Stated Meeting 1 9/21/2023 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, September 21, 2023 10:43 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILWOMAN SHARON VAUGHN MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting 2 9/21/2023
Good morning, everyone. Thank you for being here. The hour has come. We're going to get started. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Reverend Chester Williams of Jones Temple Church of God in Christ. He is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Bass. I would ask all guests, visitors, and members to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
Before we start, I am only one, but I am still one. I cannot do anything, but still I can do something. Gracious Father, we thank you, because you've been so good to us. If we had a thousand tongues this day, we just couldn't thank you enough. Look beyond our faults and see our needs. We ask you to anoint each and every one of this Chamber members, from Stated Meeting 3 9/21/2023 head to the sole of their feet. Give them your wisdom, your knowledge, your way of comprehending with all the issues that come before them. Lord, we need you now more than ever. Once again, we ask you to hold our hand and guide our feet. Put a bridle on our tongues that we may not sin against thee. Control and lead and guide each and every one. We know that you can do it, because you've done it before. Once again, we ask you, hear our cry. Hear our humble prayer. Hold our hand. As we repeat so many times, guide our feet. Keep a bridle on our tongue that we will not offend our sisters and brothers. We need you now. Keep us by day and by night, as we go out and as we come in, from the President all the way down to each and every member. In Jesus' name, we pray. Go in peace. Amen. (Amen.) Stated Meeting 4 9/21/2023
Thank you so much, Reverend, for the spiritual guidance this morning. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you, Reverend, again for your spiritual guidance this morning. We really appreciate you being here. Can we have a little quiet, please. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting on Thursday, September 14, 2023, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 14th, 2023 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting Stated Meeting 5 9/21/2023 Thursday, September 14, 2023 stand approved. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and our Journal is approved. And our next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the members, there is a request for leave of absence from Member Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you. Let the record reflect that Councilwoman Katherine Gilmore Richardson has been granted a leave of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a motion concerning certain Stated Meeting 6 9/21/2023 that may arise during the course of today's session of Council that were not listed on the Calendar circulated prior to today's session.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda for this session of Council and, as required by law, subsequently published on the amended agenda after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments to bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or re-called from the Mayor, amendments to bills re-called from the Mayor, resolutions taking substantive actions to be voted on this session, a motion to withdraw a bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar, and a motion placing a bill or resolution on or returning a bill or resolution from the Suspension Calendar that is not listed on today's Calendar. Stated Meeting 7 9/21/2023 of this motion is to provide the public with notice concerning possible actions by Council that arose too late to be included on the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Councilman Squilla may be added to the agenda for today, should those matters arise during the course of today's session of Council. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion passes. And our next order of business is communications, and the Clerk will Stated Meeting 8 9/21/2023 from the Mayor and any other communications that he may have in his possession today.
From the Mayor to the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill Nos. 230574 and 230575. And I am pleased to advise you that on September 15, 2023, I signed the following bill which is passed by Council at its session on September 14, 2023: Bill No. 230186-A, and I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3101, 3113, 3117, 3118, 3123 through 29, 3126, 3130 through 34 Clifford Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Stated Meeting 9 9/21/2023 dispose of 3358 Kensington Avenue located in the 7th Councilmanic District; and An ordinance approving a Substantial Amendment to the Consolidated Plan 2026 through -- 2022 through 2026 and Annual Action Plan 2022 through 2023 to add $163,204,000 in Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery funding, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Yeah. Thank you, Council President. I wanted to take a moment, also in partnership with my colleague Councilman Jim Harrity, to ask for a moment of silence for a City worker that passed away last night by the name of David Krain. David was a member of District Stated Meeting 10 9/21/2023 47. He was a social worker. He's been around this body for several years and just an all-around great guy. So before we start our session's business, I just want to ask can we stand and take a moment of silence, please.
Thank you, Councilman. And at this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I'd like to do a moment of silence for Temple's President, JoAnne Epps, who was a lifelong professional at Temple University. We had an opportunity to work with her on the Department of Justice's recommendations some years back on Police Department performance, and she Stated Meeting 11 9/21/2023 was a consensus builder and she was a person who was able to understand complex issues and make it plain to regular people. So would we join you in a moment of silence for President of Temple, JoAnne Epps.
Thank you, Councilman. Please stand. (Moment of silence.)
Thank you, Councilman. An extraordinary person. At this time, our next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. I would ask the Clerk to please read the titles of the legislation that's being offered today by our members.
Councilman Phillips offers an ordinance repealing Chapter 10-900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Criminal Registration." Stated Meeting 12 9/21/2023
Councilman Thomas offers three resolutions, a privileged resolution honoring the life and legacy of Constance Clayton, the first African American and first woman superintendent of the Philadelphia School District.
And a privileged resolution honoring Council Member Michalyn Easter-Thomas of Memphis, Tennessee, for her exemplary leadership on police reform in Memphis and welcoming her to the City of Philadelphia; and A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Champion of the Week, Zykee Scott, for receiving a full athletic football scholarship to Penn State University at only 14 years old.
Today's Calendar. Stated Meeting 13 9/21/2023 The Chair recognizes Councilman Thomas.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Clearly, it's a sad day listening to the number of people we're offering condolences for, including our former Superintendent, and as the Chair of the Education Committee, I introduced the resolution on behalf of myself and the members of Council. Most of us remember, she was just in Council session with us recently as we honored her for the great work that we're doing. And I'm not sure the Councilmember who introduced that resolution, but I want to commend us for giving people their flowers while they can still smell them. That's really important. Speaking of giving people their flowers, I do want to take a minute to ask Councilmember Easter-Thomas from Stated Meeting 14 9/21/2023 Memphis, Tennessee to stand up so we can give her a round of applause. (Applause.)
Councilmember Thomas is the youngest member of City Council in Memphis. I can relate to that a little bit. Councilmember Phillips knows what I'm talking about. She is also the author of the driving equality bill in Memphis. After they had an unfortunate situation involving law enforcement, she looked across the country to see what could be done to address some of the tension between communities of color and law enforcement, and one of the things that she found was the driving equality legislation. So her and I worked together for over a year to try to make sure that we were able to put together quality Stated Meeting 15 9/21/2023 legislation that had a positive impact on the citizens of Memphis, and she's here today as my guest in City Council. And I think one thing that's really significant in the irony is not just our name, Councilmember Thomas is actually a teacher. If you're not aware, in Memphis, being a member of City Council is not a full-time job. So her actual full-time job is being a teacher, a high school teacher at Memphis Shelby -- in Memphis, Shelby County School District at Overton High School. So I just want to thank Councilmember Thomas for joining us today and thank her for being a champion for the great people of Memphis.
Awesome. Awesome. Welcome, Councilwoman. (Applause.)
I also want Stated Meeting 16 9/21/2023 to take a moment to recognize our Champion of the Week, Mr. Zykee Scott. Zykee, if you and your dad can stand up so we can give you a round of applause. (Applause.)
For those who are in the listening audience or who are viewing on TV, if you can't see, Zykee is a pretty big kid. He's 14 years old. So you can understand why Penn State offered him that full scholarship. But outside of his athletic and academic ability, I think his perseverance and his father's perseverance is what is being rewarded today as the Champion of the Week. A lot of times in City Council people ask us what's the toughest thing about the job, and for me it's always some of the things that we experience that's pretty heart-wrenching, and for Stated Meeting 17 9/21/2023 Zykee and his family, none of us will forget that fire that happened in the Fairmount section of the City of Philadelphia, and Zykee was one of the people who actually survived that fire that all of us remember. That was probably one of the most heart-wrenching situations that I've ever witnessed since being a member of City Council. And not only was he able to survive that unfortunate situation, he's been able to put himself in a position to not just pursue his athletic career and his high school -- his athletic career and his academic career as it relates to high school, but being in ninth grades and already being offered a full scholarship to college really speaks to his ability and his character and the family he comes from. So I want to say congratulations to Zykee, welcome him to City Council, and let him know that he's not just our Champion of the Week for Stated Meeting 18 9/21/2023 today, he's a champion of Philadelphia. Thank you, Council President. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson. You're good? Sorry. Thank you. Mr. Decker.
Councilman Jones offers two bills and two resolutions. On behalf of Council President Clarke, an ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Housing Authority to acquire fee simple title to certain properties located in the vicinity of 28th Street to the east, 29th Street to the west, Cumberland Street to the north, and York Street to the south. And on his own behalf, an ordinance establishing a no truck parking Stated Meeting 19 9/21/2023 regulation on both sides of Nevada Street between North 51st Street and West Dauphin Street.
On behalf of Council President Clarke, a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3101, 3113, 3117, 3118, 3123 through 29, 3126, 3130 through 34 Clifford Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District.
And on his own behalf, a non-privileged resolution calling on Representatives of the Administration to join with Members of City Council to better understand how Philly works at night by doing nighttime tours with various City Departments.
Next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Stated Meeting 20 9/21/2023 Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. Many of my fellow members here have gone out on trash trucks, have gone to 911 centers, but I want to encourage us to do so when we're not talking about the direct impacts of budget presentations. I'd like us to spend an evening shift at a fire station, work with the men on maybe even cooking their dinner, working with the 911. People have to do and deal with those calls all night long, to be able to see it up close and personal, maybe ride with Cindy Bass's sister on SEPTA to see what she has to put up with and to be able to understand that this city shifts and changes just a little bit at night, and so that we can be better prepared to know what City workers have to go through. I'll never forget being on my way home to my home and realizing that Stated Meeting 21 9/21/2023 there was a water main break and that when I went home, there was going to be no water. Right around the corner where the water main break was, there was a member of the Water Department with a jackhammer in freezing weather fixing that water main at night, and what was distinctive was there were beads of water frozen on his beard. Within an hour and a half, we had water. We need to see that up close and personal. We need to be able to see at DHS that there's a night place where kids can come and spend the night, and some of those kids are troubled youth, and we need to see that up close and personal. Listening to the testimony doesn't do it. Hearing some of the union members that have to perform those jobs gives us a better clarity, understanding of what it takes to make Philadelphia run at night. Stated Meeting 22 9/21/2023 Thank you, Mr. President.
Councilman Johnson offers three resolutions, a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings examining the City's strategy for increasing diversity, equity and inclusion in public contracts.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Children and Youth to hold hearings to evaluate existing support services for Early Childhood Education and Pre-K Centers and Providers and to examine the role of high-quality Early Childhood Education and Pre-K opportunities in addressing childhood poverty and promoting the future academic success of children in Philadelphia. Stated Meeting 23 9/21/2023
And a non-privileged resolution also naming the 7800 block of Saturn Place "Leonard K. Brundage Way."
Councilman Harrity offers a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Neighborhood Services to hold hearings regarding the business practices of property management companies in the City of Philadelphia.
This week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Harrity.
Council President, thank you. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's a privileged, so you don't have to move Stated Meeting 24 9/21/2023 it. It will be on today's Calendar.
No. It's a privileged, right, Mr. Decker? Yeah. We're good. It will be on today's Calendar.
Councilwoman Gauthier offers three bills and one resolutions, entitled "An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of Stated Meeting 25 9/21/2023 4629 through 4631 Baltimore Avenue"; and An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 701 South 50th Street; and An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 4430 Pine Street.
Those three bills will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Safety to hold a hearing to examine solutions to ongoing challenges facing the 911 Unified Call Center and the Philadelphia Police Department's investigation into the police response to a 911 call about the first victim in the July 2023 mass shooting in Kingsessing.
Today's Calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gauthier. Stated Meeting 26 9/21/2023
Thank you, Council President. Today I'm introducing a resolution alongside Majority Leader Jones that authorizes the Committee on Public Safety to hold a hearing on ongoing issues with 911 police dispatch. Some of our more veteran colleagues will remember that a few days before we entered the first pandemic lockdown, Majority Leader Jones and then-Councilmember Parker held a joint hearing on 911. At this hearing, Council zeroed in on many of the challenges facing the 911 call center, including understaffing, low morale, poor retention, and recruitment roadblocks. Council and the Police Department have worked together since to tackle many of these issues, but much work remains. Our ongoing gun violence emergency means that 911 experiences an elevated call volume and that residents Stated Meeting 27 9/21/2023 need emergency services more often than ever before. When I spoke to police leadership earlier this week, they confirmed that they often meet their goal of answering 95 percent of 911 calls in under ten seconds. With thousands of 911 calls coming in daily, this is no small feat, and I commend the Police Department for achieving it. But last year Fox 29 reported that in 2021, 7,000 residents, about 20 each day, waited over a minute and a half for someone to answer their 911 call, and I continue to hear from constituents who experience long wait and response times when they call 911, and I know many of my colleagues have heard similar accounts. Just a couple of weeks ago a member of my staff woke up to find bullet holes strewn across her wall. She called 911, but eventually hung up after waiting over a minute for someone to answer. This account reminds me that while Stated Meeting 28 9/21/2023 95 percent is an impressive number, we must strive for 100 percent. Philadelphians need to know that when they call 911, they will receive help every single time. A minute and a half does not sound like a long time, but during an emergency, it feels like an eternity. When the City fails to successfully respond to an emergency, neighbors lose faith in government's ability to keep them safe, making it harder for us to combat gun violence and eroding the progress we've made to rebuild the essential bond between the community and the police. This summer we saw how problems with 911 can cause catastrophic consequences. On July 2nd, a Kingsessing resident called 911 after hearing gunshots. The 911 dispatcher erroneously logged the crime scene as North 56th Street rather than South 56th Street and deployed officers to a location three Stated Meeting 29 9/21/2023 miles away from where Mr. Joseph Wamah, Jr. lay dead. Forty-four hours later, Mr. Wamah's alleged killed returned to the scene and allegedly murdered four more residents, including a 15-year-old boy, and wounded two more in the deadliest shooting since the Lex Street massacre. This botched 911 response cost the Police Department 44 hours it could have used to investigate Mr. Wamah's death, but for the shooter allegedly returned to the same spot and committed four additional murders. In the wake of this shattering mistake, Commissioner Outlaw pledged to conduct a thorough investigation and take action to ensure nothing like this ever happens again, and I look forward to hearing the results of those efforts during my hearing. I went to Joseph Wamah's funeral as well as the funerals of others of the mass shooting victims, and it Stated Meeting 30 9/21/2023 broke my heart to see families grieving the loss of a loved one endure even more pain due to the situation. I want to make it crystal clear that I am not hosting this hearing to shame 911 dispatch or the Police Department.
Rather, I strive to fulfill Council's solemn responsibility to deliver our constituents the accountability and service they deserve and to provide City agencies with the resources they need to operate with excellence. I've already spoken with Commissioner Outlaw, First Deputy Commissioner John Stanford, and Deputy Commissioner Dahl-Campbell about this matter, and I want to thank them for their grace, leadership, and eagerness to participate. I look forward to continuing our partnership, and I appreciate their attention to this matter during a time of transition within the Police Department. Stated Meeting 31 9/21/2023 I also want to thank the Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, Majority Leader Jones, for his leadership, as well as the other co-sponsors of the resolution, Councilmembers Driscoll, Squilla, Gilmore Richardson, Vaughn, and Phillips. I'm encouraged by the fact that so many of my colleagues share a sense of urgency and determination around this issue. Thank you so much.
Councilman Driscoll offers an ordinance amending Section 9-208 of The Philadelphia...
Councilman Squilla offers three bills, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by revising certain provisions Stated Meeting 32 9/21/2023 of Chapter 14-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Development Standards,' by revising bulk and massing controls within CMX-4 and CMX-5 zoning districts"; and An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by George Street, 2nd Street, Laurel Street, the Delaware Expressway, Spring Garden Street, and 3rd Street; and An ordinance approving a new plan, estimated costs and proposed method of assessment of the Old City Special Services District of Philadelphia for and concerning business improvements and administrative services to the Old City area of the City of Philadelphia.
Those bills will be referred to the appropriate committee.
Councilwoman Bass offers an ordinance to amend the Stated Meeting 33 9/21/2023 2ND READING Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Herman Street, Baynton Street, Walnut Lane, and Germantown Avenue.
There are no other bills or resolutions being offered today by the members, Mr. President.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions. We do not have any reports from committee today, so our next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. There being no bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Second Reading Calendar today. Stated Meeting 34 9/21/2023
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from Second Reading to Final Passage Calendar today: Nos. 230589, 230594, 230596, 230597, 230598, 230599, 230600, and 230603. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you very much, Councilman. Our next order of business is the consideration of our public comment session, but before we consider any bills and resolutions, we will move forward with our session. The guidelines are as follows: All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up, you may do so now at the table outside of the Chambers with the Sergeant-of-Arms. Once your name is called, you will come up to the podium in the middle of the Council Chambers. There's a Stated Meeting 35 9/21/2023 device on that podium. When the light turns green, it will be your time to speak. Today because of the low volume, we will have the maximum of three minutes allowed for you to testify. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks, and when the light turns red, we would ask that you please adhere to our guidelines and conclude your remarks. We would like to thank you, as always, for your anticipated cooperation with the guidelines and we, more importantly, want to thank you for participating in your government in action. Thank you very much. Mr. Decker, please call the first name on the list.
The first speaker is Amal Bass, commenting on 230594. (Witness approached podium.)
Hello. My name is Stated Meeting 36 9/21/2023 Amal Bass and I'm representing the Women's Law Project, where I'm an attorney and the interim Co-Executive Director. Founded in 1974 in Philadelphia, the Women's Law Project is a public interest legal organization that seeks to advance gender justice through impact litigation, public policy advocacy, community education, and individual representation and direct assistance. The Women's Law Project strongly supports Resolution 230594, which reaffirms Philadelphia's commitment to protecting and expanding access to abortion and reproductive healthcare through the establishment of a Reproductive Rights Task Force. In the wake of Dobbs versus Jackson Women's Health Organization, a decision that eviscerated our federal constitutional right to abortion by overturning precedent that had been Stated Meeting 37 9/21/2023 settled law for nearly 50 years, we saw Philadelphia fight back in several ways, including the passage last December of important protections for people receiving or providing reproductive healthcare in the City and the passage last October of a resolution creating a task force to protect and expand reproductive healthcare. It is important to put this task force into action, bringing together City officials and community stakeholders to coordinate activities and promote recommendations that protect and expand reproductive rights. These partnerships are important for ensuring that Philadelphia continues to protect the bodily autonomy of everyone who lives here, works here, and seeks healthcare here. Resolution 230594 lists many of the attacks we've endured since Dobbs, attempts by anti-abortion activists to ban medication abortions, the threat of Stated Meeting 38 9/21/2023 prosecutions by out-of-state officials related to the provision or pursuit of healthcare where it is legal, and clinic violence. And, importantly, the resolution emphasizes many of the harms people experience when they are denied the abortion care they need, such as economic hardship and maternal mortality, which disproportionately harms Black women. Abortion is healthcare. Exploiting the power of the state to deprive women and people of all genders who can get pregnant of access to that healthcare is wrong. It is sex discrimination that reinforces sex-based stereotypes about the role women should play in society. Abortion restrictions and bans embrace the traditional role of women as mothers and wives and undermines women's ability to achieve a quality and public life by punishing them for sexual and Stated Meeting 39 9/21/2023 reproductive decisions. The attacks on our reproductive autonomy are extreme and harmful, and the establishment of a Reproductive Rights Task Force is an important part of coordinating efforts to ensure that Philadelphia's response to this crisis is as effective as possible. Thank you.
Thank you very much for your testimony. We appreciate it.
The next speaker is Audrey Ann Ross, commenting on 230594. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. Audrey Ann Ross. Hi. My name is Audrey and I am the Senior Manager of Communications and Policy at Access Matters. We're a public health non-profit based in Philadelphia with a mission to protect, expand, and Stated Meeting 40 9/21/2023 enhance equitable access to sexual and reproductive healthcare and information for all people. We appreciate the opportunity to speak before Council in support of Resolution No. 230594 today, which aims to protect and expand access to abortion and reproductive healthcare through the establishment of a Reproductive Rights Task Force. We extend our gratitude to Councilmembers for reaffirming their commitment to abortion access and establishing this task force. We lead many programs focused on sexual and reproductive health, with an emphasis on health equity. We've been for over 50 years the Title X Family Planning grantee for Southeastern Pennsylvania, serving folks with family planning services, and our information hotline refers people to care in our network as well as to other partners throughout Philadelphia and the five-county region. Stated Meeting 41 9/21/2023 We also manage the Pennsylvania Perinatal Partnership, which is a statewide collaborative working to improve health outcomes for pregnant, birthing, postpartum people and their children. All of these help us recognize the deep connection between access to the full range of reproductive health services and overall health and well-being for people, families, and communities in Philadelphia and beyond. We know the effects of abortion bans and restrictions fall hardest on people who already face significant barriers to healthcare. These bans and restrictions also interfere with miscarriage management, treatment for life-saving ectopic pregnancies -- or life-threatening ectopic pregnancies, and reproductive technology such as in vitro fertilization. Systemic inequities across the healthcare system mean that people who rely on publicly funded family planning Stated Meeting 42 9/21/2023 providers will also likely disproportionately be impacted by abortion bans and restrictions to contraceptive access. We are hopeful that the task force will bring forth bold measures with funding to protect and expand access to abortion services and information. These include ensuring access and availability of mifepristone and misoprostol medications, protecting the lives and safety of healthcare providers who provide abortion services while investing in security measures and workforce retention efforts for the agencies that employ them, and exposing and de-funding anti-abortion centers that seek to deceive people about their pregnancies. The task force should also amplify City initiatives to support people during pregnancy, such as the new Philly Joy Fund, and that helps people who wish to continue their pregnancies. That way, they can do so with health Stated Meeting 43 9/21/2023 services and financial security they need to have healthy outcomes. The task force should also support efforts to prevent the criminalization and surveillance of pregnant people who may experience adverse pregnancy outcomes. We thank Council for its continued leadership on abortion access and urge all Councilmembers to vote to pass this resolution. Thank you.
The next speaker is Lynn Landes, commenting on 210913. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Lynn Landes, founder of wildfoodies.org. I'm speaking in support of 210913, which is a resolution to sue Stated Meeting 44 9/21/2023 the City Administration for failure to enforce the Healthy Outdoor Public Spaces Act, which aims to end the use of toxic pesticides on public lands. These chemicals are contaminating our land, water, and air. We've known this for decades. Yet, our local, state, and federal agencies still allow their use. When will this public health hazard end? Apparently only when someone takes our government officials to court, which can be prohibitively expensive for both public officials and private citizens alike. This is yet another case of government officials who took an oath to enforce the law but instead are violating it. Just last week, City Council passed a law that requires safe injection sites to get approval from the Zoning Board, and although I supported that move, I also wondered why that was necessary. Why didn't City Council simply pass a law in compliance with state and federal laws Stated Meeting 45 9/21/2023 that already prohibit illegal drug use, and thereby protect all of Philadelphia? Instead, it looks like they kicked the can down the road to the Zoning Board, an unelected body whose members are appointed by the Mayor, who supports safe injection sites. Meanwhile, the people who live in District 3 received no protection at all from safe injection sites. Unfortunately, there are many more examples of non-enforcement of law by government officials, but I digress. The Wild Foodies of Philly is a group I founded in 2010. We now have over 6,700 members. We conduct educational tours about wild plants and their uses for food, fiber, medicine, and more. And although we don't allow eating any wild plants on our tours, the general public should expect to be able to safely sample some wild edibles on occasion, such as mulberries and dandelions. But that is impossible with the City Administration Stated Meeting 46 9/21/2023 9/21/23 - STATED - 2ND READING that allows the use of pesticides on our public lands and willfully violate the law. We hope that you at City Council thoughtfully pass this law and hopefully one day soon it will be enforced. Thank you very much.
Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes our public comment session. We will now consider the bills and the resolutions on our Calendar for final passage today. Mr. Decker, will you please read the title of Resolution No. 230589.
A resolution calling on the Administration to work Stated Meeting 47 9/21/2023 9/21/23 - STATED - 2ND READING collaboratively with Community Legal Services, Philadelphia City Council, Defender Association of Philadelphia, and other relevant organizations to provide reentry supports to exonerated and wrongly convicted Philadelphians.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair recognizes Councilman Thomas.
Thank you, Council President. I'm sure all of us remember the heart-wrenching testimony that we heard last week. And with that being said, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? Stated Meeting 48 9/21/2023 9/21/23 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 230594.
A resolution declaring Philadelphia's commitment to protecting and expanding access to abortion and reproductive healthcare through the establishment of a Reproductive Rights Task Force in the wake of increasingly severe attacks on the fundamental right to bodily autonomy.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brooks for a motion.
Thank you, Council President. I would like to talk a little bit about this resolution. Access to safe, affordable abortions is a human right, and we must do all that we can to make sure this Stated Meeting 49 9/21/2023 9/21/23 - STATED - 2ND READING right is a reality for Philadelphians. We have accomplished a lot after Roe versus Wade was overturned. We passed the Reproductive Freedom Platform, which includes some of the nation's strongest, most innovative city-level bills to protect those who provide and seek reproductive healthcare. Mayor Kenney directed half a million dollars to the Abortion Liberation Fund in 2022 to directly support abortion care, and I fought for the extension and expansion of this funding last budget, because abortion care needs to be accessible to all Philadelphians. However, reproductive and abortion care remains under attack in Philadelphia, and there's more that we must do. About half of all abortions in our country take place using medication, but anti-abortion activists are seeking to revoke FDA's decades-old determinations that this medication is Stated Meeting 50 9/21/2023 9/21/23 - STATED - 2ND READING safe and effective. A few months ago a federal District Court judge agreed to revoke access to this medication. The decision has been stayed, but it will likely head to the Supreme Court, where there are at least two justices have indicated that they support the unprecedented removal of the FDA approval of this medication. The elimination of access to some of the drugs used for the medication abortions would have a profound impact on Philadelphians, removing one of the safest, most affordable treatments and significantly increasing the strain on already very overburdened abortion clinics. Abortion remains legal in Pennsylvania, but far-right officials around the country are threatening or even prosecuting people who seek abortion care in places where it will legal. Texas passed a vigilante bill that can be used to go after providers or patients Stated Meeting 51 9/21/2023 9/21/23 - STATED - 2ND READING who seek reproductive care out of state, and the Attorney General of Alabama said that he would prosecute those who seek or help others seek reproductive care in places where it is legal. In Philadelphia, a significant rise in violence against abortion clinics and those who provide healthcare has forced organizations to spend tens of thousands of dollars on security, precious funding that can no longer be used for healthcare. And in our city, abortion and reproductive care is often out of reach for the most vulnerable residents, as emerging abortion funds, like the Abortion Liberation Fund, are now running low on money. On top of the deep violation of the bodily autonomy, studies have shown that barriers to abortion care can have socioeconomic impacts, leading to significantly higher rates of (unintelligible), evictions, and court judgments. Stated Meeting 52 9/21/2023 9/21/23 - STATED - 2ND READING And difficulties in accessing abortion care has also exasperated our city's already significantly racial inequity. The mortality rate of Black people who are pregnant is already four times higher than the rate of those of white. And Black women make up 70 percent of pregnancy-related deaths in one recent study. Hurdles to access abortions have been proven to only increase the divide. Given these threats and problems Philadelphia is facing in accessing affordable reproductive care, we must ensure that all possible tools of the City government are used in an effective and coordinated manner to expand and protect access to abortion and reproductive care. A key part of making this a reality is establishing the Reproductive Task Force to bring together providers, patients, experts, and advocates, along with City officials and elected leaders, Stated Meeting 53 9/21/2023 9/21/23 - STATED - 2ND READING to coordinate government actions and advance those recommendations.
I'm pleased to say that the Reproductive Task Force will soon begin meeting, and we look forward to their recommendations and actions that will take place to protect and expand access to reproductive healthcare. I want to thank our partners in the Administration for moving forward with the creation of the Reproductive Task Force, and I want to thank all the advocates for their work to make the Reproductive Freedom Platform and the Task Force a reality, including Amal Bass at the Women's Law Project and Audrey Ross from Access Matters, who are here today. And I want to thank my colleagues for their support of all our bold, innovative actions to advance reproductive freedom in Philadelphia. Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. )
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 230596.
A resolution urging the President of the United States and the United States Congress to reexamine foreign policy towards Ethiopia.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Harrity for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. Stated Meeting 55 9/21/2023 9/21/23 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 230597.
A resolution initiating action to continue the Aramingo Avenue Shopping District beyond its termination date, in an area that generally includes the east and west sides of Aramingo Avenue from 3300 Aramingo Avenue to 3995 Avenue and certain blocks and streets that intersect that portion of Aramingo Avenue and for which Impact Community Development Stated Meeting 56 9/21/2023 9/21/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Corporation, a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation, serves as the Neighborhood Improvement District Management Association for the District.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 230598.
A resolution also naming South Quince Street between Locust Stated Meeting 57 9/21/2023 9/21/23 - STATED - 2ND READING and Walnut Streets in the "Gayborhood" as "Les Harrison Way" to honor the life and legacy of one of Philadelphia's first and nationally famous African American Drag Queens.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries, and the resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the Stated Meeting 58 9/21/2023 9/21/23 - STATED - 2ND READING title of Resolution No. 230599.
A resolution recognizing and honoring Philadelphia's Bishop Melvin Floyd, by renaming the 5200 block of Wayne Avenue "Bishop Melvin Floyd Way."
Thank you, Mr. President. Due to a technicality, I move that Resolution No. 230599 be withdrawn. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor of the motion indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. It's been moved and Stated Meeting 59 9/21/2023 9/21/23 - STATED - 2ND READING properly seconded that Resolution 230599 be withdrawn. Thank you very much, and approved. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 230600.
A resolution calling on SEPTA to investigate and create a public plan for addressing the SEPTA Key Card System's numerous issues, including the compromising of the Kiosks which allows for the theft of riders funds who attempt to purchase Key Cards.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'm pleased to announce that I have been in touch with SEPTA and that they have responded to our request for a plan around this issue. And so we move for the adoption -- I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.) Stated Meeting 60 9/21/2023 9/21/23 - STATED - 2ND READING
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, Resolution No. 230603.
A resolution initiating action to continue the Chestnut Hill Business Improvement District in the area that generally includes both sides of Germantown Avenue from 7640 to 8705, and on certain blocks of streets that intersect that portion of Germantown Avenue, plus on Bethlehem Pike between 10 and 105 and within the district boundaries 200 blocks of West Evergreen Avenue and West Highland Stated Meeting 61 9/21/2023 9/21/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Avenue; Benezet Street, East Springfield Avenue, 7600 block of Winston Road, unit block of East Willow Grove Avenue, unit block of Moreland Avenue, unit block of East Mermaid Lane, unit block of East Moreland Avenue, unit block of East Chestnut Hill Avenue; approving an extension to the boundaries of the District to include the 7700 block of Crittenden Street and the 400 block of East Mermaid Lane between Crittenden Street and Stenton Avenue; continuing Chestnut Hill Business Improvement District, Incorporated, a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation, as the Neighborhood Improvement District Management Association of the District.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Bass for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) Stated Meeting 62 9/21/2023 9/21/23 - STATED - 2ND READING
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and the resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, do you have any additional resolutions today?
A resolution honoring the life and legacy of Constance Clayton, the first African American and first woman superintendent of the Philadelphia School District, introduced today by Councilman Thomas.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of the members of this body, I move for the Stated Meeting 63 9/21/2023 9/21/23 - STATED - 2ND READING adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring Council Member Michalyn Easter-Thomas of Memphis, Tennessee, for her exemplary leadership on police reform in Memphis and welcoming her to the City of Philadelphia, introduced today by Councilman Thomas.
Thank you, Council President. Again, thank you, Stated Meeting 64 9/21/2023 9/21/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmember Thomas, for being here with us today. Thank you to my colleagues for welcoming her, and I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Councilman, that may be actually a first. I've been here for a long time. I've never heard a Councilman introduce a resolution for a Councilperson with the same last name. It's awesome. The motion carries, the resolution adopted. Stated Meeting 65 9/21/2023 9/21/23 - STATED - 2ND READING
And a resolution honoring and congratulating Champion of the Week, Zykee Scott, for receiving a full athletic football scholarship to Penn State University at only 14 years old, introduced today by Councilman Thomas.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Stated Meeting 66 9/21/2023 9/21/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings examining the City's strategy for increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in public contracts, introduced today by Councilman Johnson.
I'm sorry. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Close plantations, but that's a different story. Council President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. Stated Meeting 67 9/21/2023 9/21/23 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Children and Youth to hold hearings to evaluate existing support services for Early Childhood Education and Pre-K Centers and Providers and to examine the role of high-quality Early Childhood Education and Pre-K opportunities in addressing childhood poverty and promoting the future academic success of children in Philadelphia, introduced today by Stated Meeting 68 9/21/2023 9/21/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Neighborhood Services to hold hearings regarding the business practices of property management companies in the City of Philadelphia, Stated Meeting 69 9/21/2023 9/21/23 - STATED - 2ND READING introduced today by Councilman Harrity.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Safety to hold a hearing to explore solutions to ongoing challenges facing the 911 Unified Call Center and the Philadelphia Police Department's investigation into the police response to Stated Meeting 70 9/21/2023 9/21/23 - STATED - 2ND READING a 911 call about the first victim in the July 2023 mass shooting in Kingsessing, introduced today by Councilwoman Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
There are no other resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar, Mr. President. Stated Meeting 71 9/21/2023
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes our Calendar for today. Thank you very much. Are there any speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
There being none. On behalf of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On September 30th we will have a history-making summit. It will be to create a blueprint to deal with gun violence and crime in the City of Philadelphia. This summit stands on the shoulders of those who have been in this Chamber fighting about this issue, whether we talk about the Committee on Gun Violence, whether we talk about Stated Meeting 72 9/21/2023 fighting and protesting to get this issue raised to the level of attention that it should be, whether it was Cindy Bass who talked about what do you do when the shooter lives with you. All of these questions will be dealt with by experts September 30th, to include ideas outside of those experts, quote, such as the School District, such as DHS, such as the Managing Director's Office, such as JEVS, such as private schools and institutions to combat the school-to-prison pipeline, such as members from the Chamber of Commerce who understand this is an issue that affects them, to credible messengers, boots on the ground. All of those experts will be aided by the input of the public. What we will do is have a QR code submitted. You can go on my social media, Mr4thdistrict, or Curtis Jones Jr. on Facebook and be able to scan in and put your idea in the box. That will then Stated Meeting 73 9/21/2023 projected live time in those break-out sessions that we will have, so that the moderator of the workshop dealing with school to prison or recreation as an option, after-school care as an option can be able to say, that is a great idea we will discuss today. Eventually, with the help of St. Joe's University, we will produce a blueprint, a white paper that will be handed to the next Mayor of the City of Philadelphia. That Mayor has -- well, at least one of them. I won't say which one -- has agreed to put it in the hands of the Public Safety Director that this body approved. They will put it in the hands of the next Police Commissioner so that they will never ever be able to say they didn't know. They will never ever be able to say they didn't know what this body thought or what the public thought. And I think this is a groundbreaking blueprint that will have utility. Stated Meeting 74 9/21/2023 Again, a lot of us did a lot of work beforehand. We stand on the shoulders of that. We did the Hundred Shooter Review, which talked about why, why did the shooter get to the scene, why did the gun get to the scene, why didn't we stop them in advance. But this part is what, what we will do now that we know that, what will the next Administration do, what will the kind of collaborations that we've been able to pull together, be able to concrete say we won't just point at the problem, we will now point to the solutions. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Phillips.
Thank you, Council President. I want to invite all of Council and all of City of Philadelphia, especially all 15 members of Council, to Stated Meeting 75 9/21/2023 rest of the Ninth District for a street renaming ceremony to pay tribute to our former Councilmember, former State Representative and Secretary, John White, Jr. He is excited about this street renaming and so is his family, and I just want to let everyone come on out to the Northwest Philadelphia area of Mount Airy, 19150 section, just to tell John we love him and we thank him. And I'm a firm believer of giving people flowers while they're alive, and John is a guy who deserves that. So I just want to tell Philadelphia on Saturday, October 7th, 11:30 a.m., the 1400 block of East Vernon Road, come on out for the street renaming ceremony for John White, Jr. Again, October 7th, 11:30 in the morning, 1400 block of Vernon Road for John White, hosted by Patty Jackson. So I also want to note that today, this morning when Councilman Stated Meeting 76 9/21/2023 Johnson informed me that David Krain passed away, I was shocked. I had actually no plans to speak today, but I have to say just a little bit about David. You know, one thing -- when you enter the world of politics, you have to be very thoughtful who you connect with. And I just met David several months ago, and he felt like one of the most genuine people that I know in this world, and I could tell you that he cared about DC47, he cared about the citizens of Philadelphia, and he cared about getting to know me as a person, and we were just scratching the table with getting to know each other. And one thing I know about David is that he was a person who could -- he really advocated for people he thought were individuals that were decent people to serve Philadelphia. And I really wanted to thank him publicly for helping me build connections with DC47, Stated Meeting 77 9/21/2023 of the first people to reach out to me from DC47. So I'm very sad that David is gone. It really shocked me today, and it's going to be on my mind throughout the day. I also want to just also mention, since I mentioned David, JoAnne Epps. I've known Joan Epps for a little while now because she's a member of Salem Baptist Church, always forever a member. She's, you know, gone on to glory, but one of the things I want to say is that when I was in youth education, when I was in youth development and education, she was a person that really helped me think of some ideas on how we can get students credit from Temple. And she's just been a great force in our city, and I just wanted to say my condolences to her family and just everyone who knew her, including one of my good friends, Kevin Harden, who has truly been impacted by the situation. So condolences to JoAnne Stated Meeting 78 9/21/2023 And, lastly, Constance Clayton. Wow, what a force on the superintendent side of things in the educational world. Constance Clayton, thank you for all that you did and continue to, you know, inspire others even in your post-life, like myself. So I just wanted to pay tribute to those three people.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Vaughn.
Good morning, everyone, and thank you, Council President. I want to mention five years ago we hung a plaque in front of Room 495 in memory of Linda Rios, one of our colleagues and staff members that we all loved dearly, and just bring to mind this beautiful woman that worked here for many years that I called my daughter. Stated Meeting 79 9/21/2023 how passionate I am about domestic violence, and that's how she lost her life, but I also want people to take a minute and look at that placard that we placed in the hall out of love, out of respect, and out of the service that she gave this legislative body in her tenure here in City Hall. And please just remember her beautiful spirit. She was a woman that you could go to with anything and she would either help you solve the problem or just take care of it herself, you know. So I want to mention Linda Rios today. The other thing I would like to invite you all to is our Halloween party. Some of my new colleagues have not experienced my Halloween party here in City Hall, but we invite some area shelter children to come and trick or treat, because they don't have the opportunity to go to neighbors' doors and knock and ask for treats on Halloween or Stated Meeting 80 9/21/2023 So please join us on Halloween day, which is Tuesday, October 31st from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. It will be hosted by me, and I will have a lot of good yummy treats in my office for you all to enjoy and to consume. So please come and join us. And, of course, don't question about a donation. Yes, we need candy. Yes, we need you to participate. Yes, we want you to decorate your office and be here with us and give these kids candy and stuff like that, but then when that's all said and done, come have a little libation with me. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Thank you so much. The Chair recognizes Councilman Driscoll.
Thank you, Mr. President. I too want to pass along my Stated Meeting 81 9/21/2023 family. I was saddened to learn of his death at 5 o'clock this morning. David passed in his sleep, and what a shame. He just got married. He was going through the adoption process. Life was ahead of him. Great things were coming. And if you look up public servant, you know, in an encyclopedia, David's face would pop up, because that's who he was. He dedicated his whole life to helping others, and we are truly saddened by his passing. On another note, Mr. Chair, on June 22nd, this body unanimously passed Resolution 230534. As Chair of the Committee on License and Inspection, we assembled a joint Task Force on Regulatory Reform. This week after a summer of work with the Mayor and you, Mr. President, we've assembled a diverse team of both public, private, and labor leaders. Under the leadership of Chair Stated Meeting 82 9/21/2023 Labor, Basil Merenda, we will pursue recommendations for our next Council President and our next Mayor. This team will reexamine the role and the mission of the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections and its enforcement of the Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code and departmental regulations of businesses, trades and professions. We are well underway in determining recommended revisions to the code and changes to facilitate more effective enforcement of the code and to clarify the missions of various departments and agencies impacting businesses and workers. And, Leader Jones, you've enabled me to pass this, and you've been with me every step of the way. And also, Councilmember Johnson, this is a topic that's very important to you. I know that you'll be introducing legislation on misclassification, and I want to work Stated Meeting 83 9/21/2023 that. This department has many fine men and women that work there. Unfortunately they're understaffed, and I know Council President and this body has helped with more funding for this department, and I know they appreciate that. We have much work to do. So we shall set a direction for future Administrations and City Council to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all workers, residents, and businesses in this city. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Harrity.
Thank you, Council President. I rise just to echo the sentiments of so many of my colleagues. David Krain was a friend of mine for over 20 years. I first met him when he was Stated Meeting 84 9/21/2023 Committee. Then he became a member of District Council 47, a social worker, doing, quite frankly, God's work. And he moved up through the union. And David lived and breathed that union. He loved fighting for the members of that union. He was -- he just became a lawyer. It's just so sad. He had his whole life ahead of him at 43. And my thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and his daughter, who he considered his daughter. And, you know, David and me were brothers on so many levels. We were both masons, and anybody that knows anything about the masons, we kind of live by a code of respect and humility. And I'm just in shock. I can't believe it. I was just with him the other day. The last dealing I had with him in Council, he was bringing me a resolution to honor one of his co-workers. That's the kind of guy he was. Stated Meeting 85 9/21/2023 saddened, and I know a lot of you are too. It's just so sad. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. I also extend my sincerest condolences to all of the families for all of the losses of some really great people in our city. And I'd also like to invite all of my colleagues to join me tomorrow for a Puerto Rican flag-raising ceremony that we'll be hosting on the north apron. Hispanic Heritage Month started September 15th, ends October 15th, and we're going to be honoring an individual, Lucas Stivera (ph), who is an artist and who has played a role in our city promoting the Puerto Rican culture and Stated Meeting 86 9/21/2023 Ricans in Philadelphia and throughout the Delaware Valley. And I'd also like to invite everyone to join me on Sunday for the Puerto Rican Day Parade. Lineup is at 17th and the Parkway at 11:30 a.m.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just wanted to let everyone know there was a controlled burn event at 1 o'clock today over at MSB. Because of construction, it has been rescheduled to next Friday, the 29th, University of Pennsylvania at 39th Street Walk at Locust Street. Over in the Third Councilmanic District, they'll be having one if anybody wants to see that event there for a controlled burn event. Thank you. Stated Meeting 87 9/21/2023
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. Just a few brief remarks. Yesterday -- I know all politics are local, but yesterday there was an announcement on the federal level by President Joe Biden to create the Office of Gun Violence Prevention. And that warmed my heart, because when you do this work day in and day out, you're talking to mothers and fathers who have lost their loved ones to gun violence, every now and then we get a little wince. And this body from opening the Office of Violence Prevention, which we've never had before, allowed us to begin focusing on the issue of gun violence in a general sense, but also on the federal level, this would allow us to really look at coordinating efforts from state to state, Stated Meeting 88 9/21/2023 city, block by block, house by house around what I believe is always the number one issue not only in the City of Philadelphia but across the nation. And so for the federal level, particularly by our President, to say we're going to specifically address the issue of gun violence and not just mass shootings but also urban gun violence, which has always been a prevalent issue, particularly in Black and brown neighborhoods, shows me that we're making some progress. Throughout this summer, I wasn't down at the shore. I kind of spent a lot of time in the communities and convening individuals who have been significantly impacted by gun violence, from working with our school superintendent, Dr. Wallington, and community advocates who want to be inside the schools working to address the issue of gun violence, to working and convening individuals from the healthcare industry, Stated Meeting 89 9/21/2023 hospitals, around how do we address this from a public health standpoint, but also convening and working with elected officials on the state level, which I believe hopefully they will follow the work of our President Joe Biden in creating a state Office of Gun Violence Prevention, because this issue particularly has an impact on all individuals but, most importantly, we have seen consistently day in and day out that it's a matter of social justice, because you see Black and brown communities are being devastated by gun violence based upon the lack of investment in these communities. And so, one, I commend my colleague Councilman Curtis Jones for hosting the Crime Summit on September the 30th and encourage as many people as possible to come out to get involved, but also this announcement from our federal government, particularly our President, to create this particular type of office Stated Meeting 90 9/21/2023 making progress, Council President, around this particular issue, and it hasn't always been this way. When I arrived in Council in 2011, the issue of gun violence particularly wasn't a high priority. That's why we introduced legislation with your support to create the Special Committee on Gun Violence, so we can singly like focus on this issue day in and day out. And so that was something that was on my heart that I wanted to acknowledge and make comments on based upon when you do this work, it sometimes takes a toll, because when we take two steps, three steps forward, we're all calling one another in the evening or exchanging text messages when we see a homicide taking place. I mean, one of my staff members had to leave a tour that we were having in PhilaPort yesterday because she Stated Meeting 91 9/21/2023 she grew up with not only get shot and murdered in broad daylight but also ran over, right? And so that's the trauma that our neighborhoods are feeling, are dealing with day in and day out. So when I saw this announcement, I said, well, at least we're making some progress at the highest level that our President thought it not robbery to say, you know what, I'm going to focus on this issue.
I know he's battling folks like the NRA, who don't even want us to talk about guns in any capacity. When Councilman Jones and yourself and I went to Oaks to see how easy it is to buy guns, we talked to agents from Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. They're talking about one of the key impediments and obstacles when it comes to advocating for effective policy around guns is the NRA. But as we go in 2024, this will Stated Meeting 92 9/21/2023 track records that I'll talk about, that our President stepped out and said, you know what, I'm going to focus on gun violence, this is going to be my priority, and that shouldn't go unnoticed. And so with that, Council President, I just want to say thank you for comments. , we will be hosting our Annual Gun Buyback. To some, they'll say, well, gun buybacks, they aren't effective and why are you doing those, right? And I'm speaking from lived experience, right? People sell guns on the street to get something to eat, right? People sell guns on the street to get high, right, talking about lived experience living in the neighborhood and kind of watching, at least how I grew up. I'd rather for you to bring Stated Meeting 93 9/21/2023 that $100 or $200 or $300 gift card, right, than to sell that gun to a young man on the corner so you can fix your habit or get something to eat. So when anyone says it's not effective, I know for a fact it's effective. And at the end of the day also, I encourage anyone to participate in one and come and see the type of guns that are actually being turned in. These aren't guns that are broken or guns that can't be used in a shooting in a homicide. They're actually some good artillery that individuals turn in that, God forbid, in the hand of a young person, right, or any person, they will go out and actually take the life or shoot or harm another individual. m. Thank you very much, Council President.
Stated Meeting 94 9/21/2023 you, Councilman. And thank members that over the last year or so have been participating in a gun buyback. Working with Bilal Qayyum, the Father's Day Rally, and the Philadelphia Police, we actually got more than a thousand guns have been turned in. So thank you all for your participation in a very significant -- and as you said, Councilman, some of those guns are not your grandmama's guns. They got some serious guns that they've been turning in. So thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Well, thank you, Mr. President. I just wanted to really echo some of the sentiments of my colleagues around some of the recent losses that we've had, and as I was sitting here thinking, I just thought that one of the things about being a public servant, whether you're running the School Stated Meeting 95 9/21/2023 you're running Temple University, our public university here in the City, or you're working at DHS as a social worker, one of the things about public service that I think a lot of people who haven't been there don't necessarily get is that we make these jobs look easy, but they're anything but. And so when we see the loss of someone so young like David Krain or JoAnne Epps or even Dr. Constance Clayton, it's just really important that we recognize that these were public servants who really we're talking about them because they gave all. They gave all to the City of Philadelphia. They gave all to Temple University. They gave all to the students of the School District of Philadelphia. And though they may be gone, they certainly won't be forgotten. I can tell you that I've known David -- I can't even remember when I met Stated Meeting 96 9/21/2023 Krain, but I can tell you it's been at least a decade or two, but, you know, he was always out there advocating, advocating, advocating for someone else other than himself. I know that he recently had lost his father as well, but he was a trooper. He never missed a beat. He was always out here in the community and for us. And it just reminds us too, you know, like when you care about somebody, when you think highly of them, let them know, love up on them, because you just never know. So I just wanted to say that. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman. That concludes our speeches on behalf of the minority and the majority today. With that, the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a motion to adjourn. Stated Meeting 97 9/21/2023
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, September 28, 2023, 10:00 a.m. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Thank you all very much. The motion carries. Thank you all very much. ) Stated Meeting 98 9/21/2023 CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. MICHELE L. org 38:17 touch 59:20 26:17 viewing 16:12 wants 86:23 43:24 wrongly 47:7 toughest 16:22 understand vigilante 50:24 warmed 87:14 willfully 46:3 tour 90:24 11:3 16:14 violate 46:3 watched 91:2 Williams 2:8, <Y> tours 19:22 19:20 20:19 violating 44:18 watching 92:24 15 Yeah 9:17 45:17, 21 72:16 violation 51:19 water 21:2, 4, Willow 61:4 24:3, 15 toxic 44:4 understanding violence 26:23 6, 7, 9, 10, 12 wince 87:18 year 14:24 track 92:2 21:23 28:14 38:5 44:7 Winston 61:3 27:11 94:3 trades 82:11 underway 51:8 71:19, 25 way 3:4, 21 wisdom 3:3 years 10:4, 24 traditional 82:12 79:3 87:13, 17, 20:25 23:7 wish 42:24 12:22 16:13 38:22 unelected 45:6 20, 22 88:9, 10, 42:25 57:3 withdraw 6:20 37:2 40:18 transcript unfortunate 19, 24 89:8, 16 58:7 82:21 withdrawn 65:11 78:19, 98:8, 21 14:15 17:12 90:7, 11 92:5 90:5 58:13 59:3 25 83:25 transition Unfortunately visitors 2:12, Wayne 58:6 Witness 35:22 yellow 35:7 30:24 45:12 83:5 14 ways 37:3 39:16 43:19 Yesterday transmitting Unified 25:17 vitro 41:21 weather 21:8 witnessed 17:9 87:9, 10 90:25 8:9, 17 69:23 volume 26:25 Week 12:20 wives 38:23 York 18:22 trash 20:6 unintelligible 35:4 16:3, 20 17:25 woke 27:21 young 91:2 trauma 91:5 51:24 volunteering 27:5 44:19 woman 12:8 93:4, 16 95:12 treat 79:23 union 21:21 84:2 47:16 65:9 62:18 78:24 youngest 14:8 treatment 84:6, 7, 8 vote 43:11 81:20 79:12 youth 21:17 41:18 unit 61:3, 4, 5, voted 6:19 weeks 27:20 women 38:12, 22:17 67:17 treatments 6, 7 vulnerable week's 19:15, 15, 19, 22 52:8 77:15, 16 50:15 United 54:16, 51:15 24 23:9, 17 83:4 yummy 80:6 treats 79:25 17 Welcome Women's 36:3, 80:7 University <W> 15:20 17:23 7, 14, 22 38:23 <Z> tribute 75:4 10:22 12:22 Wade 49:4 24:6 53:17 zeroed 26:15 78:10 65:11 73:11 wait 27:16 welcoming wondered Zoning 31:24 trick 79:22 86:19 95:3, 4, waited 27:13 12:16 63:19 44:23 32:5, 8, 9 33:2, trooper 96:9 19 waiting 27:23 64:4 work 10:23 3 44:21 45:5 troubled 21:17 unnoticed 92:7 wake 29:16 well 29:24 13:16 20:12 Zykee 12:20 truck 18:25 unprecedented 36:21 48:14 31:5 40:23 26:22 46:25 16:3, 4, 13 trucks 20:6 50:9 Walk 86:20 73:14 82:12 53:14 74:3 17:2, 5, 23 true 98:7 urban 88:10 wall 27:22 91:9 92:15 81:21 82:25 65:9 truly 77:24 urge 43:11 Wallington 94:17 96:8 83:4, 9 84:5 81:13 urgency 31:11 88:21 well-being 87:15 89:7 try 14:24 urging 54:16 Walnut 33:5 41:11 83:13 90:17 Tuesday 80:4 use 44:4, 10 57:2 went 21:3 worked 14:23 turn 93:15 45:2 46:2 Wamah 29:2 29:23 91:18 26:20 78:24 turned 93:11 uses 45:18 Wamah's 29:5, We're 2:4 worker 9:22 94:8 utility 73:25 12, 23 13:8, 17 20:8 10:2 84:4 turning 94:13 want 10:6 24:15 39:23 95:5 turns 35:3, 7, 9 <V> 13:19, 24 85:22 88:8, 13 workers 20:23 TV 16:12 Valley 86:4 15:15, 25 90:2, 19 91:10 82:18 83:13 two 18:15 various 19:22 17:22 20:7 95:16 workforce 29:8 50:8 82:16 30:5, 19 31:2 west 18:21 42:15 65:3 90:18 VAUGHN 1:1 35:15 53:10, 19:3 55:20 working 20:14 96:3 31:8 78:15, 16 13, 19 74:23 60:24, 25 41:4 88:20, 23, type 89:25 Vernon 75:18, 75:9, 16, 24 we've 28:15 24 89:4 94:4 93:10 22 77:8, 14 78:19 37:23 40:17 95:5 versus 36:21 79:4, 15 80:11, 44:8 74:12 works 19:21 <U> 49:4 25 82:25 81:22 87:20 37:20 unanimously veteran 26:9 88:22 91:15 94:22 workshop 73:5 81:16 vetoed 6:16 92:9 white 52:8 world 76:8, 12 undermines vicinity 18:20 wanted 9:19 73:12 75:6, 20, 78:5 38:23 24:25 25:5, 9 76:24 77:21 22 wounded 29:8 understaffed victim 25:20 78:10 86:15 wife 84:12 Wow 78:4 83:5 70:2 90:15 94:19 Wild 45:15, 18, Wrong 24:7 20, 23