Good morning. My name is Lincoln Farquharson. Well, today is a good day it seems like for education because we had Ben Franklin here and we had Freeway, but we're in a lot of trouble. Thank you, Councilmembers, for granting me the opportunity to speak today. I work at Philadelphia Military Academy and I live in the 5th District, both of them are in the 5th District. I'm testifying on Bill 240059, the ordinance to forgive property taxes for low-income residents. This bill if enacted without an increase in the share of property taxes going to schools will reduce the money transferred to the School District by $7.7 million after Mayor Parker's proposed tax shift. If you're going to reduce the property taxes being collected, you must make sure school funding is kept whole by raising the share of property taxes the district receives to 60 percent. While I support efforts to relieve financial burdens for working families in Philadelphia, I want Council to understand that this should not be done at the expense of the School District of Philadelphia. We're in a lot of trouble. Just within the first two weeks of March alone at least 11 children were shot in the City of Philadelphia. Our children are killing children, killing themselves and each other because we are not giving them the type of support they need in the way that they need it. There are two main components in schools, the instruction and the climate. As a former special education teacher and now a climate manager, I am part of a group of professionals that include social workers, counselors, nurses and behavioral health practitioners that are embedded in schools to give students the supports that they need to avoid being a victim or a perpetrator. Schools in Philadelphia are designed to support the whole student academically, emotionally and socially. Just two months ago schools had to make hard choices on what to cut. Many principals opted to eliminate positions that dealt with the emotional and social support of the students and consolidate the work to at least meet the minimum standards of support. Principals shouldn't be put in a position where they have to choose between which student support they're going to cut. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Council President. Thank you for the comment and the laudable goal of trying to get more money into the school system. I do think we have to have these conversations based on facts. It is important to note that a conservative estimate for the low-income tax freeze is about $2.5 million for FY25. It will literally be one of the smallest tax benefit programs offered in the City if we are to pass it and it's for the benefit of low-income homeowners. And the other thing that I want to say is that given the recent report from TRF showing racial bias in the City's property tax assessment system we have to be sure that we're not displacing Black and Brown homeowners because I don't know who else is going to go to the schools if we chase them out of the City by levying property taxes that they can't afford. (Applause.)
Jeremy Blatstein. May Jasper Liem, Julie Cousler and Dr. Kendra McDowell also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning. I'm Jeremy Blatstein, a real estate developer with a vested interest in the growth and wellbeing of our city. I'm here today to express my support for Councilmember Gauthier's Resolution No. 240068, which aims to earmark the funds generated from affordable housing density bonuses for the Housing Trust Fund. Currently these funds are deposited into the General Fund diluting their potential impact. By reallocating them to the Housing Trust Fund, we can ensure these density bonuses are specifically used to promote the development of affordable housing in neighborhoods experiencing growth and to assist current homeowners with necessary repairs. This targeted approach will make a significant impact addressing the housing challenges the City faces. I also want to take this opportunity to encourage the Council to continue offering programs and incentives that promote the construction of affordable housing. Philadelphia needs a diverse range of housing options to accommodate its equally diverse residents. Over the past three months, I've consistently attended these meetings to share my perspectives on development in Philadelphia. My intention has always been to contribute positively and constructively to the discussions on affordable housing. If that intention has ever been misunderstood or not expressed clearly enough, I sincerely apologize. It is often difficult to convey the nuances of my views in this setting. I realize additional dialogue is necessary for a deeper conversation. I'm also new to this whole public speaking thing, which I'm sure every Councilmember can relate to. As a member of the private real estate sector I bring a different perspective to the table. I understand the complexities and challenges of development and I believe that my insights can bridge the gap between public and private efforts to improve Philadelphia's housing situation. I recognize that my weekly speeches may not allow for the interactive dialogue that is essential for mutual understanding. However, I've had the privilege of discussing housing and zoning matters one-on-one with some of you. For those who have found my ideas intriguing or even absurd, I welcome the opportunity to continue the conversation in more interactive and collaborative environment. In conclusion, I urge the Council to support Councilmember Gauthier's resolution to earmark funds for the Housing Trust Fund. Let's work together building a strong foundation that ensures Philadelphia remains a city where everyone has access to safe, affordable housing. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning everyone. My name is Jasper Liem. I use they/he pronouns and I am the Executive Director of The Attic Youth Center, which is Philadelphia's only independent LGBTQ youth program. I'm also a proud transgender Philadelphian. Don't hold it against me. I was born out in the burbs, but I've been living here in the City for, oh gosh, 25-something years. Every year The Attic has hundreds of Philadelphia's LGBTQ youth come through our doors, to find community, safety, support and health. Our mission is to create opportunities for LGBTQ youth to develop into healthy, independent, civic-minded adults within a safe and supportive community and to promote the acceptance of LGBTQ youth in society. We achieve this daily through our life skills groups, our OST program, daily dinners, case management, counseling services and providing trainings in professional development to organizations and companies throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. We've been doing this life-saving work for over 30 years. Transgender and queer youth and young adults need us, by which I mean our city as a whole. LGBTQ youth make up an estimated 40 percent of homeless youth under 24, and our youth come to The Attic having experienced unstable housing, rejection by families, friends, teachers and service providers. in of our youth at The Attic are currently experiencing homelessness or unstable housing, and we know that that looks different for young folks under 24 than it does for older adults. More than half of our youth have a history of unstable housing because they cannot afford the same community supports or they are not afforded the same community supports as their cisgender and heterosexual peers. They come to The Attic because they are not safe in other spaces. I applaud City Council for these resolutions to demonstrate support for our LGBTQ communities, youth and adults alike. But as this support comes, it also must come with real action. I'm proud that Philadelphia has included appropriate use of chosen names and pronouns for transgender and gender diverse youth. But little is done when youth continue to experience discriminatory behavior and pushing them further into the margins, and we are smart people in this room. We know what happens when we have disenfranchised youth that are rejected by families and by the City workers that are supposed to have their backs. So this Pride Month and every day I encourage you to see our fine city the way our youth do every time you check an M or F box, every time you use a public bathroom, every time you fill out a form or have to go to work or show an ID. We're here every day and we're proud every day. Thank you. (Applause.)
Julie Cousler, Kendra McDowell. And can Kate Dugan and Marta Guttenberg also make their way to the podium.
Julie Cousler of the Pennsylvania School-based Health Alliance. Okay. Thank you, Council President Johnson. Thank you, Councilmember Nina Ahmad, for introducing the resolution and for all of City Council for the consensus and clarity in support of the resolution, calling on the Pennsylvania legislature to fund school-based health centers in the state budget. Health problems are a leading cause of absenteeism in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. Asthma is considered the leading cause of absenteeism across the country. In Philadelphia, 25 percent of students have asthma. For more than half of them their asthma is not well-controlled. Asthma is also the leading cause of hospitalization and ER visits. For children that have Medicaid insurance, that costs taxpayer dollars hundreds of thousands of dollars every year. School-based health centers send students back to class when they cannot breathe and certainly do not send them to the hospital. And this is why 30 states, 30-plus states, fund school-based health centers, fund the gaps in schoolbased health centers. School-based health centers are the leading way to advance Health and education equity but we must invest in them, and the return on investment will come back through the savings to Medicaid and taxpayer dollars as well as students healthier in the seat ready to learn. This is a great step forward for Pennsylvania. If the money is in the state budget, the Pennsylvania School-based Health Alliance will work with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to quantify and evaluate this cost savings and hopefully cement Pennsylvania's support for school-based health centers for the future. Thank you. (Applause.)
Dr. Kendra McDowell. DR. McDOWELL: Good morning. I'm Dr. Kendra McDowell, a pediatrician and the Medical Officer for the School District of Philadelphia. Thank you for the opportunity to speak in support of Resolution 240518, urging the General Assembly to allocate full funding for school-based health centers across the Commonwealth. Thank you, Council President Johnson and Councilmember Ahmad, for introducing the resolution. We know that students learn best when they are in school and feeling well and that chronic health conditions are a barrier to learning for many students. In fact, in 2021 approximately in Philadelphia high school students reported that their physical health was not good. A high prevalence of obesity, asthma and mental health conditions among Philadelphia youth combined with limited health care in some of our communities exacerbates disparities in health and educational outcomes. To maximize students potential for future success, my office is committed to promoting and advancing health equity through school-based health centers. These health centers are a proven evidence-based intervention to increase health care access for students and improve health and educational outcomes. Students who have access to school-based health centers have improved school performance and are less likely to be absent or tardy. They are more likely to be up-todate on their vaccinations and have improved management of asthma and other chronic conditions. Schoolbased health centers are a win-win for the City's children and the children of Pennsylvania. However, to actualize these outcomes schoolbased health centers must be adequately funded by the Commonwealth. Other states, including Delaware and New York, have funded and embraced school-based health centers. To improve health and education equity for our students, it's time for Pennsylvania to do the same and fully fund schoolbased health centers. Thank you again for your support and advocacy. Thank you. (Applause.)
Kate Dugan, then Marta Guttenberg. May Eric Williams and Andre Carroll also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning, members of Council. My name is Kate Dugan and I'm an attorney in the Homeownership and Consumer Rights Unit at Community Legal Services where I represent homeowners struggling to afford their property taxes. CLS urges Council to adopt the Low-income Tax Freeze Bill No. 240059 as part of this year's budget cycle. The OPA will soon release assessed values for the 2025 tax year. We expect that many of the homeowners who saw significant increases to their bills in 2023 will experience yet another round of sticker shock in the coming weeks. Through Council's work, Philadelphia is recognized as a national leader in offering property tax protections to those most at risk. This body understands that property tax policy is affordable housing policy. However, many homeowners fall through the cracks because they are too young to qualify for the Senior Freeze and they do not qualify for LOOP. The best way to avoid this displacement caused by the rising values is to enact the low-income tax freeze. This would be a vital lifeline to homeowners facing gentrification and struggling to afford their bills. Many of these homeowners are grandparents and parents with children in our public schools. As a public school parent myself, I am keenly aware of the need for the City's schools to be adequately funded, but that funding should not come out of the pockets of those who can least afford it, including predominantly Black and Brown residents who are being pushed out of their neighborhoods because of rising property tax bills. The needs of low-income families and the need to fund our schools are not competing needs and the City's budget should not be balanced on the backs of our most vulnerable homeowners. The low-income tax freeze is costeffective, targeted and timely given the recent report released by the Reinvestment Fund and CLS demonstrating racial bias in property tax assessments. Cost analyses suggest that this program will cost far less than other property tax relief. Concerns about unpredictability on the budget can be alleviated by enacting a cap such as the one on LOOP. Thank you for your time and your support of this important program. (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Marta Guttenberg. I'm going to speak about Resolution 240518, which asks the Pennsylvania General Assembly to fully fund school-based health centers. It sounds like a grand idea, but in fact school-based health was normal in the old days before race-based redlining, disinvestment and gentrification afflicted our city. Moreover, a full fair funding formula for schools has been approved and upheld by lawsuits and is still not reaching the students of Philadelphia. I note that there's a failure to follow laws and rules at this time our state in providing what it should for Philadelphians. I also note that while our schools are not in the best shape, they are currently still standing. They are not being bombed by the government as schools in Gaza are being bombed. I call up the problem of lawlessness and ask the City Council to pass a resolution to stop the genocide in Gaza. Thank you. (Applause.)
Eric Williams. May Andre Carroll, Ogbonna Hagins and Kate Perez also make their way to the podium.
Good morning, members of City Council. Thank you, Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr., for the invitation. My name is Eric Williams. I'm founder and CEO of Project Elijah Empowering Autism, also known PEEA, an autism foundation that I created 20 years ago. It's named after my son Elijah who's 26, and at the age of 3 he was diagnosed with autism. So PEEA, we host free yearround education, recreation and trauma resources. For families in underserved communities we're also working on getting pre-screenings and evaluations to kind of get us through the system. But I'm here today to talk about an initiative that I just released on January 23rd. I came up with the idea of an Autistic Person Area street sign on October 26, 2020. That was the unfortunate day that Walter Wallace's life was taken away from him. I grew up a half a block away from where the shooting took place and I was onsite. So while everyone, my community was in dire straits of what was going on, I put my advocacy hat on and thinking of different layers of protection that first-time responders could have come up with. So on January 23rd I released this Autistic Person Area street sign. Currently, there are 55 signs that have been installed in Philadelphia. My organization -(Applause.)
Thank you. Our organization, we just completed our 498th application. So we're looking to get that initiative going. We receive interest from non-Philadelphia counties, which due to the Streets Department Traffic Engineering Division, they supported our mission. So now I just wanted to bring a public awareness. We're looking to roll this out in public schools around the system, so we're rolling out a program next fall where we'll designate two signs in each district. And we'll roll it out, acknowledge the teachers, acknowledge autistic support classes around the City of Philadelphia. We just released that at Vare-Washington about three weeks ago, but I'm just here to serve. And I'm sticking with the Freeway theme. I'm considered the one take hold of autism. I do it in one take. I never write anything down and we get it done. Leaving with a motivational quote, "You can't lead the people unless you love the people. You can't save the people if you don't serve the people." So thank you for your time. (Applause.)
Andre Carroll. Then Ogbonna Hagins and Kate Perez. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning, Philadelphia City Council. My name is Andre D. Carroll. I am the Democratic nominee for State Representative in House District 201, which covers Germantown, Logan and West Oak Lane. First, I want to thank Councilmember Rue Landau, Council President and their colleagues for inviting me here today and also introducing the resolution to mark June as a celebration of Gay Pride. I also want to thank Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for honoring the life and legacy of State Representative Jim Roebuck. This moment it's been a journey for many of us. My story is not likely in any other county in this Commonwealth. 248 years ago the Constitution was signed right down the street. Since its existence, this Commonwealth has only elected two of me. In January I will be inaugurated as the second openly Black gay State Representative in Pennsylvania. Justice and liberation has always been included in the work of queer folks. Bayard Rustin who was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania was the anchor of the Civil Rights Movement, the movement that allowed everyone in this room to be able to dine together and folks like my grandmother the opportunity to vote. While queer folks have always fought for justice, we have not always received it, even after Obama's landmark executive order allowing same-sex marriage, which Rue and her wife Kerry was the first couple in Pennsylvania to have that opportunity. Pennsylvania has not always given equal protections to all of us. We could marry on a Saturday and then lose our job on that Monday. Our housing could be terminated for simply living with our spouses, even be attacked on public transportation for living out loud. I would like to shout out to LGBTQ activists and movement leaders that have made the protections possible right here in Philadelphia as we became the first county in the Commonwealth to do so. Today is a step forward in the fight for justice. Homophobia exists in the same way that racism does, and I have experienced both of those. But I'll leave you with this: There's no crime in loving another person. It's simply just that, love. I want to thank all of you. (Applause.)
Ogbonna Hagins, Kate Perez, Sharif Ahmed and Nadira Griffin also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning, everyone. Ogbonna Hagins, fourth generation chattel slavery survivor, as the hall monitor calls me the shadow council president. Of course, we should rename the West Oak Lane Library Dwight Evans Library of West Oak Lane, a great place to go to learn. This will be one of the many libraries in the City where visitors will be able to not only go to read but to listen to Philadelphia Freeway's music, the legendary hip hop icon who was honored earlier this morning. Councilman Thomas, you mention one of his many songs. I would like to let you know about another song which is one of my favorites and is considered by Philly Word Magazine a Philly anthem because of the theme. The theme is the theme that's permeating this City. It's structural racism. You're familiar with that Council, aren't you? The Roadmap to Safer Communities that called structural racism the root cause of gun violence. You're familiar with that right, Councilman Jones? Here are the lyrics I want you to really pay attention to: Yes, the rock get down. You hot now, listen up. Don't you know cops whole purpose is to lock us down and throw away the key, but without this drug ish, your kids ain't got no way to eat. We still try to keep mom smiling cuz when the teeth stops showing and the stomach start growling, then the heat, the heat start flowing. If you're from the hood, you feel me, keep going, right. If my sneaks start leaning and my heat stop working -- my heat in the house -- then my heat start working, I'mma rob me a person. That's structural racism. That's a 13th Amendment violation. Philadelphia Freeway was warning us about what the conditions that he was living through that he should not have had to live through because of the promise of the 13th Amendment. Charles Sumner, the man who got his behind beat over the 13th Amendment, Freeway was talking about it 100-plus years ago and complaining about what he was saying should never occur to the descendants of slavery who saved this nation. We need a structural racism prevention month to go along with honoring Freeway for the one day. Philadelphians need to know exactly what structural racism is and how to attack it. Ogbonna Hagins, your unseated council president, asking you very kindly to please listen to me and please call me back. Thank you. (Applause.)
Bill 240245 tries to tackle displacement by eviction in our community. I want to talk a little bit about how violent it is to be kicked out of your home. But first, I want to share -- I have 16 handwritten letters from our community members calling on the Council to pass a permanent ceasefire resolution. They're addressed to the entire Council, but there's one just for you, Councilmember Young. Where can I put these to ensure that you'll all have access?
No, it's for the entire Council. These are for all of you. I also attached a ceasefire resolution draft from the Council of American and Islamic Relations. That draft is from December so you're going to have to update the death toll from 17 to 45,000. And if you think some of your constituents might not like the wording, I'm sure you have their numbers and you can figure it out together. A petition for Philadelphia City Council to pass a resolution was uploaded at midnight and it's already reached 56 signatures. Bill 240245 seeks to clarify the requirements that must be met before a landlord can evict a tenant. Evicted children face increased food insecurity, environmental hazards and long-term physical and mental health problems. Evicted pregnant women are more likely to go into pre-term labor, have a child with low birth weight and may need neonatal intensive care unit access. Gaza is about the same size as Philadelphia, but twice as populated and half by children. Can you imagine if everyone in Philadelphia was evicted from their homes. Miscarriages are up by 300 percent and anyone who can give birth is having babies that are born starving. They all need urgent access to NICU where they are regularly evacuated from as Israel bombs their hospitals and any left standing are running out of fuel -I'm sorry, they've already run out of fuel. The lack of medical supplies is so intense that women are having hysterectomies to stop the bleeding. Jones, Bass, Harrity, Gauthier, Phillips, O'Rourke and Landau, whether privately or publicly, have stated that they would support a ceasefire resolution. Gilmore, Richardson, Thomas, Ahmad, Young, Brooks and Lozada seem like they would support one. That's 13 right there. It's already veto-proof. And the other four might surprise me and stand with the side of humanity for a perfect 17-0 for a permanent ceasefire in Palestine. As one of the biggest and most influential cities in the world, we have the ability to empower smaller municipalities to pass their own ceasefire and arms embargo of resolutions. You say we have no power but ignore the weapons manufacturers and war bonds office right in our city. We have the power. Call for a ceasefire. Free Palestine. (Applause.)
Sharif Ahmed, Nadira Griffin. May David Lipscomb and Melissa Robbins also make their way to the podium.
Good day, Councilmen and women. My name is Nadira Griffin. I am the Philadelphia community ambassador for all 10 Councilmanic Districts. I'm here -- thank you for allowing me to speak today. And I'm here to speak on 240187 in support of the ordinance amending Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code, the Philadelphia Land Bank. The mass regentrification here in Philadelphia has led to longtime homeowners and dwellers disportionately displaced -disproportionately displaced, depressed, darken and experiencing despaired treatment which has led to a disarray and big real estate companies and businesses benefiting and praying on our demise. We, the people, the longtime homeowners, renters, Black and Brown people are asking that Council put a limitation, a cap on the amount of properties and land sold here in Philadelphia annually to big real estate companies and businesses. In addition we, the people, want Council, the City of Philadelphia to stop dwellers and outsiders defacing our home Philadelphia. We do not want these tin-can, matchstick boxes that they are building here. We're used to brick houses. They are defacing our homes, coming in changing the land, changing the way the houses are -- the direction of the houses, changing the streets. Most of you all were born and raised here in Philadelphia, Councilmen and women so I know that you all understand where I'm coming from. We want to see homes that depict us. We want to see the land that depict us. We no longer have a historical Philadelphia because we're not used to these houses built with tins and stick houses that's burning down easily. So we have children that we want to be able to tell our children and show our children this is where I grew up, this is the school that I grew up at, this is where -- I can no longer use landmarks because you blink an eye and the building is torn down. We need things that depict long home residents. Philadelphia and Council, it's up to you because you all control what goes on here in Philadelphia. So we want you all to take a deep look in at this and make some type of ordinance where people build homes that depict Philadelphia. Philadelphia is the homeland and the mother place, the birthplace of the United States of America. Let's keep it that way because people from Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County, they're not allowing outsiders to come into our home and deface it. They're not allowing us to come and build other things, they're keeping it historical and we want Philadelphia to remain historical. Thank you. (Applause.)
David Lipscomb and Melissa Robbins. (Witnesses approached podium.)
As I'm doing this, my name is Dave Lipscomb, and I'm actually a former employee of Representative Roebuck. And one of the things that I liked about him, he was a good guy. And when people first met him, they would think he was an introvert. They would say he's so off-ish, I mean stand off-ish. Can you hear me? I'm sorry.
Thank you. So as I was saying, my name is Dave Lipscomb and I was a former Legislative Assistant to the Honorable James Roebuck in the 188th District. And one thing that most people when they meet Jim, they would say he's a little standoff-ish and all that, but Jim was an introvert, a smart guy. And a lot of times when you meet smart people, they seem a little like an introvert. But as you get to know them, they really become, they could become your friend. And when I look at him, I said, wow, he has a Doctorate, he's one of the most educated people in the legislature but he didn't really brag that he was a doctor, he was a college professor. When someone asked -- this is my aunt that said this, who was his Chief of Staff -- what should I call him, Mr. Representative. Doctor, she said Doctor, that's Dr. James Roebuck. And the constituent said, I didn't know he was that smart. But that was one of the things about Jim, he understated who he was and he continued that because of him being a doctor and also a former Drexel Professor, he actually was a champion for education, as most people know. And by being that as his career progressed, he was actually appointed to head PHEAA, another thing what most people don't know because him being so -- he wasn't out in the public a lot, but when he found something that really riled the community he came out. I remember specifically he was going against the stop-and-gos that were proliferating in our community, he was out there marching and trying to put things together so that we can protect our community. And I don't know if I said this before, but he was a rogue scholar when I get back to education, and most people didn't know that. So when I -- another thing about him a lot of people don't say, at the time I had a small infant daughter and I was working three jobs at the time, and so what happened was I would bring my daughter to work and he allowed it and she was only about I think about less than a year old, and she slept in his office. That was so kind of him to say, you can bring your child to work while you're working, and I really liked that about him. And in closing, I would just like to say he was instrumental. By working in his office, it was instrumental for me getting my start in my career. And today I stand as a chief information security officer and chief privacy officer for a company. And my thing is, I will always remember him as a man of honor because he didn't put his hand in the proverbial cookie jar of corruption so he leaves here clean. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Good afternoon, members of Council and listening audience. My name is Melissa Robbins. I serve as a Vice-president of Advocacy and Public Policy over Legislative Affairs for the Urban League of Philadelphia. Today it was really important to come here and just say some words. And I just want to say thank you so much, Councilmember Gauthier, for lifting up his name and honoring Mr. James Roebuck. Mr. Jim, humble, soft-spoken, he was a trailblazer who championed public education. Dr. Roebuck was a change agent. He was leading protests against the Vietnam War long before I was born in the late '60s and '70s. Today we constantly still in 2024 we speak about first Black. Well, Mr. Jim was the first Black President of his Student Union there at University of Virginia. Today students here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are able to receive the James Roebuck Scholarship Award to further their own education. Members of Americans for Democratic Action, many have passed and gone on to glory and retired. I received text messages and calls saying that they didn't know that Mr. Roebuck had passed and asked me to raise his name today. Every time I saw the gentleman Tony who was Mr. Robuck's assistant, I would always ask him, Tony, how's Mr. Roebuck. Three weeks ago I was over at Malcolm X Park, Penn Medicine held a health festival, I said, Tony, how's Mr. Jim. He said, he's okay. Little did I know that would be the last time I'd be able to ask him. I just want to say after 35 years of excellence in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, a giant has left us. Through his discipline and committed work to education, equity and equal rights, we thank you, Dr. James Roebuck, 5/30/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Jr., fondly known as Mr. Jim. We thank you for demonstrating to us that excellence, leadership, humility, commitment, discipline and kindness can exist in one person while leading a district, the 188th Legislative District. God rest your soul, Mr. Roebuck. (Applause.)
Council President, there are no other names for public comment.
That concludes today's public comment period. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240030.
A resolution proposing an amendment to the 5/30/24 - STATED - 2ND READING 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.
The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Kathy Gilmore Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240030.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240030 be adopted. All those in favor of the 5/30/24 - STATED - 2ND READING 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. 240510.
A 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.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Lozada for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240510.
Thank you, Council President. 5/30/24 - STATED - 2ND READING I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240510 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. 240516.
A resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of 5/30/24 - STATED - 2ND READING 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.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240516.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240516 be adopted. All those in favor of the 5/30/24 - STATED - 2ND READING 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. 240518.
A 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.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240518. 5/30/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240518 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 Bill No. 240220-A.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning 5/30/24 - STATED - 2ND READING designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Red Lion Road, the Montgomery County Line, the Bucks County Line and Roosevelt Boulevard.
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. The ayes are 16. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Thank 5/30/24 - STATED - 2ND READING you, Council President. I want to vote aye on all bills and resolutions I might have missed. Sorry about that.
Thank you. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240241.
An ordinance amending Section 14-704 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Open Space to Natural Resources," by changing the applicability of steep slow protection requirements for certain stream restoration activities, all 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. The ayes are 17. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240336.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, 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. 5/30/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
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. The ayes are 17 and the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240005.
An ordinance providing for the submission 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 5/30/24 - STATED - 2ND READING in a resolution and 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.
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.