Stated Meeting 1 05/23/2024 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 23, 2024 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN CURTIS J. JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN RUE LANDAU COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY M. LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN NICOLAS O'ROURKE COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK F. SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR. ELIZABETH McCOLLUM NAZARIO, INTERIM CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting 2 05/23/2024
Good morning, everyone. Let's quiet it down now please. Take all conversations to the hallway. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. This Council will now come to order. All members will please take your seats. Our visitors, we are asking for you to retire outside the rails as well as take your seats. Before proceeding, I will ask all those present to please set your cell phones to silent or vibrate. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes the Reverend Lawrence C. Shuford, Jr., Pastor of the Second Baptist Church of Frankford. He is here today as Stated Meeting 3 05/23/2024 Thomas. I will ask all members and guests to please rise. (Councilmembers and guests rise.)
Father, you are awesome and, Father, you are kind. There truly is nobody like you in all the earth. You are the King of Kings and you are the Lord of Lords. You are from everlasting unto everlasting and your train knows no end. Father, we pray today that you will do something phenomenal in the life of this City, do something phenomenal in the life of this state and in this country. Father, I pray that you would align us according to your will and according to your way. Father, I pray for these your people, these elected officials, who are called to govern and establish rule and Stated Meeting 4 05/23/2024 Father, I pray that you give them the grace to do so according to your love and kindness. Father, I even pray that there will be laws passed that will not leave any person out, that you will remind them of the least of these, the lost and the left out. Father, we pray in the name of Jesus for the widow and the orphan. God, we pray that there will be no hunger in this City. Father, I pray in the name of Jesus that you will do something dynamic for those that feel forgotten and overlooked. Father, I pray for the grace that you will empower these members to do what you have called them to do. Your word declares that when the righteous are in rule, God, the people rejoice. But when the ungodly are there, God, the people mourn. Stated Meeting 5 05/23/2024 Father, I pray in the name of Jesus that you will cease our mourning. Father, that you will align us according to your word, according to your will and according to your way. Father, that you will establish such things in this earth as it is so in heaven. Father, we pray for peace in our land, peace in our city, peace in our homes, peace in our families. Father, we declare it so our weapons are not carnal but they're mighty through God, through the pulling down of strongholds. God, and we exalt that name that is above every other name, and it is by that name Jesus do I end this prayer. Let all who believe say Amen. In the name of Jesus, say Amen. (Amen.) Stated Meeting 6 05/23/2024
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 16, 2024. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 16, 2024 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 16, 2024 stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Stated Meeting 7 05/23/2024 (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is the request for leave of absence. The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence.
Today the Chair thanks the Councilmember. The Chair recognizes Minority Leader Councilmember Stated Meeting 8 05/23/2024
Thank you, Mr. President. On the behalf of the Minority, there are no leaves of absence.
Today the Chair thanks the Councilmember. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll.
Thank you, Mr. President. I wish to be excused for some important Council business and I'd like to be recorded in the affirmative on all bills and resolutions. And I hope to return as soon as possible.
Leave is granted. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Majority Leader, for a Stated Meeting 9 05/23/2024 certain 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 for this session of Council and, as required by law, subsequently published on an amended agenda after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments to bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or recalled from the Mayor, amendments to bills recalled from the Mayor, resolutions taking substantive Stated Meeting 10 05/23/2024 be voted on in this session of Council, 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 seconded that the legislative matters stated by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson may be added to the agenda for today should those matters arise during the course of this session of Council. Stated Meeting 11 05/23/2024 in favor will signify 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 joining us in chambers this morning on behalf of all members of City Council. We welcome you to our chamber and our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to come again. I want to also take a moment to acknowledge the students from Parkway High School. Can you Stated Meeting 12 05/23/2024 them a round of applause for joining us today. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau who will present a resolution honoring and recognizing Coded by Kids for preparing underrepresented people for leadership roles within the tech and startup space. Would Danae Mobley and those accompanying her please join the Councilmember at the podium. Joining Councilmember Rue Landau will be Councilmember Mark Squilla, Councilmember Young, Councilmember Thomas, Councilmember Brooks, Councilmember Gauthier, Councilmember Bass and Councilmember O'Rourke and Councilmember Harrity. (Councilmembers and guests Stated Meeting 13 05/23/2024
Thank you. Thank you, Council President and good morning everyone. (Good morning.)
As Chair of the Tech Committee, I am especially honored today to welcome Coded by Kids, a nonprofit organization that focuses on preparing underrepresented people for leadership roles within the tech and startup space. Philadelphia prides itself on our forward-thinking -- on being forward-thinking, but it's kids like these who will keep us forward-moving. The efforts of Coded by Kids have been instrumental in bridging the gap in the tech industry, an industry that is disproportionately White. Through a variety of resources, Coded by Stated Meeting 14 05/23/2024 critical work of opening the tech industry to young Black and Brown Philadelphians. The success stories that have emerged from Coded by Kids programs are a testament to their effectiveness. Young people who have gone through these programs are now contributing to the tech industry in Philadelphia, securing positions with top employers and even launching startups. Coded by Kids, your work is invaluable and your impact is profound. On behalf of the City of Philadelphia and the citizens of Philadelphia, thank you for your dedication, your innovation and your unwavering commitment to equity. And I forgot the proclamation is on my desk. Thank you. So we have a resolution for you. Thank you. So this -- we Stated Meeting 15 05/23/2024 Honoring and recognizing Coded by Kids for preparing underrepresented people for leadership roles within the tech startup space.
Whereas, Coded by Kids was founded in June 2014 with a mission to change the face of tech, by helping underrepresented young people spring-board into the tech and startup space. Over the past decade they have provided tech education to over 2,000 children across 30 locations in three states, including right here in Philadelphia. In 2023 alone, they provided programming to 350 youth and over 600 adults; and
Whereas, the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia found that the tech industry in Philadelphia Stated Meeting 16 05/23/2024 only 7.3 percent of those employed are Black, 6.6 are Hispanic and 19.6 are Asian compared to the 64.1 percent who are White. Through its programs, internships and competitions, Coded by Kids is doing the critical work of opening the tech industry to young Black and Brown Philadelphians; and
Whereas, Coded by Kids accomplishes their goals by providing free programs to students teaching them a variety of skills in the tech industry from the basics of coding to incorporating a startup, to empowering students to become leaders in the tech space, and as a personal point of privilege works closely with my office to be able to put together some amazing programs that I just mentioned here; and Stated Meeting 17 05/23/2024
Whereas, their programs currently include Ctrl+Shift, which is a competition where high school students showcase their web development skills. CBK's classroom which shows students the foundations of web design, problemsolving and business creation, a paid tech and innovation internship and an innovation league which engages high school students to learn how to build businesses by attending weekly meetings led by innovation coaches and competing for $5,000 cash prize; whereas, Coded by Kids has served over 2,000 youth and 1,000 adults in the City of Philadelphia proving its commitment to making the pipeline to careers intact more equitable and accessible; and
Whereas, students who have Stated Meeting 18 05/23/2024 and internships are making impactful contributions to the Philadelphia tech scene, working for highly-respected employers and building their own companies; and
Whereas, Coded by Kids' citywide initiative 1Philadelphia is a coalition of 30-plus local partners that seeks to make Philadelphia a model for equitable tech and innovation by building critical partnerships, informing Philadelphians about opportunities in tech and innovation, facilitating and launching new programs and initiatives through operational support and providing actionable date to drive change and inform state and local policies that are supportive of equitable innovation. Now, therefore be it;
Stated Meeting 19 05/23/2024 by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that it hereby honors and recognizes Coded by Kids for preparing underrepresented people for leadership roles within tech and startup space.
And be it further resolved that an Engrossed copy of the resolution be presented to Coded by Kids as a sign of the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Good morning. My name is Danae Mobley and I'm the CEO of Coded by Kids. To Mayor Parker, Council President Johnson, presenting Councilmember Landau and the Stated Meeting 20 05/23/2024 Council, it is my distinct pleasure to stand before you today as we reflect on a decade of impact through Coded by Kids. It's an honor to receive recognition for the work that we do to empower Philadelphia's youth through technology education. Over the past 10 years, Coded by Kids has been more than a nonprofit but a catalyst for change and a vehicle for opportunity in our communities. Through our programs, as you heard, we have equipped over 2,000 young people, ages 8 to 24, with the skills and the confidence that they need to thrive in the digital age. We go beyond exposure to make sure that Black and Brown students in Philadelphia cannot only participate in the tech workforce, but they can also lead by creating their own companies and Stated Meeting 21 05/23/2024 Now, a decade in we're actually seeing the evidence of this work with the cohorts of our earliest students now going into CS degrees, computer science degrees, at local universities and even gaining capital for their own businesses that they've created on their own. And none of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our partners, volunteers, staff and most importantly the youth that we serve. Each success story, each bright future that's been transformed is a testament to the power of investing in our children and providing them with the tools that they need to succeed. And our Coded story is not one just about education, but it's also a story of evolution. In 2021, we launched Stated Meeting 22 05/23/2024 1Philadelphia, our initiative at making our city a national hub for tech and innovation. And the next five years of our organization will allow us to extend our reach to all Philadelphians of all ages that want to access opportunity in tech and innovation. And as we celebrate this milestone, we are deeply committed to the cause of diversity, equity and inclusion in tech education. And on behalf of Coded by Kids, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Philadelphia City Council for this resolution. Your recognition reaffirms our shared commitment to building a brighter future and inclusive future for all. And I'm encouraged by Council's desire to make strategic investments in our young people by allocating resources, shaping policies and fostering partnerships Stated Meeting 23 05/23/2024 development and education. And together we will continue to inspire, educate and empower the next generation of leaders and innovators. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
At this time on my behalf, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Harrity who will present a resolution honoring, recognizing and congratulating PhilAbundance, the Greater Philadelphia area's largest hunger relief organization on the occasion of its 40th Anniversary. It's also located in the 2nd Councilmanic District. Will Pamela Rainey Lawler and those accompanying her please Stated Meeting 24 05/23/2024 the podium. Also joining Councilmember Harrity will be Councilmember Bass, Councilmember Squilla, Councilmember O'Rourke, Councilmember Lozada, Councilmember Brooks, Councilmember Landau and Councilmember Phillips. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
Y'all deep. Whenever you're ready, Councilmember Harrity.
Good morning, everyone. It's just amazing to see all these people up here that are working for PhilAbundance and helping people every day. And to think where they started out, out of a back of a Subaru. It's kind of amazing. So I'm going to read the resolution. Honoring and recognizing and congratulating PhilAbundance, Stated Meeting 25 05/23/2024 largest hunger relief organization on the occasion of its 40th Anniversary; whereas, PhilAbundance was founded and incorporated in March 1984 by Pamela Rainey Lawler as a food rescue organization with the simple belief that no one should go hungry while food goes to waste, and was operated out of Pamela Rainey Lawler's Subaru station wagon for the first year of its existence.
Whereas, PhilAbundance's initial goal was to work with grocers, restaurateurs, bakers and other food merchants to salvage healthy nutritious food that was thrown away, but quickly took on the broader mission of driving hunger from communities throughout our region. Today PhilAbundance aims to relieve hunger now while working Stated Meeting 26 05/23/2024 good; and
Whereas, PhilAbundance has expanded since its foundation to include warehouse locations in South Philly, North Philly and Roxborough providing hunger relief services throughout the City as well as eight surrounding counties, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties in Pennsylvania and Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem Counties in New Jersey; and
Whereas, Philabundance stepped up to meet the unprecedented community need for food assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic doubling the amount of food distributed from nearly 25 million in 2019 to more than 50 million in 2020 and continuing to serve at this level into 2024 to meet the ongoing Stated Meeting 27 05/23/2024 demand; and whereas, today PhilAbundance provides food assistance to more than 100,000 people each week, including targeted services for children and senior citizens; and whereas, PhilAbundance serves our neighbors in need through its network of more than 350 community partners, including food pantries, schools, places of worship, shelters, social service agencies and emergency kitchens with over 220 in the City of Philadelphia; and
Whereas, PhilAbundance takes an approach to food assistance that aims to address the root causes of hunger with initiatives such as PhilAbundance Community Kitchen, a culinary arts workforce development program for low- to no-income adults, which has graduated more than 1,000 students to date with an Stated Meeting 28 05/23/2024 more than 80 percent among graduates, and prepares hundreds of thousands of meals each year to shelters, schools and other organizations supporting vulnerable populations; and
Whereas, PhilAbundance is committed to providing communities with nutritious, culturally responsive equitable source and accessible food in accordance with their good food policy with nearly 90 percent of the food distributed classified as healthy; and whereas, PhilAbundance has long been recognized as a pioneer in the field of hunger relief, most recently through innovative partnerships with healthcare providers to home-deliver nutritious meals and piloting food as medicine interventions with the Stated Meeting 29 05/23/2024 outcomes; and
Whereas, PhilAbundance has partnered with WMMR's Preston and Steve to host Camp Out for Hunger, the nation's largest food drive for the past 26 years here in Philadelphia; and whereas, PhilAbundance has a longstanding partnership with the City of Philadelphia through their work with the Office of Children and Families, the Office of Homeless Services, the office of People with Disabilities and elected officials to provide crucial, nutritional support to Philadelphia's most vulnerable residents; and
Whereas, President Joseph Biden has volunteered at PhilAbundance for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of service on three occasions Stated Meeting 30 05/23/2024 their work and shining the national spotlight on a critical need to eradicate food insecurity; and whereas, PhilAbundance is a member of Feeding America's national network of over 200 food banks, leveraging their resources to inform and expand initiatives to reduce hunger and advocate for lasting policy change at the local, state and federal level. Now, therefore be it;
Therefore be it resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that it hereby honors, recognizes and congratulates PhilAbundance on the occasion 40th Anniversary for its exemplary service to Philadelphians and citizens throughout the Greater Philadelphia area; further resolve that an Engrossed copy of this resolution Stated Meeting 31 05/23/2024 as evidence of our sincere sentiments of this legislative body. (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Pamela Rainey Lawler and Loree D. JonesBrown for remarks.
Thank You, Councilmembers. This is quite an honor. 40 years is amazing. I can't believe it. The time goes so quickly. 40 years ago I was struck by the disparity between the life that I was living and so many of my neighbors and friends. And yet so many people in the community were struggling with their basic needs. I was also spending a lot of time at catered events in Stated Meeting 32 05/23/2024 of a foodie, so I was seeing food, perishable, healthful food that appeared to be going to waste. I was not in food service or in social service, so coming from a corporate background I really thought someone must be collecting this food. And what I found is that it was not being collected. So I made a change and learned that it was really a logistics problem. Interestingly, 40 years ago no one believed that you could move perishable foods safely and efficiently. And I remember being struck by the fact that well, wait a minute, that's a problem and we can solve that problem, and it really came down to logistics. So PhilAbundance started as a transportation, solely transportation. I have to mention Stated Meeting 33 05/23/2024 Subaru station wagon that has lived for 40 years and it always kind of blows my mind. I just wanted very briefly, one of my founding Board members, he was in my -- I had my office in my home. And he basically said, well, Pamela, this is really interesting, you've got the business plan, you've got the incorporation, you've got the agencies, the nine agencies that you're going to work with the marketing plan. Unless you are moving food, there is no PhilAbundance. And I pretty much started it with $1500 and it was like, well, yeah, okay. And I realized I had a station wagon, so it's like damn, I can move that food. And of course we're talking about varying quantities of perishable foods from a variety of sources, so it's been Stated Meeting 34 05/23/2024 the fact that so many people in the community have come together and embraced the idea and the mission, and I am so proud of all of the people, the employees and the donors, the food donors and financial donors who have come together. It was an idea from the beginning that resonated with people. The idea that there were people in our community who were going without the food that they needed was really intolerable, so that was really the beginning of PhilAbundance. And I have to say that it is amazing that we have grown, and yet that was sort of -well, no, if someone had said to me 40 years ago, this problem is going to -- the problem that you want to create an emergency response to is still going to exist 40 years Stated Meeting 35 05/23/2024 -- we won't get into that right now. But it is a major issue and we have so much more work to do. I very briefly want to before my time's up, I want to mention that when I was thinking back to the early days, there were two stories that I remembered. PhilAbundance -- or Philadelphia was very involved with what we were doing. From the very beginning, the station wagon picking up surplus food from different places and delivering it directly to the best agencies nearby, again logistics, someone in the Public Health Department must have read one of the early stories about this woman in her station wagon with a baby in the backseat and collecting food and distributing it. Now, if you can imagine a public health professional, his Stated Meeting 36 05/23/2024 to explode like what is this woman doing. So he contacted me and of course I filled him in on the plan and the logistics and the pilot that we had planned and he was very responsive.
What he also did was created workshops for some of our earliest food donors or food -excuse me, food recipients for safe food handling. So I remember years ago some of the early agencies and the Public Health Department were doing these safe food handling, and that was terrific and that was the beginning. One last story, and this is related to Council, I don't know how many of you may remember when Council many years ago had a much maligned fund and maybe a slush fund and Councilpeople were able to give money to agencies or people in the community. I have to say there Stated Meeting 37 05/23/2024 was a Councilperson in the '80s, and she arranged for us to get $10,000 and that was one of the first major donations. So that much-maligned fund, it did a lot of good in a lot of places. So that was really very important. So the fact of Public Health and the $10,000. We also got a donation from the Philadelphia Foundation, and those two gifts were enough to get a van and hire a driver. )
I thought maybe there would be music, you know, but anyway thank you so much.
Good Stated Meeting 38 05/23/2024 applause again for our founder Pam Rainey Lawler. (Applause.)
Council President Johnson, to all the members of Council, we appreciate you recognizing Pam's vision and really what we've collectively built with your support, with the community's support. In my 30 seconds I do want to acknowledge the folks that are standing here and those who couldn't stand here with us. Pam Rainey Lawler remains on our Board, David Leon is a Board member. Thank you for being here, David. And I had intended to name every single one of my staff members that are here. And the rest of the 150, they're out working for the community right now. Stated Meeting 39 05/23/2024 to, though, acknowledge another founder of PhilAbundance, and that's Candace Matthews-Bass who's here with us today. 24 years ago -- Candace, come to the front. This is a name you all should know. 24 years ago Candace started our Community Kitchen, our workforce development program and through her innovation and tenacity, we've now graduated 1,000 students, some of whom are on the stage, who originally were eligible for SNAP who now are gainfully employed, teaching knife skills and life skills. And so, we hope that you -we appreciate your support of PhilAbundance. We invite you all to join us to come volunteer and help us build birthday boxes as we're creating, ensuring that kids in our neighborhoods have access to birthdays. But again, thank you so Stated Meeting 40 05/23/2024 much, Council President. Thank you everybody for your support.
You're welcome. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The Chair also recognizes the presence of Councilmember Jamie Gauthier. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips.
Thank you, Council President. As you know, a couple weeks ago we recognized Olney High School's Ondria Glaze who passed away suddenly due to a tragic incident in Olney High School. And just want to say Olney High School is producing outstanding leaders and teachers in the City of Philadelphia. And we're proud to have Stated Meeting 41 05/23/2024 Olney High School one of the 60 best teachers of this year and beyond who was recognized with the Lindback Foundation's Award for Distinguished Teachers. Also accompanying her is Michael Roth, who's the proud principal of Olney High School. That teacher here is Luz Marcela Alva de la Rosa. If she can just come forward so we could just recognize her and Principal Roth. Thank you. She has to leave early so I just want to make sure we recognize her. Stand up for -- City of Philadelphia, give her a round of applause. (Applause.)
I just want to say thank you, Council President. We need to keep great teachers in the City of Philadelphia and beyond. So thank Stated Meeting 42 05/23/2024 much, Luz, for all that you do.
Congratulations. 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. The Chief Clerk will read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications in her possession.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I'm submitting herewith for your consideration of your Honorable body the following proposed ordinance: Authorizing the Director of Planning and Development on behalf of the City, to file applications with the United States Department of Housing Stated Meeting 43 05/23/2024 a Community Development Block Grant; to file applications to participate in the HOME Investment Partnership Program and the Emergency Solutions Grant Program; and to apply for a Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS grant and to file applications with the Commonwealth to obtain grants under Act of April 12, 1956, P.L. 1449, Section 4, as amended, to prevent and eliminate blight, authorizing the Director of Planning and Development and the Director of Commerce to file applications to obtain other grants from the Commonwealth; authorizing the Director of Commerce to use the Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program; and authorizing the Director of Planning and Development and the Director of Commerce to enter into all understandings and assurances contained in such applications and Stated Meeting 44 05/23/2024 to accept the grants, all under certain terms and conditions; and A resolution appointing Mark Jenkins to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia in Lower Merion; and A resolution confirming the appointment of Tonetta Graham to serve on the Zoning Board of Adjustment; and A resolution confirming the re-appointment of James Snell to serve on the Zoning Board of Adjustment; and A resolution confirming the re-appointment of Ismail Shahid to serve on the Zoning Board of Adjustment; and A resolution confirming the appointment of Cheryl Gaston to serve on the Zoning Board of Adjustment; and Stated Meeting 45 05/23/2024 re-appointment of William Bergman to serve on the Zoning Board of Adjustment; and A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the Redevelopment and Urban Renewal of a portion of the Tioga Urban Renewal Area, identified as a portion of 3030 North 20th Street; and authorizing the Redevelopment Authority to execute the redevelopment contract with New Courtland Apartments at Clearfield LP and to take such action as may be necessary to effectuate the redevelopment contract. And pursuant to Section 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the Stated Meeting 46 05/23/2024 bills: Bill No. 240301, Bill Nos. 240305, 240333, 240336 45 days requested; 240382, 45 days requested; 240384 and 240385. And I am pleased to advise you that on May 22nd I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on May 9, 2024: Bill No. 240192, 240215, 240216 and 240244. There are no other communications in my possession, Council President.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips.
Good morning, Philadelphia. Good morning, Council President. Stated Meeting 47 05/23/2024 I have one privileged resolution for introduction today.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing and congratulating Olney High School teacher Luz Marcela Alva de la Rosa for being honored with the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindbeck Foundation's Award for Distinguished Teachers.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Today I offer three bills Stated Meeting 48 05/23/2024 on your behalf. The Homestead Exclusion bill is being co-introduced by Councilmember Brian O'Neill.
Would the Clerk please read the titles of the bills.
An ordinance amending Section 19-1301.1 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Homestead Exclusion," to increase the amount of the homestead exclusion, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 1532 Snyder Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19145, under certain terms and conditions.
Stated Meeting 49 05/23/2024 This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Director of Planning and Development on behalf of the City to file applications with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for a Community Development Block Grant to file applications to participate in the HOME Investment Partnership Program and the Emergency Solutions Grant Program and to apply for a Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS grant, and to file applications with the Commonwealth to obtain grants under Act of April 12, 1956, P.L. 1449, Section 4, as amended, to prevent and eliminate blight, authorizing the Director of Planning and Development, and the Director of Commerce to file applications to obtain other grants Stated Meeting 50 05/23/2024 from the Commonwealth, authorizing the Director of Commerce to use Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program and authorizing the Director of Planning and Development and the Director of Commerce to enter into all understandings and assurances contained in such applications and to take all such necessary action to accept the grants, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Good morning, Council President. Today I have three bills for introduction.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bills.
An ordinance Stated Meeting 51 05/23/2024 authorizing the vacating of Beaumont Street from 51st Street to its terminus southwestwardly therefrom.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 6249 Catherine Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19143, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 5013 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa 19143, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the Stated Meeting 52 05/23/2024 appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas.
Good morning, Council President. I have three resolutions; two on my behalf, one on your behalf.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the resolutions.
A resolution honoring and recognizing the Philadelphia Freeway by declaring June 1, 2024 "Philadelphia Freeway Day" in the City of Philadelphia celebrating the outstanding contributions of Philadelphia Freeway and his organization Freedom Thinkers Academy. It's privileged.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting 53 05/23/2024
And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating April Verrett, the first African American woman to become the President of the Service Employees International Union, SEIU.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings to explore existing partnerships between cultural institutions and schools in the City of Philadelphia and to evaluate the benefits of expanding these partnerships.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Lan -- the Chair Stated Meeting 54 05/23/2024 recognizes Councilmember Jones. Excuse me.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one non-privileged, two privileged resolutions today.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the privileged and non-privileged resolutions please.
A privileged resolution declaring the month of May in 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month in the city of Philadelphia and further honoring Dr. Taliba Foster for her work in the field of mental health.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on Public Health and Human Services to Stated Meeting 55 05/23/2024 hold public hearings to examine, understand and unveil the resources website developed as a result of the Parent University 2.0.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution appointing Mark Jenkins to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues. I have two privileged Stated Meeting 56 05/23/2024 resolutions.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the privileged resolution. A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Coded by Kids for preparing underrepresented people for leadership roles within the tech and startup space.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and congratulating the Wilma Theater for receiving the 2024 Regional Theater Tony Award and celebrating Wilma's outstanding contributions to the world of theater and Philadelphia's diverse and vibrant arts and cultural landscape.
This resolution will be placed on Stated Meeting 57 05/23/2024 today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Good morning, Council President. Today I offer one bill and one non-privileged resolution.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bill and resolution.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Service and Other Businesses," by adding various locations to the section regulating the hours of operation of certain establishments and providing for penalties within those various locations, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a Stated Meeting 58 05/23/2024 non-privileged resolution authorizing the Special Committee on Kensington to convene for the purpose of investigating and addressing the barriers to accessing treatment beds in the Kensington area.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two resolutions for introduction today.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the resolutions.
A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating students from the Stated Meeting 59 05/23/2024 Benjamin Franklin High School Building Trades and Property Maintenance Program for their 100 percent passing rate of the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute Exam.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Council of the City of Philadelphia to hold hearings on the use and occupancy of 21 West Girard Avenue by the City of Philadelphia and its contractors and in furtherance of such investigation, authorizing the issuance of subpoenas to compel the attendance of the Parker Administration officials, including the Mayor and other such witnesses and the production of documents to the full extent authorized under Stated Meeting 60 05/23/2024 Section 2-401 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter. Is it non-privileged -- I'm sorry. It's non-privileged.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for the consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks.
Good morning, Council President. I have one privileged resolution to introduce today.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.
And a privileged resolution celebrating May as Bicycle Awareness Month, recognizing the vibrant Philadelphia bicycling community and calling for comprehensive bike Stated Meeting 61 05/23/2024 lane accessibility across Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.
Good morning, Council President. I have one privileged resolution today.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on Labor and Civil Service to hold public hearings on the Administration's proposed Return to Office Policy and the impact on the City's workforce.
This resolution will be placed on Stated Meeting 62 05/23/2024 today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions to introduce today.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one privileged resolution co-introduced with Councilmember Isaiah Thomas and co-sponsored by all members of Council.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution proclaiming May 2024 as National Cities, Towns and Villages Month in celebration of America's Stated Meeting 63 05/23/2024 local government and the National League of Cities' historic centennial anniversary.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes councilmember Mark Squilla.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the bill.
To amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Locust Street, 8th Street, South Street and Broad Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Stated Meeting 64 05/23/2024 The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one privileged resolution and one non-privileged resolution.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the resolutions.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the students in Imhotep Institute Charter High School STEM Program for their dedication as changemakers ready to tackle humanity's most pressing challenges with determination and innovation.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Stated Meeting 65 05/23/2024 Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Tioga Urban Renewal Area identified as a portion of 3030 North 20th Street and authorizing the Redevelopment Authority to execute the redevelopment contract with New Courtland Apartments at Clearfield LP and to take such action as may be necessary to effectuate the redevelopment contract.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. I have one bill, two privileged resolutions and one non-privileged resolution on your Stated Meeting 66 05/23/2024 behalf.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bill and resolutions.
An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," by adding a new chapter creating requirements related to the operation and maintenance of electric vehicle charging stations installed at certain commercial and residential parcels, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution recognizing May 25, 2024 as National Missing Children's Day in the City of Philadelphia. Stated Meeting 67 05/23/2024
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing May 2024 as ALS Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to allocate full funding for school-based health centers and to give the Commonwealth's most vulnerable children an opportunity to thrive by providing complete mental and physical health in their schools.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session. Stated Meeting 68 05/23/2024 business is reports from Committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Rules reports out two 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. 240241 entitled, Amending Section 14-704 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Open Space and Natural Resources," by changing the applicability of steep slope Stated Meeting 69 05/23/2024 stream restoration activities, 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. 240336, entitled Amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, and entitled "Zoning and Planning," by adding definitions; and creating a new Chestnut Hill Lower East/NCO in the area generally bounded by the SEPTA Chestnut Hill East Line, Cresheim Valley Drive, Germantown Avenue, Winston Road, Moreland Avenue, Devon Street, Ardleigh Street and Springfield Avenue, under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a Stated Meeting 70 05/23/2024
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading this day of the bills 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 the consideration of the bills just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? Stated Meeting 71 05/23/2024 (No response.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. And Bill Nos. 240241 and 240336 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for a report from the Committee on Law and Government.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Law and Government reports out two bills and two resolutions with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.
The Committee on Law and Government to which was referred Bill No. 240005, entitled Stated Meeting 72 05/23/2024 to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to create the office of Homeless Services Ombudsperson as set forth in a resolution approved by Council; fixing the date of a special election for such purpose; prescribing the form of ballot question to be voted on, and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. And Bill No. 240061, entitled Providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set Stated Meeting 73 05/23/2024 approved by Council proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, further providing for mandatory annual appropriations for the Housing Trust Fund, and authorizing and directing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. And Resolution No. 240030, entitled Proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, providing for the creation of the Office of Homeless Services Ombudsperson and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and Stated Meeting 74 05/23/2024 to Council with a favorable recommendation. And Resolution No. 240068, entitled Proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, further providing for the mandatory annual appropriations for the Housing Trust Fund and providing for the submission of the proposed amendment to the electors of Philadelphia, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached resolution to Council with a favorable recommendation.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Stated Meeting 75 05/23/2024 to permit first reading this day of the bills 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 the consideration of the bills just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Bill Nos. 240005 and 240061 will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. Stated Meeting 76 05/23/2024 240030 and 240068 will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Lozada for a report from the Committee on Public Property and Public Works.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports out nine bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.
The Committee on Public Property and Public Works to which was referred Bill No. 240187, entitled Amending Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Philadelphia Land Bank," Stated Meeting 77 05/23/2024 to require open bidding when Land Bank seeks to exercise special authority to acquire property at a sheriff's sale and allow prior owners to redeem property when such special authority is exercised, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it as considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. And Bill No. 240303, entitled Authorizing acceptance of the grant to the City of two certain areas located on either side of Hunting Park Avenue, east of Whitaker Avenue as slope easements, under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. And Bill No. 240370, Stated Meeting 78 05/23/2024 property commonly referred to as the West Oak Lane Library located at 2000 East Washington Lane as the "Dwight Evans Library" of West Oak Lane in the City of Philadelphia, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. And Bill No. 240383, entitled 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 I, II, III and IV of the City, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the Stated Meeting 79 05/23/2024 with a favorable recommendation. And Bill No. 240423, entitled Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City to acquire fee simple title or a lesser interest in real estate by purchase, dedication, donation, condemnation, agreement in lieu of condemnation or otherwise in parcels of land along the Schuylkill River and the Wissahickon Creek for public recreational purposes, under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. And Bill No. 240425, entitled Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to acquire a fee simple title or Stated Meeting 80 05/23/2024 in all or a portion of parcels or parcels of land from the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, the Philadelphia Land Bank and the Philadelphia Housing and Development Corporation, 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 Bill No. 240428, entitled Prohibiting the Commissioner of Public Property or any other official of the City of Philadelphia acting on behalf of the City from entering into, executing or authorizing a lease extension, lease amendment, lease renewal or new agreement by and between the City and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for or on behalf of any Commonwealth Stated Meeting 81 05/23/2024 the property located at 2100 West Girard Avenue, 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 Bill No.
240431, entitled Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City to acquire fee simple title or a lesser interest by purchase, dedication, donation, condemnation, agreement in lieu of condemnation or otherwise of certain parcels of land along the Delaware River in the TaconyHolmesburg area for the purpose of making, enlarging, connecting, extending, operating and maintaining public parks for recreational use, under certain terms and conditions, respectfully Stated Meeting 82 05/23/2024 the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation. And Bill No. 240435, entitled Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City to acquire fee simple title or lesser real estate interest to all or a portion of parcels of land situate at 121-25 East Chelten Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Lozada for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the rules of Stated Meeting 83 05/23/2024 permit first reading this day of the bills just read into 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 the consideration of the bills just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Bill Nos. 240187, 240303, 240370 and 240383, 240423, 240425, 240428, 240431 and 240435 will be Stated Meeting 84 05/23/2024 Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report. And thank you, Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier, for a report from the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and Homeless.
The Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless to which was referred Bill No. 240245, entitled Amending Chapter 9-800 of Stated Meeting 85 05/23/2024 Code, entitled "Landlord and Tenant," to modify requirements and authorizations related to the City's Residential Eviction Diversion Program, including associated changes to the landlord and tenant relationship and to make certain technical 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.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading this day of the bill just read into the record by the Chief Clerk. Stated Meeting 86 05/23/2024 (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of the bill just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. And Bill No. 240245 will be placed on the First Reading Calendar of today. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committees with the suspension of the rules have Stated Meeting 87 05/23/2024 2ND READING been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the use of a consent agenda to considering to consider the following bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars: Nos. 240119, 240183, 240184, 240191, 240221, 240239, 240240, 240243, 240250, 240282, Stated Meeting 88 05/23/2024 2ND READING 240301, 240302, 240329, 240331, 240334, 240335 and 240118.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a consent agenda to consider the bills just read by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson. All those in favor will please indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries, and we will consider the bill consent agenda shortly. The Chair again recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson Stated Meeting 89 05/23/2024 2ND READING for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you again, Mr. President. In addition to the bills being considered on the consent agenda, the following bills and resolutions are on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for today: Nos. 240477, 240484, 240486, 240012-A, 240220. And the following bills and resolutions on the Calendar are being held: 240059, 240376.
Thank you. Before considering the bills and resolutions, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for possible Stated Meeting 90 05/23/2024 action at today's Council 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. Hassen 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 final -appear on the signup sheet. Under ideal circumstances, public commenters will each have three minutes to speak. However, due to our volume this today this time limit may vary from the session to session. Today's time limit 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. When you begin speaking, you will see a green light on the podium. When there are 30 seconds Stated Meeting 91 05/23/2024 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 already done so. I also reserve the right pursuant to our rules of Council to limit repetitious comments on the same subject matter. I will now ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.
Our first speaker is Robert Chung. May Jeffrey McFarland, Keisha Wilkins, Queen Judith Robinson and Hilary Langer also make their way to the podium. Robert Chung. (Witnesses approached Stated Meeting 92 05/23/2024 podium.)
Hello. In addition to -- hello. In addition to the items that will be addressed emphasizing the need today to honor the life of Christian Hall, I want to point out that Christian was a unique soul and spirit in this world that cannot be replaced. Unfortunately, the tragedy that ended his life is not one in isolation with our need for real mental health solutions. In just this month alone, we are seeing more of these calls for help leading to the dehumanization of what should be considered patients. Recently footage was released detailing the fatal outcomes of Bangladeshi teenager Win Rozario in New York and Korean Yong Yang in Los Angeles after they and their families called for help during mental Stated Meeting 93 05/23/2024 health episodes. There's clearly a precedence that these orders and the culture do not allow for these folks to get proper help. And here we are, another Asian teenager has been lost for no just reason. More Asian and Black parents are wondering why it's so hard for our children's lives to be valued when we are just simply asking for help. Our lives are not disposable. And in the time I have here, I understand it's limited, but at one point today I ask folks if they can count to the number 14. 14 seconds is how long Christian had his hands held in the air before Pennsylvania State Police shot him eight times. We need better solutions to handle mental health crises, real services that actually value life and care, including proper funding for 988 Stated Meeting 94 05/23/2024 accessibility for psychological and psychiatric services. And as many people can tell firsthand accounts, these patients even in nonfatal incidences are not treated well. They're put in handcuffs. They're treated like nuisances. They are treated like criminals. We have to do better. Philadelphia should lead with this resolution. We should lead with change in this state and Christian Hall should be alive today. Thank you. (Applause.)
Jeffrey McFarland. MR. McFARLAND: Good morning, Philadelphia City Council. It's my honor to ask you to rise and grind, to learn with purpose, to lead with purpose because that's the way we start every day at Parkway Northwest High School along with my students behind me and Stated Meeting 95 05/23/2024 that's the way I would like to ask for more funding as I speak on Bill No. 240376. That bill asked for approximately $227 million through citywide funding for things such as City parks and recreation facilities, sanitation services and economic development, although the $14 million should be more than that. I stand in front of you because it's the tax base over the next 5, 10 and 30 years that will pay off that bill is right behind me. If we're investing in the City and the services and the sanitation and the economic development, you need to also match that with City funding for education. This group was in Harrisburg on the City steps, Harrisburg Capitol steps asking for more funding and they asked for Stated Meeting 96 05/23/2024 that same matching of writing the unconstitutional wrong of the schools in our city for our children, for our students, for our scholars, for our young adults, including Shavanna 9th grade financial literacy expert, including Dante, the most improved student in our whole school community in 10th grade, including Naheem who's doing an amazing job with the support and tutelage of Ms. Henderson and the specialized class and services that he is just crushing and benefiting from, including Sarah Julia who was a leader in our school and was part of the Kids Campaign through the City, including Demitrius Jones who will be going to Cornell as the first student in the Public League of Athletes in 50 years. Yes, they are deserving. (Applause.) Stated Meeting 97 05/23/2024 MR. McFARLAND: Why? Because every student deserves to be valued, and we need the staff to do it. We need the climate staff. We need the counselors. We need the social workers. Why? Because every student needs to be seen heard and valued. Why? Because we need a guaranteed and viable curriculum which the District is doing now. And why? Because they need the college and career opportunities that every student in this City deserves just like any other student anywhere period. Thank you. (Applause.)
Keisha Wilkins, Queen Judith Robinson, Hilary Langer, Reverend Greg Holston. Is Keisha Wilkins here? Queen Judith Robinson? (Witnesses approached podium.) Stated Meeting 98 05/23/2024
Good morning. Queen Judith Robinson here to testify on 240118 supposedly consumer protection. I'm going to say too little too late. Never should those fraudulent documents have been recorded in our Department of Records. Over 500 fraudulent documents recorded against African Americans according to testimony. 500 families now tangled and mired in red tape. Wouldn't it have been more sensible for the Records Department not to have recorded those documents and then let MV Realty sue the City instead of having a consumer be now mired in this morass of red tape over a 40-year period. I'm a real estate professional. We do listing contracts hopefully for a year. How could we do one for 40 years Stated Meeting 99 05/23/2024 and that be recorded in our City of Philadelphia. So the government is responsible. So I have a solution. I never come with a problem without a solution. That $7.6 million that you all budgeted for tangled titles and given to attorneys, knowing full well Philadelphia had no recourse for the MV Realty scam, so I'm going to say take that 7.6 million and make those 500 families whole. It's $6,000 per contract, do the math. So even after the predatory lending fiasco we had years ago we find that there's a loophole so I'm going to suggest that you do that. How can Black folks receive reparations when negative things keep happening to us. I am still waiting for eminent domain to be rejected in this town as it relates to Black folks and we're also Stated Meeting 100 05/23/2024 waiting for traffic study, parking study and an environmental study for our first historic district corridor Diamond Street. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Hilary Langer, Reverend Greg Holston, Chantay Love MHSA and Reuben Jones also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Thank you. I'm speaking regarding Bill No. 240012-A. My name is Hilary Langer. I'm resident of East Falls since 1982 and I'm Chair of the East Falls Community Council Zoning Committee. As a community, we are in support of the rezoning to expedite the funding, approval, planning and reconstruction of the Stated Meeting 101 05/23/2024 plant with the accompaniment of a fully resolved bill. It is a 1.1 billion project dedicated just to East Falls alone. 763 million for the plant, 260 million for the construction of a tunnel through Rock(inaudible) 100 feet ground --
Mr. Langer. Excuse me, Mr. Langer. I think Bill 240012-A is in regards to increasing of the Homestead Exemption.