Thank you, Council President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading this day of the bill just read into the record by the Chief Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of this bill just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. This bill 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 the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars 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 a motion concerning the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading 2ND 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: Nos. 250992, 251000, 251004, 250707, 250831, 250848, 250849, 250890 and 250891. The following bills and resolutions on the Calendar are being held: 250303, 250534, 250646, 250708, 250709, 250721, 250771, 250804, 250834 and 250916. 250887 and 250888 are being amended. 250648 is being recommitted to committee.
Thank you. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will now 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 Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up for today's Council session, please do so now by giving your name to Ms. Hasson at the table outside the rails to my left. Once you have signed up, you will be called 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. Today the time limit will be two minutes. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the two-minute limit. When you begin speaking, you will see a green light on the podium. When there are 30 seconds remaining of your time, the light will turn yellow, which is your reminder to please conclude your remarks. Once two minutes have 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 repetitious comments on the same subject matter. I will now ask the Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.
May State Representative Regina Young, Lindsey Scannapieco, Noah Griffith Rosenberger, Elowyn Corby, Elaine Foltz and Kate Perez please make their way to the podium. We have State Representative Regina Young, Lindsay Scannapieco, Noah Griffith Rosenberger, Elowyn Corby, Elaine Foltz and Kate Perez. (Witnesses approached podium.)
The Honorable Regina Young, the floor is yours. And welcome to City Council again. STATE REPRESENTATIVE YOUNG: Thank you. Thank you. Councilwoman Ahmad, for leading the conversation around human trafficking awareness in the City of Philadelphia. Also a major shout-out to your colleagues for supporting your efforts. My name is Regina Young. I am a State Representative for House District 185. I represent parts of Philly and Delaware County. I am too highlighting this very serious topic on the state level. House Bill 1286 speaks to providing training in our public lodging and third party listing platforms and rental operations, although there are several entities that requires their employees to take these trainings already. My legislation makes sure that it is a requirement across the entire Commonwealth. As public servants, we are required to ensure that safety of the people are a must. I am happy to announce that House Bill 1286 passed unanimously out of committee so we are anxiously awaiting - (Applause.) STATE REPRESENTATIVE YOUNG: Okay. Thank you. Don't eat up my time by clapping. But we are anxiously waiting for it to pass on the House floor, then to the Senate chambers before it hits the Governor's desk. To follow this legislation and other efforts and activities, you can also follow team185@repreginayoung.com. Again, thank you for highlighting this on a city level. We are trying to make sure that every municipality and its 67 counties are represented through protecting the people through human trafficking awareness trainings. Thank you. (Applause.)
Hi. My name is Lindsey Scannapieco and I am the managing partner at Scout. And we are just beyond honored today for this recognition. When we started the Bok building 10 years ago, we were taking on a huge undertaking, a huge challenge. We were the highest bidder. We were the youngest bidder. I was the only female bidder and came here to City Hall to pick up a big box of keys and we brought that back to the building and started something that I think many people didn't think we'd be able to do. And I'm so proud of what we've built over the last 10 years, and this has just taken an enormous effort of so many in this room. So I really appreciate you, Councilmember Rue Landau, for this recognition. But I also want to acknowledge Councilman Mark Squilla of our district and so many others who have supported this project in this room and supported spaces for creatives to be able to work, to be able to experiment, to be able to try something new, whether you're a chef, an entrepreneur, a small business, a maker. We need spaces like this in the city. I really believe that. I want Philadelphia to be -- my hometown of Philadelphia to be a place that is the best city in America for creatives and cultural workers, to be able to come, to be able to grow and to be able to shine and thrive. I just want to acknowledge my team who's here today. We have I think 17 members of our team here, because this would not be possible today without you. We have people who have been here from the very, very first day of this project. We've got Everett and Brogan and Lily and Kelly and Whitney and Matt and Steve and Frank -- I'm sorry, it's beeping -Ian, George, Sarah, Sierra, Jermaine, Duncan, Morgan, Rob, Steve and Hannah and Liz, who aren't here with us today, but are with us in spirit. And so, thank you guys. We all deserve this moment and I'm really proud of what we built. (Applause.)
My name is Noah Griffith Rosenberger. I'm a lifelong Philadelphian and an organizer in the No Sister to Genocide Campaign. I applaud Councilmember Brooks' resolution to recognize the International Day of Solidarity with Palestine. We must go further. We have sat idly by while blood has dripped from the pages of our city's ledger. Since 1966, we've been sister cities with Tel Aviv, the heart of the Israeli military, which for two years has been perpetrating an ongoing genocide. This relationship normalizes the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestine. We have contracts with Israeli AI surveillance companies, which seek to turn their barbarity on our neighbors. We have refused to call for an arms embargo or to even fly the Palestinian flag above City Hall, as we do when we celebrate other nationalities' contributions to our great city. Frankly, it is a stain on our city's long history of fighting for liberty. We must allow our Palestinian neighbors to fly their flag as we do for others. We must call for an arms embargo to Israel. We must wash the blood away from our ledgers. We must cut all ties with Tel Aviv. We must proclaim that we will not stand idly by while people are bombed into oblivion by bombs sometimes signed personally by our Governor. Thank you again for your resolution, Councilmember Brooks. But we must proclaim that we are no sister to genocide. Thank you. (Applause.)
May we also have Peter Ahn, David Alexander Jenkins, Jeremy Blatstein come to the podium as well. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Hello. My name is Elowyn Corby. I am the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director for Vote Solar. We are a policy nonprofit that works to advance an equitable clean energy future that doesn't leave anyone behind, and I am here as one of the members of the Our Solar PA Coalition to testify in support of Councilman Gauthier's resolution that is calling for the passage of legislation in Harrisburg authorizing community solar and community energy. So first, thank you so much, Councilmember Gauthier. We're really appreciative. And also, thank you very much, Councilman President Johnson, my own Council representative. It is great to be here. We all know that solar energy brings with it enormous benefits for those who have access. We're talking about environmental benefits, health benefits, community benefits and bill savings. Solar is the cheapest energy to bring onto the grid. And yet for many people, it is out of reach. This can be because they rent, because their roof is in poor repair, because they can't afford the upfront cost of going solar, and that mismatch has the potential to contribute to an inequitable energy future. We need to make sure that everyone has access and Community Solar is the perfect way to do that. Community Solar is shared (inaudible) where anyone can subscribe and get access and get guaranteed bill savings as a result. There is legislation in Harrisburg that would authorize Community Solar in Pennsylvania. It's happening across the country. We're just a little behind. And so, our coalition is here, has formed around passing legislation that does not just Community Solar, but Community Solar that really puts people and communities first. That's what this bill does and that's what this resolution is in support of. So thank you so much and delighted to be here. Really excited for an equitable clean energy future with Philly leading the way. (Applause.)
My name is Elaine Foltz. I'm from West Philadelphia and I also would like to express big appreciation to my Representative Gauthier for introducing Resolution 250992 and bringing the issue of the need for more solar energy in Philadelphia and to your attention. As you just heard and as you're going to hear today from a number of witnesses, there are so many reasons for approving this resolution and urging the folks in Harrisburg to pass HB 504. Solar is the most economical form of energy that there is today, more economical than any fossil fuel, including natural gas. It's the fastest way of getting more energy onto the grid, which we need in order to prevent our electricity bills from rising. And it's the cleanest energy. It will not pollute the air and it will not warm the planet. Those are all compelling reasons for passing this resolution in support of the bill, but I also want to underscore the equity reason for passing it and, that is, that people like me and many, many other Philadelphians who do not have access to their roof cannot today get access to clean solar energy. By passing this bill, you will democratize access to solar energy. You will make it available to everybody, including the 48% of Philadelphians who are renters. Today we renters, people like me who live in a condo and other folks who don't have access to their roof, will be able to buy into a solar facility, put some clean energy on the grid and get a credit on our electricity bill for doing that, because solar energy is cheaper. 24 states and the District of Columbia have already passed legislation like this and it has been approved by the State House in Harrisburg. So please help us break the log-jam by sending a message to Harrisburg that the City of Philadelphia wants more clean energy on the grid and we want everybody to have access to it. Thank you. (Applause.)
Kate Perez. Thank you so much to Member Brooks for introducing a resolution honoring Palestinian solidarity, and I encourage Mayor Parker to support a full Palestinian flag raising. Yesterday the Occupation killed 19 people at my friend's camp in North Gaza, 19 people who celebrated the ceasefire announcement. 19 people who were rebuilding their lives, children who went back to school for the first time in years, all killed by Israeli drone strikes yesterday, injuring hundreds more. Palestinians should be free from the hundreds of military checkpoints cutting up historic cities, free from the bombings that haven't stopped for a day and the occupying military force controlling their water and internet systems, making it nearly impossible to report updates. We have Philadelphians arriving to the West Bank today for cultural exchanges, sharing updates from the ground and trying to prevent settler violence. American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was killed by an IOF sniper while reporting on a West Bank raid May 11, 2022. As Day & Zimmerman is their primary munition supplier, it's possible that the bullets came from our city. Settler violence has escalated since 2022 and armed soldiers are regularly rounding up Palestinian civilians, stripping them naked in front of their communities, blindfolding and zip-tying them together, stamping identifying numbers on their skin and kidnapping them away to torture camps, where more than 200 people have already been killed since 2023. These are attempts to drive out the natives and further annex the West Bank, as we understand that Israel's goal is colonization. Beyond physical occupation means mental torture, like tanks spraying houses and civilians with skunk water to make them stink for days, then banning soap from entering the strip and turning off water supplies. Crops are burned down, farmers are beaten and houses are regularly turned into military outposts, with entire families locked into a single room for days or weeks while soldiers eat their food, surveil their neighbors and sleep in their beds. This is the reality of occupation, and they will never be free as long as we feed into the entity that is destroying them, with our weapons, our taxes, our politicians, all at our own expense. Solidarity with the people outside today, rallying against ICE contracts. I urge Philadelphia to reinstate our sanctuary city status and solidarity with Palestinians forever. Free Palestine. (Applause.)
We have Peter Ahn, David Alexander Jenkins, Jeremy Blatstein. May Claire Alminde, Jenny McGill, Bonita Cummings, Andrew McClellan and Jasmine Green also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Hello. My name is Peter Ahn. I'm a Presbyterian pastor, but today I speak as a part of Korea Peace Committee of Philadelphia. I speak in support of Resolution 251000. The notion of having Hanwha Shipbuilding Group, formerly known as Korea explosive group, also known as the Merchant of Death for shipbuilding, is concerning, and now being considered for nuclear weapons and nuclear submarines is alarming. I know Senator McCormick is excited to dovetail this effort to traffic liquefied natural gas. Go to his website. He believes this is a good idea. Hanwha is also known for attempting to imprison union members and impose astronomical damages claims on them, simply for demanding fair treatment and human dignity. This is coupled by this country with a long history of struggle between labor movement and the armed forces favored by the privileged. Economic violence is often accompanied by military violence. One of the most clear examples is the Ludlow Massacre in Colorado in April 1914, when Rockefeller supplied the National Guards and the Colorado Governor sent the National Guard to destroy the strike. The Colorado Governor was referred to by Rockefeller Mind Manager as our little cowboy governor. When we say we want to be business-friendly, we must not mean billionaire-friendly. What do we see? Spending more in armed forces, reducing resources for labor and union busting, spending more on bombs while cutting spending on food. I'm wearing this pie chart today, which shows that we as a country spend half of our discretionary budget on arming ourselves. That's about the next nine top countries put together. Let's wake up.
Mr. President, members and guests, David Alexander Jenkins and I rise with steely resolve and a heavy heart today for this most deeply sobering issue addressed in Resolution 251004, calling for action on the House Bill 1286. I don't know about you, but I'm burdened today with the ghost of James Weldon Johnson during this Restorative Justice Month of November, and particularly today, the James who penned the infamous, Stony the road we trod, bitter the chastening rod. Felt in the days when hope unborn had died. I'm burdened with the profound actualization that many here in this City of Philadelphia still exist on that road and have been robbed of the pursuit of life and liberty, never mind happiness, bought and sold here in Philadelphia on modern auction blocks that you and I mistake as instruments of hospitality. I'm burdened by the knowledge that our Commonwealth ranks among the top states and the nation and reported human trafficking cases that last year alone, hundreds of Pennsylvania's children were funneled through the tunnels, motels, unmonitored rental platforms, transit hubs in the very corridors that we travel every day, the ones that run beneath this building as we sat here eyes wide shut. According to the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, Philadelphia accounts for 11% of all human trafficking offenses filed in Pennsylvania. So I'm burdened with the knowledge that our silence has caused the unborn to die. While individuals bound by the shackles of their enslavement are packaged, sold and delivered, trafficked right here in our midst. Our nation has more than 500,000 souls who are trafficked every year, in every of them victims who are children who have now laid in the grip of someone who sees their body as currency, to be exploited most viciously. So you see this resolution brought by Councilmember Ahmad supporting Representative Young's introduction to the aforementioned House Bill is a direct strike at the infrastructure that trafficks rely on, ignorance, autonomy and excess. Forgive my tone, ladies and gentlemen, as I'm a bit worked up today. Allow me to reset. This resolution and bill represent the kind of leadership that saves lives, leadership that proclaims that in this fight no one is untouchable, not a landlord, not a business owner, not a corporation, not a Councilmember, not a Governor, not even the President of the United States whose number is up today. If you participate in this building, in this buying or selling of human beings, if you turn an eye that is blind or conceal it, enable it, benefit from it, then the full weight of scrutiny and the outrage of the law itself will levy upon you and I and we will help it. This bill promises to drag into the light every such vile criminal wherever he hides. It is a bold statement of accountability that nevertheless through the chamber today, that the gloomy past we seek to stand at last, where the white gleam of our bright star is at least in respect to the law. At last, now hear. (Applause.)
Good morning. Jeremy Blatstein. I'm here to speak on Bill No. 250834, which will require a trip to the ZBA in order to open businesses of Sun Drugs Pharmaceuticals and Convenience Sales in the 7th Councilmanic District. I do not know if it's the answer to addressing the issues with nuisance businesses, but I do know that this is another cost that small businesses will face in order to open and operate in the 7th district. At what cost $5000 to $10,000 in 6 to 12 months; is this the right process? Speaking of processes, the Philadelphia Land Bank held their meeting on Tuesday. Shoutout to City Councilman Jay Young, who supported 85 Turn the Key homes via RFPs in the 5th District. That's 85 affordable homes coming to the 5th District. Way to go, Councilman Young. Unfortunately, 30 Turn the Key homes were delayed another 60 days in the 7th District. Why? Control and power, aka councilmanic prerogative. CDCs have controlled at least 150 lots from the Land Bank and have not built anything over the last several years. This is very disappointing and goes against what this body passed when it came to the Turn the Key legislation. Last but not least, given the issues Philadelphia schools have faced I would encourage the implementation of the Imani Pledge. What was the Imani Pledge? A Peace Pact that was written by the late David Fattah, Sr. and taken and signed by 80 gang members in Philadelphia in 1974. And I would also encourage everybody to watch the Queen Mother Documentary on YouTube, if you're not familiar with the House of Umoja and Queen Mother Falaka Fattah. And of course we're talking about SEPTA. Unfortunately, the tunnel is closed. I appreciate the advocacy from Councilwoman Gauthier on getting the tunnel back open. It's crucial to the City of Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, and we really need to make sure that SEPTA is funded. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning. I'm Claire Alminde, Chief Nursing Officer -- okay. Good morning. I'm Claire Alminde, Chief Nursing Officer, Council President Johnson. Members of Council, thank you for the tremendous honor of proclaiming November 30, 2025 as St. Christopher's Hospital for Children Day in the City of Philadelphia. That's got a great ring to it. I'd like to especially thank our hospital's District Councilmember Quetcy Lozada for her strong and unwavering support of St. Christopher's mission of healing and hope. We truly appreciate you. For 150 years since our founding in 1875, St. Christopher's has stood as an essential force in the health and well-being of this city. Generations of Philadelphians have entrusted St. Chris with the care of their children, and we've never once wavered from our commitment to providing top quality and compassionate services to all children. From St. Christopher's earliest days, the hospital's been especially dedicated to serving families in underserved communities, those who too often face barriers to care. That mission remains at the heart of everything we do, even in the face of powerful, economic and political headwinds currently impacting health care nationwide. As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the countless individuals who make our healing environment possible, from nurses and physicians, social workers, therapists, our front desk staff, food services. Every St. Chris team member, their skill, dedication and humanity have made a positive impact on way more families in 150 years than we could ever count. On behalf of St. Christopher's, thank you for recognizing our anniversary and for affirming the role that St. Christopher still plays in providing and building a healthier and stronger Philadelphia. We're so proud to be a part of the vital fabric of this city and we look forward to the next 150 years of caring for children and families in need. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning, Council President and members of City Council. I'm here or we're here regarding Bill Nos. 250708, 709, 834, 707 and 831. Somewhere along the way, Philadelphia has become a place where businesses or what we in the community now call the new nuisance business culture, operate as if they can do whatever they want unchecked and without accountability to the communities they impact. So we would like to begin by thanking Councilmembers Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Cindy Bass, Quetcy Lozada, Brian O'Neill and Jeffrey Young for their courage and laser focus on addressing nuisance creation by businesses in the City of Philadelphia. Bill No. 250708 strengthens with Class 3 offenses and meaningful penalties. This bill is worthy of being supported. Bill No. 250709 closes loopholes and hold successive businesses accountable. This bill is worthy of being supported. Bill 250834 gives youth, growing youth in the 7th District a voice as they come up and a chance, so this bill is worthy of being supported. Bill No. 250707 reduces development impact tax revenue, shifting costs back into residents rather than developers. This bill should be held. Bill 250831 removes community voice entirely, allowing utility and telecom structures to be installed without notice, negotiation or appeal. Our longtime residents and elders deserve better. This bill should be held. I want to thank you, Councilmembers. And I do want to caution that when you give away your power, you don't get it back. It's no such thing as 1000 anything, and after that, I'm going to give it back to you. Because if I come in your house and I spend 1000 hours in your house and I don't pay your mortgage, I eat your food, I lay around on your sofa, I slap your children around, and at the 1,000th hour you say, time's up, I'm going to look at you like you're crazy. So prerogative is your prerogative. Privilege is your privilege. And without it, you have no power to represent your constituents. So I say thank you for today and thank you for allowing me to have a voice and thank you for not taking my voice. Thank you. (Applause.)
Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada. COUNCILWOMAN LOZADA Thank you, Council President. I'd like to be excused for the rest of Council and I'd like to be marked as voting aye on all bills.
Thank you very much. Leave is granted. Please begin, sir. MR. McCLELLAN: Good morning. I would like to speak on the resolution regarding the celebration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people. My name is Andrew McClellan and I lived in South Philly my whole life. One of my favorite parts of growing up and living here is how many different kinds of people live in this city. I have many memories from the Italian Festival in the summer, Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring and going to the Vietnamese grocery stores and restaurants down near 11th and Washington, going through the public school system in high school at the Academy of Palumbo, where most of my classmates were, be it Arab or Black. Philly is a city that many kinds of people call home and we should strive to continue making the city a place where all people are accepted. The international community has consistently found that Israel's actions against the Palestinian people are unjust and brutal. Philly can and should continue being a city that celebrates and fosters all people and stand against violence against all people of the world by celebrating the International Day of solidarity with the Palestinian people. Thank you for your time. (Applause.)
We have Jasmine Green. May Jean Haskell, Belle Sherwood, Lynn Landes, Chad Williams, Michael Cameron, Jude Husein and Sarah Bishop Stone also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning, Council President and members of Council. My name is Jasmine Green and I am a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. members of our sorority have served the community for over 100 years, focusing on public service, advocacy and the protection of women and girls. Through my experience serving, I've been inspired to come here today to speak on two measures: First, Resolution 251004. Through programs and community outreach, Delta Sigma Theta members and local residents have shared stories that have stayed with me. One young woman shared her story as a trafficking survivor, telling me about her stays in motels across the city. She had signs of distress, bruises, panic, fear, but the staff didn't know what to look for or how to intervene. And I remember her exact words, I wasn't invisible, people just didn't know what they were seeing. Training hotel, motel and short-term rental workers, as HB 1286 requires, is a life-saving prevention-focused measure that could change someone's story. That's why I strongly support Resolution 251004. Secondly, I've come to speak on Ordinance 250849. In my sorority volunteer work, I also hear regularly from women in our city about the daily challenges managing fibroids, heavy bleeding or menopause symptoms and how these impact their work. Many Black women especially have shared experiences of being penalized or dismissed at work simply for needing accommodations. This measure helps prevent workplace discrimination against Black women, who are disproportionately affected by fibroids and heavier menstruation. Research shows that the pain and health impacts associated with these conditions are often dismissed or minimized, making workplace protections like this essential to ensure equity, dignity and fair treatment. This is why I strongly support Ordinance 250849. Together these measures both protect the safety and dignity of vulnerable community members, whether preventing exploitation or supporting workers health. I thank Councilmember Ahmad and urge City Council to advance both measures with urgency and compassion. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning. I'm Jean Haskell. I'm a longtime Philadelphian and a longtime member of the Granny Peace Brigade, a peace activist. I was 13 years old when the United States dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I looked at the grainy TV and the destruction of people and land. And I said, why does this have to happen, why do human beings have to kill each other in such destructive ways. In today's world, as few as 100 Hiroshima sized bombs, very small if used to attack an urban area like Philadelphia, would put at least 5 million tons of radioactive soot into the upper atmosphere, causing climate disruption across the planet, cutting food production and putting at least 2 billion people into starvation. So today I ask the same question, why do we in our society feel the need to destroy each other rather than value and respect each other? People want to modernize nuclear weapons. We have enough to destroy the whole world. So I ask the Pension Fund Board, why do you feel the need to invest in weapons that will destroy your citizens, your planet, your city, your lives? And I say to City Council, why would you want to support that investment? So I urge you, City Councilmembers, to vote for divestment. I thank Councilman O'Rourke for introducing the bill and I thank you all for listening today. (Applause.)
Good morning. I'm Chad Williams, the chef and owner of Friday Saturday Sunday. I just want to thank the City of Philadelphia, the state of Pennsylvania for allowing me to be here and bringing Michelin to the City of Philadelphia. I was born in Philadelphia, grew up here and had to leave to go pursue my dream. I decided to come back and there was never a chance that Michelin would come. It was not a possibility. When it was announced they would be here, it changed my life. We knew we had a goal to shoot for and that it would really give us a chance to show the talent that we have in Philadelphia. When we received the star, I couldn't be more proud. As a (inaudible) of Philadelphia meant the world that we could bring it here and I'm eternally grateful for everything. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Belle Sherwood, and I'm a clean energy advocate with Penn Environment. We're the statewide citizen-based environmental nonprofit. And first, I just want to thank Councilmember Gauthier for putting forth the resolution today calling on the Pennsylvania State Senate to approve House Bill 504, also known as the Community Energy or Community Solar Act. Establishing Community Solar in Pennsylvania would allow neighbors, businesses, schools and other community members to come together to directly participate in and receive the immense benefits from a solar project connected to their local grid. This would be a gamechanger for many Pennsylvanians who want to go solar but can't put it on their own roofs because they rent, they have old or shaded roofs or face financial barriers with community solar. Pennsylvanians from all walks of life, like the many Philadelphians who rent their own homes, will have the option to opt in together and expand access to clean energy for their community. Bringing Community Solar to the Commonwealth will allow more Philadelphians and more Pennsylvanians to access solar energy, which will lower climate pollution, clean up our air, support more energy independence and help people save money on their energy bills. For these reasons. Penn Environment asks the Council to vote in favor of the Community Energy resolution. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning. I'm Lynn Landes of the newly-formed Philly's Republican Network. I support the resolution calling on the General Assembly in Harrisburg to pass a house bill to combat human trafficking in Pennsylvania. However, at the same time it must be acknowledged that City Council has made Philadelphia a haven for human trafficking on a global scale through its Sanctuary City policy which since 2016, over a decade now, has invited into our city countless illegal immigrants and their human traffickers from all over the world. Illegal immigration is the most common form of human and sex trafficking in men, women and children. If City Council really wants to do something about human trafficking, then they would support enforcing our federal immigration laws and work with agents. But they're not. Instead they're fighting them every inch of the way and so is our recently re-elected District Attorney. This is not irony. It is stunning hypocrisy on our City Council's part. And worse than that, it is also a dreadful reality for the victims of human trafficking and the citizens of Philadelphia. Thank you.
We have Michael Cameron, Jude Husein, Sarah Bishop Stone. May Tina Shelton, Robert Sadler, David Gibson, Samuel Kuttab and Phoebe Bachman also make their way to the podium.
Mike Cameron speaking on Palestine Day. Councilwoman Brooks, your resolution is a spark in this year's long silence on Gaza that Council has practiced, like the fire that started at Harpers Ferry and made its way to Gaza and back to Philadelphia. Since 1948, this country has been drained to uphold the violently, racist, disgusting White colony of Israel. Right now I'm thinking about Camp of Hope that Kate Perez had mentioned earlier, a Palestinian refugee camp run by my friend Nada. I think about all the family she's lost and all the children she's saved. I think a lot about how much I love my Palestinian comrades here and how much their sorrow rends my heart, how much their joy brings me bliss. Across the sea in occupied Palestine, our comrades in the resistance are young. It makes me vomit to remember what I've seen. Every one of them is John Brown to me, John Henry. Every one of them gives everything. They are students of liberty with a battlefield education provided by Israel and funded by us. The very act of inception in Palestine of planting a seed in the soil is met with nuclear holocaust. Yet the power inside them, the refusal to accept the life chosen by others, is infectious. And here in Philadelphia, the same force rises beneath the surface, a modern socialist coalition coming together to give this city to the people. They refused you at the doors when you tried selling them Kamala Harris like a cheap parlor trick. Philadelphians deserve their power back in their hands. People are enraged that their futures are in the hands of lawless Zionists who practice displacement here in this city, a university city and in North Philadelphia. Mayor Cherelle Parker has denied Palestinians their dignity of raising their flag. I would be elated to stand corrected once I see it hang on that pole outside. Either way that flag will be raised. It was raised at the barricades first at UPenn, where you let the young be beaten. It was raised on these streets while you were lobbied by two expensivelooking goons sent by Josh Harris, another Zionist, while Josh Shapiro sent weapons to Israel while we came out for Mumia, Iran, Venezuela, Congo, Sudan and union workers. As a child, I didn't even know Palestinians existed because my educators were already indoctrinated. The JCC was my community center. Christian Zionism and Jewish supremacy were my companions there. It wasn't until I was 18 and I met my friend Natalie that I knew a Palestinian. In 2023, Council's cops dragged her, her mother and my comrade screaming from these chambers and assaulted her mother until she passed out. That Council gave racist, wealthy Zionist attorneys the power of the bullet and the baton. Even so, the steadfastness of the Palestinian people inspires. It will outlive us, this calamity, and the world that made Israel. Free Palestine. Free Mumia. Free them all. (Applause.)
Good morning, Council President and Councilmembers. My name is Jude Husein. I'm happy to be speaking on the Philadelphia Palestine resolution. Thank you, Councilmember Brooks, for introducing it. My entire life I grew up in North Philadelphia and Philadelphia has always been home, but I see Palestine in Philadelphia every single day. It took two years for this Council body to introduce Philadelphia Palestine, when there's over 17,000 Philadelphians who are Palestinian. We have over four dozen businesses, taxpayers that contribute to this great city day-in and day-out. But, you know, it's never too late because as a Palestinian, we always give people the opportunity to come back, to come back and see humanity, not just for our community but for communities across the city and this country. So today I have the great privilege to welcome you all in the Palestinian community, whether you like it or not, because you don't have to be Palestinian -to be born in a Palestinian family to be Palestinian. Being Palestinian means you felt hurt, pain, grief, but you're capable for anything. And so, you strive for excellence. And I look at this Council body as trying to strive for excellence, even with all of you guys' flaws which I accept. And so, we can have different opinions and we can have different perspectives. But I urge this Council body, as you try to govern and pass legislation, to please, please, do not censor people. Do not silence people. Because if you do in these chambers, you are no different than the people outside of these chambers. I won't name names. But Frederick Douglass once said, I would unite with anybody to do right and nobody to do wrong. And so, as a Palestinian Philadelphian I've experienced wrong. I've experienced going through checkpoints and having an AK pointed at my head just two months ago seeing my grandmother who's 112. So please from a Palestinian Philadelphian, do your job and see humanity. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning, Council President and members of Council. My name is Sarah Bishop Stone. I'm a lifelong Philadelphian, a proud South Philly resident, arts worker and organizer. I speak today in support of Councilmember O'Rourke's resolution to hold a hearing on global approaches to equitable public budgeting. I'm here as the project manager of the People's Budget Office, a program housed within Mural Arts that works to imagine what a fully-funded city could look like. We use public art, education and advocacy to empower residents to engage in the budget process. We facilitate workshops all around Philadelphia, teaching Philadelphians about the city budget, and we run an interactive office at LOVE Park in the spring. In the FY26 budget season, we surveyed over 650 Philadelphians about the budget process and what they wanted to see funded. Unknown, opaque, obscure, confusing, these are the words we heard over and over again when we asked Philadelphians what is one word that comes to mind when you think about the city budget. Overwhelmingly, responses to our survey tell us they don't know how to get involved and don't feel that their voices matter. You all say on your mailers, your billboards and in emails that this is your city, your budget. But by the time the budget process opens for public comment, the public and indeed City Council can only do so much to shape a budget that is 99% finalized behind closed doors. The City's budget process can and should change. It should be a people-first approach, informed by engagement. We are asking for the City to invest in true participatory, equitably engaged budgeting plan that allows Philadelphians voices to be integrated into every step of the city budget, including the formation of the documents themselves and the priorities and metrics that guide the process. The City should resume plans for direct participatory budgeting, host regular feedback sessions on the city budget, restore budgeting for racial equity and add an environmental justice lens to the budget process. Research shows that participatory democracy strategies such as these can increase understanding of and trust in government, inspire civic learning and leadership and direct resources to communities with the greatest needs. Philadelphians know what their neighborhoods needs and it's time we trust them to help shape our city's future. Thank you. (Applause.)
My name is Tina Shelton. I would like to extend my appreciation to all the Councilors who have met with us, Divest Philly from the War Machine, over the years to advance the cause of a nuclear-free world, and for Councilmember O'Rourke for introducing 251000. I would like to thank the citizens who have come here today, who represent 31 organizations that have endorsed this effort, if you would like to stand now. We salute the City and the Pension Board for its previous divestment from tobacco, guns, private prisons, Russia and El Salvador. It's time to divest from nuclear weapons too. The Greater Philadelphia Branch of Women's International League for Peace and Freedom has advocated for nuclear abolition for nearly 80 years. We have members all over this great city. We currently see an increased emphasis on the false dialogue that we do not have resources for human needs. In fact, according to reports from the United Nations on disarmament, there has been a record high military spending and that military solutions are being prioritized over social and economic justice. This step towards moral investments that weigh the impact of nuclear threat on all Philadelphia residents and beyond is celebrated as a way to live up to our obligations as members of Mayors for Peace, which we joined as a city in 1985 and to show other US cities that investing in a nuclear free world is the financially-wise decision, in addition to being moral and just we carry the hopes and wishes of victims of nuclear explosion elsewhere and nuclear testing in the United States as we support this resolution. (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Robert Sadler. I'm a longtime resident of Philadelphia, Philadelphia. I'm a longtime resident of Philadelphia, in the Mount Airy and I'm here today to lend my support to Resolution 25099(sic) to urging the Pennsylvania Senate to approve the Community Energy Act HB 504 in support of community solar. About three years ago, my wife and I looked into putting solar in our house and found it financially unfeasible due to a number of factors, most largely because we did not qualify for any cover, any federal government energy credits. So I do believe that this bill would make solar and affordable energy more accessible to a large proportion of Philadelphians. And thank you very much. (Applause.)
David Gibson. Thank you for the time. I'm the Co-coordinator of Peace, Justice, Sustainability Now. We're an associate member group of Peace Action. We're part of the Best Philly from the War Machine Coalition. Nuclear Arms Control reduced nuclear weapons in the world from 70,000 to around 12,000 nuclear weapons today. Now, that progress is being reversed. None of the nine nuclear armed states is disarming. Instead, all invest in new and more hazardous nuclear weapons. Since nuclear armed governments are failing to reduce the threat, it has become incumbent upon everyone else to do something about it. It is up to us to keep us safe. In 2017, the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, the TPNW, was adopted by 50 non-nuclear states. After 2021 when it went into force, we are now up to 197 states party to the treaty. This gained recognition within the financial sector. The number of financial institutions taking action has grown steadily over the last decade. In 2014, there were 35 institutions moving to divest from nuclear weapons. In 2018, there were 63. In 2019, 77. There are now 109 financial institutions that restrict investments in nuclear weapons production. With such policies, banks, pension funds, asset managers, other financial actors can demonstrate the stigma attached to nuclear weapons and such policies have the potential to undermine nuclear weapons production and profitability and desirability. More and more institutions that adopt environmental social governance standards are choosing to turn their backs on nuclear weapons. This is a growing international movement. We applaud City Council for joining this movement and calling for reinvesting pension funds into wealth-creating investments here at home, funding services that build healthy communities, like housing, public transit, education and the like. It is time for Philadelphia to join this growing movement. With this vote, we call on the Philadelphia Board of Pensions to go to the next step, adopt the policy of divestment from weapons of mass destruction. And by the way, we also support the Palestinian resolution. Thank you. (Applause.)
We have Samuel Kuttab, Phoebe Bachman. May Shakaboona Marshall, Amy Edelstein, Ogbonna Hagins, Karen Melton, Nika A. and Carmen Galero also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
My name is Phoebe Bachman. Great to see you all today. A lot of faces I know. Hello to members of City Council. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to give public testimony. You may know me from my work at Mural Arts where I lead our Prison program for restorative justice as well as my work with the People's Budget Office, which I'll speak to both today. A huge thank you to Councilman Harrity for introducing the resolution to honor National Restorative Justice Month. As Mural Arts Prison Program Manager, I see firsthand the effect of this work, of this body, on the work that I do in the prison. And it's incredibly meaningful to see the stories represented here. A big thank you also to all the Councilmembers who actually came to SCI Phoenix or who are planning to come to SCI Phoenix. It really means so much to those folks who can't be here to see you come to their house. These men do not actually get to see these exhibits in person and many of them are serving death-by-incarceration sentences, so I can only hope by acknowledging that if restorative justice is possible, we are also thinking about how we can get these men free and bring them home. Today I'm also here to offer testimony in support of the resolution to call for a hearing on equitable budgeting practices, introduced by Councilmember O'Rourke. Thank you. Budgets are more than numbers, right. They're a narrative. They tell the story of our city. And when I give people our Budget 101 across Philadelphia, I tell people that city budgets are a plan with a price tag, a forecast for the future of our city, a law and a moral document. There are moral documents because they reflect our values, whether we invest in incarceration or education, whether we invest in parks or police. Our current budget process offers limited availability for people to shape the budget, and only after it has been proposed thanks to City Council efforts. Our hearing will shape research on different approaches to equitable budgeting practice such as Porto Alegre in Brazil, where participatory budgeting redirected millions of dollars to community priorities, in Paris, France where residents have proposed to vote on hundreds of millions of euros and projects that revitalize neighborhoods. These examples have shown that equitable budgeting processes strengthen both local trust and international reputation. We will be also looking closer to home at Baltimore's outcome-based budgeting, Boston's participatory budgeting and thinking about how these different opportunities can reflect on our work in Philadelphia. We know that lessons -- okay. All right. Well, thank you so much for the time today. (Applause.)
Honorable members of City Council, I stand before you today to urge you to support this resolution celebrating the International Day in Solidarity with the Palestinian people on November 29th, a day of deep cultural and historical significance that deserves recognition in our city, Philadelphia strength has always been rooted in our embrace of diverse communities. We are a city built on immigrants, shaped by the contributions of the people from every corner of the world. Our Palestinian community, now spanning four generations in this city, embodies the same spirit of resilience, hard work and civic engagement. Many of you know members of our community. Personally, you've attended our community events, you've been into our houses, you've eaten with our foods and we have stood with you during your campaigns. You understand firsthand that this is not an abstract issue. These are your neighbors, your constituents, your friends. They are teachers, they are educators, they are doctors, they are lawyers. They are every aspect of this society. The resolution doesn't ask us to take sides in a distant conflict. Rather it asks us to affirm what we already know to be true, that the Palestinian Americans are an integral part of Philadelphia and that their culture, history and humanity deserves to be seen and honored. City Council, you have been afforded to be with the people who have safeguarded the Holy Land, the holy sites for 2000 years. Whether you're Jewish, whether you're Christian, whether you're Muslims, embrace us and welcome us. Thank you very much. Samuel Kuttab. (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Shakaboona Marshall. I'm Executive Director of Human Rights Coalition. I'm here before you today with my coalition partners, Our Soul Solar PA, and we're supporting the resolution submitted by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier. And what we want to do is talk about community solar, right. And so, what I'd like to say is that our Governor and his lightning bill has endorsed our bill and is championing our bill. Our Mayor is championing it also and we're about to have this wonderful Council champion a resolution for community solar as well. We have an opposition with our state legislature. Our legislature right here in Harrisburg is preventing us from getting community solar in this city. And so, this is a big problem because I travel throughout the city and many people want their high utility costs reduced, and solar paneling of residential homes can be this thing that helped reduce their costs. So we're trying to get this. We're trying to be in line with all the other counties, at least about six of them on record by now that has also passed resolutions for community solar and we want Philadelphia to send a message to the state legislature that we need community solar within this city and to lower the cost of the PECO cost of utility bills for everyone. Thank you. (Applause.)
Hi. My name is Amy Edelstein and I'm the founder and Executive Director of Inner Strength Education, which brings mindfulness and social emotional tools for our students' long-term success. And I really want to thank Councilmember Phillips for his citation and for the support of other Councilmembers over the last 10 years where we've brought these tools to more than 35,000 Philadelphia high school students. In this age of AI, empowering our young people with human skills, the ability to manage stress and tension, to communicate effectively, to build teams, to be responsible, to be ready to enter the workforce as mature and accountable adults is more and more important, and that means that they need to learn how to manage thought and emotion. Last week I saw this one comment from a student who just finished one of our programs. She said, One day we were discussing how thoughts aren't facts and suddenly it clicked, I realized how often I let a single negative thought spiral into a full-blown bad mood or argument. That moment made me pause and reflect on how much control I actually have over my reactions. It was like flipping a switch. I don't have to believe or act on every feeling that pops into my head. Now, I think we all know a lot of adults who we would like them to be able to have that kind of self-knowledge, self-regulation and care about their effect on other people. So I just want to thank the Councilpeople for this support. We want to spread these tools far as across our city, in as many places as possible. We look forward to continuing the partnership. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Ogbonna Hagins. I'm the President of the Philadelphia Reparations Coalition for American Freedmen, and I'm a fourth generation chattel slavery survivor. I'm here today in connection with legislation introduced by Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke. Let's just keep it real. How can Philadelphia say no to millions and millions of dollars of revenue from building a nuclear submarine right here, a project that the Trump Administration once built and we know is going to be built somewhere. The Mayor definitely wouldn't turn down this, just like she couldn't turn down federal funding because of the unconstitutional DEI policy. If we can really call it a policy, DEI was never law. It was a voluntary framework created by non-lawmakers, promoting aspirational values like representation and belonging. It diluted the real equity and allowed organizations to claim compliance while avoiding constitutional obligations, and that ends now. This is positive for the American Freedmen. Just like having the nuclear submarine built here in Philadelphia is positive for the economy of Philadelphia, DEI mostly benefited so-called White women, and that's a fact. The Mayor did the right and legal thing by disbanding it, ensuring the city operates with its constitutional obligations. Just like we cannot afford to not have that submarine built here, we cannot afford not to establish the Office of Freedman Affairs. Its existence is necessary to uphold equal protection under the Reconstruction amendments between the American Freedmen and the United States government, ensuring the descendants of the Emancipated have access to the rights and opportunities guaranteed under the Constitution. Ogbonna Hagins. Over and out. (Applause.)
Good afternoon. My name is Karen Melton. I live in East Falls and I've been a Philadelphia resident since 1979. I appreciate the opportunity to express my support for Councilperson Gauthier's Resolution 250992. Community energy is a small but important step to increase equitable access to clean energy by allowing Pennsylvanians to benefit from solar power regardless of whether they rent, own a home or have a roof that can support solar panels. I'm in the latter category. I would be willing to invest in rooftop solar, but my house faces the wrong direction, has dormers that break up the surface of the roof and we have a large pin oak tree that shades the house in the afternoon. 24 other states have enabled community solar, so this is a well-known method for allowing anyone to subscribe to clean energy and have that reflected on their electric bill. It provides costsavings for participants. It's a potential income generator for farmers or landowners and supports jobs in the solar industry. There is no downside to House Bill 504. It has broad bipartisan and public support and has been passed by the Pennsylvania House in two different sessions, but remains locked in Senate committee by a chairperson who refuses to bring it up for a committee vote. I ask you to approve this resolution. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning, Council. My name is Nika A. And I'm a community organizer and educator here in our city and I stand here in front of you today in support of not only oppressed people everywhere, but also for the Palestinian people, and in particular in support of Councilmember Brooks' resolution to recognize the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people this November 29, 2025. Today the Occupation is still impeding aid flow, starving an entire population with fullgrown adults reduced to bones, 12-year-olds weighing 33 pounds and 93% of babies under 2 not being able to meet their nutritional needs. Israel is either directly killing them or permanently damaging 93% of all children's cognitive and physical growth. As a proud Philadelphian, I have been disgusted and outraged by every day that we have stood idly by and in many ways contributed to an ongoing genocide of people whose sons, daughters, aunties and cousins have strong, familial ties to the people of the city. Our hosting of the Day & Zimmerman Corporation, whose munitions are used to massacre Palestinians on a daily basis, our sister city's connection to the murder capital of the Middle East, Tel Aviv, our legitimization of ties to entities using surveillance technology that enables the sniping of children in Gaza and the West Bank, and our lending of cultural support to a settler colonial project aiming to erase a people whose only wish is to be truly free, are all unacceptable unjust and make us a city complicit and dripping with blood on our hands. I call on this Council, not only to support Councilmember Brooks' resolution to recognize the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people and raise the Palestinian flag on November 29th, but also to stop weapons from leaving our city, end the contracts with Day & Zimmerman, Ghost Robotics, AgustaWestland and end the normalization of the apartheid occupation and the end to the sister city's relationship with Tel Aviv. Free Palestine. Thank you. (Applause.)
Hi. Good morning. My name is Carmen. And as an indigenous American, I understand what it's like to have an occupying force destroy your people and try to pretend we never existed. Colonization starts with dehumanizing. They say we are not human, call us savages and terrorists and then get rid of natives by displacement, by kidnapping, disappearing or murdering. I feel like I am watching the Trail of Tears every day. Today is God's Children Day and more than 800 did not make it to their first birthday. 80% of the children killed during the genocide were killed in their homes by Israeli strikes. The same IOF soldiers rounding up people in the West Bank are allowed to vacation and visit in our country. They chased me through the streets with weapons, and then our (inaudible) say they're still safe for society. I hope you will join me and know that freeing Palestine will free us. The oppressors, they work with the oppressors here. Ending the genocide does not erase the genocide. We must cut our ties with Israeli government and stop Philadelphia companies that enable the genocide like Day & Zimmerman 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING or AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corp. The best thing that as an indigenous we have from you instead of Thanksgiving is respect our lands, respect our territories, respect our dignity and respect the humanity and the moderate. Free Palestine. (Applause.)
Council President, there are no further names for public comment.
That concludes the public comment period. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250992. 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
A resolution calling on the Pennsylvania State Senate to approve House Bill 504, the Community Energy Act, and the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to pass this legislation to allow for the creation of community energy programs in Pennsylvania.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250992.
Thank you, Council President. I call for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded Resolution No. 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING 250992 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 2501 -- 251000.
A resolution urging the City of Philadelphia to make moral investments and weigh the threat that nuclear weapons pose to all of humanity and our environment in the light of Trump Administration's decision to restart testing of 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING nuclear weapons and a proposal to build a nuclear submarine right here in Philadelphia.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke for a motion regarding the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adop -- that Resolution No. 251000 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 251004.
A resolution calling on the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to take swift and decisive action to pass House Bill 1286 as an effective measure to combat human trafficking in Pennsylvania.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad for a motion regarding Resolution No. 251004.
Thank you, Council President. 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution No. 251004 be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 250648.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING land located within an area bounded by North Street, Broad Street, Wallace Street and 15th Street.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Bill No. 250648 be removed from the Calendar and recommitted to the Committee on Rules. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Bill No. 250648 will be removed from the Calendar and recommitted to the Committee on Rules. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 250707.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-4400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Development Impact Tax" to clarify the exemption for rental housing projects, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll. 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 15. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative the bill passes. Would the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 250831.
An ordinance amending Section 14-602 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use Tables" by allowing Basic Utilities and Services uses without a Special Exemption in certain Special Purpose districts, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Chief Clerk, please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative the bill passes. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 250848.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING land located within an area bounded by Chew Avenue, Church Lane and East Wister Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Chief Clerk, please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative the bill passes. Chief Clerk, please read the title of Bill No. 250849. 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-1100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Fair Practices Ordinance: Protections Against Unlawful Discrimination," to explicitly protect employees from discrimination on the basis of menstruation, perimenopause and menopause, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is should the bill pass finally. Chief Clerk, please call the roll.
11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.
And, 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Council President Johnson.
Aye. The ayes are 15. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative the bill passes. Congratulations. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 250887.
An ordinance authorizing the City of Philadelphia to construct, own and maintain right-of-way encroachments in various parts of the City, under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING On your behalf, I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 250887. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 250887 be adopted. All in favor of the motion signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
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 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Council. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 250888.
An ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions" by adding a new chapter to prohibit third-party restaurant reservation services from arranging unauthorized restaurant reservations with food service establishments and to provide for definitions, prohibited acts, penalties, and enforcement, all under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion.