Thank you, Mr. President. 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 250888. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council and I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 250888 be adopted. All those in favor 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. 250890.
An ordinance amending Section 10-503 of The Philadelphia Code to prohibit unlawful trading, theft and trafficking of catalytic converters and motor vehicle parts containing precious metals, and to increase penalties, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different things, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15. The nays are 0. Majority of all members haven't voted in the affirmative the bill passes. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 250891.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land within an area bounded by North Sydenham Street, Venango Street, North Smedley Street and West Tioga Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING please call the roll.
Councilmember Lozada was aye. Councilmember Young. 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 15. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having vote in the affirmative the bill passes. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 250916.
An ordinance granting permission to Haverford Business Association to install and maintain encroachments in the nature of decorative lighting fixtures, attached to existing facilities owned by the City or other entities, subject to 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING such owner's consent, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative the bill passes. Would the Clerk please read any additional resolutions on today's Calendar. 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Inner Strength Education during the celebration of its 10-year Anniversary for its decade of transformative work, empowering Philadelphia's youth through mindfulness-based social emotional learning, traumasensitive mentoring and wholeperson developmental programming as a part of the children and youth spotlight, which celebrates community-centered organizations, uplifting young people across the City. Introduced by Councilmember Phillips.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips for a motion on the resolution.
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 be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Finance to hold hearings on the state of the 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING economy for Black women in Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Joint Committees on Housing, Neighborhood Development and The Homeless and on Transportation and Public Utilities to hold hearings to investigate the impacts of unaffordable water bills on residential tenants in Philadelphia, and to seek out best practices, policy changes and new ideas to make water affordability and assistance programs more available for residential tenants. Introduced by Councilmember Gauthier. COUNCIL PRESIDENT 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution.
A privileged resolution congratulating the Philadelphia restaurants earning the City's first Michelin Stars and recognizing the historic milestone of Philadelphia entering the Michelin Guide. Introduced by Councilmember Landau.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. Introducing this and moving this with your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing and celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the revitalization of the Bok Building into a hub for artists, makers and small businesses. Introduced by Councilmember Landau. COUNCIL PRESIDENT 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: Chair recognizes Councilmember Landau.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution. 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
A privileged resolution recognizing and celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the St. Christopher's Hospital for Children and proclaiming November 30, 2025 -- excuse me, "St. Christopher's Hospital for Children Day" in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion on behalf of Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Councilmember Lozada, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating Shirley Chisholm on the occasion of her birthday, this November 30th. Introduced by Councilmember Brooks. COUNCIL PRESIDENT 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing November 20th as Transgender Day of Remembrance in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.) 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution celebrating and honoring the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People this November 29, 2025. Introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you. I move for the adoption of the resolution. 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative Innovative Economy to hold hearings exploring globally equitable public 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING budgeting practices as a hallmark of Philadelphia's emergence as a leading global city. Introduced by Councilmember O'Rourke.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke for a motion on 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 adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it. The motion passes. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing the launch of Finanta Credit Union, a Low Income Designated Credit Union, and honoring Finanta's ongoing dedication to the residents of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Driscoll.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Mike Driscoll for a motion on the resolution.
It has been moved and 11/20/25 - STATED - 2ND READING properly seconded that the resolution is adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
There are no further resolutions in my possession, Council President.
Thank you very much. We will now consider the bill on the Suspension Calendar. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240304-A.
An ordinance amending Subcode "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 Jay Young, Jr., for a motion on the bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Bill No. 240340-A be moved from the Suspension Calendar to the Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council. (Duly seconded.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill No. 240304-A be moved from the Suspension Calendar to the Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. This bill will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council. That completes our Calendar for today. Are there any speeches on behalf of the Minority? Chair recognizes
Thank you, Council President. Today I brought forward a resolution to celebrate the legacy of U.S. Representative Shirley Chisholm on the occasion of her birthday on November 30th. Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman ever elected to U.S. Congress. She worked to expand the Food Stamp program and create SNAP. She fought for the legalization of abortion and opposed the Vietnam War. She made history with her campaign for President in 1972, which is the year I was born, under the slogan Unbought and Unbossed, and she became a role model for generations of progressive Black women leaders. Her courage and independence have been an countless other progressive Black women in politics. I also introduced a resolution with Councilmembers Jones and O'Rourke to celebrate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People here in Philadelphia. The Palestinian people have faced threats of genocide and cultural erasure over a course of their history. The current conflict has claimed the lives of over 70,000 people with independent international bodies stating that the number is expected to be more accurately in the hundreds of thousands. This includes over 20,000 children. I've heard from countless Philadelphians about the deep sadness, anger and hopelessness that they have felt unfold and I want to recognize and thank the coalition of over 20 local organizations that have come together to host Philadelphia's celebration on November 29th. The goal of International Day of Solidarity is to affirm the human rights of Palestinian people, support Palestinian communities in preserving their culture and broaden the movement for sustainable and peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. Thank you to my co-sponsors Councilmember Jones and Minority Whip Nicolas O'Rourke. I also want to acknowledge every person who has spoken out in Council over the last couple of years about Palestine in this building. Thank you for speaking when it wasn't popular. Your voice mattered. And finally, each year on November 20th, the city recognizes Trans Day of Remembrance. This year the resolution I'm introducing, along with Councilmember Rue Landau, lists the names of 58 transgender and gender-expansive people who have been killed in the U.S. in the past year. Amongst those, we lost Sonny Hopkins, a Black trans man who was a pillar of the Philadelphia trans community. Today we mourn the loss of Sonny and all the others who lost their lives to transphobia and anti-trans violence in the United States. Under this Administration, this deadly hatred has not only been tolerated but encouraged and we have seen a 60% increase in the Thank you so much, Council President.
Thank you very much. Councilman Nicolas O'Rourke.
Thank you, Mr. President. A couple of things I just want to lift up as well. I already spoke to my convictions on the nuclear testing restart last week, so I'll just add my gratitude for my colleagues' support and for everyone who came out to testify on that resolution today, because it's an understatement to say that life is a precious gift and we would do well to guard it fiercely within the realm of personal choice whenever and wherever we can. And so, many of them testify also mentioned the International Day of Solidarity with Palestine resolution that Member Brooks lifted up that we happen to co-sponsor. And I too want to echo her sentiments around just appreciating those who have given voice, particularly to what has been happening there for some time, over the course of last two years, your moral witness time after time, being often disregarded, dismissed, even restricted. The fact that you continue to do that I think is an example that the moral witness of our time is alive and well, if we will listen to those voices. I genuinely believe that you are a beauty in the sight of God and I thank you for your convictions and your willingness to stand on them. give my colleagues their props, all of y'all, for introducing bills that have me very excited to vote yes as well. I'm thinking back to last week and Dr. Phillips' bill on the local contact for landlords who don't live here. That, by definition, is what we call a good jawn. This week I'm loving the Just Water package by Member Gauthier and the bill introduced by Member Driscoll. The bills put forward by Member Gauthier are focused on making sure our water remains affordable for Philadelphians. And I definitely feel the synergy between that and the Affordable Philly Now Initiative proposal to ban privatizing our Water Department, which everywhere and every time worse service and even higher rates after the sell-off. Also, Member Driscoll, it should be no surprise that your BIRT exemption plan got the Minority wings' instant support as we've been thinking about what's coming for small businesses in Philly all year and we haven't been alone in thinking about that. Folks will recall that Leader Brooks and I introduced a plan to raise the BIRT exemption during the budget season to try and protect those same businesses that your bill does, Member Driscoll. So I'm glad the need for that protection is still being articulated, advocated for and addressed now in this body. It's a point that we should not be shy to take pride in. I think it's good to authorize a hearing today in Council's Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative Innovative Economy in collaboration with Mural Arts and the People's Budget Office that many of you may have heard of during the public testimony. As Chair of the Committee, I'm ready now finally to activate the Committee in an innovative and creative way towards this end to spotlight global budgeting practices and deepen democratic engagement in a time when democratic norms are constantly being eroded and really attacked. So, Committee members, get into it. Buckle up. I think that we are going to have a good time deliberating over the public good when that time does come. gentlemen, let me lift up that baristas across the nation are still on strike. That's good. Yes, indeed. And while they stopped steaming the milk, Starbucks workers are still turning up the heat. It was -yeah, thank you very much. Appreciate it. It was such an honor to join Philly baristas in York yesterday.
I drove out there where a picket of workers from around the region, it wasn't just Philly folks, I'm talking about folks from Harrisburg, Pittston, Pittsburgh, Lancaster, all over the place. They came and shut down the Starbucks Regional Distribution Center. Folks may not realize that I think the biggest distribution center for Starbucks on the Eastern Seaboard is right there, it may be country, right there in York. It was a classic labor action and demonstration, shutting down the point of production and disrupting the wider production, demonstrating that workers are the means of production. In other words, they weren't playing with Starbucks yesterday. They shut that thing down. The semis were backed up and they were very annoyed by the work that they were doing. But I think it's good trouble, as the late John Lewis would say. So until they get what they deserve, I want to remind the listening public, no contract, no coffee. m. at the Friends Center around the corner at 1501 Cherry Street. Despite an unprecedented push for transit advocates, SEPTA didn't get a red penny from Harrisburg this year and was forced to raid its capital budget for hundreds of millions of dollars, all right. To avoid being in the same bind come 2027, which we will be if we don't do something about it, Senator Nikil Saval and myself, joined by Transit Forward Philadelphia, are hosting a town hall tonight. We need to start building the people power now to avoid a repeat of this year's harmful, horrible and shameful outcome, if I can use those words. We're going to talk about what's next at the state want to remind you of the proposed Transit Access Fund, which we'll also talk about tonight. Folks might remember it as being an intervention to preserve the Zero Fare program, and it certainly is that. But I'm excited to share that its scope has expanded a bit, along with making zero fare permanent. The fund could provide matching grants for employers to join SEPTA's Key Advantage program, providing all access transit to thousands of employees citywide. There are a number of employers that have already named transportation as a huge hurdle to recruiting and retaining talent in the city of Philadelphia. So why don't we sweeten the deal, right. The Transit Access Fund could also leverage private dollars in a SEPTA fair revenues and ridership. Members, if you haven't felt invited, allow this to serve as an invite to join us tonight and to learn more. If you can't make it, last-minute invitation, I get it. No stress, don't worry. My team and I will be sharing much more about the Transit Access Fund in due time, and I hope you'll hear us out about it. I think it's a really good word. Thank you so much, Mr. President.
Thank you. Any speeches on behalf of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips.
Thank you, Council President. begin, I want to recognize and extend my deep appreciation to pastor Lynn Parks from Oxford Circle Mennonite Church who prayed today. She's a longstanding member of our community and we appreciate her. She was joined by her husband, Pastor Vance Parks as well as Pastor Ron Tinsley, who serves here as well. We're grateful for the leadership and for the spiritual grounding they provide to our communities. I'm also thankful for Councilman Nicolas O'Rourke and also Councilwoman Kendra Brooks. We're constantly always trying to figure out how to work together, I mean, and bring ideas together. And I appreciate Councilman Nicolas O'Rourke's work, shout-out because when we work together as a city, we our office was proud to deliver more than 200 turkeys to schools, community organizations across the district. This would not be possible without the hard work and support of our team, especially a dedicated volunteer in our office, Ms. Celestine, along with Enon Tabernacle Baptist church and Mr. Mack and Mount Airy Concerned Neighbors. I know that during this time of the year folks aren't just calling their state and city officials for help. They're also calling our schools, community organizations and committee people. That's why this year I wanted to make sure our partners have resources. They needed to directly support our neighbors and ensure can have a wonderful holiday. I'm grateful that our colleague and neighbor, Councilmember At-large Isaiah Thomas, is hosting a turkey giveaway in the 9th District this year. I am incredibly thankful that he's doing it with State Representative Andre Carroll. The turkey giveaway Councilman Isaiah Thomas is hosting in our district is on November 22nd from 10:00 a.m. until supplies run out basically. It's at 5801 North Broad Street, Philippian Baptist Church. And also, if you don't have enough turkeys, Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church is doing a giveaway as well from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 while supplies last at 2800 West Cheltenham Avenue. Today I introduced a Strength Education on the celebration of its 10th anniversary as part of our City Council's Children and Youth spotlight. As the Chair of Committee on Children and Youth, it is especially important to me that we uplift organizations that are strengthening the emotional, social and mental well-being of our young people. For 10 years, Inner Strength has equipped Philadelphia's youth with mindfulness-based social emotional learning, trauma-sensitive mentoring and whole-person developmental tools. Their programming helps students manage stress, build emotional regulation and deepen resilience and navigate adversity with a sense of calm, is what it looks like when we invest in the whole child, not just academically, but emotionally and socially as well. And before I close, I want to recognize that Aspen Bibbs Wilson, a student from my alma mater La Salle College High School, is shadowing our office today. Aspen is a Germantown resident in the 8th District. He has clear and growing interest in government and public service. He shared with me that his passion began with his grandfather, whose influence encouraged him to look at the world around him and find ways to make an impact. At La Salle, we say boys will be boys but La Salle boys will be gentlemen, and it's great to have La Salle gentlemen here today. (Applause.)
Thank you, Dr. Phillips, and welcome. Chair recognizes Councilmember Landau.
Thank you so much, Council President. I was excited today to introduce a resolution recognizing and celebrating the 10th anniversary of the revitalization of the Bok Building into a hub for artists, makers and small businesses. Huge shout-out to Lindsey Scannapieco and all of Team Bok who are here today. Bok has become a thriving hub for artists, entrepreneurs and small businesses. 2015 they've been a beacon of small business support, adaptive reuse and creative space. During my time as a Councilmember, I've tried to prioritize artists around the city. And what I've heard time and time again is the need for affordable studio space. Bok has been a pivotal provider of such spaces for our creative economy and I commend them on 10 incredible years. I also signed as a primary co-sponsor to Councilmember Brooks' resolution recognizing Trans Day of Remembrance today. Just this year around the country more than 1000 anti-trans bills have been introduced already. 124 of them have passed and we've lost at least 58 trans and non-binary lives, at least because crimes committed against trans people are As an LGBTQ+ legislator, I know that we cannot claim to be the City of Brotherly Love, Sisterly Affection and Sibling Solidarity without acknowledging the violence still inflicted on the trans community. Every day I am here to say we are here for you, we stand with you and we will work to protect every Philadelphian. If you'd like to show your support, please join myself and Councilmember Brooks and other members and advocates on the South Apron by the Catto statue for a press conference immediately after session, meaning now. And finally -- a two-partner here -- but I introduced a resolution recognizing the restaurants in Philadelphia Michelin Stars: Her Place Supper Club; Friday Saturday Sunday and Provenance as well as the restaurants that were Michelinrecommended include my very own brother and sister-in-law's restaurant Vedge. Congratulations to our winners and those who were recommended and made it to the Guide. This is a big accomplishment for Philly and I commend you for your prestigious contributions to our food scene. Thank you to Carlos, Nick and Chad who joined us in Council today. And thank you, Council President, for your collaboration on this resolution. As we and the rest of the world know now, dining culture is incredibly important to Philadelphia, which is why I sidewalk cafe seating in Philadelphia. This should be the easiest, low-barrier option for a restaurant or cafe to offer outdoor dining to their customers. I've spoken to all our District Councilmembers, bids, civics, RCOs across the city and hundreds of owners and operators and many more about this, and I look forward to engaging further around this as we head to committee. Thank you very much.
Thank you. Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. I want to begin by recognizing the significance of the vote we took today. This body No. 250849, to protect workers from discrimination based on menopause, perimenopause or menstruation. These are not niche issues. They are everyday realities for a huge share of our workforce. And for too long, people have been expected to push through silently or pretend nothing is happening. Recently WHYY covered my bill, and out of curiosity I took a look at the online comments. And what I saw there was exactly what many workers deal with behind closed doors: sarcasms, jokes and a whole lot of dismissive remarks from people who clearly have no idea what these experiences actually involve. Most of these comments came from misogynists. And honestly, that didn't surprise me, the point, if strangers online feel free to mock something so openly, imagine how comfortable people feel making those comments in workplaces where women and impacted people don't have power to push back. That's why this bill is necessary. It's about making sure workers are not punished or belittled for changes in their own bodies. It is about dignity. It is about treating people like human beings. And today Philadelphia took that seriously. I thank all my colleagues for that. I would be remiss if I didn't also highlight the resolution Council passed today calling on Pennsylvania General Assembly to act on House Bill 1286. This bill would require human trafficking awareness training for hotel, motel and short-term rental workers. These are the people who often see the first signs someone appearing distressed, someone being monitored too closely, someone not allowed to speak for themselves. Training them to recognize those moments could make a life-changing difference. This is not complicated or controversial. It's common sense and we are urging Harrisburg to move. Again, I want to thank Representative Young for her steadfast leadership on this issue and for joining us today to express support for my legislation. Together we can work to combat human trafficking once and for all in Philadelphia and the Commonwealth. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President. Water is a basic human right and we are lucky to live in a city where our water system belongs to taxpayers, not corporate interest. But water rates increased 9.4% in September and another rate hike of 5.5% is slated for next year. This means even more working families pinching pennies just to pay the bills. And for those already beyond their means, it means dry pipes. Every Philadelphian deserves water. That's why today I introduced Just Water, a package of bills and resolutions that will keep the water flowing. The expands eligibility for the Tiered Assistance Program and requires the City to share responsibility for long-term water meter failures that result in runaway water bills. Because for far too long, the City has held residents accountable for faults in government infrastructure. Take, for example, my constituent Alexandra. When she closed on her new home in the 3rd Council District, the Water Department reported an actual meter reading and promised her water bill was accurate. Months later after upgrading her meter at PWD's recommendation, Alexandra was hit with an $8,000 bill. Even though PWD told her otherwise, they reversed course and said the old meter in Alexandra's transmitting information for eight years. As the new owner of the home, the City told Alexandra that she is responsible for coming up with 8 grand, even though she did everything right. As a part of Just Water, we will also be holding a hearing on solutions for tenants who lose access to water or are ineligible for water assistance programs, because unlike other utilities, PWD doesn't allow renters to put water bills in their names. Rick, a long-time West Philadelphia tenant, lost water service because his landlord stopped paying his water bill. Even though he was not responsible for the debt, Rick spent days traveling to the Municipal Services Building with every document he gather, only to be turned away repeatedly and told he would need to pay more than $3,000 in charges that were his landlord's responsibility. After completing a meter upgrade, PWD still refused to restore service because Rick's landlord did not have a rental license. Let me be clear, the City of Philadelphia is responsible for these injustices. It is a choice that we have allowed these policy failures to continue for so long, and I hope that through Just Water we will make sure that every Philadelphian has access to the clean, affordable and reliable water they deserve. I want to thank my co-introducers Councilmembers Kendra Brooks, Mike Driscoll, Anthony Phillips and Nicolas to thank my co-sponsors Councilmembers Rue Landau, Isaiah Thomas, Quetcy Lozada and Mark Squilla as well as Community Legal Services for their partnership. I also thank my Director of Constituent Services and Engagement Alexis Wright-Whitley, the brains behind Just Water. My mission as a Councilmember is to bridge the divide between the community and City Hall, and this legislation, borne from the issues my Constituent Services team gets calls about every single day, is an example of this philosophy in action. Thank you so much.
Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilman Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. I think the Water Department is on notice. I mean, Dr. Phillips got issues. Councilwoman Gauthier has issues. I introduced a bill to make sure that they can't charge late fees. So we love to figure this out in the city to make this city much more affordable for its residents here. But, Mr. President, I want to start by congratulating former Captain of the 22nd Police District Michael Goodson on his promotion to the rank of Inspector as the leader of the 22nd District. Inspector Goodson was accessible. He was present in the community and responsive. He and I always didn't agree, but as strong leaders do with a passion for making the cities better, we always found the work. And to the many residents in the 22nd District, they actually call him Captain Good Man. That's just how much of his reputation, great reputation, he had in the community. His leadership will be missed. So I want to wish Inspector Goodson well on his new chapter with the City of Philadelphia's Police Department. And on this Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at The Dell with the Brothers of Strawberry Mansion along with the Advancing Families Foundation, along with our office, State Rep Keith Harris, State Rep Ronnie Green and State Senator Sharif Street will be having a turkey and food giveaway from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Again, that's at The Dell on 33rd Street. And it is first-come first-served. Monday, November 24th my office will be hosting our Annual Thanksgiving Dinner this year. We are partnering with the Salvation Army. We've partnered with and is sponsored by Larry's Steaks. We've partnered with Caring for Friends. We've partnered with Shadow Trax Media and a few other organizations in our district to provide a hot meal for residents in the 5th Council District. So if you would like to participate, we're looking for volunteers. If you'd like to sign up to register to get a free meal, please contact my office for that free meal. Again, that is Monday, November 24th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Salvation Army Haven of Hope. Address is 1340 Brown Street. Also, my office starting December 4th we will be offering free OSHA 30 trainings. Again, that is free OSHA 30 trainings for those who are interested in safety certificates, for those who are looking for jobs in the construction industry. This OSHA 30 training will get you the leg-up. And so, if you're a 5th District resident, please sign up for our free OSHA 30 trainings where you can get certified and you can begin to upskill yourself to provide you with a familysustaining opportunity. And that begins December 4th. So please contact my office to sign up for those free OSHA 30 training classes. Thank you, Mr. President. COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduced legislation to exempt entrepreneurs, independent contractors and neighborhood businesses from portions of the BIRT tax, one of the most significant tax burdens facing small and micro businesses in this city. And I want to thank Member O'Rourke for the kind words on that and for all my co-sponsors. Nine of us have signed onto this bill. I think it's an important bill. It is designed to help thousands of sole proprietorships and single-member limited liability companies to keep more of what they into their communities. A $50,000 business should not face a $3,200 tax hike. That is not policy. That is displacement. Philadelphia small business owners deserve a tax system that works for them, not against them. Sole proprietors and single member LLCs make up the backbone of our commercial corridors, neighborhood services and entrepreneurial ecosystem. This bill helps level the playing field and sends a clear message that Philadelphia welcomes and supports the people who power our local economy. And lastly, Mr. President, on another note I read in the Inquirer yesterday that the Philadelphia Housing Authority plans to lay off 300 folks next 1/4 of their workforce. They're going to be looking for housing for the people that they lay off. So I'm asking our Housing Committee Chair Gauthier and Vice-Chair Landau, you know, to kind of look into what the heck's going on over there and see where we can intervene in any way. Look, I know crazy policies are coming out of Washington. I'm not deaf to that, but I'm very concerned about what's happening right here in Philadelphia. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Councilman Driscoll. Chair recognizes Councilman Mark Squilla.
you, Mr. President. Real quick, I just want to remind everybody who had responded for the Our Friends from the Preservation Alliance for a preservation impact briefing today at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom. If not, please reach out to our office. We could share the link. Thank you.
You're welcome. Chair recognizes Councilman Dr. Anthony Phillips.
You know our former Councilwoman, Sharon Vaughn is always watching and reminded me that as I was talking about all those turkeys that I forgot to acknowledge the incredible Senator Sharif Street for his contributions that is important to the 9th District. So, Councilwoman Vaughn, are beyond thankful for Senator Sharif Street.
Don't she supposed to be working or something? Let us do our job.
Thank you, Dr. Phillips. Member Vaughn is here in spirit. There are no more speeches. The Chair recognizes -everybody have a good holiday, if you celebrate or not, but enjoy your time off. Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion to adjourn.
Council President, I echo your sentiments and just want to wish and say thank you to all of the Sergeantat-Arms and Tech team, wishing all them a good holiday. And on a personal note, my Chief of Staff Dom Miller had her baby today.
So I want to go ahead and say congratulations to her too. So with that being said, Council President -- oh, and one last thing. Add me to the choir for the Water Department. We'll talk about that later, so I'm on the list too. With that being said, thank you, Mr. President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Thank you all very much. ) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I, hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence noted are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me in the foregoing matter, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. m. m.