Stated Meeting 1 02/15/2024 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, February 15, 2024 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN CURTIS J. JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN RUE LANDAU COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY M. LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN NICOLAS O'ROURKE COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK F. SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting 2 02/15/2024
I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will come to order. Members will take their seats. Visitors will retire to their seats outside the rails. Before proceeding, I will ask all those present to please set your cell phones to silent or vibrate. Thank you. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes the Reverend Dr. Adam Hearlson, Pastor of Overbrook Presbyterian Church. The Reverend is here today as the guest of Councilmember Jones. I will ask all members and guests to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests and visitors rise.)
It's humbling to be among you this day as I bring greetings from the Stated Meeting 3 02/15/2024 Church and the Presbyterian Philadelphia. Your work as a Council is in my prayers and to be among you in the spirit of prayers is an honor. I want to thank Councilmember Jones for this invitation and all of you for your generous hospitality. I'm also aware of the sad occasion that prompts my invocation here today on January 15th, Martin Luther King Day. Our sanctuary caught fire on the corner of City and Lancaster. By God's grace and by the Philadelphia Fire Department, the church still stands. But it remains badly damaged. Our community has been displaced, but it has not been disbanded. Indeed our community has grown. Philadelphia has lived up Stated Meeting 4 02/15/2024 has been showering us with love. I'd like to name the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, Penn Wynne Presbyterian Church, Temple Beth'El have housed us in this time. Wawa has fed us hoagies. La Colombe Coffee has kept us caffeinated. City leaders like Councilmember Jones have reached out with support and love. We are stronger today than we were four weeks ago. Because we are knitted more thoroughly into the love of Philadelphia. As people who believe that death precedes new life, we are confident that because of this love that we have received, what will rise from the ashes of this fire will be greater than what we could have imagined. So in the spirit of that hope, will you join me in the spirit of prayer. Stated Meeting 5 02/15/2024 today, I invoke into this chamber the spirit of hope. May we be those who can hold grief and hope in the same hand. May we be comforted with visions of what our city will become. May we rejoice in the beauty of what our city is. May we remember honestly what our city has been. Today I invoke into this chamber the spirit of wisdom. May this body know that twin powers of justice and mercy and may they be anointed with the wisdom to know when each is needed. May they govern well, guided by the principles of honesty and tenderness and courage. Today I invoke into this chamber the spirit of peace. May a peace that passes all understanding wash over this City. May it comfort the anxious. May it gird Stated Meeting 6 02/15/2024 it inspire conflict resolution that doesn't involve blood or bullets. Today I invoke into this chamber the spirit of humility. May we become servants of those in need. May we become humbled by the common dignity of every soul. May our ears be attuned to the lost and ignored among us. Today I invoke into this chamber a spirit of generosity. May we count every living thing a gift, the bird song a gift, the crocus that has come too early a gift, the sun that shines after a season of clouds a gift. And in receiving these gifts, may we give back. Today I invoke into this chamber a spirit of gratitude. May we know the full extent of generosity that surrounds us. May we notice and honor the sacrifice of others. May we long remember Stated Meeting 7 02/15/2024 neighbors and friends. And may we return that care and kind. May we all notice what has been given and be grateful. May we all seek gratitude that we might give. Today I invoke into this chamber the spirit of love. Love that endures. Love that seeks understanding. Love that unites us in common mission. Love that heals us from historic evils. Love that grounds us and grows us. Love that finds its source and its end in the divine. Today may the spirits of hope, wisdom, peace, humility, generosity and love light our way forward into a beautiful future. And may we journey to that future together united as one city, one nation, one people bound by a common mission.
In this I pray in the name Stated Meeting 8 02/15/2024 that is holy and good. Amen. )
The Chair thanks the Reverend for his invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 8th of 2024. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, February 8, 2024 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the Stated Meeting 9 02/15/2024 Thursday, February 8, 2024 stand approved. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is the request for leaves of absence. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilmember. Stated Meeting 10 02/15/2024 recognizes Councilmember Brooks.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Minority, there's no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Councilmember. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's session of Council and that were not listed on the Calendar circulated prior to today's session.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda Stated Meeting 11 02/15/2024 session of Council, and as required by law subsequently published on an amended agenda after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in this session, a motion to withdraw a bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar and a motion placing a resolution on or returning a resolution from the Suspension Calendar that is not listed on today's Calendar. The purpose of this motion is to provide the public with notice concerning possible actions by Council that arose too late to be included on the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly Stated Meeting 12 02/15/2024 the legislative matters stated by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson may be added to the agenda for today should those matters arise during the course of this session of Council. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate you taking time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our great city. We Stated Meeting 13 02/15/2024 come again. As we do not have any presentations today, we will now go into the introduction of the bills. The next order of business is communications. The Chair recognizes the Sergeant-at-Arms to deliver the message from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk.
The Chief Clerk will please read the message from the Mayor.
To the President and 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 18 through 20, 24 through 30 and 34 through 36 South 44th Street and 4422 and 4426 through 30 Ludlow Street, located Stated Meeting 14 02/15/2024 in the 3rd Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2428 North Orianna Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chief Clerk will please read any other communications in his possession.
The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips.
Good morning, Mr. President and Stated Meeting 15 02/15/2024 colleagues. There are no introductions or resolutions from me this morning.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one privileged resolution and one non-privileged resolution.
A privileged Stated Meeting 16 02/15/2024 resolution honoring and recognizing the 18th Police District Tactical Squad for its valiant efforts to reduce gun violence and enhance public safety in West Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 18-20, 24-30, 34-36 South 44th Street and 4422 and 4426-30 Ludlow Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Good morning, Council President. Good Stated Meeting 17 02/15/2024 morning, colleagues. Good morning to the listening public. I offer five resolutions today. Two on your behalf, Council President.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bills and resolutions.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings to examine the recent report on high teacher attrition and understand its root causes, impact on teacher and student morale as well as its effects on learning outcomes.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold Stated Meeting 18 02/15/2024 hearings to examine recent high profile violent incidents between parents, faculty and students at middle and high schools.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring, congratulating the Champion of the Week, Educator Victoria Best, the Founder and Executive Director of Victoria Urban Outreach Tutoring Services, a youth education and mentorship program in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the creation of a Special Committee on City and Private Sector Diversity, Equity Stated Meeting 19 02/15/2024 and Inclusion Policies to examine the impact of such policies and to provide practical evidence-based recommendations to enhance policy effectiveness in the promotion of minority, women and disabled-owned businesses in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the reconvening of the Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission and its Advisory Committee to conduct an updated comprehensive analysis of all taxes imposed in the City of Philadelphia and to make recommendations concerning tax reforms to support the City's economic growth and Stated Meeting 20 02/15/2024 competitiveness.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones.
Morning, Mr. President, colleagues and viewing public. I offer one privileged resolution today.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.
A non-privileged resolution calling on the United States Congress to pass the bipartisan Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods (VICTIM) Act, which will give law enforcement the support they need Stated Meeting 21 02/15/2024 to investigate crime and increase the closure rate of homicide cases.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration of our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Morning, Council President, colleagues and the public. I have one privileged resolution this morning.
Thank you. Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring Kurt Evans for his impact in improving access to food, establishing workforce development opportunities for returning Stated Meeting 22 02/15/2024 citizens and contributing to a thriving Black food culture in Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada.
Good morning, everyone. Today I offer one non-privileged resolution.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.
A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2428 North Orianna Street located in the 7th Stated Meeting 23 02/15/2024 Councilmanic District.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for the consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Today I offer one bill and one non-privileged resolution.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the bill and resolution.
An ordinance amending Chapter 17-1600 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Economic Opportunity Plans," to define development projects and providing for additional requirements for economic opportunity plan approval. Stated Meeting 24 02/15/2024
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2464 North Natrona Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Council President, I have no bills and no resolutions.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.
Council President, I have no bills Stated Meeting 25 02/15/2024 or resolutions today.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.
Good morning, Council President. I have one privileged resolution to introduce.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy to hold public hearings to explore Philadelphia's existing guaranteed income pilot programs and the potential further expansion.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Stated Meeting 26 02/15/2024 Mike Driscoll.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brian O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla.
Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bills.
An ordinance authorizing Norris Street Holdings to install, own and maintain a Streetery in the right-of-way Stated Meeting 27 02/15/2024 adjacent to 2401 East Norris Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing parking regulations, one-way regulations and a closure of the public rightof-way to motor traffic regulation in the vicinity of Washington Avenue from 4th Street and Water Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 12-2700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Permit Parking Districts," to add a new section, entitled "Reserved Permit Parking for Residents With Disabilities," authorizing establishment of a program to Stated Meeting 28 02/15/2024 provide dedicated vehicle-specific permit parking for certain individuals with a disability.
This will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one privileged resolution.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring Renée Chenault Fattah for her unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence throughout her esteemed career.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Stated Meeting 29 02/15/2024 The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution that is being co-introduced by Majority Leader, my colleague, Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings examining proposed solutions to racial disparities in a maternal mortality rate in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. There being no reports from Stated Meeting 30 02/15/2024 2ND READING Committees today, the next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. As there are no bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for the purpose of calling resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today, Nos. 240095 and 240096.
Thank you. Before considering these resolutions, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for possible Stated Meeting 31 02/15/2024 action at today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up for today's session, please do so now by giving your name to Ms. Hanson at the table outside the rails to my left. Once you have signed up, you will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. Under ideal circumstances, public commenters will each have three minutes to speak. However, this time limit may vary from session-to-session. Today the time limit will be three minutes. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the three-minute limit. When you begin speaking, you will see a green light on the podium. When there are 30 seconds Stated Meeting 32 02/15/2024 remaining to your time, the light will turn yellow which is your reminder to conclude your remarks. Once three minutes have passed, the light will turn red and the Sergeant-at-Arms will disconnect the microphone. At that point, please yield the podium to the next speaker if you have not already done so. I also reserve the right pursuant to our rules of Council to limit repetitious comments on the same subject matter. I will now ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.
The first speaker, Mr. President, is Judith Robinson, Queen Judith Robinson.
Commenting on Stated Meeting 33 02/15/2024 240095. (Witness approached podium.)
Yes. Thank you. Good morning. Queen Judith Robinson here. Land Bank needs a public hearing. You need a public hearing about the process, you all. We're in the throes in the midst of gentrification, so we really need a hearing to find out what's going on with the Land Bank. I was there last June in a session and there was a deal on the table for 75 parcels for $75,000. Every organization in the Latino community, I was so proud of them, they opposed that deal. The developer was pretty upset. The developer ends up on the Board of the Land Bank next time we came around. Very strange, you all, very strange. I say this as a native Stated Meeting 34 02/15/2024 Philadelphian, as a long-term real estate professional, as a Black person from North Philadelphia where a lot of this land I'm going to say in the 5th District, not meh, in the 5th District was taken using eminent domain. I'm going to refer you all to Bill No. 150409. 800 parcels Sharswood area, they're over there beating and banging now. I don't see that many Blacks folks on this site. So Ridge Avenue, we don't talk about land use. We don't talk about land care. We were land care carers, managers for a decade. The Land Bank may be bankrupt, okay. So I respectfully respect that you have a hearing to think about the equity, think about the inclusion, the process you have to talk about the Turn the Key program. It's a little tainted I say in my professional opinion. We Stated Meeting 35 02/15/2024 are one of the poorest big cities in America, and here we have $280,000 sale price on a home. Even with all the subsidies and all of that, you all, I close the deal with the best, but it's a little high, okay. And you're pushing gentrification too fast. I am Judith Robinson. I have a course called Gentrification Managing Solutions. I suggest that some of you all come and take my course. It's at PASCEP, but I can create the course for this body here. I can create the course for your assistants, but I do want you to come and let's talk about how to manage gentrification because it's upon us. Sometimes it's raw. It's disrespectful and we don't want to have that. I'm the best negotiator. So I want to negotiate and give us a good deal where we're Stated Meeting 36 02/15/2024 all included. I love Philadelphia. I'm a native Philadelphian, born and bred in Strawberry Mansion, so I want the best for us. So I come here always asking for us to elevate, get our minds right. Thank you all very much. Peace.
How you guys doing. My name is Kurt Evans. I'm a chef, a native of Philadelphia. Today I'm being honored by Councilwoman Rue Landau. I would like to thank City Council President Kenyatta Johnson and all the other City Councilmembers here Stated Meeting 37 02/15/2024 for having me. You said I got three minutes. I'm going to give you about two of those back. Really short with words, but just glad to be recognized in the City that I was born and raised in. A few years ago I took a job in New York teaching a nonprofit, teaching formerly incarcerated youth, 18 to 25 culinary skills. Didn't think I was coming back until COVID happened. Came back home, and I want to bring those skills that I learned in New York in the nonprofit sector through job entry for formerly incarcerated, but also the last couple of years I've been working on preventative measures for kids on the track to be incarcerated. So we do a lot of jobs, bring a lot of guys on catering jobs, sourcing other friends that Stated Meeting 38 02/15/2024 do other like -- they have other trades. I send kids to work with them. But just the work that I've been doing for the last 14 years in the City, I'm glad it was recognized. And thank you for having me.
Will the Clerk please call the next Stated Meeting 39 02/15/2024 speaker.
Hi, everyone. My name is Angel Williams. First and foremost, I want to thank you for your time. I appreciate being put on the list to speak on behalf of a Home From Shana Foundation. I'm here basically to ask -- to advocate for -- I'm so nervous -- Black women are going Stated Meeting 40 02/15/2024 into the hospitals and they're not coming home. It's plain and simple. So I'm asking that we all become part of the solution so that Black women can be heard and be seen and be cared for properly. Our foundation advocates for the proper care of Black women. And that's all I got. Thank you.
Ogbonna Hagins commenting on 240095. (Witness approached podium.)
Great morning, everyone. Ogbonna Hagins for the record. This testimony today is in regards to the property transfer. And I'm in favor of it, but I would Stated Meeting 41 02/15/2024 like to know if you looked at the Brookings Institute study that stated that Afro American home values have been devalued since 2000, $156 billion. And I'm speaking today in the memory of Benjamin Lay and my father who was murdered because of what I'm about to say: I'm here today as an unseated member as I consider myself of Philadelphia City Council to introduce legislation to combat structural racism in Philadelphia. The reason I have to introduce this bill is that for two years now I have been coming to public comment before the City Council offering my help as well as my demands to deal with structural racism. And still for some reason either due to conflict of interest or fear, the seated members refuse to do so for some reason, and Stated Meeting 42 02/15/2024 despite City research and findings of fact telling them to address structural racism via large scale investments into communities decimated by poverty and unemployment, the City Council feels the need to invest time and money into anything guaranteed not to work. Gun violence is merely a political football that politicians kick around to avoid the elephant in the room. And, that is, to avoid doing anything socially, politically or economically that works towards the collective upliftment of the progeny of emancipated people in Philadelphia, Afro Americans, American Freedmen. Gun violence will never be eradicated as long as it remains customary to reinstate the degradation and dependence, features of the old slave system Stated Meeting 43 02/15/2024 upon the emancipated people in Philadelphia, whose proffered political status designation is American Freedmen.
Mr. Hagins, could we focus on the Land transfer?
Absolutely. And in regards to structural racism, who used to own that property? Were they owned by people whose homes were devalued and that's why maybe they had to get rid of them, in regards to that, Council President. My thing is this, City Council, after today you have no excuse. The clock is ticking. Thank you.
The next speaker is Kayla Perez commenting on 240096. Stated Meeting 44 02/15/2024 (Witness approached podium.)
My name is Kayla Perez. Last time I was here I told you every 10 minutes a child is killed in Gaza. Since our last meeting last Thursday, the 8th at 10:00 a.m. 10,080 --
Ms. Perez, can we focus on the topic of 240096. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Mr. Chief Clerk, are there any other speakers to speak at this moment, sir?
Stated Meeting 45 02/15/2024 That concludes today's public comment period. I'm going to take a moment to acknowledge in our balcony today we have eight students from the Excelsior School of Philadelphia located in Germantown. They are in City Council today as part of a Social Studies field trip. They are here today watching their government in action. Can we give them a round of applause, y'all. (Applause.)
Our future generation watching our government in action. We will now consider the resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage of Calendars. Council will now be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Stated Meeting 46 02/15/2024 2/15/24 - STATED - 2ND READING The Clerk will please read the title of Resolution 230095.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2501, 2855, 2857 Amber Street; 2143, 2155, 2157 East Birch Street; 2134, 2172 East Cambria Street; 2103 and 2107 East Cumberland Street; 2107 East Dakota Street; 2478, 2480 Emerald Street; 2022 East Fletcher Street, 1929, 1935, 1943 and 2215-17 East Harold Street; 2637, 2639, 2643, 2645 and 2649 Janney Street; 2536 Jasper Street; 2639, 2641, 2643 and 2653 Kensington Avenue; 2668 East Monmouth Street; 1844 East Oakdale Street; 2140, 2151, 2153 and 2156 East Orleans Street; 2646 and 2658 Ritter Street; 2089 East Somerset Street; 2106, 2133, 2135, 2250 and 2252 East William Street located in the 1st Councilmanic District.
Stated Meeting 47 02/15/2024 2/15/24 - STATED - 2ND READING The Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution passes. The Chair recognizes the Clerk on Bill No. 240096.
A resolution Stated Meeting 48 02/15/2024 2/15/24 - STATED - 2ND READING renaming the 6000 block of Norwood Street "Frankie Beverly Way" to honor Frankie Beverly for his significant contributions to the music industry.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) Stated Meeting 49 02/15/2024 2/15/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it, and the resolution passes. The Clerk will please read any additional resolutions on today's Calendar.
A resolution honoring and recognizing the 18th Police District Tactical Squad for its valiant efforts to reduce gun violence and enhance public safety in West Philadelphia, introduced today by Councilmember Gauthier.
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 Stated Meeting 50 02/15/2024 2/15/24 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings to examine the recent report on high teacher attrition and understand its root causes, impact on teacher and student morale as well as its effects on learning outcomes, introduced today by Councilmember Thomas.
Thank Stated Meeting 51 02/15/2024 2/15/24 - STATED - 2ND READING you, Council President. Thank you to all of my colleagues who cosponsored this and thank you, Council President, to you and your passion around this issue. And I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that a resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold Stated Meeting 52 02/15/2024 2/15/24 - STATED - 2ND READING hearings to examine recent high profile violent incidents between parents, faculty and students at middle and high schools, introduced today by Councilmember Thomas.
Thank you, Council President. Those of us on the Education Committee know that there's been a significant increase in incidents involving adults and young people and we want to examine that, so I unfortunately move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution has been adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Stated Meeting 53 02/15/2024 2/15/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
They ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring and congratulating the Champion of the Week, Educator Victoria Best, the Founder and Executive Director of Victoria Urban Outreach Tutoring Services, a youth education and mentorship program in the City of Philadelphia, introduced today by Councilmember Thomas.
Thank you, Council President. Again, I move for the adoption of the resolution. Stated Meeting 54 02/15/2024 2/15/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution has been adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
And a resolution recognizing and honoring Kurt Evans for his impact in improving access to food, establishing workforce development opportunities for returning citizens and contributing to a thriving Black food culture in Philadelphia, introduced today by Councilmember Landau. Stated Meeting 55 02/15/2024 2/15/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you very much, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution is adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
And the resolution authorizing the Committee on Global Opportunities Stated Meeting 56 02/15/2024 2/15/24 - STATED - 2ND READING and the Creative/Innovative Economy to hold public hearings to explore Philadelphia's existing guaranteed income pilot programs and the potential for their expansion, introduced today by Councilmember O'Rourke.
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.)
Those opposed? Stated Meeting 57 02/15/2024 2/15/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring Renée Chenault Fattah for her unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence throughout her esteemed career, introduced today by Councilmember Bass.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that a resolution be adopted. All those in favor will Stated Meeting 58 02/15/2024 2/15/24 - STATED - 2ND READING signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings, examining proposed solutions to racial disparities and the mortality rate in the City of Philadelphia, introduced today by Councilmember Ahmad.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. Stated Meeting 59 02/15/2024 (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.
There are no other resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar, Mr. President.
That completes our Calendar for today. Are there any speeches on behalf of the Minority? (No response.)
Stated Meeting 60 02/15/2024 on behalf of the Majority? And I want to start --
I'm sorry. It see it now. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks.
You got to press your button because it's not up here. Go ahead. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.
Thank you, Council President. Can you hear -- okay. In my main speech in this Stated Meeting 61 02/15/2024 chamber, which was received with mixed opinion as many was sure to let me know.
We ain't singing today, Bro. We ain't doing that. (Laughter.)
I wanted to be in that speech intentional, pointed and clear about several things but one in particular, that I really, really want to put money in people's pockets. I want to give people money. (Applause.)
Which is why today I introduced a resolution authorizing the Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy to hold public hearings to explore Philadelphia's existing guaranteed income pilot programs and the Stated Meeting 62 02/15/2024 to more and more people across this City. When I first raised this issue, I mentioned universal basic income in the tradition of Dr. King's adoption of the idea in the late '60s. And during this Black History Month, I think it's particularly important to remind us of King's unfinished work, his goal of translating the political and material gains of the Black Freedom Movement to poor people's pocketbooks. In the years and decades to come as long as the people will have me here, and certainly after my time here is done, it is my hope that we can grasp the universal aspect of King's vision across a wide range of issues, but specifically for basic income. For now I want to start on Stated Meeting 63 02/15/2024 familiar ground, that of targeted guaranteed income. I speak today not to get the ball rolling on this idea as if it were a new or original idea, but rather to pick up the baton from where this body itself left it four years ago. In 2020, former Councillors; namely, Maria Quinones-Sanchez as well as Councilman Allan Domb had a vision for a broad scale guaranteed income program in Philadelphia. They shared this vision in the Poverty Action Plan, which had support from former Council President Darrell Clarke and community partners across the City. Of course, a global pandemic threw a wrench in their plan, as it probably did for most of us, which in this plan envisioned cash transfers to people Stated Meeting 64 02/15/2024 challenges in the City, that is, moving money from where it is to where it's not, from where it's currently kept to where it's long been needed. Cash transfers to folk struggling, struggles like pervasive poverty that we talk all the time about, struggles like transitioning out of foster care. Like returning to life after incarceration or those who are fleeing domestic violence. These are times in people's lives when the stakes can't be higher, transitional phases when their next move might literally make or break their chances of building a better life. The Poverty Action Plan's vision for unconditional cash transfers also included Philadelphians fighting addiction, which is timely and a key detail in light of this Council's efforts in combating the Stated Meeting 65 02/15/2024 and citywide. And while that basic income plan hasn't come to fruition in these halls, Philadelphians are already experimenting with this concept, more than you might expect. As we speak, there are seven -- as we speak there are seven guaranteed income pilot programs running in the City. Five of these programs began just last year. Hundreds of Philadelphians have received guaranteed income payments in the last couple of years and hundreds will in the years to come. Soon we will have a unique wealth of local data on the impact of these kinds of programs. By then, I believe it will be to the glory of this body and this institution to have its own strategy for a robust set of Stated Meeting 66 02/15/2024 use this wealth of local data findings as part of its knowledge base. But let me just impress upon again what we already know about what happens when folks are offered guaranteed support when we simply give people money: In most studies, particularly when dealing with folks below the poverty line, families and individuals have more money to feed themselves.
Increased food security is literally the most common impact for program participants. More often than not, participant families see increased school attendance and higher educational attainment. Good nutrition powers better educational outcomes, a fact proven over and over and over again. This one is key to me. These programs help alleviate mental burdens, not Stated Meeting 67 02/15/2024 feed your family. That's a different kind of stress that's too common amongst our neighbors. You got to live it to know it. It's the kind of pressure that can be tied to shame or to guilt that can lead to those make or break decisions. And too often our society crafts narratives around the havenots that compound these pressures. Even guaranteed income isn't a fix-all option, but it's becoming harder and harder to see why it shouldn't be a central tool in our arsenal as we fight against poverty. I envision such a program being known for its efficiency since direct transfers can cut through the administrative tape that exists for the expressed purpose for slowing support and creates barriers for many who Stated Meeting 68 02/15/2024 we can draw in the local academics and participants experimenting in the world of guaranteed income. Experts from around the country can see how we might sharpen this particular spear. So let me close. I understand this proposal might run contrary to some folks' norms and expectations, getting something for nothing as some might put it goes against a certain kind of commonsense. Yet, here's the commonsense I think that we need, I'm convicted that we need. The basic assumption that we must never forget, not getting something for nothing, but rather giving something because you're someone, because you exist, because you breathe, because you need it. And more than we in power would like to admit, we do have it to Stated Meeting 69 02/15/2024 from 2020 was meant for those down on their luck trying to make real change at key turning points in their life. All in a world where what we've been through, familial trauma, abuse, incarceration, addiction can reinforce the false idea that they're a nobody, a nobody who isn't deserving of support in this way. Something because you're someone is the kind of commonsense we need in Philly. It's the kind of commonsense that we need in this world quite frankly. It's a kind of commonsense that's backed up by research and tested in cities across the country. Colleagues, what do you say we pick up the batons again and get people what they keep telling us they need. We can do it. So let's get it done. Stated Meeting 70 02/15/2024 you, Council President.
The Chair recognizes speeches by the Majority, and I want to take a moment to acknowledge because we extended beyond the public comment part. We have two renowned, worldrenowned radio personalities who are here in support of the renaming of a street after the great Frankie Beverly. I'm going to ask for Ms. Patty Jackson to please stand as well as Ms. Dyana Williams to please stand. (Applause.)
The Gentle Lady from Germantown will expound on their relationship with the great Frankie Beverly. But I also want to acknowledge, I Stated Meeting 71 02/15/2024 but most importantly the community advocate around all things gun violence, the great Darryl Shuler from North Philadelphia. Where's Darryl Shuler at, right there? I want to acknowledge him as well. (Applause.)
The Gentle Lady from Germantown, Member Cindy Bass, the floor is yours to speak.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. And Germantown via North Philadelphia.
I just wanted to say a few words. Number one, I wanted to thank all of my colleagues for their strong support of this resolution in terms of a Stated Meeting 72 02/15/2024 When you think of Philadelphia, Frankie Beverly is someone who immediately comes to mind. He has done so much. He is homegrown. He is someone who is a native of Philadelphia and loves all things Philadelphia. The good, the not-so-good and everything in between he supports us day-in and day-out. And so, I really wanted to just follow up on the Council President's acknowledgements and recognize the great Patty Jackson -(Applause.)
-- for taking time out of their very busy Stated Meeting 73 02/15/2024 down here. Listen, we've never moved this fast. I got to tell you. We don't usually start on time, but we have moved at warp speed today. I can't think of the last time in all my time on Council that we've gotten done almost by 11 o'clock, less than an hour. So we really moved very quickly today. So in moving so quickly, we weren't able to capture their comments during public comment, but I look forward to seeing documentaries and all kinds of accolades and interviews that are going to be happening around this very momentous occasion that's scheduled some time for the spring. So we want everyone to be included. We want to make sure that everyone knows all of the details as they come out. And so, these are your Stated Meeting 74 02/15/2024 of your sources, again Patty Jackson, Dyana Williams and Darryl Shuler who will be spreading the word about the great work that this Council is doing and in honoring one of our own who has brought so many wonderful things to Philadelphia, including most importantly in my opinion great music and great memories to each and every one of us. So thank you, Mr. President.
Congratulations. Good job. Councilwoman Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Mr. President. I want to speak to the Stated Meeting 75 02/15/2024 The rate of maternal death has been rising steadily ever since we started measuring it 34 years ago, up to 457 percent. My daughters today are more at risk than I was since they were born. It is imperative we drive it down. Critical to note the alarming fact that Black maternal mortality rate is three to four times higher and they are more likely to die during pregnancy, childbirth or postpartum period. Every level of government has a role to play. There has been work done in this regard as far back as 2018 when our current Vice-president was Senator, Kamala Harris, and Congresswoman Alma Adams had introduced the Maternal Care Act in 2018. And finally, in 2021 November President Biden signed a Stated Meeting 76 02/15/2024 that came under Congresswoman Underwood as a historic omnibus legislation which has 13 bills included in it. We've had our own work done here in Pennsylvania and in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania House Bill 2110 of 2019 to 2020 requiring mandatory implicit bias training for all state licensed health professionals by our own Representative Morgan Cephas and many members of our Philadelphia Delegation. It has been in committee and we want to make sure we advocate for that to get through. And in our own City, my colleague Kathle -- Kath -- not Kathleen -- Katherine Gilmore Richardson who is co-introducing this resolution with me today, has been recognizing along with my Council colleague Cindy Bass Stated Meeting 77 02/15/2024 health and wellness of Black mommas and birthing people by acknowledging Black Maternal Health Week in April. The hearing in the Public Health Committee that we will be introducing and making sure we have a good hearing on this will be building on the work done by so many who have sounded the alarm. In 2019, Councilmember Cindy Bass had a great hearing, actually I testified in that hearing. And however, there was a pandemic soon after and progress has stalled. So we need to revisit the public conversation about this, and the City has a duty to examine the role in reducing maternal mortality and eliminating racial disparities while also advocating for solutions on a federal and state level. Stated Meeting 78 02/15/2024 all my Councilmembers who signed on to this resolution, and I look forward to a robust hearing and we will be scheduling it soon. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Mr. President. First, I just want to thank Councilmember Rue Landau for introducing the resolution for Kurt. Kurt is a great guy. He's the founder of Down North Pizza on Lehigh Avenue in the 5th Council District, which hired -- before he left the business, hired incarcerated individuals to work at his pizza shop. So I want to thank you for that, Kurt. Stated Meeting 79 02/15/2024 Ahmad, thank you for your resolution. Parts of North Philadelphia have the highest rates of mortality -- maternal mortality rates in the country. So I look forward to having that conversation in your Public Health Committee. But I'm speaking today to just thank a group of people who helped me out this Saturday. This past Saturday we went to Strawberry Mansion to a block that was hit by tragedy on January 14th. There were two individuals killed with a total of six shot at an illegal speakeasy in the Strawberry Mansion section of North Philadelphia. That was the talk of the time, the talk of the news at the time. The news cameras came. The police were there. But once a shooting is over and the cameras are off and the sirens are gone, Stated Meeting 80 02/15/2024 a block, what is left for a community. And so, this past Saturday we went door-to-door on that block to let those residents know that your City government is here for them. We provided resources to the members of the block. We gave them information on who to contact for whatever issues they may be having, and it was a good feeling. Those folks were appreciative. And I want to thank the residents of the 2400 block of Myrtlewood Street in North Philadelphia for being receptive to us, allowing us to come on their block to talk to them, to meet them where they're at and provide resources. I want to thank State Representative Roni Green for participating, Strawberry Mansion Community Concern, Pastor William Stated Meeting 81 02/15/2024 Church Worship Center, Black Male Community Council, Temple University Medical School, Charles Scott and Temple University Hospital, the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities, Network of Neighbors, Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, Shirley Moy and the Temple University Lenfest Center for Workforce Partnership, Philadelphia Anti-Drug AntiViolence Network also known as PAAN, Eddie's House, my good friend Tyrone Morris, 24th Ward Leader Keith Harris and most importantly my staff for putting this together. That was the first time we did this, but it will not be the last. So for all who are in North Philadelphia hear my voice, when tragedy strikes, you can always count on us to be there for you. Stated Meeting 82 02/15/2024 able to stop crime, but we can be able to provide you with resources to help you cope with the issues that you're dealing with in your communities. So thank you so much, Council President.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you so much. Thank you, Councilmembers. Thank you, Council President. First, just want to say a note to my colleague Jay Young for his remarks he just said. You know, as the former head of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, I know far too much about the ripple effect that crime Stated Meeting 83 02/15/2024 neighborhoods, and it is not just that horrific tragedy that happens, but it affects blocks and communities and neighborhoods and we all have to be here together to help communities heal and to grow stronger and help them make connections. And it sounds like that's exactly what you did this weekend, so thank you so much for that and we're here for you. Any time you call on us we'll be there. And also, I want to thank everyone who supported my resolution honoring Philadelphia Chef Kurt Evans, who's made his storefront a safe haven for formerly incarcerated people who are seeking a new life in our city. My resolution introduced today honors not only Chef Evans, but his advancement of civil rights through the food and hospitality Stated Meeting 84 02/15/2024 industry, creating career opportunities for returning citizens and youth and drawing attention to issues affecting Black Philadelphians. During Black History Month and continually, I believe City Council must uplift and highlight the experiences, expertise and work of Black Philadelphians who make up the vibrant and diverse tapestry of our city. I'm so grateful for Chef Evans' advocacy and for his contributions to North Philadelphia and our entire City. His work serving his community is not only delicious, it serves as an inspiration and motivation for all of us. So thank you, Chef Evans. Second, I'd like to take a moment to thank my colleagues for your support moving my Tax Preparation Transparency bill into Stated Meeting 85 02/15/2024 tax season as we all know, and too many Philadelphians shell out too much money for commercial tax prep, unaware of free alternatives. The intention of my Tax Preparation Services bill is to make more people aware of free tax preparation services and to make hidden fees from for-profit preparers more transparent. This is a small but important step to ensure more money stays in the pockets of low and moderate income Philadelphians, and especially the elderly. When it comes to financial decisions, all Philadelphians should have the right to make informed decisions. And this bill is aimed at giving working people who can't hire expensive financial planners a fuller picture of free resources that are available to Stated Meeting 86 02/15/2024 them, including making for-profit tax preparers disclose their fees. According to the IRS, there are approximately 240,000 Philadelphians who are eligible for VITA services, but less than 25 percent, a quarter, take advantage of these services. It's crucial to note each year low and moderate income Philadelphians are leaving literally millions of dollars on the table of unclaimed tax credits, money that can go into their pockets if they took advantage of VITA and TCE. I'm excited to stand up for consumer protection. And again, I'd like to thank my colleagues for sharing my passion. Thank you.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Stated Meeting 87 02/15/2024
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise to acknowledge my colleagues. Today's actions, if you look at it, whether you talk about Member Young dealing with post-traumatic stress of gun violence, knocking on those doors, bringing those resources matter. Bad things are going to happen. It's what we do after it happens that matters to the people on that block. I want to also acknowledge Member O'Rourke. When he talked about -- when public comment talked about we're not addressing systemic issues of poverty and structural racism, I would argue that we are. We say it different. We do it differently maybe, but the intent of what you're talking about addresses that. Stated Meeting 88 02/15/2024 some of the work that's being done now with Member Landau, which she just talked about, it addresses a lot of the issues that public comment raises. Sometimes we say it different. Sometimes we call it something different, but it has the same intent and impact. So I want to acknowledge my colleagues for doing the work, for actually not just talking about it but being about it in their work. So, Mr. President, thank you and the body for moving the agenda, moving the agenda beyond just words but into our actions, into our budget and into our policies. So thank you, colleagues.
Stated Meeting 89 02/15/2024 a Task Force on Reparations. I thought we addressed that a long time ago, but it's a different conversation. The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke.
Okay. Your light is on. Any other speeches? (No response.)
No, okay. If there are no speeches, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Council President. I move that City Council Stated Meeting 90 02/15/2024 Thursday, February 22, 2024. And if you haven't noticed, 10:00 a.m. promptly. (Applause.) (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
They ayes have it. ) Stated Meeting 91 02/15/2024 C E R T I F I C A T I O N I, hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence noted are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me in the foregoing matter, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. m.