2026-10-15 - City Council

00:08Please take your seats.

00:35All visitors,

00:38please retire to the seats outside the

00:40rails.

00:46I note that the hour has come that a

00:48quorum of this city council is present.

00:52I will ask all those present to please

00:55set your cell phones to silent

00:58and on vibrate.

01:01Please take all sidebar conversations

01:04out of the city council chambers.

01:20Today to give our invocation

01:23is our very own council member, most

01:27importantly, Reverend Nicholas Our

01:43invite all visitors and persons in the

01:45chamber to please stand and to assume

01:48the posture that is most comfortable for

01:49you in the offering of our invocation to

01:52begin our proceedings today.

02:04Oh ancient of days,

02:07as the prophet Daniel rightly

02:08acknowledged you,

02:11how many proceedings like this

02:14in every town and city, every state and

02:17country,

02:18generation

02:20after generation

02:22after generation?

02:25How many of these have you seen under

02:29your allseeing protective eye?

02:32more than we could ever number or

02:34comprehend.

02:37Today we have assembled

02:43to endeavor to do it again.

02:47And we can take confidence that as

02:49you've watched over and protected so

02:51many for so long, you'll do it again for

02:55us today.

02:57344 years old, 100 mayors deep, we are a

03:02city acquainted with promise and pain.

03:08And it seems like in the last week, we

03:10felt the weight of that all at once.

03:15the families whose homes have become

03:18places of tragedy where domestic and

03:20sexual violence have taken the lives of

03:23loved ones and so many others who still

03:26suffer in silence in those homes. We

03:29remember

03:32Sadie Turner,

03:34Gabby Turner, whose lives were taken in

03:38their own homes by their own family

03:40members. We remember

03:45Officer Shane Cyber, whose life was

03:47taken in the line of duty. His partner

03:51who continues to fight for his health

03:53and their families who have to bear it

03:56all.

03:58We remember

04:01the countless citizens, neighbors who

04:04live their days in our city limits with

04:08their backs against the wall, struggling

04:10to afford housing, struggling to afford

04:13food, struggling to afford the basic

04:15necessities of life, seniors living on

04:18fixed incomes, children who are having

04:20to fend for themselves and everybody

04:23else. We remember

04:27as our nation approaches another

04:29election,

04:30guard us against the temptations of

04:32division,

04:34cruelty,

04:36racism,

04:38and the pursuit of power for power's

04:40sake. Help us to see beyond it.

04:44Renew in us a commitment to truth, to

04:47justice, and the dignity of every person

04:51without exception. And as we remember,

04:55remind us, oh ancient of days, that the

04:59measure of this city's greatness is not

05:01merely the strength of its institutions,

05:04but the well-being of its people,

05:08particularly those who are the least

05:10protected amongst us. Bless the members

05:13of this council, one by one. Each person

05:16on their teams one by one. You know

05:19their names and every hair on their

05:20head. all of whom produce often unseen

05:24labor that makes the work of government

05:26even possible. Grant us wisdom in our

05:28deliberations, humility in our

05:31disagreements, courage in our decisions,

05:34and compassion in our service.

05:36Purify our intentions, oh God. Make us

05:40worthy of our respective election.

05:44Let justice guide our decisions and

05:45mercy temper our judgments. love of

05:49neighbor, let it remain the highest

05:51calling in our common life together.

05:54Hear our prayer, O Lord. Incline thine

05:57ear to us and grant us thy peace. Amen.

06:02>> Amen.

06:03>> Amen.

06:04>> Amen.

06:04>> Amen. And ash. Thank you so much.

06:09I want to take a moment to

06:15thank member Oor for stepping in this

06:18place and offering our invocation this

06:21morning.

06:22I will ask for all members and guests

06:27to please stand

06:29and join me before we conduct our

06:33official business

06:35as we offer a moment of silence to honor

06:36the life and service of Philadelphia

06:38police officer

06:40Shane Sber

06:42who was tragically killed in the line of

06:44duty this past weekend.

06:48Officer Siver served the Philadelphia

06:49Police Department for 10 years and was

06:52assigned to the 19th

06:54Police District.

06:56He was a dedicated public servant, a

06:59husband,

07:01and a loving father of two young

07:04children, ages seven and three.

07:09We also keep officer Sber's partner in

07:12our thoughts and prayers

07:15as he continues to recover from the

07:17serious injuries he sustained

07:20in the senseless act of violence.

07:24On behalf of Philadelphia City Council,

07:25we extend our deepest condolences to

07:27offer SB's wife, children, family,

07:32friends, and fellow officers during this

07:35heartbreaking time. We are forever

07:38grateful for officer Sver's service and

07:41sacrifice. May his memory live on and

07:44may his family find strength and comfort

07:48in our city support.

07:51So, please join me in a moment of

07:52silence in honor

07:54of Officer Shane Zver's life.

08:02Council

08:11be at ease.

11:54I got him.

12:00>> The next order of business is the

12:02approval of the journal of the meeting

12:03of Thursday, October the 8th of 2026.

12:07The chair recognizes majority deputy

12:10whip, council member Cindy Bass.

12:13>> Thank you, Mr. President. And I move

12:15that the journal of the meeting of

12:16Thursday, October 8th, 2026 be approved.

12:19>> It has been moved and properly seconded

12:21that the journal of the meeting of

12:22Thursday, October the 8th, 2026 stand

12:25approved. All in favor will signify by

12:28saying I.

12:29>> Those opposed, the eyes have it and the

12:31journal is approved. The next order of

12:34business is request for leave of absence

12:35and the chair recognizes majority leader

12:38Captain Gilmore Richardson.

12:40>> Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of

12:41the majority, there are no requests for

12:43leave of absence today.

12:44>> The chair thanks the majority leader.

12:46The chair recognized minor leader Kendra

12:48Brooks.

12:49>> Thank you, Council President. On the

12:51behalf of the minority, there are no

12:52requests for leaves of absence today.

12:54>> The chair thanks minority leader. The

12:56chair now recognizes Majority Leader

12:59Captain Gilmer Richardson for a motion

13:00concerning certain legislative matters

13:03that may arise during the course of

13:04today's session of council and that were

13:07not listed on the calendar circulated

13:09prior to today's council session.

13:12>> Thank you, Mr. President. I move that

13:14any of the following matters, if

13:15considered today, may be added to the

13:17agenda for this session of council and

13:19as required by law, subsequently

13:21published on an amended agenda after the

13:23consideration of those matters.

13:25Resolutions authorizing hearings.

13:27Amendments to bills on first reading.

13:29The reconsideration of a bill veto by or

13:31recall from the mayor. Amendments to

13:33bills recall from the mayor. Resolutions

13:35taking substantive action to be voted on

13:37in this council session. A motion to

13:39withdraw a bill or resolution that is

13:41not on the calendar. And a motion

13:43placing a bill or resolution on or

13:45returning a bill or resolution from the

13:47suspension calendar that is not listed

13:48on today's calendar. The purpose of this

13:51motion is to provide the public with

13:52notice concerning possible actions by

13:54council that arose too late to be

13:56included on the calendar that was

13:57published prior to today's session.

14:00It has been moved and properly seconded

14:02that the legislative matters stated by

14:04majority captain Gilmer Richardson may

14:06be added to the agenda for today those

14:09matters arise during the course of this

14:11session of council. All those in favor

14:13will signify by saying I.

14:15>> Anyone opposed? The eyes have it and the

14:17motion carries. The chair will dispense

14:20with the regular order of business to

14:22recognize the guests and visitors

14:24joining us in chambers this morning. On

14:26behalf of all members of city council, I

14:28welcome you to our council session. We

14:30appreciate you're taking the time to

14:32join us as we attend to the legislative

14:35affairs of our great city. We certainly

14:37invite you to come again. The chair

14:39recognizes Councilman Isaiah Thomas.

14:41>> Good morning, Council President. Um,

14:43today I would like to acknowledge um a

14:46good friend of mine from the

14:48Pennsylvania Municipal League of Cities.

14:49For those who don't know, the

14:50Pennsylvania Municipal League of Cities

14:52is a coalition of elected officials who

14:54come together on a consistent basis to

14:56brainstorm, advocate, and fight for

14:58their local municipalities. I'm proud to

15:00be a part of the league representing the

15:02city of Philadelphia. Former council

15:04member Derek Green also was representing

15:06Philadelphia. And if you don't know,

15:08Council Member Brian O'Neal is a legend

15:10when it comes to the National League of

15:12Cities. He's a former president. They

15:14got his jersey retired when it comes to

15:16the National League of Cities and

15:18Pennsylvania Municipal League. Uh but I

15:20just want to take a moment to recognize

15:22uh Chris and John Briner. Chris and

15:24John, can you stand up, please?

15:26>> Welcome.

15:27>> Welcome to Philadelphia.

15:29Um, if you want to learn more about the

15:32Pennsylvania, uh, Munipal League of

15:34Cities, uh, my office in collaboration

15:36with, uh, Johnny, executive director, as

15:38well as Chris, we'll be hosting a

15:40briefing after lunch. I know council

15:42members are very busy, but if you have a

15:44staff member that's able to attend the

15:46briefing after lunch, we would love to

15:47tell you more about the Pennsylvania

15:49Municipal League of Cities, what we're

15:50doing with other elected officials, and

15:52how you can get involved. Did I do good,

15:53Council Member O'Neal?

15:55>> I need to follow up a little bit.

15:56>> Thank you, Council President. [laughter]

15:59chair recognizes Council Member Brian

16:01O'Neal.

16:02>> Thank you, Mr. President. I would like

16:03to thank U uh Councilman Isaiah Thomas.

16:07Uh he came up with this idea to bring uh

16:10staff in. John's the executive director.

16:13Chris Lucco is the uh membership

16:15services director. And uh I've been

16:19president twice of the Pennsylvania

16:21Municipal League. I attended their

16:23meeting last week in uh in Hershey. Uh

16:27but the uh but they've never been in

16:29here like this to explain. Usually we're

16:32chasing their dues uh when we're whether

16:35it was Derek, Marian, Tasco, uh Isaiah,

16:39myself, but they uh making sure finance

16:41gets the gets the payment in. But u uh

16:44Isaiah, my hats off to you for uh coming

16:46up with this idea, and I think it's

16:48going to be beneficial to anyone who

16:50attends. Thank you.

16:52>> Thank you, Mayor O'Neal. Welcome to the

16:54city of Philadelphia.

16:56Chair recognizes

16:58Council Member Kendra Brooks.

17:00>> Thank you, Council President. I want to

17:03honor and celebrate Michael of the Ark

17:05of Philadelphia for their work um as

17:08they successfully advocated to the

17:10Pennsylvania Human Rights Coalition to

17:12wave the miss admission fees for

17:15personal care assistance while they

17:17accompany individuals with disabilities

17:19to events. This is near and dear to me.

17:21you know, I worked 17 years in that

17:23community and I remember when like for

17:27every participant that was in the

17:29program, we had to pay double um for

17:31them just to experience the wonderful

17:33thing that these cities has to offer.

17:35So, I want to thank Michael and the ARC

17:37for their advocacy. Um, and if you're

17:39not aware of the new law, please make

17:41sure that you look into it to make sure

17:43that our city continues to be as

17:45accessible as possible for all our

17:47people with varying needs. Thank you so

17:49much, Council President. Thank you very

17:50much. Welcome to city council.

17:54Chair recognizes Councilman Ruandal.

17:57>> Thank you, Council President. I just

17:59wanted to take a second to recognize the

18:01members from Mental Health Partnerships

18:03are here today. Let's stand up if you

18:06were to just wave. Um we're honoring

18:09them today with the resolution 75th

18:11anniversary. Welcome mental health

18:13partnerships.

18:14>> Thank you very much. Welcome to city

18:16council. Chair organizer council Katy

18:18Lazada. Morning everyone. Um, I'd like

18:22to um recognize Second Baptist Church

18:25who um received a unanimous uh vote on

18:29becoming a historical site. You can't

18:31tell the story of Black Frankfurt if you

18:34don't tell the story of Second Baptist

18:36Church. So, I'd like to recognize them

18:39on that distinction.

18:43>> Thank you very much. Go. I'm sorry. Go

18:45ahead. I'm sorry. I'd also like to um

18:47recognize and ask you to uh welcome uh

18:51firefighter Joshua Bagang for his

18:54extraordinary courage in saving lives of

18:56four fellow firefighters. Um uh

18:59firefighter Pagan was recognized as the

19:03firefighter of the year in the city of

19:04Philadelphia. And today we're going to

19:06introduce a resolution. But I'd like to

19:07welcome all of the fire department and

19:09thank them all for their service uh to

19:12our city.

19:13>> Thank you for your service.

19:24And I'd also I'd also like to recognize

19:27um the organizations that provide the

19:30very important uh services of domestic

19:34violence um and connecting men, women

19:37and children uh with the necessary

19:39resources to have um very safe lives. Um

19:43many of them uh are involved in at all

19:46hours of the night uh throughout the

19:47city of Philadelphia. Um some of them

19:49are represented here today. Women

19:51Against Abuse, Lutheran Settlement

19:53House, Congresso, Women in Transition,

19:55Love Shouldn't Hurt, Jamie Colleen

19:58Miller, and Madre Tierra. Um thank you

20:01so much to each and every one of those

20:02organizations for your tireless work in

20:05our community.

20:07>> Thank you for your service.

20:10Welcome to city council.

20:13As there are no presentations today,

20:17the next order of business is

20:18communications. The chair rec request

20:21that the sergeant-at-arms deliver the

20:22messages from the mayor to the chief

20:25clerk. Would the chief clerk please read

20:27the messages from the mayor and any

20:29other communications in his possession?

20:32>> To the president, the members of the

20:33council of the city of Philadelphia, I'm

20:35submitting herewith for the

20:36consideration of your honorable body the

20:38following proposed. An ordinance

20:40authorizing the commissioner of public

20:41property on behalf of the city to

20:43acquire fee simple title or a lesser

20:45real estate interest by purchase,

20:46dedication, donation, condemnation,

20:49agreement in lie of condemnation or

20:51otherwise in and to all portions of

20:53certain parcels of land located along

20:55the west bank of the Skookul River in

20:57and around an area generally bounded by

20:59South 58th Street as extended to the

21:01bulkhead line of the west bank of the

21:03Skookul River, South 61st Street and

21:06West Pac for public park, recreation and

21:09transportation purposes under certain

21:10terms and conditions. There are no

21:12further communications in my possession.

21:14Council President,

21:15>> thank you very much. The messages will

21:17be printed in the journal.

21:20The next order of business is the

21:21introduction of bills and resolutions.

21:24The chair recognizes Councilman, Dr.

21:26Anthony Phillips.

21:28>> Thank you, Council President. Uh, good

21:30morning everyone. I have one privilege

21:33resolution and one nonprivilege

21:35resolution for today. Thank you.

21:36>> Thank you very much. Would the chief

21:38clerk please read the title of the

21:42resolutions?

21:43>> A privileged resolution recognizing

21:45National School Lunch Week celebrated in

21:47schools October 12th through 16th, 2026

21:50and honoring the role of school meals

21:52and school food service employees in

21:54addressing food insecurity and

21:56supporting the health, learning, and

21:58well-being of Philadelphia students.

22:00This resolution will be placed on

22:02today's final passage calendar

22:05>> and a non-p privileged resolution

22:06calling on the school district of

22:08Philadelphia to re-examine its policies

22:10and practices concerning the provision

22:12of healthy, nutritious, and highquality

22:14meals to Philadelphia public school

22:16students.

22:18>> This resolution will be placed on the

22:21final passage calendar for consideration

22:23at our next session of council. The

22:26chair recognizes majority leader

22:27Katherine Gilmore Richardson.

22:28>> Good morning, council president. Good

22:30morning colleagues. Today I offer one

22:31bill and one non-privilege resolution on

22:33your behalf.

22:34>> Thank you very much. Will the chief

22:36clerk please read the title of the bill

22:37and the resolution?

22:39>> An ordinance amending section 14-601 of

22:42the Philadelphia Code entitled use

22:44categories, section 14-602

22:47entitled use tables, and section 14-603

22:51entitled use specific standards by

22:53adding a definition to the retail sales

22:55use category for tobacco sales. making

22:58changes to the use tables to reflect the

23:01updated use category definition and

23:03adding use specific standards all under

23:05certain terms and conditions.

23:07>> Very well done, majority leader Gilmer

23:09Richardson. This bill will be referred

23:11to the appropriate committee

23:12>> and a non-privileged resolution

23:14confirming the reappoint of James Angler

23:17as a member of the board of ethics to

23:19serve in the term ending November 16th,

23:212031. This resolution will be placed on

23:24the final passage of this calendar for

23:26consideration the next session of

23:28council. The chair recognizes council

23:30member Jamie Gartier.

23:31>> Good morning, council president. Nothing

23:33today.

23:34>> Thank you very much. Chair recognizes

23:35council member Isaiah Thomas.

23:37>> Good morning again, council president.

23:38Good morning, Philadelphia. I have four

23:39resolutions today. Thank you.

23:41>> Thank you very much. Will the chief

23:42clerk please read the title of the

23:43resolutions?

23:45>> Thank you. A privileged resolution

23:47honoring Philadelphia Eagles legend Lane

23:50Patterson on the occasion of his

23:52retirement after 14 incredible seasons

23:54with the organization and earning two

23:57Super Bowl Super Bowl rings and numerous

23:59other accolades.

24:01>> This resolution we place on today's

24:03final passage calendar.

24:06>> Yeah, I was

24:10>> Eagles legend Lane Johnson.

24:15that I said.

24:18>> I have no idea what I said. I apologize.

24:19I should read the title again for

24:21clarification.

24:23>> Read that for the record, please.

24:24>> Read that for the record. I apologize.

24:26Honoring Philadelphia Eagles legend Lane

24:29Johnson on the occasion of his

24:30retirement after 14 incredible seasons

24:33with the organization and earning two

24:35Super Bowl rings and numerous other

24:37accolades.

24:39Thank you.

24:44This resolution be placed on today's

24:46final passage calendar

24:49>> and a privileged resolution honoring

24:51Justin Edwards on the occasion of the

24:53renaming of Smemedley Elementary School

24:55gym commemorating his community

24:57involvement and career in the National

24:59Basketball Association. This resolution

25:02we place in the today's final passage

25:04calendar

25:05>> and a privileged resolution honoring Mel

25:07Ree as the voice of the Philadelphia

25:09Eagles and congratulating him on his

25:1150th season as the Eagles radio

25:14playbyplay announcer.

25:16This resolution

25:18will be placed in today's final passage

25:20calendar

25:21>> and a privileged resolution celebrating

25:23the Philadelphia Department of Prisons

25:25on the opening of the skills center

25:27improving the career readiness and

25:28re-entry process of incarcerated

25:31individuals.

25:32>> This resolution be placed on today's

25:34final passage calendar. Chair recognizes

25:35Council Member Curtis Jones.

25:37>> Thank you, Mr. President and colleagues.

25:39Today I offer one bill and one privilege

25:41resolution.

25:42>> Thank you very much. Chief clerk, please

25:43read the title of the bill in the

25:45resolution.

25:45>> An ordinance amending chapter 9-600 of

25:48the Philadelphia Code entitled service

25:50and other businesses by adding a new

25:52section regulating the hours of

25:53operation of certain establishments on

25:56North 54th Street between Arlington

25:58Street and Montgomery Avenue and

26:00providing for penalties all under

26:01certain terms and conditions.

26:04This bill will be referred to

26:06appropriate committee

26:08>> and a privileged resolution honoring and

26:10recognizing the Please Touch Museum on

26:12its 50th anniversary in recognition of

26:14its long-standing commitment to

26:16childhood learning through play and its

26:18lasting impact on millions of children

26:20and families from all walks of life

26:22since its founding.

26:24>> This resolution we place on today's

26:25final passage calendar recognize

26:28Councilman Ruleando.

26:29>> Good morning council president,

26:31colleagues, and the public. Today I have

26:32two privileged resolutions.

26:34>> Thank you very much. Chief clerk, please

26:36read the title of the resolutions.

26:38>> A privileged resolution honoring and

26:40recognizing Mario Zuka, also known as

26:43OneShot MAR, as the first ever winner of

26:46the Philadelphia Parallel Parking

26:48Association, PPPA Championship held on

26:51October 3rd, 2026.

26:58>> Now, hold up.

27:02I grew up in South Philly. Our streets

27:05are about this big and so I got a nice

27:08whip game. [laughter]

27:11The gentleman who won Mark is from

27:13Northwest N area. They have driveways

27:15and wide, [laughter]

27:18but I didn't sign up for the contest

27:21because I kind of wanted to not make it

27:22unfair. But that bill, that resolution

27:25will be referred to today's final

27:28passage calendar. Please proceed.

27:31>> And a privileged resolution honoring and

27:33recognizing mental health partnerships

27:35on the occasion of its 75th anniversary

27:37for advancing mental health recovery and

27:40peer-led support for the people of

27:42Philadelphia for three quarters of a

27:44century.

27:45>> This resolution placed on today's final

27:47passage calendar.

27:51Chair [clears throat] recognizes council

27:52member Katy Lazada.

27:54>> Good morning everyone. Thank you council

27:55president for three privilege

27:57resolutions today.

27:58>> Thank you very much. Chief clerk, please

27:59read the title of the resolutions,

28:01please.

28:02>> A privileged resolution. The city

28:04council of the city that the council of

28:06the city of Philadelphia proudly

28:07recognizes and celebrates the historic

28:09legacy, enduring service, and

28:11contributions of Second Baptist Church

28:14of Frankfurt and the black community of

28:16Frankfurt. This resolution will be

28:18placed on today's final passage calendar

28:22>> and a privileged resolution declaring

28:23October 2026 as domestic violence

28:26awareness month in the city of

28:28Philadelphia.

28:29>> This resolution be placed on today's

28:31final pastor's calendar. Can we clap for

28:33the survivors, please?

28:41and a privileged resolution honoring

28:43Philadelphia firefighter Joshua Pagan

28:46for his extraordinary courage and

28:48selfless service in saving the lives of

28:50our fellow firefighters and celebrating

28:52his historic distinction as the first

28:54Latino recipient of the Philadelphia

28:56firefighter of the year award.

29:04Chair recognizes Councilman Ketada.

29:07>> President, I I failed to say that the

29:09domestic violence awareness month uh

29:11resolution was co-introduced with uh m

29:14minority leader Kendra Brooks.

29:17>> Thanks. Good job.

29:24Chair recognized Councilman Jeffrey J.

29:26Young.

29:27>> Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer

29:29one bill and one privilege resolution on

29:32your behalf. Thank you very much. Will

29:34the chief clerk please read the title of

29:35the bill and the resolution?

29:37>> An ordinance amending chapter 12-2800 of

29:40the Philadelphia Code entitled

29:42Administrative Adjudication of Parking

29:44Violations to reauthorize an amnesty

29:46program for fines, fees, and penalties

29:49on parking violations all under certain

29:51terms and conditions.

29:53>> I thought y'all would clap for that,

29:55John.

29:57This bill will be referred to the

29:58appropriate committee

30:02>> and a privileged resolution recognizing

30:04the late Judge Raymond Pace Alexander,

30:07former council member of the fifth

30:08council medic district, the first

30:10African-American Philadelphia city

30:12council member and the first

30:13African-American judge on the court of

30:15common please in Pennsylvania on the

30:17occasion of his judicial portrait

30:19rededication ceremony.

30:21>> This resolution will place on today's

30:23final passage calendar.

30:27Chair recognizes Council Member Kendra

30:28Brooks.

30:29>> Thank you, Council President. I have one

30:31privilege resolution to introduce today.

30:35>> Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please

30:36read the title of the resolution. A

30:39privilege resolution commending the

30:40Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission,

30:43PHRC, for issuing guidance affirming

30:46that waving admission fees for personal

30:47care assistance at public and commercial

30:49properties is an important and

30:51reasonable accommodation and recognizing

30:53the work of Michael Anderson of the Ark

30:56of Philadelphia for his successful

30:58advocacy.

30:59>> This resolution be placed on today's

31:01final patch calendar.

31:04Council member Jim Hardy.

31:07Thank you, Council President. I have one

31:09privileged resolution today.

31:11>> Thank you very much, Chief Clerk. Please

31:13read the title of the resolution.

31:14>> A privileged resolution honoring the

31:16life and legacy of Martin Marty

31:18Weinberg, attorney and former city

31:20solicitor, celebrating his lifetime

31:22commitment to the city of Philadelphia

31:24and extending the deepest condolences to

31:26his family and friends upon his passing.

31:29>> This resolution be placed on today's

31:31final pastor's calendar.

31:34Chair recognizes council member

31:37Mike Driscoll.

31:38>> Morning, Mr. President. No bills or

31:40resolutions today.

31:41>> Thank you very much. You recognize

31:43Councilman O'Neal.

31:44>> Thank you, Mr. President. I have no

31:45bills or resolutions today.

31:47>> Council member Mark Squiller.

31:48>> Thank you, Mr. President. Off for one

31:50bill today.

31:51>> Thank you very much, Chief Clerk. Please

31:52read the title of the bill.

31:54An ordinance amending section 12-2405

31:58of the Philadelphia code removal or

32:00immobilization of parked vehicles notice

32:03by modifying certain requirements

32:04related to the removal or immobilization

32:07of certain boats, motor homes, truck

32:09campers, and vending carts all under

32:11certain terms and conditions.

32:13>> This bill will be referred to

32:14appropriate committee. Chair recognizes

32:15Council Member Nicholas Soror.

32:17>> Thank you, Mr. President. Nothing today.

32:19[clears throat]

32:19>> Thank you very much. Chair recognizes

32:20Council Member Cindy Bass.

32:22>> Thank you, Mr. Pre. Uh, Mr. President, I

32:24offer one privilege resolution and one

32:27bill.

32:27>> Thank you very much. Chief clerk, please

32:29read the title of the bill and

32:31resolution.

32:32>> An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia

32:34zoning maps by changing the zoning

32:36designations of certain areas of land

32:38located within an area bounded by

32:40Rubicam Street, Ashme Street, Wakefield

32:42Street, and Bringhurst Street. This bill

32:45will be referred to the appropriate

32:46committee

32:47>> and a privileged resolution authorizing

32:49the committee on licenses and

32:50inspections to hold hearings to examine

32:52the maintenance, inspection,

32:53enforcement, and demolition of

32:55deteriorating, blighted, and unsafe

32:57properties in the city of Philadelphia.

33:00>> This resolution may place on today's

33:02final patches calendar. Chair recognized

33:04Councilman Dr. Nina May.

33:06>> Thank you, Council President. I have one

33:08privilege resolution today.

33:10>> Thank you very much, Chief Clerk. Please

33:11read the title of the resolution. A

33:14privileged resolution recognizing

33:15October 18th, 2026 as World Menopause

33:18Day in Philadelphia.

33:21This resolution will be placed on

33:23today's final passage calendar.

33:40There being no reports from committees,

33:45the next order of business is the

33:47consideration of the calendar. The chair

33:50recognizes majority leader,

33:53member Katherine Gilmore Richardson, for

33:56the bills on the second reading and

33:58final passage calendar.

34:01>> Thank you, Mr. President. And I move

34:02that the rules of council be suspended

34:04as to permit the use of a consent agenda

34:06to consider the following bills on the

34:08second reading and final passage

34:09calendars today. Bill numbers 2550-649

34:13260298

34:15260342-

34:17A 260343-

34:19A 260344-

34:21A 260345-

34:23A 260566

34:252609

34:27260758

34:29and 260762.

34:31The following bills on the calendar are

34:32being held. 2550768

34:3525807

34:372-60076

34:39260462

34:41260692

34:43260693

34:4426076

34:46and 260707.

34:50>> It has been moved and properly seconded

34:51that the rules of council be suspended

34:53to permit the use of the consent agenda

34:56to consider the bills just read by the

34:57council member and majority leader

34:59Katherine Gilmer Richardson. All in

35:01favor, please indicate by saying I. I.

35:03>> Those opposed, the eyes have it. The

35:05motion carries and we will consider the

35:07bill consent agenda shortly. The chair

35:10recognizes member Captain Gilmer

35:12Richardson for the purpose of calling up

35:14resolutions on the final passage

35:16calendar and any additional bills on the

35:18second reading and final passage

35:19calendar.

35:20>> Thank you, Mr. President. The following

35:22resolutions are being called up from the

35:24final passage calendar and the following

35:26bills are being called up from the

35:27second reading and final passage

35:28calendar today. Resolution numbers

35:312-60823,

35:32260824,

35:34260846,

35:35260848,

35:37260849,

35:39and bill number 260691.

35:42The following resolutions and bills on

35:44the calendar that were previously read

35:47into the record are being held.

35:50>> Before considering these resolutions and

35:53bills, we will consider public comment

35:55as follows. Your public comment must

35:58concern matters on the second reading of

36:00final passage calendar for possible

36:02action at today's council session. All

36:05speakers must sign up in order to

36:06testify. If not already signed up for

36:09today's session, please do so now by

36:11giving your name to Miss Hass at the

36:13table outside the rails to my left. Once

36:16you have signed up, you will be called

36:18in the order in which your name appears

36:20on a sign up sheet. Under ideal

36:22circumstances, public commenters each

36:24will have three minutes to speak.

36:26However, this time limit may vary from

36:28session to session. Today, the time

36:30limit will be two minutes. In order to

36:32be fair to all those wishing to speak, I

36:34intend to hold faithfully to the

36:35two-minute limit. When you begin

36:37speaking, you will see a green light on

36:39the podium. When there are 30 seconds

36:41remaining to your time, the light will

36:43turn yellow, which is your reminder to

36:45please conclude your remarks. Once two

36:48minutes have passed, the light will turn

36:50red. and the sergeant-at-arms will

36:52disconnect the microphone. Please do not

36:54give him a hard time. He's only doing

36:56his job. At that point, please yield the

36:59podium to the next speaker if you have

37:01not already done so. I also reserve the

37:03right, pursuant to our rules of city

37:05council, to limit repetitious comments

37:08on the same subject matter. The right to

37:11comment does not give anyone the right

37:13to disrupt proceedings. I ask that all

37:16commenters please refrain from using

37:18profanity that disrupts the meeting so

37:20we can maintain order in this forum

37:23through respect and discourse. I will

37:26now ask that the chief clerk please read

37:29the names of our speakers for today's

37:32public comment.

37:35Will President Dion Garry, Joshua Pagan,

37:40William Small, Joanna Atiro, Cruz, David

37:45Alexander, John McCaulay,

37:48Karine Lashimina,

37:51Lagger Msina,

37:54Oona Paul Haggins, Jeremy Blackstein,

37:59Adam Watka, and Carara Bolino. Please

38:04make your way to the podium.

38:11>> Good morning.

38:12>> Good morning.

38:12>> I'm speaking in support of resolution

38:14260849.

38:17My name is Dion Gary and I'm the

38:19president of district 1199C representing

38:22more than 10,000 healthcare workers in

38:23the greater Philadelphia area.

38:29As a nurse by trade who spent over 15

38:32years at the bedside, I saw firsthand

38:34impacts of having patients without

38:36health insurance. Patients who are

38:38underinsured or uninsured delayed care

38:41until it was critical flooding our ICUs.

38:45Untreated infections that spread

38:47chronical illness that progressed

38:48without management and minor symptoms

38:50that developed into serious, sometime

38:52fatal complications. For many uninsured

38:55Philadelphiaians, emergency rooms have

38:57become their primary care. Not only does

38:59this strain our limited staff, but it

39:02also increases the wait times for those

39:04seeking hospital care. Those precious

39:06minutes and hours can mean the

39:08difference between life and death for

39:10the patient waiting for a bed. These

39:12conditions are now being made worse by

39:14the horrific cuts from HR1. Over 300,000

39:18Pennians will lose access to their

39:20Medicaid coverage with potentially

39:22thousands more unable to afford

39:23marketplace coverage now that subsidized

39:26subsidized have expired. We know that

39:29these cuts will result in more hospital

39:31sales to greedy private equity firms and

39:33eventually lead to more closures. I

39:35should know I worked at Hanaman.

39:37Our union believes healthc care is a

39:40right. Everyone has a right to have

39:42access in the preventative care and the

39:45need to stay healthy and relieve the

39:47stress on our hospitals. It will also

39:49give us greater power as union workers

39:51to bargain stronger contracts. Many of

39:53our contract fights are centered around

39:55cost and access to health care benefits,

39:58something that our employers weaponized

39:59during negotiations. Having universal

40:02healthcare will allow our members to

40:03focus on getting higher wages, more

40:05robust pensions, and improve our working

40:07conditions on the job. In a time when

40:09the cost of living continues to increase

40:11and our health care system is becoming

40:12increasingly profit driven, we need bold

40:15policies like universal healthcare to

40:17ensure a healthier population and a

40:19safer workplace. Thank you.

40:20>> Thank you.

40:29>> Good morning everyone.

40:30>> Good morning.

40:33>> All right. I would like to start off by

40:36saying it is an honor and privilege to

40:38stand before you all today. Growing up

40:40in Hunting Park, I always knew becoming

40:42a firefighter was what I wanted to do

40:43with my life. Dedication and service are

40:46the pillars of the oath we swore in when

40:48taking the position of Philadelphia

40:50firefighters. Being able to serve the

40:52citizens of Philadelphia, specifically

40:54in the West Philadelphia neighborhoods,

40:56Overbrook, Winfield, Carol Park, Cobs

40:58Creek, etc., is something that I take

41:01pride in.

41:03While in their moments of need, whatever

41:05they may be, I'm always ready to answer

41:07that call. On the night of the collapse,

41:10we were doing what we always do,

41:11answering the call of the citizens.

41:13Unfortunately, it took a turn, and when

41:15it did, the only thought going through

41:17my mind was getting my brothers out of

41:19there, no matter what happened.

41:21Thankfully, we were all able to make it

41:22out of there. One of my brothers was

41:24able to attend his wedding and marry his

41:26best friend. Others already back at

41:28work, others almost done with their

41:30journey making it back. Even though I

41:33might be the first Latino to win

41:35firefighter of the year, the future is

41:37bright and I know I won't be the last.

41:39It means the world to me that I could

41:41blaze the trail for those that look like

41:42me and represent WEA.

42:01Congratulations.

42:05Thank you for your service and

42:06representation matters. Please proceed.

42:10Good morning everybody. My name is

42:12William Small and I'm a member of Flip

42:14Philly Red. Today I am opposed to

42:17resolution 260849

42:21which calls the P which calls for the

42:23Pennsylvania General Assembly to enact

42:25Senate Bill 1465, the PA Universal

42:29Healthc Care Act. Now, let me tell you

42:31why I oppose this resolution. You're

42:33asking the state to consider a plan that

42:36proposes a 2.5% payroll tax to employees

42:40and a 7.5% payroll tax to employers. And

42:44you're doing this in a city where

42:45working people are already struggling

42:47under the burden of taxes. Midterms are

42:50here and I get it. I get it. We got to

42:52psychologically brainwash black people

42:55to make it seem like we doing something

42:57right. But we want we need something

43:02that that actually gives something back

43:04to the people of Philadelphia. Pathways

43:06for pro and I I know you you be doing

43:08your work. I I got you. But pathways to

43:11actually own property. You know what I

43:13mean? More jobs. Not something that's

43:16going to levy more taxes on us. We we

43:18tired of it. We got the mayor running

43:20around. She's still talking about these

43:22these uh ride share taxes. And I know

43:25y'all was fighting against that. But we

43:27don't we don't need something that's

43:28going to add more against us, you know.

43:31So, I'm quite sure the council members

43:33here can figure out a plan, can figure

43:36out something to actually decrease,

43:38let's let's try something new. Let's try

43:39to decrease taxes in Philadelphia and

43:42come up with a good plan to actually

43:44gain more revenue inside of the city.

43:46Can Can we actually do that? Is that

43:48possible? Because Kensington is a mess.

43:51Our school district is a mess. We had

43:54the DA. We had the DA on TV blaming the

43:57police about a a vicious murder. I mean,

44:00everything is just a mess right now.

44:03Thank you.

44:16>> Good morning and buenos Diaz. My name is

44:19Joano Tero Cruz and I'm the executive

44:21director and president of Women Against

44:23Abuse. On behalf of Women Against Abuse

44:26and our valued community partners who

44:28are here today, I want to thank council

44:31members Gi Losada and Kendra Brooks as

44:35well as the entire city council for

44:37recognizing domestic violence October as

44:40domestic violence awareness month in

44:42Philadelphia. Domestic violence is

44:45incredibly pervasive and impacts one in

44:47three women and one in four men. Each of

44:50us knows someone whose life has been

44:53hurt by it. As Women Against Abuse

44:55celebrates 50 years of serving on the

44:58front lines of Philadelphia's response

45:00to domestic violence, I reflect on the

45:03last five decades it represents. The

45:06tens of thousands of hotline calls

45:08answered by our counselors that left

45:10survivors with peace, hope, and a path

45:13forward. The hundreds of thousands of

45:15meals served to families in our

45:18emergency shelters who found respit from

45:21the stress of leaving an abusive

45:23relationship. The many children who have

45:26enjoyed stability and peaceful dreams

45:28while living at Sjourer House, our

45:31transitional housing program. the

45:33thousands of protection from abuse

45:35orders secured through our legal center

45:39that empowered survivors to break free

45:41and rebuild their lives and the

45:43countless of first responders, community

45:46groups, and young people reached through

45:48our prevention and education programs.

45:50This is change. This is families and

45:53survivors supported. This is a city

45:56moving closer to safety. And this is a

45:59reason to celebrate. And yet, domestic

46:02violence continues to claim lives,

46:05devastate families, and and fill

46:08neighborhoods with fear. The breaking

46:10the heartbreaking realities of intimate

46:13partner violence is one we have been

46:15reminded of far too often in recent

46:18days. Our work is far from finished, and

46:22it is our work to um and with our

46:25partners that we cannot do alone. We

46:27continue to rely on you, city council,

46:30to stand with us. You have been

46:32incredible partners and advocates in

46:35this life-saving mission. I thank you

46:37from the bottom of our hearts and

46:39implore you to um to stay the course to

46:43continue to invest in solution,

46:45strengthen um protections, hold systems

46:48accountable and ensure that every

46:50Philadelphia

46:52has an opportunity to live free from

46:55abuse because safety should never be out

46:58of reach. Thank you and let's continue

47:00to work together.

47:12broken.

47:17Mr. President, members and guests, David

47:18Alexander Jenkins, and I rise for

47:20resolution 260849

47:23in support of universal healthcare. A

47:25social media user has earned an audience

47:27in Philadelphia by setting a phone

47:29before people of a given city for people

47:31to expel whatever is on their minds.

47:34Intrigued, I watched in Philadelphia at

47:36the corner of 12th and Filbert Streets.

47:38People walk up to the phone to release

47:39their recordings of their innermost

47:41thoughts. The words that play over and

47:43over again in their minds filled the

47:45air. There were messages of hope,

47:47absolution, despair, disdain, fear,

47:50anger, joy, and love. And there were

47:51messages like this one. A young man who

47:54was 13 years old stepped to the receiver

47:56and said, "What's on my mind?" Yeah. Um,

47:59rest in peace to my dad. Focusing on the

48:02ball, trying to just make it, just

48:04trying to stay in school. Another

48:06message came from a woman who was of

48:08greater age, her hat cocked to the side,

48:10and she, leaning in, she kind of spoke

48:12quickly and almost lyrically, and she

48:14said, "Hello, I'm sorry. The life you're

48:15trying to reach is unavailable. Please

48:18hang up and try to breathe again. The

48:21life you're trying to reach is

48:22unavailable. For far too long, brothers

48:24and sisters, we have opined on what

48:26could make this city, this commonwealth,

48:28this nation a much more equitable, more

48:30sustaining, more vibrant, more livable,

48:32more available place to call home. And I

48:34have to tell you, I can think of nothing

48:36more important and life sustaining than

48:37access to comprehensive and universal

48:39health care. Today, as we stand here,

48:41more than 300,000 Pennians are at risk

48:44of losing their access to health care.

48:47Now, I know we failed the young man once

48:49who was just trying to stay in school by

48:50shutting down places like Lankenol. But

48:52I'm here to suggest that perhaps

48:54children like him, the child I once was,

48:57would still have places to turn to,

48:59like, I don't know, their fathers had

49:00inadequate healthc care, not ripped

49:02fathers from sons so soon. I don't know

49:05about you, but I want to wake up in a

49:06city that answers to the cries of her

49:08citizenry for the basic needs of a right

49:10to breathe, even clean air. Amen.

49:13Councilman Gatier with coverage for all

49:16Pennians knowing that no one should have

49:18to hear a voice that says please hang up

49:20and breathe again. So I rise to call

49:22upon the General Assembly of this

49:24Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to enact

49:25Senate Bill 1465. And I beg your

49:28unanimous passage of this resolution to

49:30do the same.

49:31>> Thank you.

49:40>> Good morning everyone. My name is John

49:42Alante McGali. I'm with a grassroots

49:44organization called Flip Philly Red.

49:46We're here to offer you something

49:47different because you've been voting

49:49Democrat for the mayor's office for the

49:50past 70 years. In regard to resolution

49:5426849

49:56asking the PA General Assembly to push

49:58for universal health care, if you cared

50:00about cheaper health care, you would

50:02purge our systems of waste, fraud, and

50:04abuse. How many women in Philadelphia

50:06create fake payubs to receive government

50:09assistance? Why did it take a Republican

50:11to become attorney general in

50:13Pennsylvania to recover $40 million and

50:16misuse Medicaid money? A South Philly

50:18pharmacy to build Medicaid and Medicare.

50:21$12 million for expensive drugs and

50:23never bought or gave to patients. Philly

50:26store owners charged for defrauding the

50:28Wick program close to a million dollars.

50:30Scam artists padding home care hours

50:33that they never worked to the tune of

50:34hundreds of thousands to over millions

50:36of dollars. Only corrupt politicians

50:39will cry about able-bodied people

50:41working 20 hours a week to receive

50:43government assistance. If a Democrat

50:45mayor and a Democrat city council and a

50:48Democrat district attorney doesn't rid

50:50his systems of waste, fraud, and abuse,

50:52I have to ask the question, what do you

50:55actually do? In the 40s and 50s, blacks

50:57were independent. Now blacks are happy

51:00with taking someone else's hard-earned

51:02money for government assistance.

51:04Universal health care and free bags of

51:06groceries. Beta black men like Barack

51:09Obama, DL Hugley, and Roland Martin has

51:12your black woman stuck on a Democrat

51:14plantation. Canada has universal

51:17healthcare and it takes seven months to

51:19see a family doctor. Democrats are the

51:21same party that says it's normal to

51:23watch porn. is body positivity to be

51:26obese. Have as many abortions as you

51:28want. It's okay to destroy your womb. If

51:31I don't want big government involved in

51:33my healthc care, it's okay. I'll be the

51:35[ __ ] But black women for Shapiro sends

51:38a little like tap dancing for their

51:39white liberal master. Robin Bird for

51:42state representative in the 177th

51:44district.

51:54Good morning. My name is Corin

51:55Laggersini. I'm the executive director

51:57of fiscalore advocacy here in support of

51:59bill 2550 649 authorizing the bike lane

52:04around city hall. We're here today in

52:06city hall, the literal and figurative

52:08heart of Philadelphia. City Hall serves

52:11as the intersection of Philadelphia's

52:13government, transit, and public spaces.

52:16Yet, as important as this place is,

52:19getting here requires pedestrians,

52:21transit users, and people with

52:23disabilities to navigate four lanes of

52:25chaotic and dangerous traffic.

52:28From 2020 to 2024, there were 89 people

52:32involved in crashes right outside of

52:34this building, five of whom were

52:36seriously injured. We know that removing

52:40excess car lanes around city hall and

52:43adding bike lanes has been a success.

52:45These public health measures have

52:46increased the number of people who bike,

52:49calm traffic speeds, shortened street

52:52crossing distances, and decreased the

52:54number of crashes. Since December, this

52:57new bike lane around city hall has

52:59closed a critical gap in Philly's bike

53:01network and made traveling on foot, by

53:05bike, or in a wheelchair safer. Fiscore

53:08Advocacy appreciates council me council

53:10member Young for advancing this

53:12legislation and we hope council will

53:14move swiftly on critical safety

53:16infrastructure in the future. While we

53:19celebrate this bill's passage, there's

53:21more important road safety legislation

53:23to advance in the fifth council

53:25district. This includes a bike lane on

53:2716th Street from Market Street to JFK

53:30supported by the Logan Square

53:31Neighborhood Association and a red light

53:34camera at 22nd Street and the Ben

53:36Franklin Parkway. A high priority

53:38intersection has been studied and

53:40recommend for this safety measure.

53:42Traffic violence is real violence. In

53:442024, Philly had the largest had the

53:47highest traffic fatality rate among

53:49major US cities, more than triple that

53:51of New York cities. We urge city council

53:53to treat this issue seriously. Thank

53:55you.

53:56>> Thank you.

54:04[clears throat]

54:04>> Good morning. My name is Oona Hagens.

54:07I'm a fourth generation child slavery

54:10survivor.

54:11Uh domestic violence is a part of

54:15violence in general.

54:18And there was a study done by this very

54:21body called the road mapap to safer

54:23communities

54:24that said very plainly that the root

54:28cause of gun violence is structural

54:29racism

54:31and that the solution very simply is

54:35largecale investments in the areas that

54:38have been decimated by crime, violence

54:40and unemployment.

54:42Unfortunately, this body hasn't take

54:45taken action in the largecale

54:47investments

54:49in North Philly, in Southwest Philly, in

54:52the hood, right? And the question has to

54:56be asked of Councilman Har. You did a a

55:00gun buyback a few weeks ago. The

55:03question is, are you willing to work

55:06with my organization and myself? We have

55:09uh structural racism bill 2026. Now we

55:13had uh the structural racism bill 2024.

55:18Again, this body has ignored it. So, I'm

55:21going to ask you, Councilman uh Jim

55:23Harity, are you willing to work with my

55:26organization and myself to eradicate to

55:30neutralize gun violence and violence in

55:34general in this city?

55:42You're pretty funny about it.

55:44>> Pardon me. Pardon me. Pardon me. Council

55:47member Herity, do you need recognition?

55:50>> Okay. The chair recognizes Council

55:52Member Herity. Very brief response.

55:55Thank you,

55:56>> Aona.

55:58I've helped you on numerous occasions. I

56:00have no problem working with anyone, and

56:03you know that. Why you point me out

56:05today, I have no idea. But you know, it

56:08seems kind of funny that really the only

56:11person that actually even throws you a

56:12play in this room, you just walk on all

56:16the time. I don't know why you're

56:17calling me out because I had a gun

56:19buyback trying to get guns off the

56:21street.

56:21>> Thank you. Listen, thank you all so

56:23much. Your time is concluded. Thank you

56:26so much, Mr. Arana Hagens. Thank you

56:28very much.

56:42Hello, Jeremy Bladstein talking about

56:4526076

56:48the home rule charter.

56:51Everyone wanted to comment on what the

56:54home rule charter, right? because we're

56:56talking about

56:58$20 million.

57:02The next sheriff of Philadelphia

57:04should be the last sheriff of

57:06Philadelphia.

57:08I repeat, the next sheriff of

57:10Philadelphia should be the last sheriff

57:13of Philadelphia. Disband the

57:15Philadelphia Sheriff's Office.

57:18This body

57:20has done nothing but gaslight us into

57:22this idea of accountability and

57:24transparency when it comes to the

57:26Philadelphia Sheriff's Office. You

57:27complain about12.2 million for the mural

57:30arts, but you're not fighting for $20

57:32million. And guess what? It's not $20

57:35million that's going to be found. That's

57:37just from the last year. That number is

57:39going to be massive. And you all are

57:41sitting here being like, "Oops, I don't

57:43care." Because guess what? You don't

57:45want to do your job and hold the sheriff

57:47accountable. As Mayor Parker said, it is

57:50this body's job in 2021 when you held

57:53that hearing to ask the questions. So, I

57:56don't want to hear from city council

57:58President Johnson that we'll look into

57:59it. We'll get to it. Blah blah blah. No,

58:01hold the hearing. Hold the hearing on

58:04the Philadelphia sheriff's office.

58:06Enough is enough. The next sheriff of

58:10Philadelphia should be the last sheriff

58:12of Philadelphia.

58:16And last but not least, we're talking

58:19about SEPTA.

58:22Let's go, people. I'm going to do it.

58:24Right. We're going to The Inquirer was

58:26talking about this. Raise your hand if

58:28you rode SEPTA in the last month. City

58:30council in the last month. There you go.

58:32Councilman Thomas, I like that. I

58:34appreciate that. Ride the ride. Grow

58:36Philly to Tim Milly and realistically

58:38hold the hearing on the sheriff's

58:40office. Find the more money. Disband the

58:43office. Thank you.

58:44>> You

58:48have two minutes. Take your name.

58:50>> Thank you so much.

58:50>> Thank you.

58:51>> Good morning. Uh my name is Adam Wodka.

58:53I'm the commissioner of the Philadelphia

58:55Parallel Parking Association. Uh I'm

58:58here speaking in support of the

58:59resolution recognizing the parallel

59:01parking competition from a couple weeks

59:02ago. Uh I'd like to thank council member

59:04Lando for introducing this resolution.

59:07I'd also like to thank council member

59:09for his support from his office in uh

59:11originally finding a location for the

59:13event. I'd also like to thank the South

59:14Street Head House District for

59:15partnering us for the event. Uh the

59:17Philadelphia Parallel Parking

59:18Association, the PPPA,

59:21uh started with a a simple but silly

59:23idea that Philly should have a parallel

59:26parking competition. um that was I

59:29believe proven right with 1,400 people

59:32who approved the who attended the event,

59:341,700 people who watched it on the live

59:36stream and 900 people who applied to be

59:39a part of the event. Uh just the there

59:43are many bright spots in this

59:44experience, but going through the 900

59:47applications of people was such a

59:49privilege to be able to see people from

59:51all around the city talking about their

59:53lives, their work, um going to school,

59:56uh being born and raised and all their

59:58experiences with parallel parking. But

59:59it was such an insight into kind of what

1:00:01life was like here and such a great

1:00:03appreciation for the amazing people of

1:00:05Philadelphia. Um, and what everyone in

1:00:07this room knows is that what part of

1:00:09what makes Philadelphia great are the

1:00:11amazing people who live here. Um,

1:00:13second, the PPPA has the kind of

1:00:16tongue-in-cheek mission of promoting

1:00:18excellence in parallel parking in

1:00:20Philadelphia, but beyond that, we're

1:00:23also about promoting the mission of safe

1:00:25streets. And the streets are for, yes,

1:00:28motorists, but also pedestrians,

1:00:30cyclists, and public transportation. And

1:00:33so part of what we're hoping to promote

1:00:34moving forward is making sure that all

1:00:36Philadelphiaians have their loved ones

1:00:38get home safe and doing all that we can

1:00:40to keep everyone in the city tra uh safe

1:00:43getting from one place to another.

1:00:44That's all. Thank you so much. I support

1:00:46this resolution. Thank you.

1:00:47>> Thank you.

1:00:50Will Pam Will Pam Filco

1:00:54sorry Pam Filco Doula

1:00:58Mario Zucker

1:01:02Roxan Umprey Pitman Rebecca McJet Dan

1:01:08Miller Olivia Tedoran

1:01:12Dr. Janine

1:01:15Lzinski

1:01:16and Alexander Anderson,

1:01:19Shane, Janick, and Michael Anderson.

1:01:23Please make your way to the podium.

1:01:31>> Hi, good morning. My name is Kira Bolio.

1:01:34I'm the vice president of family and

1:01:35parenting services at Congresso de

1:01:37Latinos Unidos. I thank you for the

1:01:39chance today to speak to you about the

1:01:41critical need for increased domestic

1:01:43violence prevention education for our

1:01:45youth. Congress's domestic violence

1:01:48program has long invested in community

1:01:50education and youth programming. Last

1:01:52year alone, we delivered prevention

1:01:54programming to more than 300 students.

1:01:57We are proud of that reach, but we know

1:02:00that that need far exceeds our capacity

1:02:03and the need from support by leaders

1:02:05like you to invest in prevention

1:02:07programming. Last summer, during an out

1:02:11of school time program at one of our

1:02:13partner middle schools, we facilitated a

1:02:15lesson on consent and healthy

1:02:17relationships. Some may think these

1:02:20topics are too advanced for middle

1:02:22schoolers, but the reality is that young

1:02:24people are already facing situations

1:02:27that require them to understand

1:02:28boundaries and safety. After that

1:02:32lesson, one student asked for guidance

1:02:34on how to communicate personal

1:02:36boundaries in a relationship. Another

1:02:39question whether someone their age

1:02:40should even be learning about these

1:02:42topics. A third connected with a

1:02:45discussion about peer pressure and the

1:02:48challenge of saying no when asked to

1:02:50share an intimate picture. In a class of

1:02:53fewer than 10 students, those were their

1:02:56experiences.

1:02:57Those conversations made one thing

1:02:59clear. Our youth are already navigating

1:03:02these issues. They need safe spaces,

1:03:05trusted adults, and accurate

1:03:07information. Prevention education give

1:03:11gives young people the knowledge and

1:03:12confidence to make healthy choices

1:03:14before the crisis occurs. Philadelphia

1:03:18youth deserve more than a response after

1:03:21violence happens. They deserve the

1:03:23skills, support, and education to help

1:03:26prevent that violence in the first

1:03:27place. I urge you to continue investing

1:03:31in evidence-based prevention programming

1:03:33in schools, community centers, and

1:03:35neighborhood organizations such as

1:03:36Congresso. By strengthening prevention

1:03:39today, we can build safer families,

1:03:41healthier relationships, and stronger

1:03:43communities for generations to come.

1:03:46Thank you.

1:03:53>> You have two minutes.

1:03:56>> Good morning, everyone.

1:03:59Uh thank you council president esteemed

1:04:02council members and special thanks to

1:04:03council member Landal for proposing this

1:04:05resolution for mental health

1:04:06partnerships. My name is Pampler Doc

1:04:08with a third. I'm called doc. I serve as

1:04:10the targeted case manager for the

1:04:12forensics team at mental health

1:04:13partnerships. 75 years of service. Wow.

1:04:16That that that's incredible. Um I've

1:04:19only been working with mental health

1:04:20partnerships for just over a year and in

1:04:23that short time we've done some awesome

1:04:24things for and with our participants.

1:04:26However, I've been engaged with mental

1:04:28health partnerships for many years prior

1:04:30to becoming an employee. I began many

1:04:33moons ago with them where I trained to

1:04:35become a certified peer specialist. I

1:04:37come from a vet veteran background and

1:04:39as such I'm accustomed to a certain

1:04:41degree of expertise and professionalism.

1:04:44I found that and then some in the staff

1:04:46at mental health partnerships. A chain

1:04:48is only as strong as its link as each

1:04:50individual link. at mental health

1:04:52partnerships from our president Janine

1:04:54down to the line workers. Each of us

1:04:56possess qualities and skills that cannot

1:04:58be taught or bought. Empathy and

1:05:00passion. We each possess the degree and

1:05:03depth of empathy for our participants

1:05:05and passion for the service we present

1:05:08onto the path of well-being and

1:05:10independence.

1:05:12I'm proud to be part of an organization

1:05:13with such a legacy that began 75 years

1:05:15ago. I'm 63 years old as of last

1:05:18Thursday. I know I won't be here for the

1:05:20next 75, but I can say I look forward to

1:05:22the next 10 years serving with Janine

1:05:24and the staff at Metal Health

1:05:25Partnerships. Again, I thank city

1:05:27council for recognizing us and please

1:05:30[music] support any bill that's going to

1:05:31block the cuts that's coming up with

1:05:33Medicaid because our participants need

1:05:35that. Thank you so very much for your

1:05:37time and attention.

1:05:47Hi, city council.

1:06:03My name is Mario Zuka aka OneShot MAR.

1:06:06I'm the uh champion of the parallel

1:06:08parking competition couple weeks ago.

1:06:11Thank you for having me.

1:06:14Uh, first I'd like to thank uh, Council

1:06:16Member Landau for introducing this

1:06:18resolution. I also want to thank Adam

1:06:20Wadka uh, the commissioner of the PPPA.

1:06:24He just spoke a few moments ago for

1:06:26organizing it. Um, when I signed up for

1:06:28this event, I thought it would just be a

1:06:30fun way to spend an afternoon. I had no

1:06:32idea how much excitement it would

1:06:34generate, how many people would rally

1:06:36around something seemingly as silly as a

1:06:39parallel parking event.

1:06:41Uh, and I think that's what made this

1:06:42event so special because at a time when

1:06:44we can't seem to agree on a lot um, and

1:06:47things just seem to be not going well in

1:06:50so many ways. It's just nice to uh,

1:06:52inject a little bit of levity into uh,

1:06:55our city and Adam and his crew found a

1:06:57way to bring people together uh, make

1:06:59them laugh and give us all reason to

1:07:00celebrate being Philadelphiaians. So, I

1:07:03wholeheartedly support this resolution,

1:07:05not just because it recognizes my

1:07:07extraordinary prowess behind the wheel,

1:07:11but because it celebrates the

1:07:12creativity, the humor, and the civic

1:07:14pride that make Philadelphia such a

1:07:16special place to live, to drive, and to

1:07:19park. So, thank you for your time,

1:07:21council. Safe parking to you all.

1:07:31>> Good morning.

1:07:33Members of the council, my name is Roxy

1:07:35Pitman and I'm a member of Salt and

1:07:38Light Church.

1:07:40Our congregation

1:07:42Our congregation supports power

1:07:44interfaith's agenda because our faith

1:07:47calls us to pursue justice, protect our

1:07:50neighbors, and ensure that everyone

1:07:52contributes to the common good.

1:07:55We make Billy kicked off on Tuesday and

1:07:59we would like to invite all the council

1:08:02and members of this assembly to join

1:08:04power interfaith and hundreds of people

1:08:07of faith from across the city as we push

1:08:10the make we make Philly agenda. Together

1:08:13we're asking Philadelphia City Council

1:08:15to take action on these pillars. our

1:08:19agenda. Lowering property tax, freezing

1:08:23gas bills, and passing a fair wealth

1:08:26tax.

1:08:31As a person of faith, I believe our

1:08:33budget is a moral document. It shows it

1:08:37shows who we value and what future we

1:08:40are willing to build together. I

1:08:43respectfully ask each member of council

1:08:45to consider our agenda at power

1:08:48interfaith. Thank you.

1:08:59>> Good morning. My name is Rebecca McJet.

1:09:02I am a power interfaith member and a

1:09:06lifetime member of St. Simon and

1:09:08Serenian Episcopal Church. I am a

1:09:11southwest Philadelphia resident and a

1:09:14city of Philadelphia retiree.

1:09:17Earlier this month, I received my US

1:09:20government handbook outlining guidelines

1:09:23and changes for Medicare benefits and

1:09:27coverage in 2027.

1:09:30Like many other people, I also learned

1:09:33my current coverage for prescriptions

1:09:36will not be renewed and that my options

1:09:39for Medicare prescription drug plans

1:09:43have been cut by plans that are only

1:09:46with four companies for the state of

1:09:49Pennsylvania.

1:09:51What does this mean? I must find a new

1:09:54plan that works for me and covers all my

1:09:57medications, which is complicated. My

1:10:01health cost is going to go up. Instead

1:10:04of paying $23 a month, I will have to

1:10:08pay $184 a month.

1:10:12So in 2027,

1:10:15my health care cost will increase from

1:10:18$276

1:10:21to $2,28

1:10:25for my prescription plan.

1:10:28While the need for medical care and

1:10:31prescriptions

1:10:32disproportionately hurt seniors like me,

1:10:36we know families are struggling with

1:10:39parents and children with chronic

1:10:42diseases.

1:10:43Families are hurting and worried about

1:10:46making ends meet as costs go up and

1:10:49benefits like Medicaid coverage and SNAP

1:10:52benefits are lost due to federal cuts.

1:10:56Food and medicine don't belong on a pick

1:10:59and choose menu. We desperately need

1:11:02help. We need city council to work with

1:11:05us to pass we make Philly agenda to

1:11:09bring relief to every neighborhood in

1:11:12our city. Thank you.

1:11:23Okay, we have two.

1:11:27>> Good morning everyone. My name is Dan

1:11:29Miller and I'm the business manager for

1:11:32the training department at Mental Health

1:11:33Partnerships.

1:11:36I'm also a certified peer specialist.

1:11:40Council member Lando, thank you for

1:11:43recognizing the 75th anniversary of

1:11:45mental health partnerships.

1:11:47It [snorts] is an honor that we accept

1:11:50this on behalf of the organization that

1:11:52has spent 75 years helping people find

1:11:55hope, recovery, and connection. With

1:11:58this recognition, celebrates most is the

1:12:01people we serve. Every day, Mental

1:12:04Health Partnerships works with

1:12:06individuals who are overcoming mental

1:12:08health challenges, rebuilding their

1:12:10lives, reconnecting with their

1:12:13communities, and pursuing goals at one

1:12:15time that may have felt out of reach.

1:12:19Through peer support, education,

1:12:21advocacy, housing services, and

1:12:23community- based programs, we meet

1:12:25people where they are and help them move

1:12:27forward on their recovery journey. One

1:12:30of the one one of the things that makes

1:12:32our organization unique is the belief

1:12:34that recovery is possible. We [snorts]

1:12:38see that every day in our participants.

1:12:41We see people obtain employment,

1:12:43reconnect with family members, secure

1:12:45stable housing, and become leaders in

1:12:47their communities. Those successes may

1:12:50not always make headlines, but they

1:12:51change lives. That [snorts] mission is

1:12:54also personal for me. Before my career,

1:12:57I faced my own mental health challenges.

1:13:00There was a time when I wasn't sure what

1:13:02my future would look like. Recovery took

1:13:04support and people who believed in me

1:13:06when I struggled to believe in myself.

1:13:09Today, I have the privilege of working

1:13:11for an organization that helps provide

1:13:13that same hope and support to others. As

1:13:16a certified peer specialist, I know that

1:13:19sometimes all that it takes is one

1:13:21person saying, "I've been there." And

1:13:23things can get better. [snorts] As we

1:13:26celebrate this m milestone, I want to

1:13:28thank you all.

1:13:30Thank you.

1:13:41>> Good morning, council president and

1:13:43members of city council. My name is

1:13:45Olivia Teddoran and I am the program

1:13:47director for Lutheran Settlement

1:13:49Houses's bilingual domestic violence

1:13:51program. Thank you for taking the time

1:13:53this morning to recognize October as

1:13:56domestic violence awareness month. I

1:13:58have been a certified domestic violence

1:14:00advocate since 2007.

1:14:03During that time, I've had the great

1:14:05privilege to walk alongside so many

1:14:07survivors and their children. At

1:14:10Lutheran Settlement House, we walk

1:14:12alongside survivors through moments of

1:14:14crisis, support survivors as they find

1:14:16their footing, and celebrate their

1:14:18strength every step of the way. We do

1:14:21this because we believe that every

1:14:22survivor deserves to live safely and

1:14:25with dignity in the community. But we

1:14:28are seeing the safety nets that help

1:14:30survivors rebuild their lives grow

1:14:32increasingly strained. In recent months,

1:14:35more survivors along with others in the

1:14:37community have turned to our food pantry

1:14:40for help. Our child therapy program has

1:14:42a longer waiting list than ever before,

1:14:45at its peak, nine months. Our medical

1:14:48advocates are seeing more people in the

1:14:50emergency department after a violent

1:14:52incident. More survivors are calling the

1:14:54Philadelphia domestic violence hotline

1:14:56and our counseling line for help to find

1:14:59a safe place to live, to get clothes for

1:15:01their children, or simply to talk to

1:15:03someone who will listen and help them

1:15:05navigate what comes next. These are not

1:15:08just numbers. They represent parents

1:15:11trying to create stability for their

1:15:13children. individuals working to reclaim

1:15:15their independence and survivors doing

1:15:18their best to move forward after

1:15:19experiencing violence.

1:15:22Members of our survivors network who

1:15:24unfortunately could not be here today

1:15:26often remind us that survivors are not

1:15:29broken. They are resilient. They are

1:15:31resourceful and at the end of the day

1:15:33they are just trying to rebuild their

1:15:35lives. But it has become increasingly

1:15:37hard to go through that journey when the

1:15:39very safety nets survivors depend on are

1:15:42weakened by funding cuts and survivors

1:15:44face reduced access to essential

1:15:46services. Survivors should not have to

1:15:48fight for safety while also fighting to

1:15:50access the resources they need to heal

1:15:52and thrive. I asked city council today

1:15:55to stand with survivors beyond this

1:15:57resolution to protect and strengthen

1:15:59funding for domestic violence such as

1:16:01SNAP and health insurance so that

1:16:03survivors can build safe and stable

1:16:05lives.

1:16:06>> Thank you.

1:16:11>> We have two minutes for the record.

1:16:14>> Good morning council president, members

1:16:17of city council and guests. I'm Janine

1:16:20Litzki, president and CEO for Mental

1:16:22Health Partnerships. And on behalf of

1:16:25everyone at Mental Health Partnerships,

1:16:28I want to thank you and especially

1:16:30Council Person Landal for this

1:16:32resolution recognizing our 75th

1:16:36anniversary.

1:16:37We are grateful and we're more grateful

1:16:40for the city's longstanding commitment

1:16:43to improving the lives of

1:16:45Philadelphiaians with behavioral health

1:16:47challenges. This recognition is

1:16:50especially meaningful because Mental

1:16:52Health Partnerships is a Philadelphia

1:16:55story. For 75 years, our organization

1:16:59has worked to affirm one fundamental

1:17:02truth. People living with behavioral

1:17:04health conditions deserve dignity,

1:17:07opportunity, community, and hope. Our

1:17:11roots trace back to a time when mental

1:17:14health was often misunderstood and

1:17:17heavily stigmatized. Back in 1951, a

1:17:20small group of advocates came together

1:17:23just a few blocks from here, united by a

1:17:27vision of a more compassionate and

1:17:29inclusive community. And that vision

1:17:32continues to guide us today. Over the

1:17:35past seven and a half decades, we've

1:17:38helped shape community-based mental

1:17:40health care in the Philadelphia region

1:17:43through advocacy, education, peer

1:17:46support, and a myriad of other recovery

1:17:49oriented programs right where a person

1:17:52lives in their neighborhood, in their

1:17:55community, walking alongside them, and

1:17:58touching the lives of hundreds of

1:18:00thousands of individuals.

1:18:03Together with countless partners across

1:18:05Philadelphia, throughout the region, and

1:18:07the Commonwealth, we have helped build a

1:18:09stronger, more responsive, and more

1:18:12compassionate system of care. And today,

1:18:15more than 60% of our staff have lived

1:18:18experience of mental health challenges

1:18:21and recovery. And that fact reflects

1:18:24something that we've learned most deeply

1:18:26for 75 years, that recovery is real. And

1:18:30it's those closest to the challenges

1:18:32that are often closest to the solutions.

1:18:36While we're proud of our history, we're

1:18:38even more excited about the future

1:18:40because as we look ahead, the need for

1:18:43behavioral health services, affordable

1:18:46housing, and other supports is needed

1:18:50more than ever. And we know what works,

1:18:52but we've never been able to get to

1:18:54scale. So if we can do that and divert

1:18:57some more of the very expensive services

1:19:01like hospitalization, incarceration,

1:19:05we're going to really make progress. So

1:19:07thank you and thank you for the

1:19:09resolution.

1:19:14We have two minutes.

1:19:18>> Good morning. My name is Alexander

1:19:20Anderson. I want to thank you council

1:19:22member Land do for recognizing mental

1:19:25health partnerships on its 75th

1:19:27anniversary. I am a former participant

1:19:30and now intern at mental health

1:19:31partnerships. I found mental health

1:19:34partnerships when I was in a dark place

1:19:36in my life. With the help of some

1:19:38wonderful certified peer specialists, I

1:19:40am now able to live a life where I am

1:19:42not struggling with my mental health all

1:19:44the time. As an intern, I have found a

1:19:47path professionally I never thought

1:19:49possible within advocacy. Mental health

1:19:52partnership matters to me because it

1:19:54gives people with like me a brighter

1:19:56future. Thank you for listening and

1:19:58thank you for standing with mental

1:19:59health partnerships.

1:20:05What will Tenique Gentils Dr. Spencer

1:20:10Chen Dr. Katie Alulo, Amanda Kyer, David

1:20:16Lavine, Jake Zichek, Shannon Kittany,

1:20:23Dr. Deborah Robuk, Laquisha Anthony, and

1:20:28Wick Savage. Please make your way to the

1:20:31podium.

1:20:34>> One second.

1:20:36My name is Michael Anderson and I'm the

1:20:38registrative advocate for Philadelphia

1:20:41and I would like to please recognize

1:20:45council woman books for this

1:20:47registration I mean for the park

1:20:51and I would like to thank my parents and

1:20:54I would like to thank my warrior Steven

1:20:58Gold. I would like to thank all my

1:21:01friends and family for supporting me.

1:21:04This is human and I have to say it

1:21:07because I'm the registrated American.

1:21:10Don't forget to go out and vote

1:21:13in the mids of exit cuz nothing about us

1:21:17without us.

1:21:19Vote.

1:21:21Thanks Mike.

1:21:27>> Thank you everybody. Uh my name is Shane

1:21:28Janick. I'm the executive director of

1:21:30the Ark of Philadelphia. I work with

1:21:32Michael every single day. Um, we're here

1:21:34in support of the resolution that was

1:21:36introduced that acknowledges the

1:21:37Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission

1:21:40most recent um, uh, guidance on the

1:21:43updating the discrimination code that

1:21:46officially makes it discrimination to

1:21:48charge an extra ticket to a variety of

1:21:52ticketed venues for people with

1:21:53disabilities that require a government

1:21:56funded personal care attendant to

1:21:58attend. I I would like to say one thing

1:22:02that's me I would like to make it

1:22:04statewide and nationwide. I forgot to

1:22:07say thank you very much and God bless.

1:22:10>> Yes. Thank you.

1:22:13Um we we really appreciate this this

1:22:16recognition from Kendra and and all uh

1:22:19council members that have supported this

1:22:20work for so many years. This has taken

1:22:2213 years for Michael to make a reality.

1:22:25Um and uh just some background, people

1:22:27with disabilities face uh a financial

1:22:29burden um disproportionately than people

1:22:32without disabilities. And for so many

1:22:35years, uh people with disabilities that

1:22:37required a personal care attendant, a

1:22:39home health aid, a direct support

1:22:41professional would have to literally

1:22:43save double the amount of money to

1:22:45attend things like museums and concerts

1:22:48and sporting events. Um so again, this

1:22:50is a huge um it's a monumental step of

1:22:5213 years of work for Michael and the Arc

1:22:54of Philadelphia has just been proud to

1:22:56support. Um we're really excited to use

1:22:58this resolution as the announcement of

1:23:00the enactment of uh this new rule under

1:23:02the Pennsylvania's Human Relations

1:23:04Commission. So thank you so so much.

1:23:06>> Money goes my money goes twice as far

1:23:10with this with this migration. My money

1:23:14goes twice as far. So I can spend 20 I

1:23:18can save my money and go to two times as

1:23:21many events. So again, thank you very

1:23:24much and God prayers.

1:23:25>> Thank you.

1:23:43You have two minutes. Take your name for

1:23:45the record.

1:23:46>> Good morning. Tique Gentles, licensed

1:23:49marriage and family therapist, certified

1:23:51sex therapist. I am here in support of

1:23:54council member Ahmad's resolution

1:23:56recognizing World Menopause Day. I heard

1:23:59the rumbles in the room. I'm not sure

1:24:01what that was about, [laughter] but let

1:24:04me um note that there has been an influx

1:24:07in female body individuals that are

1:24:09presenting to therapy related to

1:24:12symptoms of anxiety, increased distress,

1:24:15difficulty sleeping, difficulty

1:24:17performing at work. I even have couples

1:24:20who are coming in reporting issues

1:24:22around intimacy

1:24:24and um the reality is at least 75% of

1:24:28them do not recognize that these

1:24:30symptoms are related to pmenopause and

1:24:32menopause. I would also add that I work

1:24:36with 80 85%

1:24:39of black and brown um in the black and

1:24:42brown population and we lack the

1:24:44knowledge and awareness and the tools to

1:24:47address issues relating to perry

1:24:49menopause and menopause. We are just not

1:24:52aware we don't know what's out there and

1:24:54this is an area that has not received

1:24:56much attention. So I am very happy to

1:24:59hear that we are doing something to

1:25:00increase awareness around this. I myself

1:25:03am offering a free webinar just to give

1:25:05our community knowledge around what they

1:25:08need to know about the body and how the

1:25:10body affects other areas of their lives.

1:25:13So I am happy that this resolution is

1:25:16being proposed. It brings me joy. Thank

1:25:18you.

1:25:23>> Good morning. My name is Dr. Spencer

1:25:25Chen. I'm a resident physician. um dual

1:25:28training internal medicine and

1:25:29pediatrics. I'm also a proud elected

1:25:31delegate of our union uh committee of

1:25:33interns and resident SEIU. I'm here

1:25:36because every day I see our health care

1:25:38system has failed my patients and my

1:25:40communities. I ask you to put yourselves

1:25:42in the patients position life-saving

1:25:45medications for heart failure, diabetes,

1:25:47asthma, and cancer. Medications that we

1:25:50know that will make you feel better,

1:25:52that will prolong your life and allow

1:25:54you to achieve your dreams. Medications

1:25:56that are physically available at the

1:25:58pharmacy but inaccessible to you because

1:26:00of profit-driven insurance companies

1:26:02have decided that it doesn't make

1:26:04financial sense for them to cover them.

1:26:06Instead, Pennians carry more than 1.8

1:26:09billions in medical debt and 28 million

1:26:11Americans have no coverage at all. As

1:26:14their doctor, I spend countless hours

1:26:15fighting insurance companies, often to

1:26:17no avail. And eventually I see these

1:26:19very patients in the intensive care

1:26:21units dying from preventable sepsis,

1:26:23cardiogenic shock, and respiratory

1:26:25failure. We are sicker, we are poor, and

1:26:27we're burnt out. But there is a better

1:26:30way. I want to tell you a story about a

1:26:32patient, a premature baby born with

1:26:34critical heart disease that needed open

1:26:36heart surgery. His parents were ready to

1:26:39sell their house and do whatever it took

1:26:42to go into debt in order for their son

1:26:43to get this life-saving surgery. This

1:26:45patient was my brother. But in 1994,

1:26:49Taiwan, my country of origin,

1:26:51implemented a single-payer national

1:26:53health insurance program. And as a

1:26:54direct result of this policy, my brother

1:26:56got his heart surgery and my family was

1:26:58spared from financial ruins. Today, over

1:27:0199.9% of the people living in Taiwan are

1:27:04insured, and it's 23 million residents

1:27:07enjoy highquality, timely, and

1:27:10accessible health care. There is a

1:27:12better way, and we can have that too in

1:27:14Pennsylvania. And I'm proud that the

1:27:16doctors of CI SEIU are here to support

1:27:19the legislation sponsored by Senator

1:27:21Savo. The Pennsylvania Universal

1:27:23Healthcare Act is our answer. Thank you

1:27:24very much.

1:27:34>> Minister for

1:27:35>> Okay. Thank you. Hello. My name is

1:27:37Amanda Kefir and I want to thank you for

1:27:39recognizing Mental Health Partnership 75

1:27:41years. Um, I'm a certified peer

1:27:44specialist and certified peer

1:27:46specialists play an essential role in

1:27:48recovery by providing individuals with

1:27:51hope, encouragement, understanding, and

1:27:53support. Certified peer specialists

1:27:56utilize their lived experience to

1:27:58demonstrate that recovery is possible

1:28:00and that individuals can overcome

1:28:02difficult challenges. Recovery is

1:28:04important because it allows individuals

1:28:06to rebuild their lives, improve their

1:28:09overall health and wellness, and work

1:28:10toward becoming more independent.

1:28:13CPS provide a safe, supportive, and

1:28:15non-judgmental environment where

1:28:17participants feel comfortable sharing

1:28:19their struggles, accomplishments, and

1:28:21personal goals

1:28:23through active listening, empathy, and

1:28:26open-ended questions. CPS helped

1:28:28participants recognize their strengths

1:28:29and developing conf uh and develop

1:28:32confidence in themselves. CPS also

1:28:35encouraged participants to develop

1:28:37healthy coping skills, strengthen

1:28:39communication skills, and make positive

1:28:41decisions that support long-term

1:28:43recovery.

1:28:45Recovery is not always an easy journey,

1:28:47but having someone who understands the

1:28:49challenges firsthand can make a

1:28:51meaningful difference. CPS empower

1:28:53participants to advocate for themselves,

1:28:55celebrate their progress, and continue

1:28:57moving forward despite setbacks. Every

1:29:00accomplishment, no matter how small, how

1:29:02big, is an important step towards

1:29:04achieving personal growth, stability,

1:29:06and a better quality of life.

1:29:08Ultimately, CPS recovery and with mental

1:29:11health partnerships uh are so important

1:29:14because they remind individuals that

1:29:16their past does not define their future.

1:29:18They are not alone, and there is always

1:29:20hope for a better tomorrow. Thank you.

1:29:29>> You have two minutes. Stay extra work,

1:29:30please.

1:29:31>> Thank you.

1:29:32>> Good morning.

1:29:35>> My name is David Lavine. I'm also a

1:29:37certified peer specialist with mental

1:29:39health partnerships. I'm honored to have

1:29:41been chosen to speak to you today on

1:29:43behalf of MHP and to thank this council

1:29:46for recognizing us on our 75th

1:29:48anniversary.

1:29:52Um, I'm honored to be speaking on behalf

1:29:55of Mental Health Partnerships and thank

1:29:57this council for recognizing us on our

1:29:5975th anniversary. While I've only been

1:30:01with MHP for a short time, I've worked

1:30:04harder, learned more, and felt more

1:30:07rewarded than at any other time in my

1:30:08life. When I think about our

1:30:11participants, many of whom are here with

1:30:13us today,

1:30:15I'm truly humbled by their courage and

1:30:17determination. You inspire me every day.

1:30:22Again, I'd like to thank this

1:30:23distinguished council for recognizing us

1:30:26and for your continued support.

1:30:38Uh, good morning. My name is Jacob

1:30:40Zichek and I'm with the American Heart

1:30:42Association. Uh, thank you to Council

1:30:44Member Phillips and the entire

1:30:45Philadelphia City Council for the

1:30:47resolution recognizing National School

1:30:49Lunch Week and honoring the role of

1:30:51school meals and school food service

1:30:53employees in addressing nutrition

1:30:55insecurity and supporting students

1:30:56health, learning, and well-being.

1:30:58Research has shown that students who eat

1:31:00school lunches tend to take in more

1:31:01whole grains, vegetables, and dairy, and

1:31:04fewer refined sugars and empty calories

1:31:06than those who bring their lunches from

1:31:07home. We know that there's still work to

1:31:09be done, though. 90% of school age

1:31:12children consume way too much sodium and

1:31:14our youth consumes more than the

1:31:15association's recommended sugar sugar

1:31:17consumption too. The American Heart

1:31:19Association is committed to improving

1:31:21children's access to healthy nutritious

1:31:23foods. We continue to serve on Council

1:31:25President Johnson's task force to

1:31:26address nutrition and hunger in the city

1:31:28and we advocate in Harrisburg to ensure

1:31:31that all students throughout the

1:31:32Commonwealth have access to healthy

1:31:34school meals for breakfast and lunch. We

1:31:36advocate locally for programs that

1:31:38promote fresh fruits and vegetables and

1:31:40legislation that empowers consumers to

1:31:42make healthier choices at chain

1:31:43restaurants. And we work very closely

1:31:45with community groups and stakeholders

1:31:47to ensure foods and meals provided in

1:31:49the community meet nutritional

1:31:51standards. We look forward to leveraging

1:31:53our expertise, science, and research to

1:31:55assist the school district of

1:31:56Philadelphia and city of Philadelphia as

1:31:59it looks to re-examine its policies and

1:32:01practices concerning healthy,

1:32:02nutritious, and highquality meals for

1:32:04Philadelphia public school students.

1:32:06Once again, we'd like to thank Council

1:32:07Member Phillips and all of city council

1:32:09for working on this important issue and

1:32:11have a great rest of the day.

1:32:17Will Rachel Forbes and Christian Gant

1:32:21Madison please make your way to the

1:32:24podium?

1:32:27Okay. Good morning. Thank you for the

1:32:29opportunity to speak in support of

1:32:31council member Dr. Nina Ahmad's

1:32:33resolution recognizing World Menopause

1:32:36Day. My name is Shannon Kreniti and I'm

1:32:38speaking today on behalf of Access

1:32:40Matters, which is a Philadelphiabased

1:32:42public health organization that works to

1:32:45protect, expand, and enhance access to

1:32:48sexual and reproductive health care and

1:32:50information.

1:32:52Roughly 1.4 million women in the US

1:32:54enter menopause each year, and I am one

1:32:57of them currently menopausing. Um, yet

1:33:00this topic is under researched, under

1:33:02discussed, and undertreated. Many

1:33:05people, including doctors, are unaware

1:33:08of the range of health outcomes that

1:33:10menopause can impact, including

1:33:12increased risk of heart disease, stroke,

1:33:15depression, anxiety, and osteoporasis.

1:33:18>> Excuse me. One, excuse me, one second,

1:33:19ma'am. I'm asking if you could take any

1:33:23um conversations

1:33:25outside the council chambers. Any

1:33:27sidebar coun conversations because we

1:33:30can't hear the individual giving

1:33:31testimony.

1:33:35Please proceed.

1:33:36>> Sure. Thank you. Um, sorry. Many are

1:33:38aware unaware of the range of health

1:33:40outcomes that menopause can impact,

1:33:42including increased risk of heart

1:33:44disease, stroke, depression, anxiety,

1:33:47and osteoporosis.

1:33:49To say nothing of the daily indignities

1:33:51that impact many women like hot flashes,

1:33:54brain fog, insomnia, frozen shoulder,

1:33:57itchy ears. Um, so many suffer in

1:34:00silence, often blaming themselves for

1:34:02their symptoms and struggling to find

1:34:05therapeutic medical interventions. As a

1:34:08public health organization, my

1:34:09colleagues and I at Access Matters know

1:34:11the significant impact that hormonal

1:34:14changes can have on overall health and

1:34:16well-being. Awareness is the first step

1:34:18to reducing stigma, starting

1:34:20conversations, and encouraging people to

1:34:22access care. We are grateful for the

1:34:25work of Council Member Ahmad and her

1:34:28staff in introducing this important

1:34:30resolution to recognize World Menopause

1:34:32Day and for her continued advocacy and

1:34:34bringing awareness to this important

1:34:36issue. Thank you.

1:34:39>> Chair recognizes Council Member Jamie

1:34:41Gartier.

1:34:43>> Thank you, Council President. I request

1:34:45to be excused to handle other official

1:34:47business and I would like to be recorded

1:34:48as voting I on all bills and

1:34:50resolutions.

1:34:51>> Thank you very much. Leave is granted.

1:34:55Please proceed.

1:34:57>> Good morning, council president and

1:35:00members of city council. It's a

1:35:02privilege being here today. My name is

1:35:05Dr. Deborah Robuk. um um called the

1:35:08menopause whisperer.

1:35:11And I'm excited about recognizing and I

1:35:14thank uh city council member Ahmad for

1:35:18the opportunity to talk about World

1:35:21Menopause Day. I I'll just make this

1:35:25personal because I've had the

1:35:26opportunity not only to be a health

1:35:29professional within Philadelphia, but I

1:35:32do work all over the world. And often

1:35:35times people will disavow the importance

1:35:39of menopause and how it impacts

1:35:42everybody. I had a young child who's

1:35:45about 11 and 12 in Kenya said, "Tell me

1:35:48about this menopause. I know my mother's

1:35:50going through things. How can I help

1:35:52her?" And I would say to her, "Sit down.

1:35:55Let's talk." We need to make this issue

1:35:57aware. We need to also value now we're

1:36:01looking at making accommodations at

1:36:03work. These women need to work. We don't

1:36:05need for them to turn off to say almost

1:36:08resigned within their minds because

1:36:11their issues, their concerns are not

1:36:13being addressed and not being supported.

1:36:15So all I want to say is thank you and I

1:36:19want you to also think about how in

1:36:22menopause involves not only yourself,

1:36:24your community. Thank you so very much.

1:36:38Lisha Anthony.

1:36:41Good morning. My name is Lisha Anthony.

1:36:44I'm the acting executive director at War

1:36:46Philadelphia Center Against Sexual

1:36:48Violence. Good afternoon or good morning

1:36:50still uh council president and all of

1:36:53council members that are present today.

1:36:55As I said, I'm the executive director of

1:36:57War Philadelphia Center Against Sexual

1:36:59Violence, and I'm here today because

1:37:01violence does not happen in isolation.

1:37:05And our response to it cannot happen in

1:37:07isolation either. For many people

1:37:09experiencing interpersonal violence,

1:37:11domestic violence, sexual violence, the

1:37:13impact reaches far beyond the immediate

1:37:16crisis. They may also be navigating

1:37:18trauma, housing stabil instability,

1:37:21hardships, financial hardships,

1:37:24concerns, their children, and barriers

1:37:26to accessing support. As the executive

1:37:29director of war, I believe our

1:37:30responsibility is to meet people where

1:37:32they are and ensure there is no wrong

1:37:34door when someone reaches out for help.

1:37:36That requires strong partnership between

1:37:38organizations responding to domestic

1:37:40violence, interpersonal violence, and

1:37:42other forms of trauma. And our systems

1:37:44must work together because the people we

1:37:46serve should never have to navigate

1:37:48complex systems. And that's what we do

1:37:50on the ground every day with the fellow

1:37:52domestic violence organizations. But

1:37:55collaboration requires capacity and

1:37:57capacity requires investment. Crisis

1:38:00response, counseling, advocacy,

1:38:02prevention, education, and survivor

1:38:04support programs are not optional, but

1:38:06we are essential services. Yet, when

1:38:09funding is unstable and organizations

1:38:11are faced to make difficult decisions

1:38:12about staffings and programs and how

1:38:15people can be served, a person

1:38:17experienced a crisis cannot wait till

1:38:19the next business cycle. So, I'm asking

1:38:21city council to recognize the

1:38:23community-based services that have been

1:38:24present today to be a critical part of

1:38:27the public health system and safety

1:38:28infrastructure for the city of

1:38:30Philadelphia and to continue to build a

1:38:32system where organizations collaborate

1:38:34rather than have limited resources and

1:38:36that we can continue to do the essential

1:38:38work because the people we serve are

1:38:40essential. Thank you.

1:38:50Good morning everyone. My name is Rachel

1:38:53Renee Forbes and today I stand here

1:38:56before you on behalf of my family and my

1:38:59sister who was forever changed by an act

1:39:02of domestic violence. First, I would

1:39:05like to sincerely thank Council Member

1:39:07Nicholas Oro

1:39:09um and his entire staff for inviting us

1:39:12here and recognizing my sister Teresa.

1:39:16uh your compassion and willingness to

1:39:18acknowledge her and her survival means

1:39:21more to our family than words we'll ever

1:39:23be able to express. On September 9th of

1:39:26this year, my sister survived a horrific

1:39:29act of domestic violence that nearly

1:39:31claimed her life. In a matter of

1:39:33moments, our world changed forever.

1:39:37But today, we stand here with gratitude

1:39:40because my sister is still here.

1:39:50My sister is more than what happened to

1:39:54her. She is a daughter. She is a sister

1:39:57and she is a woman who is deeply loved

1:39:59by her family. This incident may have

1:40:02been a part of her story and ours, but

1:40:07it will never define who she is. On

1:40:10behalf of our family, we would like to

1:40:13extend our deepest appreciation to the

1:40:15Phil um to the Philadelphia Police

1:40:17Department and the entire city of

1:40:19Philadelphia and all of the first

1:40:21responders and their extraordinary

1:40:24staff at Temple University Hospital,

1:40:27including physicians, nurses, surgeons,

1:40:29personal staff, advocates, and everyone

1:40:31who contributed to my sister's care.

1:40:34Your compassion and dedication has given

1:40:36our families something priceless and

1:40:38that is more time with our sister.

1:40:40Domestic violence does affect not only

1:40:43the victims but our entire families and

1:40:45communities. Today we do stand in

1:40:48solidarity with every survivor and honor

1:40:51those who have tragically lost their

1:40:53lives. To my sister, you are not

1:40:57forgotten. You are not alone and you are

1:41:00loved beyond measure.

1:41:02Thank you again to the council member or

1:41:06recognizing her, our sister, and

1:41:09reminding us that compassion still

1:41:11exists even in the darkest moments.

1:41:14Thank you and God bless you all.

1:41:29Good morning everyone. Thank you all for

1:41:31being here. My name is Christian Gang

1:41:32Madison and I'd like to express my

1:41:34cautious support for resolution 260849

1:41:39which calls on the General Assembly of

1:41:41the Commonwealth to enact Senate Bill

1:41:431465. This bill would establish a

1:41:46singlepayer healthcare model with the

1:41:47aim of providing care for all Pennians.

1:41:50I believe that

1:41:52access to affordable health care is

1:41:55something that we should prioritize and

1:41:58our country's current system is one that

1:42:00is severely fragmented and quite frankly

1:42:03broken. Too often people fall through

1:42:05the cracks or hit with expensive medical

1:42:07bills that leave them in precarious

1:42:09financial situations. Insurers and

1:42:11providers engage in intense negotiations

1:42:13over reimbursement rates leading to

1:42:15higher costs or denials of care. and

1:42:18pharmaceutical companies have perverse

1:42:19incentives to drive up prices for

1:42:21prescription drugs. Given all of this, I

1:42:23believe any legislation that aims to

1:42:25expand access to care for Pennians is a

1:42:27noble cause that is worthy of genuine

1:42:29consideration to fill the gaps left by

1:42:31our fragmented national framework.

1:42:34However, we must be careful in how we

1:42:36structure such a system to ensure that

1:42:37it is fiscally sustainable. Anytime that

1:42:40a government expands services, there's a

1:42:41necessary demand for funds from other

1:42:43services and functions to be reallocated

1:42:46or for increased revenues through

1:42:48taxation measures. To my knowledge, the

1:42:50current proposal calls for a payroll tax

1:42:52increase, and it's unclear how

1:42:53individuals and businesses are likely to

1:42:55respond to such attacks, which may pose

1:42:57harmful unintended consequences. It is

1:42:59also unclear whether the current revenue

1:43:01projections of this proposal will be

1:43:03sufficient to reliably cover the costs

1:43:05associated with providing care for a

1:43:07state with over 13 million residents. In

1:43:09America, we often look to European

1:43:11nations as models for healthcare reform.

1:43:14I recently returned from the United

1:43:16Kingdom where they have a singlepayer

1:43:18system known as the National Health

1:43:19Service or NHS. I had the chance to

1:43:22speak with medical professionals and

1:43:23citizens who expressed great frustration

1:43:25with the system. A Kings Fund poll found

1:43:27that roughly 59% of British citizens are

1:43:30dissatisfied with the NHS. They cite

1:43:32severe inefficiencies and backlogs that

1:43:34make it difficult to obtain timely

1:43:35access to primary care, routine and

1:43:37elective surgeries and emergency care.

1:43:39This is compounded by the immense stress

1:43:41placed on their care providers due to

1:43:43high patient volumes leading to burnout

1:43:45which raises concerns regarding care

1:43:47quality. All was done. Funny enough,

1:43:49while we are here in America calling for

1:43:51a singlepair system, many of our friends

1:43:53across the pond are calling to privatize

1:43:55more aspects of the NHS, which likely

1:43:57will happen in the coming years. Why do

1:43:59I mention all of this? So we can heed

1:44:01the lessons and avoid the

1:44:02inefficiencies. Thank you.

1:44:09>> Honor to our council president. That

1:44:12concludes our listing for public comment

1:44:15for today.

1:44:17Thank you very much.

1:44:20Good job, Tanya.

1:44:28We will now consider today's

1:44:32consent bill agenda. I will ask the

1:44:35clerk to read the titles of all the

1:44:37bills on the consent agenda. After each

1:44:39title is read, any member may object to

1:44:41the inclusion of the bill on the consent

1:44:43agenda. Upon such an objection and

1:44:46without debate, the bill will be

1:44:48immediately removed from the consent

1:44:49agenda and placed on our regular second

1:44:52reading and final passage calendars. The

1:44:55clerk will now read the titles of the

1:44:57bills on the consent agenda.

1:45:03Bill 2550649,

1:45:05an ordinance amending section 12-71 of

1:45:08the Philadelphia Code entitled

1:45:10designation of bicycle lanes to

1:45:13authorize a bicycle lane and removal of

1:45:15a travel lane around city hall under

1:45:17certain terms and conditions.

1:45:22260298,

1:45:23an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia

1:45:24zoning maps by changing the zoning

1:45:26designations of certain areas of land

1:45:28located within an area bounded by Ridge

1:45:31Avenue, Spring Lane, Haggi Mills Road,

1:45:34Port Royal Avenue, River Road, and the

1:45:36Montgomery County line. 260342-

1:45:40an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia

1:45:42zoning maps by changing the zoning

1:45:43designations of certain areas of land

1:45:46within an area bounded by East

1:45:48Washington Lane, Credin Street, East

1:45:50Tulpa Hawin Street, East Hayne Street,

1:45:52and Arley Street. 260343-

1:45:56A, an ordinance to amend the

1:45:57Philadelphia zoning maps by changing the

1:45:59zoning designations of certain areas of

1:46:01land located within an area bounded by

1:46:03East Washington Lane, Stanton Avenue,

1:46:06East Hayne Street, and Arley Street.

1:46:08260344-

1:46:10an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia

1:46:12zoning maps by changing the zoning

1:46:14designations of certain areas of land

1:46:16located within an area bounded by North

1:46:1818th Street, Colonial Street, North 17th

1:46:21Street, and Chelton Avenue. 260345-

1:46:25A, an ordinance to amend the

1:46:26Philadelphia zoning maps by changing the

1:46:28zoning designations of certain areas of

1:46:30land located within an area bounded by

1:46:33West Seymour Street, Knox Street, West

1:46:35Logan Street, and Kaiser Street.

1:46:38260566,

1:46:40an ordinance authorizing various

1:46:42encroachments in the vicinity of 6238

1:46:45Bustleton Avenue under certain terms and

1:46:46conditions. 260609,

1:46:50an ordinance amending section 12-71 of

1:46:52the Philadelphia Code entitled

1:46:54designation of bicycle lanes to

1:46:56authorize a bicycle lane and removal of

1:46:58parking on Roberts Avenue from Henry

1:47:00Avenue to King Street under certain

1:47:02terms and conditions.

1:47:04260758, an ordinance regulating the

1:47:07placement of a truck loading zone on

1:47:08South 23rd Street between South Street

1:47:11and Naldane Street, all under certain

1:47:13terms and conditions. And bill number

1:47:15260-762,

1:47:17an ordinance regulating the placement of

1:47:19a truck loading zone on 1716 Frankfurt

1:47:21Avenue between Palmer Street and East

1:47:23Colombia Avenue, all under certain terms

1:47:26and conditions. There are no further

1:47:27bills on the consent agenda. Council

1:47:29President,

1:47:30>> these bills have been read on two

1:47:31different days. The question for each

1:47:33bill now is a bill passed finally. The

1:47:36clerk shall call the role and upon being

1:47:38called, each council member shall vote I

1:47:40on each of the bills. nay on each of the

1:47:43bills will indicate those bills for

1:47:44which the amendment is voting I and

1:47:46those bills for which the member is

1:47:48voting nay.

1:47:51>> Clerk, please call the role.

1:47:52>> Council member Phillips,

1:47:54>> I on all bills.

1:47:55>> Council member Gilmore Richardson,

1:47:57>> I on all bills.

1:47:58>> Council member Gautier was I. Council

1:48:00member Thomas,

1:48:01>> I on all bills.

1:48:02>> Council member Jones,

1:48:04>> I on all bills.

1:48:05>> Council member Landau,

1:48:07>> I on all bills. Council member Loada.

1:48:09>> I on all bills.

1:48:11>> Council member Young,

1:48:12>> I on all bills.

1:48:14>> Council member Brooks.

1:48:15>> I on all bills.

1:48:16>> Council member Harity.

1:48:18>> I on all bills.

1:48:19>> Council member Oor.

1:48:20>> I on all bills.

1:48:22>> Council member Driscoll.

1:48:23>> I on all bills.

1:48:24>> Council member O'Neal.

1:48:26>> I bills.

1:48:27>> Council member Swilla.

1:48:28>> I on all bills.

1:48:29>> Council member Bass.

1:48:31>> I on all bills.

1:48:32>> Council member Ahmed.

1:48:33>> I on all bills.

1:48:34>> And council president Johnson.

1:48:36>> I on all bills. Majority of all the

1:48:38members having voted in the affirmative

1:48:39for each of the bills. The bills in the

1:48:42consent agenda are passed. We will now

1:48:44consider resolutions on the final

1:48:46passage calendar and bills on the second

1:48:48reading and final passage calendar.

1:48:51Would the clerk please read the title of

1:48:52resolution number 260823.

1:48:56A resolution authorizing the

1:48:57Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to

1:48:59execute and deliver to the Philadelphia

1:49:00Land Bank, a deed conveying title to

1:49:031811 West Style Street located in the

1:49:05fifth councilmatic district pursuant to

1:49:08the requirements of the Commonwealth

1:49:09Land Bank Act.

1:49:11>> Chair recognizes member Young for a

1:49:13motion regarding resolution number

1:49:15260823.

1:49:17>> Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its

1:49:19adoption.

1:49:21It has been moving properly seconded.

1:49:23The resolution number 260823

1:49:25be adopted. All those in favor, the

1:49:28motion will signify by saying I.

1:49:30>> Those opposed, the eyes have it. The

1:49:32motion carries. The resolution is

1:49:34adopted.

1:49:35Will the clerk please read the tit of

1:49:37resolution number 260824?

1:49:40A resolution authorizing the

1:49:41commissioner of public property to

1:49:43execute and deliver to the Philadelphia

1:49:44Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying

1:49:46fee simple title 2 1808 1809 1810 1812

1:49:52and 1819 North Bailey Street 2611 Cecil

1:49:56Bemore Avenue 2438 2442 2456 2648 and

1:50:032651 North Kley Street 1816 1838 1839

1:50:0939, 1841, 1843, 1845, 1848, 1851, 1861,

1:50:171862, and 1866. North Eding Street,

1:50:212519,

1:50:232600, 2611, 3019, 3021, 3027, 3029,

1:50:293031, and 3039 West Oakdale Street. 24

1:50:3323 24 25 24 37 24 46 251 254 256 2513

1:50:432516 2517 2526 2539 and 2556 North

1:50:49Stanley Street 1726 North 26th Street

1:50:531735 and 1747 North 27th Street in the

1:50:57fifth council district of the city of

1:50:59Philadelphia and further authorizing the

1:51:01Philadelphia redevelopment authority

1:51:02property to transfer to the Philadelphia

1:51:04Land Bank fe simple title to such

1:51:06properties pursuant to section 16-405

1:51:09of the Philadelphia code.

1:51:12>> Chair recognizes Councilary Young for a

1:51:14motion regarding resolution number

1:51:16260824.

1:51:18>> Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the

1:51:19adoption. Second.

1:51:22>> It has been moved and properly seconded

1:51:23that resolution number 260824 be

1:51:26adopted. All those in favor of motion

1:51:28will signify by saying I.

1:51:31>> Anyone opposed? The eyes have it. The

1:51:33motion carries. The resolution is

1:51:34adopted. Would a clerk please with the

1:51:35title of resolution number 260846.

1:51:39>> A resolution also naming the 12,200

1:51:42block of 46th Street at the intersection

1:51:44of Kingesting Avenue, the links

1:51:46incorporated lane to honor the service

1:51:48and impact of the links incorporated on

1:51:51the Philadelphia community.

1:51:53>> Chair recognizes majority leader captain

1:51:55Kilmer Richardson. I'll make a motion on

1:51:56behalf of council member Jamie Gartier

1:51:59for resolution number 260846.

1:52:02>> Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of

1:52:04council member Jamie Gardier, I move the

1:52:06adoption of the resolution.

1:52:08>> It has a move and properly seconded the

1:52:10resolution number 260846

1:52:12be adopted. All those in favor of the

1:52:14motion will signify by saying I.

1:52:17>> Those opposed, the eyes have it. The

1:52:19motion carries. The resolution is

1:52:20adopted. Would the clerk [clears throat]

1:52:21please read the title? Resolution number

1:52:23260848.

1:52:25>> A resolution also designating

1:52:27designating and ceremonially naming

1:52:30renaming the corner of East Ashme Street

1:52:32and Wakefield Street as Enis in

1:52:35recognition of his extraordinary

1:52:36accomplishments in boxing, his

1:52:38representation of Philadelphia on the

1:52:40world stage, and his commitment to

1:52:42inspiring and giving back to the young

1:52:43people of his hometown.

1:52:45>> Chair recognized Council Bass for a

1:52:47motion regarding resolution number

1:52:48260848.

1:52:50>> Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the

1:52:52adoption of this resolution.

1:52:54>> It has a move and properly seconded. The

1:52:56resolution number 260848 be adopted. All

1:52:59those in favor of the motion will

1:53:00signify by saying I. Anyone opposed? The

1:53:03eyes have it. The motion carries and the

1:53:05resolution is adopted. Would the clerk

1:53:06please read the title? A resolution

1:53:08number 260849.

1:53:11a resolution calling upon the General

1:53:13Assembly of the Commonwealth of

1:53:14Pennsylvania to enact Senate Bill 1465,

1:53:18also known as the Pennsylvania Universal

1:53:20Healthc Care Act, which would establish

1:53:22the Office of Health Care and the

1:53:24Pennsylvania Care Board with

1:53:25responsibility to implement a

1:53:27comprehensive singlepayer health care

1:53:29model that would provide healthc care

1:53:30coverage to all Pennians.

1:53:32>> Chair recogniz Dr. Name for a motion.

1:53:35>> Uh, thank you, Council President. I move

1:53:37for the adoption of the resolution on

1:53:39your behalf.

1:53:41It has been moved and properly seconded.

1:53:43The resolution number 260849 be adopted.

1:53:46All those in favor of the motion will

1:53:48signify by saying I.

1:53:50>> Anyone opposed? The eyes have it. The

1:53:51motion carries and the resolution is

1:53:53adopted. Would the clerk please with the

1:53:54title of bill number 260691?

1:53:59an ordinance authorizing and approving

1:54:01the execution of a del and delivery of a

1:54:03service agreement between the city of

1:54:05Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the

1:54:07Philadelphia Authority for industrial

1:54:08development relating to the financing of

1:54:10the buildout, construction, equipping,

1:54:12installation, and implementation of

1:54:14improvements for the development of a

1:54:16forensics laboratory for the

1:54:17Philadelphia Police Department at a

1:54:19specified property or properties owned

1:54:22or leased and operated by the city.

1:54:25Approving the issuance of s by such

1:54:27authority of bonds. notes or other

1:54:29evidences of indebtedness in one or more

1:54:31of a series to finance or refinance the

1:54:33cost of such project. And authorizing

1:54:35and approving the obligation of the city

1:54:38to pay in full when due the service fee

1:54:41and other amounts payable under the

1:54:43service agreement. Authorizing certain

1:54:45city officers to take certain actions

1:54:47required to issue such bonds, notes, or

1:54:49other evidences of indebtedness.

1:54:51covenating that the city will make

1:54:53necessary appropriations in each of the

1:54:55city's fiscal years to provide for and

1:54:57will make timely payments of the service

1:54:59fee and other amounts due under the

1:55:01service agreement and authorizing city

1:55:03officials to take other necessary or

1:55:05appropriate actions to effectuate the

1:55:07purposes of this ordinance all under

1:55:09certain terms and conditions. Th this

1:55:11bill had been read on two different

1:55:13days. The question now is shall a bill

1:55:15pass finally?

1:55:22Clerk, please call the role.

1:55:24>> Council member Phillips,

1:55:25>> I.

1:55:26>> Council member Gilmore Richardson,

1:55:27>> I.

1:55:28>> Council member Gautier was I. Council

1:55:30member Thomas,

1:55:31>> I.

1:55:32>> Council member Jones,

1:55:33>> I.

1:55:34>> Council member Landal,

1:55:35>> I.

1:55:35>> Council member Lada,

1:55:37>> I.

1:55:37>> Council member Young,

1:55:39>> I.

1:55:39>> Council member Brooks,

1:55:41>> hi.

1:55:42>> Council member Har.

1:55:43>> I.

1:55:44>> Council member Oor.

1:55:45>> Hi.

1:55:46>> Council member Driscoll.

1:55:47>> Hi.

1:55:48>> Council member O'Neal.

1:55:49>> Hi. Council member Squila.

1:55:51>> I.

1:55:51>> Council member Bass.

1:55:53>> I.

1:55:53>> Council member Ahmed.

1:55:55>> I.

1:55:55>> And Council President Johnson.

1:55:57>> I. The eyes are 17 and these are zero.

1:56:00Majority of all members voted in the

1:56:01affirmative. The bill passes. Want to

1:56:04acknowledge the hard work of our chair

1:56:05of public safety, MC Jones, for his work

1:56:09on the forensic lab. Thank you very

1:56:10much, sir. Will the clerk please read

1:56:13any additional resolutions on today's

1:56:16calendar?

1:56:17A privileged resolution recognizing

1:56:19National School Lunch Week celebrated in

1:56:21schools October 12th through 16th, 2026,

1:56:24and honoring the role of school meals

1:56:26and school food service employees in

1:56:29addressing food insecurity and

1:56:30supporting the health, learning, and

1:56:32well-being of Philadelphia students.

1:56:34Introduced by Council Member Anthony

1:56:35Phillips.

1:56:36>> Chair recognizes Council Member Dr.

1:56:38Anthony Phillips for a motion on the

1:56:40resolution.

1:56:41>> Thank you, Council President. I

1:56:42enthusiastically move for the adoption

1:56:45of this resolution.

1:56:46>> Second.

1:56:47It has been moved in property second

1:56:49that the resolution be adopted. All

1:56:50those in favor will signify by saying I.

1:56:53Those opposed. The eyes have it and the

1:56:55[clears throat] resolution is adopted.

1:56:57Thank you, Member Phillips. Would the

1:56:58chief clerk please read the title of the

1:57:00next resolution.

1:57:02>> A privileged resolution honoring

1:57:03Philadelphia Eagles legend Lane Johnson

1:57:06on the occasion of his retirement after

1:57:0714 incredible seasons with the

1:57:09organization and earning two Super Bowl

1:57:11rings and numerous other accolades.

1:57:13Introduced by Council Member Isaiah

1:57:14Thomas. Chair recognized Councilman

1:57:16Isaiah Thomas for a motion on the

1:57:18resolution.

1:57:18>> Thank you, Council President.

1:57:19Congratulations to the Hall of Fame and

1:57:21praying for his family. I move for the

1:57:22adoption of the resolution.

1:57:23>> It has been moving properly seconded

1:57:25that the resolution be adopted. All

1:57:26those in favor will signify by saying I.

1:57:30>> Anyone opposed? The eyes have it and the

1:57:32resolution has been adopted. Chief

1:57:34clerk, please read the title of the next

1:57:35resolution. A privileged resolution

1:57:38honoring Justin Edwards on the occasion

1:57:40of the renaming of Smemedley

1:57:41Elementary's school gym commemorating

1:57:43his community involvement and career in

1:57:45the National Basketball Association

1:57:47introduced by Council Member Isaiah

1:57:49Thomas.

1:57:49>> Chair recognizes Council Isaiah Thomas

1:57:51for a motion on the resolution.

1:57:53>> Thank you, Council President.

1:57:54Congratulations to my young guy. I move

1:57:56for the adoption of the resolution.

1:57:58>> It has a move and properly seconded that

1:58:00that the resolution be adopted. All

1:58:02those in favor signify by saying I.

1:58:05Anyone opposed? The eyes have it and the

1:58:07resolution is adopted. Thank you very

1:58:09much, coach. Chief clerk, please be the

1:58:11title of the next resolution.

1:58:13>> A privileged resolution honoring Mel

1:58:15Reese as the voice of the Philadelphia

1:58:16Eagles and congratulating him on his

1:58:1850th season as the Eagles radio

1:58:20playbyplay announcer introduced by

1:58:22Council Member Isaiah Thomas.

1:58:24>> Chair recognizes Councilman Isaiah

1:58:25Thomas for a motion on the resolution.

1:58:27>> Thank you, Council President. More to

1:58:28come on this one. I look forward to the

1:58:30uh I move for the adoption of the

1:58:31resolution. It has been moved and

1:58:33properly seconded that the resolution be

1:58:35adopted. All those in favor will signify

1:58:36by saying I. Anyone opposed? The eyes

1:58:39have and the resolution is adopted.

1:58:41Chief clerk, please read the title of

1:58:43the next resolution.

1:58:44>> A privilege resolution celebrating the

1:58:46Philadelphia Department of Prisons on

1:58:47the opening of the skills center

1:58:49improving the career readiness and

1:58:50re-entry process of incarcerated

1:58:52individuals. Introduced by Council

1:58:54Member Isaiah Thomas.

1:58:55>> Chair recognized Council Isaiah Thomas

1:58:57for a motion on the resolution.

1:58:59>> Thank you, Council President. And I move

1:59:00for the adoption of the resolution.

1:59:02>> It has been move and property seconded

1:59:04that the resolution be adopted. All

1:59:05those in favor will signify by saying I.

1:59:08>> Anyone opposed? The eyes have it. The

1:59:10resolution is adopted. Chief clerk

1:59:11pleased with the title. The next

1:59:13resolution, a privilege resolution

1:59:15honoring and recognizing the Please

1:59:16Touch Museum on its 50th anniversary in

1:59:19recognition of its long-standing

1:59:20commitment to childhood learning through

1:59:22play and its lasting impact on millions

1:59:24of children and families from all walks

1:59:26of life since its founding. introduced

1:59:28by council member Curtis Jones Jr.

1:59:30>> Chair recognized council member Curtis

1:59:32Jones Jr. for a motion on the

1:59:33resolution.

1:59:34>> Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the

1:59:35adoption.

1:59:36>> It has been moved and properly seconded

1:59:38that the resolution be adopted. All

1:59:40those in favor will signify by saying I.

1:59:43>> Anyone opposed? The eyes have it and the

1:59:45resolution is adopted. Chief clerk,

1:59:46please do the title of the next

1:59:47resolution. A privileged resolution

1:59:50honoring and recognizing Mario Zuka,

1:59:52also known as OneShot MAR, as the first

1:59:54ever winner of the Philadelphia Parallel

1:59:56Parking Association Championship held on

1:59:58October 3rd, 2026, introduced by Council

2:00:01Member Ru Landau.

2:00:02>> Chair recognizes Council Ru Landau for a

2:00:04motion on the resolution.

2:00:05>> Thank you, Council President. I move for

2:00:07the adoption of the resolution.

2:00:09>> It has been moved in properly seconded

2:00:10that the resolution be adopted. All

2:00:12those in favor signify by saying I.

2:00:15>> Anyone opposed? The eyes have it. The

2:00:17resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk,

2:00:18please read the title of the next

2:00:20resolution.

2:00:21>> A privileged resolution honoring and

2:00:22recognizing mental health partnerships

2:00:24on the occasion of its 75th anniversary

2:00:26for advancing mental health, recovery,

2:00:28and peer-led support for people of

2:00:30Philadelphia for threearters of a

2:00:32century. Introduced by Council Member Ru

2:00:34Landau.

2:00:35>> The chair recognizes Councilman Ru

2:00:36Landow for a motion on the resolution.

2:00:39>> Thank you, Council President. I move for

2:00:40the adoption of the resolution.

2:00:42>> It has been moved in property second

2:00:43that the resolution be adopted. All

2:00:45those in favor will signify by saying I.

2:00:47>> I.

2:00:48>> Anyone opposed? The eyes have it. The

2:00:50resolution is adopted. Chief clerk,

2:00:51please read the title of the next

2:00:52resolution.

2:00:54A privileged resolution proudly

2:00:56recognizing and celebrating the historic

2:00:58legacy, enduring service, and

2:01:00contributions of Second Baptist Church

2:01:02of Frankfurt and the black community of

2:01:04Frankfurt. Introduced by Council Member

2:01:06Ketsy Lazada.

2:01:07>> Chair recognizes Council Member K Lazada

2:01:08for a motion on the resolution.

2:01:10>> Thank you, Council President. I move for

2:01:11the adoption.

2:01:14as a move and properly second that the

2:01:15resolution be adopted. All those in

2:01:17favor signify by saying I. I.

2:01:20>> Anyone oppose? The eyes have it. And the

2:01:23resolution is adopted.

2:01:26Chief clerk, please read the title of

2:01:27the next resolution.

2:01:28>> A privileged resolution declaring

2:01:30October 2026 as domestic violence

2:01:32awareness month in the city of

2:01:33Philadelphia. Introduced by council

2:01:35member Ky Lazada. Chair

2:01:37>> recognizes council member Ky Lazada for

2:01:39a motion on a resolution.

2:01:41>> Thank you, Council President. In

2:01:42collaboration with minority leader

2:01:44Brooks, I move for the adoption of the

2:01:46resolution.

2:01:47>> It has been moved and properly seconded

2:01:49that the resolution be adopted. All

2:01:50those in favor signify by saying I.

2:01:53>> Anyone opposed? The eyes have. The

2:01:55resolution have been adopted. Chief

2:01:57clerk, please read the title of the next

2:01:59resolution. A privileged resolution

2:02:01honoring Philadelphia firefighter Joshua

2:02:03Pagan for his extraordinary courage and

2:02:06selfless service in saving the lives of

2:02:07four fellow firefighters and celebrating

2:02:09his historic distinction as the first

2:02:11Latino recipient of the Philadelphia

2:02:13firefighter of the year award.

2:02:15Introduced by council member Ketsy

2:02:16Lazada.

2:02:17>> Chair recognizes council member Ketsy

2:02:18Lazada for a motion on the resolution.

2:02:20>> Thank you council president. I move for

2:02:21the adoption of the resolution. Second.

2:02:23>> It has been moved and properly seconded

2:02:25that the resolution be adopted. All

2:02:26those in favor signify by saying I.

2:02:29Anyone [sighs]

2:02:29opposed? Eyes have it. The resolution is

2:02:32adopted. Good job. Member Lazada. Chief

2:02:34clerk, please. The title of the next

2:02:35resolution.

2:02:36>> A privileged resolution recognizing the

2:02:38late judge Raymond Pace Alexander,

2:02:40former council member of the fifth

2:02:42district, fifth council manic district

2:02:44and first African-American Philadelphia

2:02:46city council member and the first

2:02:48African-American judge on the court of

2:02:49common please in Pennsylvania on the

2:02:51occasion of his judicial portrait

2:02:53rededication ceremony. Introduced by

2:02:55council member Jeffrey J. Young on

2:02:57behalf of council president Johnson.

2:02:59>> Chair recognizes council member Jeffrey

2:03:01J. Young for a motion on the resolution.

2:03:03>> Thank you Mr. President. I move for this

2:03:05adoption.

2:03:07>> It has been moved and properly seconded

2:03:09that the resolution be adopted. All

2:03:10those in favor will signify by saying I.

2:03:13>> I.

2:03:13>> Anyone opposed? The eyes have it and the

2:03:16resolution has been adopted. Chief clerk

2:03:18please read the title of the next

2:03:19resolution. A privileged resolution

2:03:21commending the Pennsylvania Human

2:03:23Relations Commission for issuing

2:03:24guidance, affirming that waving

2:03:26admission fees for personal care

2:03:28assistance at public and commercial

2:03:29properties is an important and

2:03:31reasonable accommodation and recognizing

2:03:33the work of Michael Anderson of the Ark

2:03:35of Philadelphia for his successful

2:03:37advocacy. Introduced by Council Member

2:03:39Kendra Brooks.

2:03:40>> She recognizes Council Member Kendra

2:03:41Brooks for a motion on the resolution.

2:03:43>> Thank you, Council President. I move for

2:03:45the adoption of the resolution. It has a

2:03:47move in property seconded that the

2:03:49resolution be adopted. All those in

2:03:50favor will signify by saying I.

2:03:53>> Anyone opposed? The eyes have it. The

2:03:55resolution is adopted. Chief clerk,

2:03:56please give the title of the next

2:03:57resolution.

2:03:58>> A privileged resolution honoring the

2:04:00life and legacy of Martin Marty

2:04:02Weinberg, attorney and former city

2:04:04solicitor, celebrating his lifetime

2:04:06commitment to the city of Philadelphia

2:04:08and extending the deepest condolences to

2:04:10his family and friends upon his passing.

2:04:12introduced by council member Jim Herity.

2:04:16>> Chair recognizes council member Jim

2:04:17Harry for a motion on the resolution.

2:04:19>> Thank you, Council [clears throat]

2:04:20President. I move for the adoption of

2:04:21the resolution.

2:04:22>> Second.

2:04:23>> It has been moved in property second

2:04:25that the resolution be adopted. All

2:04:26those in favor will signify by saying I.

2:04:28>> I.

2:04:29>> Anyone opposed? The eyes have it. The

2:04:31resolution is adopted. Chief clerk,

2:04:32please read the title of the next

2:04:33resolution. A privileged resolution

2:04:35authorizing the committee on licenses

2:04:37and inspections to hold hearings to

2:04:38examine the maintenance, inspection,

2:04:40enforcement, and demolition of

2:04:41deteriorating, blighted, and unsafe

2:04:43properties in the city of Philadelphia.

2:04:45Introduced by Council Member Cindy Bass.

2:04:47>> Chair recognizes Council Member Cindy

2:04:48Bass for a motion on the resolution.

2:04:51>> Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the

2:04:52adoption of this resolution. Second.

2:04:54>> It has a move and properly second that

2:04:56the resolution is adopted. All those in

2:04:58favor will signify by saying I.

2:05:00>> I.

2:05:01>> Anyone opposed? The eyes have it and the

2:05:04resolution is adopted. Chief clerk,

2:05:06please read the title of the next

2:05:07resolution.

2:05:08>> A privileged resolution recognizing

2:05:10October 18th, 2026 as World Menopause

2:05:12Day in Philadelphia introduced by

2:05:14Council Member Nina Ahmed.

2:05:16>> Chair recognized Council Dr. Nina Ahmed

2:05:18for a motion in the resolution.

2:05:20>> Thank you, Council President. I move for

2:05:22the adoption of the resolution.

2:05:25>> It has been moved and properly seconded

2:05:27that the resolution be adopted. All

2:05:28those in favor will signify by saying I.

2:05:31>> I. Anyone opposed? The eyes have it and

2:05:34the resolution is adopted. That

2:05:36concludes our calendar for today.

2:05:44Any brief speeches on behalf of the

2:05:46minority or chair recognizes council

2:05:48member Kendra Brooks. Council President,

2:05:51last year I held the hearing of the

2:05:53committee of people with disabilities

2:05:55about the accessibility for big events

2:05:57in 2026. One of the major concerns from

2:06:00the hearing was that accessibility could

2:06:02not be an afterthought and that people

2:06:04with disability could not be left out of

2:06:06the planning process. Today, I brought

2:06:08forth a resolution to recognize Michael

2:06:10Anderson of the Ark of Pennsylvania who

2:06:12refused to be left out of the process

2:06:14and spoke up for people with

2:06:16disabilities across the state. Over a

2:06:18decade, Michael has fought for the

2:06:20people with disabilities to have equal

2:06:22access to sports games, concerts,

2:06:25museums,

2:06:26and other events. Recently, he worked

2:06:28with the Pennsylvania Human Relations

2:06:31Commission to create new guidelines for

2:06:33venues who host these events. The

2:06:36guidelines affirm that people with

2:06:39disabilities should not be required to

2:06:41pay for two tickets in order to attend

2:06:44an event with their personal care

2:06:46attendant. Using these guidelines, venue

2:06:48should develop policies to ensure that

2:06:51people with disabilities are not charged

2:06:53double because of their medical needs. I

2:06:56applaud Michael and ARC and the

2:06:58Pennsylvania Human Rights Coalition for

2:07:00their work on this issue and I urge all

2:07:03venues in Philadelphia to familiarize

2:07:05themselves with these new guidelines.

2:07:07And today I also partner with Council

2:07:10Member Ketsy Lazada and Women Against

2:07:11Abuse to recognize October as domestic

2:07:15violence awareness month in

2:07:17Philadelphia. This year and every year,

2:07:20I am remembering my cousin Tiana who

2:07:24lost her life to domestic violence over

2:07:2610 years ago. And I want to thank

2:07:28council member Lazada for sharing her

2:07:30story because these survivors stories

2:07:33help to break down the shame and stigma

2:07:36s surrounding domestic violence. And I

2:07:39want to thank women against abuse for

2:07:41their outreach and advocacy on the

2:07:42behalf of survivors. Thank you.

2:07:46Thank you very much.

2:07:51Any speech on behalf of the majority

2:07:53chair recognizes Council Member Anthony

2:07:55Phillips.

2:07:56Thank you, Council President.

2:07:59For me, this week, I just wanted to

2:08:00briefly talk about something that has

2:08:02really touched my heart. A couple months

2:08:04ago, I had an opportunity to meet with

2:08:07students from Philly Bolt, an

2:08:10organization at Alony High School, also

2:08:13an organization with students across the

2:08:15city. There were Philly Bull students at

2:08:17Al High School that shared with me that

2:08:21their school lunch was absolutely

2:08:23terrible. They pro they provided me with

2:08:26a pro problem statement and they offered

2:08:28me different solutions on what should be

2:08:31done to address the issue.

2:08:33I had always knew that school lunches

2:08:37were a problem. Um, but I just wasn't

2:08:40sure how much it was a problem to our

2:08:43students until I met up with those Alony

2:08:46High School students. And what I want

2:08:50you to know now is that their testimony

2:08:53and their presentation touched me in a

2:08:56way that I said, "Now is the time more

2:08:59than ever to address this issue." After

2:09:03meeting with our students, I began to

2:09:06unravel what the issue is. Currently in

2:09:09Philadelphia, most of our school lunches

2:09:12are being shipped from another state,

2:09:14New York, at that and then being brought

2:09:16to the city of Philadelphia for food to

2:09:19be reheated. The students at Ali High

2:09:22School said to said to me, "The food is

2:09:25not made with love." They also said that

2:09:29often times the food is not heated well.

2:09:32Um and they also said that a lot of

2:09:34times the variety of food is is pretty

2:09:36much the same. There's no variety. They

2:09:39say a lot of great things are happening

2:09:41in developing art school at Alony.

2:09:43They're great athletic programs.

2:09:45Academic pro academic um achievement is

2:09:49going up, but we just need to get this

2:09:51school lunch thing right. And so for me,

2:09:55one of the things that I'm urging the

2:09:56school district of Philadelphia to do is

2:09:59to come up with a new solution that I'm

2:10:01also going to be working with them to

2:10:02come up with solutions as well. We do

2:10:04understand that most of the school

2:10:06lunches are paid for by the federal

2:10:09government. Um, however, just because

2:10:13the federal government is financing the

2:10:15school lunches, it doesn't necessarily

2:10:18mean that we have to uh asset the lousy

2:10:22quality of taste u that the school

2:10:25lunches are. So what we're asking for is

2:10:28more extensive conversations around

2:10:30public and private partnerships, ways in

2:10:33which we can invest in food being cooked

2:10:36on site as opposed to being heated up,

2:10:39reheated up. There's a big different big

2:10:42difference from food that is heated

2:10:44versus food that is prepared right that

2:10:47very moment in front of your eyes. So, I

2:10:50just want to say that yes, today we

2:10:52introduced resolutions to recognize

2:10:54National School Lunch Week, but we also

2:10:57introduced a resolution to re-examine uh

2:11:01school meal policies and practices here

2:11:03in the city of Philadelphia. We need to

2:11:05look at the freshness, taste,

2:11:08nutritional quality, temperature,

2:11:09portion sizes, all these issues and more

2:11:12that these young people have brought up

2:11:14to us. It is an age-old problem that we

2:11:18have known about for a long time. But

2:11:21what we do know is is probably impacting

2:11:24not probably what I do know it is

2:11:26because the students told me themselves

2:11:29that they would rather not eat at all

2:11:31and there's also a stigma that for young

2:11:34people in these schools to eat the

2:11:36school lunch if they if they are hungry.

2:11:39So it is time to solve that age-old

2:11:42problem. together we can make school

2:11:44lunches uh a better uh experience for

2:11:48all of our students across the city of

2:11:50Philadelphia. And believe it or not,

2:11:52there are some schools that actually

2:11:55have better lunches. Why is that right

2:11:58here in the school district of

2:11:59Philadelphia? So, it's time to make a

2:12:02change. If we want to have young people

2:12:04doing well in school, let's work

2:12:07together to make sure that our federal

2:12:09partners understand that we're not

2:12:10tolerating this. And I'm not going to

2:12:12stop until students at Alony High School

2:12:16and our, you know, across the city of

2:12:17Philadelphia, across the school district

2:12:19of Philadelphia, um, school district and

2:12:21others understand that we're here for

2:12:24them. We're here to support them and the

2:12:26time is is time for them to deserve a

2:12:27great quality meal. Thank you, Council

2:12:29President.

2:12:30>> Thank you, Member Phillips. Chair

2:12:32recognizes Majority Leader Katherine

2:12:34Gilmore Richardson.

2:12:36>> Thank you, Mr. President. Uh today I

2:12:39introduce my 10th piece of legislation

2:12:42related to the ongoing fight to combat

2:12:44the nuisance businesses that have

2:12:46continued to proliferate across the city

2:12:48of Philadelphia in recent years.

2:12:50Specifically, the proposed legislation

2:12:53will update the zoning code to establish

2:12:55a specific definition for tobacco

2:12:58retailing, codifying a 750 ft setback

2:13:02requirement from sensitive locations,

2:13:05and that includes our schools and our

2:13:06daycarees, and creates restrictions

2:13:09around those window coverings. Under the

2:13:13current zoning code, businesses that

2:13:15sell tobacco products are treated as any

2:13:18other retail business and can open in

2:13:20areas zoned for retail. While the health

2:13:23department's regulations do create

2:13:25limits by creating a separate

2:13:27definition, the city will be able to set

2:13:30clear rules for where smoke shops are

2:13:32permitted, where they require additional

2:13:34review, and where they are not allowed

2:13:37while giving communities a stronger

2:13:39voice in this process. Because community

2:13:42is at the heart of this issue, they

2:13:45deserve a say in the type of businesses

2:13:47opening in their communities. And

2:13:50despite all of our best efforts, which

2:13:52have been aggressive, these businesses

2:13:54continue to find loopholes to continue

2:13:57harming our neighborhoods.

2:14:00This legislation builds on my previous

2:14:02work and puts power back in the hands of

2:14:04the community and will be the largest

2:14:07attempt at regulating tobacco sales in

2:14:10Philadelphia in years. The Commonwealth

2:14:13has preempted us from making decisions

2:14:16about where and how tobacco can be sold

2:14:19in our neighborhoods. However, the city

2:14:22has explicit control over zoning. And in

2:14:25taking this step, we are exercising our

2:14:28authority to say where these products

2:14:30can be sold. Clarifying the zoning code

2:14:34has emerged as a powerful tool for

2:14:36addressing what is happening in our

2:14:38neighborhoods. And I am proud to be

2:14:40using this tool to make a real

2:14:42difference in this fight. The latest

2:14:45bill goes handinand with my ninth bill

2:14:47that I introduced a couple weeks ago at

2:14:49our September 17th session, which is

2:14:51bill number 26088.

2:14:55That bill updates the zoning code to

2:14:57replace the existing food, beverages,

2:14:59and groceries and sundries,

2:15:01pharmaceuticals, and convenience sales

2:15:03use definitions with more specific

2:15:06definitions for the groceries and

2:15:08pharmaceuticals category. That also

2:15:11gives the city a more targeted tool for

2:15:13responding to specific neighborhood

2:15:16concerns. Together, these bills give us

2:15:18stronger ways to protect our communities

2:15:21and our young people. I look forward to

2:15:24working with all of my colleagues, most

2:15:26especially my district colleagues, uh,

2:15:28on this legislation, and look forward,

2:15:31uh, to working with our community

2:15:33organizations, our civics, our RCOs, uh,

2:15:36as we continue this work. Thank you so

2:15:38much, Mr. President.

2:15:42>> Thank you very much. And

2:15:43congratulations,

2:15:45chair recognized Councilman Dr. Nina

2:15:46Med.

2:15:47>> Thank you, Council President. Uh, good

2:15:50afternoon, everyone. And let me begin by

2:15:52saying happy World Menopause Day. Uh

2:15:55World Menopause Day was established in

2:15:572009 to raise awareness of menopause and

2:16:01to improve the experiences of people who

2:16:03experience menopause. In the United

2:16:05States, approximately 2 million women

2:16:08enter menopause annually and 8 to 10

2:16:11million women experience menopause

2:16:13symptoms in any given year. More

2:16:16concerning, most women in the US do not

2:16:18receive medical treatment for symptoms

2:16:21of menopause. In 2021, 2.1 million women

2:16:25aged between 45 and 64 were treated for

2:16:28those symptoms. That's only 5% of the

2:16:30age group and roughly 20 to 25% of women

2:16:33in menopause at the time of the study.

2:16:36These numbers of course become worse

2:16:38when we look at Hispanic and

2:16:39non-Hispanic black women with only 2.7%

2:16:43and 2.5% seeking treatment respectively.

2:16:47This is why today I introduced a

2:16:49resolution to declare October 18th World

2:16:52Menopause Day in Philadelphia. I feel

2:16:54like this year this recognition of World

2:16:57Menopause is more than just symbolic. Uh

2:17:00this year the recognition comes with

2:17:02teeth in the form of my bill uh number

2:17:052550849.

2:17:07I have spoken on this bill before, but

2:17:08I'd like to remind everybody here today

2:17:11that this bill goes into effect January

2:17:131st, 2027. It guarantees your rights to

2:17:17reasonable workforce accommodations when

2:17:19it become comes to symptoms of

2:17:21menstruation, parameopause, and

2:17:23menopause. And it makes sure you're not

2:17:25discriminated against when seeking them

2:17:27out. I want to thank uh the people who

2:17:30testified today during public comment.

2:17:33Uh Dr. Robach um Shannon Kreniti and

2:17:37Taniac Gentles who rein reemphasized

2:17:42what I just said and I thank them for

2:17:44being here. Um, I'm also incredibly uh

2:17:48proud that this legislation that I just

2:17:51spoke about uh a few minutes ago is the

2:17:54first of its kind in any municipality in

2:17:56the country because it includes

2:17:58menstruation. And I am especially

2:18:00hopeful, by the way, that I have seen it

2:18:02resonate throughout Philadelphia and

2:18:04beyond. We are now seeing legislation in

2:18:06Harrisburg and across the nation that

2:18:08addresses the realities of menopause.

2:18:11And it has been my honor to be part of

2:18:12this movement. Um so I'm glad once again

2:18:15to recognize World Menopause Day today.

2:18:18Uh yesterday I he held a hearing uh in

2:18:21the committee on commerce and economic

2:18:24development to explore the process of

2:18:26becoming a micro business in

2:18:27Philadelphia and to learn how the city

2:18:30can be better partners to our

2:18:31entrepreneurs. I want to thank committee

2:18:33chair Markquila and my colleagues who

2:18:36were here especially uh Mike uh council

2:18:39member Mike Driscoll who stayed through

2:18:40the entire process uh for the spirit of

2:18:43collaboration that you brought to the

2:18:45hearing. I'd like to thank everyone who

2:18:47testified for your input and thoughtful

2:18:50feedback feedback very solutionoriented.

2:18:53Taking a day off as a small business

2:18:55owner is a significant challenge and I

2:18:58don't take it lightly that so many took

2:19:00time out of their day to make their

2:19:02voices heard. I want to quickly

2:19:05acknowledge the wonderful young talent

2:19:07on my team. As of today, Nisha Tanakar,

2:19:11if you would please stand up, uh join my

2:19:13team as a communications intern. She is

2:19:16a junior at Temple University studying

2:19:18mathematical economics and has a

2:19:20background in film and social media

2:19:22management. She will be joining my small

2:19:24but mighty communications team. Welcome

2:19:27Anaisa and team. Nina has two interns

2:19:31from Lancau Environmental Science Magnet

2:19:33High School who are here today in the

2:19:35chambers. Winter and Abdullah will be

2:19:38with my team until May and I'm thrilled

2:19:40to have them. My time with Lanoff

2:19:42students continue to drive home just how

2:19:45exceptional at the school is and it is

2:19:48shameful that the school district

2:19:50continues to plan to shut them down. I

2:19:53want to thank council member Jones uh

2:19:55for his innovative legislation regarding

2:19:58Lano site and remind everyone the fight

2:20:01to save this the school and the other

2:20:03schools on that 17 uh number list is not

2:20:07over. So please save Lano and I want to

2:20:10acknowledge my students here. Thank you.

2:20:14>> Thank you.

2:20:18>> Chair recognizes Jeffrey J. Young.

2:20:20>> Uh thank you uh Mr. President. Um I want

2:20:24to thank Dr. Phillips for the resolution

2:20:26uh you know just acknowledging

2:20:29um [laughter] the type of food that we

2:20:32get uh that our students get at at our

2:20:34school district. Um I have an I've had

2:20:36an open invitation out to Dr. Watlington

2:20:39for I guess the past two years now to

2:20:41come eat lunch with me at Ben Franklin

2:20:42High School, right? Just so we can see

2:20:45um you know what our students are

2:20:47getting. Um so thank you Dr. Phyllis for

2:20:49that. Um because I've been told time and

2:20:51time again um that the food is just not

2:20:54good. Um and for the city of

2:20:56Philadelphia be known for having some of

2:20:58the best restaurants, the best culinary

2:21:00schools, the best, you know, we can

2:21:02figure this out um locally. So, thank

2:21:04you for bringing some attention to this

2:21:05to this matter. Um, I also want to thank

2:21:10council president uh for allowing me to

2:21:11introduce the resolution today honoring

2:21:13Judge uh Raymond Pace Alexander uh the

2:21:16first African-American North

2:21:18Philadelphia city council, former fifth

2:21:20council district uh member and former uh

2:21:24judge of the court of common please, the

2:21:25first black judge on the court of common

2:21:27please. Um he is the husband of Sadi T.

2:21:30Alexander. Um, and folks know that they

2:21:33were the original North Philly power

2:21:35couple. Um, so thank you for allowing me

2:21:37to introduce that resolution. I look

2:21:38forward to the portrait unveiling um, in

2:21:42the courtroom here in city hall. Um, I

2:21:44look at my I have a bookmark where I

2:21:47have all the past council members since

2:21:491951 listed on there. Um, actually

2:21:53sitting right here. Um and you know it

2:21:55it just reminds us um of the greatness

2:21:57of the members of the past council

2:22:00members who were um fifth district who

2:22:03represented the fifth district. And

2:22:05speaking of that, I want to say happy

2:22:06birthday to former fifth district

2:22:08council member and former mayor John F.

2:22:11Street. Today is his birthday. Uh so

2:22:13definitely want to give him a a special

2:22:14birthday shout out. Um

2:22:18I want to thank my colleagues for the

2:22:19domestic violence awareness uh

2:22:21resolution. Uh we myself living in this

2:22:25city have experienced. I tell folks all

2:22:27the time, whatever you've been through,

2:22:30I've probably been through it or just

2:22:32one degree away from it. And domestic

2:22:34violence is something that I've

2:22:35witnessed uh in my life firsthand. Um

2:22:38the trauma of witnessing that uh still

2:22:41lives in me to this day. Um and so I I

2:22:43just want to um you know, thank all the

2:22:46folks who were here today that testify

2:22:48on that resolution. I want to thank

2:22:49Luther and Settlement House in the fifth

2:22:51council district um for always um you

2:22:54know providing support to victims of

2:22:56domestic violence.

2:22:59Last night we held our quality of life

2:23:01town hall at heart [ __ ] school. Um I

2:23:03want to thank all the government

2:23:04community alliance 37th ward and the

2:23:06heart [ __ ] playground alliance um for

2:23:09coming out participating and supporting

2:23:11us um in our quality of life town halls

2:23:14uh where we got to address some

2:23:15significant community issues. Um, one of

2:23:18those community issues that popped up is

2:23:20the use of the heart community center uh

2:23:24that was transferred to the Philadelphia

2:23:25Housing Authority from um the city of

2:23:28Philadelphia uh for a community space.

2:23:32Um but members in that community feel

2:23:34like that that resource center is not

2:23:36for the community. Those who don't know,

2:23:39uh, when Philadelphia Housing Authority

2:23:40has these community centers or community

2:23:42spaces, um, they're not treated like our

2:23:45rec centers or rec spaces, right? The

2:23:47public barely has access to it. If

2:23:49you're not a PHA resident, um, it's

2:23:52very, very difficult for you to access

2:23:53these so-called community spaces. Um,

2:23:56the Philadelphia Housing Authority

2:23:58pretty much acts as a private uh, entity

2:24:01when it comes to that when they are the

2:24:03stewards of public land. Um, and so I

2:24:05think that some of those ideas, some of

2:24:07those um, how they uh, I guess treat um,

2:24:10our um, constituents has to change if

2:24:14they're going to be getting public land

2:24:16um, and acting as a private uh,

2:24:18corporation. I think we have to put some

2:24:20rules in place to allow community use

2:24:23uh, similar to our rec centers and our

2:24:25parks um, because they are getting um,

2:24:27local taxpayer money as well to go

2:24:30toward these projects. So, we need to

2:24:31make sure that um our local constituents

2:24:34have that same access.

2:24:37Uh today, we passed a resolution that

2:24:39would uh start the process of

2:24:41transferring uh 40 city- owned

2:24:44properties to the land bank, and these

2:24:4640 properties will become Turnkey Key

2:24:49Homes in the fifth council district. Uh

2:24:51since we've been in office, we have not

2:24:54supported any transfer of city-owned

2:24:57land for market rate housing solely. We

2:25:00have not only transfers have gone to

2:25:03affordable housing in the fifth council

2:25:06district. That is a policy that we are

2:25:07going to continue to push with our

2:25:09publicly owned land um in in in our

2:25:12district. And today starts that process

2:25:14of 40 more turnkey homes to be developed

2:25:17uh in the district.

2:25:20I wasn't here last week um you know due

2:25:22to a personal matter in our family. Uh

2:25:25but I wanted to take a moment to

2:25:27celebrate the incredible success of our

2:25:30third annual North Philly day, the

2:25:32family reunion. Um after having to

2:25:34reschedule due to weather, North Philly

2:25:36showed up and showed out. It was a

2:25:38beautiful day filled with music, food,

2:25:41we had a basketball tournament, local

2:25:43businesses, community resources, and

2:25:45most importantly, the neighbors came

2:25:46together to celebrate everything that

2:25:48makes North Philadelphia special. Uh, we

2:25:51celebrated the culture, the talent,

2:25:53local businesses again, and the pride we

2:25:55have in our neighborhood. Um, and this

2:25:57year's celebration was a reminder of

2:25:58just how strong and vibrant our

2:26:00community is. I want to quote a staffer

2:26:03who attended um council member Oor uh

2:26:06she mentioned and said that Northley day

2:26:08was all that

2:26:10right. Um and so I want to give a huge

2:26:12thank you to all in the family CDC

2:26:15shadow tracks media arts uh my

2:26:17colleagues council member Jones Bass and

2:26:20council member Kendra Brooks um all of

2:26:22our vendors our community partners our

2:26:24volunteers thank you the performers and

2:26:26the residents that helped make it

2:26:28possible. Um, we fed we had over I don't

2:26:32know individual food, probably 2,000

2:26:35pieces of individual food. OIC culinary

2:26:38kitchen alone cooked a thousand

2:26:41hamburgers and hot dogs for us. Right.

2:26:44We had uh a plethora of shout out to

2:26:47Herk the chicken man from North Philly

2:26:49Lip and Cot Stadium giving out free

2:26:51chicken. Thank you, Council Member Bass,

2:26:53for that. Right. Uh we had uh rapid

2:26:56response team giving out free pizza all

2:26:58day, right? And so we fed the community.

2:27:01Um the community was entertained. Uh the

2:27:03we had um uh IJW wrestling again, right?

2:27:08So we was watching the kids were

2:27:09watching wrestlers getting suplexed in

2:27:11the grass, right? It was amazing. Um it

2:27:14was amazing and I look forward I look

2:27:16forward to having North Philly day again

2:27:18uh next year. Uh North Philly is more

2:27:20than a place on a map. It is a

2:27:22community. It's a culture. It's a

2:27:24family. Um, and I wouldn't be more I

2:27:26couldn't be more prouder to celebrate uh

2:27:28how we came together uh that week.

2:27:32Gun violence is still the number one

2:27:33issue uh for many Philadelphiaians in

2:27:36the city, Mr. President. Um so I also

2:27:38want to express um although we have

2:27:41historic lows in the city, um you know,

2:27:43we lost an officer uh to gun violence

2:27:46here in the city of Philadelphia. Uh so

2:27:48that one life uh is too many. Um, and so

2:27:52my office is going to continue to do

2:27:53whatever we can do to support families,

2:27:56victims, communities of gun violence to

2:27:58prevent this from happening in our city.

2:28:01Uh, because again, that one life is is

2:28:03too much to lose from from a preventable

2:28:07death, which gun violence is a

2:28:09preventable death. Um, and so we will

2:28:11continue to do our work to prevent these

2:28:13acts from happening. Um, and and last

2:28:15but not least, Mr. President, today I

2:28:17introduce legislation to bring back the

2:28:19parking amnesty program um here in the

2:28:21city of Philadelphia because I believe

2:28:23residents deserve a fair opportunity to

2:28:25get out from under years of accumulated

2:28:28parking debt. Uh we know that when a a

2:28:30parking ticket starts at $50, it could

2:28:32quickly turn into hundreds of dollars,

2:28:34sometimes in some case some folks cases

2:28:37thousands of dollars in fines, fees, and

2:28:39penalties. And for working families

2:28:41already struggling to make ends meet,

2:28:43that debt can be overwhelming. Um, and

2:28:46the consequences go beyond money. Unpaid

2:28:48parking tickets can lead to booting,

2:28:50towing, and even registration

2:28:52suspensions. Uh, for residents who rely

2:28:54on their vehicles to get to work, take

2:28:56their children to school, uh, care for

2:28:58their family, a parking debt can become

2:29:00an economic barrier to stability. And

2:29:02we've done this before, Mr. President.

2:29:04Uh, we we've seen the impact. In 2018,

2:29:07Philadelphia implemented a two-month

2:29:09parking AMC program that helped nearly

2:29:1125,000 people resolve outstanding

2:29:15violations and forgave approximately 9

2:29:17million in parking debt. That's

2:29:18thousands of Philadelphiaians who were

2:29:20given an opportunity for a fresh start.

2:29:23Now, um there's always a conversation

2:29:26about parking enforcement and revenue

2:29:28and the money to support our schools,

2:29:30and I absolutely believe we need to be

2:29:32investing more in our public education.

2:29:34But we also need to be honest about how

2:29:36that funding works. Under the current

2:29:38funding formula, the PPA must meet an

2:29:40increasing revenue threshold before an

2:29:43additional on street parking revenue

2:29:44goes to our schools. And after operating

2:29:47at administrative expenses, the school

2:29:49district isn't necessarily seeing the

2:29:50benefit residents are led to believe. In

2:29:54fact, according to the city controller,

2:29:55the school district received zero

2:29:57dollars from PPA in 2025 despite

2:30:00budgeting for 7 million in revenue. So,

2:30:03we need to ask ourselves, are we really

2:30:05helping our schools by keeping residents

2:30:06buried in parking debt that may never be

2:30:09collected? Or can we find a better way

2:30:11to provide relief, encourage payment,

2:30:13and help people move forward? This isn't

2:30:16about eliminating accountability or

2:30:18suggesting that people shouldn't follow

2:30:19parking regulations. It's about

2:30:21recognizing that a parking ticket should

2:30:22not become a lifelong financial burden.

2:30:25If we I believe we can enforce our

2:30:28parking laws, support our schools, and

2:30:30still show some compassion, right?

2:30:32That's one of the core values of of

2:30:34Gerard College, compassion for working

2:30:36families uh who need a chance to get

2:30:39back on their feet. That's why I

2:30:40introduced this legislation. I look

2:30:42forward to working with my colleagues to

2:30:44bring this meaningful parking debt

2:30:45relief fact to Philadelphia. Um, a few

2:30:48announcements. This Saturday, we'll be

2:30:50having a street renaming for uh, Fat G's

2:30:52uh, who was a very, very well-known

2:30:55North Philadelphia rapper who was

2:30:57unfortunately uh, lost his life due to

2:31:00gun violence again in the city of

2:31:02Philadelphia in 2024. U, he was more

2:31:05than an artist. He was a son of North

2:31:06Philly and used his music to tell

2:31:08stories. Uh so on the uh 1,200 block of

2:31:12L count uh we will be having a uh block

2:31:15party to honor Fat G's and it's a street

2:31:17renaming. Um and also this Sunday uh we

2:31:20had to reschedule our street renaming

2:31:22for Coach Ken Hamilton. Um but we'll be

2:31:25doing it this Sunday, October 18th. Um

2:31:28right there on Broad and Green. Um as

2:31:31you remember, we had to plan it, but we

2:31:33can't predict the weather. Uh, so we

2:31:35want to uh honor Coach Ham at 10:00 am

2:31:37on Sunday, October 13th, broad and green

2:31:40to give him his well-deserved flowers.

2:31:42Thank you, Mr. President.

2:31:43>> Thank you very much. Chair now is

2:31:45Councilman Rulandal.

2:31:48>> Thank you, Council President. Um, want

2:31:50to start by uh thanking the colleagues

2:31:53today for your amazingly thoughtful um

2:31:56recognition of, you know, uh, Council

2:31:58Member Ketsy Lazada and Kendra Brooks

2:32:01for recognizing survivors of domestic

2:32:03violence. The work that we're doing

2:32:04across Philadelphia is so important. Um,

2:32:08also to Minority Leader Brooks. Um

2:32:12sometimes the fights for justice uh in

2:32:16the disability community take so long,

2:32:18but this is uh that that um that win,

2:32:21that 13-year-old win is so huge. It was

2:32:24a barrier to people um really

2:32:28appreciating uh arts and culture,

2:32:30movies, everything in Philadelphia. It's

2:32:32insane. You'd have to buy two tickets

2:32:34when you had an an assistant. And uh

2:32:38they finally had the win. So that is

2:32:40wonderful.

2:32:41Um,

2:32:43but on a lighter note and a a silly and

2:32:46wonderful note, uh, today I was proud to

2:32:48introduce a resolution to a true

2:32:51Philadelphia legend. Maria Zucka, known

2:32:54to some as OneShot Mah was recently

2:32:57crowned the first ever champion of the

2:33:00Philadelphia parking parallel parking

2:33:02association known as the PPPA

2:33:05championship. Mario participated in the

2:33:08three C categories of one chance, the

2:33:11tight squeeze, and parking under the

2:33:13duress of dist distractions, aka the

2:33:17average afternoon of driving around

2:33:20South Philadelphia looking for a spot.

2:33:22And he did it all in a 2012 Mazda

2:33:24hatchback with no backup camera. Mario

2:33:28rose to the channel challenge and earned

2:33:30the title of Philadelphia's parallel

2:33:32park king. Um, I know many of us here in

2:33:36this chamber are very uh proud of our

2:33:39own parallel parking prowess. I am one

2:33:41of them. I've been stopped by people on

2:33:44the street saying that is a work of art

2:33:47while watching me park. But I think I

2:33:49also heard that uh Council Member Young

2:33:51and also Council President Johnson feel

2:33:54like uh they are in this category as

2:33:56well. So uh good to hear. A lot of fun.

2:33:59Uh Mario is also a wonderful artist and

2:34:02um in addition to the joy that this

2:34:05event brought and those who attended or

2:34:07followed along on social media, I

2:34:09applaud the PPPA for its awareness

2:34:12campaign around safe streets vision zero

2:34:15and something um I've championed here in

2:34:16city uh hall alongside so many of my

2:34:19colleagues here. And today I was also

2:34:21proud to recognize Mental Health

2:34:23Partnerships, an organization that has

2:34:25spent 75 years making a meaningful

2:34:28difference in the lives of

2:34:29Philadelphiaians. For 75 years, Mental

2:34:32Health Partnerships has understood that

2:34:34our mental health and wellness affects

2:34:36our families, our neighborhoods, our

2:34:38workplaces, and our communities. And

2:34:41supporting mental health means

2:34:43supporting people as whole individuals

2:34:46with their own experiences, strengths,

2:34:47and goals. Beyond its direct services,

2:34:50NHP has been a steadfast advocate for

2:34:53the people it serves, working with

2:34:54community organizations and city leaders

2:34:57to advance behavioral health funding,

2:35:00access to care, and the full civ civic

2:35:03participation of people living with

2:35:05mental health conditions. To everyone at

2:35:07Mental Health Partnerships, thank you

2:35:09for your decades of service, your

2:35:11advocacy, and your commitment to a more

2:35:14compassionate Philadelphia. Thank you,

2:35:16Council President. Thank you very much

2:35:18to recognize Council Member Jones.

2:35:23>> Thank you, Mr. President.

2:35:25I want to thank my colleagues for the

2:35:27various pieces of legislation that they

2:35:31put in today. They impact those four

2:35:34quarters I often talk about, ranging

2:35:36from young people to people entering the

2:35:39workforce to people established in the

2:35:41workforce trying to stay afloat and to

2:35:44our most vulnerable seniors.

2:35:47Um,

2:35:48Kendra Brooks talked about uh the

2:35:51Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission

2:35:54uh and I am the chairman of the board of

2:35:58the Pennsylvania Human Relations. So, we

2:36:00are thankful for that. Um, member

2:36:03Phillips put in information about

2:36:06lunches

2:36:08affecting our young people and how they

2:36:10can become more nutrition and

2:36:12costeffective

2:36:14to our young people. What I rise about

2:36:17today though infects all of those four

2:36:20quarters.

2:36:22Thanks to the Tribune, they expose some

2:36:24of the issues related to the increased

2:36:27amount of cut offs

2:36:29for gas customers.

2:36:32Close to 30% increase in people getting

2:36:37shut off. There are things that will

2:36:39make you homeless. I talked to my

2:36:42colleague who is um on the gas

2:36:44commission.

2:36:46There there are things that make you

2:36:47homeless. Losing your utilities water

2:36:51will get you homeless. Losing gas will

2:36:55make you homeless and vulnerable. It

2:36:57infects our seniors who sit in the cold.

2:37:00It affects our young people trying to

2:37:03get a good night's sleep that have to go

2:37:05to work. So, we want to take a look and

2:37:07introduce a resolution next week calling

2:37:10for the examination of possibly

2:37:13suspending shut offs from PGW.

2:37:17This impacts everyone.

2:37:20It it it's the kind of thing

2:37:24where um we can evaluate looking at

2:37:27examples where the water department has

2:37:30stricter measures about who

2:37:34residential customers can be cut off. We

2:37:38need to now take a harder look at

2:37:40eligibilities for PGW, times of the year

2:37:43for PGW, and modifying

2:37:48payment agreements

2:37:50that are doable and who is eligible.

2:37:53It's time. Um, we often talk about what

2:37:57the federal government is doing to the

2:37:59cost of living to average

2:38:01[clears throat]

2:38:01working people in Philadelphia, but here

2:38:04is an opportunity or a utility that we

2:38:06control that we can ease the burden

2:38:10to customers in the city of

2:38:12Philadelphia. I look forward to working

2:38:14with my colleagues in particular uh

2:38:16member Driscoll on the on the gas

2:38:18commission uh to take a hard look at way

2:38:21the ways we can alleviate some of that

2:38:23in the future. Thank you Mr. President.

2:38:26>> Thank you very much member Lazada.

2:38:32>> Thank you Council President. Uh, first

2:38:34I'd like to thank Minority Leader Brooks

2:38:37um for joining me today introducing the

2:38:39bill um or the resolution that

2:38:42recognized domestic violence awareness

2:38:43month. Um this month reminds us that

2:38:46ending abuse is a shared commitment and

2:38:49responsibility of ensuring no survivor

2:38:51has to face these challenges alone. In

2:38:54partnership with the city of

2:38:55Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Domestic

2:38:57Violence Collaborative, comprised of

2:38:59Congress, the de Latinos, Unidos,

2:39:00Lutheran Settlement House, Women in

2:39:02Transition, and Women Against Abuse,

2:39:05provides critical domestic violence

2:39:07services, including operating the

2:39:08Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline,

2:39:11which offers confidential 24-hour crisis

2:39:14intervention and connection to to

2:39:16essential community resources. Women

2:39:18Against Abuse reaches more than 10,000

2:39:21people each year. Through the

2:39:23Philadelphia Domestic Violence

2:39:24Collaborative and the city's Office of

2:39:26Domestic Violence Strategies, community

2:39:28organizations and government agencies

2:39:31collaborate through shared through a

2:39:33shared safety Philadelphia to strengthen

2:39:35prevention, improve access to services,

2:39:38and coordinate services support services

2:39:40to those impacted by domestic violence.

2:39:43Every survivor deserves to be heard,

2:39:46respected, and supported regardless of

2:39:48language, immigration status, gender

2:39:51identity, sexual orientation, or

2:39:54financial circumstances, and must be

2:39:55empowered to make decisions about their

2:39:58own safety and their future. To every

2:40:01victim,

2:40:02you are not alone.

2:40:05You're not alone. There are resources

2:40:07out there. All you need to do is make a

2:40:09phone call. I want to thank um every

2:40:12single organization that um whether

2:40:16large or small uh is doing the

2:40:18grassroots work out there to ensure that

2:40:22all of our families are safe uh and that

2:40:24they're connected to the necessary uh

2:40:26resources. Thank you, Council President.

2:40:29>> Thank you. As there are no more

2:40:31speeches, the chair recognizes member

2:40:35Thomas for a motion to adjourn.

2:40:37>> Thank you, Council President. And I just

2:40:38want to remind everybody that there will

2:40:40be a briefing uh immediately after

2:40:42council with the Pennsylvania Municipal

2:40:43League. And with that, Mr. President, I

2:40:45move that council stands adjourned until

2:40:47Thursday, October 22nd, 2026 at 10 a.m.

2:40:52>> Has been moved in properly seconded that

2:40:54city council stand adjourned until

2:40:55Thursday, October 22nd at 10 a.m. All

2:40:58those in favor, the motion will signify

2:41:00by saying I. Anyone opposed? The eyes

2:41:03have it. Motion is adjourned.

2:41:07>> [music]

2:41:12[music]