whereas both Pfizer, BioNTech and Moderna utilized Dr. Kariko and Dr. Weissman's technology to build highly effective vaccines that protected recipients from severe illness and death due to COVID-19; and
Whereas in the United States alone more than 655 million total doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines have been administered since they became available in December 2020, whereas Dr. Kariko and Dr. Weissman continued to work on new therapeutic applications of mRNA; and
Whereas on October 2, 2023 Dr. Kariko and Dr. Weissman received the Nobel Prize in Assembly in Solna, Sweden. They are the 28th and 29th Nobel laureates with ties to the University of Pennsylvania including nine who won the Nobel Prize in Medicine and whereas not only did Dr. Kariko and Dr. Weissman's groundbreaking research save countless lives, it also showed the entire world the proudness and importance of Philadelphia burgeoning life sciences industry; therefore
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that it hereby honors and recognizes Katalin Kariko Ph.D. and Drew Weissman, M.D., Ph.D., for winning the 2023 Nobel Prize in Medicine, further resolved engrossed copies of this resolution be presented to Katalin Kariko, Ph.D., and Drew Weissman, M.D., Ph.D., as a token and appreciation. Now, I would like to invite Dr. Weissman to say a few words. (Applause.)
Thank you. I'm highly honored to be here. I think what I want to say most is to thank the City of Philadelphia for its support of the University of Pennsylvania, its support of biomedical research and its support of Katalin and I. Without Philadelphia, neither of us would have been here, would have accomplished the RNA vaccine that treated the pandemic. So I have to thank Philadelphia for being a great and powerful supporter of biomedical research. I want to thank Philadelphia also for what's going to come in the future. We continue to develop new RNA therapies. to treat sickle cell anemia and other stem cell disorders. We're developing new vaccines for diseases that previously couldn't be easily treated with a vaccine, including HIV, Hepatitis C, Malaria, Tuberculosis and many others, and there are literally thousands of other diseases that we and others are working on that we hope some day RNA therapies will be able to effectively treat for them, prevent or cure. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
And last, we will hear from Jonathan Epstein, Interim Executive Vicepresident of the University of Pennsylvania for the Health System and Dean of Penn's Perelman School of Medicine. (Applause.)
Mr. President, distinguished Councilors and guests, it's a real honor to be here today. The mRNA vaccines like so many other discoveries in medicine appeared it seemed out of nowhere, but they were really 20 years in the making. Drs. Kariko and Weissman toiled away struggling for research funding, struggling for recognition because they knew they were onto something. And many others in the scientific field had tried to use mRNA as a therapeutic platform, but they've been stymied because RNA elicits an immune response itself which destroys the RNA. And what Kata Kariko and Drew Weissman discovered was how to modify the RNA so that it could be used as a medical therapy, and they've saved millions of lives. beginning as Dr. Weissman just told us. This is a new therapeutic platform and we're eager to see Philadelphia lead the way in making many new medicines in the future. So thank you so much for this resolution today. (Applause.)
Congratulations to all of you. And next I invite all Councilmembers and all of our guests from the University of the Pennsylvania to come and take a photo.
Council will now be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Anthony Phillips.
Thank you, Council President. Before I provide you with today, I just want to say just brief 30-second remarks. There are police captains and then there are police captains. Captain now Deputy Commissioner Myesha Massey is an exemplar of a commanding officer who served, and she is here with us today. (Standing ovation.)
I also want to briefly take 30 seconds to acknowledge that from working -- we're going to have extensive remarks later, but from working with Councilwoman Kathy Gilmore Richardson and other City Councilmembers to shut down public nuisances to ensuring that North and Northwest Philadelphia had outstanding quality of life from making sure that boats, abandoned vehicles and other nuisances in our neighborhood were rid of and also Mayor's plan which she already was working on before the Mayor made this a big plan, community policing was a priority. She did it all, which is why she was not only selected to be the First Woman Captain of the 35th District but that's why she was selected to hold her new title, her new promotion as the First Deputy Commissioner of Community Partners for the City of Philadelphia, which she will be responsible for unveiling the community policing plan in the City. So I just want to thank all of her family. If I can have all of her family stand as well. (Applause.)
Especially Deputy Commissioner's husband Mr. Massey. I want to thank you for giving her to the City of Philadelphia because she is So myself and Councilwoman Cindy Bass, we're co-introducing a resolution today to honor and recognize our Deputy Commissioner -- I almost said Captain -- Myesha Massey. And you will hear from her shortly, but I wanted to say this in case anyone had to leave, that we love you, we thank you and you already know a bunch of all of Council. So thank you from the City of Philadelphia and let's give her a warm round of applause again. (Applause.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk.
To the President and the members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I'm submitting herewith for the consideration of your Honorable Body, the following proposed ordinance: An ordinance authorizing the City's Chief Innovation Officer or their designee to enter into a cable television franchise renewal agreement with Verizon Pennsylvania, LLC, renewing the cable television franchise granted by the City to Verizon for franchise areas 1, 2, and of the City, all under certain terms and conditions. And a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 708, 710, 714 and 723 North Shedwick Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District, in accordance with the 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of the portion of the West Mill Creek Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses at 607 North 53rd Street, 625, 633, 635 and 637 North 53rd Street and authorizing the Redevelopment Authority to execute the redevelopment contract with Liberty53, LP and to take such action as may be necessary to effectuate the redevelopment contract. Council President, there are no other 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 now recognizes Councilmember Anthony Phillips.
Good morning. Good morning, colleagues and the viewing public. I have one privileged resolution honoring Captain now Deputy Commissioner Massey.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution congratulating Captain Myesha S. Massey for her promotion to Deputy Commissioner, as the first Deputy Commissioner for Community Partnerships and on her successful command as the first female Commander of the 35th Police District.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Council President. This morning I introduce two resolutions; one privileged and one nonprivileged.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the privilege and nonprivileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution celebrating the selection of True Biz by Sara Novic for the 2024 One Book, One Philadelphia program.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a nonprivileged resolution calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to adopt the Solar for Schools Act (House Bill 1032) and thanking Representative Fielder for her commitment to reducing the energy costs of public schools, expanding renewable energy production and creating family-sustaining jobs for Pennsylvanians.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Good morning, President -- good morning, Council President. Today I have one privileged and two nonprivileged resolutions.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the one privileged and one nonprivileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Joint Committees on Housing, Neighborhood Development and The Homeless and Public Property and Public Works to hold hearings on the 10-year performance of the Philadelphia Lank Bank, what barriers exist to effective application review, process efficiency, and transparent communication and how these can be solved to maximize this unique opportunity to create genuinely affordable housing and community-stewarded green spaces for neighborhoods that need them most.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a nonprivileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 708, 710, 714 and 723 North Shedwick 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 our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Sorry. And a nonprivileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the West Mill Creek Urban Renewal Area identified by house numbers and street addresses as 607, 625, 633, 635 and 637 North 53rd Street, and authorizing the Redevelopment Authority to execute the redevelopment contract with Liberty53 LP, and to take such action as may be necessary to effectuate the redevelopment contract.
This resolution will be placed on the next Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the listening public. I just want to put my shameless plug and support in for Captain Massey as a resident of the 35th District. We absolutely love her, but I do have one resolution to introduce today. Thank you, Council President.
You're welcome. Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution please.
A privileged resolution recognizing, honoring and congratulating Dawn Staley, Coach of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks -(Applause.)
-- for leading the undefeated 38-0 Gamecocks to victory in the 2024 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship, her second championship in three seasons and third championship in her coaching career.
In the spirit of our predecessor Darrell Clarke, she's from North Philly. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas.
Just for the record, Council President, that resolution is being co-introduced with the 5th District North Philly Councilperson, Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young. Thank you, Council President.
You're welcome. This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. North Philly with an F. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two privileged resolutions and one bill signed on by nine members of Council.
Thank you. Will the Clerk please read the privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing "Philly Girls Jump," and further declaring May 4, 2024 and every first Saturday in May thereafter, "Philly Double Dutch Day" in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Pennsylvania Chapter on the occasion of their annual legislative day.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair -- go ahead.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 10-2200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Hate Crimes," to expand the scope of qualifying crimes, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate Committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. First of all, Happy 100 Days. And second of all, I have two privileged resolutions to introduce today.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Royal Izakaya's Jesse Ito for his nomination as a finalist for a 2024 James Beard Award.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Circadium Circus School as the first accredited circus school in the United States.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. Today I offer one nonpriveleged resolution.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the nonprivileged resolution.
A nonprivileged resolution authorizing the establishment of a "Special Committee on Kensington" to analyze and examine the effectiveness of current policies, to further develop data-driven solutions and restore stability in the Kensington area.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar with the consideration at the next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located in an areas of land located within an area bounded by Montgomery Avenue, 10th Street, Girard Avenue and 13th Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate Committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.
Council President, I have one nonprivileged resolution doing on your behalf.
Thank you. Will the Clerk please read the title of the nonprivileged resolution.
A nonprivileged resolution expressing Council support for food service workers at the Philadelphia sports complex and urging Aramark to negotiate fair and equitable contracts that provide these workers with a standard minimum wage and health care coverage.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill and one privileged resolution.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bill and resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing the 8th District Rebuild Community Development Partners, Nicetown CDC and Allegheny West Foundation, for their hard work and revitalization of communities in their respective neighborhoods.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for the consideration of our next session of Council.
And an ordinance granting permission to Germantown Jewish Centre to demarcate the boundaries of Germantown eruv district, to construct and maintain a clear nylon cord and/or plastic tubes and other ancillary facilities, including a maximum of 10 poles along, over, and in certain public rights-of-way and City streets, and/or to attach such demarcation facilities to existing facilities owned by other entities authorized by other City ordinances, subject to such owner's consent, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate Committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution.
Will you please read the title of the privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution urging the United States government to take immediate action to protect and enshrine reproductive rights and ensure abortion access for all birthing people.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.
Thank you, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions to introduce today.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll.
Morning, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions today.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions today.
The next order of business is reports from Committees. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Rules reports out three bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules to which was referred Bill No. 240012, entitled an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of area bounded by Queen Lane, Wissahickon Avenue, Roosevelt Boulevard (Extended), and Henry Avenue, and to amend Section 14-524 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "/FDO, Fourth District Overlay District," and make related changes, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. And the Committee on Rules to which was referred Bill No. 240066, entitled an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Wood Street, 4th Street, Vine Street and Lawrence Street, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to recommendation. And the Committee on Rules to which was referred Bill No. 240159, entitled an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps, by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Sedgwick Street, Ardleigh Street, Upsal Street, Belfield Avenue and Sprague Street, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading on this day of the following two bills: No. 240066 and 240159. Bill No. 240012 to be placed on next week's First Reading Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading today of Bill Nos. 240066 and 240159. Bill No. 240012 will be placed on next week's First Reading Calendar. All those in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and these two bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a report Streets and Services.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports out 21 bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Streets and Services to which was referred Bill No. 240021, entitled an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Gravers Lane and Millman Street, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. 240022, entitled an ordinance establishing parking regulation in the vicinity of Rockland Street and North 2nd Street; Lawrence Street and Rockland Street; Ruscomb Street and North 2nd Street; Ashdale Street to North 3rd Street, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. And Bill No. 240086, entitled an ordinance amending Sections and of an Ordinance (Bill No. 170086) approved May 22, 2017, entitled, "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 269 by relocating portions of the houselines and curblines of Convention Avenue from 34th Street to Health Sciences Drive, and placing on the City Plan two the vicinity of the intersection of Convention Avenue and Health Sciences Drive and authorizing acceptance of the grant to the City of said rights-of-way for drainage purposes, all under certain terms and conditions, including the dedication to the City of the beds of the areas proposed to be placed on City Plan as portions of Convention Avenue," by adding additional necessary City Plan changes and revising the terms and conditions stated therein, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. And Bill No. 240090, entitled an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Old York Road and Courtland Street and Loudon Street, considered the same and returns the attached bill with a favorable recommendation. Bill No. 240100, entitled an ordinance establishing parking regulations, one-way regulations and a closure of the public right-of-way to motor traffic regulation in the vicinity of Washington Avenue from 4th Street to Water Street, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. Bill No. 240121, entitled an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 2401 East Norris Street, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. Bill No. 240122, entitled an ordinance authorizing Norris Street Holdings, LLC to install, own, and maintain a streetery in the right-of-way adjacent to 2401 East Norris Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125-2913, under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. Bill No. 240123, an ordinance authorizing Pat Olivieri d/b/a Pat's King of Steaks, to vend from a location in the right-of-way adjacent to Pat's Steaks location in the vicinity of 9th and Wharton Streets, under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns Council with a favorable recommendation. Bill No.
240155, entitled an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of North 20th Street and Fairmount Avenue; Tioga Street and Old York Road; Westmoreland Street and North 13th Street, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. Bill No. 240156, entitled an ordinance parking regulations in the vicinity of North 30th Street and Master Street; North 29th Street and Master Street and Oxford Street; Oxford Street and North 30th Street and North 29th Street; North 15th Street and Parrish Street; Swain Street and North 17th Street, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the with a favorable recommendation. Bill No. 240158, an ordinance amending Chapter 12-900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parking Regulations and Penalties," by providing for parking prohibitions for motor vehicles with sun-screening devices, and for penalties and enforcement, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. Bill No. 240186, an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Pacific Street and North Broad Street; North 13th Street and Allegheny Avenue; Marlborough Street and Thompson Street; North 4th Street and Master Street, considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. Bill No. 240188, entitled an ordinance establishing parking violations in the vicinity of Montrose Street between South 7th Street and South 8th Street; Montrose Street between South 9th Street and South 10th Street; Montrose Street between South 10th and South 11th Street; Beulah Street between Montrose Street and Carpenter Street, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. Bill No. 240189, an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of South 12th Street between Jackson Street and Wolf Street; Emily 6th Street and South 5th Street; Winton Street between South 5th Street and South 6th Street; Mercy Street between South 5th Street and South 6th Street; Sigel Street between South 5th Street and South 6th Street; South 4th Street between Mifflin Street and McKean Street; McKean Street between South 5th and South 6th Street; Sigel Street between South 5th Street and South 4th Street; South 3rd Street between Mifflin and McKean Street; respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. Bill No. 240190, entitled an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Jackson Street between South 12th Street and South 13th Street; Snyder Avenue between South 13th Street; Jackson Street between South 6th Street and South 7th Street; Mercy Street between South 7th and South 8th Street; Watkins Street between South 11th Street and South 12th Street; South 7th Street between Johnson Street and Oregon Avenue; Moyaminsing Avenue between South 5th Street and South 6th Street, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. Bill No.
240212, entitled an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Green Street and North 40th Street; North 41st Street and Spring Garden Street; North 41st Street and Powelton Avenue; North 32nd Street and Haverford Avenue; Brandywine Street and North 36th Street, respectfully reports it has considered the same bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. Bill No. 240213, an ordinance authorizing Rekhaben Patel, owner and operator of the newsstand at the northwest corner of 30th and Market Streets to construct, use, and maintain conduits in, under, and across the northwest corner of 30th and Market Streets for the purpose of supplying electrical service to said newsstand, under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. And finally, 240214, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Hazel Avenue and South 55th Street; Cedar Avenue and South 51st Street; Cedar Avenue and 55th Street; Hazel Avenue and South 46th Street; Hazel Avenue and South 47th Street; Hazel Avenue and South 48th Street; St. Bernard Street and Pine Street; St. Bernard Street and Spruce Street, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. Nope not done. Sorry. Bill No. 240217, entitled an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Parrish Street between North 16th Street and North 17th Street; Perkiomen Street between Vineyard Street and North 19th Street; Gratz Street between Jefferson Street and Harlan Street; Cambridge Street between North 30th Street to a dead-end; Jefferson Street between North 18th Street and North 19th Street; Newkirk Street between Street; Brown Street between North 16th Street and North 15th Street; Seybert Street between North 24th Street and North 25th Street, Flora Street between North 29th Street and North 30th Street; Olive Street between Shirley Street and North 19th Street, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. 240218, an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Watts Street between Cambria Street and Rush Street; Camac Street between Cambria Street and Glenwood Avenue; Cambria Street between North 13th Street to North 12th Street; Silver Street between North 13th Street and Broad Street; Rush Street between North 12th Street and North 13th Street; North 12th Street between Cambria Street and Somerset Street; Marvine Street between Susquehanna Avenue and Diamond Street; Thompson Street between North 27th Street and North 28th Street; Montgomery Avenue between Uber Street and North 20th Street; North 19th Street between Montgomery Street and Berks Street, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. And finally, the Committee on Streets and Services to which was referred Bill No.
240219, entitled an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Bailey Street between Poplar Street and Parrish Street; North 20th Street between Oxford Street and Jefferson Street; North 27th Street between Girard Avenue and Street; Folsom Street between North 18th Street and North 19th Street; Uber Street between Parrish Street and Poplar Street; North 19th Street between Master Street and Jefferson Street; Harold Street between North 22nd Street and North 23rd Street, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading on this day of Bill 240021, 240022, 240086, 240090, 240100, 240121, 240122, 240123, 240155, 240156, 240158, 240186, 240188, 240189, 240190, 240212, 240213, 240214, 240217, 240218 and 240219 that were just read into the record by the Chief Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
That jawn threw me off. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of the bills just read by Councilmember Young. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and these bills our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla for a report from the Committee on the Commerce and Economic Development.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.
To the President and members of the Council of the Philadelphia, the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to which was referred Bill No. 240088, entitled an ordinance amending Chapter 9-2300 of The Philadelphia Code, workers to provide protection for service employees, including laid-off employees, all under certain terms and conditions, reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 240088 that was just read into the record by the Chief Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first of Bill No. 240088. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and Bill No. 240088 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. I want to also correct the record. The bill introduced by Councilmember Nina Ahmad urging United States government to take immediate action to protect and enshrine reproductive rights and ensure abortion access for all birthing people is a nonprivileged resolution and will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. 2ND READING The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I'll note from the bills just reported from the Committee with the suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following bills and resolutions are on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for today: Nos. 240251, 240020-A, 240066, 240176, 240177, 240178, 240087, 240015 and 240017.
Thank you. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will continue 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. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up for today's session, please do so now by giving your name to Ms. Hasson at the table outside the rails to my left. Once you have signed up, you will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. Under ideal circumstances, public commenters will each have three minutes to speak. However, this time limit may vary from session-to-session. Today the time limit due to our volume of public comment will be two minutes. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the two-minute limit. You begin speaking you will see a green light on the podium. When there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, the light will turn yellow which is your reminder to conclude your remarks. Once two minutes have passed, the light will turn red and the Sergeant-at-Arms will disconnect the microphone. At that point, please yield the podium to the next speaker if you have not done so already. I also reserve the right pursuant to our rules of Council to limit repetitious comments on the same matter. I will now ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.
Deputy Commissioner Massey. (Witness approached podium.) DEPUTY COMMISSIONER MASSEY: Morning, everyone.
Good morning. DEPUTY COMMISSIONER MASSEY: I just want to say thank you so much. I appreciate this honor and opportunity. It was truly a partnership when I was the commanding officer in the 35th, so it's rightfully so I should be the Deputy Commissioner of Community Partnership. It has always been my goal to ensure that all the citizens in Philadelphia are safe. And now I get that opportunity to do it citywide. Growing up as a little girl in North Philadelphia, I'm unapologetic about representing my community. My community knows I'm boots on the ground, so you'll see me, Councilmembers, all over your Districts with my boots on the ground and the people that I serve and I thank you for this opportunity. Thank you.
The Chair now -- will the Chief Clerk please call the next person.
I am the founder and CEO of the Educational Advocates Reaching Today's Hardworking Students, a Committee person, Chair of the Net CUA 7, a member of the current School Board's Parent and Community Advisory Committee and Advisor to Parent Power, here to speak in support of Resolution 240251, introduced by Councilperson Phillips. Research confirms that when caring adults are engaged in student's learning, the child performs better academically despite the race, culture, income or zip code of the family. When selecting members of the Task Force, I urge that we consider the social identities not only of ourselves but also of the most wretched caregivers we seek to assist. As we look out the window to hold caregivers accountable, we should also look in the mirror to check our cultural competency to see how we hold ourselves accountable. There are currently 20 Community Schools in Philadelphia. Who holds the Community School coordinators accountable by ensuring that they are supporting and strengthening community partnerships and promote learning opportunities for students, families and neighbors? Who monitors District Schools to ensure that Dr. Watlington's Accelerate Philly's Strategic Plan requiring trusting relationships and collaboration with families and community stakeholders is being implemented with fidelity, especially in low-income neighborhoods? While working collectively to build One Philly, the formation of the Parent and Guardian Task Force to help low-income families get the needed training and information to better advocate for their children is applauded. Yet the struggle for effective school, family and community partnerships continues. Please be reminded that many families are sending their children to the same neighborhood school that failed them. A one-size-fits-all approach is not recommended. Thank you, Council President Johnson, Councilperson Phillips and your team, all City Councilpersons and the Chief Clerk's Office. You all are appreciated. (Applause.)
Thank you. Will the Chief Clerk please call the next person.
Hello. My name is Shana Kennedy. I'm the Executive Director of Circadium. As I take a moment to thank City Council for your resolution today recognizing our circus school, I'm accompanied by one of the graduates of our program, Josh Mozier, who came to Circadium from New York and is now enriching the local performing arts community with his talent. On behalf of my faculty, students, alumni and Board of Directors, thank you for welcoming us here today. We're thrilled at the chance to connect with the leaders of our City and to show you that circus which was once just on the fringe of the arts community is on the rise here. Our campus in West Mount Airy is home to acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, unicyclists and tight-rope walkers, honing their craft and learning the profession. Our program is unique in the United States, and it's one more way that Philadelphia is proving itself to be a fertile ground for the performing arts. Philadelphia is a city of firsts, home to the first lending library in the U.S., the nation's first zoo and the world's first computer. As America's first school for higher education for circus and now the first accredited circus school, Circadium is proud to be added to that list. You may not know that Philadelphia was home to the very first circus performance in the United States in 1793. There's a marker for it at 12th and Market Streets. But a lot has changed in the City in the world of circus over the last 231 years. And we're here to tell you that circus is evolving into a contemporary art form led by young artists and as we support them, we support the creative economy of our city. Thank you, Councilmember Landau and the co-sponsors of this resolution and to all of you here today. (Applause.)
Will the Clerk please call the next person for public comment.
Good morning, everybody. First, I just wanted to say thank you on behalf of the 35th District to Deputy Commissioner Massey for her unwavering support to the community, the 35th District and the residents. 35th District has roughly about 153,000 members in community in our District. And no matter what time of hour, whether it be 2:00 in the morning losing sleep or coming in 2:00 in the afternoon, she was always there to support the community. The 35th District might have lost her in the 35th District, but she's in the City and she's going to be there to support everybody and every community member from the babies to the seniors because she will definitely be there to help everybody. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Elder Reginald Macon. (Witness approached podium.) ELDER MACON: Good morning, Mr. President and everyone in City Council. I'd like to take this moment and also to thank Councilman Anthony Phillips for this time and space. Deputy Commissioner Myesha Massey was a trailblazer. She's a professional. She's an engager. She's accessible and approachable. From the time she served at the 35th District, a commander, I realized that she was someone special. She came in hitting the ground running. She was genuinely interested not only in her job but also the people that she served in the community. She interacts with community unto which she was responsible for. The community and the 35th District and PDAC received her well with open arms because we knew that she was someone special and made a difference. As the new Deputy Commissioner, she will do well in that job or do a better job. Deputy Commissioner, I'm sorry -Commissioner Kevin Bethel made an excellent choice in choosing our new Commissioner. Our Philadelphia community needs someone like Deputy Commissioner Massey's leadership to take the great city into the direction that will build closer partnership in the community and the police. Some say that the police and community are separated, but we're not divorced. She's genuinely an innovator who is not afraid to take the initiative, and I pray that (inaudible) in favor of God in her endeavors throughout her career. God bless you. (Applause.)
Deputy Commissioner Massey, can you come back to the podium just briefly? DEPUTY COMMISSIONER MASSEY: Yes, sir. (Witness approached podium.)
We just want to say on behalf of members of City Council under your new role as Deputy Commissioner of Community Partnerships and we know the Mayor has an agenda and an overall focus on a comprehensive approach in addressing gun violence and public safety here in the City of Philadelphia, particularly when it comes to community partnership, it's an effort to build a bridge between the Philadelphia Police Department and the community. And so, we just want to say congratulations and we thank the leadership of Councilmember Phillips for acknowledging you in your new role. I think all of us here recognize that it was a police officer yesterday that pretty prevented a massacre that could have taken place in West Philadelphia. So we thank you and all the members of the Philadelphia Police Department for all your hard work and dedication and we look forward to partnering with you in moving the City of Philadelphia forward and making sure we have a safe city. Congratulations. DEPUTY COMMISSIONER MASSEY: Thank you. Thank you everyone. (Standing ovation.)
Will the Clerk please call the next person for public comment.
Good morning, everyone. I'm Jesse Ito. I'm the chef owner of Royal Izakaya. It's such a great honor to be here. Thank you, Councilmember Rue Landau, for this great honor and all the co-signers. I wish I'd prepared a better speech or could juggle or something because I feel a little underprepared. But when I got into this, I was 14 years old. Between my family and myself, we've been feeding this area for five decades Japanese food. My parents used to own Fuji in South Jersey. I never had an expectation that I'd be at this level of the culinary scene, and I'm just so honored to be representing Philadelphia this year at the James Beard Awards. We have a super rich culinary scene and we have a great history, so I'm hoping to take it home for the win this year for all of us. So wish me luck. Come visit me at the restaurant and thank you for having me. (Applause.)
My name is Tanisha Reinhardt. I'm going to read my comments so that I won't forget anything, but I'm going to keep them short and sweet just like me. Good morning, Council President Johnson, esteemed Councilmembers, fellow Philadelphians and all attendees. I am cofounder of Philly Girls Jump, established in 2016 where our mission is to not only empower the spirit of fun and joy but to also build community. I am a lifelong resident of Philadelphia from the Northwest section of the City. My educational journey has been rooted on Broad Street, attending Ivy League schools, Philadelphia High School for Girls and Temple University. I am undeniably Philly through and through. Our neighborhood double dutch was more than just a game. It was a cornerstone of our childhood. It is a shared experience that brings people together across backgrounds. It provided inexpensive outdoor fun and fostered meaningful friendships beyond the ropes. Philly Girls Jump has had the privilege of bringing double dutch to many of your Districts, elevating community events with a nostalgic click-clack of the ropes and the smiles and laughter that followed. Double dutch is deeply rooted in Philly's cultural fabric and inspires creativity, resilience and team work. Double dutch is intergenerational fun and offers numerous fitness benefits. Establishing Philly Double Dutch Day would remind and encourage residents to engage in healthy, enjoyable activities that promote both physical fitness and social well-being. Thank you, Councilman Jones, for introducing this resolution. It is my great privilege and honor to wholeheartedly support Philly Double Dutch Day. Again, my name is Tanisha Reinhardt. Thank you for your time and congratulations to our new Deputy Commissioner. (Applause.)
My name is Paul Birdsong. I am not a national ambassador for the Panther Party. So I speak on behalf of every Panther Party Chapter nationwide that we're looking to help the citizens of Philadelphia become a beacon of hope for the rest of the United States. We are here for the same purpose, 240176, that money being allocated, we want closures for the moms in Philadelphia who lost their children and don't know who they lost their children to. We got two fathers here today. One whose son died last year and doesn't have any information about it, the other whose son died in 2019, doesn't have any information about it. We had a mother whose son died in 2004. She was going to come but she felt intimidated. I don't know why, but she don't have any information about that. We want to push to get that done. I found out that there's a news clip and it says they're deciding between a dilapidated warehouse in North Philly and University City. And University City facility is up-to-date and it's ready to go. What's the decision? What's the decision? What's the decision to make right there? That's an easy one. The dilapidated warehouse, updated facility ready to go. There's no decision to make there. These mothers need to know who killed their children. These people ain't going to stop killing people out here until they got something to fear. If they know 50 percent of the shootings are going to go unsolved, they don't care. They're not scared. I'm going to shoot you. I'm probably not going to get caught anyway. Come on now. Why would we put it in a dilapidated warehouse that gives them more power to do it. You saw what happened yesterday. Eight people got shot in Philly this week. Now, the other two shootings, the one at 53rd and Chancellor, they don't know who did that one. The one at 50th and Osage, they don't know who did that one. Come on now. We got to do something about this. There's no decision that needs to be made. You got a state-of-the-art facility, dilapidated warehouse. Basic human intelligence. All power to the people. All power to the people of Philadelphia. All power to mothers looking for closure. All power to the homicide victims. There's no decision that needs to be made. Let's do this. What are we waiting for Philly. You have Black Sons. Statistically they are at a higher risk of being them people that got killed and nobody know who killed them. If you're under 45 years old, you're at risk. So am I. There's no decision that needs to be made. And I don't need this mic. All power to the people. (Applause.)
Thank you, Mayor Parker, Councilmembers. I'm an attendee of South Carolina State University and also a graduate of the school of hard knocks. I did 16 years for a crime that I did not commit. I'm a community activist in the West Philadelphia around 52nd and Market. I'm here in support of Bill No. 240176. We need this forensics lab rehabbed so we can solve some of these murders. I have a son that was killed in 2019. His murder is unsolved. We also need money allocated for a crime prevention police reform. At the present time I have a pending police investigation, D.C. No. 24-19-019016 against an officer -I know a lot of you guys don't want to hear this officer's name because he drug this City's name through the mud -- against Officer Linwood Norman, who has 450 cases under review. He's reared his ugly head again in West Philadelphia and I've been being harassed by this guy for years. I did 16 years because I had a relationship with his children's mother and he's back. I'm imploring -- I'm imploring you guys please do something, please. He took 16 years of my life. 16 years, man. And I love the good cops. I love them. We need them, but I can't do this community activism around 52nd and Market Street area without you guys. This guy is involved in (inaudible) and all types of things. We can't do it without you guys. This guy is a maniac and he needs to be brought to justice. Linwood Norman does not like Charles -- former Commissioner Charles Ramsey said his badge should be melted and it should have been. Please, I'm imploring you guys to allocate these funds for crime prevention, police reform and help us. We need you in the Market Street area. Stop the violence. You see what happened at the Masjid. Thank you. Thank you. (Applause.)
Paul Birdsong, the individuals that you mentioned that they didn't have a response regarding the closure on the homicides that happened, here is my Chief of Staff John Christmas. Just have them provide the information to him and we'll follow up with the Homicide Unit just to make sure there's a level of dialogue between the families and the individuals, the individuals who lost loved ones and the Philadelphia Police Department.
We appreciate that and I'm sure they do. All power to the people. (Applause.)
This past Tuesday right before the budget meeting many concerned constituents came together to rally in front of City Hall and discuss the impacts that this kind of budget would have on our City. I saw some of you walk by the rally so I hope you were able to hear some of the speeches. The community came together to say that we don't agree with the overinflated police budget in the name of public safety. Our students deserve a fully staffed school without asbestos and reliable public transportation. We know the police don't keep us safe and in many instances are the very force we need protection from. Family members of Alexander Spencer was there to talk about the loss they were suffering through, after PPD officers tackled Spencer to the ground and shot him in the back during a stop-and-frisk. As a City we look forward to his murderer being held accountable. This kind of violence is taught and shared in police exchange programs with Israeli occupation forces. Some exchanges facilitated by the Anti-Defamation League and their executives worry that it makes up American officers more likely to use force and contribute to the problem of police brutality. About six officers are leaving the force every week, and every day people are realizing that they no longer wish to be complicit in an inherently racist system. During the budget meeting on Tuesday when the Council asked what were they doing in terms of decarceration, I don't think we got a very clear answer. But we did get a worrying fact from Councilmember Landau who said 90 percent of the people being held have not been tried. So with the current population of 4600, that's 4,140 people who are being held without being tried. The prison's representative said that the Speedy Trial Act was paused during COVID. But it seems there's still a long history of people serving sentences in our City prisons with some inmates waiting seven years before they get to trial. We must focus on releasing inmates. As a City, we want to take a stand against violence and we know that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Just yesterday there was a terrible shooting at the Eid festival. And in response, Mayor Parker tweeted out, We stand united with the Muslim community and vow to work together to restore balance and light to our communities. I hope the balance extends to the millions of Muslims trapped under constant siege with our weapons. We should follow our United States Nations Human Rights Council who passed a resolution calling to halt arms transfers to Israel. We should align ourselves under international law to stop the ongoing genocide and pass a permanent ceasefire resolution. Thank you. (Applause.)
(ASL) I'm Sara Novic. I'm the author of the book True Biz, and it is an honor to be here today with you. Thank you to Councilwoman Richardson, to the Free Public Library and everyone who makes the One Book, One Philly programming possible. In the deaf world, it's common that deaf children believe that when they grow up they will either become hearing or they will die. Why is that? Because they've never seen a deaf grown-up before. How many artists, inventors, leaders have we lost this way? Dreams are cut short before they've even started. That is why representation matters. That's what books and libraries can change as they did for me. And that's what robust bilingual education for deaf and hard-of-hearing kids can do. While I'm here, I want to ask for your continued support to the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf. We should be Philly proud of this school, the third oldest deaf school in the country that gives kids access to two languages and to deaf role models. Thank you so much for your time. (Applause.)
Maritza Gurdy. Good morning. My name is Maritza Gurdy. I'm a mother of five, three of which have gone through the School District of Philadelphia and two that are currently 2nd graders in the District at Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary. I'm also a constituent of Cindy Bass's District. I am here to ask for the full support from this Council on Bill No. 240251 brought forward by Councilmember Phillips. This is a very much-needed effort in order to ensure that parents and guardians are a part of the process and solution-seeking when it comes to family engagement. For far too long, parents have not been at the table. That time must end if you want to ensure that change occurs in our City. I'd like to thank organizations like Children First PA for giving parents like myself and others the opportunity to learn more to then ask questions regarding our children's education. I want to thank the Councilmembers that are in support of this bill. I ask those of you that have not supported this bill as of yet to ask yourselves the following: Have I been an integral part of my child's educational career at their school? Was I part of the process from beginning to end or was I just an afterthought? Do I want parents and guardians to have a voice in this City when it comes to engagement, accountability, budget and oversight? We must all have the opportunity to be heard and listened to for the sake of our children's future. And due to time constraints regarding testimony, I will say this request very quickly, (Hispanic translation). Thank you very much. Gracias.
My name is Gianna Williams Davis. I am a mother of two, two sons, grandmother of eight. And I am here today in support of Councilman Phillip's Bill 240251 addressing a pressing issue in our City. The urgent need to enhance parental and guardian engagement, oversight, accountability within Philadelphia. The bill comes at a critical time as the declaration of the state of emergency by the Mayor highlights the severity of public safety concerns with over 3,000 shootings reported in 2023 and in 17 percent involving young people between the ages of 12 and 21. Research from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention emphasizes the crucial role of supportive and engaged parenting and reducing deviant behavior among children. However, challenges such as lack of engagement and mental health services, misuse of social media and insufficient resources for parental involvement demand urgent attention and comprehensive of the day set up resolution. Councilman Phillip's bill proposes the creation of the Parent Guardian Engagement Task Force which convene diverse stakeholders to investigate, examine, explore and assess strategies for equipping parents and guardians with the necessary knowledge, skills and resources. This includes promote healthy lifestyle choices for children and providing social services and mental health support for families. By committing to convene within 90 days of the creation and prepare a report of its findings and recommendations within six months, the Task Force demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing these critical issues and fostering positive change in our community. Together I think we can work towards a safer and more supportive environment for all families in Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.)
Jeff Jones and Symbol Lai and Emiliano Ward make their way to the podium as well. Jeff Jones, Symbol Lai and Emiliano Ward. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning, Council President and Councilmembers. My name is Jeff -I'll start again. Good morning, Council President and Councilmembers. My name is Jeff Jones. I'm the Senior Consultant for GDA Consulting. I'm also a committee member of Ward 59. I'm coming today in support of 240251 by Councilmember Phillips, the Community and Parent Engagement Task Force. I believe that that's a very vital important task force to establish in our city. Many of us know the two adages; it takes a child and a child that is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth. I believe that this Task Force creates a voice for that village to be able to embrace the child to give them the warmth of the successive path that they can travel. I also believe that if it is didactically laid out in the way that it provides opportunity and resources so that parents can benefit from everything that they need to have to be successful to laying that foundation, that support for their child. I also believe that there should be an opportunity to engage more parents on the Task Force to truly reflect the diverse representation of all the parents throughout this great City. So as this Task Force is continued to be formulated, I would like to work with the Councilmember in that effort to make sure that we can reflect the parents' voices conclusively so it can be successful across the board as I know it can be. So thank you for this time to speak to you this morning and I appreciate the great work that all of you are doing and look forward to working with you, Councilmember Phillips, in your great work. Thank you again. (Applause.)
Symbol Lai, Emiliano Ward and Carlotta Farina also make their way up.
Good morning. My name is Symbol Lai. I'm here representing Children First. I live in West Oak Lane. I'm here to testify in support of Bill 240251, Councilmember Phillips', my Councilperson, resolution to start a parent task force. So three years ago, Children First launched a concerted effort to organized parents across Philadelphia, I'm here with them today, we did this because we knew that more could be done to engage people who cared for our organization's prime constituency, children and teens. So parents live the experience of underfunded schools, lack of quality child care, and out-of-school-time activities, they worry day and night about whether or not their kids are going to come home or a brush-up in contact with the criminal justice system. So we wanted to create a space for parents to share their experiences and channel their frustration into a collective fight for better conditions so their families can feel. And we learned from this endeavor that continues today that despite all the many obligations, taking their kids to school, working, paying rent, when given the chance to be empowered, parents will always rise to the occasion. That's why we support Councilmember Phillips' Task Force and we hope that this is a start of many more efforts in Council to develop recommendations and policies from the ground-up, but speak to the lived experiences of parents and tie families across Philadelphia to City government. I also want to remind City Council that parents parent best when their material conditions facilitate this. So it's easier to show up for your kids when you're not worried that they're attending a crumbling school, whether your child's going to PreK, and if it's high quality, if they're going to learn how to read, whether or not they're going to have access to an afterschool program and whether or not they have a safe place to learn from their mistakes. So City Council has an opportunity to make Mayor Parker's vision for a cleaner, greener, safer big city with economic opportunity for all a vision that resonates families across Philadelphia, a vision that changes material conditions to support excellent parenting. So please don't pass up on this opportunity with this year's budget. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Emiliano Ward and also can Carlotta Farina and Marla Davis Bellamy make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
My name's Emiliano Ward -- sorry. My name's Emiliano Ward here in support of Bill 240251 for Anthony Phillips. I just want to say that raising children is one of the most challenging jobs that you face in your life. Patience, faith and intelligence will all be tested. If you want your child or children to succeed, you must be fully invested in process. So raising children has always been challenging. And as a matter of fact, 50 or 60 years ago they were more challenging. So studies show that the first five years of life are the most critical for a child's brain development. If this period of time is compromised by neglect or abuse or even social media of screen time, then your child is going to have a much harder time going forward in life. If this Task Force can provide parents, caregivers with solutions or information to increase the positive outcome for your children, then I think it's worth implementing. Also, the reality is that only a child's parent or direct caregiver can make sure the child has the support and information they need to become productive citizens. Teachers and social programs can assist, but they cannot replace the parent or caregiver. So it has never been the City's state or federal government's job to actually raise your children or provide them with activities to do. Ultimately, your children are your responsibility and you're accountable for your actions. You also have to keep in mind that their actions impact the entire community as we saw yesterday. Thank you. (Applause.)
Carlotta Farina. Can Marla Davis Bellamy and Dr. Dorothy Johnson-Speight also make their way to the podium.
Good morning, President Kenyatta Johnson and members of the City Council. I'm here to support the creation of a Parent Guardian Engagement Task Force resolution advanced by Councilperson Anthony Phillips of the 9th Council District. Children are the most valuable asset for towns, cities, states, countries and the world. They are the future of our existence. They should be nurtured from birth by loving parents, family and the community. There are times when this may be difficult, but neglect is not a remedy. The Task Force will consist of people who have experience in all phases of positive growth from the crib to adulthood. The Parent Guardian Task Force will be able to have a sense of the health of the families, be it mental or financial. The Task Force will be able to intercede before the child is left to his own devices. One isn't born with wisdom. Wisdom takes a lifetime to attain. The Task Force will help to prevent the abandonment of parental responsibilities. Parents are their children's first teachers and protectors. The Task Force will support parents with information and guidance. The resolution must pass. And since we have a prime example in the news right now, Dawn Staley, I have this comment from something that she has said, "The disciplined person can do anything. This is the mantra instilled in me by my mother and my upbringing." Thank you. (Applause.)
Marla Davis Bellamy. Can also Dr. Dorothy Johnson-Speight and Lynn Landes also make their way to the podium.
I'm Marla Davis Bellamy. Good morning, City Council President Johnson, all members of Council and staff. I'm the Director of the Philadelphia CeaseFire Program and the Philly Hub, which is based at the Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. I'm here this morning to support Councilman Phillips' resolution to establish a Parent Guardian Engagement Task Force to serve as a Council advisory body. For those of you who are not aware, Philadelphia CeaseFire is the Commonwealth Pennsylvania's first replication of the evidence-based CURE Violence global program. We launched this program in 2011 in the 22nd Police District. And in 2017, an impact evaluation was completed in our work which reported a 30 percent reduction in shootings in our target area. Since that time, we have migrated to the Northwest section of the City where we're working to duplicate our success in the 14th and 35th Police Districts. Three years ago we also launched the Philly Hub, which is a group of City and community agencies who meet one hour weekly on Mondays and work collaboratively to address the needs of individuals, families and communities in crisis. Our membership includes over 70 organizations and there are anywhere from 20 to 30 agencies who are on our call. Since we started, we have actually reviewed about 80 situations. We're helping schools, parents, grandparents, foster parents, truancy officers with issues from everything, including shootings, housing, truancy, behavioral health needs, hate crimes, food, clothing and transportation, to name a few. The Hub is actually a law enforcement model. It started in Canada and it's widely used throughout the state of Massachusetts. Philadelphia CeaseFire hires returning citizens to work and provide case management support to high risk individuals that are deeply engaged in shooting activity. These individuals according to Dr. Daniel Webster of Johns Hopkins University are not getting enough attention in our existing strategies in Philadelphia to reduce violent crime. However, if we're able to successfully engage them one-on-one and provide direction and support for them and their caretakers, many of these young people will make better lifestyle decisions, which ultimately will lead to a reduction in shootings and homicides. Years ago I actually heard a still small voice that told me people revered back to how they were raised, and I'm sure everyone in this room who is a parent who has served in that capacity will tell you it's not easy. But we must also help parents, grandparents, foster parents and guardians with employment, housing, food, day care, utilities and transportation. They also need help understanding the 40- to 60-page IEPs, the Individual Education Plan, and how to advocate and discipline their children. They cannot do this alone. They need a village and need to know where to turn to help themselves and their children. We all have a role to play, whether you're an educator, doctor, union leader, clergy member or developer. Our children are angry, frustrated and traumatized. And in order to support them, we need to stop judging them and allocate the resources necessary to identify and address their needs. This is why we support this new Task Force and will further inform City Council about this perplexing problem. But we can't do this in silos. We must coordinate and collaborate. We must take on this issue with a sense of urgency. We must bring in subject matter experts no matter where they are. The good news is we have the leadership in place to definitely make an impact and change.
And the Philadelphia Ceasefire program which is grounded in the discipline of public health and the members of the Philly Hub support this resolution and are committed to working with this Task Force and rolling up our sleeves to do whatever it takes to turn our City around. Thank you. )
Dr. Dorothy Johnson-Speight. Can Lynn Landes, Ogbonna Hagins and Kelsey Leon also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning to the Honorable members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia and guests. I'm Dr. Dorothy Johnson-Speight, Founder and National Executive Director of Mothers In Charge. Anyone who is or have ever been a parent knows parenting is one of the hardest jobs there is.
You also know there's no blueprint on how to do it perfectly.
Many of us parents have struggled with the awesome task of parenting and may have even made some mistakes because as stated, it is one of the hardest jobs there is, and that is not recognized enough. As many of you know, Mothers In Charge is made up of mothers, grandmothers, aunts and sisters and others who have had a loved one murdered. When a mother or father's child is taken due to community violence, it is a devastating pain that parents must endure because we think our main job on earth is to protect our children. And when they are taken, it impacts our every being in ways that there are no words to describe. I am old enough to remember back in the day, how important the village was in supporting parents in raising children. We no longer have that village. Please hear me. I cannot tell you how many times over the last 20-plus years of our existence many mothers have come to us and shared that while working hard each day to keep a roof over their family's heads, they knew their son or daughter was hanging out with the wrong group of kids based on the behaviors they had observed, but in far too many situations did not know where to turn, did not know where to find the resources and supports to help them. In some cases, parents went to the police to intervene before it was too late, only to hear, Madam, there's nothing we can do until your child does something wrong. We hear these stories when parents come to Mothers In Charge for support when it's too late. It's often after the child or loved one has been murdered. The resolution introduced by Councilman Phillips is one of the major steps that needs to be taken to address violence prevention in the City of Philadelphia. The resolution highlights the lack of resources and supports for parents, guardians' engagement and the lack of in-and-out-of-school-time activities that appear to be a significant contributing factor to gun violence that demands urgent attention and comprehensive solutions now. Last year in the City of Philadelphia there were too many children under the age of 18 shot and killed, and 160 between the ages of 18 and 30. An alarming number of 410 neighbors were murdered overall. We should all be ashamed of this tragedy in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. These murdered children may not be your biological child or anyone that you know, but they are all our children of Philadelphia for whom you have pledged your best to protect them. And I ask that you do that today. This resolution will be provide several ways to equip parents and guardians with the necessary knowledge, skills, resources and supports that our children need to live. There's a task before you and the Philadelphia community there's is a simple request but a daunting task, save our children, our most precious asset by supporting the creation of the Parent Guardian Task Force. Thank you for the honor of giving testimony on this very important lifesaving resolution. Thank you. (Applause.)
Lynn Landes. Can Ogbonna Hagins, Kelsey Leon and Gary Weedon also make their way to the podium.
Good morning. I'm Lynn Landes at Safestreetsphilly.org. I want to comment on the bill to study illegal camping and ask why are we still studying it and not enforcing the laws against it. We have several people sleeping on our streets, in our neighborhoods and the police refuse to arrest them and Social Services seem ineffective at handling this situation. In addition, I want to comment on today's resolution congratulating scientists who developing a COVID vaccine. COVID vaccines are well-documented to have serious short- and long-term health effects, including death. Doctors and scientists worldwide report that these vaccines are neither safe nor effective. Parents in our region should be aware that any child 11 years old or older can come to Philadelphia and get certain vaccines, including COVID vaccines without their parents knowledge or comment. Instead of issuing congratulations, City Council should be conducting special hearings that myself and other activists have been requesting to accept public comments on the effects of the COVID vaccines and the impact of the COVID mandates on our City at large. Thank you.
Ogbonna Hagins. Then Kelsey Leon and Gary Weedon. (Witnesses approached podium.)