The Chair recognizes Councilmember from the great Northeast, Councilman Stated Meeting 86 02/08/2024
Well, thank you, Mr. President. And I echo Councilwoman Lozada's call to arms along with Councilmember Harrity and Squilla and all our colleagues today that voted for this. This is -- a journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step and that step begins today. And we will be working with the Administration and bringing back ideas to this whole body so that we can fulfill our promise to these wonderful neighbors that came down here. And thank you for coming down here today. It was very important. Secondly, Mr. President, back in December the L&I Task Force completed its work. We compiled a 31-page report, which we sent to all the Councilmembers. There is a hard copy on every Councilmember's desk today. Mayor Parker will be having Stated Meeting 87 02/08/2024 1:00 p.m. to some big news with regard to L&I. And this document isn't finished. It's a living, working, breathing document that we will endeavor to continue to improve so that we can give suggestions to Mayor Parker and whoever she appoints to Commissioner of L&I. And as Chair of L&I, I will be informing you, my colleagues, of our progress as that department beefs up and gets to some real work. And then lastly, I just wanted to comment since I've been on this body, I've been fighting to protect our city and its residents from pervasive problems that detract from the quality of life for all Philadelphians. Last year our Council enacted legislation cracking down on drifting and cracking down on boom parties. Well, recent years we saw Stated Meeting 88 02/08/2024 our region pour into our city with reckless driving, endangering lives and severely affecting our quality of life. This recently enacted legislation raised penalties on these acts, subjecting vehicle owners to large fines and a possible seizure of their vehicles. We sent a message that Philadelphia will not tolerate this behavior. Now is the time to turn our attention to another nuisance with potentially devastating ramifications, the use of tag flippers. They're devices that flip or rotate the vehicle's license plate. It's proliferating our city. They're designed, built and used by people to conceal their identity often while committing crimes such as speeding, reckless driving, toll evasion, among others. A tag flipper could be used Stated Meeting 89 02/08/2024 scene of an accident, perhaps somewhere where someone loses their life. The vehicle's caught on camera, but the tag flipper prevents the driver from being held accountable. The tag flipper prevents a family from finding solace in the unrest and the conviction of their family. So today I've introduced a bill to give our law enforcement officers the tool necessary to remove these devices from our City streets and roads. This legislation will impose a $2,000 fine on anyone caught selling, purchasing, installing or possessing one of these malignant devices. Tag flipping devices, marketed as 007 devices, belong in a James Bond movie. Tag flippers do not belong on the streets of Philadelphia. So thank you, Councilmembers Harrity, Phillips, Stated Meeting 90 02/08/2024 Squilla, Thomas and Lozada for co-sponsoring this forceful message that we'll send to the criminals. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
Thank you. Good work on the L&I Task Force as well. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to echo the words of my cousin who actually testified today, Ms. Crystal Brown, regarding the issues that are in Kensington. There was a time where folks who looked like us were treated differently for the same similar issues that are taking place in Kensington, and I just want to make sure that I work with the Caucus to ensure that they are being considerate of the public safety Stated Meeting 91 02/08/2024 the health needs of those in that particular area. We all know that when folks have the ability to move, when heavy enforcement is on one area, they tend to move to another area. The 5th Council District is very close to Kensington. That's why I want to ensure that I work with the Caucus to make sure their policies that keep everyone in this City safe from the drug epidemic. So thank you so much, Mr. President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Kensington, Councilman Jim Harrity.
Thank you, Council President. Thank you, colleagues. First, I'd like to just send my condolences and my respect of the Stated Meeting 92 02/08/2024 I had the pleasure of waiting on him for a few years in Holt's when I worked down there. He was always a gentleman, so I appreciate that we actually are honoring him. It's long overdue. Sec -- there's a lot going on in Council. Secondly, I'd like to commend my colleagues, Councilmen Driscoll, Squilla and Councilwoman Lozada for the Kensington Caucus bill. This is something that's needed. As the Councilwoman said, we've got a lot of emails from a lot of different people. Most of them were form letters that were just coming in. And it kind of struck me, one of the lines in there, which said that we were harassing people participating in the street economics, so that is just a nice way of saying that we were harassing the drug dealers who are poisoning Stated Meeting 93 02/08/2024 children. As you heard tales, we have people who live there and have lived there for years and seen the many different phases that the neighborhood is going through. But when the lady testified about sweeping out in front of her house and getting stuck with a used hyperdermic needle and now having to be tested every three months, that's just horrible. And the fact of the matter is we have a child that the same thing happened to, and now that child has to be tested every three months also. As somebody in recovery, I just want people to know that some of us don't go willingly. Some of us get recovery because we get sent to jail or we get mandatory into a rehab. You know, people look at it as we're forcing people in. Well, we have a saying for that in Stated Meeting 94 02/08/2024 recovery, and that's called a power greater than myself. We call it being touched by God's grace, because we all know that if it was up to us, we'd still be out there doing our addiction. Even in our sickness, we ask that somebody else help us, that God help us or whoever you decide to call your higher power. We don't really care about that, just as long as you believe in something bigger than yourself. For me I believe in God, but I also believe in recovery. And I know for a fact that if you work a program and follow the steps, you can get your life back, you can get your family back and you can do things that are beyond your wildest imagination. 13 years ago, I would have never thought that I would be sitting in this chamber. But through recovery here I am. So -- Stated Meeting 95 02/08/2024 (Applause.)
I commend all my colleagues in this body and our Council President for allowing us to form this committee. We look forward to working with all of you because we all chair different committees that are going to be needed in order to do the right thing over there to make everybody feel safe, not just the residents, but the addicts also. Sometimes we need help beyond ourselves. So I thank you all and I look forward to working with the Kensington Caucus in the future to better that neighborhood. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones. Stated Meeting 96 02/08/2024
Thank you, Mr. President. And I'm going to state for the record again and again until my brethren and sistren in the Kensington Caucus, I'm an honorary member and when we did those -(Applause.)
When we did those hearings at Conwell, that's what baptized us all to make a commitment to that neighborhood. And until Kensington is safe, no neighborhood, no neighborhood in Philadelphia is safe. So I commend you on what you're doing. (Applause.)
So I rise today to thank you, Mr. President, and our Mayor, Mayor Cherelle Parker, for being at the Budget hearings, the Budget presentation of our Governor this week where there was a lot of good news, a lot of Stated Meeting 97 02/08/2024 forward to, in education, in economic development, in public higher education. A lot of good hallmarks, high points in that budget. One of the things that was raised by the Governor was the skilled games issue, where he cited that he was going to finally get a hold of that process. That in 2017 when they opened the flood gates to say that these kinds of games should be allowed at truck stops, that opened the further gates to our neighborhoods for the overproliferation of these bandit machines in places like Kensington. So what he talked about was a 42 percent tax on these machines, which would equate to $150 million of revenue that could be dedicated to things like education, things like drug treatment that we can then kind of tap into. Because at this Stated Meeting 98 02/08/2024 point, we don't know what they make. At this point, we don't know where they are. At this point, they don't have a unified payout. I think to when my former DiCicco had to go to all of those hearings, all of those community meetings to establish casinos in Philadelphia. He stood up to a lot of scrutiny, a lot of criticism, a lot of regulation just to be able to legally put those machines in neighborhoods with a community benefit agreement attached. So thank you, Mr. President, for giving us a date for those hearings so that we can, once again third times a charm, try to regulate. One of the things that this Governor actually implements these things, then will supersede what we will do. They will be big brother to little brother and sister. Stated Meeting 99 02/08/2024 so, we will be able to license them. We will able to permit, scan, track where they are. And the L&I Nuisance Task Force will be able to regulate where they are and what kind of crime they are attracting. And I'm aware that this is a powerful lobby. And I'm aware that probably because of what we're doing right here, that has got our state colleagues ready to move. I get it. But sometimes gravity happens and anti-gravity, that from a local level we make bigger brothers, sisters move on an issue that has set high since 2017. Better later than never. Thank you, colleagues and Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilman Jones. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Anthony -- popped in Stated Meeting 100 02/08/2024 Chair recognizes Councilwoman Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you. Thank you so much, Council President. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate our colleague Mike Driscoll and his team, Tom and Jacob and so many others who work very, very hard on the Joint Task Force on regulatory reform for the Department of Licenses & Inspections. So I wanted to applaud you and thank you for that great work. And also -(Applause.)
Congratulations. And also to the Kensington Caucus, I look forward to continuing to work with each of you on that very important work for the Kensington Stated Meeting 101 02/08/2024 President, today I wanted to also thank General Manager Leslie Richards, Acting Board Chair Ken Lawrence, our Chair of Transportation Councilmember Driscoll, Vice-Chair of Transportation Councilmember Young, Councilmember Cindy Bass and so many of you who have worked with us on the SEPTA Bus Revolution Plan. I wanted to thank them. At SEPTA, Wendy, for your partnership and your collaboration, for your willingness to take the late phone calls into the evening and into the night. I am certainly appreciative of the opportunity so that we can assure that every Philadelphian is heard in this process and not just a vocal few. I want to thank you, colleagues, for attending the briefing last week when we were able Stated Meeting 102 02/08/2024 of data points that were shared. And as a result of the information that we received, were able to work with SEPTA to ensure that we have additional community and civic engagement opportunities in four Council Districts on both sides of each District. Again, I think it's important to state for the record, Mr. President, that I applaud SEPTA for their deep collaboration, for their commitment to working together to get this plan right. SEPTA's work really should serve as a model for other agencies and organizations on how you continue to work to get something right. This is the first time this plan will be changed, all of our bus routes in 70 years. So if it takes a few more days or a few more weeks, folks have to be okay with that. Together we are working to ensure Stated Meeting 103 02/08/2024 only fully funded, but that our transit system provides a safe and a pleasurable experience for all of us. And I want everybody to hear me clearly on this, this is important: For all those who were loudest in 2020 that Black Lives Matter, for all those who stood with us and did this (indicated fist pump in air), for all those who claim that they believe in racial equity when making decisions, show us right now that you believe in that in this defining moment in our transit system. Show us that you mean what you said because we do not only hear what you say, we are watching what you do. Philadelphia has deeply-rooted communities, especially Black and Brown communities, that have been using the bus transit system for Stated Meeting 104 02/08/2024 on the bus for our everyday lives to buy food, medicine, to get to work, to pick up our children, to go to the doctor's office. So understanding the needs of riders in Wynnefield, in Strawberry Mansion, in Lawncrest, Olney, Nicetown, Hunting Park, just to name a few, requires a deep understanding of how residents in those neighborhoods live and what they actually need. And I'm adding in the Northeast as well because they deserve a voice in this process and not just two meetings. To many residents, the current version of the bus plan was another example of a tale of two cities, a place where changes benefit more affluent communities and leaves those who have lived here and held this City on their shoulders the longest behind. For years I've been watching Stated Meeting 105 02/08/2024 show up in our neighborhoods and tell us what we need and what will make our lives better without ever really listening to what we want. I want to be clear, you can't be for us without us. I'm a lifelong Philadelphian who has seen growth and development explode in our city.
And I've waited with my family members and friends from Seybert Street down to Jackson Street for that growth to benefit all of us. So working with SEPTA in a partnership and in a collaborative manner to ensure that the biggest transportation project intergeneration truly meets the needs of all of our residents is how we ensure that racial equity can be a reality in America's poorest big city. So I thank you very much for your partnership and your Stated Meeting 106 02/08/2024 of those who are understanding the need for us to ensure that we get this right for every single Philadelphian, not just those who are the vocal few. Thank you. )
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Anthony Phillips.
Thank you, Council President. I just want to say I think so highly of Councilwoman Katherine Gilmore Richardson. She's our Majority Leader and this weekend is her 40th birthday. And we just want to say thank you for always advocating for our -- just amazing. And I also want to tell Council President, I said, see, people stick around for us at the end because you start us on time. Stated Meeting 107 02/08/2024 to say thank you, good sir. I won't be like a pastor, I won't be long, I'm just going to come for -- I'm really not going to be long. I just want to say to my colleague Councilmember Driscoll, thank you for your work around the L&I piece of legislation, credible. We have to get that right. And also to the Kensington Caucus led by Councilwoman Lozada, I mean just amazing. The City of Philadelphia, we are going to get this done. And Lozada's been leading the charge, and I know the Mayor has her back and we're going to get this one done. I know it for sure. (Applause.)
I come before you today because when I started on City Council, I wanted to be able to make as much impact in Stated Meeting 108 02/08/2024 There was a lot of noise around the City of Philadelphia about who is this person who's going to replace Cherelle Parker on Philadelphia City Council. And then out of nowhere this guy who is not as political, Anthony Phillips comes out of the pocket and they're like, who the heck is he. And I just wanted to do right by her to make sure that folks understood and respected why she was able to push me and I also wanted to do right by the City of Philadelphia because I love, love, love service. So coming out of the gate I wanted to see how it can be as impactful and learn all at the same time. And so, when we first started we had a lot of staff transition. Rachel Meadows left our office shortly after I started to go work for the Mayor, and she's Stated Meeting 109 02/08/2024 director. And me having a youth development background, I was looking for somebody that kind of fit my style and how we'd work. And I found -- well, didn't find, but I was able to identify and work with a young man by the name of Jemille Duncan who is behind me today. Jemille has been in government since he was 14 years old. And let me tell you -(Applause.)
I met Jemille when I was doing youth work in the City of Philadelphia with an organization called UrbEd. Jemille was first brought into government by State Senator Sharif Street, who also worked closely with Councilman Jim Harrity when he was Chief of Staff over at State Senator Sheriff Street. They were struck by his intelligence as an 8th grader going Stated Meeting 110 02/08/2024 9th grade. And they said, well, I want you to come intern and work with us. And lo and behold, he became a quick learner and became really on top of government work and so forth. And I must say to you, he's one of the most intelligent young people I've met ever in my life. So at the age of 18, we brought him here back to City Council after working for two other members. And thus far, we've put together about a couple of bills, major ones, ski masks, speed cushions, and we also were able to work closely on some resolutions and hearings and so forth. Jemille has been a partner, and what I say is good crime to the City of Philadelphia with me. And we're going to miss him because my predecessor also found a way to love him. He's going to be working in Stated Meeting 111 02/08/2024 starting next week in the Legislative Affairs. So Jemille Duncan, today is his last day. I don't expect him coming back to City Council. (Applause.)
And I just wanted to quickly acknowledge you and say thank you, my brother, and thank you for your service to the City of Philadelphia and we look forward to seeing all of the things that you do. Well wishes and best of luck. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Thank you. Congratulations, young man. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. I just wanted to make sure I Stated Meeting 112 02/08/2024 as the Chair of Public Health Committee that I will be working very closely with them so we have evidence-based, sensible solutions to the problems we are encountering, and that we do it in an equitable and compassionate way. And I pledge to you that we will bring your hearings up, the Committee hearings, and we will work on it. And I commend all of you for being proactive. And I think as the community has responded today by saying they've been given hope, so I join them in saying I have hope and I look forward to working with all of you and looking at this as a public health epidemic so we can get some real solutions to resolve this matter. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. Stated Meeting 113 02/08/2024 speeches, I think since I've been -- since 2011 as a Former State Representative making the transition to City Council, I've been here since 2011, this is probably the first time or this is the first time that I've seen the whole Council body pretty much rally around supporting their colleagues in addressing the issue, right, regardless if it's your representative or not. And that's the only way we're going to move this great City of Philadelphia forward by working together. (Applause.)
So I commend the spirit of collaboration on addressing the issue. I want to also say because we won't have an opportunity to see this young lady between now -- well, you will get a chance to see her between now and next week, but Stated Meeting 114 02/08/2024 session of Council, let's acknowledge -because it's a milestone -- the 40th birthday of our Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson. (Applause.)
It's a big deal. And I won't see everybody before next Thursday, so Happy Valentines Day, y'all. With that being said, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Council President. I echo your sentiments with the Happy Birthday as well as the Happy Valentine's Day. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. promptly. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly Stated Meeting 115 02/08/2024 adjourned until Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and this Council session is adjourned. ) Stated Meeting 116 02/08/2024 C E R T I F I C A T I O N I, hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence noted are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me in the foregoing matter, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. m. P. m.