And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities to hold hearings to examine the Philadelphia Water Department request to increase water, sewer and stormwater rates and charges and its impact on the citizens of Philadelphia, introduced today by Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
STATED MEETING 148 2/2/2023 2/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring and recognizing the dedicated service of Betsy "Ms. Betty" Beaufort, whose determined advocacy -(Applause.)
-- whose determined advocacy on behalf of her South Philadelphia community has strengthened her neighborhood, as well as the City of Philadelphia, introduced today by Councilwoman Brooks.
I move for the adoption of this resolution. STATED MEETING 149 2/2/2023 2/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring and celebrating the 2023 Saint Patrick's Day Parade, introduced today by Councilman Driscoll.
Council President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. STATED MEETING 150 2/2/2023 2/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring and celebrating the career of Joseph T. Ashdale, introduced today by Councilman Driscoll and Councilman O'Neill.
The Chair again recognizes Councilman Driscoll.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. STATED MEETING 151 2/2/2023 2/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution recognizing and honoring Clarena I.W. Tolson on the occasion of her retirement from public service, introduced today by Councilman Squilla and co-introduced by Councilman Phillips.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.) STATED MEETING 152 2/2/2023 2/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING
The motion passes. The resolution is adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Phillips.
I just wanted to make -- thank you, Council President. I simply just wanted to add a few remarks about Clarena Tolson. Clarena Tolson is someone that is near and dear to my heart. I love Mrs. Tolson. She is not only -- she is known to you as Commissioner Tolson, but for me when my mother passed away 13 years ago, a friend of mine named Laurena Tolson came into my life and said, I heard that your mom passed away, and I wanted to invite you to our family dinner. At the time, I did not -- for Christmas. At the time, I did not know that Mrs. Tolson was the City STATED MEETING 153 2/2/2023 2/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Commissioner for Streets. I just knew that her mother was a great cook and that she needed someone -- she wanted to invite me over to dinner. Ever since then, Mrs. Tolson and the Tolson family has been there every step of the way in anything that I needed. This family has provided me mentorship. They provided me with support emotionally and, most importantly, they provided me with a lot of love, and Mrs. Tolson has always been at the helm of that. One of the things I'll tell you about Mrs. Tolson is that a lot of people don't know in the City of Philadelphia, I did mention that she's an excellent cook for sure, but she's full of laughter, full of love, and she's also a person who is just really good with connecting her friends to opportunities and supporting them to be excellent individuals. So I was very happy when Councilmember Squilla helped to STATED MEETING 154 2/2/2023 2/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING co-introduce this -- asked me to co-introduce this particular resolution, because I really love Mrs. Tolson, and I want to thank her for her 40 years of service to the City of Philadelphia under six different mayors. As the Streets Commissioner, she was one of the most innovative people ever. She helped us really energize our recycling program. And one of the stories that her husband said, and I'll stop here, her husband made mention of the fact that -- and the blizzard of 1996 occurred and there was six men that came to their door to literally shovel her out, and when they shoveled her out, she said, I'll be back, and she never came back many -- until days later. That shows her dedication to the City of Philadelphia. So I just want to say I'm just so happy that we're honoring her for all of the service that she's done to the City. STATED MEETING 155 2/2/2023 2/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
I join my colleague, Member Phillips, in recognizing Ms. Tolson, Commissioner Tolson. She's a 4th District resident, but as Streets Commissioner when I first got elected, we kind of wanted to take a deeper dive into departments and I made the mistake of challenging her that I could throw more trash than she could. Well, after one block of throwing trash, it was over, and she kept going and kept going and was an amazing leader of that department. I further remember as an elected official a great snowstorm. I can't remember what year it was, but Wynnefield -
'96? Well, STATED MEETING 156 2/2/2023 2/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING this is after I was elected. So this one I remember because I was getting so many calls. I was overwhelmed, President Clarke, with calls about small streets and we couldn't get people out, and it was so bad that the EMS people had to take people out on sleds, and I'll never forget her sending the troops, the plows through Wynnefield, and I just couldn't -- I recorded it. I still have it. And people were clapping just to see that kind of basic City service that for 40 years she provided. And so she went on to the Parking Authority, but, you know, I hope that the next Mayor will be smart enough to bring her back somehow, some way as a consultant, because when it comes to basic services, she knows her stuff. So thank you, Member Phillips, for recognizing her.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes STATED MEETING 157 2/2/2023 2/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Council President. I too wanted to thank our colleagues Councilmember Squilla and Councilmember Phillips for recognizing Clarena Tolson on the occasion of her retirement. I too wanted to give her kudos, and on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of the Philadelphia High School for Girls, I just wanted to mention that she too is a Girls' High graduate, our 222nd graduating class of the Philadelphia High School for Girls, my neighbor in the 4th Council District, and a tremendous public servant who really embodies the intangible spirit of the Philadelphia High School for Girls. So kudos and congratulations to Clarena Tolson. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman STATED MEETING 158 2/2/2023 2/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. I also too rise to acknowledge the dedication, the public service, and the work of Ms. Clarena Tolson as we honor her today. Most people may or may not know that she hails from South Philadelphia. Her dad was the former State Representative of the Ceda (ph) Hill of the 186th Legislative District by the name of State Representative Ed Wiggins. He was also the protege of the late Congressman Bill Barrett, who was the powerhouse in South Philadelphia. Clarena Tolson is his daughter. So she comes from a long line of public servants and has always remained committed to improving the quality of life of not only all Philadelphians but also her late -- also her home neighborhood of South Philadelphia, still being a member of Union Baptist Church at 19th and STATED MEETING 159 2/2/2023 2/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Fitzwater. So when I saw the introduction, I said it's only very fitting to acknowledge her, but also the very heartfelt words that Councilman Phillips shared regarding his relationship, that's Clarena Tolson. That's always been her character and how she carried herself. And so with that being said, I wanted to add my words of support as she's being acknowledged on this day. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I was here when Clarena Tolson started, and I'm proud to say I was because I'm witness to how she started. She started in a new position helping City Councilmembers with constituent services. I'm not even sure the position exists anymore. But she STATED MEETING 160 2/2/2023 2/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING looked like she was in high school when she started. She would be in my office and I'm sure my colleagues' offices, but I know in mine, at least once a week. And now I understand the level of service, public service, she had in her DNA, which I wasn't aware of it. But when you say somebody started at the bottom and worked her way up and became the top dog in the department, she was that. She started at the lowest level and rose to the highest level, and it's deserving. And while her hair may be a little grayer, she looks like she did when she started in the early '80s. And she's always happy too, which has been mentioned. Never seen Clarena upset, no matter what you were -not yelling but trying to get done. She always just knew what she was doing. And now that I know her background, it explains why someone was so mature in the STATED MEETING 161 2/2/2023 2/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING area of public service at such a young age and continued to grow. But I'm glad I got to mention that. I'm glad I got to know her from the beginning.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just wanted to echo the sentiments of my colleagues. Clarena Tolson was someone that I knew in many different capacities, you know, whether it's Revenue or Streets or the PPA or, you know, any of the different departments in which she worked in. She just had a real spirit of excellence. And so I just wanted to join the chorus of my colleagues and salute her as someone who was always wanting to be helpful to each and every one of us, no matter what department you're in, who you represent. Clarena was a real STATED MEETING 162 2/2/2023 2/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING trooper, and it's going to be a real loss I think to the City of Philadelphia that she retires. Hopefully she won't go far and we'll be able to call on her for her expertise. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. I actually forgot. Mr. Decker, did we call for -- we did already? Thank you. Thank you all. Do you have any additional resolutions?
A resolution recognizing February 2023 as American Heart Month and honoring the American Heart Association of Philadelphia for their work in providing health resources in Philadelphia, emphasizing the importance of heart health, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle, introduced today by Councilwoman Bass.
The STATED MEETING 163 2/2/2023 2/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I do want to recognize that we did have representatives from the American Heart Association here, but they had to leave for their conference. So we want to shout them out and recognize that they had been here earlier. You know, I move for the adoption of the resolution, this very important resolution. Thank you. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion passes. The resolution is adopted.
And a resolution STATED MEETING 164 2/2/2023 2/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING recognizing, honoring, and celebrating Imhotep Institute Charter High School on its 25th Birthday, introduced today by Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution recognizing and honoring Rodney Little for his exemplary and outstanding service STATED MEETING 165 2/2/2023 2/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING as a dedicated public servant, police officer, union leader and military veteran, introduced today by Councilman Oh.
Thank you. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
There are no other resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar, Mr. President.
STATED MEETING 166 2/2/2023 We will now -- that concludes our Calendar for today, and we will have our speeches on behalf of the members. Speeches on behalf of the minority? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brooks.
Thank you, Council President and Council colleagues. I want to take a moment to lift up the resolution that I passed today honoring Betsy "Ms. Betty" Beaufort, who many of you know for her years of dedication and service in her South Philadelphia community. As we enter Black History Month, this is the first in my series of resolutions honoring Black women for their essential contributions to our city. I knew Ms. Betty well and I've seen her strength as an organizer firsthand. She and I organized together STATED MEETING 167 2/2/2023 education, against predatory development, and I've always been in awe of her integrity. And I thought it was important, I think my colleague Councilmember Johnson mentioned, to give people their flowers while they're living, and too often as Black women, we're not honored until the end. So I thought it was important that we honor folks who paved the way for my advocacy and my organizing. She taught me so much when I just started out as a young organizer. It was the three amigos, Ms. Betty, Ms. Wilma, and Ms. Maria. She was here too. Oh, she had to leave. And I just want to make sure that I honored them now. Ms. Betty has been an integral member of several neighborhood-based campaigns, including the Coalition to Save Libraries in 2008 and 2009, the Coalition to Abolish the Undemocratic School Reform Commission, the group of Point Breeze neighbors that organized an STATED MEETING 168 2/2/2023 sale of Smith Elementary School to be turned into luxury apartments. Ms. Betty has never been afraid to stand up to powerful interests, whether it be fighting against multi-national corporations attempting to interfere in our neighborhood or a local developer threatened retaliatory measures when Ms. Betty joined the lawsuit against them. Ms. Betty's passion and devotion is in every campaign she's worked on. Her work in the Coalition to Save Libraries led to being named the President of the Friends of Queen Memorial Library in Point Breeze in 2009, which is the position she continues to hold today. And at the time when our young people need investment and support and robust programming more than ever, Ms. Betty's passion for education, community advocacy, libraries reminds us STATED MEETING 169 2/2/2023 funds for these City services. And I know there are many people in the Council Chambers today who showed up to celebrate Ms. Betty, some have left, because of her work that she has been doing for years and for others. Her courage is an inspiration to people who believe in doing what's right, and I'm so proud to honor her with this resolution today. Thank you so much, Council President.
Thank you, Council Lady. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Vaughn.
Thank you, Mr. President. I wanted to take a STATED MEETING 170 2/2/2023 on the recent headlines that have refueled national dialogue about police reform and corruption within law enforcement. As I'm sure many of us were, I was sickened and horrified by the footage released last week of Tyre Nichols' arrest and savage treatment at the hands of the members of the Memphis Police Department. My immediate thoughts were what if it was my son, what about my inability to protect him if, God forbid, something like this were to happen to him in DC, especially with him being so far away from anyone else in his family and/or village. My subsequent thoughts were of the heartache that too many Black mothers have been forced to endure because of cowards and monsters who hide behind badges as well as an oath to serve and protect our communities. This is what creates the mistrust that runs so deep within the Black and brown communities, STATED MEETING 171 2/2/2023 leads me to the recent news of the Philadelphia Police Department's 22nd District captain, Nashid Akil, who's accused of paying himself with an anti-violence grant meant for a youth boxing program called Guns Down, Gloves Up that he started. He, like the former Memphis police officers, betrayed our trust of their communities. Maybe not the same way, but it's betrayal nonetheless, and Captain Akil should be terminated for his actions. Behavior like this must have consequences. Behavior like this is exactly why so many people, particularly our youth, struggle to have faith in those who claim to stand for justice and reform. Behavior like this is what overshadows the good, honest deeds of the law enforcement officers who really do care and have the best interest of all our citizens at heart. STATED MEETING 172 2/2/2023 some outstanding work around police reform. Consider the fact that the traffic stop that led to Tyre's death might not have happened in the first place if he were driving here in Philadelphia, thanks to Councilman Thomas's driving equality bills. And through Councilmember Jones's hard work, the establishment of our brand new Citizens Police Oversight Commission gives us hope that we can build a just system built on community trust. And we can't build that trust unless we can hold police accountable when people in their custody are injured and killed. We must and will always demand better for those who we rely on to protect us. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. (Applause.) STATED MEETING 173 2/2/2023
Hello, Council President. I just wanted to thank my co-sponsor, Mike Driscoll, and all of my Council colleagues for voting on my first resolution today to raise -calling on the Legislature to raise the minimum wage. I firmly believe that this is a human right, and people should be entitled to a living wage, something they can raise their family on. And I am so happy that everybody voted for this resolution today. But I also am saddened, because yesterday, and it's an everyday occurrence in my neighborhood, we had another victim of gun violence. A 48-year-old man was shot at the Market-Frankford Allegheny El stop. He was shot in his back, you know. It's just senseless violence. And I would be doing us a disservice if I didn't also STATED MEETING 174 2/2/2023 to man up. And if they don't want to do it, then give us the right to enact our own gun legislation also here in the City of Philadelphia. Enough is enough. Somebody has to make a stand. And I can tell you if they don't have the guts to do it, I know this body does. So just pass the buck and we'll take it. Thank you, Mr. President.
I just saw a group of young people coming in. I'd like to recognize them, but I do not know who they are. Can you quickly just, whoever brought them in, could you just -- sir?
Hi. I'm Sarah Julie and I'm from Parkway Northwest. STATED MEETING 175 2/2/2023
Thank you all so much for coming in. We appreciate it. (Applause.)
Awesome. Unfortunately, we're getting ready to close out for the day. So next time come a little earlier so you can see us in action. We appreciate you being here, though. Real quick, I'm sorry -- the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
I just wanted to recognize that they are from the 8th Council District as well. STATED MEETING 176 2/2/2023 (Applause.)
Great 8. Thank you all again. Next time just come -- we really would like you to see what we do here. It's important. We appreciate you all being here. Before we close out, I just want to make an announcement. The Philly Street Light Improvement Project is on Thursday, February 2nd in the Caucus Room immediately following our Council session, and lunch will be provided. That's always a good thing. The Philadelphia Energy Authority, the Streets Department, the Office of Sustainability, and the project's lead vendor, Ameresco, will provide detailed project updates, how stakeholder engagement is being incorporated in citywide lighting design, an update on project costs and bond issuance, and the STATED MEETING 177 2/2/2023 timeline, which is very important, for installation and data-driven process for prioritizing neighborhoods with the greatest lighting needs. I see Emily Schapira over there from our Energy Authority. So, folks, it's real important. I know we were out in the street yesterday and people were talking about being able to light the streets up is a significant issue as it relates to public safety. So that's available for members and staff immediately following the Council session. And with that, the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, February 9th, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
STATED MEETING 178 2/2/2023 moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, February 9th, 2023, 10:00 a.m. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The motion carries. Thank you all very much. ) STATED MEETING 179 2/2/2023 CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. MICHELE L. S 21:4, 18, 95:5 118:21 42:2 72:3 73:3, 17, 171:12 62:5 20, 22 118:3 urge 54:19 village 170:17 19 74:17, 18 wealthy 57:2 white 96:9 umbrella 107:5 56:25 violence 20:12 75:2, 17, 21 Week 15:2 101:6 102:10 unanimously urging 21:4 23:13, 20 76:19, 21 77:4 17:3, 21 73:11 wide 22:7 66:22 89:21 113:10 43:19 47:4 80:21 89:20 109:12 113:5, widespread uncomfortable 117:24 121:10 49:8 94:16 90:9 96:13 20 117:19 79:4 18:17 use 17:17 118:17 119:3 97:18 98:2, 14 133:22 137:19 wife 106:15 Undemocratic 22:14, 25 23:2 146:11 173:20, 99:10 103:5, 138:9 160:6 Wiggins 167:23 70:5 78:17 24 14, 15, 16, 17 170:8 158:13 underperformi 98:2 114:12, violent 94:12 104:21 105:3 weekend willful 7:18 ng 19:16 14 116:10 virtual 108:6 106:25 107:6, 140:25 Williams 144:6 UTF 96:22 virus 79:14 13, 18 108:3, 5, weekly 42:20 83:20, 22, 23 underserved Utilities 20:20 vision 43:3 7 118:14, 24 weeks 23:25 willing 75:23 58:20 147:7 visit 59:10 120:20, 21, 25 week's 19:9, 92:7 125:10 understand visually 41:23 132:7 134:6, 20 20:6, 15 Wilma 167:16 19:5, 15 20:12 <V> vital 55:9 15 138:6 21:2 27:10, 25 Wind 51:4 23:8 26:22 vaccine 78:4, voice 97:13 139:14, 15, 22, 28:8, 18, 24 windshields 47:14 52:10, 11, 12 79:16, voluntarily 24 141:3, 8, 15 29:5, 12, 23 125:3 53:10 21 107:21 154:5, 22 30:11, 17, 23 wish 127:20 79:19 93:10 vaccines 77:24, volunteer 163:4, 8 31:5, 14 wishing 35:24 113:21 115:9 25 78:9, 14, 17, 67:19 166:12 167:17 weigh 126:8 Wister 83:7 143:3 144:4 21 79:3, 7, 19, volunteering 174:3 176:12 welcome withdraw 146:10 160:7 23 42:19 wanted 15:21 15:22 16:14 10:12 understanding vaguely 81:12 volunteers 40:13, 18 67:7 17:11 67:24 withdrew 123:19 Valerie 89:16, 38:5 84:7 90:18 176:4 69:10 understands 19 vote 54:20 99:19 105:16, well 3:9 4:15 Witness 37:3 23:7 Valerija 33:4 70:19 107:19, 19 113:17 5:4 7:17 19:4 41:10 44:18 113:3 131:13 133:15 28:15 38:20 48:10 54:5 STATED MEETING 22 2/2/2023 57:15 59:22 worsening youth 15:14 62:22 65:12 54:23, 24, 25 49:7 50:11 67:16 71:12 worth 43:4 56:5 58:21 76:11 77:18 64:21 59:3 72:6 80:14 83:21 worthy 140:21 74:17, 18 85:6 87:10 WPACS 37:12, 82:13 139:9 89:17 91:9 16 38:7 171:7, 18 93:3 95:16 wrap 56:18 96:2 100:9 wrestling <Z> 104:14 108:24 115:12 zero 86:22 159:21 write 62:2 130:4 woke 109:21 93:20 Zone 61:23 woman 91:19, written 79:6 Zoning 13:5 wrong 92:13 69:3, 8, 15 women 25:21 Wynnefield 70:16 97:2 166:20 167:9 155:23 156:10 123:10, 11 Women's Zurer 76:8, 12, 111:2 <Y> 13 won 105:17 y'all 72:19 wonderful 73:9 75:13 40:11 yeah 4:14 Woodford 95:20 96:23 30:25 40:14 131:11 139:18 58:14 80:22, year 3:2 82:5, 8, 12, 21:21 23:16, 15, 17, 21 83:8 19 81:23 86:3 Woodford's 126:4 155:22 81:9 years 15:24 word 101:13 37:14, 15 words 142:4 40:11 45:6 159:6, 11 46:2 49:3 work 3:25 52:14 54:10, 4:23 23:6 13 56:21 58:2 26:20 30:5 61:5 63:16 46:4, 9, 11, 16 64:24 76:21 48:20 63:3 81:15, 23 84:11 88:18 82:13 88:17, 90:16, 22, 23 18 90:13, 14 99:11, 22 92:3 93:22 103:12 126:16 102:25 105:11 132:23 141:20 124:7 125:17 145:15 158:6 140:7 152:19 162:20 168:15 154:5 156:14 169:7 172:3, 166:16 169:8 yelling 160:22 worked 54:13 yellow 36:5 160:11 161:18 97:6 168:15 yesterday workers 24:16 173:18 177:10 working 37:13 yield 36:10 38:23 45:8 young 16:7, 11 46:5 63:18 17:4 59:3 65:22 141:14 85:25 99:8 working-class 118:19 133:24 81:2 134:19, 22 world 5:8, 9 135:2 140:11, 6:5, 9, 12 16 141:11, 14 117:3 161:2 167:14 168:21 174:19