Stated Meeting, February 18, 2021

Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Remote location using Microsoft® Teams Thursday, February 18, 2021 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE, CHAIR COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting February 18, 2021

Good morning. I understand that state law currently requires that the following announcement be made at the beginning of every remote Council session: Due to the current public health emergency, City Council is currently meeting remotely. We are using Microsoft Teams to make this remote meeting possible. Instructions for how the public may view the meeting and offer public comment are included in the Stated Meeting notice that was publicized in the Daily News, Inquirer and Legal Intelligencer prior to the meeting and can also be found on PHLCouncil.com. I now note that the hour has come. The Clerk will please call the roll to take attendance. Members that are in attendance will please indicate that you're present when your name is called. Mr. Decker, please call the roll. Stated Meeting February 18, 2021

Councilwoman Bass.

Good morning. I am present. Thank you.

Good morning.

Councilwoman Brooks.

Good morning. I'm present.

Good morning.

Councilman Domb.

Good morning, Council President and colleagues and the snowy, listening audience.

Good morning.

Councilwoman Gauthier.

Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the public. Present.

Good Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 morning.

Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.

Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning, Philadelphia.

Good morning.

Councilman Green.

Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Praying for a safe, peaceful City of Philadelphia.

Good morning.

Councilwoman Gym.

Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I'm present.

Good morning.

Councilman Henon. (No response.)

Councilman Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 Johnson.

Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Still seeking justice for Darius Winters, 15-year-old who lost his life to gun violence in Grays Ferry.

Good morning.

Councilman Jones.

Good morning, Council President, colleagues and Philadelphia.

Good morning.

Councilman Oh.

Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues.

Good morning.

Councilman O'Neill.

Good morning, everyone. Stated Meeting February 18, 2021

Good morning.

Councilwoman Parker.

Present. Good morning.

Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Good morning, everyone.

Good morning.

Councilman Squilla. (No response.)

Councilman Thomas.

Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues.

Good morning.

Council President Clarke.

Good Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 morning to everyone. We have established a quorum. And -

Council President, may I be recognized. I apologize. This is Councilman Bobby Henon. Good morning to you. Good morning to my colleagues. And please everybody, be safe out there in this weather. And also, please check on our neighbors, especially our senior citizens.

Great. Good morning, Councilman. Okay. Council, we're going to get started now. So despite the great need, there will be no invocation today. We will, however, observe a very brief moment of silent prayer for our City, its leaders and citizens during the current public health crisis. May we please have a moment of silence. (Moment of silence.)

Thank you very much. Our next order of business is Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 11, 2021. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 11, 2021 be approved.

Is there a second? (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting on Thursday, February 11, 2021 stand approved. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and that Journal is approved. Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 Our next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the members of Council, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.

Chair thanks Councilwoman. And our next order of business is communication. And, Mr. Decker, would you please read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications that you may have in your possession.

To the President and to members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 538 Dudley Street, 639 Cantrell Street, 2842 to 44 and 2846 Tulip Street located in the 1st Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 1746 Annin Street, 2231, 2232, 2235, 2249, 2252, 2324 Cross Street, 2227 Fernon Street, 2224, 2256, 2305, 2309 Greenwich Street, 2230 Reed Street, 2318 Tasker Street, 2214, 2220, 2222, 2239, 2241, 2243 and 2315 Wilder Street located in the 2nd Councilmanic District; and An ordinance amending Title 22 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code," by creating an early retirement program for certain employees working in or with the Department of Commerce, Aviation Division; and An ordinance amending Chapter 19-500 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Taxes and Rents - General," by adding required conditions and information for reporting adjustments to taxable income, all under certain terms and conditions.

Thank you, Mr. Decker. And our next order of business Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 is the introduction of bills of resolutions. By way of a reminder, we are asking that all resolutions, including privileged resolutions be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council unless they are being referred to committee. In our current remote environment, this procedure will provide an appropriate opportunity for public comment. I want to thank you very much in advance for your anticipated cooperation. Mr. Decker, will you please read the titles of the legislation that is being offered today by the Members.

Before you do that, Council President, I just want to be recorded as present. I had lost connection when you were asking me to acknowledge.

Thank you. Thank you, Councilman. We knew you were in standby somewhere. Thanks, Councilman.

Councilwoman Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 Gilmore Richardson offers one more bill and more resolution, entitled an ordinance amending Chapter 9-208 in the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Cafés," entitled 4, Subcode "A" of the Philadelphia Code, entitled Zoning and Use Registration Permits," by adding new provisions allowing restaurants applying for a sidewalk café permit or temporary lot uses permit to allow outdoor entertainment.

That will be referred to committee.

And on behalf of Council President Clarke, Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson offers a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to certain properties located in the 5th Councilmanic District.

Next week's Calendar.

Councilman Jones Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 offers one bill and one resolution, entitled an ordinance authorizing the Procurement Commissioner to enter into a contract for the construction of a sewer and appurtenant work, required to provide public water service in the unit block of Osborn Street.

Referred to committee.

And a resolution recognizing and honoring Philadelphia native Stephen Fulton on becoming the Junior Featherweight World Boxing Champion.

Next week's Calendar.

Councilman Johnson offers one bill and five resolutions, entitled an ordinance amending Title 22 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Public Employees Retirement Code," by creating an early retirement program for certain employees working in or with the Department of Commerce, Aviation Division. Stated Meeting February 18, 2021

Referred to committee.

And a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1746 Annin Street, 2231, 2232, 2235, 2249, 2252, 2324 Cross Street, 2227 Fernon Street, 2224, 2256, 2305, 2309 Greenwich Street, 2230 Reed Street, 2318 Tasker Street, 2214, 2220, 2222, 2239, 2241, 2243 and 2315 Wilder Street located in the 2nd Councilmanic District.

Next week's Calendar.

And a resolution authorizing the Committing on Housing, Neighborhood Development, and the Homeless to hold joint hearings with the Committee on People with Disabilities and Special Needs to examine the City's role in ensuring the accessibility of housing to persons with disabilities.

Today's Calendar. Stated Meeting February 18, 2021

And the resolution calling on Congress to pass the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African-Americans Act.

Next week's Calendar.

And a resolution honoring Michael Masch, on the occasion of his passing, for a lifetime of dedicated service to the people of Philadelphia.

Next week's Calendar.

And a resolution calling on the National Football League to discontinue the practice of "race norming" in their concussion compensation program.

Next week's Calendar.

Councilman Green offers two bills, entitled an ordinance amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Landlord Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 and Tenant," to address matters related to the landlord and tenant relationship during the novel coronavirus of 2019 pandemic, including providing for alternative methods for tenants to meet their obligation to make security deposits.

Referred to the committee.

And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Taxes and Rents - General," by adding required conditions and information for reporting adjustments to taxable income.

Referred to the committee.

Councilman Domb offers two resolutions, entitled a resolution honoring and congratulating Dr. Carl June on his receipt of the shared Dan David prize for his work at the University of Pennsylvania where he was a lead researcher in the development of the first personalized cellular Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 therapy for cancer.

And next week's Calendar.

And a resolution calling on Mayor James F. Kenney to establish and implement a COVID-19 "Operation Philly Special" mass vaccination campaign using the Philadelphia Eagles Lincoln Financial Stadium, the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, religion institutions, Philadelphia health partners, colleges and universities and other large outdoor facility locations, as identified to provide vaccines to Philadelphia residents and workers.

Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.

Thank you, Council President Clarke. I'd like to move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the consideration of this resolution today on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.) Stated Meeting February 18, 2021

It's been moved and properly seconded. All of those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. That will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.

Thank you.

Councilman Thomas offers a resolution honoring and congratulating the 2020-2021 Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate Cydney Brown, for her creativity, community work, and dedication to serving Philadelphia.

Next week's Calendar.

Councilwoman Bass offers three resolutions, entitled the resolution recognizing the week of February 14, 2021 to February 20, 2021, Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 as the first Black Girl Freedom Week to celebrate and honor Black girls and the unique challenges they face as well as to invest in their safe, free and successful futures.

Next week's Calendar.

And a resolution honoring and congratulating Deborah Archer for her new position as the first Black President of the American Civil Liberties Union.

And next week's Calendar.

And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings, examining current and best practices to ensure youth have a successful transition from foster care to thriving adulthood.

And that will be on today's Calendar.

Council Oh offers one resolution, entitled a resolution Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 recognizing and honoring the Philadelphia artist, musician and anti-violence activist Michael "O.G. Law" Ta'Bon for his 15 years of work and advocacy on behalf of returning citizens, victims of crime and disadvantaged youth in Philadelphia.

Next week's Calendar.

There are no other bills or resolutions being offered by the members, Mr. President.

Thank you very much. That concludes the introduction of bills and resolutions. And our next order of business is the reports from Committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Henon for a report from the Committee of Licenses and Inspections.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Licenses and Inspections reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation. Stated Meeting February 18, 2021

Mr. Decker, please read that report.

To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Licenses and Inspections to which is referred Bill No. 200618, entitled an ordinance amending Chapter 9-4200 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Donation Bins," to modify the locations at which donation bins shall be permitted. Respectfully, reports are considered the same. I return the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Henon.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the first reading of this day Bill No. 200618. (Duly seconded.)

Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 200618. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and this bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Bass for a report from the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.

Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read the report.

The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs to which was referred Bill No. 200617 entitled, an ordinance authorizing an initial 10-year conversion of the current term with up to 2 five-year renewal terms for a lease agreement the City has entered into with the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia for operating, managing and maintaining the John F. Byrne golf course. Respectfully reports it has considered the same. I will return the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill 200617. (Duly seconded.)

Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading of this day of Bill No. 200617. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and this bill will placed on the First Reading Calendar today. That concludes our reports from Committee. And our next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from Committee with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have a First Reading. These bills will be placed on a Second Reading and Final passage Calendar at our next session of Council. There are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar. Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for the purpose of calling up resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today.

Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today. They are Nos. 210123, 210124, 210125, 210127, 210129, 210130, 210131, 210132, 210133, 200715, 200716, 210031, 210032, 210033, 200604, 210004, 210006 and 200656. All other resolutions and bills are being held, Mr. President.

Thank you. Councilwoman Gym, did you want to be recognized?

Yes. I'm so sorry, Council President. I just wanted to be recorded as voting no on the request earlier to suspend the rules on one of the resolutions that was Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 introduced. I don't know the number of it and I apologize. I tried to have my sound on and it wasn't working.

Okay. So you wanted to vote no on the resolution to suspen -

On the suspension of the rules.

For the resolution -- I think we only asked for the stadium -

Correct.

Okay.

Thank you.

Philly Special I think it's called. Okay. Let the record reflect that Councilwoman Gym is voting nay on the suspension of the rules request. Thank you, Councilwoman. Okay. We're going to now have our public comment session. But before we proceed with the consideration of public comment, we'll take like a Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 two-minute recess to give our technology professionals some time to connect the speakers we have for today's meeting. (Brief recess.)

We'll proceed with our public comment now. Now that everyone is connected to the meeting and before considering the resolutions and bills we have for us today, we will consider public comment which will go as follows: Public comment must concern matters of the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for the possible action at a session of Council. The speaker on any of those matters must sign up in order to testify. You must call 215-686-3406 by 3:00 p.m. the day before the session to sign up for public comment. When you call, we will take your name, phone number, the number of your legislative item you are commenting on and whether you are in support or you are against the legislation and add your name to the Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 list. We will telephone each person on the list during the Council session and invite them to our remote meeting. Under ideal circumstances, which is today, we will have three minutes to speak. In order to be fair, all of those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the established time limit. So once invited to the meeting and asked to begin your testimony, a timer will be started. We will monitor your remaining time throughout your testimony. And when there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, you will be reminded of this. Once your allotted time has passed, you will be asked to conclude your remarks. And shortly thereafter, you will be muted and disconnected from the remote meeting. I also for the record reserve the right to limit those number of speakers where repetitious comments are being made on the same matter and to limit the scope of testimony to only Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 certain items on the agenda during an emergency, which could affect callbacks and public comment at the meeting. So please be aware again for the record that this public meeting is being recorded. And because the meeting is public, participants and viewers have no reasonable expectation of privacy. So by continuing to being in the meeting, you are consenting to being recorded. I will now ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.

Andrea Lemoins.

Good morning.

Good morning. How are you all?

Good. State your name for the record and proceed with your testimony, please.

Thank you. My name's Andrea Lemoins. So good morning, everyone. Again, I'm Andrea Lemoins. Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 My pronouns are she/her and I'm a member of the Concerned Black Workers at the Free Library at Philadelphia. I'm here today to support Resolution 210133, recognizing this month as Love Your Library Month. Libraries provide social service and access to information for community members all over our City. It is time that our public libraries are acknowledged for the wealth of services that we provide, while working with little to no resources. Loving our libraries need more than admiring the work being done by the frontline workers. It means that you invest financially in the institution. It means that you provide funds to purchase materials to meet the literacy and educational needs of our community members, that the City provide proper safety precautions to make sure that community members are safe, that the City ensure that our Black and Brown Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 community members all over the City are represented and respected by leadership at our library, not just wealthy White people living in certain sections of our City. I hope that Loving Your Library Month means fighting for equitable resources for community members. I hope that Loving Your Library Month means that Black and Brown community members are invested in and not just given the usual, political lip service. I want to thank Councilmember Bass for supporting Concerned Black Workers and for thinking of Black and Brown community members who visit our libraries. You have been our champion and we very much appreciate you. The Concerned Black Workers are still fighting against white supremacy at the Free Library, as we do not have a representative sitting on the Committee to hire a new director for our library. We appreciate your encouragement, Councilwoman Bass. Thank you so much. Stated Meeting February 18, 2021

Thank you. Thank you so much for your testimony. We appreciate it. Mr. Decker, do we have any additional speakers?

There are no other speakers, Mr. President.

Thank you very much. That concludes today's public comment period. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. So I ask Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 210123.

A resolution honoring Dr. Ala Stanford and the Black Doctor COVID-19 Consortium for their contribution to health and equity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a motion.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It's been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 210124.

A resolution commending Dr. Brenda A. Allen for being named one of the 10 most dominant historically Black college leaders for 2021, and congratulating Lincoln University for earning the historic gift of $20 million from Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 Thank you. Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Parker.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the tile of 210125.

A resolution recognizing February 2021 is Environmental Justice Month in the City of Philadelphia.

Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Throes opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 210127.

A resolution honoring and recognizing Russell Kolins for his dedication to Philadelphia through his extensive work in security and risk management, and for his efforts Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 to improve the safety and security of Philadelphia's bars, restaurants and nightclubs through advocacy and training.

Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 210129.

Resolution celebrating the life and Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 honoring the memory of John Chaney, as we recognize his groundbreaking accomplishments in the sport of basketball and his many contributions to our beloved City.

Chair recognizes Councilman Green.

Thank you, Council President. Many of my colleagues and many Philadelphians are very familiar with the work of Coach Chaney at Temple University as well as his work at Cheyney State University or Cheyney University and winning a national championship at Cheyney. Some people may not be as familiar with the fact that he also was at Simon Gratz and Sayre Junior High School as well. Brother Chaney, as affectionately known, because he is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Incorporated when pledged at the Gamma Theta Chapter at Bethune Cookman in 1953 but also, he was a resident of Mount Airy. I used to Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 see him frequent one of our favorite seafood restaurants which is no longer here, Groben's on Germantown Avenue. Often on a Friday afternoon leaving from City Hall, I would go there to pick up some seafood and I would often run into Brother Chaney at Groben's, and also seeing him come to vote, especially when we had our voting place at the Mount Airy Playground. So Brother Chaney was not only a molder of men at the collegiate level, the high school level, but also was an outstanding man and outstanding part of our community. So with that, Council President, I would like to move for the adoption of the resolution -

Second.

-- and if we can take a moment of silence after the passage of the resolution.

Thank you. Let's please have a moment of silence. (Moment of silence.) Stated Meeting February 18, 2021

Thank you. That resolution has been moved and seconded and adopted. Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read the tile of 210130.

A resolution supporting the City's plan to prioritize vaccinations for returning teachers, administrators and school employees at large, and urging the City to follow through on the plan in a responsible and efficient manner in order to regain public trust.

Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.

Thank you very much, Council President. I would like to thank the co-sponsors Councilmembers Sanchez, Green, Henon, Domb, Gilmore Richardson, Parker, Squilla and Bass. And I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 210131.

A resolution calling on President Joseph R. Biden and the 117th United States Congress to immediately implement President Biden's plan to end the gun violence epidemic in cities and begin to appropriate the $900 million in funds President Biden pledged to cities with the highest rates of homicides.

Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gauthier.

Thank you, Council President. I move for the Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 adoption of the resolution. (Duly second.)

Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 210132.

A resolution honoring and congratulating the Academy at Palumbo's robotics team, the RoboGriffins, on their success at the 2021 CoderZ League Pro competition, where the robotics team was declared the world champion.

Chair recognizes Councilman Thomas. Stated Meeting February 18, 2021

Thank you, Council President. Congratulations to those young people and adults involved, and I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the resolution should be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 210133.

A resolution recognizing February 2021 as Love Your Library Month to honor libraries and the resources they provide communities, to show appreciation for library users, and Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 to encourage Philadelphians to engage with their local libraries.

Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.

Thank you, President. Today the City Council will be voting on a resolution I introduced that recognizes February as Love Your Library Month. Nearly a quarter of our Philadelphians are living in poverty. About 60 percent of our Philadelphians are people of color. 1 in 7 of our residents are immigrants and 1 in 8 of our students of the Philadelphia School District are English-language learners. Libraries particularly play a special role in the lives of African-Americans, communities of color and other immigrant- and English-learning communities. Libraries provide key resources necessary for Philadelphians to have access to, especially during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Libraries serve as places to Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 learn new job skills, explore new digital technologies people may not have access to and provide services directly to the community. Libraries have also proven to be important in finding health information, debunking health misinformation and closing the digital divide. Almost 70 percent of library jobs are in industries impacted by COVID-19. The Free Library reports that in of its visitors are seeking jobs. Throughout the pandemic, the Free Library of Philadelphia has been assisting its patrons to safely and virtually continue their learning and connections with the communities, while also assisting job seekers and navigating the job market and obtaining the digital literacy skills necessary to apply and interview for jobs virtually. Libraries foster friendships and community growth and they engage residents in ways that City Hall and parks do not. Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 I hope that we will all take some time to engage with our libraries in person or virtually and I encourage our library system to continue to find creative ways to reach Philadelphians that we may not be reaching at this time. And with all that being said, Mr. President, I call for the resolution adoption. Thank you. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

And that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 200715.

A resolution appointing James Aros, Jr., to the Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 position of Chief Assessment Officer of the Office of Property Assessment.

Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.

Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, sir, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded the resolution be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 200716.

A resolution confirming the appointment of Diana P. Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 Cortes, Esquire, as the City Solicitor.

Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Parker.

Thank you, Mr. President. Again on your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It's been moved and seconded that the resolution has been adopted. All in favor say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 210031.

A resolution confirming the appointment of Cecelia Thompson to the Board of Education of Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 the School District of Philadelphia.

Chair recognizes Councilwoman QuinonesSanchez.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 210032.

A resolution confirming the appointment of Lisa Salley to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia. Stated Meeting February 18, 2021

Thank you. Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please the title of Resolution No. 210033.

A resolution confirming the appointment of Reginald L. Streater, Esquire, the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia.

Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez on a motion for the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. I really want to thank these very highly qualified candidates for their willingness to serve on the School Board and I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor of the resolution say aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

They ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the tile of Resolution No. 200604.

Bill No. 200604, Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 entitled an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designation of certain areas of land, located within an area by the Byberry Road, Woodhaven Road, the Poquessing Creek, and adjacent land south of Franklin Mills Circle.

Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Bill No. 200604 be withdrawn. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you. It's been moved and seconded that Bill No. 200604 be withdrawn. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

The ayes have it. Motion carries. Bill No. 200604 has been withdrawn. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill 210004.

An ordinance Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of a Service Agreement between the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development relating to refunding of certain bonds previously issued to finance and/or refinance Alternative Funding Mechanisms for a portion of the unfunded actuarial accrued liability of the City of Philadelphia Retirement System implemented pursuant to the Municipal Pension Plan Funding Standard and Recovery Act; approving the issuance by the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development of bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness in one or more series to refund such funds; authorizing and approving the City's obligation to pay in full when due the Service Fee and other amounts payable under the Service Agreement.

Thank you. This bill has been read on two different days. The question now shall the bill pass finally. Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 Mr. Decker, call the roll.

Councilwoman Bass.

Aye.

Councilwoman Brooks.

Aye.

Councilman Domb.

Aye.

Councilwoman Gauthier.

Aye.

Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.

Aye.

Councilman Green.

Aye.

Councilwoman Gym.

Aye.

Councilman Henon.

Aye.

Councilman Johnson.

Aye. Stated Meeting February 18, 2021

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilman Oh.

No.

Councilman O'Neill.

Aye.

Councilwoman Parker.

Aye.

Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Aye.

Councilman Squilla.

Aye.

Councilman Thomas.

Aye.

Council President Clarke.

Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are 1. Majority of voting members have voted in Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 the affirmative. The bill passes. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 210006.

An ordinance amending Chapter 19-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Funds - Deposits, Investments, Disbursements," by amending Section 19-201, entitled "City Depositories," by authorizing the City Treasurer to deposit funds in Santander Bank, National Association.

This bill has been read on two different days. The question now shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.

Councilwoman Bass.

Aye.

Councilwoman Brooks.

Aye.

Councilman Domb.

Aye.

Councilwoman Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 Gauthier.

Aye.

Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.

Aye.

Councilman Green.

Aye.

Councilwoman Gym.

Aye.

Councilman Henon.

Aye.

Councilman Johnson.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilman Oh.

Aye.

Councilman O'Neill.

Aye.

Councilwoman Parker.

Aye. Stated Meeting February 18, 2021

Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Aye.

Councilman Squilla.

Aye.

Councilman Thomas.

Aye.

Council President Clarke.

Aye. The ayes are 18. The nays are 0. Majority of all members have voted in the affirmative. The bill passes. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 200656.

An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to acquire fee simple title, or a lesser interest in real estate, by purchase, dedication, donation, condemnation, agreement in lieu of condemnation, or Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 otherwise, in parcels of land along the Schuylkill River and the Wissahickon Creek for public recreational purposes, under certain terms and conditions.

This bill has been read on two different days. The question now shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.

Councilwoman Bass.

Aye.

Councilwoman Brooks.

Aye.

Councilman Domb.

Aye.

Councilwoman Gauthier.

Aye.

Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.

Aye.

Councilman Green. Stated Meeting February 18, 2021

Aye.

Councilwoman Gym.

Aye.

Councilman Henon.

Aye.

Councilman Johnson.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilman Oh.

Aye.

Councilman O'Neill.

Aye.

Councilwoman Parker.

Aye.

Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.

Aye.

Councilman Squilla.

Aye. Stated Meeting February 18, 2021

Councilman Thomas.

Aye.

Council President Clarke.

Aye. The ayes are 17. And nays are 0. Majority of all members have voted in the affirmative. The bill passes. Mr. Decker, do you have any additional resolutions?

A resolution authorizing the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development, and the Homeless to hold joint hearings with the Committee on People with Disabilities and Special Needs to examine the City's role in ensuring the accessibility of housing to persons with disabilities introduced by Councilman Johnson.

Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.

Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.

And a resolution calling on Mayor James F. Kenney to establish and implement a COVID-19 "Operation Philly Special" mass vaccination campaign, using the Philadelphia Eagles Lincoln Financial Field, Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, religious institutions, Philadelphia health partners, colleges and universities and other outdoor facility locations as identified, to provide vaccines to Philadelphia residents and workers introduced by Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 Councilman Gym -- Councilman Domb.

Chair recognizes Councilman Domb.

Thank you, Council President. Before I begin my remarks in support of this resolution, I wanted to thank former Congressman Bob Brady for his coordination efforts and leadership in helping bring the Philly Special Coalition together. You know, Mr. President, seven days ago I agreed to withdraw my resolution, calling on the Mayor to direct the Health Department to put Operation Philly Special on track. At the heart of this resolution there's one simple message to the Mayor: City Council, this body, must have input into the decisions of where, how and when our constituents are to be vaccinated. A vote for this resolution is a vote for every Councilmember having a voice in where vaccination sites will be ramped up in each of our Councilmanic Districts and around the City. At the Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 heart of the Philly Special strategy is a vision to open drive-through and walk-up mass vaccination sites around the City, in churches, in parking lots and the Mann Center for Performing Arts and the largest site of them all, Lincoln Financial Field. " So let me take a few moments to double-down as well. Mr. President, our City Council helps the Mayor lead a City that prepandemic relied on 240,000 nonresidents coming in every day to work in our office buildings, eat in our Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 restaurants, enjoy our cultural institutions and, yes, pay our taxes. These privileged suburban residents, as our Mayor now calls them, pays half our City wage tax, almost half our City wage tax and makes our City one of the greatest economic engines in the region and indeed the country. And now in the time of the pandemic, we have to worry about them driving across City Line Avenue and we have to protect ourselves from them crossing the Delaware to steal our vaccines. What world is our Mayor living in. Every community in America regardless of race, creed, color or sexual orientation is confronting this moment as an opportunity -- I'm sorry, is confronting a scarcity of vaccines, and our Mayor chooses to use this moment as an opportunity to pit one community against the other. That's just not leadership. The Philadelphia Inquirer Editorial Board earlier this week called Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 the Mayor's argument against using Lincoln Financial Field confusing, as a simple identification requirement is really all that we would need to solve this issue. It's more than confusing. It's irrational and in the long run, dangerous. Colleagues, a few days ago the Philly Special Coalition released information regarding how other big cities and FEMA are working to solve the problem with big city mass vaccinations in both the quickest and most equitable manner. Here's what we found: They're all now deploying or have completed their stadiums as mass vaccination drive-through and walk-up sites. All of these cities are suffering the same shortage of vaccines as we are. Yet none of them, not one has decided to use this shortage as an excuse for failing to plan for the future. Mass drivethrough sites and walk-up vaccination sites are happening at their stadiums. Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 For the biggest cities of America, those with a million population or more, New York, LA, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Antonio, San Diego and Dallas, only one has no plans currently in place to use its stadium, and that is Philadelphia. Chicago stands ready. Dallas is now building out two stadium sites at AT&T and the Cotton Bowl with federal money and support from FEMA. But I want to take a minute to single out what took place at State Farm stadium recently. First, this is a stadium set outside of the city of Phoenix, Arizona. It sits in Glendale, Arizona, a White suburban area. Outside the city limits, President Biden and Vice-president Kamala Harris chose to announce their plan to vaccinate America at this stadium.

Despite the racial make-up of the city of Phoenix and the location of the stadium, they chose this site because they know something that should Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 be important to all of us in Philadelphia. They know that stadiums are the fastest way to distribute vaccines in large metropolitan areas, but also that these sites, if supported by their resources, offer the most equitable option for vaccine distribution. " And why would they say that? The answer to this question explains why this resolution and your vote is important today. C. and M&T stadium in Baltimore are being used right now to rectify the very inequities Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 our Mayor believes they symbolize. Heres why: Our Mayor believes that the only way to achieve vaccine equity is to put more small vaccination sites in underserved neighborhoods. That's why they're ramping up sites in charter schools, gyms, adult centers and independent pharmacies. Here is what the White House Task Force and every other big city mayor in America knows, the most efficient way to deal with racial inequity and vaccine distribution right now is to control distribution at mass vaccination sites and bring communities of color to them in partnership with trusted entities. That's why the President can speak of equity at a stadium in a White suburb serving a very large Latino population, because they all understand that no big city in America will ever have the capacity or the resources to vaccinate 50,000 to 100,000 people a week using normal neighborhood-based channels alone. And they certainly won't hit Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 immunity levels if we focus solely on building new channels in underserved neighborhoods. Don't get me wrong, they all understand that it would be better if we could vaccinate folks in the health deserts where they live. Do you think Black mayors around the country don't want to vaccinate communities of color in their neighborhoods? Of course, they do. They all have mobile vaccine units and community center programs in their plans as well. But that doesn't stop these mayors and their councilmembers from using stadiums as a means to achieving both speed and racial equity in vaccine distribution. C. Mayor Muriel Bowser or Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot refusing to deploy their stadiums to achieve the fastest vaccination rates in a fair and equitable system as possible. You don't hear these mayors railing against white Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 privilege as a reason for not putting in play with their cities' large assets they have in the fight against COVID. None of them deploy only community-based approaches to attack the problem the vaccine (inaudible). They also see that stadiums distributing a controlled supply chain of vaccines are a critical component to achieving speed and equity. Instead of excuses, they are building up their transportation systems right now to carry their residents to living in health deserts to where the vaccines are, using transportation systems as tools in the fight to achieve vaccine equity. Where in any Mayoral briefing on COVID has SEPTA been mentioned. That is why the District of Columbia right now can build equity in its distribution system through the use of zip code algorithms because they control the vaccines at their mass vaccination sites rather than give up the control of their vaccines to smaller Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 health systems and pharmacies in the neighborhoods. C. is using control of its vaccine supply to enforce racial equity goals, our Administration is pleading with people in Phase 2 from jumping the line and taking Phase 1 doses from those who need them most. When you control the vaccine supply and distribution, as we suggest at the Linc, you can force equity in distribution. When you don't, you're forced to hope and pray that people do the right thing.

In the Philly Fighting COVID and PHMC debacles, we saw what happens when you depend on hopes and prayers. President Clarke and my colleagues, we can't continue to watch from the sidelines as every big city in America moves to achieve racial equity through the use of stadiums alongside community-based approaches. We cannot watch FEMA resources be put to use at a smaller location that has its own logistical challenges to overcome. Not Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 when we're staring at a vacant stadium location fit for use and, in fact, being promoted across the United States as a model for mass vaccine distribution. All because our Mayor believes it's a symbol of white privilege. We must act today and call on Mayor Kenney to adopt Operation Philly Special as a critical component of our fight against this deadly disease and have a plan ready to implement when the vaccine arrives. And that means number one: Establish the Linc as Philadelphia's FEMA mega-site and begin working with the Eagles and FEMA to bring this site online as fast as possible. Linc alone can vaccinate more than twice the number of people, vaccinated through every current site in the City on the best vaccination week we have seen. While bringing the Linc online, work with the Mann Center, our partnering Black churches and parking lots in every neighborhood of the City to do the same. Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 Second, commit to vaccine resources to these sites to fulfill scheduled appointments. Third, work with SEPTA to establish a comprehensive system and schedule for trolleys, buses and subways targeting underserved communities to bring them to our Philly Special sites. Fourth, build one uniform web platform and telephone hotline not five months from now, but five weeks from now that allows people to register and schedule an appointment at a Philly Special vaccination site, scheduling to be based upon CDC prioritization and zip code algorithm ensuring equity. Mayor Kenney, if you have a better strategy than Operation Philly Special vaccinating Philadelphians in a faster and more equitable way, then we need to see it. Today what we've seen is the use of prepandemic vaccination distribution channels to which you've added sporadic vaccination programs at the Liacouras Center, the Convention Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 Center, an adult community center, a Charter School gym and a building on the campus of a University. If that's all we've got after one year of planning, then it's time to let Councilmember Bass and Council representatives on the Philly Special Coalition sit down with Commissioner Farley and OEM to pull together a new plan, one that is big enough and bold enough to meet the health crisis of our generation. Mr. President and members of City Council, it wasn't the Xs and the Os of the Philly special play that led us to the Super Bowl LII and the Lombardi Trophy. What's the imagination? Imagination, teamwork and leadership to fight and win against all odds. We are in the battle for so much more today. This is our lives at stake. We can beat this pandemic if we work together. I ask for your support on this resolution and I beg Mayor Kenney to start a positive dialogue with this Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 body. There are 17 willing leaders on this Teams meeting. We all want to help. Let us show the nation that we as a City have not forgotten what it takes to make Philly special. Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of this resolution.

Before we call for a second for the adoption of the resolution, Council President Darrell Clarke has virtually left. The rostrum is now at his seat on the floor and I am presiding. And the Chair recognizes Councilmember Clarke for comments.

Thank you, Councilwoman Madam Chair. So let me start by saying that my primary focus as a Council President is to support the Members. That is what I have always done and that's what I will always continue to do, above and beyond sometimes being criticized. I don't care, right. I'm going to always Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 do that. So last week since the Councilman brought it up, I had asked Councilman to hold off on the resolution so we can start the process of us working together, talk to some Members to make sure that their perspective is on all of this and captured in that conversation, started a conversation with the Administration, forwarded a document that reflected some of the issues that were brought up. And trust me, I have had many, many disputes with this Administration more than anybody ever knows, right, on a number of issues where we didn't see eye to eye and that's just the nature of the business. But last week what I did say is one thing we can't do, because this is about the people of the City of Philadelphia, not about me, Councilman Domb, Jim Kenney or anything, the personalization of this issue I don't think is productive. That's just my perspective as a person, that's not Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 presiding as a Council President. So I'm allowed to say what I can't say up there. Tomorrow in the hearing on the procurement legislation, there will be a number of issues I anticipate that will be addressed that was raised as a result of concerns of Councilmembers, and I won't get into any of that today. And I say that to say that we need to make sure that things are codified. We need to make sure that when we do mass vaccinations sites, I hope that nobody believes that we shouldn't be doing that at some point because we do need to accelerate the pace, although we've had some hiccups in Washington in terms of being able to give us a timeline that reflects our ability to do that in an expeditious manner, but we have to work together. I'm going to say it again. We have to work together, because this is too important for us to get into this back and forth. I don't like some of Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 the things that come out of the Administration's spokesperson's mouth or whomever, right, because I'm a member of Council and I make that very clear. But I don't think us going down this path that is back and forth, because we have to figure this out and we have to figure this out together. I have been told that there's a willingness to work together. We will see. Because I've been told a lot of things in the past and it didn't materialize. I'm not that naive to think that just because somebody said something, that it will actually happen. But moving ahead, starting tomorrow we need to be able to talk through this. There are issues with respect to mass vaccination sites, smaller sites, mid-level sites. And the one thing that we need to do as the representatives of the City is to make sure that the access to those sites is maximized based on our knowledge. And as Councilmembers -with all due respect to Mayors -- Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 Councilmembers have the basic knowledge of neighborhoods that Mayors just don't, right. That's just the simple reality. So I say all that to say that I want us to stay focused. We need to stay focused on the end of that tunnel, which is ultimately getting herd immunity. The only way we're going to achieve that is for us to pull this together. If everybody has the appropriate input, has proper representation on whatever Committees and other types of Advisory Groups that are currently in place, have the appropriate checks and balances in terms of transparency, all those things that you have indicated that need to happen, and I'm just going to be optimistic and suggest that they will, in fact, happen. So I just wanted to say that. I was not prepared to give a speech.

But my good colleague and friends mentioned my name on a couple of occasions, so I felt the need to have to say something. So I just wanted to put that Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 out there for the Members. This has to work, and I can't emphasize this enough. You can't get into the personalization of this issue. That is so counterproductive. We're going to have a whole lot of time to do that when the budget season comes up, trust me, and other initiatives. But just like the issue that we talked about before with the gun violence in the City, we talked about working together, we're going to have to do that on this one. So, Councilwoman Madam Chair, thank you for allowing me to step down virtually from the podium for a moment, and I'll step back up and I'll stop talking.

Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, do you want us to have the second now?

I actually think that Councilwoman Gym, it's my understanding, wanted to make a comment.

Thank you, Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 Council President. Thank you very much. I just had a very brief comment and I very much appreciate your remarks. First of all, I want to acknowledge the passion, the investment, the undoubted frustration that all of us on Council share and are reflected by the remarks made by the resolution's sponsor. Again, I think that as mentioned, one of the things that we're trying to figure out is how to move forward and to have some clarity about the issue. I think if the resolution -part of my concern about the resolution is both procedural. I would like to give it a little bit of time. An introduction and a vote on the same day doesn't allow us -- maybe some of us have been updated on the conversations with the Mayor's team, but it would be good for more of us to be part of that. So I personally haven't had a chance to kind of sit down and figure out where this is going actually, and I do think Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 that that's an important aspect of it. So I'm not comfortable voting for a resolution on the same day that it's introduced, especially when it has to do with some serious issues around public confidence and trust. And then the last thing I'll say is that, one, I appreciate the Council sponsor noting the other sites that are extremely important, but the resolution does primarily focus in on the stadium. And while I understand that we do need multiple different types of sites once vaccines come into play, you know -

Point of order, Mr. President. Is this resolution before us without a second?

There's no second yet.

Okay.

I don't believe it's before us if it hasn't had a second.

Okay. Stated Meeting February 18, 2021

So there are no comments to the resolution until -

So, Mr. President, second. The motion was made. I have now seconded. Councilwoman Gym's comments are allowed.

Thank you very much.

Thank you, Councilman O'Neill.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. So I just wanted to clarify that the Dodger's Stadium, for example, has had to close in part because stadiums while being important places or could be important places, mass vaccinations can only be working if we have mass vaccines. And so, we want to just make a match. And I think part of the appeal is to just think this through. I'm your partner on all of this. I want to underscore that. Nothing about my position on this has Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 anything to do with the lack of support, partnership and unity around our City needing to do better, our people needing to be vaccinated and for equity to be the number one issue around the public health. But public health as we heard, and I'll comment later on last night, around schools and the return to schools relies as much as a sense of direction and unity and engagement as it does on what may seem right on paper for all of us. So I just want to say that I want to just acknowledge all my Council colleagues who are deeply invested, deeply passionate about this issue, we share that if we don't necessarily share the outcome on the vote.

Thank you, Councilwoman. Chair again recognizes Councilman Domb.

Thank you, Council President. First of all, I appreciate your leadership. I really Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 do. I just want everyone to be aware that I want to do this in a positive way. I want to do this the right way and I look forward to that happening. So whatever you can do to help us make that happen, I really would appreciate it. Thank you.

Yes, I mean that's what I'm supposed to do. I clearly understand my function and my role. And fortunately, being able to be a part of this body and working with these awesome Members has given me an opportunity to work with this group and move things forward. I think that everybody has the ultimate goal in mind. The question is the participation and everybody being able to have an input, everybody being in a position to move the needle forward, and no pun intended, as it relates to getting this done. I'm just optimistic. As I said, I'm a glass half full kind of guy. Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 And I think it's just too important to not be successful. But again, we need to keep the focus on the citizens. All the back and forth, we can do that at another time. Keep it focused on getting these people vaccinated in these neighborhoods. And then whatever way makes sense, then that's what needs to happen. I know as a District Councilperson, and I know I'm breaking the rules, I'm not supposed to be talking up here but I am responding to the Councilman, I know in my District a site that could accommodate a mass and outdoor mass vaccination site. I'm sure a lot of other Councilmembers, both District and At-large, that should and will be a part of the conversation. So we got to stay focused. We can't get into this back and forth, because there are people who would rather see us have a food fight on the floor of Council than see us achieve our main goal, which is taking care of the citizens. So Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 thank you. So it's been a call for a vote. It's been a second. We will proceed with those in favor of the motion on the resolution Philly Special. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed?

Nay.

The ayes have it and the resolution is approved.

Thank you.

Thank you. Councilwoman Gauthier, are you okay over there? I saw something flash in front of you.

That was (inaudible).

All right. I couldn't tell what it was. All right. Thank you. Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 Mr. Decker.

The resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings examining current and best practices to ensure youth have a successful transition from foster care to thriving adulthood.

I'm sorry. Who was that representative?

Introduced by Councilwoman Bass.

Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 (No response.)

They ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.

There are no other resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar, Mr. President.

Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes our Calendar for today. Prior to recognizing Members regarding speeches, I will note for the record at this time we will use the chat feature available in Microsoft Teams to allow Members to signify that they wish to be recognized. In order to comply with the Sunshine Act, the chat feature must only be used for this purpose. With that said, are there any speeches on behalf of the Minority? Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.

Thank you very much, Council President. I want to talk today about minimum force training. As we have Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 talked here in Council, there's a homicide rate, there's violence on our streets, people want to be safe and they want police. We have in Councilwoman Sanchez's District a new mini police station integrated with other services. At the same time, there is a need to ensure that we are investing in our police officers in a way that assures the public that they are safe in every manner. There is maximum force training and it has to be balanced with minimum force training. I'd like to just refer to a book that has been very insightful for me. I read it when I was in the military. The title of the book is On Combat: The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and Peace. And what that deals with is what happens to the mind and body when engaged in deadly conflict. There's a story about a police officer who trained in case a gun was pulled on him and he would have his son surprise him in the house wherever and Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 he would snatch the gun from his son and give it back to his son. And then one day in a mall when he was off duty, a robber came out, pulled the gun on him, he snatched it away and gave it back to the robber. That's muscle memory. That's reaction under stress. Minimum force training is simply training in a more consistent manner; law enforcement to have options under stress, to not use force when it's not necessary, to use the least amount of force needed when it is required under stress. And I just have to emphasize just like people sound great in the shower or they play tremendous sports when nobody is guarding them, when stress comes, it's a whole other thing. And when your life is in danger, there's a whole other thing going on. I want to recognize Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub for being the first in our region to examine instituting minimum force training to train law enforcement on how Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 to have the confidence and knowledge to perceive things in a manner under stress where they may decide they do not need to use any force or if force is necessary, how to use force that will do the least amount of harm, the least amount of unintentional harm possible when it is required. It does take courage. It does take (inaudible). And I appreciate that's what he's doing. On Monday February (inaudible). I'm a little frozen here.

Yeah, you froze.

Okay. I see that.

You're good now.

So I want to say on Monday, February 22nd there will be a demonstration discussion in Langhorne, because that's in Bucks County. I would hope that here in Philadelphia we would undertake this type of training to invest in our Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 officers to make sure that's something they can do. I will also say that there is a group that will be representing and that is our African-American martial arts community, and that is a separate community that arose during the Civil Rights Movement. That's why they are their own unique group, and I'm glad that they're attending and looking at this. The inclusion of the community is critical to ensuring that this is a success, so I appreciate what DA Weintraub's doing. And I've certainly been an advocate of that here in Philadelphia and I hope we will undertake the same. Thank you very much, Council President.

Thank you, Councilman. On behalf of the Majority, Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.

Thank you, Mr. President. And, Mr. President, Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 I just wanted to note for the record I had to connect with my phone because my Wi-Fi was a little choppy, sir. So that's why I had to discontinue my camera. Yesterday, Mr. m. in broad daylight there was a mass shooting at Broad and Olney, which is represented here in the City by both Councilmember Bass and myself. Eight people were shot near the Olney Transportation Center. The victims were two females, ages 36 and 17 as well as five men, ages 21, 22, 48, 53, 70 and 71. They were shot in their backs, ankles, legs and arms. The oldest victim, a 71 year-old-man, is currently in critical condition with gunshot wounds to his back and both legs. Two people were taken into custody. And I do want to thank for the record both the Police Department and the SEPTA police for working together in order to make that happen. While, Mr. President, I am being very Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 intentional about attempting to control my pitch right now, but I like all Members of this body in the conversation that we had before, we all went live today, very angry and frustrated about seeing this continue to happen in our City. In the midst of this, Mr. President, I know it sounds pretty perverse, but thank God we were and are in the midst of this pandemic at this time and schools are currently closed. Because those of us, again like we talked about early on, again not because we were read white papers, but because those of us who are even Members of this body, we know we travel through that corridor to get to school, to get home, to get to work. If schools had been open, Mr. President, things could have been so much worse. I want people to know that the eight people that were shot, the youngest one was 17. And as I said, the oldest one is in critical condition. I Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 know Councilwoman Bass, my office and many others, have been working for years to improve the area around the Broad and Olney commercial corridor. We also know that there's an open air drug market there. And we also know that there are many people who don't live in that community, but that is the location that they have chosen to buy and sell drugs at that transportation center. We also know that there are people in this area who need mental health services, drug rehabilitation services and permanent housing. And while we know that we can't arrest our way out of this problem, let's be really clear, that my telephone was ringing and I'm sure Councilwoman Bass' was at the same time with people saying we deserve to be safe in our neighborhood and right now, we don't feel safe even coming near that commercial corridor. Unfortunately this area, again it's been a drug and an economic crime hub in recent years. And while we know Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 people need help, we do need public safety and we don't just want to focus on criminal records. But let's be clear, our people need the support of the police department in that area doing their first job, which is to protect and serve our community. I also want to state for the record that we know that there are folks who need wraparound services, the mental health services, the substance abuse resources, education and workforce training. In essence, Mr. President, we need a resource hub located directly at Broad and Olney, a one-stop shop where people can get help and get access to assistance that they need. And for the record, for the benefit of the people who are listening, and particularly those who live in that community, I want you to know that before this mass shooting occurred yesterday, my office just met with DBHIDS, and they are planning to deploying their street team to the area, working with the Office of Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 Homeless Services at the same time. We know we need those street teams.

We need people working with the folks who live and work in that community to find solutions that work for that neighborhood. We all know we're in a public health crisis with this pandemic. And as Councilmember Jones and Johnson, yourself, Mr. President, Councilwoman Gauthier have noted, this gun violence is a public health crisis as well. So far 270 people have been shot so far here in 2021. And that's an average, Mr. 5 people a day. That's a 66 percent increase in gun violence over last year's pace, with a 48 percent increase in homicide. And it's no surprise that these shootings are happening in predominantly Black and Brown communities. Just like these same said communities have been the most negatively impacted by COVID-19, they've also been the most negatively impacted Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 by this level of gun violence. I know we need a proven evidence-based on-the-ground set of programs to be implemented in our hard neighborhoods. We need to measure these programs' effectiveness. I know there's been an increase in gun violence around the country. Councilwoman Jones talked about that earlier in our conversation. And we need to be paying attention to what other cities are doing right now that may be better than us. And so, Councilwoman Gauthier, I'm looking forward to your role in leadership on that National League of Cities Task Force and Committee to Reimagine Public Safety. I know we don't have to reinvent the wheel. We can learn from other cities' and other countries' best practices and implement the most effective solutions now. There is no silver bullet of solving the surge of gun violence, but I know that what we are currently doing is not enough. In addition to that, Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 Mr. President, I've got to open up a text message here and state this. We have a commercial corridor and neighborhood plan that has been developed for the Broad and Olney corridor. And, Mr. President, I want to note that this plan was put into action not from the top down, but it came from the bottom up, with partners like Einstein, the Logan Civic Association, the A Concerned Civic Association, the North 5th Community Development Corporation that will soon become the Olney Community Collaborative. In addition to that, we just secured a new Commercial Corridor Manager through our Commerce Department that is actually starting next week in the PACDC corridor training program. In addition to that, we funded initiatives from Ruscomb to Godfrey on Broad and installed over 10 security cameras in that area. We've employed our PHL-TCB in that program to give people access to resources so that they can clean up the Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 corridor. But, Mr. President, all of that has not been enough. We have work to do in the short-term, focusing on people. In the medium term, we have to focus on the corridor, our neighborhood, our assets and the anchor institutions. But we must walk and chew gun at the same time. You talked about, Mr. President, Council working together to address this issue. But I know in this area here at Broad and Olney, Councilmember Cindy Bass, State Senator Art Haywood, who's been extremely helpful in funding many of the programs that I just announced to you, all that we have already ensured that they were active in that area and all of the elected officials, we will work collaboratively to do what we can do to improve the quality of life at that Broad and Olney commercial corridor. Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you, colleagues.

Thank you, Councilwoman. Stated Meeting February 18, 2021 Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gym.