It has been moved and properly Stated Meeting 187 05/23/2024 5/23/24 - STATED - 2ND READING seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
Honoring and recognizing Coded by Kids for preparing underrepresented people for leadership roles within the tech and startup space, introduced by Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you, Council President. Stated Meeting 188 05/23/2024 5/23/24 - STATED - 2ND READING I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
Recognizing and congratulating the Wilma Theater for receiving the 2024 Regional Theater Tony Award and celebrating the Wilma's outstanding contributions to the Stated Meeting 189 05/23/2024 5/23/24 - STATED - 2ND READING world of theater in Philadelphia's diverse and vibrant arts and cultural landscape introduced by Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution Stated Meeting 190 05/23/2024 5/23/24 - STATED - 2ND READING is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution honoring and congratulating students from the Benjamin Franklin High School Building Trades and Property Maintenance Program for their 100 percent passing rate of the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute Exam introduced by Councilmember Young.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the Stated Meeting 191 05/23/2024 5/23/24 - STATED - 2ND READING motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A resolution celebrating May as Bicycle Awareness Month, recognizing the vibrant Philadelphia bicycling community and calling for comprehensive bike lane accessibility across the City of Philadelphia introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. Stated Meeting 192 05/23/2024 5/23/24 - STATED - 2ND READING I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next 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 Stated Meeting 193 05/23/2024 5/23/24 - STATED - 2ND READING workforce introduced by Councilmember Harrity.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read Stated Meeting 194 05/23/2024 5/23/24 - STATED - 2ND READING the title of the next resolution.
Proclaiming May 2024 as National Cities, Towns and Villages Month in celebration of America's local governments and the National League of Cities' historic centennial anniversary introduced by Councilmember O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) Stated Meeting 195 05/23/2024 5/23/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The Chair recognizes the Chief Clerk to please read the title of the next resolution.
Recognizing and honoring the students at Imhotep Institute Charter High School STEM Program for their dedication as changemakers ready to tackle humanity's most pressing challenges with determination and Stated Meeting 196 05/23/2024 5/23/24 - STATED - 2ND READING innovation introduced by Councilmember Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a Stated Meeting 197 05/23/2024 5/23/24 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution recognizing May 25, 2024 as National Missing Children's Day in the City of Philadelphia introduced by Councilmember Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution Stated Meeting 198 05/23/2024 5/23/24 - STATED - 2ND READING is adopted.
And a resolution recognizing May 2024 as ALS Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia introduced by Councilmember Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) Stated Meeting 199 05/23/2024 5/23/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Council of the City of Philadelphia to hold hearings on the use and occupancy of 2100 West Girard Avenue by the City of Philadelphia and its contractors 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 Section 2-401 of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter introduced by Councilmember Young.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Stated Meeting 200 05/23/2024 5/23/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
There are no other resolutions in my possession, Council President.
That completes the Calendar for today. Stated Meeting 201 05/23/2024 speeches on behalf of the Minority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. On Tuesday of this week, we launched our Reparation Task Force with the goal of studying proposals to repair harm of structural racism, and we want to work with Black Philadelphians to find and support folks who have endured centuries of injustice. At the same time across the hall, the Committee on Public Health held a hearing on overdose crisis in the Black community. I didn't plan on these two events taking place at the same time, but it helped to show how these two topics are deeply intertwined. Historically Black men have been targeted at the highest rate for Stated Meeting 202 05/23/2024 40 years after the start of the war on drugs, Black men age 45 to 65 have the highest rate of accidental overdoses in Philadelphia. This is not a coincidence. This is in part why I introduced a resolution last week applauding the Biden's Administration's recent announcement that they would reschedule marijuana classification. Over 40 years ago, President Ronald Reagan classified marijuana as a Schedule I drug. And for those who may not know, that a Schedule I drug means that it has no medical value and it comes with heightened penalties and restrictions about how the government can use it. This was part of an effort to criminalize and incarcerate Black men as part of the war on Stated Meeting 203 05/23/2024 and imprisonments for marijuana have been -- marijuana use have destroyed the lives of thousands of people. Despite the criminalization of marijuana, new data shows that it has surpassed daily alcohol use in our country which is a far more destructive substance. For decades this classification has served to pretext of harassment, arrest and imprison Black people. To this day despite similar usage rates amongst White people, Black folks still are three times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession, and we cannot repeat these mistakes as we look at how our City is handling a public health crisis. With the resolution we passed today, City Council acknowledges the racist history of Stated Meeting 204 05/23/2024 country and celebrates the reclassification of cannabis by President Joe Biden's Administration. We also call on Harrisburg to legalize and tax marijuana in a way that acknowledges the destructive war on drug has had in the Black communities and it is way beyond past time for this to happen. I also want to thank my colleagues for their attendance and participation in two other hearings this week on my legislative priorities. Yesterday morning my legislation to grant a priority bid to the Land Bank was voted out of Committee on Public Property. By passing this legislation, we will be streamlining the processes for putting vacant properties to productive use and granting ownerships of neighborhood gardens to the community who have been Stated Meeting 205 05/23/2024 years. I look forward to touring more community gardens this summer and continuing to work on this important issue. Yesterday afternoon, the Housing Committee voted on the Eviction Diversion legislation that I co-introduced with Chair Gauthier, Minority Whip O'Rourke and Councilmember Landau. I am immensely proud of our City for taking this step to preserve and build upon an effective, popular and nationally acclaimed program, one of our City's best tools for preventing permanent eviction records and keeping people in their homes. I look forward to next week's Council session when we will vote on both the priority bid and the Eviction Diversion legislation. Today I also introduced a resolution May as Bicycle Awareness Month.
Philadelphia is home to Stated Meeting 206 05/23/2024 are saving money, improving their health and reducing congestion and pollution by choosing to ride bikes. We have a popular bike share program and a growing network of bike trails to make it easier to explore and enjoy our City. In a recent meeting I had with the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Services and the Bicycle Coalition, I was excited to learn about the Indigo program to expand programs over the next few years introducing into my neighborhood of Nicetown Tioga. For those who may not know, there are currently discounted passes and monthly rates in celebration of May as Bicycle Awareness Month. com or connect with my office to hear more about this program. We've known how important Stated Meeting 207 05/23/2024 its role in transforming the community to make it more accessible for everyone. And I want to shout out Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for his work in this area and leadership pushing for safer streets. With this resolution I hope to educate those who may not know about our City's options for affordable bike use. And I want to thank the entire bike community for their activism in Philadelphia. Thank you so much.
You're welcome. Any brief speeches on behalf of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember --
Okay. Let me go back. Stated Meeting 208 05/23/2024
Thank you, Council President. I echo everything my leader said, but in the spirit of brief speeches I'll hyperfocus on the one. I share in the gratefulness to hear about the President's decision to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance. That change actually can sound like a small shift, but it'll make a really big difference as we've heard already today. To move, is a big step forward for cannabis research. 38 states have medical marijuana programs because there are many palliative uses for cannabis. And now research in this vein will only expand as a result of that. On a fiscal note, businesses selling Stated Meeting 209 05/23/2024 deduct rent, payroll or other expenses that other businesses write off, but these rules don't apply to Schedule III substances. These tax policies are one big reason why people most impacted by the punitive war on drugs policies have struggled to benefit from legalization, and this change can and should lead to a more diverse landscape. So in a celebratory spirit, Leader Brooks and I introduced that resolution praising this federal policy shift because there's so much space for growth in the sector. The Commonwealth and the City should take this moment to reconsider legalization so that Pennsylvania doesn't miss the benefits. States that have made that move, including basically all of Stated Meeting 210 05/23/2024 neighbors, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, yeah even old red Ohio beat us to the punch, and are raking in millions of dollars in tax revenue. The 23 states that have legalized cannabis reported over $20 billion in revenue -that's with a B -- in just the first quarter of this year. Decriminalization is a great start, but legalization is how we truly make this materially beneficial for those who smoke and those who don't. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes -- are there any speeches on behalf of the Majority, brief speeches? The Chair recognizes the gentleman from South Philadelphia, Councilmember Mark Squilla. Stated Meeting 211 05/23/2024
I don't know how you scooped Curt because he usually, you know. I'll try to figure that out. But Councilmember Squilla.
Real quick. I just want to say there'll be lunch across in the Caucus room as there'll be a briefing on the City flag right after this and the first historical City flag in the country and how it will be correlated and worked into 2026, and there will be food provided. Thanks.
Thank you very much. What time would that be, Councilmember Squilla? What time, immediately after Council session?
Right, after the short speeches. Stated Meeting 212 05/23/2024
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. I have not been here for a couple of Thursdays and therefore have many people to thank starting with you, Mr. President. First, thank you for granting my requests for leaves of absence, among other things, that allowed me to represent this body in front of our vibrant AAPI communities and brag about the amazing work of my colleagues during AAPI Heritage Month. Also, thank you for entrusting me with your resolution calling on Harrisburg to allocate funding, full funding for schoolbased health centers. Meeting children where they already are Stated Meeting 213 05/23/2024 sense, especially when they come from underserved communities. Like you, Mr. President, I dream of a future when kids can get their checkups, vaccinations, injury care, reproductive health care and mental health screenings and treatment in places they already know and visit and learn every day, their schools. So I join you in urging our friends in Harrisburg to help kids thrive here in Philadelphia and across the Commonwealth. I also want to thank Madam Majority Leader for introducing resolutions on my behalf in my absence. One for the TEDxDilworthPark, one of the several amazing events that help put Philadelphia's intellectual and cultural scene on the global stage, and one we all adopted today in the Stated Meeting 214 05/23/2024 which also urges full funding of the 988 mental health emergency line that might have saved his life had it been available in 2020 when he needed that help. So on behalf of myself and the co-sponsors of that resolution, Council President Johnson, Councilmembers Jones, Bass, Squilla, Gilmore Richardson, Landau, O'Rourke and Phillips, I want to thank Christian's family and friends for being here today. Your powerful advocacy is leading to real reform in the way we respond to mental health crisis. I thank you and I promise you that Christian's memory will be kept alive to make sure that we are able to make change in his name. That resolution speaks to how we care about, for and one another. The resolution I introduced Stated Meeting 215 05/23/2024 ALS Awareness Month and the one I introduced recognizing National Missing Children's Day, which was prompted by my constituent Pam Dabney who talks to me via Twitter, and thank you for all the members who co-sponsored it, Harrity, Lozada, Phillips, Landau, Bass, O'Rourke, Gilmore Richardson, Thomas, Driscoll and Brooks also speaks to a future where we help each other more, hurt each other less and recognize and uplift our common humanity. Our common humanity means nothing of course if you don't have a livable planet. The Electric Vehicle Maintenance, the EV Maintenance, bill that I introduced today brings our City one small step closer to our stated climate goals by establishing minimum standards of operationality across Stated Meeting 216 05/23/2024 I look forward to a constructive dialogue when it gets heard in committee in a couple of weeks. I want to thank my colleagues who co-sponsored that piece of legislation, Councilmembers, Driscoll, Brooks, Gilmore Richardson, O'Rourke, Bass, Landau, Phillips, Lozada and Harrity, and the many stakeholders across the Administration and in labor and private industry who provided valuable insight during this process. I must also thank very specially Kira Halma and Sarah DeNault from my staff who have been ably shepherding this bill through the legislative process. Thank you again, Council President, for giving me this time to express three weeks' worth of saved-up gratitude.
I'm proud to Stated Meeting 217 05/23/2024 a body that never stops thinking about solving problems and improving the lives of the people we serve. Thank you. )
Thank you, Council President. Good morning -- good afteroon everybody. I will be as brief as possible. First, I want to thank Coded by Kids for joining us today for our presentation. For a decade Coded by Kids has 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. As Chair of the Tech Committee, I support their mission Stated Meeting 218 05/23/2024 people springboard into the tech and startup space, and as a legislative body we wish them another successful 10 years ahead. I'd also like to shift gears for a moment and thank my colleagues for their conversations and support of my outdoor dining bill which passed today, giving restaurants another lifeline as these small businesses continue to rebuild coming out of the pandemic. I hope to continue a dialogue with all of you over the summer and into the second half of the year around continuing to support small businesses and restaurants across the City. And I know that the restaurants and chefs that my office has been engaging with are very grateful for this step and we look forward to more. I'd also like to -- excited Stated Meeting 219 05/23/2024 bill that passed today. As a former Community Legal Services attorney, this piece of legislation is near and dear to my heart. We are one of the last big cities without a consumer protection bill like this one, and it will give power to consumers who are victims of fraud and bad actors. Low-income people across the City are often one scam away from falling back into poverty or losing their home, their car or having a massive disruption in their lives. While long-term, I look forward to the potential of a designated consumer protection office. This bill is a great first step and I thank my colleagues and the Mayor for supporting this. Finally, I'd like to shout out the Wilma Theater for receiving the 2024 Regional Tony Award. The Stated Meeting 220 05/23/2024 outstanding contributions to the world of theater and Philadelphia's diverse and vibrant arts and cultural landscape, and this honorary resolution will provide the theater today it's welldeserved. Thank you.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. I want to take a moment to acknowledge Gianna Lee. She's the newest member of my team, and this past Sunday she graduated with a Master's in Public Administration from the Fels Institute of Government at --
-- Stated Meeting 221 05/23/2024 She's in good company. As my Chief of staff and Councilmember Driscoll are also alumni, Gianna was also selected to introduce the commencement speaker Mayor Cherelle Parker. Last week was her first week in my office, but she hit the ground running. Gianna researched the process of accessing treatment for beds for people with substance abuse disorder in our City and drafted today's resolution calling on the Special Committee on Kensington to convene and investigate the barriers to accessing beds for treatment. That resolution was introduced today. Gianna, thank you for your work and for going above and beyond not only in your studies but as a City employee. I'm excited to see everything that you will accomplish Stated Meeting 222 05/23/2024 my staff. Welcome. Thank you, Council President.
Council President, colleagues, good afternoon. Very brief. You know I normally don't do speeches, but I did want to take a minute to just acknowledge the fact that Monday is Memorial Day. And for my family this is -- and I'm sure for many people across the City, really across the country, this is a really big deal. I want to take a moment to thank everybody who has served. I know we have some folks here in Council who have served as well too Sergeant-at-Arms, staff members, thank you all for your service not just to the City but to the country Stated Meeting 223 05/23/2024 ultimate sacrifice. I do want to give a special shout-out to my sister, my sister Angel who is a veteran, my brother Lamar who's done over 20 years in the Army and is still in the Army right now, my Uncle Henry who actually passed away who served in the Vietnam War, and then my Uncle Aaron who I actually never met who was one of the Edison 64 that passed away in the Vietnam war. And if you don't know about the Edison 64, Edison High School right here in the City of Philadelphia had more people die in the Vietnam War than any other high school in the entire country. Unfortunately, we could not be at the service today which takes place in the 5th Councilmanic District, which the phenomenal Councilman Jay Young presides over. Stated Meeting 224 05/23/2024 Unfortunately, we could not be at the Memorial Day event today, but I did want to offer our support on behalf of City Council and close out by thanking our former Council President, Council President Clarke, who's also an Edison High School alum. He actually graduated around the same time that my dad graduated from Edison High School, and just appreciate him for always highlighting and recognizing the Edison 64 and putting significant resources and making sure that that facility in North Philadelphia offers great programs, resources and support systems for families who have lost loved ones due to them giving their ultimate sacrifice of their life on behalf of this country. So, Council President, colleagues, thank you all for all of your support. Great job today. Stated Meeting 225 05/23/2024 resolutions, bills and advocacy initiatives. But, yeah, thank you to all of those of you who have served. We appreciate your service. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President. I just wanted to remind Councilmembers and staff that today at 2:00 p.m my office is partnering with Community Legal Services to do a virtual briefing on equity and racial bias that was present in the City's 2023 real estate assessments. I hope that as many people will participate as possible, particularly given the Administration's intention to issue Stated Meeting 226 05/23/2024 summer. And I also want to note for the record that this is and probably will remain the briefest speech I've ever given. Thank you.
Okay. Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones.
Today I rise to salute one of our members who is about to take his nuptials tomorrow or Saturday, and we want to congratulate him. The only other member I know in my tenure that got married was Member Brooks and she's still married so there is hope. So congratulations, Member Stated Meeting 227 05/23/2024 (Applause.)
So I guess I don't expect to see you here next week, right. Leave of absence or something? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you, Councilman Jones, for that shoutout. Yes, I'll be getting married tomorrow and I'm looking forward to that. So I want to give a shoutout to my soon-to-be wife Jennifer. I know she's watching. But I just want to state briefly it is Memorial Day weekend, and on Sunday, May 26th, there is the Military Basketball Association championship game at the Liacouras Center on Temple University's campus. I believe the women's game is at 5 o'clock, and the men's game Stated Meeting 228 05/23/2024 7:00. So if you are available, please support the Military Basketball Association Game at Temple University Liacouras Center.
Thank you very much. With that being said, there are no more speeches. Councilman Jones, your light is lit. Would you like to be acknowledged, sir?
Okay. Just wanted to double check. There are no more speeches. The Chair recognizes Member Isaiah Thomas for a motion to adjourn. And also, everybody have a great Memorial Day holiday weekend and also do some self-care in the meanwhile. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion to adjourn. Stated Meeting 229 05/23/2024
Thank you, Council President. Thank you for your leadership, Council President. And I move that Council stands adjourned until Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. sharp. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you all very much. ) Stated Meeting 231 05/23/2024 C E R T I F I C A T I O N I, hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence noted are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me in the foregoing matter, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. m. L.