Stated Meeting, April 23, 2026

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania April 23, 2026 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN CINDY 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 SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR. ELIZABETH McCOLLUM NAZARIO, CHIEF CLERK - -

Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)

Members, please take your seats. All visitors, please retire to the seats outside the rails. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. This City Council session is now called to order. I'm asking for all visitors to please put your cell phones on silent and/or vibrate. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Jose Gonzalez of the Response to Grace Church. He is here today as guest of Councilmember Quetcy Lozada. I will ask all members and guests to please rise. (Councilmembers, visitors and guests rise.)

Let's pray. Father in heaven, there are no categories to describe how amazing, how powerful, how awesome you are. God, at the mention of your name, God, demons tremble. Father, stars in the universe were formed from the breath of your mouth. You are big, you're massive, you're amazing, God. And God, we are small, we are little. But yet even though you are above us, yet even though you are beyond us, you choose to be close. You invite us to call you Father. You want a relationship with us in this community. And so, God, we are calling on you in this place. Father, the world is divided. It's full of chaos. It's empty, families are broken, people are struggling. But, God, you have filled this room with game- changers. You have filled this room with generational curse- breakers. You have filled this room with people who have a desire and passion to make a difference. So, God, our prayer this morning is that you would start with us. Our prayer this morning is that you would use the people in this room, God, that you would empower the people in this room, God, that you would give us eyes to see people the way you see, that, Father, you would break our hearts for the things that break yours. Father, that you would use us powerfully to change this city to love on people and do right by people. God, give us wisdom not to do what's right in our own eyes. Give us wisdom to discern how to do right by people on your terms, God. Father, I pray that you would give us an unshakable confidence for those who are weary and tired of trying to make a difference and are struggling and are feeling the system push back. God, I pray that you would kindle the fire that nobody could put out. Father, that you would open doors that nobody would close, that you would use the people in this room, Father, to restore this community, that when people enter this city, they wouldn't see a people full of violence and divided, but that they would see a community of people who are different, because our differences make us mirror your image. God, I pray that you would use the people in this room 2 to see serving not as an inconvenience, but to see serving as an opportunity, that we will look at problems as opportunities to make a difference, to be a blessing. So, God, we pray that you would start with us, that you would set that fire, that you would set this room ablaze with these people, set our hearts ablaze, God, to do right by each other and to see others the way that you see us. We thank you for being our God, and we pray that the city of Philly, God, when people walk in this place, that it wouldn't just be a place that's full of chaos, disorder and void, but that it would be a place where heaven and earth overlap, that you would start with this people, this community, right here, right now. We ask all this in Jesus powerful name and the people say Amen. (Amen.)

God bless y'all.

The Chair thanks the Pastor for the invocation. Council will now be at ease. (Council at ease.)

The next order of business is the Approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 16, 2026. The Chair recognizes Majority Deputy Whip Councilmember Cindy Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 16, 2026 be approved. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 16, 2026 stand approved. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is the request for leave of absence. And the Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Majority, there are no requests for leave of absence today.

The Chair thanks the Majority Leader. The Chair recognizes Minority Leader Councilmember Kendra Brooks.

Good morning, Council President. On behalf of the Minority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.

The Chair thanks the Minority Leader. Thank you very much. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Majority Leader Katherine 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 Council session.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda for this session of Council and, as required by law, subsequently published on an amended agenda after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments to bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or re-called from the Mayor, amendments to bills re-called from the Mayor, 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 bill or resolution on or returning a bill or 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 seconded that the legislative matters stated by Majority Leader Katherine 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.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Council chambers today. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate you taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our great city. We certainly invite you to come again. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.

Thank you, Mr. President. Today I would like to welcome to our chambers my son Parker, who was here with us on Bring Your Child to Work Day. (Applause.)

Welcome.

Wave hi, buddy. Don't get all shy. (Applause.)

Welcome to City Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. Today I want to welcome, and I'm proud to do so, Chestnut Hill College and its Political Science Department here in the balcony, I believe, to Council Chambers. Welcome. And we will be introducing a resolution that the students helped to edit, and several of them will be speaking during public comment. And we also recognize Dr. Jeffrey Carroll, whose historic leadership as the first person of color to lead to Pennsylvania Political Science Administration marks a meaningful step forward in this field. His work reflects the very best of this institution and inspires the next generation. And thank you so much for coming. We appreciate you all. (Applause.)

Welcome. As there are no 2 presentations today, the next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant- at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Would the Chief Clerk please read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications in her possession. Council will be at ease for one second, Chief Clerk. (Council at ease.)

I'm just going to ask if 16 you are visiting our Council 17 chambers today, could you please 18 take all sidebar conversations out 19 of the Council chambers. Council 20 will resume. 21

To the 22 President and members of the 23 Council of the City of 24 Philadelphia, I am transmitting for the consideration of your Honorable body a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 5123, 5125, 5127 and 5129 Baltimore Avenue located in the 3rd Council District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 5103 Chester Avenue located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 1425 South Paxon Street in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of the City of Philadelphia, and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 214 Hermit Street in the 4th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia, and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1707 Ridge Avenue located in the 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3001 and 3003 North 10th Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1800, 1818, 1862 N. 23rd Street, 1802, 1806, 1808, 1810, 1820, 1828, 1845, 1848, 1852 N. 24th Street, 1801, 1813, 1837, 1855, 1868 N. Bucknell Street, 1800, 1814, 1858 Judson Street, 2318, 2326, 2330, 2332, 2334, 2336 W. Montgomery Avenue located in the 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. A resolution Extending approval of the 2025-2026 Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) Program Annual Program Statement and Budget, which addresses expenditures by various agencies in the first year of the H.O.M.E. Program, to constitute approval of spending in Fiscal Year 2027, pursuant to that same Program Statement and Budget. And to the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on April 16, 2026 I signed the following bill, which was passed by Council at its session on April 16, 2026: Bill 2 No. 260263. And that pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bill: Bill No. 260242. The Commission voted to extend its review 45 additional days on the following bills, Bill 12 Nos. 260238 and 260239. There are no further communications in my possession, Council President.

Thank you very much. The 18 messages will be printed in the 19 Journal. 20 The next order of 21 business is introduction of bills 22 and resolutions. 23 The Chair recognizes 24 Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips.

Good morning, Council President, and good morning to all of the wonderful residents who are here today. I have two bills for introduction today.

Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the bills.

An ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Lawrence Street between Tabor Road and Olney Avenue, Sparks Street between Front Street and Mascher Street.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance amending Section 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," by amending Section 14-520, entitled "Ninth District Overlay District," by making technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.

Thank you, Council President. Today I offer one privileged resolution on behalf of the entire City of Philadelphia, and one bill on your behalf.

Thank you very much. Would the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the bill 4 and resolution.

An ordinance amending Section 10-710 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Dumping of Debris and Short Dumping," to change the standard for determining violations, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a privileged resolution recognizing Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake on her retirement and lasting impact she has made on the City of Philadelphia.

Very fitting acknowledgement. Welcome to City Council today, Dr. Lorina Marshall- Blake. This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.

Good morning, Council President. Nothing today.

Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.

Good morning, Council President. Today I have four non-privileged resolutions and three bills, one on your behalf.

Thank you very much. Would the Chief Clerk please read the resolutions and the bills.

An ordinance amending Title of The 5 Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning 6 and Planning," by adding a new 7 chapter to require specific permit 8 applicants to provide notice of the 9 presence of particular murals on 10 the property to the Department of 11 Licenses and Inspections, all under 12 certain terms and conditions. 13

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance naming and designating 60th and Baltimore Park, located at 5961 Baltimore Avenue as "Tyrone 'Cakes' Sims Park."

That's one of my mentors. Good job. This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance authorizing various encroachments in the vicinity of 2955 Market Street, Philadelphia Pa, 19104, under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a non-privileged resolution 17 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 1425 South Paxon Street in the 3rd Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia, and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council.

And a non-privileged resolution 15 authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 5123, 5125, 5127 and 5129 Baltimore Avenue, located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council.

And a non-privileged resolution 6 authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 5103 Chester Avenue, located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council.

And a non-privileged resolution urging the United States Congress and the Trump Administration to provide comprehensive fertility care, including In Vitro Fertilization, IVF, under TRICARE in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr.

Good morning, Mr. President, colleagues and the viewing public. Today I offer one bill 13 and one non-privileged resolution.

Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the bill 18 and resolution.

An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Acorn Street between Hazelwood Lane and Ridge Avenue; Martin Street between Mitchell Street and Pechin Street; N. 66th Street between Haverford Avenue and Media Street; Rector Street between Manayunk Avenue and Terrace Street; Lawnton Street between Fountain Street and Gorgas Lane; Scotts Lane between Ridge Avenue to 3540 Scotts Lane (Trestle).

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a non-privileged resolution 15 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 214 Hermit Street in the 4th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia, and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.

Good morning, Council President, colleagues and the public. It is a great day today. Today I have two privileged resolutions and two bills and one privileged resolution on your behalf.

Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the bills and resolutions.

An ordinance authorizing the Chief Information Officer, on behalf of the City, to enter into a multi- year agreement to purchase licenses for email, cloud services, enterprise software, data services, security software and other related computing products and services, under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance authorizing the Chief Information Officer, on behalf of the city, to enter into a multi- year agreement to purchase support for mainframe and database software protocols and applications, under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a non-privileged resolution 8 confirming the appointment of the Honorable Idee C. Fox as a member of the Board of Ethics, to serve in the term ending November 16, 2030.

This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.

A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Earl D. Fowlkes, Jr. during the week of Philadelphia Black Pride for his incredible and visionary leadership dedicated to service to the Black LGBTQ+ movement.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution recognizing April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month, and celebrating the heritage culture and contributions of Arab Americans in the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.

Thank you, Council President. Good morning, everyone. I have nothing today.

Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young, Jr.

Good morning, Mr. President. Today I offer four bills, one on your behalf, one privileged resolution and three non-privileged resolutions.

Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the titles of the bills and resolutions.

An ordinance amending Chapter 19-4600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Low-Income Tax Provisions" to extend the low-income tax provision to trusts that own property for the benefit of a natural person, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-2900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Senior Citizen Low Income Special Tax Provisions," to extend the tax provision to trusts that own property for the benefit of a natural person, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled: Tax Exemptions for Longtime Owner- Occupants of Residential Properties," to extend the tax provision to trusts that own property for the benefit of a natural person, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance amending Chapter 9-200 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Commercial Activities on Streets," to make certain changes to permissible location for farmers' markets, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a privileged resolution recognizing April 2026 as Second Chance Month in the City of Philadelphia, and honoring the work of reentry professionals, community organizations, employers, advocates, families and returning citizens who strengthen the City by supporting successful reentry.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a non-privileged resolution 13 authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3001 and 3003 North 10th Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.

And a non-privileged resolution 4 authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1800, 1818, 1862 North 23rd Street; 1802, 1806, 1808, 1810, 1820, 1828, 1845, 1848, 1852 North 24th Street; 1801, 1813, 1837, 1855, 1868 North Bucknell Street; 1800, 1814, 1858 Judson Street, 2318, 2326, 2330, 2332, 2334, 2336 West Montgomery Avenue located in the 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council.

And a non-privileged resolution 24 authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1707 Ridge Avenue located in the 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.

This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.

Council President, I have one resolution, one resolution 17 privileged to introduce today.

Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.

A privileged resolution honoring Philly Black Pride for its ongoing work to center and support the Black LGBTQ+ community, and recognizing Monday, April 20th through Sunday, April 26th as Philly Black Pride Week in the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.

Thank you, Council President. Good morning, everybody. I have nothing today.

Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.

Good morning, Council President. Good morning, Philadelphians. Nothing today.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll.

Morning, Mr. President. I have five bills on your behalf and two privileged resolutions.

Thank you very much, sir. Chief Clerk, please read the titles of the bills and resolutions.

An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by amending Subcode "M" (The Philadelphia Mechanical Code) and adopting the 2021 edition of the "International Mechanical Code," as published by the International Code Council, with amendments thereto, as authorized by the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code Act, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by amending Subcode "G" (The Philadelphia Fuel Gas Code), Subcode "PC" (The Philadelphia Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities), and Subcode "EB" (The Philadelphia Existing Building Code), and adopting the 2021 editions of the "International Fuel Gas Code," "Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities," and "International Existing Building Code," as published by the International Code Council, with amendments thereto, as authorized by the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Act, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance amending Subcode "A" (The Philadelphia Administrative Code) of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code (The Building, Construction and Occupancy Code), by revising and clarifying certain provisions; making corrections for compliance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code Act; and making technical changes; all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

An ordinance amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by amending Subcode "B" (The Philadelphia Building Code) and adopting the 2021 edition of the "International Building Code," as published by the International Code Council, with various amendments thereto, as authorized by the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code Act, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

An ordinance amending Title of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by amending Subcode "R" (The Philadelphia Residential Code) and adopting the 2021 edition of the "International Residential Code," as published by the International Code Council, with amendments thereto, as authorized by the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code Act, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a privileged resolution recognizing May 2026 as Dual Asian American Pacific Islander and Jewish American Heritage Month in Philadelphia, in recognition of America 250, celebrating the rich history, interwoven stories and significant contributions made by generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and Jewish Americans to our nation, Commonwealth and City.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Sam Rhoads on his retirement after 31 years of distinguished service to PIDC, Philadelphia's public-private economic development corporation, and recognizing his transformative impact on the City's economic landscape.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Brian O'Neill.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla.

Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two privileged resolutions and one bill.

Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the titles of the bill and resolutions.

An ordinance amending Title of The 7 Philadelphia Code, entitled 8 "Regulation of Businesses, Trades 9 and Professions," by adding provisions prohibiting retail establishments from rounding transaction totals upward when a customer tenders cash without exact coinage, and requiring rounding downward to the nearest five-cent increment; all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Chestnut Hill College and its Political Science Department for their commitment to academic excellence, diversity, civic engagement and the advancement of future leaders, and further recognizing Dr. Jeffrey Carroll for his historic leadership in the field of political science.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.

And a privileged resolution supporting the City of Philadelphia's participation in Bird Town, Pennsylvania, and promoting sustainable conservation initiatives in the City, and committing to community-based conservation initiatives to protect birds, wildlife, and the environment. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible).

Gotta love Philly. This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.

Thank you, Council President. No bills or resolutions today.

Thank you very much. The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla for a report from the Committee on Appropriations.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Appropriations reports three bills with a favorable recommendation.

Chief Clerk, could you please read the report.

The Committee on Appropriations, to which were referred the following bills: Bill No. 260213, an ordinance to amend Bill No. 250198 (approved June 13, 2025), entitled "An Ordinance to Adopt a Capital Program for the six Fiscal Years 2026-2031 inclusive," By revising various appropriation amounts and totals, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 260214, an ordinance to amend Bill No. 250197 (approved June 13, 2025), entitled "An Ordinance to Adopt a Fiscal 2026 Capital Budget" by revising various appropriation amounts and totals, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation. And Bill No. 260215, an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2026 from: the General Fund, the Water Fund, the Transportation Fund, and the Grants Revenue Fund, all from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions; to: the General Fund, the Water Fund, the Special Gasoline Tax Fund, the Grants Revenue Fund, the Aviation Fund, and the Transportation Fund, all to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill 2 to Council with a favorable recommendation. There are no further bills to report out from the Committee on Appropriations, Council President.

Thank you very much. 10 The Chair recognizes 11 Councilmember Mark Squilla for a 12 motion. 13

14 Thank you, Mr. President. 15 I move that the rules of 16 Council be suspended as to permit 17 first reading this day of the bills 18 just read into the record by the 19 Chief Clerk. 20 (Duly seconded.) 21

It has been moved and 23 properly seconded that the rules of 24 Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of these bills just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. And these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committees with the suspension of rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla for a motion regarding Bill No. 260215 just reported out of committee.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move the rules of Council be suspended as to permit an amendment to Bill No. 260215. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of an amendment to Bill No. 260215 at this time. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla again.

Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 260215. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 260215 be adopted. All those in favor will 2ND READING signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the bill has been amended. This bill 10 will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for our next session of Council. As there are no 14 additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars.

Thank you, Mr. President. The following bills and resolutions are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 260253, 260254, 260255, 260256, 260353, 260354, 260355, 260356, 260357, 260362, 250329-AA, 250330-AA, 260056, 260057, 260058, 260059, 260060, 260061, 260062 and 260295. The following bills and resolutions on the Calendar are being held: 250768 and 250807.

Good job, Majority Leader. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading of Final Passage Calendars for possible action at today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up before today's Council session, please do so now by giving your name to Ms. Hasson, seated in the hallway outside of Room 496. Once you have signed up, you will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. Under ideal circumstances, public commenters each will have up to three minutes to speak. However, this time limit may vary from session to session. Today due to the repetitious public comment, the time limit will be one minute. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the one-minute limit. When you begin speaking, you will see a green light on the podium. When there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, the light will turn yellow, which is your reminder to conclude your remarks. Once one minute has passed, the light will turn red and the Sergeant-at-Arms will disconnect your microphone. Please do not get mad at Lopez. He's just doing his job. At that point, please yield to the podium to the next speaker if you have not already done so. I also reserve the right to our rules of City 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. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Mo Rushdy, Carmen Maria, Halcyon Joseph, Reverend Gregory Holston, Ryan Spak, Simon Radecki, Jeremy Blatstein, William Small, John McCauley and Stephen Bronskill, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

The floor is yours, sir.

Good morning, Council President, Councilmembers. Let me start by first saying that the BIA of --

Council will be at ease for one second. (Council at ease.)

All visitors, we welcome you to City Council as we do our business, the People's House. All I'm asking if you can take your side conversations just out of the Council chambers. It's very, very hard to hear up here when people are speaking on the floor. The floor is yours, sir. Please begin your testimony.

I want to start by first saying that the BIA and Councilmember O'Rourke have had policy differences in general when it comes to execution. But without a doubt, we had an alignment in intent. Over the last 30 to 60 days, Councilmember O'Rourke has engaged in good faith, along with his aide, specifically Kate Underwood, with multiple stakeholders to address concerns of housing providers when it comes to unintended consequences of well- intentioned language in these bills. So I thank you, Councilmember, for this. And I thank Council President for always standing at an equal distance from different stakeholders that have different interests and encouraging dialogue to reach a place where everyone is okay and not necessarily getting all that they want. Last week's amendments maintain the bill's legislative intent while allowing housing providers some flexibility and thus, not discouraging desperately- needed housing in the city. My testimony today does not offer a blanket support or opposition, but rather an opportunity to explain how the BIA changed its position from a strong opposition to supporting the bills when they got amended with much of the BIA and other concerns. Pending appeals of certain taxes, liens, fines and fees, resulting in outstanding balances will not be deemed noncompliant. Housing provider will not be deemed noncompliant in case of violation that leads to fee, underlying conditions that was not issued under Title 4, whereas the outstanding balance is the sole reason preventing the license from being issued or renewed. The owner filled a timely administrative and judicial appeal of the violation or tax clearance determination as applicable. 5, that the owner has not failed to take any required interim corrective actions within the owner control, that for a renewal of rental license an owner shall not be deemed noncompliant for purposes of this section solely for failure to timely renew a rental license during days. And 4 over time, there is other changes 5 as well. The bill started with 6 good intent, but with unintended 7 consequences -- 8 (Background 9 interruption.) 10

I'm in 11 support of the bill. Just 12 explaining -- 13

You got to wrap it up, 15 sir.

-- how we got there. I'm on your side.

Mr. Mo Rushdy, you got to wrap it up, sir.

We are housing providers that want to support our tenants and residents and do not want to see bad housing providers protected. And so, the BIA thanks Councilmember O'Rourke. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you very much, sir.

Good morning. My name is Nicole and I'm reading on behalf of one of our members who's here today, but because of safety concerns isn't speaking. I'm a proud resident of Philadelphia and originally from Guatemala. I work as a house cleaner and I'm a member, leader with the National Domestic Workers Alliance. I'm here to strongly support both the ICE Out laws and Safe Healthy Homes. (Applause.)

The increase in immigration enforcement spreads fear and devastates our communities. The fear is felt in everyday life, in the park, library, church and our children's school. The increase in deportations also results in more workplace abuses. Some employers take advantage of the situation to threaten workers. Workers speak out less now, report fewer abuses and demand their rights less. I also want to highlight the current hunger strike at Moshannon Detention Center in Pennsylvania, where 100 detained immigrants are protesting horrible treatment and several deaths. Detained immigrants in Philadelphia are frequently sent to these conditions in Moshannon. We fight to protect our communities from these private prisons who earn money off of our suffering. Lastly, I urge you to pass the Safe Healthy Homes Act. Landlords in this city treat renters horribly, and in many cases keep housing conditions poor because of our immigration status. Renter justice is immigrant justice. Vote yes on both.

Excuse me. Could you just say your name for the record?

Yep. My name is Nicole Kligerman and I am reading on behalf of one of our members who, because of safety concerns of what's happening in this room right now, isn't herself speaking.

Thank you very much.

Good morning, Councilmembers, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Halcyon Joseph. I am a member of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. I have been a professional geriatric care provider for many years. I've migrated from the Caribbean of the countries of Trinidad and Tobago. I like taking care of people who need real care, like elderly and kids. We need the voices, eyes, hands on seniors and babies. The work that we do is invaluable and support all aspects of society. I'm here today as an immigrant, a worker and an advocate for the communities I care deeply about to ask the support of both ICE Out policies and Safe Healthy legislation. I ask you to vote yes to the ICE Out package because it's unfair how the government is treating us. We're all here for the same reasons, to live on earth in peace. They are also abrasive and deporting people who have had (inaudible). The presence of ICE breaks families apart. It gives me first-hand anxiety and even PTSD to the fear of living in deep fear. They are known and never known from moment to moment. REV. HOLSTON: My name is Reverend Gregory Holston, Executive Director of Just Nation, here supporting both ICE Out legislation and Safe Healthy Homes. I know I only got a minute. We're here today because everyone deserves to be safe in their home. That's the through line. That's the moral line. But in our city, the promise is being broken in two ways. When I think of the people I pastor, the African immigrants, the Haitian immigrants, the Jamaican immigrants who live in fear that a knock on the door will take away, that ICE could turn their home into a place of terror, I'm concerned that we need to do something. At the same time when families are living in homes that are unsafe and unhealthy, mold, lead, broken heat, so even ICE is knocking, the home itself is harming the people inside of it. We need to stand up against that. The simple principle that puts all of these laws together into one thing is the simple scriptural oppression principle: Love your neighbor, love your neighbor, love your neighbor, so as we stand up together and we fight together and we believe together and we hope together and we dream together. Let that principle stand over and over again. Love your neighbor as yourself and we can transform this city for everyone.

Good morning. My name is Ryan Spak. I want to thank the body for allowing me to come and speak with you this morning. I want to thank Councilmember O'Rourke and his staff for the conversations and for amending this legislation and ensuring that state law is reiterated within this Council body. I want to thank Councilmember Rue Landau for the conversations that we had regarding this legislation. I am here in support of the Safe and Healthy Homes Act. As a housing provider for the last 15 years, my company has felt that it is a moral obligation for the residents that live within our buildings, for us to provide a safe and healthy home no matter what. However, I do want to stress to this legislative body, as I have before, I appreciate your effort and the moral compass that is pointed in the direction. However, every piece of legislation is being passed within a vacuum with no solution attached to it to other problems we know exist. Please, please, please, please keep that in mind as you continue to fight for the rights of the City of Philadelphia. Thank you.

Hello. My name is Simon. I'm glad to be a resident of Philadelphia and was lucky enough to be born and raised in Minnesota, in a small Minneapolis suburb called St. Anthony Village. The reason people here are all familiar with that town, if they are at all, is because it was where a Black man named Philando Castile was murdered by police in 2016. He was murdered one year after Jamar Clark, two years before Thurman Blevins, and four years before George Floyd, all in Minneapolis. The response of many of the people in Minneapolis to ICE terror campaign this winter was the result of continued organizing, relationship-building and solidarity led and built by Black and Brown people through years of combating injustices from voter ID and state-sanctioned murders. I just want to take a moment of solidarity to recognize those people. ICE has existed as a weapon of race-based terrorists since its inception, targeting Muslim and immigrant populations with similar tactics to those seen today. The reality is they've been using children as hostages in immigration hearings and tools of entrapment for decades. Sorry, I wrote for a lot more minutes. You have an opportunity today to make the direction clear for Philadelphia, the next city and those after that. Vote yes with the power of the citizens have loaned you. Because that's the thing about power in this country, one way or another someone will come to collect.

We have Jeremy Blatstein, William Small, John McCauley, Stephen Bronskill. May Lisa Volta Zalloum, David Alexander Jenkins, Jackie Zaneri, Lynn Landes and Robert Aarchnyak, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Hello. My name is Jeremy Blatstein. I'm here in support of the Safe Healthy Homes bills. In theory, it's exactly what the City of Philadelphia needs, right. We need to hold bad landlords accountable. The thing that I do want to stress is the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office and the eviction process that needs to improve. It cannot be taking so long because it's impacting everybody. So as long as this legislation goes forward, and there's work to be done on the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office, this is a good bill. But if there's not improvements in the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office, the whole thing's going to crumble and you're going to hurt really small mom-and-pop landlords, and that's the thing that you're going to -- that's the thing that needs to be kept in mind, is making sure that people with two to four units have the support and the help to get through this new legislation. And last but not least, we're talking about SEPTA. We know it's important to fund it. Ride the ride. Grow Philly to 2 milly. Thank you.

Good morning, everybody. My name is William Small, candidate for U.S. Congress in Pennsylvania's Third District. Today I stand here in opposition in every bill, ordinance 21 and its agenda, but not out of disrespect, out of principle. I know everybody heard what Mayor Cherelle Parker said this weekend. How dare you? She called out 1.8 million people in Philadelphia. She doesn't think she's the Mayor. She thinks she's the damn queen --

Excuse me, sir. Could you speak on --

Tax after tax after tax --

Sir, could you speak on the bill? Speak on the bill,

Tax after tax after tax --

Which specific bill are you speaking on?

(Inaudible).

Excuse me, sir. We understand you're running for office. If you can speak on the bill, you can. Right now you can. Have a good day, sir.

(Inaudible).

Me too, sir. Thank you, sir. Have a blessed day. Appreciate it. Could you please call the next speaker please.

We have John McCauley, Stephen Bronskill, Lisa Volta Zalloum, David Alexander Jenkins, Jackie Zaneri, Lynn Landes and Robert Aarchnyak. (Witnesses approached podium.) MR. McCAULEY: Good morning, everyone. My name is John Alonte McCauley. I'm with a grassroots organization called Flip Philly Red. We're here to offer you something different because you've been voting Democrat for the Mayor's office for the past 70 years. In regard to these ICE Out bills, they have statistics coming out of the country of Sweden that says, because of their open border policies, out of every women can be expected to be raped. These are things that I think -- (Audience boos.) MR. McCAULEY: -- that City Council make it difficult for ICE to --

Listen up, everyone. Listen up, everyone. MR. McCAULEY: I need time back on the clock. I need my minute back. No, no, I need my --

Listen up. Excuse me, sir. I'm actually running this so let me handle this. MR. McCAULEY: Are you?

Let me handle this how I need to handle this. MR. McCAULEY: Thank you --

You know what then, call on the next speaker please. MR. McCAULEY: (Inaudible).

Call on the next speaker. I believe in the right of freedom of speech, but not disrespect. Not disrespect, sir. Please call on the next speaker.

Stephen Bronskill, Lisa Volta Zalloum, David Alexander Jenkins, Jackie Zaneri, Lynn Landes and Robert Aarchnyak. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Thank you very much. Please call the next speaker. Let that run viral. (Applause.)

Please begin, ma'am. Please begin, ma'am.

Good morning. My name is Lisa Volta Zalloum and I'm speaking in support of Councilmember Rue Landau's resolution declaring April as Arab American Heritage Month. I'm here today as the Executive Director of Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture. Al-Bustan is a nonprofit organization dedicated to showcasing and cultivating the beauty and diversity of Arab culture through the arts, but also I'm here as the grandchild of a young Syrian woman who came to this country with her language, sharp wit, hope and love of life. Her story is one of millions that begins right here in Philadelphia. In anticipation of the Semiquincentennial, Al-Bustan began researching a largely overlooked part of Philadelphia's Arab history. When Philadelphia hosted the 1876 Centennial exhibition in Fairmount Park, over 1600 Arab traders and artisans made the journey to this country to celebrate America's 100th birthday. Arab culture was on full display, Egyptian, Syrian, Algerian bazaars and the Moroccan building. Fast- forward 2002, Al-Bustan was founded in the wake of 911 when gross stereotypes were created about Arab people and -- thank you so much.

Mr. President, David Alexander Jenkins. When I walked into chamber this morning and the sound of all the things you are, that jazz band out in the hallway, and I looked around at my brothers and sisters of love here with the signage all around me of inevitable rights, human hope, dignity, safety, refuge, I was invigorated with the kind of energy that was so palpable that I was suddenly reminded of why I come to this podium week after week, year after year. I come like you to celebrate, defend and protect all the things we are. I was prepared to come before you to impress upon you with moral clarity and resolve my resounding support for the ICE Out legislation before you, which upholds the moral imperative against state violence. I was prepared to come up in the fierce defense of Member O'Rourke's amendments through its lens of inclusivity, dignity and a shared responsibility to humanity. And I was prepared to come before you in gratitude for Member Brooks's enshrinement and space held for the LGBTQ and Black communities, and for the body's dedication to holding vital space of intersectionality and visibility. But when that Reverend took through the dais, I was reminded of Kurt Franklin's I've been through the fire and I've been through the flood, I've been broken into pieces and seen lightning from above. And through it all, we remember that he loves us and he cares, and he'll never put more on us than we can bear.

Bear. I know that's right.

Good morning. My name is Jackie Zaneri, and I'm a supervising attorney in the Housing Justice team at Senior Law Center. Thank you for the opportunity to again voice our strong support of Bills 250329-AA and 250330-AA, the Safe Healthy Homes Act. Senior Law Center seeks justice for older adults using the power of the law, educating community and advocating at the local, state and national levels. We provide free legal assistance to thousands of older people each year, including tenants facing housing crisis and older homeowners. We support these bills because they're aimed at common, serious issues that older tenants are facing in Philadelphia. We regularly meet with and represent tenants who are being evicted out of properties with serious open code violations or that contain uninhabitable conditions that tenants are fearful of reporting because of the threat of eviction. These laws provide basic legal protections that all tenants deserve and that would prevent the worst landlord behavior and these dangerous living conditions. We urge you to pass these bills. Thank you. (Applause.)

May Lynn Landes, Robert Aarchnyak, Earl Fowlkes, Justin Oppong, Chloe Youngblood, Jeffrey Carroll, Seneca Grant, Melissa Monts, Leyla Moreno and Queen Judith Robinson, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good morning. I'm Lynn Landes of Philly's Republican Network. We oppose Bill 2600056 and related bills aimed at undermining federal immigration enforcement because it is essentially an invitation for more illegal immigrants, criminal cartels and foreign enemies from across the nation and around the world to come to Philadelphia, a city with one of the highest rates of poverty, crime, illiteracy, unemployment and taxes in the country, and who already has over 75,000 illegal immigrants. The principal job of any government is to manage people and resources, which is why all nations have borders and immigration laws. Over 8 billion people live on our planet. 340 million live in the United States, including tens of millions of illegal immigrants. In addition, 60 to 80 million visitors come to the U.S. every year. Undermining ICE will tempt many of these people to come to Philadelphia to live here illegally. It is City Council's job -- (Audience boos.)

Listen up, everyone.

It is City Council's job to protect Philadelphians, not illegal aliens. Please vote no to undermining ICE. Thank you. (Audience boos.)

Time out. Council at ease. (Council at ease.)

I just want to do some rules for the day. And this is a democracy. All I ask is that we just be respectful regardless if you agree with a person's position or not agree with a person's position, just for the sake of us conducting business today. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible).

One second, sir. She gave her opinion. Opinion is different than hate speech. I'm Black and African American. I know what hate speech is. So all I'm just saying, a person comes, they want to give their opinion rather you support it or not support it. Let's just be respectful to one another as human beings just for the day. Go ahead, sir -- go ahead, young lady.

Okay. My name is Melissa Monts and I want to speak to give my testimony on behalf of Theresa Howell and Eden Gibson, who are ill today and were not able to be here and have been in this fight with us for six years. I know when I feel what it feels like to hear no at every stage of life. No mental health support growing up in a dysfunctional home, no real help as a struggling single mother. Believing I had no other options, I signed my three children over to the state of Oklahoma, hoping to get help and return for them. That did not happen. Today all three of my children carry that no. All three have jail records. Two of them are felons and one felon is still incarcerated. And now, I see the same pattern here. Our children becoming collateral damage of policy decisions. No quality education because schools close. No livable wages while corporate taxes are being cut. No relief for small businesses with the BIRT tax being removed and shrinking household incomes. No stability in families living in fear of being disappeared by masked, armed, unidentified men, which is why I support the ICE Out bills. And now, Safe Healthy Homes are being questioned even after a child like Jah'Nae Campbell died from mold exposure. At some point we have to tell the truth. When every system says no, people stop believing in the system. And when young people stop believing in systems, they don't just disappear, they create their own outcomes. So I will say this plainly: Let our children hear today yes to Safe Healthy Homes and yes to ICE Out or be prepared for the consequences of a city that continues to say no. 11 (Applause.)

Hi. My name is Robert Aarchnyak and I'm a member of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club --

Could you speak into the microphone, sir?

Sorry. My name is Robert Karchnyak. And I'm a member of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club. I serve as its Co-Chair of its Conservation Committee, member of its Governing Council and a birding guide at FDR Park. I'm speaking in support of the Bird Town resolution. Birds are in trouble. Back in 2019, a report was released that found roughly 3 billion birds have been lost in North America. And just last year, the 2025 State of the Birds report highlighted this tragic reality of bird population decline, with the main Atlantic region being of particular concern. We know conservation works, but we need it to be comprehensive. Philly sits along the Atlantic Flyway, a critical part of bird migration and provides crucial stopover habitat. Initiatives like Bird Safe Philly and Lights Out have formed to counter some of the most dangerous obstacles facing birds on this epic journey. It's vitally important to bridge the gap of what is considered the natural world. Too often the thought is that nature exists outside the urban suburban areas. In -- oh, go Birds. (Applause.)

My name is Earl D. Fowlkes, Jr. and I'm here to speak to my resolution. I'm a native Philadelphia, was born and raised at 26th and Allegheny. And what's happening here is what I learned to do around the world, negotiate conflicting points of view to come out to a resolution 19 that everyone can live with. And I've been representing the LGBTQ community for the last 35, 40 years around the world and I will continue to do so. I will say one thing. I have one little gift that I can give to Philadelphia. I'm a member of the Democratic National Committee. I've been an At-large member for the last five terms. I'm going to advocate Philadelphia coming to the Convention for the Democratic Party in 2028. That's -- you should be happy about that. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

Thank you, sir.

Thank you for this opportunity. My name is Justin Oppong. I'm a Chestnut Hill College student and political science major. Thank you, Councilmember Bass, Council President Johnson, for the opportunity, including City Council. Chestnut has given me the opportunity to get a degree, but also changed my character, the way I think and the way I develop and it's worth representing. As I reached the last life of my undergrad career, I wanted simply not just to get a degree, but to give back in any way I could. I believe I represent something bigger than me, and I can make an impact in any way I can and others as well. And in the future of the school, throughout my years at Chestnut Hill College, the political science department has helped me to develop community- building skills, communication and also student development, not in just the classroom, but a simple impact and care for others, including a change. I know what it means to hold each other accountable, including myself, with grace, and create a space for students to feel like they're welcome and constantly representing them and myself as well. I'm also looking towards becoming a corporate attorney and also have hands-on experience to study not only political science but also have three majors with the -- three minors with the help of the department. When coming to higher education, CHC was no question, as I'm also pursuing my MBA as well at the college. I want to make an impact in Philadelphia any way I could and it starts here. I had the honor to be a Griffin alongside my students that are with me as well, and it's been an absolute blessing as well. Thank you, Dr. Carroll. Thank you, Dr. Reich, including my family. And also above all, thank you, God, for this opportunity to speak. It's been a blessing to speak to you all. Thank you. (Applause.)

I hope Channels 3, 6, 9, 10, Fox is taking some of this video, the positivity of our young people.

Firstly, I would like to thank God for this moment. I would like to thank Council President Kenyatta Johnson, Councilwoman Cindy Bass, for this recognition. Additionally, I'd like to thank Dr. Jeffrey Carroll for asking me to give a comment on this momentous occasion. My name is Chloe Youngblood. I am the Executive Chair of the Young Adults Committee of NAACP Philadelphia Branch. I am the Elected Majority Inspector of Elections for the 12th Ward of the 20th Division, and I'm alumna of Chestnut Hill College, also known as CHC. I graduated with my Bachelor's degree in Political Science and International Affairs, Magna Cum Laude --

Magna Cum Laude.

Thank you. With departmental honors in May of 2024. As I look back on my college years at CHC, it wasn't just a place of higher education and personal growth. CHC became my biggest support and a second family to me after the sudden passing of my father. My father passed away my freshman year, and when I notified the faculty and the staff at CHC, I received such an overwhelming presence of love and support. Many of my professors actually attended my dad's funeral and while others truly became prominent figures in my life such as Dr. Jeffrey Carroll. As I reflect further on my collegiate years as a young undergraduate student studying political science, all I can think about is how the political science department at CHC truly helped me to cultivate my thoughts as a young political scientist. The political science department at CHC always challenged me to critically think and analyze the relationship between the public and the politicians, also known as public servants, to question and to truly answer or to understand the why of the political realm. In doing so, I was effective communicator when I interned at Representative Anthony Bellmon's office my senior year. In addition to these skills, it has helped me to educate others on the importance of voting, since that is the first step when determining public policy. As I have campaigned for various public servants, including Kamala Harris in the 2024 Presidential election. I am forever grateful for my experience at CHC and for my amazing former professors, such as Dr. Carroll and Dr. Jackie Reich. Thank you and God bless. (Applause.)

Good morning. I am Dr. Jeffrey Carroll from Chestnut Hill College -- (Applause.)

I'm the Associate Professor of Political Science, the Chair of the Center for Data and Society, and the President of Pennsylvania Political Science Association. It's the nation's oldest state political science association, and I am the first person of color to be as president. Thank you, Councilwoman Bass, for your resolution honoring CHC. And thank you, Council President Johnson and the Council, for allowing us to be here today. This right here in this room is an institution that I've studied, revered for decades, stemming from my time in graduate school at Temple University. Go Owls. I taught a class called Local Government and Community Advocacy with my mentor and former Mayor and Council President John F. Street. Several folks in the chamber today participated in that exercise. Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young, Jr., team members Collin Crossley, Desmond McKenzie here, Marvin Wiley is here today, all participating. City Council, you've opened your arms to me as a researcher, a policy advisor, a community advocate, internship coordinator, white paper author. Among all these roles and over the years, I played just my small part to contribute to conversations about power, civics, public service. And so, I just want to let you know that we are outside and we are here. So to close, at CHC we're deeply committed. So I'm proud to have lived and worked in the City of Philadelphia over 23 years with my family who is here 24 today, and raising my two sons in South Philly in the School District of Philadelphia School. So we're here to stay to serve and to impact. So on behalf of Chestnut Hill College, my Chair Dr. Jackie Reich, leadership of the Sister Saint Joseph, and our President, Brian McCloskey, thank you, City Council, for your service and for today's recognition. (Applause.)

We have Seneca Grant, Leyla Moreno, Queen Judith Robinson. May Sharon White, Nicholas Taylor, Robert Simms, Danielle Campbell, Nadia Graves, John Floria and Kevin Wright, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good morning, Council President Johnson and distinguished members of Council. My name is Seneca Grant, and this is truly an honor. The Safe Healthy Homes Act is an urgent necessity for hundreds of thousands of renters like myself, including many here in the room today. I'm a lifelong resident of Philadelphia and lived in unsatisfactory homes most of my 42 years, from leaks, mold, rodents, flying cockroaches and no heat as a child to leaks, broken stoves, showers, roaches and rodents as an adult. In my current apartment of three years, I have had no heat. I submitted my latest complaint to 311 in early March. The inspector didn't come until two weeks ago, much too late to get an accurate temperature reading of my apartment. I've been scared to put rent in escrow because I don't want to go through eviction diversion court for a third time, although I'd probably win for a third time. This and many other reasons is why we need our Safe Healthy Homes Act passed into law without further delay. As I've said before, the corporate lobbyists and greedy, corrupt slumlords are on the wrong side of history. I got a lot more here, but my time is up. Council President, Mr. O'Rourke, thank you very much. To the full Council, we ask for you to stand with us and vote yes for Safe Healthy Homes. Thank you. (Applause.)

Good morning, and thank you all for being here today. I want to begin by offering my sincere gratitude to Councilmember O'Rourke for meeting with a group of us recently, representing mom-and-pop and small landlords. Despite going over his schedule to pick up his kid from daycare, he gave us his dedication and undivided attention. That did not go unnoticed and we truly appreciate it. Equally important is for me to thank Councilwoman Lozada for facilitating the meeting with Councilmember O'Rourke. Thank you for responding to issues that directly affect your constituency. This is one of those issues. Thank you, Talis. And thank you, Gianna. Bill No. 250329-A is a sweeping reform of Philadelphia's property license and regime. Specifically, it requires all rental properties to obtain a license annually and it mandates rigorous costly inspections a year for small landlords. The group I'm speaking for, including myself, those of us who manage just one or two properties, this creates a disproportionate financial burden. Section 6.1 imposes a stringent timeline for reporting any violations, leaving small landlords vulnerable to automatic fines if we miss a single deadline. In addition, Section 7.4 requires landlords to publicly post their license status inside each unit. This is a significant administrative load, as many small landlords work part-time or manage properties themselves. The result is that we risk the fines -- ICE Out. ICE Out. My name is Leyla Moreno. (Applause.)

Good morning. My name is Nicholas Taylor. And while I've lived in Philadelphia for many years in many different Philadelphia neighborhoods, I now call Councilman Jones' district home. Living across these neighborhoods, I've had experiences with negligent landlords of all sizes, twice having to turn to the court system for help. I was able to receive debt owed to me by a corporate landlord because I had the ability to represent myself during the months' long ordeal. When I went without heat for months and needed to break a lease with my small local landlord, I was once again forced to advocate for myself legally. The process drew on for years while I was also completing chemotherapy. Preemptive L&I inspections would have prevented this. I regularly volunteer with face-to-face Germantown and State Representative Tarik Khan's office. I serve on the East Falls Community Council and City Election Board. I collaborate with my community to make tangible improvements, most importantly for those who are underrepresented and overlooked. I am now asking each of one of you, each and every one of you, to do the same by voting yes on both the ICE Out and Safe Healthy Homes legislation. Thank you. (Applause.)

My name is Robert Sims. How's everybody doing in here? I just want to say one thing, man. I got a sick mother, man, from these fumes and these dirty houses, man. The landlords ain't looking out for these houses. We need the Safe and Healthy Homes bill passed because my kids, my youth, man, my youth is coming up, being taught not to -- being taught about the Safe and Healthy Homes Act. I want this bill to pass so they can look at me talking about, oh yeah, my dad, my dad helped that bill to get passed. Now, we ain't got to worry about, we ain't got to worry about struggling and trying to get bills passed because of my dad. Thank you. (Applause.)

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Danielle Campbell. I'm here today to address all ears in a desperate plea that you listen, not just to the testimonies heard, but to your -- oh. My name is Danielle Campbell. I'm here today with a desperate plea that you listen not just to the testimonies heard but to your own hearts. Some of the atrocities that have occurred before our very eyes are unspeakable. This is not a vote on whether or not to simply pass more bills. It's a vote on whether or not there's an ounce of human decency that remains within the hearts of our lawmakers. This is not a question of how to stop what's been happening. It's a question of how these things have ever been allowed to happen in the first place. Is there no place safe? If you watch the news, it doesn't look like there are any safe places left. By passing the Safe and Healthy Homes Act, you can help ensure that the places that we call home will be safe, safe from unlivable conditions, safe from health-threatening infestations, safe from domestic violence, safe from unlawful evictions, safe from discrimination, safe from being slaughtered by untamed, unstable men with or without badges. Let home be where the heart is once again. If not everywhere at once, let's start with our City of Brotherly Love. Let's start today. For those who question what we should do, the answer is whatever it takes. (Applause.) UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Hello, Council and Philadelphia. I would like to thank God for this beautiful city made richer by the contributions of our immigrant and tenant communities and I'm here speaking in support of both the Safe Healthy Homes and Ice Out bills today, because this is a battle between billionaires and corporations. I'm going to rephrase for the record. This is a battle between billionaires and corporations and working people of Philadelphia. I'm a working-class Philadelphian from the Kingsessing neighborhood. And in my building there are many safety concerns due to disrepair of our garage system, has gone in and out of repair. We have 14 open L&I violations. We have our packages stolen, our groceries stolen, our DoorDash is stolen. We have sometimes people living in our hallways. This is not a safe home. Landlords are not being held accountable because we don't have a true legislation. Tenants need to be protected and migrant communities need to be protected in the city. And that is why I urge City Council to vote in support of Safe Healthy Homes today to show working-class Philadelphians that we are prioritized by this City Council chamber. Thank you. (Applause.)

We have John Floria, Kevin Wright. May Maria Serna, Tyrese Rogers, Emma Johnson, Gina Irvine, Cory Phillips, Tyrone Jones and Ogbonna Paul Hagins, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good morning, Mr. President and Council.

Good morning.

My name is John Florio. I'm a lifelong resident of South Philadelphia and I'm here today to speak on the behalf of the families, the residents who deserve to hear what I'm about to say. Our neighborhoods need more than temporary solutions. We need assistance. We need investments. We've got to slim down with the violence and the private and youth, and we need programs in place. We need strong people that between (inaudible) agencies and community leaders. We need clean streets. We need quality of life. Our residents are frustrated by illegal dumping, vacant lots, and (inaudible) sanitation services, clean and safe neighborhoods should not depend on zip codes or opportunities. We need more workforce development programs, support small businesses and pathways for return of citizens and young adult youths in our cities that the schools are feeling the young youths. And finally, PPA is totally out of control. My name is -- (Applause.)

Let me say this: My name is John Florio and look for in 2027 because I'm going to be taking one of your spots.

Good morning. My name is Kevin Wright and I am opposed to the Safe and Healthy Homes bill because it's going to put the small operator out of business. And when he's out of business -- for example, the small operator, I think he provides housing to about 20,000 to 30,000 people in Philadelphia. When that guy's out of business, who are you guys going to rent from other than the big operators? It's going to be costly. They're not going to rent to you because some people don't have some of the credit scores or good jobs or whatever you need to rent into these big-time properties. You guys should have a means test for this Safe and Healthy Homes for the small operator. It should be a gradual enforcement -- maybe there should be a moratorium on enforcement. And also, if you want the small operator to be in compliance, you need to do something about the test clearance process because you require 25% down instead of 10% down to address any issues with finances, and you need to address deed theft.

Thank you, sir. SISTER WHITE: My name is Sister Sharon White and I'm a proud Sister of St. Joseph of Philadelphia. I hold a Doctorate of Ministry and an MA in Theology, Pastoral Ministry and Spirituality. I am also a licensed clinical social worker and a licensed marriage, family and sex therapist. For 30 years, I have served in private practice and I have responded to traumatic events in workplaces and in schools. I have spent a lifetime listening to people who have survived violence, loss and profound instability. Even with that experience, the fear and trauma I now witness in immigrant and asylum-seeking communities here in Philadelphia go beyond whatever I could imagine when I was trained. My friends, ICE is here on the streets in Philadelphia. I know it firsthand. Read my lips. I know firsthand that ICE is in Philadelphia. I am up close and personal and I am experiencing it -- already? We need this bill 10 passed because we can do it. We need to defend our immigrants and those who are being terrorized. I love you all. (Applause.)

Thank you very much.

Hey, good morning. I'm Tyrone Jones. I've been in the City of Philadelphia. I'm here to let you -- I'm here to let you guys know to vote yes for Safe and Healthy Homes because people have died in our city due to landlord negligence between fires to mold and causing deadly asthma attacks and other medical issues. My brother has suffered permanent nerve damage to his shoulder and can no longer work because the ceiling fell on him due to the negligence of the building that I was living in and now lost his job because of it. In the same building someone else on the top floor also lost their life because the EMS team couldn't get to them in time because they had to dodge debris from falling from the deteriorating building. That is not okay. That is not safe. That is not healthy. We need Safe and Healthy Homes Act to protect against landlords, especially large corporate landlords who profit over spending their money -- spending their resources and maintaining their property while collecting rent every month. Thank you. (Applause.)

Okay. Hello everybody. My name is Maria Serna, immigrant de Colombia, South America. I prefer in Spanish because this is America. (Applause.)

(Spanish translation). (Applause.)

Thank you very much.

(Spanish translation).

Thank you.

Good morning, everyone. It's sad that we're here gathered for this renter's bill for our opposition. Why does it take this bill to make you gather once again basically to ignore our request? A number of you rent out properties, ignore making decent repairs to your near- failing structures, collect rent, but retaliate if a renter calls L&I out or speaks out. This is a business and you profit from the squalor we exist in. A doctor, supermarket, vendors, for example, must have proper documentation or surely will be shut down. If these ordinances are too much for you, there are other careers available. For too long, you have skirted around the issues and now you're having fits. But that's me. And you know what, I have mice in my building. All right. Okay. But they are feat to deal with, but I don't have an infestation, so that makes me feel unfortunately like I have a better situation than those -- like the other people have. And my maintenance man is a professional. So if anything is damaged in our building, it's fixed and it's fixed well. Okay. I'm going to sum it up. What you see is a tiny representation of the over -- you know what, okay. But we are hoping that the Safe and Healthy Homes bill will be passed. And ICE Out.

What's your name -- excuse me, sir. What's your name, sir?

I'm sorry. My name is Tyrese Rogers. Lifelong Philadelphia resident.

Thank you very much.

My name is Emma. I'm years old. My mother and I have moved three times in the past two years. Each time was due to landlord negligence and retaliation. I want Council to vote yes for the Safe Healthy Homes Act, Bill No. 250330. When you vote yes for this bill, you are securing well-being and stability for all Philadelphians. Thank you for your time. (Applause.)

Thank you.

My name is Gina Irvin. And as I stand before you today, I hear my story is everybody's story. I will go over some key points. There is no point in being redundant and saying all the tragedies that we all went through as trying to secure housing. There are many key and vital issues facing Philadelphia renters right now. Nearly 50% of all Philadelphia renters -- I'm sorry. Nearly 50% of Philadelphians rent. Nearly 40% of all renters live in unsafe and substandard housing, and many of us deal with serious safety issues, such as pests, rodents, and mold. Housing is not a negotiation. It's a human right. City Council and L&I must enforce practices that create dignified, safe and healthy homes for all renters. The cost of moving in the city is astronomical and we need more protections to be put in place for people basically. The issues of substandard rental housing in Philadelphia affects those who are already amongst the most vulnerable in the city. Today City Council has a chance to start reversing that trend. Please vote yes on Healthy Homes Act. And I would like to make one more comment that's not going to be popular. What an outrageous comment from Mr. Bill Vargas when he spoke about this. If you pass this bill, someone will get killed, and I quote. If you don't want that, you need to kill the bill. We will not act in fear. We will act and believe that you will do the right thing. (Applause.)

May we have Corey Phillips, Ogbonna Paul Hagins, Vicki Clinkscales, David Paez, Ashley Redfern, Elle Band, Gia Fernandez, Mitch Chanin, Sarasha Graves Gowan, and Richard Moore, please come to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good morning. My name is Corey Phillips, a member of One PA Renters United, who's here on -- I'm just here on behalf of Safe Healthy Homes as well as ICE Out, and that we just make these landlords accountable for all actions, property structure, health, wellness of people's health that they're renting to and stop putting out bogus evictions on people as a retaliation, which I am a victim of personally. And as far as ICE, we don't need them in Philly. We got our own police department. We got our own law enforcement to deal with illegal immigrants. So get the ICE out. Hit the road, Jack, and don't come back. As far as the landlords, it's put-up or shut-up time. Do the right thing.

Good morning, everyone. I'm a fourth generation chattel slavery survivor, Ogbonna Paul Hagins. My comment concerns the proposed amendment adding citizenship or immigration status as a protected class. First, this is a legal issue. Immigration status is defined under federal law, not by municipalities. Philadelphia cannot redefine or create categories. It can only act within existing federal classifications. Second, no evidence has been presented showing discrimination in employment, housing, or public accommodations. Neither the Philadelphia Commission's Commission on Human Relations nor the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission has identified patterns of complaints. This is being advanced without a factual record or demonstrated necessity. Third, Rule 413 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Evidence concerns courtroom fairness. It limits prejudice, presidential use of immigration status evidence. It does not authorize municipalities to create protected classes or reinterpret federal law. Finally, there is an inconsistency. Council expands protections here. Yet when lineage-based communities tied to the 13th Amendment raises concerns, the response is delay and uncertainty. I urge Council to state the legal authority, provide evidence and explain the disparity. Thank you. Ogbonna Hagins. Over and out. Oh, I have something here for the Crime and Safety Committee. Can you give this to every member, the names are on here? This is some information that they need in regards to the Freedmen Office. Thank you.

Good morning. My name is Vicki Clinkscales --

Good morning.

And I live in the Strawberry Mansion area. I'm here today to ask City Council to vote yes on the Safe Healthy Homes Act. Right now I am dealing with a landlord who refuses to make the necessary repairs. And now, I am suffering the blame and consequences for it. L&I recently visited the home and they came out and wrote up violations for several things. And now, I have a cease and desist order from L&I and need to vacate the premises by May 26. Thank goodness the Council passed the Right to Relocation bill which may be able to help me in this case, but we need the other two bills yesterday, the right to safety and the right to repair, so that landlords like mine can't get away with not maintaining their properties. Vote yes on the Safe and Healthy Act Home Act. Thank you.

Hi. My name is David Paez. I'm a landlord. This bill is just going to make me raise the rent. I don't know how that's going to help you, you know. We got to eat too. You guys think it's easy, you know -- (Background interruption.)

I'm going to tell you -- let me speak. I'm going to tell you something. I got to renovate -- I have to renovate a two-bedroom apartment at a cost of $25,000. This is an apartment in Albany. Now, I have to charge somewhere between 1500 to 2000. And do the math, that's somewhere around 20,000 in the year. That's before taxes, you know, insurance, all these other expenses. So I'm not going to make a profit for three to five years off that property. But that investment I'm hoping will last for 15 years or more. And another thing -- (Background interruption.)

And another thing -- hold on. And another thing, did you ever think about the fact that it takes 12 months to evict a bad tenant and that comes out of our pocket and now we can't use it to make repairs. We're not all bad actors, just like every cop is not bad.

Good morning. My name is Ashley Redfern. I'm CEO for American Paradigm Schools, representing 4200 public charter school students. I'm here today in support of the Safe and Healthy Homes Act. I support this bill because unsafe housing does not stay at home. It comes into schools through stress, absences, interrupted sleep and children trying to learn while carrying on the effects of unsafe conditions. At Memphis Street Academy Charter, we see this clearly. In one year alone, 475 students visited our health care center accessing 2164 visits, an average of 4.56 visits each per year. 100% of our required health screenings were complete. 38% of our students that were tested had uncontrolled asthma and received treatment in school, including our inhaler support. We support the work of City Council, and we take our work seriously as educators to make sure we're providing safe schools and support for children who are living in unsafe housing. (Applause.)

Hello, Councilmembers. My name is Gia Fernandez. I'm a military veteran and have worked for the Fair Housing Rights Center of Philadelphia in addition to being an activist and an advocate. Shout-out to my uncle Yule who passed away. He ran for State Rep twice because of the passion he has for this city. So that's where I get my passion from. And what I'm speaking today for is in favor of the Safe and Healthy Homes Act. Renters in Philadelphia need fairness, safety fairness and security. We need secure guidelines to make it mandatory for landlords to keep up with the repairs. Our children don't need to be breathing in all kinds of stuff, everything like that. I have a relative that lives in substandard housing because the landlord wants to raise the rent, because they're monthly rental. So every time they ask to get something fixed, they raise the rent. Meanwhile this person is, you know, having challenges and they're excellent in school. So what's going to happen to their brain if they're going to keep going through breathing and that type of stuff? Nobody's trying to help them. So what I would like for everybody to do is to come together and please vote for this Act. I appreciate it. Thank you. (Applause.)

Hi. My name is Mitch Chanin. I'm a resident of Northeast Philly here to express my support also for ICE Out and Safe Healthy Homes. Northeast Philly is not always part of these conversations, but I especially want to appeal to our Northeast Philly District Councilmembers to please vote for both of these. Predatory, negligent landlords are causing enormous harm to residents of Northeast, and ICE has a very strong presence that is terrorizing people in neighborhoods like Castor Gardens, Mayfair, Rhawnhurst and Oxford Circle, and has been doing that for months. We absolutely need to protect all of our renter neighbors and our immigrant neighbors. In addition, I just want to say one more thing. I believe in these bills because I think each person has an infinite and equal value. The residents of Chester, who are being poisoned by the 1 million pounds of trash that we're sending to be burned and turned into air pollution in their lungs every day also deserve protection, safety and health. And I want Council to pass the Stop Trashing Our Air Act bill. Thank you.

My name is Sarasha Graves Gowan. I'm a resident of West Philadelphia, where I live with my partner Breria who works at the airport. My uncle was a U.S. Army veteran. My mom moved to Ireland and she lives there with my dad. I'm a European migrant to the United States. I'm a citizen of the United States. I've lived here for the last number of years and I'm a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, Philadelphia's Housing Committee. I'm a graduate of Trinity College Dublin in political science. So it's great to see the political science people here and political communication from (inaudible) City University here to support the Safe and Healthy Homes legislation and the ICE Out package. In the words of the famous German conservative, Protestant Christian Pastor Martin Niemoller, if I said it, you'd remember it. First, they came for the communists. I did not speak out because I was not a communist. First they came for the immigrants, and I did not speak.

We have Elle Ban, Richard Moore, Anna Carter and then Tonya Wenger. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Richard Moore, Council President, members of Council. Thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Richard Moore. I'm a housing provider and broker of record at Best City Homes, 2216 South Street. I've worked in Philadelphia in the real estate business for 41 years. My office manages approximately 360 rental units for roughly 80 small owners. I'm here today regarding Bill Nos. 23529 and 23530. One good thing about these two bills, it has finally gotten housing providers and City Councilmembers into the same room 9 to discuss meaningful changes. I want to acknowledge Councilperson O'Rourke and his staff for being respectful, open, willing to listen. With changes they made, I personally don't have a problem with either one of these bills, but these bills are moving very quickly. I do not believe that housing providers across the city, especially small mom-and-pop owners, have had a real chance to review and provide meaningful input. With that implementation date of November 1st, we have time to slow it down a little bit and do it right. We need to use this movement to work together -- my request is simple and respectful. Please hold the final vote of these two bills, bring it back to committee so we can work together. The implementation date is November 1st, so we have time. Let's have time to do it right. Focus on the big picture, working together. And definitely ICE Out. (Applause.)

Hello. My name is Tonya Wenger. I live in Germantown and I'm an adjunct professor for English for Academic Achievement at multiple colleges. That's for immigrant students aiming to learn English and enter the college, the college program. This package of bills is imperative and urgent. The ICE Out bills, it's imperative because our city must be a sanctuary for immigrants who have been instrumental to making the city what it is since its inception. This includes our vulnerable immigrant students. To quote the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, Too many of our students live in fear that they and their guardians will be next. Educators across the country are doing their jobs while working to ensure terrified students that they are the helpers. The ICE Out legislation will ensure that all Philadelphians who strive to be helpers have the protection and backing of the city. We should not be in the position of helping to police our students, which we are often in the position of by scared administrators, not to mention the violence of ICE, putting all of our lives at risk. As we have seen in the news, citizens just driving down the street on their way to an appointment getting harassed or detained or worse. This isn't just about standing on principle. This package is also urgent. 2025 was the deadliest year of ICE deaths in two decades. Some have said that natural laws are in place to stop this, but they clearly haven't. Despite what some have said here, immigrants have lower crime rates and contribute to our society immensely. Thank you. (Applause.)

My name is Anna Carter -- good morning. My name is Anna Carter and I'm here to speak on the renter's behalf because I have suffered in an apartment myself and had have pulmonary problems right now because of black mold in my apartment and I'm not understanding the insensitiveness of the landlords. They're not sensitive to our feelings, they're not sensitive to our children and I feel as though that this thing needs to be passed because we need sensitive landlords sensitive to us. Stop raising our rents, not repairing our properties. I had water in my property. My landlord has not assisted me in my apartment, has not assisted me in a hotel. And I think that each and every one of us that came up with the same thing that we need to band together and allow this law to go ahead and pass.

Council 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING President, there are no further names for public comment.

That concludes today's public comment period. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson.

Thank you, Mr. President. I must be excused for very important Council business. I'd like to be reported as voting aye on all bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar only.

Leave is granted. Votes will be recorded. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Would the Clerk please 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING read the title of Resolution No. 3 260253.

A resolution appointing Bekir Gunaydin to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla for a motion regarding Resolution No. 13 260253.

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

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 22 No. 260253 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 13 260254.

A resolution appointing Felicia Wilson to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla for a motion regarding Resolution No. 23 260254.

4/23/26 - 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 Resolution 9 No. 260254 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 23 260255.

A 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution appointing Ken Weller to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla for a motion regarding Resolution No. 9 260255.

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

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 18 No. 260255 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of Resolution 9 No. 260256.

A resolution appointing Kya Kerner to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla for a motion regarding Resolution No. 18 260256.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 4 No. 260256 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 18 260353.

A resolution renaming the 300 block of East Rockland Street between B Street and C Street to "Honorable Sharon Vaughn Way," in honor of her service, advocacy and dedication to 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING public service.

The Chair gladly recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada for a motion regarding Resolution No. 260353.

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

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 16 No. 260353 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of Resolution 7 No. 260354.

A resolution renaming the 5300 Block of Kershaw Street as "Stan Lathan Way" to honor Stan Lathan and his extraordinary contributions to television and culture.

Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a motion regarding Resolution No. 260354.

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

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING No. 260353 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? 9 (No response.) 10

The ayes have it. The 12 motion carries. The resolution is 13 adopted. 14 Would the Clerk please 15 read the title of Resolution No. 16 260355. 17

A 18 resolution reappointing John 19 Solomon to the Citizens Police 20 Oversight Commission. 21

Chair recognizes 23 Councilmember Curtis Jones for a 24 motion regarding Resolution No. 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING 260355.

Thank 4 you, Mr. President. 5 I move for its adoption. 6 (Duly seconded.) 7

It has been moved and 9 properly seconded that resolution 10 No. 260355 be adopted. 11 All those in favor of 12 the motion will signify by saying 13 aye. 14 (Aye.) 15

Those opposed? 17 (No response.) 18

The ayes have it. The 20 motion carries. The resolution is 21 adopted. 22 Would the Clerk please 23 read the title of Resolution No. 24 260356. 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING

A resolution reappointing Melanie DeBouse to the Citizens Police Oversight Commission.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones for a motion regarding Resolution No. 10 260356.

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

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 18 No. 260356 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 9 260357.

A resolution reappointing Hassan Bennett to the Citizens Police Oversight Commission.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones for a motion regarding Resolution No. 18 260357.

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

It has been moved and 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING properly seconded that Resolution 3 No. 260357 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 17 260362.

A resolution also naming the corner of East Haines Street and Morton Street "Honorable Donna Reed Miller Way," in recognition of her lifelong commitment to public service, impactful policy 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING leadership, and enduring inspiration to the City of Philadelphia.

The Chair gladly recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion regarding Resolution 9 No. 260362.

Thank you, Mr. President. I'm honored to move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 18 No. 260362 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Clerk, please read the title of Bill No. 250329-AA.

An ordinance amending Chapter 9-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Property Licenses and Owner Accountability," to clarify licensing requirements, authorize the Department to create a Proactive Inspection program, require public reporting related to Code compliance, and establish remedies, damages, and protections for tenants, all under certain terms and conditions. 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING

This bill has been read on two different days. The question now is shall the bill pass finally. Chief Clerk, please call the roll.

Councilmember Phillips.

Aye.

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson was aye. Councilmember Gauthier.

Aye.

Councilmember Thomas.

Aye.

Councilmember Jones.

Aye. 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING

Councilmember Landau.

Aye.

Councilmember Lozada.

Aye.

Councilmember Young.

Nay.

Councilmember Brooks.

Aye.

Councilmember Harrity.

Aye.

Councilmember O'Rourke.

Aye. 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING

Councilmember Driscoll.

Aye.

Councilmember O'Neill.

Aye.

Councilmember Squilla.

Aye.

Councilmember Bass.

Aye.

Councilmember Ahmad.

Aye.

And, Council President Johnson.

Aye. The ayes are 16. 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING The nays are 1. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. (Applause.)

Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 9 250330-AA.

An ordinance amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Landlord and Tenant," to modify the requirements related to good cause for ending a tenancy, add protections against retaliation and harassment for tenants and tenant organizations, specify tenants' rights related to the implied warranty of habitability and provide a legal presumption related to breaches of the implied warranty of habitability, create a tenant right to organize, specify 4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING deadlines for asserting claims, and establish and enhance enforcement mechanisms, remedies, damages, and protections, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Chief Clerk, please call the roll.

Councilmember Phillips.

Aye.

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson was aye. Councilmember Gauthier.

Aye.

4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmember Thomas.

Aye.

Councilmember Jones.

Aye.

Councilmember Landau.

Aye.

Councilmember Lozada.

Aye.

Councilmember Young.

Nay.

Councilmember Brooks.

Aye.

Councilmember Harrity.

4/23/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Aye.

Councilmember O'Rourke.

Aye.

Councilmember Driscoll.

Aye.

Councilmember O'Neill.

Aye.

Councilmember Squilla.

Aye.

Councilmember Bass.

Aye.