Good morning, members of Council. My name is Ogbonna Hagins. I'm a fourth generation chattel slavery survivor and I'm an American Freedman. I'm here today to emphasize why Councilmember Bass' resolution is critical for American Freedmen. Illegal merchant activities in our communities is more than just a legal issue. It's a continuation of the economic exploitation that has plagued our people for generations. This kind of exploitation is the direct badge of slavery, something the 13th amendment was supposed to address. These merchants rob our neighborhoods of resources, wealth and opportunities and continue to thrive at the expense of American Freedmen. We saw this type of dynamic during the slavery with meritorious manumission where few were rewarded for maintaining the system while the masses were left behind. Today it's no different. The merchants in question are exploiting a system that was never designed to protect us. But here's the thing, when we stand united, when we focus on political cohesion we've always gained more. It's not just about voting. It's about collectively demanding what is owed. We need to stop the exploitation in our neighborhoods now. This resolution is a necessary step ending this modern day economic oppression. I urge City Council to support this resolution and take concrete action to ensure the repair and the promise of the 13th Amendment. (Applause.)
Zachary Scott, Shakira Miller and Kelsey Leon. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Hi, everybody. My name is Shakira Miller-Grier. So good morning, Council President Johnson and esteemed members of City Council. I am Shakira Miller-Grier, the daughter of former Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller. And I am here with my family, friends -- and some of them left by now -- in support of Resolution 240725, which was introduced by the Honorable Cindy Bass to reflect my mother's work in the community. My mother was a community activist. She was a leader, a friend, a colleague and a role model and mentor. She loved her community down to her last days. Even after retiring she continued to help people. So I just want to say thank you to Councilwoman Bass and City Council, my children and I and members of my family, immediate and extended friends, are grateful for this opportunity to rename the Waterview Recreation Center to the Donna Reed Miller Recreation Center. That's it. Thanks. (Applause.)
Hello, City Councilmembers. My name is Kelsey Leon. I'm a harm reductionist. I'm speaking on Bill No. 240712. I believe it is regarding bodily autonomy. I've been at this podium before just last week, and my colleagues and I have been in your offices and your inboxes and conversations with your staffers urging you to take public healthinformed approaches to the public health crisis in Kensington. I'm here today to talk about Amanda Cahill who died in jail last Saturday after she was picked up in a Kensington sweep last week. I'm only allotted one minute or so at this podium and it's just not possible to do justice to the richness of her life and the extraordinary cruelty of her death in such a short time, but I'm going to try because her life mattered and she deserves to be publicly mourned, and because right now we are in the room with the people who are responsible for her death. Councilmember Driscoll, Councilmember Squilla, Councilmember Harrity, Councilmember Lozada, and though she's not here, Mayor Cherelle Parker. For those who don't know, Amanda Cahill was a mother of two sons, a sister and a beloved community member. She also had opioid use disorder, which is a medical condition and legally considered a disability. She was arrested on September 4th due to an outstanding warrant and taken to jail. She was found dead in her cell on Saturday. Authorities told Amanda's family that her death was a cardiac arrest, likely the result of untreated withdrawal from xylazine and fentanyl. People with opiate use disorder are legally entitled to medical treatment in carceral settings. Not providing adequate withdrawal care is equivalent to denying insulin to someone in diabetic ketoacidosis. Withdrawal is a lifethreatening condition. Patients who know have told me repeatedly that withdrawal from fentanyl and xylazine is worse than child birth. Untreated withdrawal is always life-threatening and especially when an underlying medical condition is in play. Amanda likely died in an extraordinary amount of pain, distress, physical discomfort in a cold jail cell without friends and family by her side. I've grown comfortable with death because it's just a part of working in the middle of an overdose crisis. I've navigated the feelings of (inaudible) and the discomfort by knowing that the people who died had love and care in their lives and that I was a part of that -I'm almost done. But I've also seen people recover, people whose recovery seemed so unreachable at times. And that's why myself and my colleagues have been telling you for the last year that carceral approaches to a public health crisis are dangerous. They are inhumane and they are anti-science just as bans on abortion are dangerous, inhumane and antiscience. Councilmembers Lozada, Harrity, Squilla, Driscoll and Mayor Parker, you stomped out Amanda's potential. She will never recover because of what you did. You robbed her and her family of any hope of recovery. Her sons will never see their mother again because of policies you insisted upon. Policies we warned you would result in death and suffering. I'm almost -- I'm on my last paragraph. May Amanda's memory be a blessing to her family and to all of us. Let it be a reminder of our fundamental rights to bodily autonomy and compassionate medical treatment. And even in our lowest moments we can still know love, laughter and community.
And most of all let her memory move us to go out and build the world that we want to see, one where Amanda and all of the loved ones who have died in this crisis could have flourished with dignity and care that everyone deserves. )
My name is Zachary Scott. I'm quite sure some of you seen me out (inaudible) in the city of Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania. I want to thank you guys for this time. I wish I'd have known. I'd have put on a suit, but that's the way things go in life right now. I propose -- I'm trying to propose to get you guys to put on your docket rent control for senior citizens and disabled vets. It's called the Slue bill named after my son when he passed. That was his nickname. S stands for senior citizens. L stands for living. U stands for United. And E stands for equality. The proposal that I'm trying to get you guys to take --
Can you tie your comments into the Land Bank Resolution 240691.
All right. Thank you. The proposal that I wrote when the last Mayor was here -- of course he didn't pay any attention because he knew he was leaving -- it's for senior citizens, disabled vets only pay 30 percent of their income if they're on a fixed income. The landlords will get 30 to 40 percent tax incentive at the end of the year. What's going on now, all these new buildings that are being built all over the city, you can see it wherever you go, rent is so high nobody can get in. The landlords keep raising rent every year. Our money, our senior citizen money go down so they can't afford to live. I'm asking City Council to take in consideration. I can't tell y'all what to do. Y'all can think about it and try to put it on your docket, that we should have rent control for senior citizens and disabled vets. Now, just one more thing before I get off the podium because I know my time is short. The landlords -- I mean, these developers come over here and get zoning rights. They get the zoning rights. If I'm saying it correctly, they get the zoning rights and they build these buildings. Well, there's about eight or nine cities in the United States that have rent control. Philadelphia is being dumped on. This is just my opinion. And if you look at statistics, 63 to 70 percent of homeless people this year are senior citizens. We vote more than anybody in the country, senior citizens, and we're not getting a break at all. So if they come over here and buy property, buy land and build buildings, well, here's what you have to do. If you buy a 30-room unit, 5 of those units have to be automatically for senior citizens, disabled vets. And if you can't do that, you can't get zoning rights. I'm sorry. That's the bottom line. But I'm just asking you I have the bills written up. You guys can come and see me outside. I'll hand them to you. You can read it. I thank you for your time and I appreciate it. But please, this must be taken care of. We are senior citizens. Somebody here mother, somebody here will get old one day. So you never know.
Council President, there are no other names for public comment.
9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING That concludes today's public comment period. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240691.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3914, 3917, 3927, 3935, 3936, 3937, 3938, 3940, 3946 and 3948 Folsom Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code introduced by Councilmember Gauthier.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240691.
Thank you, Council President. 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING I call for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240691 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the titles of Resolution No. 240692.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3837, 3917, 3938, 3940 and 3944 Mount Vernon 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Street; 612 Union Street; 3607, 3830 and 3832 Melon Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. Introduced by Councilmember Gauthier.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240692.
Thank you, Council President. I call for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240692 be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240693.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 839 North 39th Street; 357 Mount Vernon Street; 524 North 35th Street; 3605 Melon Street; 3833 and 3915 Brown Street; 735 North Dekalb Street; and 740 and 765 North 38th Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. Introduced by Councilmember Gauthier.
The Chair recognized Councilmember Gauthier for a motion regarding 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Resolution No. 240693.
Thank you, Council President. I call for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240693 be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240694.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Bank to dispose of 3731 and 3940 Aspen Street; 3936 and 3959 Brown Street; 3958 Parrish Street; 3900 and 3972 Reno Street; and 773 Sloan Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. Introduced by Councilmember Gauthier.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240694.
Thank you, Council President. I call for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240694 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240695.
Did we just read that one -- sorry. Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3539 Aspen Street; 682 North 33rd Street; 3624 Brown Street; 3405, 3830 and 3832 Wallace Street; 610, 612 and 614 North Sedgwick Street; and 620 North 35th Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240695.
Thank you, Council President. I call for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded Resolution No. 240695 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240696.
A resolution 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3801, 3803, 3811, 3814, 3816, 3850, 3852, 3960, 3962 and 3964 Reno Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240696.
Thank you, Council President. I call for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240696 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please -(Applause.)
Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240708.
Urging the Board of Revision of Taxes, BRT, to adopt a policy of accepting all nunc pro tunc property assessment appeals filed for Tax Year 2025 by March 31, 2025 due to the delay in mailing of property assessment notices until August 7, 2024. Introduced by Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Landau for a motion regarding 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Resolution No. 240708.
Thank you, Council President. I call for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240708 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240711.
A resolution calling on the Commonwealth of 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Pennsylvania to secure $161 million in funding for SEPTA introduced by Councilmember Young.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240711.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240711 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. The Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 240712.
A resolution calling on universities in the City of Philadelphia to adopt the SEPTA Key Advantage UPass Program for all of their students. Introduced by Councilmember Young.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion on Resolution No. 240712.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240712 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted and the motion carries. The Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 240713.
A resolution calling on the City of Philadelphia to explore the funding of a pilot program for free doorbell cameras to enhance public safety in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Young.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240713.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240713 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240714.
A resolution calling on the City of Philadelphia to explore the resumption of annual Philly Free Street days. Introduced by Councilmember Young.
Thank you, Mr. President -- I'm sorry. You have to recognize me.
9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240714 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240717.
A resolution authorizing a Task 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Force to advance recommendations and coordinated initiatives to ensure that all people in Philadelphia are able to exercise their fundamental rights to bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom. Introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Minority Leader Brooks for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240717.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240717 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Neill, nay. The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240721.
A resolution calling upon the Philadelphia Water Department to use projected climate rainfall information to prioritize actions to fix raw sewage overflows and urging Philadelphia Water Department to use real-world climate related rainfall data to project the impacts of their Green City Clean Water plans. Introduced by Councilmember Squilla.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240721. 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
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, Resolution No. 240721. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240722.
A resolution continuing the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District, 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING in the area that generally includes both sides of Frankford Avenue from the west side of Delaware Avenue to the south side of Lehigh Avenue, both sides of North Front Street from the north side of Poplar Street to the south side of Diamond Street; both sides of East Girard Avenue from Frankford Avenue to North 2nd Street and the south side of West Girard Avenue from Frankford Avenue to Howard Street, and certain blocks of streets that intersect portions of these streets; approving an extension of the boundaries of the District to include North Front Street from Montgomery Street to Diamond Street, East Girard Avenue from East Fletcher Street to East Berks Street, and the north side of West Girard Avenue from Front Street to North 2nd Street; continuing the Fishtown Kensington Area Business 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Improvement District, a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation as the Neighborhood Improvement District Management Association for the District; approving a plan for and report concerning the District; authorizing the Director of Commerce on behalf of the City to execute an agreement with the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District relating to the District and reauthorizing the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District to assess property owners within the District a special property assessment fee, to be used in accordance with the approved plan, all in accordance with the provisions of the Community and Economic Improvement Act, all under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Squilla for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240722.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240722 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240723.
A resolution 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING renaming the 3700 block of Blaybon Street "Lou & Choo's Way" to honor Louis Crump and Charles Franklin's Lou and Choo Lounge. Introduced by Councilmember Bass.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240723.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240723 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240725.
A resolution renaming Waterview Playground to The "Donna Reed Miller Playground" to honor the life and contributions of former Councilmember Donna Reed Miller. Introduced by Councilmember Bass.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240725.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING seconded that Resolution No. 240725 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240728.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3858 Mt. Vernon Street; 3903, 3905, 3907 and 3930 Wallace Street; 642, 647 and 658 Union Street; 3841 and 3843 Melon Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. Introduced 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING by Councilmember Gauthier.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240728.
Thank you, Council President. I call for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240728 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240416-A.
An ordinance authorizing an increase in the non-electoral indebtedness of the City within the Pennsylvania constitutional limit; authorizing the Bond Committee to sell bonds at public or private negotiated sale, to provide funds towards various capital municipal purposes; providing for appropriations to the Sinking Fund Commission for the payment of such bonds; and authorizing agreements to provide credit or payment or liquidity sources for the bonds in connection with the issuance of bonds and certain other actions. Introduced by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson on behalf of Council President Johnson.
This bill having been read on two 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are 0. The majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The Clerk will please read any additional resolutions on today's Final Passage Calendar.
A privileged resolution honoring and celebrating Sonia Sanchez, poet, activist and scholar on the occasion of her 90th birthday. Introduced by Councilmember Gauthier.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gauthier for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING On your behalf, I call 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.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution supporting the National Minority Business Development Agency and recognizing October 7th through October 11, 2024 as Philadelphia Minority Enterprise, 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING MED Week, which provides critical information, resources, opportunities and inspiration to the minority business community. Introduced by Councilmember Jones.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Sarah Collins Rudolph, a survivor of the tragic 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama for her unwavering courage, her dedication to social justice and her profound impact on the Civil Rights Movement. Introduced by Councilmember Jones.
Will the Clerk please read -- the Chair recognizes Councilman Curtis Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a privileged resolution recognizing the week of September 9th through September 13, 2024 as National Arts and Education Week in Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Landau.
Thank you, Council President. 9/12/24 - 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 will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Technology and Information Services to hold hearings exploring the current status of artificial intelligence technologies and how Philadelphia can prepare for their impact on the 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING public, private and non-private sectors. Introduced by Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue 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 will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. 9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
And a privileged resolution recognizing Raul Romero for his contribution to the lives of the students at the University of the Arts, its community and the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Lozada.
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 will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
9/12/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a privileged resolution recognizing Evelyn Nunez for her dedication to the education of Philadelphia students as the Chief Executive Officer of Esparanza Academy Charter School. Introduced by Councilmember Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)