COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania January 30, 2025 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN CURTIS J. JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN RUE LANDAU COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY M. LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN NICOLAS O'ROURKE COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR. ELIZABETH McCOLLUM NAZARIO, CHIEF CLERK
I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. This Council session will now come to order. Will all members take your seats, all visitors please retire outside the rails and please take all sidebar conversations out of the Council chambers. I also would like to ask all those who are present to please place your cell phones to silent or vibrate. Thank you. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Reverend Dr. Marsha Brown Woodard. of the Baptist Pastors and Ministers Conference of Philadelphia and Vicinity and Assistant Pastor of the St. Memorial Baptist Church in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. She is here today as the guest of Councilmember Isaiah Thomas. I will ask all members and guests to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests and visitors rise.) REV.
Council President Johnson, Councilmember Thomas, to all the other Councilmembers, let us pray. Good morning, God. For the gift of this day, we give you thanks. For the dangers both seen and unseen that you have kept from us, we are grateful. I come today, God, as others have come before to ask for guidance for this body of leaders, praying that you will continue to place in them the desire to work not for their own glory or for their own advancement but to do their work in such a manner that the people of Philadelphia are blessed. God, we live in challenging times, times like none other. And so, I pray that you will remind them that they need to have courage like Esther and remember they have been elected for this time to face the challenges that they now will experience and to make a difference in this age. I pray that you will give them wisdom and understanding like the sons of Issachar that they may be clear of the ways that their decisions impact the lives of ordinary people and they will have the courage to stand with and for them, God, in ways that I do not. So I, like others who have come before me, entrust them into your hands and pray that you will use them today and every day in ways that will bring you glory and that indeed will strengthen this great city that it might be a shining light for the world. We ask it in the name that is above all names that of Jesus the Christ. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair thanks the Reverend for the invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, 23, 2025. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the Journal for the meeting. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, January 23, 2025 stand approved. All those in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the Journal is approved. The next order of leave of absence. And the Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Majority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilmember Bass.
The Chair thanks the Councilmember. Leave will be granted. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. There are no requests for leaves of absence on behalf of the Minority.
The Chair thanks the Chair now recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's session of Council and that were not listed on the Calendar circulated prior to today's session.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda 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 bill vetoed by or re-called from the Mayor, amendments to bills re-called from the Mayor, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in this session, a motion to withdraw a bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar and a motion placing a bill or resolution on or returning a bill or resolution from the Suspension Calendar that is not listed on today's Calendar. The purpose of this motion is to provide the public with notice concerning possible actions by Council that arose too late to be included on the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the stated by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson may be added to the agenda for today should those matters arise during the course of this session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of Council, I welcome you to our your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our great city. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson who will present a resolution honoring the African American Children's Book Project on the occasion of its 33rd Annual African American Children's Book Fair. Will Vanesse LloydSgambati and those accompanying her please join the Councilmember at the podium. Joining Councilmember Majority Gilmore Richardson will be Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad, Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, Councilmember Mark Squilla, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke and (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
Thank you. Thank you so much, Council President, and thank you to each of my colleagues who have joined us this morning. It is certainly my humble honor and privilege to again present the resolution on behalf of the 33rd Annual African American Children's Book Fair here in the city of Philadelphia, which will be held this Saturday, February 1st from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. And for those of you who have been in chambers for some time, you remember that my mentor and former boss Councilmember Blondell Reynolds Brown faithfully introduced this resolution every am proud to continue in that tradition. And whereas, books can change lives, and the African American Children's Book Fair provides a unique opportunity to celebrate diverse stories that enlighten, enrich and empower young readers. This family-friendly event is packed with activities designed to spark a lifelong love of reading. The African American Children's Book Project is dedicated to developing and encouraging young people to expand their horizons through literature. And whereas, the African American Children's Book Project, which was founded in 1992, by Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati -- let's give her a round of applause. (Applause.) COUNCILWOMAN GILMORE RICHARDSON: The African American Children's Book Project was created to promote and preserve children's literature written by and about Black Americans. The African American Children's Book Fair has put Philadelphia on the map as a literary destination for children's books. Book lovers travel from around the country to come and experience the Philadelphia literary magic. In fact, the African American Children's Book Fair is a significant event in the literary history of the United States and;
Whereas, the work of the African American Children's Book Project is in response to numerous studies that show that children who read outside of their normal school coursework tend to excel in other The African American Children's Book Project emphasizes in their programs for children preschool to young adult the importance of providing access and choice of what they read. The African American Children's Book Project promotes outside reading by expounding the selection of books that students gain access to. Adults who attended as children now bring their children. They credit exposure to a book received at the book fair for helping them learn Black American history; and Whereas, the African American Children's Book Fair is one of the oldest and largest single-day events for African American children's books in the country, with an average yearly attendance of more than 3,500. It fair that brings national award-winning authors and illustrators for children PreK to young adult to Philadelphia. These presenters are American Library Association and New York Times best-selling authors and illustrators. They are the stars of the book industry who have produced some of the best books for our generation and;
And whereas, rich or poor no one leaves empty-handed as books themselves are placed at the level where they are more affordable. The legendary literacy role gives away free-of-charge posters, bookmarkers, postcards and resource information on literary trends. Their educators book giveaway program allows teachers and librarians to receive free books of use in the classroom or libraries; and Whereas, Vanesse LloydSgambati, the founder of the Literary Media and Publishing Consultants, a publishing relations marketing firm that specializes in publishing with a focus on Black books, she knows the art of the pitch. For over 30 years, the firm has served as a literary consultant to authors, illustrators, consumers, librarians, book sellers, educators, publishers and corporate entities interested in literacy. The literary is known in the industry as the go-to firm to produce award-winning publicity and marketing campaigns for Black books. She is one of only 10 Black literary publicity professionals that works with all of the major publishers. The organization's a global audience. In addition to her career, Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati is also a native to Philadelphia. Her education also includes a degree from Temple University Honors program where she is a graduate cum laude and;
Whereas, the premier of eight new books will take place at the event, this exciting feature is joined by a host of opportunities to meet and speak with renowned authors and illustrators, the likes of whom appear on national bestsellers and literary honorees. In total, 35 nationally known literary creators will be present at this event and; Whereas, to kick off Black History Month the African American Children's Book Project honors people in the community who books and keep the literary flames ablaze not only in Philadelphia but also across the country and;
Whereas, the AACBP's year-round initiatives emphasize the transformative power of books and literacy through book fairs and book signings, workshops to encourage engagement with literature, I Read To See Me, author-illustrator virtual and inschool visits, guidance for families on building home libraries, advocacy campaigns to promote Black American children's literature globally, resources and trends to support youth literature for parents, educators and librarians. Black history is seen through the lens of Black children's picture books and; Whereas, Steven Briggs is a community development professional with over 30 years of diversified experience in the financial services industry. He was born and raised in Philadelphia. Mr. Briggs is a Vice-president within the Philanthropy and Community Impact group at Wells Fargo. In this capacity, he manages the strategic allocation of Wells Fargo's philanthropic resources in Pennsylvania and Delaware. He is an active member of Philadelphiaand Delaware-based nonprofit boards and advisory committees that includes the regional foundation Reach Riverside Development Corporation and Philadelphia LISC and;
Whereas, Jamar Nicholas is an educator, born and raised in Philadelphia and from an early age strived to become a cartoonist. He has taught and lectured on the topic of comics creation at numerous institutions, dedicating his career to empowering young people to create their own cartoons and comics. His books are published by Scholastic Books, an international publisher of children's books. Mr. Nicholas was also honored with the Dwayne McDuffie Award for diversity and GLYPH Comics Award for best writer of 2018 and; Whereas, Jamar Nicholas was also a writer and columnist for DRAW! Magazine, the how-to source for comic book and animation professionals, and was a host of the COMIC BOOK DINER Podcast focusing on the business of comics. producer and co-host of PENCIL TO PENCIL, a podcast on the business of creativity. A mainstay of the cartooning world, Jamar also holds a Board seat in the National Cartoonist Society as well as serving as Chapter Chair for Philadelphia and;
Whereas, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, M.S.Ed, is a Philadelphia-based educator and children's book author. A curriculum writer and former English teacher, she has educated children and teens in traditional and alternative learning settings for 15 years. Her picture books and short stories which feature young Black and Muslim characters have been recognized as the best in children's literature by TIME magazine, Read Across America, and NPR and; Whereas, she is published by four of the largest publishers in the world, Harry N. Abrams; Random House; HarperCollins and Simon and Schuster's Salaam Reeds. Founded in 2016, Salaam Reeds is an imprint that celebrates joy, vibrancy and a variety in stories of Muslims lives. These books are widely popular across the United States and;
Whereas, the free 2025 African American Children's Book Fair will take place on Saturday, February 1, 2025 live in person at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and; Whereas, Council has no doubt that this year's iteration of the book fair will exceed all history of excellence. We encourage all of our City's residents, young and old alike, to discover for the first time or once again the wonders to be found in the pages of a good book; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby honor the African American Children's Book Project on the occasion of its 33rd Annual African American Children's Book Fair. Further resolved, that Engrossed copies of this resolution be presented to the African American Children's Book Project further evidencing the sincere respect of this legislative body. Thank you very, very much.
The Chair recognizes Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati for remarks.
Thank you, Council President Kenyatta Johnson and Katherine Gilmore Richardson who continues the tradition started by former Councilmember Blondell Reynolds Brown to kickoff Black History Month by honoring those who make contributions to the literary fiber of this city. And also, I wanted to acknowledge, lest I forget because I don't want the Sandman to come after me from the Apollo, I wanted to acknowledge how grateful we are at the African American Children's Book Fair of Councilman Johnson, Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Councilmembers Anthony Phillips, Curtis Jones, Councilwomen Cindy Bass, Jamie Gauthier, Kendra Brooks and Jeffrey Young whose financial support has enabled the African American Children's Book Fair to offer our children something that is taken for granted in schools throughout this country, the opportunity to meet the stars of the children's book world, the opportunity to meet someone who looks like themselves and the opportunity to have access to books that are encouraging, empowering and enlightening, and of course the opportunity to dispel the myth that Black people do not read and do not buy books. I can spend hours talking about attempts to silence these voices, but I've chosen to spotlight in these brief moments on the wonderful things happening in the world of publishing. At the year, the American Library Association announced on Monday its 2025 best book winners. This is all the books that were published for children in 2024. Five of those people will be in Philadelphia. Four of the 2025 NAACP Image Award nominees will be in Philadelphia, and of course people be trying to get on the New York Times list and our children get to meet those folks. In fact, the woman who's No. 6 on the New York Times Best Children's Book will be in Philadelphia. All of these honors and lists is an indication that Black stories are being read by the overall book community. There are more books than ever before being produced about Black people. Last year here in Council I introduced you to the Ice Cream Man, who was in Philadelphia in the 1800s. And lest we forget, Mae Reeves who owned a hat shop on South Street. She was the first Black woman to own a hat shop on South Street and she used to go to Paris in New York to buy the things that she needed for her hats in the '40s. So this year we're not going to disappoint the audience. James Earl Jones, there's a book called, Ode to Grapefruit. It's about how he was a stutterer. There's also Monique Duncan who talks about how the women in slavery used to braid stories in their head to remind people that there was a way out of that and it taught them how to follow a path to freedom. And the participants who are coming this year come from all because Philadelphia is on the map as a destination for literacy. In fact, Wikipedia listed in their listing of children's books from 1700 to present, the African Americans founding in 1992. And of course some homegrown talent, you might know this name, you might know somebody that knows this person, Dawn Chavous, whose second book has received high acclaim; Stacey Woodson and the two people who are in back of me, Jamar Nicholas and Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow. I went to the -- this book fair started in 1992 and I went to the Regency Room in John Wanamaker. And I said, girl, they gone but you're going to still be here. So I want to remind people how important the work that we are doing, it is not just about a book.
It's about showing kids, young boys when they read a book that they can be the hero in the story, young girls when they read a book, that their stories are powerful. A little girl who wants to study ballet and she doesn't look like a ballerina, there's a book for her. And so, I'm going to close my remarks by letting -- I know we're not supposed to do this but you know I like breaking rules. Each person who's being honored is going to say one sentence why it's important to read Black books. Come on y'all, step up, hurry up.
Briefly. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Okay. Black books are very critical to our young people to open up a lot of doors that we may at one point.
Excuse me, excuse me, just real quick. So we know what author is coming up to the microphone. Yeah, go ahead.
All right. I'm Jamilah ThompkinsBigelow. I want to say Black books matter because no matter what anyone tells you, our stories are foundational to the fabric of this nation.
Good morning, Steven Briggs. And Black books are important because representation is important.
Thank you, Vanesse, for being consistent on addressing the issue of literacy and academic excellence. Let's give her another round of applause everyone. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Majority Leader Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richard -- whoa, whoa, whoa. The next order of Chair requests that the Sergeantat-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Will the Chief Clerk please read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications in her possession.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your Honorable body the following proposed ordinance: An ordinance repealing -- I'm sorry, no, no. My apologies. An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to acquire from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania a perpetual right and easement on, over and across a at the intersection of Southampton Road and Roosevelt Boulevard for roadway and related improvements, under certain terms and conditions; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Streets Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to own and maintain a bridge to be constructed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, PennDOT, to carry Byberry Road over certain railroad tracks between Evans Street and Worthington Road, and placing said bridge carrying Byberry Road on the City Plan pursuant to the terms of an agreement between the City and PennDOT, all under certain terms and conditions; and An ordinance authorizing the opening of a right-of-way to the public on land near the intersection of the southeasterly side of Bath Street and southwesterly side of Victoria Streets, all being land owned by the City. Council President, there are no further communications from the Mayor.
Thank you very much. The messages from the Mayor will be printed in the Journal. The next order of business is introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips.
Thank you, Council President. Happy early Black History Month. I have two privileged resolutions for introduction today.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution honoring the Juvenile Law Center on its 50th Anniversary.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring the Office of Clean and Green for their exceptional contributions toward a cleaner, greener Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you again, Council President. Today I offer two privileged resolutions, one of which is on behalf of Councilmember Bass.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Licenses and Inspections and the Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings on enforcement against drug paraphernalia stores.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring the life and legacy of Sid Booker, a Philadelphia businessman and community icon who left an indelible mark on North Philadelphia and beyond.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Good morning, Council President. Today I have three bills and one non-privileged resolution.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the bills.
An ordinance amending Section 14-303 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Common Procedures and Requirements," by authorizing the Zoning Board of Adjustment to condition zoning approval upon provision of affordable housing, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 14-604 of The Philadelphia Code ("Accessory Uses and Structures") to modify certain restrictions with respect to accessory dwelling units, and making conforming technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions. COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Subcode "A" (The Philadelphia Administrative Code) of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code (The Building, Construction and Occupancy Code), by defining affordable housing projects and establishing specific application and permitting procedures for such projects, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 719 South 51st Street, 1124 South 56th Street and 1218 North 41st Street in the Third Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia, and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the listening public. Nothing today.
Thank you. Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues. I have two bills for introduction today.
Thank you. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the bills.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Landlord and Tenant," to establish requirements related to security deposits for residential rentals and establishing remedies for violations, all under certain terms and conditions.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final -- this bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Landlord and Tenant," to establish requirements related to fees charged by landlords to individuals applying for residential tenancy, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. I don't have nothing today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer one privileged resolution.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the privileged resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing Patricia Riley, SEPTA's first female conductor.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks.
Council President, I have no bills and resolution today, and I also would like to be marked as aye on all bills and resolutions.
Thank you very much. Will be duly noted. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I have two privileged resolutions today.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the two privileged resolutions.
A privileged resolution recognizing the rise of cardiovascular disease as the world's leading cause of death and disability and supporting the recognition of February 2025 as American Heart Month.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring January as National Poverty in America Awareness Month and recognizing the severe conditions of poverty that many Americans experience day-to-day.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke.
Thank you, Council President. I have one non-privileged resolution alongside our colleague Councilmember Bass.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the non-privileged resolution.
A non-privileged resolution declaring 2025 as the Year of Cooperatives in Philadelphia and calling on the City of Philadelphia to explore all options to support the development and resilience of local cooperative businesses.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll.
Good morning, Mr. President. I have one bill and one privileged resolution today.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the bill and resolution.
An ordinance authorizing the opening of a right-of-way to public land near the intersection of the southeasterly side of Bath Street and the southwesterly side of Victoria Streets, being land owned by the City.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Technology and Information Services to hold hearings regarding the operation of Philadelphia 311 non-emergency hotline and its engagement with City departments.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the bills.
An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 1525 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, under certain terms and conditions. COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 2049 East Hagert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing various encroachments in the vicinity of 1625 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. I have one privileged resolution.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing January 29th, 2025 as the Lunar New Year in celebrating the cultural and historical significance of Philadelphia's Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The next is reports from 2ND READING committees. Being that there are no reports from committees today, we will now go to the consideration of the Calendar. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson for the purpose of calling up 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. 250014, 250018, 250019, 250021, 250027, 250029 and 240817. The following bills and resolutions on the Calendar are being held: 241097, 241144, 250022, 250030, 240427, 240304-A and 240665.
Thank you. Before considering these 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 at today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up for today's session, please do so now by giving your name to Ms. Colia Adams to my left outside the rails of the chambers. 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 comments each will have three minutes to speak. However, this time limit may vary from session-to-session. Today the time limit will be three minutes. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the three-minute limit. When you begin speaking, you will see a green light on the podium. When there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, the light will turn yellow which is your reminder to please conclude your remarks. Once three minutes have passed, the light will turn red and the Sergeant-at-Arms will disconnect the microphone. At that point, please yield the podium to the next speaker if you have not done so already. I also reserve the right pursuant to our rules of Council to limit repetitious comments on the same subject matter. I will now ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.
We have Kate Perez. May Reverend Dr. Michelle Simmons, Malcolm Musgrove and Vincent Schiavone also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
I'm Kate Perez. And Israeli forces shot and killed a 2-year-old, Laila Al-Khatib, after a sniper shot her in the head during a family dinner in the West Bank this week. Families trapped by military checkpoints and unlawful borders for years were finally able to return to the north of Gaza. Finding rubble and weapons made in the U.S., it's possible that many of them have come from this state. Roads where people had to walk barefoot for hours were torn up by Israeli bulldozers and U.S.-made bomb remnants. Day & Zimmermann being the primary supplier of the top three most used munitions by the Israeli army, it's likely that these were sold in our city. I condemn Trump for inviting the internationally wanted war criminal Netanyahu back to the U.S. for a meeting on Tuesday or our shameful Congress will stand on their feet to give him another standing ovation for his genocide. In a country ripe with the housing crisis and desperate for debt relief, Trump's first acts as President have been to pardon the people who tried to storm the Capitol, lift sanctions on violent settlers in the West Bank and reallow 2,000-pound bombs to be sent to Israel. The Mark 84 can form a crater 50 feet wide and 36 feet deep with a lethal fragmentation to a radius of 400 feet. General Dynamics, just like Day & Zimmerman in our city, continues to sell weapons to an apartheid occupation that indiscriminately drops bombs on refugee camps and hospitals. Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya is still being held hostage in the Sde Teiman torture camp by an occupying state we continue to partner with no matter how many kindergartens they bomb, humans they starve or hostages they torture. We should have cut ties with the apartheid state years ago. Just like the United States has broken every treaty with Native Americans, the Occupation violates every ceasefire agreement they make, dropping white phosphorus on Lebanon and sniping a 15-year-old boy hours after the ceasefire and then shooting at his father as he tried to grab the body. Trump, his son-in-law, Israeli politicians and Keller Williams see a humanitarian disaster and call Gaza a potential beachfront property. He passes laws to allow for the detainment of immigrants at detention centers that have histories of human trafficking, sexual abuse and forced hysterectomies. ICE is raiding our homes and our businesses without warrants, holding Americans hostage for hours while using language to dehumanize immigrants, calling them illegal, calling them aliens while announcing a 30,000 person concentration camp at Guantanamo Bay, then floating the idea of deporting American citizens to be maintained in a foreign land for a very small fee. He's also making a point to deport anti-Israel students, which is weird that he didn't put America first. We need an arms embargo. We have to fight against Nazis. Fuck ICE. Free Palestine.
Reverend Dr. Michelle Simmons, Malcolm Musgrove, Vincent Schiavone and Jeremy Blatstein. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Dr. Simmons, just before you start, I just want to ask for all those participating in public comment and those who are participating in this Council session, please remain a level of decorum regarding language. We welcome all comments as it relates to public comment, but please refrain from any words of -- watch your language. That's all. Period. Dr. Simmons, please begin. REV.
Good morning, everyone. Thanks for this opportunity. I'm Reverend Dr. Michelle Simmons, the founder of Why Not Prosper. For the last 23 years I've been working tirelessly to support formerly incarcerated women in our community. Today I stand before you with a message of progress, urgency and partnership. Three years ago in 2022 Why Not Prosper alongside of the SWAG team conducted a participatory action study called Breaking All Racial Barriers. This was a yearlong effort where we interviewed justice partners, community orgs, incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. We also engaged in court watch and professional interviews and held focus groups along with surveys to understand the issues contributing to the racial disparities in our prison system. Through our research, we discovered that one of the key factors contributed to the overincarceration of Black and Brown people who make up currently 78 percent of the jail population were policies related to detainers, violations and the Philadelphia risk assessment tool. Once we identified these critical variables, we took action by launching Straight Out of Trouble program. This initiative was the design to combat the racial disparities in our local prison system by addressing three main areas, supporting people with detainers, helping individuals re-engage with probation officers and advocating for early termination of probation. Since its inception, Straight Out of Trouble has made significant strides. We supported 131 people apply for early termination and we also helped 89 people re-engage with their parole officers. We've helped hundreds of people get warrants lifted and get back on track, finding employment and supporting their families and making better decisions for the future. But despite these successes, we face significant challenges, a data and policy deficit. We have worked relentlessly to understand the policy-governed detainers. We continue to face resistance in our efforts to obtain the necessary information from our justice partners. In December 2024, right to know request was denied, leaving us with no clear understanding of how to move forward. These policies and data points are crucial not only to the progress of our community but also for the future of our city. I don't want to be an adversary, but my goal is to build strategies to reduce jail population and provide support. All right. So I seen that yellow light. I want to thank our justice partners for submitting data but we still have a lot of work to do, and I ask for your support in passing a resolution that will bring the courts to the table to discuss these policies and procedure for lifting detainers and addressing detainer issues. Together we can build a system that prioritize equity, accountability and second chances. (Applause.)
Thank you, Dr. Simmons. Can the ladies of SWAG just please stand. Thank you for your hard work on this issue. (Applause.)
In my former life, we would call it the detainer of dipsy, but that's a different conversation. Go ahead, sir.
Good afternoon. My name is Malcolm Musgrove. I'm the Vice-president of Merakey, and I'm here to talk about two City initiatives, new initiatives that have started in the City of Philadelphia. They are Mayor Parker's initiatives. One is the Wellness Center and one is the Wellness Village. Both are to combat the opiate epidemic that we are facing in the city of Philadelphia. It is taking a holistic approach to treatment at both locations -sorry about that. Taking a holistic approach to treatment at both locations looking at not only the behavioral health, which includes the mental health and substance use disorder, but also looking at the physical health, all the social determinants of health, so food insecurities, housing, job readiness or vocational programs to help people on their road to recovery. I'm preaching to the choir. As you know, when you're recovering if you don't have a home, your chances of recovery diminish. If you are food insecure, your chances of recovery diminish. If you are not getting the proper health care that you need, your chances of recovery diminish and incorporating all of those at both of those locations will help us support and combat the opiate epidemic that we have in the city of Philadelphia. And we would like to invite you to come out to see both locations, 265 East Lehigh and 7979 State Road. Everyone is welcome to come out and see these two programs. Thank you. (Applause.)
Vincent Schiavone, Jeremy Blatstein and Keir Bradford-Grey. (Witnesses approached podium.)
I'm Vince Schiavone. I am the CEO of Caring for Friends. We are an all-volunteer nonprofit that provides food and friendship to Philadelphians and we've been doing so for 50 years. We serve homebound. We've been providing food -- we serve homebound senior years and disabled with our meals programs. Kids and families in need with our community partners, food cupboard programs. We serve all Philadelphians. Our organization was founded by one woman, a mother, like many of you, who had a deep faith in God and a dream. She believed that no one should be hungry or alone in a world of caring people, and many, tens of thousands of volunteers, have been helping share their benefits with all the people of Philadelphia. Philadelphia is the poorest of all our large cities. The numbers across Philadelphia are particularly bad. 22 percent of people in our city are still food insecure. We're doing a lot, but we're not doing enough. Our seniors have it particularly worse. It's up to 28 percent for our seniors who are living alone, many of them food insecure, having to choose between medicine, rent and food, and everybody here knows how much food has gone up and how difficult it is. And many of them are also disabled. They're not mobile. They can't shop. They can't cook, stand to cook. Anybody who has aging parents can appreciate this as we take care of them. It's really hard. We provide them frozen meals with our volunteers all across the city. We're currently providing that for about 10,000. There's probably 30,000 more we need to help and we need to do more and better for the generation before us. We also provide food for kids and families in need. All right. Kids have it really bad. 30 percent are food insecure. That number is higher among every minority across this city. All right. Kids often get their best meal at school, but 80 percent of them don't get any meals during the summer. Even though we have many centers we don't have enough. They do not get meals -- when we have a holiday, there's not even a program for that and there's not enough afterschool programs for that. We work with organizations, faith-based community organizations, many elected officials where we know people call when they are hungry and alone. And together we can do something about that. So we appreciate the time to highlight this example and ask everybody to see, we can chip in, provide more funding, more programs and more people. Thank you. (Applause.)
Jeremy Blatstein, Keir Bradford-Grey and then Lynn Landes. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Hello, City Council, Council President Johnson. My name is Jeremy Blatstein. I'm here in support of Bill No. 250014 because we're talking about 2025 people. Housing, housing, housing, housing, housing, housing, housing, housing, housing, housing, housing, that's what we're talking about. But everyone wants to talk about limits not how we're building more supply. But we're first going to talk about the Philadelphia Land Bank. Everyone wants to talk about the Land Bank so let's do it. How do you get land from the Philadelphia Land Bank for Turn the Key? You go to the Land Bank website, you find land that says it's available. You put together an application. What's in the application? You know, a budget, a funding source, plans. You hold a community meeting, maybe you hold two community meetings. Then the Land Bank staff qualifies your application. How long does that process take, three to six months. Then what? Oh, yeah, the Land Bank board votes on the qualified applications. Then what? It gets transmitted to Philadelphia City Council. Then what? Technically any member of Philadelphia City Council can introduce the resolution to move this land to build the houses, but because of everyone's favorite thing, councilmanic prerogative, only the District member does it. How much money have you spent at that point? $20,000. So we had two members of Black Squirrel do this process. And then what happened? Councilman Jay Young decided not to introduce the resolutions, so you have two African American developers who spent $20,000 to build houses that are not building houses anymore. If we're going to solve this affordable housing problem in Philadelphia, we need to get serious about streamlining this process. I hear everyone saying we're going to cap this, do this, this. But because of councilmanic prerogative, each and every one of you want to rule district-bydistrict. That's not going to work. Straight up, right. Like, we can't have 10 sets of rules. So the ADU rule that Councilwoman Gauthier introduced today, phenomenal. But we need that on steroids, right. We need to do that on every lot in Philadelphia. It should be legal to build two units on every single lot in Philadelphia. And finally, let's do it. Raise your hand if you rode SEPTA in the last week. Oh, thank you. Our Councilpeople, maybe next week. And oh, yeah, I guess I have to do it. E-l-g-s-e-s, Eagles. Go Birds. Thank you. We're going to the Super Bowl. And, Councilman Johnson, we riding SEPTA soon? All right. I'll reach back out. You said you'd follow up. All right. Thank you.
Great. Pleasure to meet you. Welcome to City Council.
Thank you. It feels so good to be on this side instead of being in the hot seat, so this is really good. But I am here in support of Bill 250027. And I don't even think I need three minutes because Reverend Michelle did a phenomenal job really articulating the reasons why this bill is so important. I would just lend my voice to say this, the best outcomes that we got in our justice system is when the community was informed and they were able to work with their people to get them to understand the process of the system. We had phenomenal outcomes that actually increased public safety. So I would just encourage us to continue down that path. The community not only is informed but empowered. The things that we've been doing together with Reverend Michelle have been going on since 2015 and she is taking this by storm, and people have gotten fairer and better outcomes from this system. So I want to thank you so much for giving me the opportunity just to speak on this resolution today. I think our city and our communities are much better when we work together in participation. Thank you. (Applause.)
We have Lynn Landes. Then Wanda Walker and Ogbonna Hagins. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning. I'm Lynn Landes of Safestreetsphilly.org and a registered Republican. I oppose Resolution 250021 that condemns President Trump and his choices for positions within his administration. This is a shockingly ill-conceived resolution considering that we've just emerged from four years of the nightmare that was the Biden administration where President Biden was literally asleep at the switch for much of that time as he descended into dementia, a fact that was kept from the public by his administration officials. And what was their track record? Well, there was Dr. Fauci who turned a manageable epidemic that he, himself, had caused into a dystopian catastrophe as he prescribed a medical response that proved to be a euthanasia protocol for thousands. He also encouraged the closing down of life as we know it in America, urge censorship of those who didn't agree with him while coercing millions of Americans to take an experimental vaccine whose tragic consequences are still being felt today by untold numbers. Then we have Defense Secretary Austin and his withdrawal from Afghanistan, which resulted in the murder of American soldiers and citizens as well as the loss of a military base and $80 billion worth of equipment that is now under the control of the Taliban. Worst of all, there was a direct attack on our nation's sovereignty as Secretary of Homeland Security Mayorkas aided and abetted the invasion of millions of illegal immigrants from around the world to cross both our northern and southern borders. And throughout this time, Biden administration officials practiced the art of identity politics which further divided our nation as they preached the gospel of diversity equity and inclusion, which became in reality preferential treatment for some, exclusion for others and entitlement for those of the right race, sexual identity and disability. Isn't it time to turn the page and give President Trump and his new team a chance. Let's support law and order, meritocracy and common sense for a change. Thank you.
All right, y'all. Good morning. My name is Wanda Walker. Good morning, beautiful people.
Please be respectful to everybody that speaks even if they're Republican like myself because we have things to say and that's the only way we're going to come to a conclusion and a consensus. So I'm going to talk about the Land Bank bill and piggyback off of what Jeremy said, and he's talking about councilmanic prerogative. I don't necessarily disagree with him, but I don't think taking away councilmanic prerogative altogether would be a good idea. There's not a week that goes by that I don't get a phone call about a senior or someone losing their home but mostly seniors, so I come here every week and I talk about generational wealth. There is no house that's more affordable than the house your grandmom or granddad was going to pass on to you. So, yes, we need affordable housing, and the best way to get that is to stop displacing people out of their homes. So I believe that seniors after 30 years of paying taxes and a mortgage should not have to pay property taxes. You should not have to be low-income or poor to benefit from any type of tax program. Simply said, if we don't charge them property taxes, they're not losing the generational wealth that our community desperately needs to be passed on so that we have seed money to work and leverage to get to the next level. So please consider doing something in reference to all the properties that are going to the Land Bank and finding a way to put in a program so those families might be able to qualify and get their homes back. That's pretty much it. I'll see you next week. Thank you.
Good morning. Ogbonna Hagins, fourth generation chattel slavery survivor. Good morning, Council. I rise today not to condemn President Donald J. Trump but to condemn this resolution for his failure to recognize a historic moment for the American Freedmen. This Council seeks to rebuke the President while ignoring the fact that he has done what no other President has done. He's dared to acknowledge that the 14th Amendment is exclusively the progeny of the emancipated for generations. This misinterpretation has cost the American Freedmen community trillions of dollars. This is not a moment for condemnation. This is a moment of celebration. Imagine if the newly freed slaves had rejected the 13th Amendment that was signed by President Abraham Lincoln just because they thought that he was racist. How foolish would that have been. The only thing that mattered was that the result was the end of chattel slavery. To my fellow Councilmembers, I ask how many of you are American Freedmen. How many of you are American Freedmen, right? Number two, why aren't you standing up for this historic announcement? Is it because Donald Trump is a Republican? Abraham Lincoln was a Republican too. Why is Council condemning the first sitting President to affirm the rightful inheritance of Black Americans, American Freedmen under the 14th Amendment? This resolution does not serve the people. It serves political distractions. The real work is establishing the office of Freedmen affairs right here in Philadelphia, ensuring that this acknowledgement leads to tangible policies that repair the economic and structural damage inflicted on our people. We must focus on what matters, the Reconstruction amendments, the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and securing economic and political power for the American Freedmen, not DEI, not empty resolutions, not partisan distractions. We must focus on what matters. I restra -- I reject -let me say that again. I reject 1/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING this resolution and call for Council to do the same. It's time to stand for the American Freedmen and seize this moment for what it truly is, an emancipation moment, a recognize -- a recognition of what has been ignored for decades. Ogbonna Hagins, unseated council president and President of Philadelphia Reparations Coalition for American Freedmen. Thank you.
Council President, there are no further names for public comment.
Well, that concludes today's public comment period. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 1/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING 250014.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3862 and 3864 Pennsgrove Street and 1118 North 39th Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250014.
Thank you, Council President. I call for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 1/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING No. 250014 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250018.
A resolution amending Resolution No. 240834-A, which the Council adopted on December 19, 2024, entitled "Proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for the creation of the Philadelphia Prison Community 1/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Oversight Board and the Office of Prison Oversight and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia," to make a technical correction.
Council will be at ease for a second. (Council at ease.)
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250018.
Thank you, Council President. And again, I want to thank my colleague Councilmember O'Rourke for his work on this particular legislation. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and 1/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING properly seconded that Resolution No. 250018 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250019.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 623R North 55th 1/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Street, 5110 Harlan Street, 5122-24 Harlan Street, 2715 North Dover Street, 2715 North Dover Street, 2731 North 29th Street, 2738 West Silver Street, 2703 West Sterner Street, 2714 West Sterner Street, 2717 West Sterner Street, 2627 West Lehigh Avenue, 2629-31 West Lehigh Avenue, 2623 West Silver Street, 2726 West Sterner Street, 2705 West Sterner Street, 2710 West Sterner Street, 2723 West Sterner Street, 2731 West Sterner Street, 2655 West Silver Street, 2626 West Silver Street, 2720 North 28th Street, 2715 West Sterner Street, 2749 West Sterner Street, 2733 West Sterner Street, 2647 West Lehigh Avenue, 2711 West Sterner Street, 2628 West Silver Street, 2655 West Sterner Street, 2820 North Newkirk Street, 2758 North 28th Street, 2719 North 29th Street, 2602 West Sterner 1/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Street and 2651 West Silver Street in the 4th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 14-405 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250019.
Affordable housing, build baby build. I move for the adoption.
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250019 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying 1/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250021.
A resolution condemning President Donald J. Trump for his selection of underqualified cabinet, subcabinet and leadership nominees to further advance his Project 2025 agenda and undermine the integrity of American democracy, equity, human rights and freedom.
The Chair recognizes 1/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250021.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250021 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries and the resolution is adopted. 1/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250027.
A resolution authorizing the Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold a hearing on detainer policy in the City of Philadelphia and calling on the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania to provide an overview of its policies and practices regarding detainer issuance on individuals with posttrial probation and parole sentences.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250027 -the Chair recognizes Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, 1/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. President. On behalf of Councilmember Brooks, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250027 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries and the resolution is adopted. (Applause.)
Just for a matter of 1/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING business, Deputy Minority Whip O'Rourke, is the Minority Leader excused for an absence for the day or she just stepped out with all votes recorded for the day?
If the appropriate motion is to ask for a leave of absence -
It will be duly noted on her behalf. Thank you, sir.
Thank you. COUNCIL PRESIDENT 1/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250029.
A resolution recognizing the devastation caused by the wildfires to the Los Angeles community, the accelerating rate of climate change and calling on the City of Philadelphia to provide the funding and resources necessary to fully update and implement humancentered climate mitigation and resilience plans.
The Chairman recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250029.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) 1/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250029 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240817.
An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia the proposal set forth in a resolution approved by Council 1/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the creation of the Philadelphia Prison Community Oversight Board and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.
Councilmember Gilmore Richardson. COUNCILWOMAN GILMORE 1/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING RICHARDSON: Aye.