The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240344.
A resolution urging the Biden Administration to immediately release to the U.S. Stated Meeting 109 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Department of Housing and Urban Developments "Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing" rule.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Landau for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240344.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240344 be adopted. All those in favor the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion Stated Meeting 110 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240350.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to various properties located in the 8th Councilmanic District, including on the following streets: Mechanic Street, Musgrave Street, East Phil Ellena, Street East Sharpnack Street, East Ashmead Street, pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240350.
Thank you, Mr. President. Stated Meeting 111 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240350 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240351.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds Stated Meeting 112 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING conveying fee simple title to 1532 West Loudon Street in the 8th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia, and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties, pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240351.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Resolution No. 240351 be withdrawn. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240351 be withdrawn. All those in favor of the Stated Meeting 113 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and Resolution No. 240351 has been withdrawn. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240352.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Housing Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 6657-59 Blakemore Street (including the former 530-34 Vernon Road), 50, 56, 60-74 and 101 Collom Street, 67, 83, 85, 87 Church Lane, 45, 47, 51 East Garfield Street, 5417, 5423-27, 5429-43, 5513, 5515 Lena Street, 4949, 4951, 6526 and 6534 Germantown Avenue, 117 Manheim Stated Meeting 114 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Street, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 and 63 East Wister Street in the 8th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240352.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240352 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Stated Meeting 115 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240353.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to various properties located in the 8th Councilmanic District, including on the following streets: Mechanic Street, Musgrave Street, East Phil Ellena Street, East Sharpnack Street, East Ashmead Street, pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240353.
Thank Stated Meeting 116 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING you, Mr. President. I move that the Resolution No. 240353 be withdrawn. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240353 be withdrawn. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and Resolution No. 240353 has been withdrawn. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240354.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Stated Meeting 117 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 49 East Earlham Street, 207 East Penn Street, 313 East Bringhurst Street, 292, 278, 260, 226 East Bringhurst Street, 5222 Wakefield Street, 429 East Ashmead Street, 5514, 5515 Morton Street, 5608 Heiskell Street, 5642 Morton Street, 53 East Pastorius Street, 261 East Sharpnack Street, 263 East Sharpnack Street, 112 East Springer Street, 111 East Springer Street, 4925 Wakefield Street, 326 and 342 Shedaker Street, 4951 Sheldon Street, 4957, 4961, 4975 Sheldon Street, 4635 Germantown Avenue, 44 and 42 Reger Street, 4946 Keyser Street, 1532 West Loudon Street in the 8th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia, and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Stated Meeting 118 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240354.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240354 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Stated Meeting 119 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240355.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 5803 Knox Street in the 8th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia, and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240355. Stated Meeting 120 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Resolution No. 240355 be withdrawn. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240355 be withdrawn. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and Resolution No. 240355 has been withdrawn. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240003.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation on behalf of Stated Meeting 121 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING the City of Philadelphia to enter into a multi-year agreement with Bennett Compost, Inc. for food scrap collection and management of a compost facility on City property located at 5650 Rising Sun Avenue, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days. The question now is shall the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.
Aye. Stated Meeting 122 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. Stated Meeting 123 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 15. The nays are 0. Majority of all members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Will the Clerk please read any additional resolutions on today's Calendar.
A privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Thomas authorizing the Committee on Parks, Recreation Stated Meeting 124 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING and Cultural Affairs to hold hearings on ensuring recreation centers have the full complement of staff needed to respond to the diverse challenges of Philadelphia neighborhoods.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips for a motion on the resolution -
Thomas. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. We're getting ready for the summer early. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be Stated Meeting 125 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Thomas authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings on exploring possible alternatives to Philadelphia's current School Board governance model.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. Stated Meeting 126 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - 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. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Voted aye on all bills since you stepped out. Okay. Thank you. Stated Meeting 127 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Duly noted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
And a privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Thomas proclaiming the week of May 3rd through May 11th, 2024 is the 14th Annual Philly Tech Week and honoring the broad and vibrant Philadelphia technology community.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I want to start by thanking my colleague Councilmember Rue Landau for co-introducing the resolution with me and continuing the advocacy. And I just want to just remind everybody to join us May 3rd from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. as Stated Meeting 128 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING we kick off the 14th Annual Philly Tech Week, which will also be a block party that'll take place at 3701 Filbert Street. So with that being said, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. 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 privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Landau congratulating Stated Meeting 129 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Temple University's mascot, the Owl, on winning the Philadelphia Inquirer's first ever Mascot Bracket.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Landau for a motion on the resolution.
Council President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. Thank you. (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 130 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
A privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Lozada, honoring the life and legacy of Alfredo B. Calderon-Santini, Executive Director of ASPIRA, Inc. of Pennsylvania for his lifelong commitment to advancing quality education for every child in the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Lozada for a motion on the resolution.
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 Stated Meeting 131 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Brooks, declaring May 2024 to be Hepatitis Awareness Month in Philadelphia to recognize and support the joint efforts of "Hep B United Philadelphia" and "Hepatitis C Allies of Philadelphia," coalitions aimed at raising awareness of the link between viral hepatitis and liver cancer and the importance of elimination activities.
Stated Meeting 132 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion on the resolution.
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 is adopted.
And a privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Brooks recognizing Stated Meeting 133 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING May as Teacher Appreciation Month, May 6th through the 10th is Teacher Appreciation Week and May 7th is Teacher Appreciation Day in the City of Philadelphia and honoring teachers across the City for their vital work to uplift, care for and educate young people.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion on the resolution.
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.) Stated Meeting 134 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember O'Rourke on behalf of Council President Johnson, declaring May 2, 2024 to be Prince Hall Day in the City of Philadelphia and honoring the outstanding civic and philanthropic contributions of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania throughout Philadelphia and across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke for a motion on the resolution.
Council President, I move for the Stated Meeting 135 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING 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.
A privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Driscoll, celebrating the students and staff of Lincoln High School for their service in the 2024 Primary Election.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll for a motion on the Stated Meeting 136 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution, Mr. President.
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 privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Ahmad recognizing and congratulating the Central High School RoboLancers, winners of the 2024 FIRST Robotics Championship.
Stated Meeting 137 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I also want to thank my cointroducer Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, and 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 138 05/02/2024 5/2/24 - STATED - 2ND READING privileged resolution recognizing May 2024 as American Stroke 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 is adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution Stated Meeting 139 05/02/2024
Council President, there are no other resolutions in my possession.
That completes our Calendar for today. Are there any speeches on behalf of the Minority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. Today I'm introducing resolutions to declare May as both Teacher Appreciation Month and Hepatitis Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia. Our teachers need and deserve more than appreciation. They need and deserve safe and modern school buildings to work in, adequate resources for their students and fully staffed school communities, including nurses, social workers, Stated Meeting 140 05/02/2024 can provide one-on-one support for the students who need it. Every day I speak with educators who are making due with less and less. Nearly in Philadelphia teachers choose to leave the profession between 2021 and '22, and many more are also leaving. They are leaving not because they don't care, but because they don't -- or because they don't love and believe in our children, but out of sheer exhaustion. And when we lose our teachers, it opens an enormous gap in our ability to engage and educate our young people. So this month, this year and years to come, our commitment to our educators must extend beyond appreciation, but to the real work of transforming our schools into places of joy and healing for Stated Meeting 141 05/02/2024 educators, students, families and communities. As we begin Hepatitis Awareness Month, I want to commend two organizations: Hepatitis C Allies of Philadelphia and Hep B United Philadelphia who have been working for years to end these devastating illnesses. These viruses are the leading causes of liver cancer and they kill now more than HIV and AIDS. More than 50,000 Philadelphians are living with these viruses, and the majority of the people are not aware that they are affected. One of the primary ways that these viruses spread is through shared needles. With the dramatic loss of funding for safe needle exchange in Philadelphia, it will become even more difficult to combat Hep B and C in our city, unless we are ready to use all the Stated Meeting 142 05/02/2024 disposal. Philadelphians will continue to suffer from these preventable curable diseases. We now have a cure for Hepatitis C which is a monumental accomplishment, but we will not fully eradicate these illnesses without raising awareness, increasing access to affordable health care and investing in preventive strategies that are proven to save lives. Thank you so much, Council President.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nic O'Rourke.
Thank you, Council President. So much has been said and has happened and transpired today Stated Meeting 143 05/02/2024 acknowledging a number of Black society's institutional life, whether it be through the acknowledgement of the Boulé that were present today as well as the most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and the Brothers of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge thereof. I'm struck because Reverend Bonnie came up to me prior to the beginning of the session and asked a few questions about everybody's so well-dressed and all of that, but also mentioned in passing, clergy-to-clergy, that today is also National or International Day of Prayer. I'm reminded and the brothers here gathered would also recall, the Lord actually visited -- and the Hebrew Bible suggests that the Lord visited Solomon -- actually I think it's in Stated Meeting 144 05/02/2024 1 Kings 3. He visited Solomon and asked him, what do you require of me, what do you want. And Solomon says back, that with all these great people that he has to lead, he asked for wisdom, to be able to govern these great people. In fact he says, give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil. For who can govern this great people of yours. And I think that's apropos for all of my colleagues here gathered as we are in the midst of tumultuous times internationally, nationally, domestically, all of that. And so, as we are doing the people's business, let's take a note from this National Day of Prayer and seek the face of that which is important to us that we might be good legislators and good Stated Meeting 145 05/02/2024 in our time here. Thank you, Council President.
The Chair recognizes speeches on behalf of the Majority. Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips.
Thank you, Council President Johnson and Council colleagues. Good afternoon. Today is a moment of both immense pride and personal privilege for me. On this day I am afforded a singular honor. Today we honor someone worthy of great note over many decades. I was pleased to introduce a legislation to rename the West Oak Lane Library Stated Meeting 146 05/02/2024 West Oak Lane after Congressman Dwight Evans, someone who has inspired, encouraged and led by example. He's a friend to all, a source of wise and sage counsel and one who has labored for decades in the vineyards of public service. Dwight Evans has been an unmatched voice in education reform, community vitalization and a visionary in conceiving and building holistic development models. When education in our communities failed, then State Representative Dwight Evans innovated and led efforts to create West Oak Lane Charter School. Transcending both party and ideology, Representative Evans offers us a vision in divided times on how to work together, as he would say, to transform ideas and Stated Meeting 147 05/02/2024 ahead of their proverbial times. When urban blight, disinvestment and post-industrial decay became national problems, Dwight Evans created ennobling models that featured jazz music known as the Jazz Festival in West Oak Lane. The Arts, local talent and well-known global names came to West Oak Lane to show the potential and vitality of our own creativity and artistry. He possessed an oversized ability to show us how beautiful life could be. Ogontz Avenue was transformed into a global stage, and we were all persuaded that where we lived was as beautiful and substantial as any stage anywhere in the world. While resurrecting the physical real estate of West Oak Lane, he was at the same time building people and the possibility Stated Meeting 148 05/02/2024 The first African American Chair of the Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee, he is an inspiration to our current Chair, Representative Jordan Harris. For my generation, Congressman Evans is a living giant, a walking, breathing inspiration from a bygone era of genteel and encouraging leaders who inspire and encourage us by example and integrity. His tenor and tone and temper are such that all of us could and should adopt as we interact with one another, as we remind ourselves that we are doing the people's business and not our own business. On a personal note, Congressman Dwight Evans has meant the world to me as a public figure. I remember in high school wearing the Dwight Evans' buttons, shirts, Stated Meeting 149 05/02/2024 think about block-by-block transformation, you should think about a man named Dwight Evans. And if we want to think about public servants, I always said think about Dwight Evans. I went to a conservative high school. That didn't ring a bell with them, but I was willing to always talk about this man who I barely knew, someone I just studied. It was several weeks ago when I was driving through West Oak Lane. I was sitting in my car and I said, wow, how did I get here. I didn't imagine this, didn't desire it, but I'm here. And I said, you know what, that legacy of Dwight Evans has to continue in the Northwest community. And I said, a lot of us are getting older and that Generation Z is also coming up and I want them Stated Meeting 150 05/02/2024 of people who have paved the way. And that is why I was excited to think of this idea that will help our community remember and also live the legacy of Dwight Evans. And just to find out in a couple of weeks, he will be celebrating his 70th birthday.
So every member of this body can go ad nauseam about Dwight Evans as a friend, colleague, mentor, patron and exemplar. There would be no end to the plaudits, which are so richly deserved because they have been so justly earned. And because of his example, I'm pleased to offer this bill which recognizes Congressman Evans' work at so many levels by renaming the West Oak Lane Library, the Dwight Evans Library of West Oak Lane in honor of his living and lasting accomplishments in the Stated Meeting 151 05/02/2024 community, the State House and United States Congress. I'm grateful that all 17 members of Council have co-sponsored this legislation. And I look forward to the day that we celebrate him for all of his incredible work for our City of Philadelphia. Thank you. )
You're welcome. Rightfully deserved. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Curtis Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to thank you for the appointment regarding the work that is to be done with the Kensington Caucus. The price we pay for the space we occupy is service, service. And I was asked last night, well, you don't Stated Meeting 152 05/02/2024 had to correct them and say, yes, I do. Because until Kensington is safe, no neighborhood in the City of Philadelphia, Mr. President, is safe. It is symbolized today that we have wonderful young people that have come down from Roxborough, and I was informed by Member Thomas of two potential ODs from the same school. Now, that's not a commonly known kind of dirty secret, that this opioid crisis is everywhere and it spreads. The gravity of Kensington then exports it out to other neighborhoods. So how we treat Kensington is going to be a blueprint for other neighborhoods. You shouted out one yesterday at the press conference. So I say to you that we have to collectively figure this thing out under the leadership of Stated Meeting 153 05/02/2024 is ground zero, but she is not the only ground in Philadelphia that needs to be mindful of what this is. I know in unsuspected neighborhoods there are Narcan distribution machines. I'd have never thought that it was spread that wide. So we have to go to ground zero like in most epidemics or dis -- you got to find ground zero and work your way out. So I look forward to the work, Member. I look forward to rolling up our sleeves with the Kensington Caucus and getting this figured out. It will not be easy. We can't do it alone. We need the Mayor. We need private sector. We need nonprofits. We need hospitals working together. And so, I look forward to that work, Mr. President. Thank Stated Meeting 154 05/02/2024
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. And I echo my colleague, Chair of the Public Safety Committee since I was also just added to the Special Committee, and I commend my colleague Chairwoman Quetcy Lozada, who is heading this effort, but it's a template for the rest of the City. I wanted to also just once again acknowledge the brilliance and excellence that was on display of Black men in the City of Philadelphia. We already spoke at great length about it, but I cannot underscore enough that our young people hopefully will watch this and see what great determination Stated Meeting 155 05/02/2024 and how there's so much support for them to shine just like those we saw today in this chamber. I wanted to also speak about that May is American Stroke Month joining with our partners, the American Stroke Association which is an initiative of the American Heart Association, and spreading the word about a sadly common and often deadly condition which is also preventable, treatable and beatable. Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in Philadelphia, fourth leading cause of death in Philadelphia. And Philadelphia's 3.97 percent incidence of stroke history is the largest among big cities in the U.S. Also, high blood pressure, a major contributor to stroke Stated Meeting 156 05/02/2024 34 percent adult Philadelphians. Everyone should know F-A-S-T, FAST, the warning signs which was spoken about by one of our public testifiers. Face, F, face drooping; A, arm weakness; S, speech difficulty; T, time to call 911. American Stroke Association will be having a stroke awareness webinar. Registration details can be found on my socials at cmninahmad. Thank you to the American Stroke Association in May and all year-round for raising awareness together to end stroke initiative. Second, I wanted to just talk about the other resolution introduced with Majority Whip Thomas, which is a classic Philadelphia underdog story, the RoboLancers Robotic Team at Central High School. Last month they took Stated Meeting 157 05/02/2024 robot, Leonardo DaPinchi to Houston for the FIRST Robotics Championship where they competed against more than 600 teams from around the world. They're also funny and they're smart and they're brilliant. They were not favored to win. However, they outdrove the competition and brought the trophy back to Philly. Shout-out to Coach Michael Johnson for a great game plan. A victory of Central High School, the School District and the STEM talent pipeline locally and companies will come to know Philadelphia as a hot bed of talent and put down roots here. Congratulations to the Central High RoboLancers and win it all next year again. Thank you, Council President. Stated Meeting 158 05/02/2024
Thank you, Council President. First, let me begin by saying thank you to you and my colleagues who participated in the budget meetings in the Northwood community last night. Grateful for having you all in the 7th Council District and hearing the concerns and the comments that the residents of that community had, that they're not accustomed to that, right. It was very clear yesterday that they don't often get visited by electeds unless it's election time. And so, they are grateful. I've received many positive messages after that meeting, and Stated Meeting 159 05/02/2024 to us as their representatives to continue to come back beyond budget season to inform them about how their government works for them. And so, I look forward to that in the future. I'd also like to thank Councilmember Phillips for co-introducing a resolution that recognizes Alfredo Calderon. The Latino community lost a leader over the weekend. He served as the Executive Director of ASPIRA, Inc. of Pennsylvania for over 20 years. Alfredo died suddenly, and his death is a reminder that we are here to serve and that each of us has a purpose, and we never know when our time is up. And Alfredo over the course of the last year or so really changed his perspective on life, his vision for the organization, Stated Meeting 160 05/02/2024 work and how he approached it. And it is a sad day because I think that -- all of that change really was for the positive. The ASPIRA community has lost someone who prioritized bilingual learning, who prioritized families who were challenged with the English language, and they need our support as a city and as a community. His role impacted over 4,500 students who are currently enrolled there but thousands more who have gone through the ASPIRA education system. And so, today I ask for all of you to keep them in your prayers, to be as supportive as possible. They were looking forward to not just working with me as their representative in City government but with the entire legislative body, because their institutions were in multiple Stated Meeting 161 05/02/2024 so, they were really looking forward to working with this legislative body on expanding the services that they were able to provide or that they are able to provide across the City of Philadelphia. So please keep them in your thoughts and prayers and send them positive vibes. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you, Council President. Thank you, colleagues. I was excited to introduce a resolution today alongside Majority Whip Isaiah Thomas declaring the upcoming week Tech Week here in Philadelphia. Tech Week is a great opportunity to acknowledge the brilliant Stated Meeting 162 05/02/2024 community, which is driving so much information here in the City and nationally, the engineers, the programmers, the designers and the visionaries. As Chair of the Technology and Information Services Committee, I believe in transformative power of technology for good. As we saw at last week's 57-plus Blocks hearing, technology and data can be used to uplift communities, break down barriers and empower all of us. This week is about harnessing the potential of tech and creativity to find innovative solutions for a better, safer, sustainable and more equitable Philadelphia. I'm also excited to recognize Temple University's mascot, the Owl, on winning the Philadelphia Inquirer's first ever Mascot Bracket. Like many of my Stated Meeting 163 05/02/2024 colleagues, I'm a proud Temple alum and I've long been a fan of our mascot Hooter the Owl. This mascot was originally chosen due to its popular symbolism for wisdom and intelligence but has since come to represent resilience and adaptability, which I know firsthand Temple students routinely demonstrate. On behalf of many of us on City Council, congratulations to Temple University's beloved mascot the Owl, Temple-made, Temple-proud. And on a serious note too, I also just want to add my thoughts to the passing of Alfredo Calderon as well. He was one of my Commissioners when I was the Director of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations. I got to know him quite well and his work to really transform the lives of Latino youth throughout the Stated Meeting 164 05/02/2024
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.
Good afternoon, Council President. Today I'd like to also thank our Chairwoman of the Kensington Caucus for her town hall last night. I've been to most of the town halls that we've had. I think I may have missed one, but it was the first time that we actually heard from children, and it was very enlightening. A few months ago I visited Memphis Street Academy and spoke to the children there also. And one of the things that they brought up in our meeting was food insecurities among students. And then again last night, members of the student government brought up Stated Meeting 165 05/02/2024 me. That is just unacceptable, and children should not have to worry about where they're going to get their next meal, especially when they're in school. Their job when they are in school is to learn, and it's hard to learn when you're thinking about your next meal. Again, for me this is unacceptable. That's why I'm glad that talking with my colleagues and talking with some people in the philanthropy field such as Max Tuttleman and Caring for Friends, a food pantry in the Northeast, we are going to be starting a pantry at Memphis Street Academy very shortly, where the kids will be able to come and pick up food not only for themselves but for their brothers and sisters, because the harsh reality is that so many kids, especially from where Stated Meeting 166 05/02/2024 growing up way too fast. They in some cases are in charge of taking care of their younger brothers and sisters. So I'm calling on this body to join with me and to make a commitment just like I'm willing to make a commitment to make sure that no child in the City of Philadelphia has to worry about where their next meal is coming from. So I look forward to continuing this work. I look forward to expanding this work. We talked to the kids last night afterwards and they would like to participate also. And the good thing is this will be run by the kids themselves so that they learn some things, you know, not only the skills of running a pantry but also learning that we don't always know what somebody is going through. Stated Meeting 167 05/02/2024 And, you know, I'm not saying that I thought of this. I actually got it from Camden. The football team at Camden High School was doing it. And it struck me because when they were talking about it, they explained how they came to realize that they, themselves, did not know what some of their fellow students were going through because they saw students come to pick up that food that they never expected to come. So I think that as we move forward, we need to be thinking about the children of Philadelphia. And like I said, in this City, in this United States no kid should ever go hungry, especially not when they're at school. So thank you.
Stated Meeting 168 05/02/2024 up the members of the Special Committee on Food Insecurity Task Force. And so, we definitely want to include you in that process and whatever we can do to help your efforts in terms of helping the young people kick off the food pantry. We'll provide some additional resources and contacts to help you put things together.
At this time, there are no more speeches on behalf of the Majority. And so, before I acknowledge Councilmember Thomas for a motion to adjourn, I just want to say, Let's go Sixers. And tell Tracy Morgan to keep it moving. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion to adjourn. Stated Meeting 169 05/02/2024
Definitely, Let's go Sixers. Thank you, Council President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. sharp. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Council stand adjourned until Thursday, May 9th, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. ) Stated Meeting 170 05/02/2024 171 05/02/2024 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. E. J. m. S. B. watch 143:15 50:9 visionaries 17:25 34:17 well-known Verizon 162:6 Wakefield 154:24 147:11 59:4,7 visionary 117:7,15 water wellness Vernon 146:13 walking 102:15 83:3 18:2 visited 85:18 97:2 Watson west 113:19 143:23,24 148:9 16:13 35:20 vetoed 144:2 Waller ways 42:15,22, 8:10 158:21 17:10 141:19 24 67:9 164:18 69:14 vibes Walter weakness visitors 72:14 161:10 16:25 91:14 2:13 10:2 102:7 vibrant wanted 156:7 112:3 55:24 vital 12:13 wearing 117:20 127:11 62:2 133:8 33:19 91:8 148:24 145:25 vibrate vitality 95:22 webinar 146:2,20 2:18 147:13 96:20 156:12 147:9,12, vitalizatio 154:17 23 149:15 vicinity week n 155:6 150:22,23 56:19 66:3 55:21,23 146:12 156:19 victory 61:22 Whip voice War 127:8,10 156:21 157:15 93:21 26:6 32:7 128:3 161:21 viewing 146:11 Warden 133:4 White 23:25 voices 23:9 29:25 161:22,23, 51:24 52:2 VII 30:2,5,8 24 162:15 94:6 wide 88:5 33:12 voicing week's 153:11 vineyards 95:14,21 162:11 80:7 widely 146:9 96:19 vote weekend 24:23 violence warning 100:25 126:21 William 5:2 91:12,17 159:14 voted 156:4 17:11 20:8 viral weeks 8:14 Williams 61:12 Warren 15:9 101:6 123:17 23:8 29:24 131:22 95:12 102:23 126:24 30:3,6 virtue 96:12 149:14 vulnerable 99:23 33:13 90:2 13:23 150:9 87:11 89:9 92:19 viruses Warrick welcoming 95:11,15, 141:11,16, 15:6 20:21 34:15 22 96:19 Stated Meeting 50 05/02/2024 Willits wonderful 18 49:21 49:17 Young's 64:9,13 152:9 159:6 81:21 56:10 Wilson word workshops 82:14 younger 10:14,24 155:12 81:23 91:22 166:6 16:22 101:23 words world youth 140:20 win 24:9 97:14 21:23 4:23 18:14 157:23 157:11,22 work 147:22 32:25 159:23 winners 3:13,14 148:23 100:17 157:7 year-round 163:25 70:18 13:2 62:2 156:16 136:23 82:12,19, world's 89:6,18 21:25 years Z winning 100:20 12:18 24:7 58:2 129:3 world- zeal 133:8 31:10 41:5 162:23 renowned 33:5 139:22 50:2 87:3 wisdom 12:22 zip 140:23 96:25 144:7 worldwide 140:21 103:3 146:24 163:6 25:10 141:9 zoning 150:21 wise 151:9,21 worry 159:16 66:11 146:7 153:14,15, 165:4 yellow 73:6,7,21, wishing 25 160:2 166:12 78:24 22 74:13, 78:18 163:24 Worshipful 21,22 yesterday 166:15,16 23:9 25:22 93:10 Wister 152:21 114:3 worked 26:11,15 158:20 Zychick 26:12 27:6 28:7 86:5 89:25 withdraw yield 29:24 90:3,4 8:15 workers 79:6 30:7,10,20 withdrawn 139:25 yolked 143:7 112:19,24 working 31:8 worthy 113:10 90:24 Yoruba 145:22 116:4,9,19 91:11 98:11 120:5,10, 141:9 wow 149:17 young 153:23 6:23 18:8 witnesses 160:21 wrapped 29:14 62:3 83:11 86:8 161:3 168:2 85:25 92:21 works 100:17 96:15 34:18 Y 133:9 woke 39:15,22, y'all 140:19 24:7 23 40:3, 84:13 152:9 12,23 154:23 women year 45:21 168:8 89:15 40:20 46:4,5,9,