Stated Meeting, April 16, 2026

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania April 16, 2026 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD 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 NICHOLAS O'ROURKE COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS ELIZABETH McCOLLUM NAZARIO, CHIEF CLERK - -

All members, please take your seats. All members, please take your seats. Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)

Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)

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. Before proceeding, I will ask all those present to please set your cell phones to silent and/or vibrate. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Sister Margaret Rose Adams, Sister Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary for over 40 years. She is also the Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, serving the 31 Archdiocese Schools in the City of Philadelphia. She is guest of Councilmember Mike Driscoll. I will ask all members and guests to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests and visitors rise.) SISTER ADAMS: Good morning, and I thank you for this great opportunity. As we pray together, good and gracious God, we come before you today as the City of Philadelphia, a body entrusted with the care of the city, unlike any other city in the United States of America. In this City of Brotherly Love, we stand on sacred ground, built upon the vision and sacrifice of our Founding Fathers, who not far from here have given birth to a nation. As we approach the 250th anniversary of that bold beginning, grant us a share in the wisdom, courage and perseverance of George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and all who labored for liberty and justice. In their time, they faced uncertainty and division. In ours, we confront challenges that weigh heavily upon our hearts, gun violence, especially among our young people, poverty, immigration, homelessness and many burdens carried by those we serve. You have also blessed the culturally rich and diverse city with resilience, beauty and a spirit that endures in our neighborhoods, our families and our treasured institutions. God of every age and every people, you have walked with this city from the earliest days, when under the vision of William Penn, people of many faiths were welcomed in a spirit of peace, dignity, and mutual respect. Rooted in the Quaker tradition of acceptance, this city has long sought to be a place where virtue and character guide the common ground. We give thanks that Philadelphia is uniquely blessed as the home of two canonized saints. Today we call upon their intercession. May Saint John Newman, immigrant and shepherd, who built a system of Catholic education that continues to form thousands of young minds and hearts, inspire us to invest in the future of all children with wisdom, courage and vision. May Saint Catherine Drexel, who gave of her great wealth to serve those marginalized and forgotten, the Black and Native American communities, move us to act with justice, generosity and a deep concern for those most in need. As these faithful servants labored for the good of this city, grant that the members of this City Council may likewise be guided by integrity and hope. Help them to discern both the needs of today and the promise of tomorrow, trusting that meaningful progress is always possible through their service and leadership. Bless their deliberations with wisdom, their decisions with compassion and their action with steadfast commitment to the common good. Be with us today as we gather in service to the 1.6 million people entrusted to the care of this City Council. Guide their conversations and decisions, open their minds to listen deeply, especially when they disagree and grant them the grace to understand perspectives different from their own. Help them to act with fairness and integrity in all they do. Remind them that the authority they hold is not their own, but a responsibility given for the common good. Strengthen them to lead with humility, to seek justice with courage and to serve with compassion. May all that we do this day reflect your wisdom and bring hope to the people of this great city. In God's name, Amen. Thank you. (Amen.)

Thank you very much. Council will be at ease. The Chair thanks the Sister. (Council at ease.)

The next order of business is the Approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 9, 2026. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 9, 2026 be approved. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 9, 2026 be approved. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

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

Good morning, Council President. On behalf of the Majority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilmember Gauthier and Councilmember Young.

The Chair thanks the Councilmember and leave will be granted. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks.

Thank you, Council President. There are no requests for leave of absence today. Thank you.

The Chair thanks the Councilmember. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember 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.

Is there a second? (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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the motion carries. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Chair will now dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend the legislative affairs of our great city. We certainly invite you to come again. As there are no 23 presentations today, the next order of business is communications. The Chair recognizes -- the Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Will the Chief Clerk read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications in her possession.

To the President and the members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I'm submitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body the following proposed: An ordinance amending Title 4 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. 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. 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 Code Act, all under certain terms and conditions. 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. 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. An ordinance amending Bill No. 241031 (approved January 15, 2025), entitled "Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority, for use by the City of a portion of the premises located at 1 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under certain terms and conditions," to authorize the lease of additional space within the premises, under certain terms and conditions.

An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into lease or sublease agreements with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for all or a portion of the premises that includes certain parcels of land, generally referred to as Victory Gardens and Emerson Landfill for environmental remediation of the land, development of a facility at said premises, and the use by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 542 all under certain terms and conditions, An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into lease or sublease agreements with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for all or a portion of the premises that includes certain parcels of land, generally referred to as Victory Gardens and Emerson Landfill, for environmental remediation of the land, development of a facility at said premises, and use by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 542, all under certain terms and conditions. An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to grant to PECO Energy Company an easement for the purpose of accessing, installing, maintaining and repairing underground transformers and supporting infrastructure along and adjacent to a portion of the Pennypack Path in and about the area commonly known as 7801 State Road, under certain terms and conditions. An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a lease or sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority for use by the City, of a portion of the premises located at 9353 Krewstown Road, under certain terms and conditions. There are no further communications in my possession, Council President.

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

Thank you, Council President. I have three privileged resolutions and one non-privileged resolution on your behalf.

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

A privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs to hold public hearings for applicants seeking nomination to serve on the Commission on Parks and Recreation and further authorizing the Committee to recommend for Council's consideration nominations to be forwarded to the Mayor.

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

And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Shakir Johnson, Head Boys Basketball Coach at Olney High School, for his leadership, mentorship, and steadfast commitment to expanding opportunity for young people in the 9th Councilmanic District.

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

And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Jamel Lindsey, Head Coach of the Boys Basketball Team at Samuel Fels High School, for his leadership, mentorship, and steadfast commitment to uplifting students, strengthening culture, and serving the broader Fels community in the 9th Councilmanic District.

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

And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Ezechial Thurman, Music Technology Teacher at Hill-Freedman World Academy, for his creativity, mentorship, and dedication to enriching the educational experience of young people through music, innovation, and student- centered learning in the 9th Councilmanic District.

This resolution will be placed on today's Council fin -- Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier -- I'm sorry. Chair recognizes Councilmember Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.

Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one privileged resolution.

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

A privileged resolution recognizing April - 17, 2026 as "Black 11 Maternal Health Week" in the City of Philadelphia.

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

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

Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.

Good morning, Council President, colleagues, the public. I have one privileged resolution today.

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

A privileged resolution recognizing April 15, 2026 as World Art Day in the City of Philadelphia, and celebrating the creativity, innovation and cultural diversity of the City's fine arts.

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

Thank you, Council President. Today I offer one privileged resolution, one non-privileged resolution and one bill on your behalf.

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

An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into lease or sublease agreements with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for all or a portion of the premises that includes certain parcels of land, generally referred to as Victory Gardens and Emerson Landfill, for environmental remediation of the land, development of a facility at said premises, and use by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 542, all under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a non-privileged 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 public service.

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

And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Women Against Abuse on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, and celebrating five decades of leadership on the front lines of Philadelphia's response to domestic violence.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr.

Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer four non-privileged resolutions.

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

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

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

And a non-privileged resolution 18 reappointing John Solomon to the Citizens Police Oversight Commission.

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

And a non-privileged resolution 5 reappointing Melanie DeBouse to the Citizens Police Oversight Commission.

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

And a non-privileged resolution 15 reappointing Hassan Bennett to the Citizens Police Oversight Commission.

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

Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution on your behalf.

Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the privileged resolution. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Chair recognizes the Chief Clerk. Please read the title of the resolution.

A privileged resolution authorizing the establishment of the "Special Investigative Committee on Construction Practices in the City of Philadelphia" to investigate the partial collapse of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia garage on April 8, 2026, and other construction projects in the City. In furtherance of such investigation, the Special Investigative Committee is authorized to hold public hearings and issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents to the fullest extent authorized under Section 2-401 of the Charter, and to develop recommendations for construction practices to protect the City's workers and neighborhoods.

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

Good morning, Council President. Nothing today.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.

Thank you, Council President. I have nothing to introduce today.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll.

Morning, Mr. President. I have one bill, three privileged resolutions, and one on your behalf.

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

An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to grant to PECO Energy Company an easement for the purpose of accessing, installing, maintaining and repairing underground transformers and supporting infrastructure along and adjacent to a portion of the Pennypack Path in and about the area commonly known as 7801 State Road, under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Jaheim Warner for his heroism, service and exemplary character.

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

And a privileged resolution honoring the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter by the voters of the City of Philadelphia, and celebrating the importance of local government and civic engagement.

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

And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the members of the Fire Department, Philadelphia Police Department, Office of Emergency Management, Managing Director's Office, Medical Examiner's Office, Licenses and Inspections, Water Department, Streets Department, Sanitation, PECO, and Philadelphia Gas Works for their diligent efforts in responding to the partial collapse of the garage at 3000 Grays Ferry Avenue on April 8, 2026.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: This is very important. My son's life is in danger. This is (inaudible).

Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Ma'am, do you have a second? UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible).

Ma'am, we have someone who's going to speak to you about the issue regarding the prison system. Thank you. We'll look into it, ma'am. (Applause.)

Council will resume. Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two bills.

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

An ordinance amending Bill No. 241031 (approved January 15, 2025), entitled "Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority, for use by the City of a portion of the premises located at 1 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under certain terms and conditions," to authorize the lease of additional space within the premises, under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

An ordinance authorizing various encroachments in the vicinity of 323 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. I want to take a moment to acknowledge in our Council session today, she is no stranger to this body, serving under the staff leadership of Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr., but now she's the Chair of the Philadelphia Delegation, State Representative Morgan Cephas. Welcome back. (Applause.)

We also have with us joining us from Delaware County but she's also no stranger to the City of Philadelphia, State Representative Gina Curry. (Applause.)

Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)

Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla.

Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to offer one bill on behalf of Councilmember O'Neill.

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

An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a lease or sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority for use by the City of a portion of the premises located at 9353 Krewstown Road, under certain terms and conditions.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I offer five privileged resolutions and four bills.

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

An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by East Washington Lane, Crittenden Street, East Tulpehocken Street, East Haines Street, and Ardleigh Street.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by East Washington Lane, Stenton Avenue, East Haines Street, and Ardleigh Street.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by North 18th Street, Colonial Street, North 17th Street and Chelten Avenue.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by West Seymour Street, Knox Street, West Logan Street and Keyser Street.

This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.

And a privileged resolution recognizing National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 19-25, 2026 and honoring Northwest Victim Services for their dedicated advocacy and community impact.

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

And a privileged resolution recognizing the Germantown Jazz Festival and its contributions to the cultural enrichment, community wellness and economic vitality in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia.

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

And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring May 21st of each year as "Ona Judge Day" in the City of Philadelphia.

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

And a non-privileged 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 leadership, and enduring inspiration to the City of Philadelphia.

This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Cal -- this resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. Greatly deserved for all the great work that Donna Reed Miller did. So, good job, Member Bass, from this body. I mean, she was progressive before progressive was a thing, right, especially on the issue of criminal justice reform.

Yes, she was. Thank you.

Thank you very much.

And a privileged resolution honoring Pastor Dicie Gilmore for her leadership, compassion, and dedicated service to the community, in recognition of April as the National Month of Hope and the power of healing and resilience. (Applause.)

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

Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution.

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

A privileged resolution honoring Temple University's jazz band and Terrell Stafford on winning the 2026 National Collegiate Jazz Championship, and recognizing this accomplishment as a source of pride for the City of Philadelphia.

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

Thank you. I just wanted to recognize our guests here today, Professor Stafford, who actually led this jazz band, this victory and Dean Robert Stroker, who are here with us today, and they will be doing public testimony, but I just wanted to recognize them.

Welcome to City Council today. (Applause.)

Thank you, Council President.

You're welcome. At this time, the Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognizing guests and visitors joining us in chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate you taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our great city. We certainly invite you to come again. To any members, do you have guests that you would like to acknowledge at this time before I move on to the next order of business? (No response.)

Okay. Hearing none, the next order of business is reports from committee. The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a report from the Committee of the Whole.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee of the Whole reports out eight bills and four resolutions with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the report.

The Committee of the Whole, to which were referred the following bills and resolutions: Bill No. 260058, an ordinance amending Chapter 9-1100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Fair Practices Ordinance: Protections Against Unlawful Discrimination," to add protections against discrimination on the basis of citizenship and immigration status, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 260295, an ordinance authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of a Service Agreement between the City and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development relating to the provision by the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development of development assistance to support certain costs related to promoting economic and commercial development of the City; approving the guaranty by the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development of certain obligations related to the issuance of a letter of credit to secure the funding of such costs; authorizing and approving the obligation of the City to pay in full when due the Service Fee and other amounts payable under the Service Agreement and covenanting to make necessary appropriations for such purposes; and authorizing City officials to take necessary or appropriate actions to accomplish the intent and purpose of the ordinance, all under certain terms and conditions. Resolution 260253, a resolution appointing Bekir Gunaydin to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District. Resolution 260254, a resolution appointing Felicia Wilson to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District. Resolution 260255, a resolution appointing Ken Weller to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District. Resolution 260256, Resolution appointing Kya Kerner to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills and resolutions to Council with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you very --

No, no. 9 And Bill No. 260056, an ordinance 10 amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code by adding a new Chapter 21-3600 entitled “Non- Intervention with Respect to Immigration Enforcement” to place certain restrictions on the collection and use of information related to citizenship and immigration status, prohibit certain forms of discrimination in City services, and provide for remedies for violations, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 260057, an ordinance amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code by adding a new Chapter 21-3600 entitled "Non- Intervention with Respect to Immigration Enforcement" to establish certain limits on how personal information may be handled by the City with regard to immigration enforcement, create reporting requirements, and provide for remedies for violations, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 260059 an ordinance amending Title of the 15 Philadelphia Code, entitled 16 "Procurement Contracts," and Title 17 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Miscellaneous," to prohibit the acceptance of bids on City contracts from, or the execution of contracts with, entities that do business with immigration enforcement authorities; bar City participation in, resource expenditures to, and involvement in any agreements or activities in furtherance of immigration enforcement, including through the conduct of its employees, contractors and funding recipients; require annual reporting of City immigration- related activities, and provide for civil enforcement of violations, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 260060, an ordinance amending Title 10 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity," to prohibit law enforcement officers from concealing their identity, require officers to visibly display their badge and other official identifying information, prohibit the impersonation of law enforcement officers, and provide for civil and criminal enforcement of violations, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 260061, an ordinance amending Title of The 8 Philadelphia Code, entitled 9 "Regulation of Individual Conduct 10 and Activity," and amending Title 11 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Streets," to prohibit immigration enforcement on City and City-related property and facilities, to prohibit immigration enforcement in the right-of-way and provide for civil enforcement of violations, all under certain terms and conditions. And Bill No. 260062, an ordinance amending Title 10 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity," to restrict the use of community spaces for government purposes not expressly authorized by the city or the courts, and provide for civil enforcement of violations, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation. There are no further bills or resolutions to report out from the Committee of the Whole, Council President.

Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes -- (Background interruption.)

Wait, y'all scared me with that one. Wait a minute. Come on, y'all. I got kids. The Chair recognizes my Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion.

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

I got to get myself together. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of these bills just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session at Council. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) 2ND READING

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today and the resolutions will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. (Applause.)

The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committees with the suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for the next session of Council. 2ND READING As there are no 3 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. 260306, 260307, 260308, 260314, 260317, 260319, 260320, 260323, 260324 and 260263. The following bills and resolutions on the Calendar are being held: Bill Nos. 250768 and 250807. Resolution No. 260313 is being withdrawn. And Bill Nos. 250329-A and 250330-A are being amended. (Duly seconded.)

Thank you very much. Before considering the bills and resolutions, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for possible action in today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify if you have not already done so for today's session. If you would like to sign up, please do so now by giving your name to Ms. Hasson at the table outside the rails to my left. Once you have signed up, you will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. Under ideal circumstances, public commenters each will have three minutes to speak. However, this time limit may vary from session to session. Today the time limit will be two minutes. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the two-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 two minutes have passed, the light will turn red and the Sergeant-at-Arms will disconnect the microphone. Please do not give Sergeant-at-Arms Lopez a hard time. He's only doing his job. At that point, please yield the podium to the next speaker if you have not done so already. I also reserve the right, pursuant to our rules of City Council, to limit repetitious comments on the same subject matter. I will now ask for the Chair of the Philadelphia Delegation, State Representative Morgan Cephas, and then State Representative Gina Curry to please start off our public comment session. ) STATE REPRESENTATIVE CEPHAS: Good morning, Council President, Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson, Councilmembers and members of the public. Thank you for the opportunity to provide comment in support of this resolution recognizing Black Maternal Health Week 2026. ) STATE REPRESENTATIVE CEPHAS: We'll take it. I am proud to stand with you, not only as a State Representative, but as Co-Chair of the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus in recognition of a week that is both deeply meaningful and urgently necessary. The Black Maternal Health Week is a time to uplift the voices, experiences and community of Black women and birthing people. It is also a moment to confront a reality we can no longer accept, that Black women, yes, Black women are still disproportionately impacted by maternal mortality and morbidity regardless of income, education or access. These disparities did not happen by chance. They are the result of longstanding inequities in our health care system, gaps in access to quality care and the lived experiences of biases and structural racism. But what I want to emphasize today is that we are not without solutions. And to add, we are not without momentum. Through the leadership of the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus, we have helped drive real progress at the state level from advancing the Momnibus package and securing investments in community-based maternal health programs, to expanding support for doulas, increasing awareness about postpartum depression as well as increasing data collection. That momentum is also reflected in the Shapiro Administration's first of its kind. This is the first time in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that we have a maternal health strategic plan, which signals a statewide commitment to coordination, accountability and long-term investment in improving outcomes for mothers and babies across Pennsylvania. But we know that one level of government cannot do this work alone. It takes partnerships between state and local leaders, between policymakers and providers. And most importantly with the communities we serve, it requires us to be aligned in our urgency and intentional in our action, which is why I truly want to acknowledge the work of this body, in doing its part to tackle this crisis.

Philadelphia represents 20% of the deaths happening in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, but you have not only helped bring our numbers down with the work that you're doing here statewide, but you have also become a blueprint for cities and counties across this country, from establishing the first of its kind Maternal Mortality Review Committee, which was mirrored on the state level because of the work of this body, to expanding paid family leave to establishing a universal basic income, first of its kind, for pregnant women that is now being replicated because of Philadelphia in rural counties across the Commonwealth, to investing millions of dollars in programs like Home for Shoshana, which tackles homelessness for pregnant women, to investments in Maternity Care Coalition and CocoLife. So I say all this to say, we are doing our work here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, but it is absolutely because of your work in this body and under the leadership of Katherine Gilmore Richardson as well as Minority Leader Kendra Brooks, that we are able to move progress in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and tackle this crisis. So thank you very much, Council President. )

Thank you. STATE REPRESENTATIVE CURRY: I got to pull this mic down. Thank you, Council President and Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson and Minority Leader Kendra Brooks and to all the Councilmen and women here in Philadelphia. My name is State Representative Gina H. Curry. I come to you proudly from the 164th Legislative District in Delaware County. I'm really honored to be here today as a State Representative and also as a Co-founder and Co-Chair of the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus. This week we celebrated an important week in Black maternal health up at the Capitol, and we were so happy to see many of you there. But for those of you who weren't able to attend, we are here to tell you about this important week and to acknowledge the work that the Minority and Majority Leader are doing in this area. I want to acknowledge the importance of this very important week, Black Maternal Health Week, this week. It's a week of awareness, education and action. And I want to thank everyone in this room who is on this unbelievably difficult journey, as Black women and for every ally, advocate and disruptor who works tirelessly to stop the statistics, the loss and the devastation of family legacy and joy. I also want to say that today we are not just celebrating a milestone, but we're celebrating a movement, a movement that understands that birth equity is not optional, but it is essential, a movement that declares that Black and Brown families deserve not only to survive birth, but to experience it with dignity, safety, and joy. And I want to say that all of you have helped to shift the outcomes, reducing disparities, increasing positive birth experiences and affirming that when we invest in people and save lives. And through our Momnibus legislation in the state, we are working to build systems that reflect the same values you embody here in the City of Philadelphia every day, expanding access to care, supporting midwives and doulas, addressing maternal health deserts, which we have in Delaware County currently, and ensuring coverage for critical resources and holding systems accountable for outcomes that they produce. Because here's the truth, we cannot talk about justice without accountability, accountability in our hospitals, accountability in our policies, accountability in how we show up for Black mothers and birthing people. But we can also do this work -- we also cannot do this work without joy. Joy is not separate from justice. It is a part of it. Joy is what reminds us what we are fighting for: Healthy mothers, healthy babies, strong families and thriving communities. Joy is seeing a mother feel heard. Joy is a safe delivery. Joy is a baby going home in loving arms. And that's exactly what the City of Philadelphia is doing here. So thank you so much for having me today. I'm always grateful to have an opportunity to come speak before the Chamber. And I thank you for all the work that you're doing, not just recognizing the City of Philadelphia, but all the collar counties and throughout the Commonwealth. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

Thank you.

Will Jeremy Blatstein, Maria Vancetti, David Alexander Jenkins, Lexi McDowell, Professor Terrell Stafford please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Hello, City Council. My name is Jeremy Blatstein. First off, today is an important day. Cruising is back in Philly, not like that. But, yes, cruising is back in Philly, 4:00 p.m. today is the first voyage. It's great. Secondly, if you're wondering about your mail-in ballots, right, today we need to pass this getting Resign to Run off the ballot so they can lock the ballot today. So you'll have your mail-in ballot by next Monday, right, not the -- 28th at the latest. But as long as Mayor Parker signs the bill tomorrow, they'll lock it, send out those mail-in ballots. I know everyone's wondering where their mail-in ballot is for that important race in the Third. Last but not least, we're talking about the Philadelphia Sheriff's Department, right. The eviction process is taking too long. The process is not working correctly. It needs to be addressed. We care about the Safe and Healthy Homes. I think we're all on the same page, but you can't have a functioning system without one piece of it, right. If you have a grandmom or an aunt or a sister or a child that's living in an apartment building living next to somebody who's getting evicted, it still is going to take four to six months after you get that eviction, right. So if you're talking about nuisance, that's a nuisance. And you should want to have the process play out but then the people to be evicted. And realistically, there needs to be a hearing on the Philadelphia Sheriff's Department, the office, because whether or not it's a funding issue or a system problem, it has to get to the bottom of it. And we do not want to hurt the small mom-and-pop landlords that you all care about. Some of you are even landlords yourselves, right. Some of you own properties on this Council and we need to have this addressed. And last but not least, we're talking about SEPTA. Thank you everybody for talking about it yesterday. We heard it. I'm glad that we're all in agreement that we need to address the quality of life. SEPTA's had a lot of progress, but we still can go further. Ride the ride. Grow Philly to 2 Milly. Thank you.

Good morning, everyone. My name is Maria Vicenty. I want to start off by saying I have been a property manager for years and I am also 15 a tenant, so I see both sides of 16 how this should really work. I am 17 100% for tenants having safe, 18 clean, and suitable housing. 19 We must also remember 20 that if we make it hard for 21 landlords to do business in the 22 city of Philadelphia, because only 23 rental properties are also a 24 business, they will not be able to upkeep the properties, meet their city obligations such as taxes and water bills and insurance on the properties as well as paying their employees. Tenants and landlords will both fail in our relationship if there is not balance. It has shifted from the balance being more for the owner of properties to tenants. We need balance. We don't need a shift. We have where you call the Philadelphia Police Department, we say someone broke into our property, knock a door down, go in, they can show a fake lease that doesn't have an owner's name on it, no valid signature and still be allowed to maintain in your property. That is one of our greatest financial losses. To tell a tenant that they cannot pay rent and they can sue for L&I violations is unbalanced, because a lot of those violations are created by tenants. I have tenants all the time removing smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, taking doors off the hinges, (inaudible) locks. We need balance. I want our tenants to be safe and happy. That's how I get paid, by keeping them happy and safe. So it's a benefit to me when our tenants have everything that they deserve, but we also have to have balance. And remember, there are two sides of the coin. If landlords don't make an income, then they cannot take care of a property the way it needs to be in order for the tenant to remain living there safe and happy. Thank you very much for your time and I wish everyone a great day. (Applause.)

Madam Bass, members and guests, Dave Alexander Jenkins and I rise per Resolution 250330. 250 years ago, just a few blocks down the road from here, 56 men affixed their names to a document that declared to the world that all people are endowed with certain unalienable rights. And among those are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We, and by that I mean you and I, today hold these truths to be self-evident as those men did before, self-evident, not debatable, not contingent upon income, nor made negotiable at the pleasure of a landlord, not reserved for the powerful few who can afford the fight, the fight, while those without finance and an acute education in the law prepare for a new home on the streets. This body knows most evidently that happiness without safety is a lofty concept, which it will not uphold. One should indeed be safe at home. How can we exercise liberty while living in fear of retaliation for daring to report mold in a bedroom where a child sleeps or rodents running rampant or heat that does not run in the bitter cold of winter? How does one exercise the right to life in a structure that agencies like L&I have deemed unsafe, unfit? The answer is self- evident, brothers and sisters. One cannot. It is true that I am not a stranger to this fight for justice and equality, that I oft lead an unpaid voice to such an advocacy, but we have a duty I like to call the office of citizen, which compels us to champion and protect the renter in North Philadelphia who resides on Cumberland Street, the working family who is in West Oak Lane, the senior in Frankford living with a ceiling falling down, and even the tenant in Rittenhouse Square, whose landlord has been served with violations and whom 12 has provided 12 excuses. And so, I say this clearly to all of you who oppose this measure. If you own property in the city and you abide by the law, if you maintain the units, honor the licenses, carry insurance for yourself and treat your tenants with basic human dignity, then this bill holds nothing for you, nothing for you to fear at all. This is a legislation which does not touch the responsible landlord, but it does put a noose on those who would see and prey upon the vulnerable and hide behind gaps in the code. Philadelphia, birthplace of this nation, more perfect union that we all call America today, has a question before it. One, I believe is self-evident. And the answer is we stand on the side of 300,000 neighbors whose plea is for basic liberty. (Applause.)

Good morning, esteemed Councilmembers. I am testifying on behalf of Lexi McDowell. My name is Jacqueline Tobin and I am a developer and a realtor, and I'm a member of the Board of Directors of Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors. I'm testifying on Bill 23 250330. I thank the bill's sponsor for considering the impact of the good cause requirements to the sale and transfer of real property in the city, especially these properties that may be a great match for first-time homebuyers. We would suggest that the provisions still do not account for the actual timelines for listing a property entering into agreement of sale and transferring title. We absolutely agree that notice of non-renewal should come with as much time as possible, but it would not be feasible for an owner to list the property, enter into a purchase agreement and sale agreement with an owner-occupant that does not close for at least 90 days in order to provide notice and a copy of the agreement of sale to the tenant. Further, what would happen if at the end of the notice period the tenant actually does not vacate. This first-time homebuyer has now spent money on inspections, appraisals and other things that go into homebuying and would be rendered effectively homeless if this happened and they cannot take position. We would suggest, like any of the other good cause provisions, proper notice of non-renewal for the sale of property is good cause. For example, why not require a 60-day notice period for non-renewal for intent to sell. Certainly, like in any of the other scenarios, if the landlord is not being honest and is using this provision improperly, the tenant can challenge this after the fact. I would further suggest that unlike the other provisions, the sale of a property is a public record. Thank you very much for your time.

Thank you.

Will Jeffrey Wash, Lynn Landes, Jacqueline Tobin, John McCauley, Dawn Colburn and Melissa Mott, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Terrell Stafford and I'm honored to be here and honored to receive such an honorable award. 30 years ago I started to teach at Temple University. And when I started there, the first thing I fell in love with were the students. And I've had an honor and privilege to teach many, many generations of students through the years. So on January 18, 2026 a friend and mentor, Mr. Wynn Marcellus ?? invited who he thought the top 7 or 15 bands were in the country to 8 come to New York City and to 9 compete against one another. 10 And the students we prepared for this moment to come to the city, but our objective was not to win. It was to play our best and to represent Philadelphia and Temple University the very best we could. And the students went and they played their hearts out and we came in first place in the competition. The combo came in first place in the competition and received accolades for every single section in the band. So I want to give a special thanks to Philadelphia, now that you've done creating such an environment for my students to learn and a place that they feel encouraged as musicians. I want to thank the students for all their hard work every day, every minute they practice to get better. I want to thank the faculty and staff for doing such a marvelous job at the university. And last but not least, I want to thank my dean, Robert Stroker, who supports the school, he supports the students. Thank you, Councilwoman Ahmad. Thank you all so much. (Applause.)

Hey. I'm Jeffrey Wash. I'm a resident of South Philadelphia and I'm here today to speak in support of Bills 250329 and 250330 or the Safe and Healthy Homes Act. I'm expressing my support for these bills because they -- I believe they address a gap in the city's current tenant protections, a gap which I'm all too familiar with. From October of 2023 to September of 2024, I lived at a property of 4927 Wynnefield Avenue, managed by Bay Property Management Group. For 9 of the 11 months that I lived there, there was a leak and subsequent internal damage directly above the only toilet in my apartment. So for nine months every time I used the bathroom, I either had small pieces of drywall, paint or water that landed directly on my head. It was the most degrading experience of my life every time for nine months. I first tried to plead with the landlord. I tried to humanize my situation, but this was useless because 60% of my emails were responded to with out-of- office emails. After three months, I tried to hold my landlord accountable. I called L&I, made formal complaints in March, May, June of 2024. I'm still waiting two years later for a call from L&I. I started placing my rent in escrow. Bay Management then referred me to Eviction Diversion, even though they were the ones who never held up their end of that bargain, right. Eviction Diversion turned into a full-time job. Hours spent on the phone with the city, with the landlord and with groups like TURN. In retrospect, I did these things out of order. But then I started talking to my neighbors, most of whom were having similar issues, were frustrated and were in their own fight with the management company. Another point worth making, right. And I'm not going to stop before I make this point, is that some of those folks lived at the U-City Townhomes, then they went from one problem to another problem. (Applause.)

Good morning. I'm Lynn Landes of Philly's Republican Network and I'm here to oppose Bill 250807, which grants Center City District government functions without being required to hold public meetings and to hear public comments. Public meetings are a constitutionally guaranteed right of the public to air their grievances. On that point and in the words of Flip Philly Red's founder Alonte McCauley, I would like to add that too much of the City Council meetings has become an award show. Last week, City Council spent an hour and a half honoring others. Routinely, those awardees and their supporters also speak during public comment, taking up even more time, which often results in public comments being restricted to one minute. To be fair to all concerned, those recognitions should take place perhaps separately after lunch, because they create a celebratory atmosphere, which is fine by itself, but it's not conducive to the serious matter of conducting the people's business for these and other legal concerns that fall under the Sunshine Act. I respectfully request that the Rules Committee put the conduct of City Council meetings on their agenda in a month's time. Thank you very much. MR. McCAULEY: Good morning, everybody. 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 Bill No. 16 250768 or was called the Stop Trashing Your Air Act, a couple of weeks ago, Councilwoman Gauthier had children come to City Hall to advocate for this bill. It's in my opinion that you can't possibly care about the children's air quality when you stand with Planned Parenthood and not care if they even make it into this world or not. The Stop Trashing Our Air Act should be called the Stop Trashing Our Babies Act. You can't possibly care about the air quality for children when you align yourself with racist white liberals like Margaret Sanger, who said she wanted to get Black women to abort their babies to exterminate the Black community. You can't care about the air quality of children when you're fine with CHOP giving puberty blockers and hormones to our children. You can't possibly care about the air quality of our children when you're fine with transgenders reading books to our children. (Background interruption.) MR. McCAULEY: How can you care --

Hold up one second. Sir, sir, one moment please. This is the People's House, right. And so, we want everybody to have a chance to speak. No matter how much we may disagree with what is being presented, freedom of speech. Okay. So let him speak and proceed. MR. McCAULEY: Thank you, Councilwoman Cindy Bass.

But let's not boo. So we don't have boos on the other side. We want to hear everybody's speech. And, sir, no hate speech. (Applause.) MR. McCAULEY: My First Amendment right, I can say what I want. I ain't threatening nobody.

Understood. MR. McCAULEY: How can you care about the air quality when 15-year-old boys and 50-year-old men are smoking weed on SEPTA trains. You possibly can't care about the air quality when the stench of homelessness is running rampant on these SEPTA trains. Stacy Garrity for Governor. John Alonte McCauley for PA GOP Chair.

Good morning. My name is Melissa Monts --

Queen Judith Robinson, Seneca Grant, William Small, Melissa Patty, Kevin Upshur, Caesar Vera and Richard Moore, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good morning. My name is Melissa Monts. I am here in support of 250330, part of the Safe Healthy Homes Act. I am in deep gratitude to this Council body for the support and the -- what's the word -- perseverance through the challenges that have been presented against these bills. These bills do not harm landlords who are doing the right thing. (Applause.)

These bills do not take away anything that small landlords need. These bills simply say people like myself and the young 12-year-old Jasmine that Councilmember Nicholas O'Rourke mentioned, we don't have to live in homes that make us sick. I am on oxygen to this day because of a negligent landlord, and that should not be in 2026 Philadelphia Pa, where our independence, our Constitution is right down the street, where we earned our freedom right here. We are still fighting. We are still fighting for equality. We're still fighting for our dignity, our independence. It's old and we're tired. But you know what, we're not too tired to carry on. (Applause.)

Thank you.

Good morning all. Queen Judith Robinson here today to speak regarding 250330-A. So the question I ask you all is this: Is Philadelphia Housing Authority under these same stipulations? Is Philadelphia Housing Authority, PHA, going to have inspections? I am traumatized by that horrible fire that happened all those years ago in Fairmount. I remember the fire commissioner said in his 30-year career it was the worst situation he had ever seen. I'm sure there are more situations like that in PHA Housing. Please make sure whatever you give the small landlords, give it to the PHA too. Make that safety, make it healthy for our lower-income citizens who are suffering in housing. Okay. So in that regard, I want to say no to 260263. No, no. 19 Take some risks, don't be a coward. Stand up. I want to say charity starts at home, you all. So for air quality, so for housing, so for all of the things that are impacting us as citizens, let's start right here in Philadelphia. I want the ATF up in here. I say the ATF, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms. You got children running around with stolen guns. They happen out in Montgomery County, but they're not going to play like Philadelphia does. I want ATF, ATF, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms. Protect our children, ATF, ATF, ATF, ATF. ATF in the city of Philadelphia. Where's the ATF? I heard somebody in the sound of my voice here. ATF and protect our children. Thank you very much.

Good morning, Councilmember Bass.

Good morning.

Members of Council, my name is Seneca Grant and I'm here today to speak about the Safe Healthy Homes Act. Safe Healthy Homes Act is an urgent necessity for hundreds of thousands of renters like myself and many here in this room today, a lifelong resident of Philadelphia. I've lived in unsatisfactory homes most of my 42 years, from leaks, mold, rodents, flying cockroaches, no heat as a child, to leaks, broken stoves, showers, roaches, rodents as an adult. My current apartment where I've been for three years has no 16 heat. I submitted my last complaint to 311 in early March. The inspector didn't come out until last Friday, much too late to get an accurate temperature reading of my apartment. Scared to put my rent in escrow because I don't want to go through eviction court for a third time. This and many other reasons why we need Safe Healthy Homes Act passed into law without further delay. I've said before, the corporate lobbyists and greedy corporate slumlords are on the wrong side of history. It's why they're suing Council and know everything under the sun to try to stop us. If there's a problem with these basic commonsense bills, they're clearly, clearly in the wrong business. There's a reason why the Housing Committee voted unanimously in our favor, not once but twice. It's simply the right thing to do by and for the people. Today myself and my colleagues at One PA Renters United Philadelphia are asking the full Council to support us and vote yes for Safe Healthy Homes next week. I'm going to thank our excellent bill's sponsor Mr. O'Rourke. (Applause.)

Thank you, Mr. O'Rourke, for championing our cause and the Housing Committee for standing with us. Mr. Council President and other members of Council, we ask you to join us and improve the lives of all Philadelphians. Thank you for your time. (Applause.)

Good morning, everyone. My name is Melissa Patty and I'm here representing March of Dimes. And I'm here to support Councilmember Gilmore Richardson's resolution 21 recognizing Black Maternal Health Week 2026. Across the United States and in Philadelphia, we continue to face a maternal and infant health crisis, and the risks are much higher for Black mothers birthing people and families. Every November, March of Dimes releases a report card that assigns a grade to cities, states in the country based on maternal and infant health outcomes and equity. Last November, Philadelphia received the grade of a D. And while this is an improvement, much work needs to be done and significant racial disparities persist in our city. Black Maternal Health Week is an opportunity for collective celebration and action, a chance to celebrate the resilience of Philadelphia's communities and elevate the urgent need for continued action to support the health and safety of Black mothers and families. I celebrate and thank Councilmember Gilmore Richardson's resolution 4 regarding Black Maternal Health Week and the city's ongoing efforts to eliminate health equity gaps for our mothers and children. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you.

Good morning, members of City Council community. My name is Kevin Upshur. I am the founder and director to Strawberry Mansion Learning Center. We're located at 2946 West Dauphin Street in North Philadelphia. The work of our organization aligns closely with the goals outlined in a resolution 22 introduced by City Councilmember Jeffrey Young, and we are in full support of the resolution. At the Strawberry Mansion Learning Center, our mission is to provide a safe space for kids to learn and grow, while supporting literacy education and strong community engagement. In 2008, we formally established ourselves as a nonprofit organization, allowing us to expand our mission and to strengthen our impact. We remain committed to providing open access for the community and continue to support education opportunities that uplift and empower residents we serve. For over years, we have served 19 as a safe space in the community 20 focused on youth development and we operate as an afterschool program. We have a summer learning program that we provide students with a supportive environment where they can learn and grow and thrive. Our programming includes enrichment opportunities such as Teen Night, which promotes positive engagement, mentorship, personal growth. We also host an ongoing book club and consistently invite members of the community to participate and encourage and share culture and the culture of reading and share in culture and reading. The center maintains a strong commitment to literacy and education. We host a satellite site of the Charles L. Blockson African American Collection, helping to bring culturally- significant literature directly into our neighborhood. In addition, we provide library space with over 500 volumes of books available for the community. We at the Strawberry Mansion Learning Center are passionate advocates for literacy and cultural enrichment for the youth of Philadelphia. We ask City Council to adopt this resolution 8 for the benefit and present for the future for our kids. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you.

Richard Moore. Good morning, honorable members of City Council. My name is Richard Moore. I am a licensed Pennsylvania real estate broker and owner of Best City Homes, located at 2216 South Street in Philadelphia. My company manages about 400 residential units for approximately 80 small property owners in our city, each of whom own five rental units or less. My company has been providing clean, decent, safe and affordable housing for both renters and homeowners for 41 years. In 1985 when I just started out, I received a $60,000 grant from the City of Philadelphia through the PHDC MEND program. That program helped create and preserve low-moderate income housing in exchange for a commitment to rent to lower-, moderate-income residents. Since then, my company has provided an estimated 10,000 residential units, generating millions of dollars in tax revenue and demonstrating how our government and small housing providers can work together to do great things. Today over half of all residential rental units in Philadelphia are provided by small housing providers who own just five units or less. The Just Cause bill 5 before you will hurt these small owners by making it much harder for them to sell their properties and plan for retirement. During deliberation of this bill, the only way housing providers could meaningful weigh in was to file a lawsuit, which is not how our government should be working. I agree that residents of rental properties must be protected and housed safely, but that could be done more effectively with a standard Philadelphia-only lease agreement with clear, fair requirements rather than overlegislating small part-time housing providers. We need a Philadelphia-only lease agreement, something that we do not have now, at least with input from all parties affected and is fair and protects everyone. I respectfully ask that you postpone today's vote to allow real input and addendums to the small housing providers so they can come up with a Philadelphia-only lease agreement. If this cannot be done, I ask that you vote against the bill for now. Thank you for your time and allowing me to speak today.

Will Robert Simms, Tyrese Roger, Ogbonna Hagins, Theresa Howell, Andy Molholt, Shakira Miller Grier and Joshua Grier, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Good morning. My name is Cesar Viveros. I'm here to support Councilmember Rue Landau's proclamation for World Art Day. I'm an artist in Philadelphia for the last 32 years, and I can testify that I encountered a second home here, being from Veracruz, Mexico, another country where we speak a different language. I came here with my indigenous knowledge and roots, and I feel that I speak not just for me, but immigrant communities in Philadelphia whose stories deserve to be seen, honored and protected. For me, art in this city is not decoration. It is memory, it is identity. It is a way for people to say we are still here and we are not going away. Through mural installation and community spaces like Iglesias Gardens that I helped to create in North Philadelphia and West Kensington, an isolated area, I try to create places where culture is not just to remember, but live where traditions like (inaudible), but continuation of something sacred and alive that we bring from our countries. But I also recognize art can bring beauty and attention to a neighborhood, but it also can be part of a force that displays the very communities that create that culture. It's called gentrification. We all know about that. So my commitment has always been to make my work meaningful, that speak for the people, not just for me, but especially for immigrant communities. It's not just about the image, but it's about the image. When the radio, when TV fails, when the newspaper, when even people who represent us doesn't listen to us, we still have murals, we still have our art to give a second voice. The walls become our voice and that's how art can prevail. I believe that the future of Philadelphia depends on how we support artists, not just as creators, not just as creations, but take care of culture, of memory and community spaces. When I first opened this space, the Iglesias Gardens, through my art, people call it Little (inaudible) because they feel at home and I feel at home. (Applause.)

My name is Robert Simms. I don't need two minutes. I'm going to get straight to the point. We need safe and healthy homes because my kids are getting sick from the mold and all the dirt and stuff in the house. I got babies. They're getting sick. Thank you for letting me share. (Applause.)

Good morning, everybody. My name is Tyrese Rogers. I live up in the Lawndale section of the city. I'm fortunate. The only issue that I have with my apartment right now is mice, not the worst thing, because they're not like -- it's not an infestation or anything like that, but it's still nasty. You have to get up, you have to wash everything before you start to cook. You have to check your clothes every now and then before you get dressed. But you know what, my situation isn't really that bad. When I went to the Renters United meeting, I heard people had situations that make mine look like tuh. That's what it looks like when you start talking about all the lead, the mold, the mildew. Those are things that I don't have. So I am here for the Safe Healthy Homes Act. I hope it passes. And to Nicolas O'Rourke, I thank you for your timeless energy. Thank you. (Applause.)

Good morning, everyone. My name is Ogbonna Hagins. I'm a fourth generation chattel slavery survivor. I rise in support of Bill 260307 honoring Attorney Peretta through the naming of a street in this city. He was a lawyer, someone who entered a profession rooted in the Constitution, due process and the principle that justice must be actively upheld, not passively assumed. To practice law is to take an oath to the rule of law, and to recognize that rights only have meaning when they are made real through institutions and action. While I did not know him personally, I can recognize what his path represents. A lawyer committed to justice is by definition trained to engage difficult questions, to confront unresolved issues and to participate in dialogue when clarity is needed. I believe that kind of commitment naturally extends to civic engagement with communities raising serious questions about justice and equality, including efforts to build institutional responses that addresses longstanding, historical and structural concerns. And I believe the same oath to uphold the Constitution and the principles of equal protection and justice under law would naturally place him in alignment with efforts to aim at strengthening accountability and creating dedicated structures to address those unresolved civil rights concerns, including proposals such as the Office of Freedmen Affairs. At its highest meaning, the oath of a lawyer is not only to existing systems but to the principles those systems claim to uphold, fairness, equal protection and the consistent application of justice. That is why I believe it is appropriate to honor him here today. Street naming is not just recognition. It is legacy. It is the city affirming what value it chooses to elevate. And I believe this legacy as a lawyer and public servant ultimately points towards commitment to establishing the Office of Freedmen Affairs. Ogbonna Hagins. Over and out. (Applause.)

Thank you.

Good morning. My name is Theresa Howell and I'm here to talk about the Safe Healthy Homes Act. It seems like this is no-nonsense legislation. We need the scales balanced between tenant and landlord. Currently, the landlord has all the power and all we get is unsafe and unhealthy housing. We need it where the scales are balanced. It will never be equal, but we need protections. We need to know that when we rent a home, that when we rent an apartment, that the landlord didn't just come in and just do some minor repairs to make it look good, only for the housing to fall apart around you and then have them blame you for it and then charge you all this asinine money when they know the house wasn't adequate when you moved in. With proactive inspections, that will erase all of it. You will know that the house you moved in is safe and healthy. It will make sure that our children grow up with healthy bodies, healthy minds, healthy lungs so they can compete with the world when it comes to academics. Right now the child that has a brain filled with mold and lungs, brain filled with lead. And the lungs filled with mold cannot possibly have the same adequate brain function as someone who lives in a healthy home. Now, I will say that all the people that came up here and opposed this bill, I guarantee you they go home to a safe and healthy home. Thank you. (Applause.)

Hi, everybody. My name is Shakira Miller Grier. And I am here to speak on behalf of the resolution 16 that Councilmember Cindy Bass introduced to rename Haines and Morton after Councilmember Donna Reed, former Councilmember Donna Reed Miller. On behalf of our family, which has been a part of the 8th Councilmanic District now for the last 150 years, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Council President Johnson, Councilwoman Cindy Bass and the members of City Council for this incredible honor in renaming Haines Street after my mother, Donna Reed Miller. Today is not just a day about a street sign renaming, it is about recognizing a life of service, strength, commitment to the people of Philadelphia. My mother believed deeply in communities. She believed in showing up, speaking up, standing up for neighborhoods she loved so much. She worked every day to make sure they were heard, supported and respected, whether she was advocating for safer streets, stronger schools or better opportunities for residents. She carried herself with purpose and compassion. To see her name permanently connected to a place she cared about so deeply means more to our family than words can fully express. This recognition ensures that future generations will ask who she was. And when they do, they will learn about a woman who dedicated her life to serving others. Councilmember Bass, thank you for helping preserve her legacy. Thank you for remembering her, her leadership and her impact. And thank you to City Councilmembers for making sure her contributions to the city of Philadelphia will never be forgotten. Our family is deeply grateful and we are proud to celebrate this moment with all of you today. (Applause.)

Haines Street.

Good morning, everyone. My name is Joshua, and we want to say thank you to City Council President Johnson, Councilwoman Cindy Bass and the other City Council for honoring our grandmother, Donna Reed Miller by naming Haines Street after her. Our grandmother loved this city very much. She worked hard to help people and make neighborhoods better. She believed that everyone deserved respect, opportunity and a voice in their community. Seeing her name on the street makes us very proud. It reminds us that her work mattered and that people will continue to remember her for years to come. Even though we knew her as our Grandma, we also knew she was someone special to many people in Philadelphia. She taught us to care about others, to stand up for what's right and to always try to make a difference. Thank you again for honoring her life and everything she did for this city. It means so much to our family. We are very grateful. (Applause.)

Dicie Gilmore, Shania Fletcher, Vanessa Raymond Garcia and Khadijah Renee, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)

Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.

Thank you, Mr. President. I just really wanted to thank the Donna Reed Miller family, her daughter Shakira, all the grandkids, the family that came down. I thought I saw her sister -- did I see Linda? And I just really wanted to thank them so much for sharing former Councilwoman Miller with us. She really loved City Council. She loved her district --

Yes, she did.

She really did and she loved her people. Haines was just, you know, everything. And we really just want to say congratulations. This is going to be an awesome celebration when we have it later this year. And we just wanted to thank them for sharing Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller with us.

Give her a round of applause again, our former member. (Applause.)

Member Bass, my family's from that same block of Haines Street. She knew my cousin Ira Allen and always took them under her wings, so very well-deserving. Member Rue Landau, she's the originator of the Ban the Box legislation --

Yes.

-- before criminal justice reform was a thing, she was already out there advocating to make sure that individuals had a fair chance, irregardless of their background when it comes to fair hiring. And so, she set that foundation and that legacy, so truly deserving honor.

Yes, she was the original progressive.

Chief Clerk, please call the next person.

Good morning. Hi. My name is Pastor Dicey Gilmore.

Good morning, Pastor. How are you? Good seeing you.

Hey, how you doing. You too. To Cindy, I want to thank you for rec -- you want to recognize me. I don't do this to be recognized. I do it because it's what I supposed to do. As I was walking down this hallway this morning, I was saying to my nieces and them, I said, I remember when I used to come down this hallway when I went to jail. But today, you know, I mean, I'm in a whole other place. I said, you get on the elevators and you start to face the wall and you couldn't turn around, you know. But today, you know, I thank God where I am today, that I'm not in that place today. My name is Pastor Dicey Gilmore. So change has come. It's been years this 12 April 25th my son got killed here 13 in the city of Philadelphia. But 14 on this shirt it says, my son was 15 not no innocent young man in the 16 streets to get killed. On the back 17 it says, but I'm not saying it's 18 right that nobody take nobody's 19 life. I was the mother that was 20 locking mine up for what he did. 21 At the time, the police 22 commissioner was Sylvester Johnson. And when I told the story, he didn't believe it. He went back and got my son's record and he came to a meeting that I was in, he said, she really did. Everything he got locked up for says his mother had him arrested. So I do what I do today and all that I do because I know what I did in my lifetime. And that was before I had my kids. I was in the gang doing some things. And when I had my children, something clicked in and said, you can't live that life no more. So I stopped doing what I was doing. And when my children came, they didn't know what the stuff that I was doing, but I didn't play games with my children. This is my oldest daughter, my grandbaby here who is also going into ministry. Okay. And my cousin, who lost two of her children. These are my nieces right here, their mom died. And their aunt was at my home when she passed because when we came from down Diamond Street, we were a family. And they all became -- all of them successful right now too. So I just want to say to you that I understand -- and to the young lady that you went to talk to about her son, I don't know what the situation is. But one thing I said, I didn't play with mine. Because the bottom line is no, I know the life I lived. And because of the life I live, no, sir, you can't live that in my house. And my younger daughter say to me, Mommy, I hear how you used to lock them up, would you lock me up? I said, I don't discriminate. I lock up girls too. Do something you ain't got no 24 business. I'll have you locked up too. Today I feed down at Kensington and Lehigh and all of them help also. We go down there and we feed down there at Kensington and Lehigh. That's my story. (Applause.)

Good morning. My name is Andy Molholt, and I'm here today representing the United Musicians and Allied Workers in support of Resolution 260320, supporting the Living Wage for Musicians Act. Streaming giants like Spotify are billion- dollar-a-year industries, while simultaneously refusing to pay artists more than a third of a penny per stream and demonetizing all songs with less than 1000 streams. I have worked as a professional musician for 20 years and made almost none of my income from recorded music, despite several of those recordings being met with success. It didn't used to be like that. Independent musicians were able to make a living from their recorded work. The Living Wage for Musicians Act was reintroduced to Congress by our sponsor Representative Rashida Tlaib in September of last year. The LWMA would create a new direct-to-artist royalty that would bypass record labels and distributors. Let us be clear, this would not fix the problems in the music industry. But like the recent jury decision against the monopoly known as Live Nation, the LWMA would be a step in the right direction, a huge step in the right direction. With similar resolutions already passed by City Councils in New York City and Detroit and about to be introduced in Nashville and Chicago, the coalition we are building with the United Musicians and Allied Workers is strong and will demonstrate to Congress that this is a national movement with broad support. Thank you to Councilmembers O'Rourke and Brooks for introducing this resolution and thank you to all of City Council for supporting the Living Wage for Musicians Act. Thank you. (Applause.)

Good morning, everyone. My name is Shawna Fletcher. I'm here in reference to Resolution No. 260308, the renaming of 46th to 48th and Brown as "Tiffany Fletcher Way," and to designate the areas between 46th and 48th and Brown as a No-gun zone. Today me and my family are here as we continue to grieve almost four years later of the murder of Tiffany Fletcher at the Mill Creek Recreation Center. Since then, the community has come together more. There's been a lot more resources and scholarships named in her honor. The recreation is now named Tiffany Fletcher Recreation Center. Not only is that a tribute to her memory, we still ask that her name be added to the street sign as a way to carry her legacy on. She left behind three young boys. She worked for the recreation center and we just want to rename the street in her honor, just so her memory can just live on forever. That's it. Thank you. (Applause.)

Thank you.

Vanessa Raymond Garcia. Good morning, Council President Johnson and all Councilmembers. And thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Vanessa Raymond Garcia and I come representing Regional Housing Legal Services as their Senior Policy Analyst. I'm here to voice support for Bills 250329 and 250330. RHLS represents nonprofits that develop affordable housing in the city and statewide and there are also landlords that often want a level-playing field for their tenants. Together these bills represent some of the most meaningful steps Philadelphia has taken to ensure safe, stable and dignified housing for everyone in our city. Bill 250329 addresses a longstanding problem: Too many landlords have been allowed to collect rent while operating without valid licenses or while leaving serious code violations uncorrected. This bill finally gives those rules teeth. It requires landlords to fix outstanding violations before renewing a rental license, prevents rent collection during periods of noncompliance and mandates direct notification to tenants when a license expires or a property is unsafe. It also creates a critical proactive inspection program. This prevention-based approach would enable the city to catch dangerous and unhealthy conditions early, before they can harm occupants or cause a property to become blighted. Bill 250330 builds on that foundation by strengthening the rights and protections tenants need to live without fear. It expands prohibitions on retaliation, defines and outlaws landlord harassment and establishes a stronger good cause standard for non-renewals. These are important protections, especially for renters who have historically been pushed out simply for asserting their rights or requesting basic repairs. These two bills support reasonable landlords -- sorry. These two bills support responsible landlords by making expectations clear and consistent, and they protect tenants who simply want a safe and stable place to live. They also improve neighborhood health and safety by ensuring housing conditions aren't allowed to deteriorate unnoticed. Thank you, Councilmember O'Rourke, for your leadership on this issue. And I urge Council to pass Ordinances 250329 and 250330. (Applause.)

Good morning, Council President. My name is Khadijah Renee. I'm the founder and a curator for the Germantown Jazz Festival, and I'm here by invitation of our wonderful Councilwoman Cindy Bass. Thank you for the invitation. Philadelphia is known for a lot of things, good and bad. But one of the good things Philadelphia is known for is its music, from classical to R&B to gospel and to jazz. I've been performing jazz around this town for 30-plus years. And luckily, this town recognizes creatives and provides a platform for creatives to expand their visions. And my vision to create a festival in Germantown is supported by City Council, city government and even the Mayor's Office. So we are grateful for the support that we get for keeping jazz alive in the City of Philadelphia. The Germantown Jazz Festival occurs next weekend, April through the 26th throughout 15 various historic venues in the 16 Germantown section. Germantown is 17 on the rise. It's well-represented 18 in this room and in the state. So 19 we thank Representative Carroll, 20 Senator Street, Senator Art Hayward 21 and Councilwoman Bass for 22 sponsoring and facilitating and 23 supporting a jazz festival in their 24 district. We'd like to give you just a taste of what jazz sounds like in Philadelphia. We're internationally acclaimed. We just recognized Terrell Stafford. We will feature Terrell Stafford Day on August 25th at the Germantown Settlement Music School. So we have to support our own. Thank you very kindly. I introduce to you now one of our young lions in the jazz music. The genre of jazz is very well-supported and attended by youth. Please welcome to the podium Mr. Leon Jordan, Jr., second-generation jazz artist in the City of Philadelphia, bred right here. (Applause.)

Lover, lover day. Love came, planning to stay. Green Dolphin Street, supply the setting. The setting for nights beyond forgetting. And through this moment apart. Memories live in my heart. When I recover love I found on, I could kiss the ground on Green Dolphin Street. (Interlude.)

Lover, one lovely day. Love keeps planning to stay. When I recall the love I found on Green Dolphin Street, Street, Street, Street, Street. (Applause.)

We're supported by Creative PHL. We'll see you next weekend in Germantown.

Council President, this concludes our listing for public comment today.

Thank you very much. That's very, very soothing. 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Germantown Jazz Festival. Okay. Give them another round of applause please, y'all, just because. (Applause.)

The Chair at this time recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.

Thank you, Council President. On behalf of City Council, a leave of absence is requested for Councilmember Brian O'Neill.

Thank you very much. Leave will be granted. As we conclude public comments officially, we will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 4 260306.

A resolution also naming the 200 block of South Alden Street as "Dr. Wesley Proctor Way" to honor the life, leadership and lasting contributions of Dr. Wesley T. Proctor to the Philadelphia community.

Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution 17 No. 260306.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilmember Gauthier, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 5 No. 260306 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. 19 260307.

A resolution also naming the 700 block of 48th Street as "Sean Peretta Way" to honor the life and memory of Sean Peretta, Esquire, 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING and his enduring contributions to the Mill Creek and West Philadelphia communities.

Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution 9 No. 260307.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilmember Gauthier, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 20 no. 260307 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING

Anyone opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Clerk, please read the title of Resolution No. 260308.

A resolution also naming the4700 block of Brown Street as "Tiffany Fletcher Way - Gone But Not Forgotten," to honor the life and legacy of Tiffany Fletcher and her impact on the Mill Creek community.

Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion on behalf of Councilmember Jamie Gauthier regarding Resolution No. 260308. COUNCILWOMAN GILMORE 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING RICHARDSON: Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilmember Gauthier, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 11 No. 260308 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Clerk, please read the title of Resolution No. 260313. 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING

A resolution renaming the 300 block of East Rockland Street between North 2nd Street and North 3rd Street "Sharon Vaughn Street," in honor of her service, advocacy, and dedication to public service.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada for a motion regarding Resolution No. 13 260313. So deserving for our former member of City Council, Sharon Vaughn. We know you're watching this right now, so we'll talk about this later on. Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.

Thank you, Council President. I move that Resolution 24 No. 260313 be withdrawn. 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 5 No. 260313 be withdrawn. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. Resolution No. 16 260313 has been withdrawn. The Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 19 260314.

A resolution renaming the 400 block of West Lehigh Avenue to "Wilfredo Gonzalez Way" in recognition of Wilfredo Gonzalez's lifelong 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING contributions to the Latin American community, devoted service to his country and commitment to cultural empowerment in Philadelphia.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada for a motion regarding Resolution No. 10 260314.

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

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 18 No. 260314 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Good job, Member Lozada. Wilfredo Rojas was an outstanding individual. Clerk, please read the title of Resolution No. 260317.

A resolution recognizing April 26th as School Library Month in the City of Philadelphia.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution No. 260317.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilmember Young, I move for the 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 7 No. 260317 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. Clerk, please read the title of Resolution No. 260319 -- Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson, then Councilmember Curtis Jones. COUNCILWOMAN GILMORE 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING RICHARDSON: Thank you, Council President. Thank you for the acknowledgement. I'd like to be recorded as voting aye on bills and resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar only. And I'd like to request a leave of Council today.

Your votes will be recorded and leave is granted.

Thank you.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones.

Sorry, Mr. President. I'm trying to get in front of Fast-fingered Phillips.

Understood. I should reserve that time when it's for 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING speeches for individuals to be acknowledged. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 6 260319.

A resolution recognizing Commonwealth v. Derek Lee (2026), the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's landmark decision striking down Pennsylvania's outdated felony murder law; and calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to pass SB 387, reforming Pennsylvania's unconstitutional felony murder law.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity for a motion regarding Resolution No. 22 260319.

Thank you, Council President. 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING I move for the immediate adoption. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 8 No. 260319 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 21 260320.

A resolution calling on the United States Congress to pass and the 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING President to sign the Living Wage for Musicians Act.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke for a motion regarding Resolution No. 8 260320.

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

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 17 No. 260320 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.) 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING

The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution 5 is adopted. That bill got me thinking about Pooh Shiesty and Gucci Mane, but we'll talk about that some other time. Good job. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 11 260323.

A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 45 and 75 E. Ashmead Street in the 8th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 260323.

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

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 17 No. 260323 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.) 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING

The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 8 260324.

A resolution also naming South Street between 8th and 9th Streets as "Octavius Catto Way" to honor the life and legacy of the civil rights warrior.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion regarding Resolution No. 19 260324 on behalf of Councilmember Mark Squilla.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilmember Squilla, I move for 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING the adoption of the resolution.

It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 6 No. 260324 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. Outstanding work on behalf of Councilmember Mark Squilla. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 22 250329-A.

An ordinance amending Chapter 9-3900 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING 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.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke for a motion.

Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 250329-A. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for the adoption of the amendment. 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded the amendment to Bill No. 250329-A be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the bill has been amended. This bill 16 will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. Would the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 21 250330-A.

An ordinance amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING "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 deadlines for asserting claims, and establish and enhance enforcement mechanisms, remedies, damages, and protections, all under certain terms and conditions.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke for a motion.

Thank you, Mr. President. 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 250330-A. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all the members of the Council. I move for the adoption of that amendment. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 250330-A be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. And the bill has been amended. This bill 24 will be placed on the Final Passage 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Calendar for our next session of Council. Would the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 260263.

An ordinance to repeal in its entirety Bill No. 241056 (approved March 10, 2026), entitled "An Ordinance 10 Providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to eliminate the requirement that City officers and employees resign from their City office or employment before becoming candidates for public office; and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election;" and to rescind the 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING direction provided to various City officers set forth therein.

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 Thomas.

Aye.

Councilman Jones.

Aye.

Councilmember Landau. 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING

Aye.

Councilmember Lozada.

Aye.

Councilmember Brooks.

Aye.

Councilmember Harrity.

Aye.

Councilmember O'Rourke.

Aye.

Councilmember Driscoll.

Aye.

4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmember Squilla.

Aye.

Councilmember Bass.

Aye.

Councilmember Ahmad.

Aye.

And, Council President Johnson.

Aye. The ayes are 14. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Will the Clerk please read any additional resolutions on today's Calendar.

A privileged resolution authorizing Council's Committee on Parks, 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Recreation and Cultural Affairs to hold public hearings for applicants seeking nomination to serve on the Commission on Parks and Recreation, and further authorizing the committee to recommend for Council's consideration nominations to be forwarded to the Mayor. Introduced by Councilmember Phillips on behalf of Council President Johnson.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips.

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

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution will be adopted. 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. I just want to say thank you, Member Bass and Member Dr. Anthony Phillips, for your hard work on this particular nomination for the Parks and Recreation Center Board. Thank you very much. Please read the title of the next resolution.

A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Shakir Johnson, Head Boys Basketball Coach at Olney High School, for his leadership, mentorship, and steadfast 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING commitment to expanding opportunity for young people in the 9th Councilmanic District. Introduced by Councilmember Phillips.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Anthony Phillips for a motion on the resolution.

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

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution will be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

All those in favor signify by saying aye. 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.

Thank you, Council President. I want to -- I'm sorry. I would -- I --

Would you like to be voted aye on all bills and --

I would like to vote aye on all bills and resolutions.

We got you. Member Brooks is voting aye on all bills and resolutions. 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.

A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Jamel Lindsey, Head Coach of the Boys’ Basketball Team at Samuel Fels High School, for his leadership, mentorship, and steadfast commitment to uplifting students, strengthening school culture, and serving the broader Fels community in the 9th Councilmanic District. Introduced by Councilmember Phillips.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Anthony Phillips for a motion on the resolution.

Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of resolution. (Duly seconded.) 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution will be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.

A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Ezechial Thurman, Music Technology Teacher at Hill-Freedman World Academy, for his creativity, mentorship, and dedication to enriching the educational experience of young people through 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING music, innovation, and student- centered learning in the 9th Councilmanic District. Introduced by Councilmember Phillips.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Anthony Phillips for a motion on the resolution.

Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption and resolution.

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution will be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.

A privileged resolution recognizing April 11-17th, 2026 as "Black Maternal Health Week" in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion on the resolution.

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

It has been moved and properly seconded that the 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution will be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.

A privileged resolution recognizing April 15, 2026 as World Art Day in the City of Philadelphia, and celebrating the creativity, innovation and cultural diversity of the city's fine arts. Introduced by Councilmember Landau.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau for a 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING motion on the resolution.

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

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution will be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.

A privileged resolution honoring and 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING recognizing Women Against Abuse on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary and celebrating five decades of leadership on the front lines of Philadelphia's response to domestic violence. Introduced by Councilmember Lozada.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada for a motion on the resolution.

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

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution will be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.) 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING

Anyone opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it. And the motion to adopt the resolution 8 has passed and been adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.

A privileged resolution authorizing the establishment of the "Special Investigative Committee on Construction Practices in the City of Philadelphia" to investigate the partial collapse of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia garage on April 8, 2026, and other construction projects in the City. In furtherance of such investigation, the Special Investigative Committee is authorized to hold public hearings 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING and issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents to the fullest extent authorized under Section 2-401 of the Charter, and to develop recommendations for construction practices to protect the City's workers and neighborhoods. Introduced by Councilmember Harrity on behalf of Council President Johnson.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity for a motion on the resolution.

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

It has been moved and 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING properly seconded that the resolution will be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.

A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Jaheim Warner for his heroism, service, and exemplary character. Introduced by Councilmember Driscoll.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll for a motion on the resolution. 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING

I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution will be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.

A privileged resolution honoring the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter by the voters of the City of 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia and celebrating the importance of local government and civic engagement. Introduced by Councilmember Driscoll.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll for a motion on the resolution.

I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the motion be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. And just for the record, the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please return to the next resolution.

A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the members of the Fire Department, Philadelphia Police Department, Office of Emergency Management, Managing Director's Office, Medical Examiner's Office, Licenses and Inspections, Water Department, Streets Department, Sanitation, PECO and Philadelphia Gas Works for their diligent efforts in responding to the partial collapse of the garage at 3000 Grays Ferry Avenue on April 8, 2026. Introduced by Councilmember Driscoll on behalf of Council President Johnson. 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING

Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll for a motion on the resolution.

I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution will be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Anyone opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.

A 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING privileged resolution recognizing National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 19-25th and honoring Northwest Victim Services for their dedicated advocacy and community impact. Introduced by Councilmember Bass.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion on the resolution.

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

It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution will be adopted. All those in favor would signify by saying aye. (Aye.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: Anyone opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.

A privileged resolution recognizing the Germantown Jazz Festival and its contributions to cultural enrichment, community wellness and economic vitality in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Bass.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion on the resolution.

Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. 4/16/26 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)