COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING City Hall, Room 400 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, March 13, 2025 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN CURTIS J. JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN RUE LANDAU COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY M. LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN NICOLAS O'ROURKE COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR. ELIZABETH McCOLLUM NAZARIO, INTERIM CHIEF CLERK
Everyone, good morning. Everyone, good morning. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this council is present. I will ask for all members to please take their seats and I will ask for all sidebar conversations please take them out inside the chambers. And I will ask that all those who are present to please put your cell phones to silent and/or vibrate. Thank you. As we prepare to celebrate St Patrick's Day to give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Father Patrick Welsh, Pastor of the St. Matthew Parish. He is here today as the guest of Councilmember Driscoll. I will ask all members and guests to please rise.
Brothers and sisters let us listen to the word of God spoken to us through the Prophet Isaiah. Cry out full-throated and unsparingly lift up your voice like a trumpet blast. Is this the manner of fasting I wish or keeping a day of penance to bow one's head like a reed and lie in sackcloth and ashes is this what a call. Is this what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord. Is this not rather the fast that I choose? Releasing those bound unjustly untying the thongs of the yolk setting free the oppressed breaking off every yolk. Is it not sharing your bread with the hungry, bringing the afflicted and the homeless into your house, clothing the naked when you see them and not turning your back on your own. Then your light shall break forth like the dawn and your wound shall quickly be healed. Your vindication shall go before you and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call and the Lord will answer, you will cry for help and he will say, here am I. If you remove the yolk from among you, the accusing finger and malicious speech, if you lavish your food on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted, then light shall rise for you in the darkness and the gloom shall become for you like midday. Then the Lord will guide you always and satisfy your thirst in parched places, will give strength to your bones and you shall be like a watered garden, like a flowing spring whose waters never fail. Having listened to God's word we pray: In you Lord Our God all things have their beginning continuation and end. Grace us with your saving presence, aid us with your constant help and let us glorify you now and forever. Amen.
Amen. The Chair thanks the pastor for his invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 6th 2025. The Chair recognizes Deputy Whip Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the journal of the meeting of Thursday March 6th, 2025 be approved.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, March 6th of 2025, stand approved. All those in favor the motion was signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the journal is approved. The next order of business is request for leave of absence. And the Chair recognizes Majority Leader Councilmember Katherine Gilmore-Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.
The Chair thanks the councilmember. The Chair recognizes minority leader Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Good morning, Council President. On behalf of the minority, there are no requests for leave of absence.
The Chair thanks the Councilmember. The Chair now recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore-Richardson for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's session of council and that were not listed on the calendar circulated prior to today's session.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters if considered today may be added to the agenda for this session of council and as required by law subsequently published on an amended agenda after the consideration of those matters. Resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments to bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or recalled from the Mayor, amendments to bills recall from the Mayor, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in 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. The purpose of this motion is to provide the public with notice concerning possible actions by Council that arose too late to be included on the calendar that was published prior to today's session.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matter stated by Councilmember Majority Leader Gilmore-Richardson be added to the agenda for today to those matters arise during the course of this session of council. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motions carry. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our council session. We appreciate your time -- we appreciate you taking time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our great city. We certainly invite you to come again. Before I acknowledge some of the dignitaries who are here with us today, we have a special group of young men from Atlanta visiting City Council today I just want to publicly acknowledge. These are the mighty young men of Morehouse University. (Applause.)
Often times when you turn on the television you see images of young black men engaging in things that are not productive to our society, but these are young men who are in the right place at the right time doing the right things for the right reasons, which I consider black excellence. The Chair recognizes the host of the young men from Morehouse University. Councilmember Anthony -- Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips.
Thank you. Thank you. Good morning, everyone. I want to say thank you, Council President. Thank you all for your words of encouragement as I just defended my dissertation and so I want to say thank you all so much. I -- I want to begin by saying that and this is going to be really brief because in 2008-2009, I was a visiting student at Morehouse College coming from Bates College in Maine. And it was at Morehouse I learned about excellence, whereas all the -- all the brothers there were striving to become lawyers, they striving to become doctors and business people. And that inspired me to say what can I do for myself to be excellent and so I decided to go on the Ph.D journey. All these brothers are coming from Kentucky, Maryland, South -- the southern areas, California, and they're on this thing called "Get On The Bus tour." And they're coming to talk to hundreds of men here in Philadelphia about leadership, excellence and they're there to mentor them. This is what leadership is about, this is how we help our city of Philadelphia. And I want to shout out a student of mine that I've known for many years since Youth Action. He was one of my mentees. Jordan Phillips. Jordan Phillips. He's the one who organized this program today. And I want to say thank you so much and we're looking forward to this. And also one of the our outstanding alumnus is here today Senator Sharif Street from Morehouse College. But so this is the "Get On The Bus" tour, what I would like for them to do is brothers lock arms, left to right, and do what y'all do. Let's go. (Morehouse song sung by guests.)
As we dispense with the regular order of business -- as we continue the regular order of business, I want to acknowledge some elected officials who are here. Now, if you know me I'm a stickler for time and I start on time, so those who will come later on in the day will just have to wait to be acknowledged. Well, first and foremost, I want to acknowledge my big brother, also my friend State Senator Anthony Hardy Williams. We'll give him a round of applause. I want to acknowledge State Representative Andre Carol. Give him a round of applause. The Chair of the Philadelphia delegation who knows this body well, State Representative and Chairwoman Morgan Cephas. The register of wills, Mr. John Sabatina, Senior. A young lady who needs no introduction, The Honorable Jannie L. Blackwell. Commissioner, Omar Sabair. Controller, Chrisy Brady. Sheriff Rochelle Bilal and State Senator Sharif Street. As there are no presentations today the next order of business is communications. The Chair requested the Sergeant at Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the chief clerk. The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Neill.
I know he was on time because I was on time and he was here. State Representative -- new State Representative Sean Dougherty. Thank you.
He was on time because I did greet him early on. Even though he's supposed to be over there, but I'll talk about that later on, but it's okay. Good to see you, Sean. He's a special guest of Councilmember Brian O'Neill and I like that bipartisanship, so I like that. Oh, Rue Landau. Oh, okay. All right. Okay. The progressives working with the northeast, I like that. That's what's up. That's what's up. Will the chief clerk read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications in her possession? Chief clerk?
To the President and members of the Council of the city of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on March 7th, 2025, I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on March 6th, 2025: Bill Nos. 250071, 250072 and 250073. " And an ordinance to amend chapter 19-45 4400 the Philadelphia code entitled, "Development Impact Tax" to end imposition of the tax, under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-2600 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Business income and receipts taxes," to revise tax rates and end certain exclusions from the tax on receipts, all under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance amending section 19-1806 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Authorization of realty use and occupancy tax," to eliminate certain exemptions, all under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance amending chapter 19-1500 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Wage and net profits tax by revising certain tax rates, under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance amending chapter 19-1800 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "School tax authorization," to provide for an increase in the tax that the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia is authorized to impose on real estate. And amending chapter 19-1300 entitled, "Real estate taxes," to establish an equivalent reduction in the tax rate for the city real estate tax, all under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance amending chapter 19-1400 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Realty transfer tax" by revising the rate of the tax, all under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance amending section 10-1001 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Fees of the commissioner of Records," to increase the portion of fees for the recording of deeds and mortgages and related documents to be used for housing trust fund purposes, all under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance amending chapter 12-1000 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Traffic code," to revise the fee for the use of parking meters, all under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance to amend Bill No. 24182 approved June 14th, 2024 entitled, "An ordinance to adopt a capital program," for the six fiscal years 2025 through 2030 inclusive, by revising various appropriation amounts and totals to conform to amendments to the FY 2025 capital budget ordinance, all under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance to amend Bill No. 240181, approved June 14th, 2024 entitled, "An ordinance to adopt a fiscal 2025 capital budget," by revising various appropriation amounts and totals, all under certain terms and conditions. And an ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for fiscal year 2025 from the General Fund, certain or all city offices, departments, boards and commissions; the Water Fund, certain or all city offices, departments, boards and commissions; and the Grants Revenue Fund, certain or all city offices, departments, boards and commissions to the General Fund, certain or all city departments, boards and commissions; the Aviation Fund, certain or all city offices, departments, boards and commissions. And the Transportation fund, certain or all city departments, boards and commissions. And an ordinance to adopt a fiscal 2026 capital budget. And an ordinance to adopt a capital program for the six fiscal years 2026 through 2031 inclusive. And an ordinance adopting the operating budget for fiscal year 2026. Council President, there are no further communications in my possession.
Thank you very much. The messages will be printed in the journal. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips.
Thank you, Council President. I have no bills of resolutions for introduction today and good morning, everyone. God bless.
Good morning. The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore-Richardson.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues, and good morning all. Today I offer five bills on your behalf and one privileged resolution.
Thank you very much. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the bills and resolution?
A privileged resolution authorizing the committee on Children and Youth to hold hearings on the implementation of Bill No. 220654-A and the success of Community Evening Resource Centers.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And an ordinance amending chapter 19-1500 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Wage and nets profit tax," by revising certain taxes under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance providing for the approval by the -- I'm sorry. And a resolution, a non-privileged resolution providing for the approval by the council of the city of Philadelphia of a revised fiveyear financial plan for the city of Philadelphia covering fiscal years 2026 through 2030, and incorporating revisions with respect to fiscal year 2025, which is to be submitted by the Mayor to the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority pursuant to an intergovernmental cooperation agreement by and between the city and the authority.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of council.
And an ordinance adopting the operating budget for fiscal year 2026.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to adopt a capital program for the six fiscal years 2026 through 2031 inclusive.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Good morning, Council President. Today I have one privileged resolution.
Thank you very much. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the privileged resolution?
A privileged resolution honoring Officer Jessie Woodhouse for his outstanding service to the 16th Police District in West Philadelphia on the occasion of his retirement.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Majority Whip Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the listening public. Today I have four bills on your behalf Council President and one privileged resolution on my own behalf. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you very much. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the bills and resolution?
A privileged resolution honoring the members of the Commonwealth Association of School Administrators as they have made significant contributions to their community advocating for the rights and interests of staff and students in the school district.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And an ordinance amending chapter 19-2600 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Business income and receipts taxes, to revise tax rates and end certain exclusions from the tax own receipts, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending chapter 12-1000 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Traffic code," to revise the fee for the use of parking meters, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending chapter 19-1800 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "School tax authorization," to provide for an increase in the tax that the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia is authorized to impose on real estate, and amending chapter 19-1300 entitled, "Real estate taxes, to establish an equivalent reduction in the tax rate for the city real estate tax, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to your appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending section 19-1806 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Authorization of realty use and occupancy tax," to eliminate certain exemptions, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from the 4th Councilmatic District, Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr.
Thank you. Mr. President, today I offer two privileged resolutions. One co-sponsored by yourself, both co-sponsored by yourself, Member Thomas and Member Young.
Thank you very much. Would the chief clerk please read the title of the privileged resolutions?
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the career of Tumar Alexander, a dedicated public servant, on the occasion of his retirement from city government.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Trey Howard for his heroic response to the plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau. The Chair recognized Councilmember Curtis Jones.
Did I fail to mention Member Driscoll because he co-sponsored the second? All right. Thank you. Please correct the record.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues and guests. Today I have one non-privileged and one privileged resolution that is especially co-sponsored by you.
Thank you very much. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the privileged and non-privileged resolution?
A privileged resolution commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights marches across the Edmund Pettis Bridge in Selma, Alabama to Montgomery on March 7th, 1965, also known as Bloody Sunday.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution condemning the Trump Administration for its reprehensible actions to drastically defund the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD, which will have a devastating effect on the enforcement of fair housing laws, damage community and escalate the affordable housing crisis.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey J. Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. Good morning. I'll offer one bill for introduction today.
Thank you very much. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the bill?
An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Ogden Street between North 13th Street and Camac Street, Wood Street between North 18th Street and North 19th Street. North 21st Street between Hamilton Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Franklin Town Boulevard between Callowhill Street and Wood Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Minority Leader Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution to introduce today.
Thank you very much. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the privileged resolution?
A privileged resolution recognizing March 20th, 2025 as Children First Day, in the city of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes the leader of the Kensington Caucus Councilman Quetcy Lozada.
Buen vienedos, everyone. Good morning. Council President, I don't have any resolutions.
Thank you. Thank you, Leader Lozada. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.
Thank you, Council President. I have nada today, my brother.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Minority Whip Councilman Nicholas, Nick, O'Rourke.
Good morning, Mr. President. I have nothing to introduce today.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll.
Good morning, Mr. President and Happy Irish Heritage Month here in Philadelphia. I have no bills or resolutions to be introduced today.
Thank you very much. And thank you for my gift. I will make sure they're put to good use later on today. Irish potatoes cookies, so y'all know.
Look forward every year. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from South Philadelphia Chairman of Appropriations Councilmember Mark Squilla.
I don't know if we wanted to skip Councilmember O'Neill.
Yes, thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. I offer three bills on your behalf and three additional bills for me. Thank you.
Thank you very much. Will the chief clerk please read a title of the bills?
An ordinance to amend Bill No. 240182, approved June 14th, 2024, entitled, "An ordinance to adopt a capital program," for the six fiscal years 2025 through 2030 inclusive, by revising various appropriation amounts and totals to conform to amendments to the FY 2025 capital budget ordinance, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance to amend Bill No. 240181 approved June 14th, 2024, entitled, "An ordinance to adopt a fiscal 2025 capital budget," by revising various appropriation amounts and totals, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriations for fiscal year 2025 from the General Fund, certain or all city offices, departments, boards and commissions; the Water Fund, certain or all city offices, departments, boards and commissions; and the Grants Revenue Fund, certain or all city departments, boards and commissions to the General Fund, certain or all city offices, departments, boards and commissions; the Aviation Fund, certain or all city offices, departments, boards and commissions. And the Transportation Fund, certain or all city offices, departments, boards and commissions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
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 Federal Street, 13th Street, Wharton Street and Broad Street.
And an ordinance amending section 12-1117 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Physically handicapped and disabled or severely disabled veteran parking," as it will take effect pursuance of Bill No. 240613AA approved December 18th, 2024, by revising the definition of disability parking space and further amending the Philadelphia code by updating cross references to section 12-1117 that now appear in title 19 entitled, "Regulation of businesses trades and professions and title 12 traffic code," all under certain terms and conditions. COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: This bill be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending title 12 of the Philadelphia code and title traffic code to clarify penalties and procedures associated with Smart Loading Zone parking enforcement, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be refer to the appropriate committee. The Chair now recognize the gentleman from the 10th Councilmatic District from the Northeast Philadelphia, my good friend Councilmember Brian O'Neill.
And since we're a tri-partisan council and I have my -- and since I have my bright green tie on, I thought I'd be hard to skip today. But Council President, good morning. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you very much. Tri-partisan. That's a good one. The Chair recognizes Deputy Whip Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf I offer three bills today.
Thank you very much. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the bills?
An ordinance amending section 10-1001 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Fees of Commissioner of Records," to increase the portion of fees for the recording of deeds and mortgages and related documents to be used for housing Trust Fund purposes, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending chapter 19-1400 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Realty transfer tax," by revising the rate of the tax, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
To amend chapter 19-4400 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Development impact tax", to end imposition of the tax, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. To Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. Good morning to all colleagues and guests. Today I have one bill.
Thank you very much. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the bill?
And ordinance amending section 9-633 of the Philadelphia code entitled, "Sale of electronic smoking devices and unapproved nicotine delivery products," to update definitions and to provide for additional penalties, enforcement and compliance options, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The next order of business is reports from committee. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from the 5th Councilmatic District, Councilmember Jeffrey J. Young for a report from the committee on Streets and Services.
Good morning, Mr. President. Again, the committee on Streets and Services reports out three bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you very much. Would the chief clerk please read the report?
The committee on Streets and Services to which were referred the following bills: Bill No. 250100, an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 177 Markle Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127, under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to council with a favorable recommendation. And Bill No. 250066, an ordinance amending chapter 11-20 of the Philadelphia code entitled "openings and excavations in the streets" to impose additional penalties on violators of underground permitting requirements, under certain terms and condition. I conditions and Bill No. 240147, an ordinance authorizing Philippian Baptist Church or a subsequent owner to install, own and maintain an encroachment at 5801 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19141, under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to council with a favorable recommendation. There are no further bills to report out from the committee on Streets and Services, Council President.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey J. Young for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the bills read today -- I move that the rules of council be suspended to permit first reading of the bills read today into the record by the chief clerk.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of these bills just read by the chief clerk at today's session of council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The next order of business is the consideration of the calendar I note that the bills just reported from the committees with the suspension of rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for the next session of council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore-Richardson for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on a Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following bills and resolutions are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Numbers 250183 and 240427-A. The following bills and resolutions on the calendar are being held: 250168 and 240665. 240427-A is being amended and 240304-A is being placed on the suspension calendar.
Thank you. Before considering these bills and resolutions we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for possible action at today's session of council. Once you have signed up you will be call in the order in which your name appears on the sign up sheet. Under ideal circumstances public commenters each will have three minutes to speak, however this time limit may vary from session to session. Due to today's agenda the time limit will be one minute. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the one minute limit. When you begin speaking you will see a green light on the podium. When there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, the light will turn yellow which is your reminder to conclude your remarks. Once one minute has passed the light will turn red and The Sergeant at Arms will disconnect the microphone. At that point please yield the podium to the next speaker if you have not already done so. I also reserve the right pursuant to our rules of council to limit repetition comments on the same subject matter. I will now ask the chief clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.
May Jeremy Blatstein, Kate Perez, Peter McDermott, Venita Samuels and David Picket make their way to the podium. Jeremy Blatstein, Kate Perez, Peter McDermott, Venita Samuels and David Picket.
Good morning, City Council. My name is Jeremy Blatstein. I'm here to talk about the bill related to the Department of Education. The Department of Education has been crucial to ensure the safety of all students in both Philadelphia School District and on the campus of universities. Speaking of safety, unfortunately this week a speed camera bill was held up because some members of this Council said that they weren't aware of it. I know that a closed door meeting was held on October 21st, 2024, where it was explained to City Council where these speed cameras were going. So to then claim that you didn't know about these cameras is disingenuous and is something that needs to be brought to the attention of everybody. So we're talking about safety the last thing we're talking about is this rumor that I heard about City Council disbanding the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office. I'm not sure if it's true or not, but let's put it on the ballot. And last thing is raise your hand because we're talking about SEPTA. Raise your hand if you rode SEPTA in the last week. Each week I challenge City Council to ride SEPTA once a week. See the issues that your constituents are facing and each week no hands. So ride the ride to City Hall, and let's grow Philly to 22-millie. Thank you.
Okay. Kate Perez. Our government has threatened funding cuts to universities that don't scale back on equal protections for all students and cut EDI policies. Our government is revoking funds at will, like stopping 400-million to Columbia University using anti-semitism to silence anyone speaking up against an apartheid occupation, but staying silent against university Nazi rallies. The president is online bragging about using ICE to kidnap Mahmud Khalil from his New York home to a Louisiana Detention Center a thousand miles away with no warrant on no charges. Attempting to deport a green card holder based on First Amendment protected activity without due process is an unconstitutional and authoritarian tactic to disappearing centers and smother free speech. Schools have a duty to protect students from political persecution and I urge us to issue robust policies refusing cooperation with ICE. Preparing to refuse subpoenas and preemptively deleting leading student files regarding activism. On the city budget just cutting the budget for vacant police roles could free around $200-million for the city. And the 56-million that the state is spending on genocidal war bonds could completely replace our idea funding for special needs education in Philly. They're gutting higher education. We need to enact sanctuary policies, commit to protecting freedom of speech, stop letting weapons supporting genocide leave our ports and meet the needs of our people before buying more drones for the cops. Free Palestine.
We have Peter McDermott, Venita Samuels, David Picket. May Paul Brown, Lynn Landis and Ernest Wiley also make their way to the podium.
Venita Samuels. Good morning, Council. I would like to explain that we have a good officer, Jesse Woodhouse, who has been in the 16th District for eight years as our community relations officer. And we would also like to wish him a well on his retire. (Applause.) MR. McDermott: Good morning, Council President and esteemed members of Council. I will be brief. I want to thank Mike Driscoll for introducing 250168 resolution, honoring Father Judge High School boys basketball team for winning the 2025 Philadelphia Catholic League Championship and celebrating their remarkable achievement. It was 27 years since they won the last title. Twenty-seven is a number that's near and dear to a Father Judge alumni like myself. They have proceeded to move through the state and are mowing down more opponents. So good luck to Father Judge and thank you, Mike Driscoll.
David Picket. Good morning, Council President. Good morning, Councilmembers. I'm honored to stand here today to talk about Officer Jesse Woodhouse. I've had the privilege of working with him for a number -for a number of years. And I watch how giving he is to the community. He cares about the community he works in. I see him take out of his own pocket to help fund activities within the community. He's a wonderful addition to the team. And I just love to honor him and thank him for all the work that he's done. CAPTAIN BROWN: Captain Paul Brown of Philadelphia Police Department. I'd just like to thank Councilmember Gauthier and other members of council for taking the time out to recognize Officer Jesse Woodhouse on his dedication and commitment to the Philadelphia city of Philadelphia and its community. I'd also like to take the time out to thank Officer Woodhouse for allowing me to share in his efforts to bridge the gap and bring neighbors, community stakeholders and police together to help improve the quality of life within the confines of the 16th District. Jesse, may success follow you to your next endeavor. Thank you, sir.
We have Lynn Landis, Ernest Wiley, Ying Xang Lin, Yang Wu Leu and Bao Jen. Can you also make your way to the podium.
Good morning. I'm Lynn Landis of safestreetsphilly.com. I support the resolution to restrict mobile service providers to certain locations in the 7th District which includes Kensington. These providers service those in need and particularly the drug addicted and mentally ill homeless community. They also have created a real nuisance for many neighborhoods including Center City every weekend at Logan Circle in front of the Central Library. Those in need should be serviced in an organized and civil manner at a city agency and not lined up on the sidewalk to be made a public spectacle of. The city should do the right thing and get the mentally ill, homeless and drug addicted off the street and into mandatory treatment and secure facilities. It's common sense and the compassionate solution. Thank you.
Good morning. My name is Ernest Wiley. I am a first responder responding to the current economic crisis and multi crisis situations. I am placing all elected officials and the Sergeant of Arms at this city hall on notice. I'll be carrying out a rescue operation at this meeting. I'll be teaching everyone in the country how to neutralize the Trump's tariff manipulation. It will make the budget management process easier for all elected officials. Placing limits on my time will be considered obstructing a first responder from rescue operations. A criminal complaint will be filed against all politicians in this room. Obstructing my rescue operations will entangle all elected officials and the Sergeant of Arms with manslaughter criminal complaints and attempted manslaughter criminal complaints in the event my time limitations are applied to this report. It's similar to obstructing a first responder or a doctor while actively performing CPR on a patient. At this time I am requesting that the clerk resets my time and my official time will begin now as we continue. The following report is less than four minutes. Got it. Thank you. CAPTAIN BROWN: Next speaker, please.
Ying Xang Lin, Yang Wu Leu, Val D. Jen. May Kelsey Leon, David Jenkins and Mutiazamu Sabaru also make their way to the podium.
Thank you. My name is Ying Xang Lin from Chinese Community. I'm here today to -- I want to say thank you to the community relation officer Jesse Woodhouse. He is really, really good. He did a good job. He bring us to the community and we organize so many activities and for the Chinese community. We really enjoying to work in the society together. Thank you so much thank you.
Good morning, City Councilmembers. My name is Kelsey Leon. I'm a harm reductionist. Here again to mourn the life of a community member and drug user who died in prison custody. His name was Andrew Drury and his death was cruel, predictable and preventable. Andrew's family described him as warm and a generous person, a good listener and a helping hand. I feel that something is not right, a family member said, and I won't know until I can get the coroners report. I'm in the dark right now. My heart breaks for Andrew Drury's family, the same way it broke for Joey Gabor's family and Amanda Kahills, when they also described being left in the dark about their loved ones death. Desperately seeking answers and being utterly stonewalled. The Kahills waited six months for Amanda's death certificate only for the coroner to say she died of a fentanyl overdose. Overdoses happen in minutes, but we know Amanda screamed for help for hours. These facts don't add up. The Gabors had to send Joey's body to another state in order to get a second opinion on the cause of his death before they could lay him to rest. How many more families will be forced to grieve unnatural deaths which plunge them into the morbid details of bureaucracy and logistics. The city government knows that the prisons and jails are woefully understaffed, that inmates across the board are not getting adequate medical care. In fact, there was a $25-million judgment against the city to direct funds to improve prison conditions. Yet the Mayor's budget contains funding to expand the so-called Wellness Court from one to five days a week. You should not need to be a perfect person in order to access your rights. At present the city cannot guarantee that imprisoning people who use drugs won't be a death sentence. Mayor Parker, City Council how many more drug users need to die before you drop your carceral approaches? Again, I say let Andrew Drury's memory be a blessing to his family and to all who knew him. Let it be a reminder of our fundamental rights to bodily autonomy and compassionate medical treatment. And that even in our lowest moments we can still know love, laughter and community.
We have Yung Wu Lue, Bao D. Chen, David A. Jenkins and Mutiazamu Sabaru.
David Alexander Jenkins. Mr. President, members of the body and special guests of the chamber, I rise today in staunch support of the Councilmember Thomas's resolution as our children's future is under attack. The reckless attempt to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and slash Federal funding for public schools isn't just some distant policy debate in Washington D.C. No, it is a direct assault on the students, teachers and families of America and of our great city. Philadelphia's Public Schools rely on hundreds of millions of federal funding, funding which pays for special education, career training, school meals, vital programs that help level the playing field for our low-income students. And sadly these cuts do not affect the politicians who cavalierly dismantle the hopes and dreams that education affords. No, it is our children and our teachers and our communities. Brothers and sisters of love, 178-million, 56-million, 7-million, 86-million. These are the numbers these are not just numbers and compares, these are truths represented by the faces of our children, our future workers the very heart of our city and we will not stand for it. As I gaze upon you all who sit here today in blue clad, who protect, the administrate the law. The elected those, who choose to represent the multitudes, those who stand up on the very educations that these actions would strip from the futures. I am reminded by the great words of Sir Thomas Moore. If you suffer your people to be educated and then strip them of their manners which corrupts them from infancy, and then charge them for the education that is that is missing. You have done nothing but create the thief, only then to punish it. I am solidifying the knowledge that although it may not be apparent to the world today, we are not in the business in America of creating thieves. We stand with our teachers, we stand with our students, we stand for the future where every child no matter their zip code, their social economic stance, their inefficiencies has a chance to learn and thrive and succeed. So let Washington come if they dare, knowing that we here in Philadelphia will stand up.
Mutiazamu Sabaru, Abona Haggins also make their way to the podium.
General Mutiazamu Sabaru. General is my title, Mutiazamu Sabaru is my name. I'm from the great state of North Philadelphia, city of Richard Alan and we try to represent as best we could. The ordinance that we come to talk about is one in which we talked about before, however we have new knowledge and new information requires us to be much more alert as to the need to be against this particular ordinance. And we're against it, it's ordinance 240304-A, and dealing with specificity, the building construction and occupancy code. Like we said before, the language is vague, therefore folks can't understand the language and so we need to resist this. We have new knowledge out of the District Attorney's office that Philadelphia now is the No. 1 city with the decrease in homicides. So therefore, after safety and security comes prosperity. And part of prosperity is the housing issue. We can't actually know how what's going on in our city with housing if we don't know the language in which we use to make the ordinances. So we ask all legislators to use language that we can understand and stop being so coded and cryptic in these languages. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Abona Haggins, fourth generation chattel slavery survivor. One minute is just not enough for me to get through everything, but I just want to try to get to the gist of it. The education -- the Department of Education, slashing of the funding. The Department of Education had failed the American Freeman youth over the past 40-50 years. When I graduated from high school, couldn't read, write or do math on a high school level. You couldn't believe it, right, the way I speak, right? But, you know, it's something that's happening you guys are dealing with called the Power Act. I just want to remind you that It's possible that the Department of Government Efficiency may come here to check y'all out. Because it's something that's not quite right with that Power Act. So I would suggest that you know if y'all don't want to be in handcuffs that you relook -- look -take another look at that power act because it's absolutely unconstitutional. Abona Haggins, unseated Council President. Over and out.
Council President, there are no further names for public comment.
That concludes public comment. We will now consider the bills and resolutions. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on a Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Will the clerk please read a title of resolution No. 250183?
A resolution opposing any attempts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education or slash Federal funding for public school programs that support low-income students or students with disabilities.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Majority Whip Isaiah Thomas for a motion regarding resolution No. 250183.
Thank you, Council President. I tried to get the name of the witness who testified because I don't think I could have said it any better myself. So I appreciate the remarks on public comment around this specific resolution. Education is one of the most pressing issues we have. So with that being said, Council President, I enthusiastically move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that resolution No. 250183 be adopted. All those in favor the motion was signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted.
Council President, just respectfully I just wanted to --
Thank you, Council President. I just wanted to say his name. David, thank you for your comments today. Very much appreciated. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you. You're welcome. Will the clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240304-A?
An ordinance amending sub code A, the Philadelphia Administrative code of title 4 of the Philadelphia code, the building construction and occupancy code to require proof of certain insurance certificates, all under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey J. Young for a motion on this bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Bill No. 204304-A be placed on a suspension calendar.
It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill No. 204304-A be placed on the suspension calendar. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. Will the clerk please read a title of Bill No. 240427-A an ordinance amending section 14-35 of the Philadelphia code entitled "nonconformities" by providing further provisions on changes from non-conforming uses, all under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey J. Young for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 240427-A. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of council. I move for the adoption of the amendment.
It has been moved and properly seconded that amendment to Bill No. 240427-A be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. And the bill has been amended. This bill will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of council. Will the clerk please read any additional resolutions on today's calendar?
A privileged resolution authorizing the committee on Children and Youth to hold hearings on the implementation of Bill No. 220654-A and the success of Community Evening Resource Centers introduced by Councilmember GilmoreRichardson.
The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine GilmoreRichardson for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The resolution has been adopted. Would the clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution honoring Officer Jesse Woodhouse for his outstanding service to the 16th Police District in West Philadelphia on the occasion of his retirement introduced by Councilmember Gauthier.
Member Gauthier, is Officer Woodhouse here? Officer Woodhouse, could you please come to the front of the entrance, please? (Applause.)
Officer Woodhouse, we thank you for your service. The Chair recognizes the lady from the 3rd Councilmanic District, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you. Council President. Congratulations and thank you, Officer Woodhouse, for everything that you have given to our community. You not only keep us safe, you engage with us and support young people. And you lead fitness classes that are so rigorous that I'm scared to join them, but I appreciate them. And with that, Council President, I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Congratulations. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution honoring the members of the Commonwealth Association of School Administrators as they have made significant contributions to their community advocating for the rights and interests of staff and students in the school district, introduced by Councilmember Thomas.
The Chair recognizes Majority Whip Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Will the chief clerk please read the next title of the resolution?
A resolution honoring and recognizing the career of Tumar Alexander, a dedicated public servant on the occasion of his retirement from city government, introduced by Councilmember Jones.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion on the resolution.
In the spirit of public service, in the spirit of four administrations, in the spirit of making government work, I move for the adoption.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Let's give Tumar some props, y'all. Now, y'all stood up, I don't know where he at, but I'm going to go with the flow. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Trey Howard for his heroic response to the plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia, introduced by Councilmember Jones.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion on the resolution.
In conjunction with Member Driscoll and true heroism, I move for the adoption.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the chief clerk -clap for that. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights marches across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama to Montgomery on March 7th, 1965 also known as Bloody Sunday, introduced by Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion on a resolution.
Thank you, Council President. In conjunction with you, I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the chief clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution recognizing March 20th, 2025, as Children First Day, in the city of Philadelphia, introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.
Is there a second? It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
Council President, there are no further resolutions in my possession.
So at this time I want to take a moment to acknowledge other elected officials who are here as well as former members of this body. So I'm going to start with the Honorable Blondell Reynolds Brown. Let's give her a round of applause. Also, acknowledge State Representative Anthony Bellman. Give him a round of applause. State Representative Jason Dawkins; State Senator Nikil Saval. Nikil is also the minority leader in the senate for the Philadelphia delegation, correct? Also, want to acknowledge commissioner Lisa Deeley. Minority Appropriations Chairman State Senator, my good friend, Vincent Hughes. Give him a round of applause. Hollywood right there. Y'all know he from South Philly, for real, but it's a different story. Good to see you. Attorney General Dave Sunday. Let's give him a round of applause. From that great part of Philadelphia known as South Philly, specifically 17th and Dickerson, the Majority Appropriations Chairman of the House of Representative. Some call him money bags, I call him little bro, Appropriations Chairman Jordan Harris. As our calendar is officially completed, the time has come for us to consider the Mayor's presentation of our annual budget address. The Philadelphia Home Router Charter states that the Mayor shall submit to council no later than 90 days before the end of the fiscal year her operating budget message and proposed operating budget ordinance for the ensuing fiscal year. At the same time the Mayor shall submit to Council the recommended Capital Program and Capital Budget as received from the City Planning Commission to the extent approved by the Mayor. I now appoint the following committee to escort the Mayor into the council chambers. Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore-Richardson, Majority Whip Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, Majority Deputy Whip Councilmember Cindy Bass and Minority Leader Councilmember Kendra Brooks. Please escort the mayor to the podium. Give a shout out to Mrs. Johnson I see over there. Hey, babe. SERGEANT AT ARMS: Council President, the Mayor has arrived. (Applause.)
Let me start by saying good morning to my friend. Please be seated. Please be seated. Please be seated.
Excuse me. Council will be at ease. One second. Madam Mayor? Madam Mayor?
Ladies and gentlemen -- she ready. Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to introduce the first woman and 100th Mayor of the city of Philadelphia, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. (Applause.)
It's alright now, Mr. President? Good morning to my friend, Council President Kenyatta Johnson. To council's leadership team Majority Leader Katherine GilmoreRichardson, Majority Whip Isaiah Thomas, Deputy Majority Whip Cindy Bass, Minority Leader Kendra Brooks, Minority Whip Nicholas O'Rourke and every member of City Council. To members of the Philadelphia delegation and all statewide leaders here with us today. AG Sunday, we are super excited about your presence. Thank you so very much, sir, for being here. To our faith leaders, men and women of organized labor, community leaders, the business and philanthropic community. Members of my cabinet and our city workers and to everyone watching online, listening on word and tuning in on TV. Good morning and thank you for welcoming me back home into the chambers of the Philadelphia City Council. Before I begin telling my story, I need to say a special thank you to two people in particular who are the foundation on which I stand. I want to say a special thank you to my 12-year-old son, Langston Mullins and to my former husband and parenting partner Benjamin Mullins, he's here somewhere today. Okay. I see you. Langston and Ben, I love you very much and I couldn't do this job without you. Please give them a round of applause. ) Last year, I told the story about how my journey to public service began in this chamber. I gave a black history month speech here as a 17-year-old high school student. I later came here to work and I learned from giants, my mentors, Councilmember Marian Tasco and Gussie Clark. Yes. With role models like Anna Verna, Jane Krajewski and Jamie Blackwell. These leaders taught me many things, but none more important than this. If you show up and do to work everyday for the people of Philadelphia, good things will follow. I am proud to returned today as the 100th Mayor of our great city of Philadelphia having submitted my proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, five year plan, and recommended capital budget and program to City Council for its consideration. Last year, I called it One Philly Budget, that was the title of the budget. It was how we would fund my promise to the people of Philadelphia for a safer, cleaner and greener city with access to economic opportunity for all. 37-billion budget that invested in a city government that people can see, touch and feel. This year, Mr. 20 Budget, the new and improved budget. 7-billion budget brimming with vital investments for Philadelphia. However, before I dive into the details, I need share a story about something that happened six weeks ago in our city. On January 31st, an unimaginable black swan event struck our city. An airplane crashed near the Roosevelt Mall in Philadelphia. Seven people tragically lost their lives. Two more remain hospitalized with severe burns, including a young boy whose father perished that night. By now, Philadelphia, you know that your Mayor is a praying Mayor. And so I ask that you pray for all of the victims of this tragedy and I'm going to ask everyone in attendance to please stand with me in a moment of silence. ) Thank you. Our emergency responders, Philadelphia Police and Fire and other city workers responded immediately to the crash, and they have continued working everyday since to help the people of Northeast Philadelphia recover. Our Mayor's business action team met with dozens of businesses of businesses impacted by the crash. Our neighborhood and community engagement team knocked on every door in the neighborhood to let people know where to find help. Our licenses and inspections team inspected every impacted home for structural issues. And we are providing trauma and behavioral health care to those who need it.
People know that they can call 9-8-8 and our support staff will help you get through this tough time. Councilmembers Driscoll and O'Neill, Northeast Philadelphia is resilient and strong like our city, and we will not rest until we have provided every support available for our residents and businesses. I'm going to ask the following individuals to please stand: Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, Fire Commissioner Jeff Thompson; Managing Director, Adam Thiel; Emergency Director Dominic Morellis; Director Alba Martinez and Saleem Wilson from our Commercial Department. L&I Commissioner Basil Merenda and Hasan Freedman from my neighborhood and community engagement team. Every city employee who have served residents at the crash site, if you're here right now, stand. Let us now honor every city worker who has worked at the crash site or in the surrounding community. Thank you. ) Now, before I address the challenges in front of us in fiscal year in 2026, I need to highlight some of challenges we took on in the current year FY 2025 and look at how we did so far. In other words, don't just listen to what I say, watch what I do. Or in this case, what we have done. We fact check what we do in the Parker Administration and what we promised to the people of Philadelphia. So I want you to know that we cross checked every promise that I made in last years budget, 33 promises to be precise. And in the flyer of that we're handing out today, we're letting you know exactly how we did so far. We do not promise perfection and we are doing the best we can with what we have and I want you to take a look. On public safety, I said it last year that I felt a sense of urgency and we'd be laser focused and unapologetic about improving public safety. How did we do? Homicides are down 37 percent, shootings are down 36 percent, and we have 200 police officers doing community policing in our neighborhoods. I promised it and it's working. One of those news community policing officers is here with us today. Police Officer Anatasia Briscoe who joined the police department last fall is now walking a foot beat in the 1st District in South Philadelphia around Broad and Snyder and she's getting to know the people that we are sworn. Thank you, thank you so very much are for your support and service. And for being here not only when people call 9-1-1, but proactively. I want you to know that our officers are working hard and helping to make our city safer. It's not just policing, though. Our mantra is prevention, intervention and enforcement. PIE, led by Chief Public Safety Director Adam Geer and Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, we practice it everyday. Anti-violence, we awarded $19-million to anti-violence community based organizations that know their neighborhoods best in 2024 and another 24-million so far this year. It's making a difference. Youth sports, we're funding youth sports because that is how we will help to give our children a positive path. Our kids shouldn't have to stand on street corners with helmets and drums to raise money. The city should support them and we are. 2-million in the current budget. Two special people are here today and I want them to stand. Amir Fisher is a football player and his coach, Donald Richardson from the Blackhawks Athletic Club from North Philly are here. Please stand. Where are they? Hey, Coach. Thank you so very much, Coach. We appreciate you and we are happy, happy that you are here. Now, we're going to turn something that's extremely important and that's Clean and Green. I promised the new office an approach to tackle quality of life issues and banish that Filthadelphia moniker once and for all. So how did we do?