COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, October 1, 2026 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN CINDY GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN CURTIS J. JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN RUE LANDAU COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY M. LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN NICOLAS O'ROURKE COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR. ELIZABETH McCOLLUM NAZARIO, CHIEF CLERK - - -
Visitors, please retire to the seats outside the rails. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this City Council is present. Before proceeding, I would like to -- for all those who are present, please set your cell phones to silent and/or vibrate. Good morning, everyone. (Good morning.)
To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Rev. Jay Bergen, Pastor of Germantown Mennonite Church. He is here today as guest of Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke. I will ask all members and guests to please rise. (Councilmembers, visitors and guests rise.)
Thank you all for being here. Normally, Mennonites consider political leadership more of a punishment than something to celebrate, but it is an honor to be here nevertheless. We come here to acknowledge, to recognize the one in whose oneness we find our shared humanity. And when we gather to deliberate, to discuss, to discern, our greatest responsibility is to hear each other. If our discernment is to mean anything, it is dependent, I think, on who we are hearing, not just who we listen to but who we actually hear. We are all of us from our different traditions, our different faiths, our different practices, always seeking out the voice of the divine, the presence of the Holy One who is here guiding our discernment. So God, give us ears to hear you. As we discern our response to a warming climate, help us hear the choking cries of our neighbors crying out for clean air. For their cries or your cries, O God, as we discern our response to rising fascism. Help us hear the cries of those living under fear of deportation. The families on 66th and Pascall this morning, who hid in their homes as ICE agents stalked the streets, for their cries are your cries, O God. As we discern the budgets for our police, for our jails, let us listen especially to the tears of the mothers who have buried one child and lost another child to incarceration. For those who live at the intersection of such pain and loss and injustice, their cries are your cries, O God. And as the fortunes of the wealthy pile higher, may we here in this room, may all of us in this city hear the cries of the workers, of the families who cannot afford rent, of the everyday people who are made in divine image and yet denied full humanity by the rapacious greed and violence of racial capitalism. Their cries are your cries, O God. So Holy One, by whatever name we know you and call on you, give us ears to hear. Give us hearts and hands to act. Help us remember the words of the prophets who warn that unhearing leaders do not last long atop their pedestals. Help us be worthy of the work that is before us for our own sake, for our children and our children's children and for all of your creation. Amen. (Amen.)
The Chair Thanks Rev. Bergen for his invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The Chair recognizes the presence of Councilmember Mark Squilla. The next order of business is the Approval of the Journal of the meeting of Tuesday, September -- September 24th of 20 2026. 21 The Chair recognizes 22 Councilwoman Cindy Bass. 23
24 Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 24, 2026 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 24th of 2026 stand approved. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is the request for leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the Majority Leader. The Chair recognizes Minority Whip Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Minority, a leave of absence is requested for Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Leave is granted. Thank you very much. The Chair thanks the Minority Whip. The Chair now recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's session of Council and that were not listed on the Calendar circulated prior to today's Council session.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda for this session of Council and, as required by law, subsequently published on an amended agenda after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments to bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or re-called from the Mayor, amendments to bills re-called from the Mayor, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in this session, a motion to withdraw a bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar, and a motion placing a bill or resolution on or returning a bill or resolution from the Suspension Calendar that is not listed on today's Calendar. The purpose of this motion is to provide the public with notice concerning possible actions by Council that arose too late to be included on the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson may be added to the agenda for today should those matters arise during the course of this session of Council. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Council Chambers this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend the legislative affairs of our great city. We certainly invite you to come again. The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you for the acknowledgement today. I wanted to recognize the presence of Independence Blue Cross Foundation on the occasion of their 15th anniversary. Today we are joined by Heather Major, the President of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation; Courtney Stefan, Manager of Independence Blue Cross Foundation; Jovi Hammer, Government Affairs Manager; Lindsay Van Horn, Associate Policy Analyst and all the team members from the Independence Blue Cross Foundation. We thank you for joining us here in Council today for your 15th anniversary. Please stand and be recognized. (Applause.)
Welcome to City Council. I want to take a moment of personal privilege to acknowledge the honorable former State Representative and spiritual icon here in the City of Philadelphia, the Honorable Louise Williams Bishop. Let's give her a round of applause. (Applause.)
Thank you for joining us today. We also have another special guest that I'm going to ask Councilmember Rue Landau to please introduce.
Good morning, Council President. Thank you. I would like everybody to give a warm welcome to Mayor Erica Deuso from Downingtown. She is here as a special guest today and will be speaking at public comment. On behalf of my National Coming Out Day Resolution, Mayor Deuso is the first openly transgender mayor in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Please stand up. (Applause.)
Welcome to City Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I want to welcome to our body, the National Council of Negro Women, who are here today. If we could ask them to please stand. And we wanted to just make note that they are here. (Applause.)
And they were founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and established to unite African American women and organizations to improve the quality of life for women, families and communities while advancing equal rights and opportunity. So we want to thank them for their service and we'll be hearing more from them during public comment. Thank you so much for being here. (Applause.)
Welcome to Philadelphia City Council. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President. And good morning, everyone. I have several guests in chambers today that I'd like to recognize. I'm proud to recognize first, the elders, descendants, advocates and historians who are here with us today in support of my resolution formally recognizing the historic neighborhood of the Black Bottom in the city's records. Please join me in welcoming Black Bottom Elder Gerald Davis, Amy Hillier and Cara McClellan from the University of Pennsylvania. (Applause.)
And here on behalf of Dr. Shawnna Thomas-El and Eddie Gong, Emily Ndiokho here on behalf of Professor Edward Epstein at the University of Pennsylvania, along with representatives of the Black Bottom Association, the Black Bottom Tribe, and especially Dr. Walter Palmer and the Palmer Foundation as well as the Penn Advocacy for Racial and Civil Justice Clinic. The Black Bottom was a vibrant Black community in West Philadelphia that was essentially razed and dismantled by the City of Philadelphia, in concert with the University of Pennsylvania and other institutional partners. In the name of the University expansion and economic development. And through that activity, it is estimated that 15,000 Black people were displaced from West Philly. And I think it's important that we always recognize that history so that it never happens again to another community. Can the representatives from the Black Bottom please stand up and be recognized? (Applause.)
I am also proud and honored today to welcome into chambers representatives from Monumental Baptist Church. Today we're honored to have Rev. Dr. J. Wendell Mapson, his wife Mrs. Mapson and their son Jesse Mapson. They are here in support of a resolution 14 that I have naming the 200 block of South 50th Street "Monumental Way." And they are also the church home of one of our wonderful Council staff members, Carmella Green, who I also think is in chambers. Monumental Baptist has such a proud history. They were founded in 1826 and they are celebrating 200 years of faith and service and community impact. I'm so proud to have them in my district and to be naming the street where they reside after them. Can you all stand and be recognized, please? (Applause.)
They also just happened to have an outstanding gospel choir. I just want to acknowledge that for the record. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. Later this morning, I am going to do a presentation recognizing the contributions of Latino leaders across the city, but they have brought with them some guests that I'd like you all to help me welcome into our chambers. They are members of the leadership team at Jefferson Health as well as members of Local 57. If you'd like to please stand up to be recognized. (Applause.)
Welcome to Philadelphia City Council. Always good to see Esteban Rivera of Local 57. Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.
Thank you, Council President. I'd like to recognize Marni Gangel and congratulate her on her retirement. After 37 years of exemplary service at the Defender Association of Philadelphia. Marni has been a steadfast champion for children and youth in Philadelphia, both as an attorney representing young people in the dependency system and as the first Director of Policy and Child Advocacy. On behalf of Minority Leader Brooks, I'd like to thank Marni for her excellent work on the Reproductive Freedom Task Force and her decades of advocacy for young people in need of reproductive care. Marni, would you please stand to be recognized? We certainly welcome you in the chambers. (Applause.)
And I'd also like to recognize workers from Starbucks Workers United, SEIU, who are calling on all of us to boycott Starbucks until they come to the table and negotiate a fair contract. Somebody say, No contract, No 3 coffee. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. Welcome to Philadelphia City Council. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. I want to welcome to our chambers, former Police Commissioner, I believe he was the 13th Police Commissioner in Philadelphia's history, Commissioner Sylvester Johnson. Would you please stand and welcome you to Philadelphia City Council? (Applause.)
The Commissioner is here today in support of someone we're honoring today, Lieutenant Greg Brown, who is retiring after 40 years of serving our city with the Philadelphia Police Department. So thank you for being here in support of Mr. Brown today. (Applause.)
Welcome. Thank you for being here today, Commissioner Sylvester Johnson, who coined the phrase, We will not arrest our way out of this situation, we have to invest in people. Thank you, Commissioner Sylvester Johnson, for being here today. (Applause.)
And soon we will honor an outstanding labor leader here in the City of Philadelphia. He's joined by his better half, First Lady of Labor Toni Staten. We'll be honoring Sam Staten, Jr., thank you for being here, Local 332. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, who will present a resolution honoring and recognizing the distinguished Latino leaders and community advocates in the City of Philadelphia during Hispanic Heritage Month. Can those joining Councilmember Quetcy Lozada please join her at the podium. Members joining Member Lozada are Councilmember Mike Driscoll, Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad, Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke, Councilmember Jim Harrity, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson, and the good Dr. Councilmember Anthony Phillips. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
Thank you, Council President. Good morning. Buenos dias. (Buenos dias.)
Para todos ustedes aqui, gracias por el trabajo y el labor de amor, qué hacer en cada dia en nuestra comunidad. It is an honor for me to have all of these Latino leaders in chamber this morning. And I thank them for the work that they do in our community day every day. Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich history, culture and contributions of Latino communities across the city of Philadelphia. But it is also an opportunity to recognize the individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving the communities and creating opportunities for others. Today I am especially proud to honor five Latino leaders whose work has made a lasting impact in Philadelphia, from media and health care to labor, education and community advocacy. It is my privilege to recognize Maria del Pilar Morales Albino, Jannette Diaz, Ranery Figueroa-Torres, and Esteban Vera, Jr. We are unable to be joined by Reverend Wanda Novales, who was also being recognized for her contributions and leadership in the community. She sends her regards for not being able to be here today. With that, I am proud to introduce this resolution honoring their leadership, service and commitment to our city, recognizing and honoring distinguished Latino leaders and community advocates in the City of Philadelphia during Hispanic Heritage Month. Whereas, Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15th to October 15th to recognize and honor the history, culture and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America; and
Whereas, Philadelphia's Latino communities have long enriched the social, cultural, and economic fabric of our city, distinguishing themselves as business owners, educators, civic leaders, artists, and essential workers who build stronger neighborhoods and inspire future generations. And for a point of personal privilege, special shout- out to my home church, Iglesia de Dios de la Provincia; and
Whereas, while the achievements and enduring legacy of Hispanic and Latino communities should be honored throughout the year, Hispanic Heritage Month offers a dedicated moment to celebrate the resilience, vibrancy, and immeasurable impact on the life of our city and the nation; and
Whereas, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month 2026, the Council of the City of Philadelphia is proud to recognize local advocates, educators, artists, leaders, those who work in health and wellness, youth empowerment, education and cultural preservation continue to uplift and empower Philadelphia's Latino communities; and
Whereas, Maria del Pilar Morales Albino has distinguished herself as a proud Puerto Rican media leader and champion of Hispanic culture, dedicating more than 37 years to television and radio across Puerto Rico and the United States. Through her work with Radio Borinquen, Telemundo 62 and Mega Radio, Pilar has used her voice and platform to uplift Hispanic stories, celebrate Puerto Rican heritage, and keep communities connected. And through her longstanding commitment to media and culture, she has become an influential voice and source of pride for Philadelphia's Hispanic community; and
Whereas, Maria -- excuse me, sorry. Whereas, Jannette Diaz, President and CEO of Congreso de Latinos Unidos, has dedicated more than 35 years to serving and strengthening Philadelphia's Latino community. Born and raised in North Philadelphia, Jannette has held leadership roles focused on health, wellness, youth services and family well-being, helping create greater opportunities for Latino families to thrive. And through her leadership at Congreso and commitment to equity, economic mobility and opportunity, Jannette continues to advocate for and uplift Philadelphia's Latino community; and
Whereas, Ranery Figueroa-Torres is a dedicated health care and community engagement leader who has spent nearly a decade building partnerships and expanding access to healthcare resources for underserved and culturally diverse communities. As Manager of Community Engagement at Jefferson Health Plans, Ranery brings together healthcare providers, community organizations, schools, and families while working to ensure Latino communities have access to information, resources, and opportunities. And as a bilingual and culturally responsive leader, she is helping create a more equitable healthcare system where Latino families are represented, heard and empowered; and
Whereas, Esteban Vera, Jr. is a proud Puerto Rican and longtime Philadelphia labor leader who has dedicated his career to creating opportunities for working families and strengthening the voice of the Latino community. As Business Manager of Laborers' Local 57, Esteban became the first Latino to lead a major union in the Philadelphia region. And as the first Latino to serve on SEPTA's Board of Directors, he has brought Latino representation into important spaces of regional leadership. And through his commitment to organize labor, community service and expanding opportunity, Esteban continues to serve as a powerful example of Latino leadership in Philadelphia; and
Whereas, Wanda Novales is a proud Puerto Rican educator, faith leader, and community advocate whose life's work has been rooted in serving Philadelphia's Latino community. After moving from Puerto Rico to Philadelphia as a child, Wanda dedicated her career to education and became the founding CEO and principal of Pan American Charter School, creating opportunities for students and families in Kensington today. As a member of the Philadelphia Board of Education, Executive Pastor of City Reach Church and longtime community leader, she continues to advocate for Philadelphia's students and families, bringing people together through faith, education, and community service, while uplifting Latino families and inspiring the next generation of leaders; and
Whereas, these five distinguished leaders reflect the strength, resilience, and diversity of Philadelphia's Latino community. And through their leadership, service and dedication have helped create a city where Latino families can see themselves, their culture, and their future represent it; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Council of the City of Philadelphia, Hereby recognizes and honors these distinguished Latino leaders and community advocates during Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrates the countless ways Latino Philadelphians continue to shape and strengthen our city, and reaffirms our commitment to uplifting Latino voices, honoring our shared histories and culture, and ensuring that in every corner of Philadelphia, there is an opportunity to thrive. Felicidades a todos. (Applause.)
Congratulations. Now, please introduce your guests.
At this time, I'd like to introduce Local 57 Representative Esteban Vera.
Oh my goodness. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Good morning, everybody. Thank you guys. I won't be long, just to say a few words. I'm so grateful and honored to be sitting up here with everyone that does so much great work. I got to give a shout-out to my brother, Vice-President of our International Union, Sam Staten, who is here with Tony and the representatives from our Local, our Business Agents, Marcial, Confessor and Raheem. Thank you so much for the hard work that they do. Real quick. I appreciate this citation, but this isn't about me. This is about the work that all of us do collectively. And one thing that I've learned growing up in this city is that if we don't take care of our own, nobody's going to come to save us, nobody. So I'm honored to be amongst like-minded. I believe that we're a family here in Philadelphia, and it isn't by coincidence that we get so much great work done in this great city. It's because of everybody in this room that's doing the work. Thank you and I'm honored. Thank you so much for everything. (Applause.)
Esteban, I just have one question to ask you. I don't know how you have a former labor member that's a member of Council who let his other member make the acknowledgment honoring you first, Member Jim Harrity. But that's a different conversation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The Chair also will take a moment of personal privilege to recognize former City Council President and Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, Mr. John F. Street. Thank you for being here today, sir. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young, who will present a resolution naming the 1400 block of Thompson Street as "Samuel Staten Jr. Way" to honor the life, leadership and enduring contributions of Samuel Staten, Jr. to organized labor working families in the City of Philadelphia. Would Sam Staten, Jr. and those accompanying him please join Councilmember Young at the podium. Joining Member Young are the following members: Councilmember Rue Landau, Councilmember Mike Driscoll, Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke, Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad, Councilmember Mark Squilla, Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Councilmember Jim Harrity. (Councilmembers and guests approached podium.)
Thank you, Mr. President. Today we have the privilege of honoring someone who has been supportive of communities throughout the city for a long time. As you can see, standing behind us or with us, Councilmembers are people that represent different parts of what keeps Philadelphia going. And they're up here because of the support that Mr. Staten has provided over the years to keep Philadelphia going. And we had a ceremony, you know, on Labor Day to recognize Mr. Staten. But this is to formally do it in City Council and pass the legislation so it can be forever known, the 1400 block of Thompson Street can be forever known as Samuel Staten Jr. Drive. And so, we're going to start the presentation: Also naming the 1400 block of Thompson Street as "Samuel Staten Jr. Way" to honor the life, leadership and enduring contributions of Samuel Staten, Jr. to organized labor, to working families and to the City of Philadelphia.
Whereas, Samuel Staten, Jr., born September 9, 1952, is a native of Philadelphia and a graduate of Germantown High School and the son of the late Sam Staten, Sr. Yeah. (Applause.)
Whose own life of service helped establish a proud tradition of leadership within Philadelphia's labor community; and
Whereas, Samuel Staten, Jr. began his career in 1972 when he joined Laborers International Union of North America Local 332 and spent seven years working in the field as a laborer, gaining firsthand knowledge of the work, sacrifice, dignity and determination of the men and women whose labor has built and sustained the City of Philadelphia, and
Whereas, over the decades that followed, Samuel Staten, Jr. rose through the ranks of Local 332, serving as Field Representative, Recording Secretary, Secretary- Treasurer, Assistant Business Manager, President and ultimately Business Manager, dedicating his career to advancing the interests of laborers and expanding opportunity for Philadelphia's working families; and Whereas, Samuel Staten, Jr.'s leadership extended throughout the labor movement, including service as a leader within the Laborers' District Council of the Metropolitan Area of Philadelphia and Vicinity, the Philadelphia AFL-CIO and the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council. And in 2016, he was appointed Vice- President of the Laborers International Union of North America, bringing his Philadelphia rooted leadership to a union representing working people throughout the United States and Canada; and
Whereas, his service to Philadelphia has reached far beyond the Union Hall, including leadership and service with organizations concerned with workforce development, housing, education, African American labor leadership and the well-being of Philadelphia's communities, and in 2018 the Council of the City of Philadelphia approved his appointment to the Board of Commissioners for the Philadelphia Housing Authority; and
Whereas, Samuel Staten, Jr. has made the preparation of the next generation of workers a central part of his legacy, championing training and apprenticeship opportunities and founding the Samuel Staten Sr. Pre-Apprenticeship Program to introduce Philadelphians to family- sustaining careers in the skilled trades and provide young people with pathways forward towards economic security, professional development and lifelong opportunity; and
Whereas, in recognition of his decades of leadership and commitment to developing skilled workers, Laborers' Local 332 named its new training facility the Samuel Staten Jr. Building in 2021, ensuring that generations of laborers will enter their profession in a place bearing the name of a man who devoted his life to strengthening their union, their craft, and their possibilities; and
Whereas, for more than five decades, Samuel Staten, Jr. has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the principle that working people deserve dignity, opportunity, representation, and a meaningful stake in the prosperity of the City they helped build. And his leadership has strengthened Philadelphia's labor movement while opening doors for countless workers and families; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that the 1400 block of Thompson Street shall also be named "Samuel Staten Jr. Way" in honor of Samuel Staten, Jr. and his more than five decades of distinguished service, leadership and commitment to organized labor, working families, workforce opportunities and the City of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
Yep, got to make sure my better half is right here next to me because she is the spoke in my wheels for sure. First, I want to say God is good.
To my Honorable Mayor who is my sister, to my City Council President Kenyatta Johnson who is my brother, to City Council, family and friends who are my family, I want to thank you for this honor. My family, thank you for this honor. I tell you, I try to live by my word. I'm going to say that again. I try to live by my word. What I found out in this world, your word means everything. It comes along with trust. It comes along with love. It comes along with dedication. I wasn't always an angel. But God spared me. Gave me a second chance. (Applause.)
And I've been committed to giving young men and women a second chance because for a long time they were throwaways. People didn't care until how they've been treated. But God touched me. And as bad as I was, he said, I got a plan for you. I got a mission for you. And I've been on that mission ever since, to try to save every young gentleman, every young woman that want a second chance at life. Today is really special, really, really special, because it's my dad's birthday. (Applause.)
And I know he is smiling down on me. He truly blessed me with the opportunity because I tell you, every father would have threw me away a long time ago, that's how bad I was. But again, when you have to try to do the right thing, God holding you up. I just want to say to City Council that our young people need help. Just last night if we could just take a moment of silence for the 83-year-old woman that got shot last night on her porch. I mean, you spend your life working and you retire and you can't even sit on your porch to enjoy life. Something's wrong with that. But guess what, it's all our fault because we're not taking charge of our neighborhoods. Like when I was small, there was a lot of going on, the gambling. They wouldn't let you see it until you get away from it. And that's when neighbors were neighbors. We got to bring the neighbors back to the hood because that's the control we need. Men got to stand up. You're living in a situation you know it ain't cool. And you make it sound like it's not your problem. It is your problem. In most cases, you created some of the problem. So we need to stand up and make our Mayor and the City Council have a better way of producing for our young people, our communities in our neighborhood, to make Philadelphia be what it can be, the greatest city in this nation. We got a lot of hard workers and sometimes we're not working on the same page. Got to get on the same page. We got to put trades back in our schools so our young people, all of them, will have opportunity. Not just special schools. All schools should have the trades. And what I'm saying to you, if we don't do this every time a 12th grader graduate don't have a job, they don't have college, you send them straight to the street to create havoc. All guys on the corner is not bad guys. They need opportunity. They have a family to take care of. So when they stick somebody up, it's not because they want to. They may have to bring some money and food in the house and willing to sacrifice themselves to go to jail for their family. That shouldn't be the philosophy that we know. We have a better Philadelphia and we can do much, much better. We got to work together. This Council, our Mayor, put people first, put community first and you're going to get the best results from that. When people start turning over, doing the right thing, the killings stop. Our kids are getting a better education. As long as God gave me strength and breath, I'll be here to fight the fight. Even if I retire, I plan on fighting the fight because our young people need that guidance. They need some heroes and sheroes, because right now they're working on air because we're not supporting like we should. So again, I want to thank Council for the opportunity. I want to thank Councilman Jeffrey for the opportunity to have my name on the street that I know will be there forever. I purposely put that school on Broad Street or we, our Council, Mr. Esteban, if he's still here, put that school on Broad Street to bring the school to the community. Because the one we have out Exton is kind of far, it's still there. It's going to serve Exton. But, Philadelphia, we want us to take advantage of the training school for our young people. So again, thank the Council, thank the Mayor. God bless. (Applause.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Will the Chief Clerk please read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications in his possession.
To the President, the members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I'm transmitting for the consideration of your Honorable body the following proposed: A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2751 Kensington Avenue located in the 1st Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 1808, 1809, 1810, 1812, 1819 North Bailey Street, 2611 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, 2438, 2442, 2456, 2648, 2651 North Corlies Street, 1816, 1838, 1839, 1841, 1843, 1845, 1848, 1851, 1861, 1862, 1866 North Etting Street, 2519, 2600, 2611, 3019, 3021, 3027, 3029, 3031, 3039 West Oakdale Street, 2423, 2425, 2437, 2446, 2501, 2504, 2506, 2513, 2516, 2517, 2526, 2539, 2556 North Stanley Street, 1726 North 26th Street, 1735, 1747 N. 27th Street in the 5th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code. A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank a deed conveying title to 1811 West Stiles Street, located in the 5th Councilmanic District, pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act. A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 1412 West Clearfield Street, 1709, 1711, 1713 West Lippincott Street, 2935 North Hicks Street, 2941 North Sydenham Street, 3152, 3156, 3157 North Carlisle Street, 3110, 3116 North Rosewood Street, 3131 North Chadwick Street, 3127 North Bancroft Street, 3106, 3141 North 15th Street, 3035 North 16th Street in the 8th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of the Philadelphia Code. And I am pleased to advise you that on September 30, 2026, I signed the following bill 22 which was passed by Council at its session on September 17, 2026: Bill No. 260381. There are no further communications in my possession, Council President.
Thank you very much. The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Good morning, Mr. President. Again, I wanted to recognize former 5th District Councilmember and former Mayor John F. Street, who was in our chambers. I no longer see Mayor Street, but I wanted to make sure you recognize him when he comes back in here. Thank you.
Thank you very much, sir. Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Good morning, Council President. I apologize for being tardy. Philadelphia knows how much you don't like that. But I did want to, on your behalf, say welcome to Philadelphia Soccer 2026. And thank you for your leadership as it relates to recognizing them today. And give a special shout-out to the Executive Director Meg Kane, who also worked closely with my office through the planning process, and also to Dale Hilferty and Michelle Singer and everybody else who worked across two districts to put us in a position to have six games at the Linc Fest, over 39 days Fan Fest and a lot of great things, not just across the city, but especially in the 2nd Councilmanic District. So, Council President, thank you for your leadership. Welcome to our special guests. And thank you for being a big part of a great celebration in 2026. (Applause.)
Thank you very much, my friend. Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr.
Thank you, Mr. President. And thank you, Member Thomas, for the acknowledgement of the wonderful summer we had enjoying football as opposed to American soccer. I would also like to say that in addition, Lemon Hill. Lemon Hill was the site of a lot of Fan Fest activities, but more importantly, long after the football games are done. Commissioner Slawson has committed to putting in one of the largest outdoor centers of fields, playgrounds in the city of Philadelphia to be a memorial to that summer of fun. And I will share it, somewhat reluctantly, with Jeffrey Young. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Member Jones. That's a great project to share though, so I think that works. At this time, we will have introduction of bills and resolutions. Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips.
Thank you so much, Council President. I have one non-privileged resolution for introduction today.
Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the non-privileged resolution.
A non-privileged resolution urging the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Department of Licenses and Inspections, Department of Sanitation and other appropriate city agencies to immediately prioritize and coordinate efforts to address the growing rodent infestation in the Lower Northeast section of Philadelphia, and to treat current conditions as an urgent public health and quality-of-life emergency requiring immediate City action.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of the Council. Chair recognizes Councilmember Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I offer two resolutions, one privileged resolution and one non-privileged resolution on your behalf.
Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the resolutions.
A non-privileged resolution 24 confirming the appointment of Monique Myatt Galloway, Esq., as the City Solicitor.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
This resolution will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating the Independence Blue Cross Foundation on the occasion of its 15th anniversary.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Good morning, Council President. Today I have one non-privileged resolution, one bill 6 and two bills on your behalf.
Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the titles of the bills and resolutions.
An ordinance 13 authorizing the Sanitation Commissioner and Procurement Commissioner, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into agreements for the collection, transfer and disposal of municipal solid waste, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Sanitation Commissioner and Procurement Commissioner, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into agreements with several vendors to process and market recyclable materials, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
An ordinance 16 to approve amendments to the University of Pennsylvania Master Plan in the area bounded by Walnut Street, 32nd Street, South Street and 33rd Street related to the David Rittenhouse Laboratory at 3200 Walnut Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution also naming the 700 block of North 47th Street as "Men of Mill Creek Way" to honor the legacy and impact of the Men of Mill Creek in the Mill Creek community.
Very well done. This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. And so, let me add a little brevity to this Council session. So I'm going to acknowledge Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young. It is a little different when you stand on the shoulders of a giant in the spirit of Cecil B. Moore to the great John F. Street. So the Chair recognizes Member Jeffrey Jay Young of the 5th Councilmanic District.
Thank you, Mr. President. And as you were saying that, I'm looking at a bookmark that my office created with the former 5th District Councilmembers, and it reads, History lives on. When we read and have pictures of all the former 5th District Councilmembers, myself, Council President Darrell Clarke, Mayor John Street, the Honorable Cecil B. Moore, Ethel Allen, the first Black woman Councilmember of City Council, you know, Councilmember Thomas McIntosh and of course, Raymond Pace Alexander, the first African American on Philadelphia City Council, the first African American Judge in the Court of Common Pleas in Pennsylvania, so when you think about 5th District Councilmembers, right, that's the legacy that we have to live up to in 5th District Councilmembers. And I want to honor and recognize former 5th District Councilmember and Mayor, someone whose administration I've been a part of since I was years old, 12 learning and understanding how to 13 really make this city the best city 14 it can be. So I really want to 15 honor Mayor John F. Street here 16 this morning for being with us 17 today. Mayor Street. (Applause.)
Always a pleasure to see Mayor Street. We appreciate you, sir. He still continues to serve to this day. Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
Good morning again, Council President. Good morning, colleagues and Philadelphia. Today I have one resolution on your behalf, Council President.
Thank you. Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution congratulating Daniel Hilferty, Michelle Singer, the Board of Directors and the entire Philadelphia Soccer 2026 team for their successful planning and execution of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President, colleagues and the listening audience. Today I offer one bill, one privileged and one non-privileged resolution.
Thank you very much, Member Jones. Chief Clerk, please read the titles of the bill and resolutions.
An ordinance 19 to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Lancaster Avenue, 62nd Street, Lebanon Avenue, 63rd Street and Malvern Avenue.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution recognizing October 5, 2026, through October 9, 2026, as the City of Philadelphia’s Maximizing Economic Development (MED) Week: Celebrating Small and Local Businesses, a focused week of programming providing small and local businesses throughout Philadelphia’s neighborhoods and commercial corridors with access to key information and resources.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Very well done, Member Jones. Continue, Chief Clerk.
And a non-privileged resolution renaming the 5200 block of Lancaster Avenue as "Sharif El-Mekki Way" to honor Sharif El-Mekki and his decades of distinguished service to Philadelphia's students, educators, schools, and communities.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Good morning again, Council President. Thank you. Today I have four privileged resolutions.
Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the titles of the resolutions.
A privileged resolution recognizing National Coming Out Day on October 11, 2026 in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing October 2026 as LGBTQ+ History Month in the City of Philadelphia and honoring the activists, advocates, and members of the LGBTQ+ community who continue to fight for civil rights and equality.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing October through the 10, 2026 as 4 Digital Inclusion Week in the City of Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing October 2026 as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia, and acknowledging the importance of empowering individuals and organizations to prevent and recognize online threats, providing resources to protect sensitive data and fostering a culture of digital safety by educating the public on best practices.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. Good morning, everyone. I have nothing today.
Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I have three bills, two privileged resolutions, and one non-privileged resolution.
Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the titles of the bills and resolutions.
An ordinance 1 authorizing various encroachments in the vicinity of 1849 Walnut Street, Philadelphia PA, 19103, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be 8 referred to the appropriate 9 Committee. 10
An ordinance 11 renaming the Penrose Recreation 12 Center to the "Shirley M. Kitchen 13 Recreation Center" to honor the 14 life and legacy of Shirley Kitchen, 15 a pioneering public servant and 16 civic leader with an immeasurable 17 impact on the Greater North 18 Philadelphia community. 19
Very well done, Member 21 Young. 22 This bill will be 23 referred to the appropriate 24 committee.
And an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a multi-year agreement with Broad Street Love Park, LLC for the design, construction, management and operation of a food and beverage concession at the Welcome Center Building ("Saucer") in Love Park, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Lieutenant Gregory A. Brown, Sr., on the occasion of his retirement from the Philadelphia Police Department and commending him for 40 years of exemplary public service.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution 10 authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank a deed conveying title to 1811 West Stiles Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District, pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar next week -- this resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council.
And a non-privileged resolution 5 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 1808, 1809, 1810, 1812, 1819 N. Bailey Street, 2611 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, 2438, 2442, 2456, 2648, 2651 N. Corlies Street, 1816, 1838, 1839, 1841, 1843, 1845, 1848, 1851, 1861, 1862, 1866 N. Etting Street, 2519, 2600, 2611, 3019, 3021, 3027, 3029, 3031, 3039 W. Oakdale Street, 2423, 2425, 2437, 2446, 2501, 2504, 2506, 2513, 2516, 2517, 2526, 2539, 2556 N. Stanley Street, 1726 N. 26th Street, 1735, 1747 N. 27th Street in the 5th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council. I have several resolutions on behalf of Member Brooks that will be introduced by member Nicolas O'Rourke.
Thank you, Council President. I am introducing one privileged resolution and one non-privileged resolution on Leader Brooks behalf today.
Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the titles of the resolutions.
A privileged resolution honoring, commending, and congratulating Marni Gangel on the occasion of her retirement from the Defender Association of Philadelphia, celebrating her extraordinary career and enduring commitment to justice, reproductive rights, and the children and families of our city.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing October 12, 2026, as "Indigenous Peoples Day" in the City of Philadelphia, honoring and commemorating the achievements, traditions and contributions of American Indians, also known as "Indigenous peoples"; and affirming the city's commitment to historical truth, cultural respect, education and partnership with Indigenous communities.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Chair recognizes Member Harrity.
Thank you, Council President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.
Thank you, Council President. I have one non-privileged resolution to introduce today.
Thank you very much, sir. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
He can hold it for next week. You can hold it for -- I can introduce it now and you can hold it for passage next week. Let's do that.
A privileged resolution honoring the Citywide Tenant Union of the Philadelphia Democratic Socialists of America and tenants, tenant leaders, and tenant organizers at the Emerson and Florence Gardens, who are organizing to end rental junk fees and secure basic tenants’ rights and protections in the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you very much. This will be held until next week. Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll.
Thank you very much, Chair recognizes Councilmember Brian O'Neill.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills and resolutions.
Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two non-privileged resolutions and one bill.
Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the titles of the bill and resolutions please.
An ordinance 11 to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Lehigh Avenue, Belgrade Street, Aramingo Avenue and Miller Street.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a non-privileged resolution 23 authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2751 Kensington Avenue located in the 1st Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council.
And a non-privileged resolution 16 designating the week of Sunday, October 11 through Saturday, October 17, 2026, as “Italian American Heritage Week” in the City of Philadelphia. This is done in celebration of the countless contributions Italian Americans have given to our country and honoring Bob Pantano as Grand Marshall of the 2026 Philadelphia Italian American Heritage Parade.
This resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. Well done, Member Squilla. It's a South Philly thing. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill and three privileged resolutions on your behalf.
Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the titles of the bill and resolutions.
An ordinance 24 authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 149 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portion of Hartwell Lane from Seminole Street to its terminus southwestwardly therefrom and reserving and placing on the City Plan a right of way for water main purposes and public utility purposes within the lines of the portion of Hartwell Lane being stricken and authorizing acceptance of the grant to the City of the said right-of-way, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution honoring the Black Brain Campaign for a decade of dedicated work to destigmatize mental health in Black communities by providing mental health services and culturally competent training for clinicians.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Philadelphia Police Department's "Women in Patrol" and honoring five decades of women's service and leadership in law enforcement.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) for its unwavering commitment to empowering women, strengthening families, advancing educational and economic opportunities, promoting health equity, advocating for social justice, and uplifting communities
Outstanding organization. Very well done, Member Bass. Chair recognizes Councilwoman Dr. Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. I'm introducing four privileged resolutions, one of which is on your behalf and one is being co-introduced with Councilmember Jones.
Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please read the titles of the resolutions please.
A privileged resolution recognizing October 2026 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia and honoring survivors, advocates and all those affected by breast cancer.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing October 2026 as Vision Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia and honoring Overbrook School for the Blind's leadership and advancing education, technology and access for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. Member Jones has done a significant amount of work with that school, so very well done, Dr. Ahmad, advocating for those who have vision disabilities.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings to investigate the impacts of reductions to Medicaid coverage under H.R. 1 on Philadelphia residents, our healthcare providers, and service organizations, and to examine the City of Philadelphia’s strategy and preparedness to address those impacts.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution recognizing October 2026 as Menopause Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia, to affirm the importance of ending the stigma and cultural silence surrounding menopause, and to acknowledge it as a natural biological process that significantly impacts the physical and emotional well-being of many individuals.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The next order of business is report from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a report on the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Rules reports out six bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Chief Clerk, could you please read the report.
The Committee on Rules to which were referred the following bills: Bill 12 No. 260342, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bound by East Washington Lane, Crittenden Street, East Tulpehocken Street, East Haines Street and Ardleigh Street. Bill No. 260343, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by East Washington Lane, Stenton Avenue, East Haines Street and Ardleigh Street. Bill No. 260344, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bound by North 18th Street, Colonial Street, North 17th Street and Chelten Avenue. Bill No. 260345, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by West Seymour Street, Knox Street, West Logan Street and Keyser Street. Bill No. 260429, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Frankford Creek, Aramingo Avenue, Butler Street and Frankford Avenue. Bill No. 260462 as amended, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Thompson Street, 17th Street, Girard Avenue, Ridge Avenue, 19th Street, Cabot Street and 18th Street, and amending Section 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts" by amending Section 14-529, entitled "/VDO, Fifth District Overlay District," all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation. There are no further bills to report out from the Committee on Rules, Council President.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember and Chair of the Rules Committee, Cindy Bass, for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of the Committee on Rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading this day of the bills just read into the record by the Chief Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of the bills just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young for a motion regarding special business.
Thank you, Mr. President. There was a technical error with prior Bill 260696 honoring Shirley Kitchen. So I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of special business at this time. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of special business at this time. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion regarding Bill No. 260696, introduced at our Stated Meeting on September 17th of 2026. Will the Clerk please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance 7 renaming the Penrose Recreation Center to the "Shirley M. Kitchen Recreation Center" to honor the life and legacy of Shirley Kitchen, a pioneering public servant and civic leader with an immeasurable impact on the Greater North Philadelphia community. Introduced by Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Bill No. 22 260696 be withdrawn. (Duly seconded.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 2ND READING JOHNSON: It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill No. 4 260696 be withdrawn. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. And Bill No. 15 260696 has been withdrawn. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committees with suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. These bills will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for the next 2ND READING session of Council. The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion concerning bills on the First Reading Calendar, resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following bill on the First Reading Calendar is being held: Bill No. 260298. The following resolutions are being called up from the Second Reading -- from the Final Passage Calendar. And the following bills are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: Resolution 24 Nos. 260741, 260767, 260770, 260774, 260779 and 260780. The following resolutions and bills on the Calendar are being held: 260769, 250768, 250807 and 260076. Resolution No. 260766 is being amended.
Before considering these resolutions and bills, we would consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for possible action in today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you're not already signed up for today's Council session, please do so now by giving your name to Ms. Hasson at the table outside the rails to my left. Once you have signed up, you will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. Under ideal circumstances, public commenters each will have three minutes to speak. However, this time limit may vary from session to session. Today the time limit will be two minutes. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the two-minute limit. When you begin speaking, you will see a green light on the podium. When there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, the light will turn yellow, which is your reminder to conclude your remarks. Once two minutes have passed, the light will turn red and the Sergeant-at-Arms will disconnect the microphone. At that point, please yield the podium to the next speaker if you have not already done so. I also reserve the right, pursuant to our rules of City Council, to limit repetitious comments on the very same subject matter. I will now ask the Chief Clerk to please read the speakers for public comment today.
Former Mayor John Street, Mayor Erica Deuso, James Meredith, former Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson, Stephen Clerk, Crash Investigation. Division Captain, Loree Jones Brown, Jeremy Blatstein, William Small, John McAuley, Lynn Landes and Jonathan Latko, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning. To God be the glory. Great things he has done so loved the world that he gave us his son. And as always, I promise to be brief no matter how long it takes. You could do better than that. I promise to be brief no 9 matter how long it takes. Oh, all right. We got to come alive, people. Come alive, you know, come alive. (Applause.)
Mr. President, members of City Council, Council staff, those people who do the hard work of running the city -- can I see the hands of anybody here that does constituent service? (Hands raised.)
Constituent service, you hear me. Constituent service. I don't want anybody to think that constituent service is one of them low jobs. It is the most important thing we do take care of the problems of our people, because too often you are their last resort. They can't get any help and then they call you. And a lot of times if we don't get it done for them, it just doesn't happen. And I thank you for that work. Now, today, we are here to honor a person that I have the privilege of knowing for a while, and I call him Brother Brown. He was on my security force for the entire time I was mayor. And I have to thank Commissioner Johnson for pulling him out of the police department and putting him on the staff. And it was interesting because Greg Brown was one of those kind of people who always got it right. He was always on time. He always used the right language. He always dressed right. He was what I consider to be an exemplary employee. If anybody ever asked me, well, did he ever make a mistake, did he ever do anything wrong? I can't think of anything. Not one thing. I mean, we, as you all know, encountered some really interesting and challenging and sometimes threatening situations. And he was always there, always on the case. And I had this unique management approach to my staff. It was called management by humiliation. If you made a mistake, I didn't dock anybody's pay. I didn't fire anybody. I didn't, you know, do a lot of that. I would just tell everybody. We had cell phones. I would tell everybody. I had a list of about 50 people. And if you did something stupid, I would tell everybody. One time a guy did something really, really, really, really bad. And he said, please, Mr. Mayor, don't tell anybody. I said, I got to tell. He said, dock my pay. I said, that hurts your wife and the children, I got to tell. And in all the years I never had a chance to say anything about him. I never got a chance to put him on any list. When I was a council president, I had the wall of shame. You do something -- sometimes they would send out a letter and it was really messed up. I'd put it on the wall of shame right in the clerk's office. You will come in. The first thing they do is see, well, let me look at the wall of shame and see what's happening here today. But I got him once. Got him once. Now, you remember we used to -- Mr. President, can I have a presidential moment here? I'm begging for a presidential moment because I know my time is long up, my time is long up. And I'm telling you, he was that way. So you might remember that we rode a lot of bikes. We did the bike thing and I rode. I'm riding the bike and I was over years older 17 than everybody that was on my 18 staff. And I sometimes would 19 pretend, but I would have a hard 20 time keeping up. So Brown, no problem. So one day we were going to do the Atlantic City bike ride because I figured I can work some exercise into this thing. And I knew I was going to have Brown and all my staff and they were going to be riding these bikes. So I said, I'm beating them today. So a month before the ride, I put a 20-pound weight vest in the back of my bike, so that I was riding around, they didn't know that I was training. And then on the day of the ride, you know how when you're riding, you're drinking water and stuff, I didn't put any water in my little thing, I put ice. So when we came to the first rest stop, guess what I did? Right on through the rest stop. or of them peeled off. Came to the second rest stop, you know what I did? Right on through the rest stop. They all had to stop to use the bathroom. And you know what? They never caught up. Only time I can remember finishing anything before Brother Brown. And guess what, I have the picture that I'm going to make available to him.
But in all sincerity, members of the police department, members of the Mayor's security team, the people who come here to provide security for the members of City Council and for the staff, they have a hard job. And I am telling you that I am loaded with appreciation for the work that Greg Brown did when he was a part of our staff. And I want to thank everybody here for recognizing that. Because all too often when you make a mistake, you get put down. When you do the right thing, nobody says anything and everybody takes it for granted. But today we are recognizing the work of a person who was in the police department and on my staff I think for somewhere around 40 years, and that's a long time. That's a life of service. But the thing that he did that made the biggest statement that anybody could make was he picked Loree Jones to be his wife. Thank you. )
How do I follow that? Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you to Councilwoman Landau and to all of City Council for welcoming me. I'm honored to join you in recognizing LGBTQ History Month and National Coming Out Day. I'm Erica Deuso, Mayor of Downingtown in the heart of Chester County. And as Councilwoman Landau said earlier, I am Pennsylvania's first openly transgender mayor and the country's only serving elected transgender mayor. I recently received Equality Forum's Frank Kameny Award, and I'm proud to join Councilwoman Landau as a fellow recipient. That recognition carries a responsibility to continue the work of those who fought for our right to live openly. Their courage helped make it possible for me to stand before you as an elected official. I knew who I was at 4 years old, but I, myself, came out at 29. Coming out has no age limit. People take that step throughout their lives, often uncertain about what that might cost them. Everyone deserves to make that decision in their own time and support and care for their safety. Being transgender has shaped how I listen and serve. I know what it feels like to wonder whether you'll be accepted. And I bring that understanding to every neighbor who asks for help. LGBTQ people deserve to live openly, work and grow older without their government treating their existence as a problem to solve. These resolutions affirm that we belong in our communities and in public service and I would love to welcome you to mine. Downingtown's Fall Festival is this Sunday from 11:00 to 4:00, just a train ride from Philadelphia on the Paoli-Thorndale Line, which some of you might remember as the R5. Come spend an afternoon with us and our good neighbor community. Thank you for having me. I'm proud to be a first and I intend to help make sure I'm far from being the last. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning, President Johnson and members of City Council. Thank you for your time today. My name is Jim Meredith and I'm the President, a proud alum of Father Jones High School in Northeast Philadelphia. I'm here on behalf of the Father's community to express our enthusiastic support for Resolution 16 No. 260780, the street renaming of the 3300 block of South Avenue in memory of the 27 Father graduates who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country during the Vietnam War. The Roman poet Virgil wrote, No day shall erase you from memory of time. At Judge, we honor our 27 and never erase their memory. For our students, many of whom only know the Vietnam War as history, the memorial to our 27 at the entrance of our school on Solly Avenue stands as a tribute to their sacrifice and a reminder of their heroism. Our current students know these heroes as Judge guys. They walk the same halls, learning the same classrooms and competed on the same courts and fields. Our 27 graduates who lost their lives in a distant land grew up in many of the same Northeast Philadelphia neighborhoods as our current Judge guys, Holmesburg, Holme Circle, Mayfair, Oxford Circle, Pennypack Woods, Summerdale, Tacony and Torresdale. Their daily paths from homes to Judge began on many of the same Philadelphia streets our students travel today, Magee Street, Oakmont, Aubrey Avenue, Ditman, St. Vincent Street, Jackson Street, Tyson Avenue, Roosevelt Boulevard, Marigold Place. The connection between generations is so important. Our students learn it. Even after graduation, our 27 carried with them what they were taught at Judge, including the call of our patron Saint Francis de Sales, Be who you are and be that well. Our 27, for these words meant something serving their country. They were called to serve. Thank you for your support. Thank you. ) POLICE COMMISSIONER JOHNSON: Good morning. Thanks. Everything that was said about Greg Brown was probably already said by Mayor Street. I want to say a little thing about Mayor Street, because I would not be Police Commissioner if it was not for him. My name is Sylvester Johnson, former Police Commissioner, City of Philadelphia. ) POLICE COMMISSIONER JOHNSON: I spent 43 years here in the city of Philadelphia, not as the police commissioner but as a police officer. I've known Greg Brown for almost my entire career, almost his entire career. He was not just a good police officer, but he was a friend. One of the things I used to say and that City Council President mentioned, there's two things that you can never arrest you way out of the problem. It wasn't about locking people up. It was about changing the quality of life here in the city of Philadelphia, which I tried to do. The two things when I first was the police commissioner, I met with the mayor, and he says two things. And every community meeting that we went to, it was about two things. It was abandoned cars and drug sales. He came up with Operation Safe Streets, where we put almost 300 police officers on every corner in the City of Philadelphia to stop those things. Mayor Street was an exceptional mayor. I was part of his staff, and for those years that we never argued in the street. But he gave me hell behind (inaudible) places. But he says it's about quality of life. It's about going out there and making the City of Philadelphia, that people can sit on their steps. Kids can come out and play. Numbers is not important. When they talk about a lot of times that our crime is down, our homicide rate is down, but one is too many. We can say that there's a lot of homicides that are down. And when we say it's 120 homicides and we're proud of that, we shouldn't be, shouldn't be at all. Because like I said, one is too many. I couldn't do this without a lot of people and that helped me quite a bit. And ask Ms. Johnson, City Council President at that time, everybody has to get involved in this. It has to be a holistic type approach.
Everybody has to get involved. Police will never solve this problem. But as a community, we can. Thank you very much. And thank you very much for Greg Brown. ) CAPTAIN CLARK: Good morning everyone. My name is Stephen Clark, Captain, Commanding officer of the Crash Investigation Division, Philadelphia Police Department. And I'm just here to commend and congratulate Greg Brown on 40 years of service to the great citizens of the city of Philadelphia and its police department. Forty years ago, Greg came to the Philadelphia Police Department via John W. Bartram High School and the United States Marine Corps. He since provided stellar dedicated service to the citizens of Philadelphia. And he went to the 9th Police District. Thirty-one years ago, this Judge guy remembering our 27, via Temple University, came to the Philadelphia Police Department in the 9th District. And for a brief period at the beginning of our careers crossed paths, serving citizens in the 9th District, watching guys like Greg with the experience that he had taught me to be a police officer. And I came in with the same values that I hold today. But they reinforced it and I saw it in action about the compassion, the care. You know, they lived the values that I learned in life and at my high school of truth, justice, charity and being a light in the darkness, right. And Greg was that for me. And that was the beginning of my career. Greg then went on and he got promoted, he got promoted several times, continued to serve the citizens of Philadelphia in the same manner, with the same calmness and measure of decency that we should all manage ourselves. Now, at the end of Greg's career, 31 years later, I for the past year have been the immediate supervisor of Greg, and it's been a pleasure to do that in that capacity. So I just wanted to thank Greg for all those years of service, first as a member of the department and the supervisor. But also as a 52-year resident of Philadelphia, a husband and a father of three. Thank you for your service. )
Thank you. Thank you, everyone. Prior to acknowledging the next speaker, I am respectfully requesting that everyone hold to the two-minute limit and I intend to keep the two-minute limit for every witness. Thank you very much for your cooperation.
Good morning. I'm Loree Jones Brown. I have the extraordinary honor of recognizing my husband, Lieutenant Gregory Antonio Brown, Sr. for 40 years of exemplary service to the City of Philadelphia and its residents. For four decades, Greg has worn the badge with courage, discipline, integrity and unwavering commitment to public safety. His service has taken him from his earliest days as a young officer to the rank of lieutenant, where he has led, mentored, protected and served countless Philadelphians. This resolution, today introduced by Councilman Jeff Young, recognizes more than a career. It recognizes the sacrifices that come along with wearing the uniform, the long hours, the missed holidays, the difficult calls and the responsibility of being there when others need you the most. Greg, on behalf of your parents that are here, your sister, my mom, and your sons who could not be here today, who follow you in law enforcement, I am incredibly proud of the officer, leader, husband, father and man you have become. Congratulations on 40 years of service. You have earned this moment and you certainly have earned your retirement. And I do have a honey-do list for you. I love you and congratulations. (Applause.)
Hello, Philadelphia City Council. My name is Jeremy Blatstein. First off, thank you for 40 years of service. That's amazing. It's really important that we support the Philadelphia Police Department. We're talking a little bit about nuisance businesses. Shout-out to the police for finally enforcing the shutdown orders that L&I are putting on the windows. I was out in West Philadelphia on Friday night, and I saw the police enforcing one of those L&I shutdown notices. So that's a good step, right. Those nuisance businesses, State Rep Amen Brown did his crackdown on those smoke shops that are illegally selling weed. We need to continue to make sure that those nuisance businesses are being properly enforced while properly supporting the small business in Philadelphia. In terms of LGBTQ+ awareness, it's really important. Shame, shame, shame on State Rep Aaron Bernstein and the comments he made. That's so unacceptable in terms of what he was talking about with State Rep Malcolm Kenyatta. Yeah, he said some messed up things in a bar about State Rep Malcolm Kenyatta. And then we're talking about FIFA. Obviously that was crucial to the city of Philadelphia. Shout-out to the City of Philadelphia for doing that. We need more of that. And last but not least, we're talking about SEPTA. We obviously need to make sure that it's funded. We need to make sure that we're supporting the SEPTA police, right. It's a big issue right now in terms of the youth that are coming on the system. And we need to make sure that they're working with the police, along with providing the resources so that it's not just relying on that. And the last thing I'll say when it comes to digital awareness, right. When you're posting videos that have curse words in it, it's unacceptable. Disband the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office. Ride the ride. Grow Philly to 2 Milly. Thank you.
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. My name is William Small and I am a member of Flip Philly Red. Today I originally came here to challenge 260076, but it seems as though last week I was cut off in silence when I wanted to question why a Councilwoman receiving campaign funds from the Indian American Impact Fund. And believe me, there's nothing American about them. How she can try to amend our charter and our elections and she wasn't even born in America. So I'm not even going to challenge that today. I'm going to challenge Councilman O'Rourke's bill, 260779. We're talking about stop using Starbucks in City Council. I mean, really, that's what we're talking about, Starbucks. Are we going to stop taking their tax dollars too? I mean, we got to start doing things that make sense. And I overheard next week we're honoring the Democrat Socialists of America. For what? These are the people who want to put the police out of business, defund the prisons, defund the police, abolish our presidency, abolish our Senate, abolish our Supreme Court. Then we got Councilman Jeffrey Young running around here with money that belongs to the library. I heard it was $10 million. He acting like Nino Brown off New Jack City. And everybody just want to know what's happening with the library. Now, I'm surprised I wasn't silenced today and I really appreciate that. And one more, one more. And I love the fact that we honored the Black Bottom. It's been long overdue. My family came from North Carolina and we were one of the originators of the Black Bottom, the first bar, 35th and Mt. Vernon, 1959, by a Black woman. But what I want to know is how the heck does Africatown get honored before the Black Bottom. Africatown? I mean, have you guys went to Advance Auto Parts? They spilling oil in the sewer system. It's 100 Africans out there and it looks like the Congo. The people can't even run their business. Thank you. MR. McAULEY: Good morning, everyone. My name is John Alonte McAuley. I'm with a grassroots organization called Flip Philly Red. We're here to bring you something different because you've been voting Democrat for the Mayor's office for the past 70 years. In regard to resolution 20 260779, a resolution by Councilmember O'Rourke endorsing the boycott of Starbucks, called for by Workers United SEIU, encouraging residents to refrain from purchasing Starbucks products until they finalize a fair union contract. And since you're the so-called man of God, my question to Councilmember O'Rourke, would you have boycotted Starbucks back in 2015 when they waged war on Christmas and told their baristas not to say Merry Christmas, but Happy Holidays only when they greeted customers. Same company in 2023. They had rainbows on their cups, but never had Jesus. Just like Al Sharpton embracing and endorsing these stupid boycotts. How about you boycott these Black parents for allowing their sons to wear ski masks in these streets. Working Families Party and Democrats can teach your kids how to dance, but can't teach them how to read. But I get it. SEIU was prepared to give 200 million to Biden and the Democrats in 2024, so it's easy to sell out for a check. SEIU, known for embezzlement convictions. Sexual harassment scandals at California local employed a convicted child molester as a business agent. Same SEIU on the front lines of anti-ICE protests in support of illegal aliens. Same illegal aliens who undercut the American wages those Starbucks blue-haired baristas are asking for. Maybe Starbucks should write Christ is King on their cups and they'll have some better luck. Maybe if City Council embraced deportations, free markets, deregulation and competition baristas would have better luck. Tell your DA to prosecute crime. Cut taxes across the board, basic economics. How are you a Councilmember if you don't even know that. And to the Mayor of Downingtown, if no one told you, you are a man. How are you --
Please conclude your remarks. Your two minutes are up. Thank you very much.
Will Christy Cianciotto, Matthew Valenzuela, Kate Rivera, C. Michael Robinson, Ayesha Mughal, Dr. Deborah Roebuck, Simone Erickson, Kristine Gonnella, Juanita Jenkins and Shalisa Brunson, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning. I'm Lynn Landes of Philly's Republican Network and the parent of a mentally disabled son. We oppose Bill 250907. Property owners and business improvement districts such as Center City District are being taxed twice by the city and by the district for the same services for sanitation and safety. That should not be legal under any circumstances. But more importantly, both the city and these districts enable the mentally ill and drug- addicted to live on the streets, rather than getting them into medical facilities as well as the government services and funding that they are legally entitled to under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Instead the city, these districts and nonprofits are getting the funding and using it to keep these people alive, but also still living on the streets, which in the case of the drug-addicted, helps out the drug dealers who seem to be in an unholy alliance with city officials. It is well past time for the city to do the right thing and phase out business improvement districts, arrest all of the drug dealers and get our fellow human beings off the streets and into the mandated care they so desperately need and are legally entitled to. I want to also add that the Democratic Party and the Socialist Democrats have really crossed the line. We can disagree on a lot of issues, but when you're inviting illegal immigrants to live in this city and in these states, that really is tantamount to treason. Honestly, you can't have a country without secure borders. So I honestly wish you would reconsider your sanctuary city policy and do the right thing and protect our borders and our citizens. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning. Good morning, everybody. My name is Jonathan Latko. I'm from Temple University. I'm here to support Councilperson Rue Landau's Digital Inclusion Week proclamation for October 4th through the 10th. I've been at Temple for about 27 years, and we run a program called the Digital Access Center. And we think about that spirit of Russell Conwell, right, acres of diamonds, if you're familiar with it. Any Temple Owls in the house, right. So you can look the world over and you can look for gems and all those special things, but we think they're right here in our own backyard, right. So we created a program where people in the community earn a computer from us. We teach them how to use it, we support it. We get them connected to the internet through some of our big companies and organizations in the city. It's like teaching the person to fish, right. They can earn and they can figure it out on their own and they'll have a much successful and a better life. So I appreciate the Councilwoman for recognizing Digital Inclusion Week at Temple University. We are hosting with the Technology Learning Collaborative Conference next week. It's our third or fourth year in a row hosting it. We're bringing people together. Councilwoman attends and I appreciate that. We're really trying to figure out how to get resources to the people and let them stand up on their own. I appreciate everybody's time and I hope to see you soon.
My name is Christi Cianciotto. I work at Penn Med Starbucks. I worked at Starbucks for three years and to my surprise, I do not have blue hair. I do love my job. I love making drinks for customers. I love supporting my team. In three years, I've never been written up. I've always been on time and I show up for Starbucks every day. When I needed them to show up for me, they failed me. When I needed a transfer from my store in Easton, Pennsylvania to a new store in Philly, they made the process incredibly difficult and drug it out as long as possible. For weeks, I didn't even know if I would have a job. When they finally did tell me I was able to transfer, it took them months longer to actually get me started in a new store. All together it took five months, including 89 days where I was not allowed to work at all. That's 89 days without a paycheck while I'm living in a new city. 89 days where I don't know how I'm going to pay my bills or buy groceries. Those 89 days also cost me my health insurance. Starbucks requires for you to work 20 hours a week to qualify for benefits, but they don't guarantee that you'll get scheduled for that. So all that time, the company wasn't letting me work. I had no longer qualified for health insurance that I counted on. That means I can't access medication. That's really important to me. It also means constantly worrying what will happen to me if I have a medical emergency. Would I be able to get care and how can I pay for it. Carrying around all this stress and worry takes a big toll on my mental and physical health. We talk a lot about union busting because Starbucks has broken labor law more than any other company in history. But union busting is not an abstract idea. This is what it looks like. It looks like dedicated workers like me being hung out to dry by a company that doesn't care about us. That is why it is so important that everyone boycott Starbucks until we have a fair union contract that protects workers like me. Thank you so much for our City Council for standing with workers. Now, we need the rest of the city to do the same. No contract, no coffee. (Applause.)
Hello, Council. My name is Matthew Valenzuela. I've been a barista for seven years. I work at the store on 16th and Walnut. And I'm here to support the Boycott resolution, boycott from -- sorry, Starbucks Workers United and Resolution 260779. I've seen over time and time again that our stores have been horribly understaffed and overworked. It is far too often where breaks are skipped, where people are forced to do several positions at once, and all while customers are asking where their drinks are. That's why when I was asked to go on strike only a day after I transferred to my new store, I said yes. We went on a three-month strike, the longest in our union history, and we still don't have a contract to guarantee adequate staffing and pay. And that's why -- and because of that we're asking people, organizations to boycott Starbucks until we get a guaranteed contract of better staffing and better pay. That's why I'm asking Philadelphia City Council to stand with Starbucks workers, support our boycott and vote yes on Resolution 20 260779. When workers ask our communities not to cross a boycott line, we need our elected officials to stand with us. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good afternoon. My name is Kate Rivera, and I'm speaking in support of the resolution that was introduced by Councilmember Rue Landau today recognizing Digital Inclusion Week. I'm the Executive Director of the Technology Learning Collaborative, or TLC, which is a nonprofit coalition of organizations and individuals working to advance digital equity and inclusion in the Greater Philadelphia area to achieve digital equity. Everyone should have three basic things. One is internet access that's affordable, reliable, and fast. The second is a computer or other device that meets their needs. And the third is the digital skills that they need to use those tools to accomplish their goals and stay safe online. In this day and age, having access to the internet and technology is a necessity rather than a luxury. And research really backs this up in a few different examples here. 90% of job postings in Pennsylvania require some level of digital skills, even entry-level jobs you wouldn't expect. We've seen that students with quality devices and digital skills do -- sorry, students without quality devices and digital skills do worse in schools and earn less over their lifetimes. We've seen patients who are capable of navigating telehealth systems, see doctors sooner and save money on health care. And we've even seen a correlation between maternal health and broadband access. So with changes at the federal level, the nonprofits that are helping community members here in Philadelphia with digital access are facing declining funding at the same time that needs in our communities are increasing. And we've actually seen that digital equity funding pays for itself. So studies show that every dollar invested in digital access yields a projected $2.40 in societal value. So I hope you'll join me in celebrating the work here and funding digital equity. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Council President. Good morning, Council President and members of Council. C. Michael Robinson, Wynnefield resident and former Chief Municipal Administrator. Everyone pay close attention. Resolution 260770 addresses a federal proposal that would reduce certain examination and reporting requirements for banks serving low-income and working-class communities. We're talking about access to homeownership, capital and neighborhood entrepreneurs and resources for community institutions. In a city where generational wealth remains profoundly unequal, these are not abstract regulatory concerns. They are questions of economic survival for working-class Philadelphians trying to make a way. But today, I want to interrogate preparedness. Philadelphia Code Section 19-201 establishes community reinvestment requirements for city depositories. Council authorized a Public Financial Authority in 2022 and hearings into its implementation in 2025. What became of that oversight? Meanwhile, Pennsylvania law restricts our ability to independently regulate financial institutions. These limitations did not emerge yesterday, and the federal government did not invent Philadelphia's responsibility to protect its residents. Our charter places the Law Department in an extraordinary position of advising both branches of government. Council acknowledged the structural tension through Resolution 260720 two weeks ago. Legal counsel must identify what government cannot lawfully do, but it cannot become a substitute for determining what government can do. At what point does identifying a legal obstacle become an exercise in institutional paralysis? And who is accountable when viable alternatives never reach implementation? The federal comment period closes October 13th. I'm asking for an accounting of existing depository compliance, the financial authority's implementation status and concrete municipal and state law remedies. A resolution establishes a position. Governance requires an executable plan. Thank you. (Applause.)
Hello. My name is Ayesha Mughal. Starbucks baristas have been fighting for almost five years for a fair union contract. The baristas are not asking for anything unreasonable, a 17-hour minimum wage, enough hours to live on, and better staffing in the stores to keep up with the amount of customers that come in. It would cost the company less than one day of sales to pay for what the baristas are asking for. They shouldn't have to fight for what they simply need to survive. That's why I'm proud that Philly is stepping up alongside union baristas and working people across the nation who are boldly demanding better. We need to support working people by boycotting Starbucks until they meet their workers' very reasonable demands and finalize a fair contract. In the meantime, we should all be supporting local businesses anyway. Elixir Coffee, Green Line Cafe, ReAnimator Coffee, Ultimo Coffee, Vibrant Coffee Roasters are all companies that reached fair union contracts with their workers and our local coffee shops that we can support. Thank you. (Applause.)
I think it's still morning, but good morning, City Council President and members of Council and especially -- okay. Good morning. My name is Dr. Deborah Roebuck and I'm so appreciative to have the opportunity to speak around Menopause Awareness Month --
Good morning, City Council President, members of the City Council, City Councilmember Ahmad. Good morning. It's just a privilege to be here. My name is Dr. Deborah Roebuck. I am the CEO of going through the change. But more importantly, they call me the Menopause Whisperer. And I also had the privilege to be the Public Health Administrator for the City of Philadelphia for over years. 10 I'm honored to speak on 11 behalf of Menopause Awareness 12 Month, because recognition gives us 13 an opportunity to bring greater 14 understanding to the stage of life 15 that affects women. I'm talking 16 about women in the neighborhoods. 17 I'm talking about people at your 18 church. I'm talking about your 19 boss, your family. It's all of us 20 that's impacted for so long. 21 When you talk about 22 menopause, I'm going to be honest 23 with you, women felt not respected 24 or they just say, oh, well, she'll be over that or we would go to the doctors and the doctors would say, okay, next. I just want you to know to recognize menopause is extremely important because that normalizes -- it gives women the opportunity to ask questions, to be able to seek answers, to get support. So it's a privilege to be here. I'm excited about the opportunity as Philadelphia moves forward and appropriation for our jobs so that we can feel free to do the work we need to do in our homes and our hearts and in our communities. Thank you so very much. (Applause.)
Good morning, everyone. Thank you for having me. My name is Simone Erickson. I am here today representing Public Health Management Corporation in support of Councilmember Ahmad. On behalf of Public Health Management Corporation, we are proud to support the resolution recognizing October as Menopause Awareness Month. Public Health Management Corporation commends Councilmember Nina Ahmad for championing workplace protections for people experiencing menstruation, perimenopause and menopause. These efforts are vital to ensuring dignity, equity and opportunity for all workers. Menopause is a natural stage of life, yet is still surrounded by stigma and silence. Too often people feel uncomfortable talking about symptoms or asking for support. By recognizing Menopause Awareness Month, we give an opportunity to change the conversation, incorporate men, and normalize these conversations. We can normalize discussions about menopause, increase access to accurate health information, and create workplaces where people can openly seek support and accommodations they need without fear of embarrassment or discrimination. By recognizing October as Menopause Awareness Month, we are helping break the silence, reduce stigma, and promote a culture where menopause is understood as a public health and workplace issue, not something that should be hidden or endured in silence. Thank you all. (Applause.) MS. JENKINS Juanita Jenkins, first Vice-President, Pennsylvania State Coalition of the National Council of Negro Women. Good morning -- well, afternoon I should say.
Good afternoon, Council President, distinguished members of City Council and fellow Philadelphians. Once again, my name is Juanita Jenkins and it is my profound honor to stand before you today on behalf of the Pennsylvania State Coalition of the National Council of Negro Women. On behalf of our state leadership, State President April Baidal, our national officers, and our seven community-based sections and our collegiate members of university sections across the Commonwealth, we proudly and formally affirm the resolutions supported by Councilmember Cindy Bass. But I want to be clear about what we are affirming. We're not simply accepting the honor. We are affirming a partnership and a responsibility. The National Council of Negro Women is a nonpartisan civil rights organization founded in 1935 by the incomparable Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, a woman who understood that Black women could not simply wait for change. We had to organize, advocate, educate and lead for it. For more than 40 years, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height carried that vision forward, building NCNW into a powerful national voice for civil rights, economic justice, education, health and opportunity. And that legacy is not sitting in the history book. It is alive and working. Today in our County of Philadelphia, our Pennsylvania State Coalition puts the legacy into action through what we call SJHEEE, Social Justice, Health Equity, Economic Empowerment, and Education. We register voters, advocate for legislation, educate for our communities, and develop young leaders and we show up and do the work. We want to thank you for the resolution today. (Applause.)
Will Robert McHugh, Jerry Davis, Emily Ndiokho, Amy Hillier, Beth Ramella, Pamela Vasserman, John Dennis, Keith Grant, Michelle Wells, Snead, and Ericka Wines, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Please proceed. MR. McHUGH: Good afternoon, Council President, members of City Council. My name is Bob McHugh. I'm a lifelong Philadelphia resident and a former U.S. Army Captain. I'm here today to support the resolution to name the 3300 block of Solly Avenue in front of Father Judge, for the 27 graduates who grew up in the working-class rowhouse neighborhoods of Mayfair, Holmesburg, Tacony and others and sacrifice their lives in Vietnam. These heroes had two things in common, a willingness to serve our country and the fact that they all graduated from Father Judge High School in the 1960s. The 27 represent all five branches of the service at that time. There are U.S. Marines, 9 Army soldiers, 2 sailors, 1 member of the Air Force and 1 from the Coast Guard. These sons of Philadelphia all lost their lives during the 1960s, some over 60 years ago. These young heroes were killed at 19, 20, years old and 11 would be 80-year-old great- 12 grandfathers had they lived. I 13 can't believe that this hasn't been 14 done yet. We can honor them now by naming the street that runs in front of their high school in their honor. Let's do it now. Father Judge has done a lot to keep their memory alive. There's a beautiful memorial on the lawn in front of the school, which is engraved with the names of all 27, along with the inscription, No 24 greater love has a man than this, that he laid down his life for his friends. That seems so appropriate. Father Judge has also hung hero flags on the block with a photo of each of the 27 so people can put a face with the names. The school holds multiple ceremonies during the year to remember the 27 and teaches the legacy of the 27 to all incoming students. The Father Judge athletic teams all wear the 27 logo on their uniforms. And each season, players compete for the honor of wearing the coveted 27. I just ask for your indulgence for a couple seconds. On a personal note, my wife's cousin Jack is an Army Sergeant, John F. Bentz, Jr., one of the 27. Jack was an Catholic football player, at Judge and the Outstanding Senior Athlete Award is named for Jack and given at graduation every year. Jack was awarded a Silver Star posthumously for his heroic actions on the day when he was killed. He's a hero in our family, as are all the other 8 for their family, friends and 9 classmates. 10 In closing, I'd like to 11 thank Councilman Driscoll for 12 introducing this resolution, Maura 13 McDonald from the Councilman's 14 office for all the help she's given 15 us to make sure that this happens. 16 I would also like to thank the 17 administration at Father Judge, 18 especially President James 19 Meredith, who spoke today, for all 20 his assistance and support. Father 21 Judge the 27 have done their duty. They gave their all for us. It's time for us to do our duty and to remember and honor them by naming this street the 3300 block of Solly Avenue for them. Please help us and always remember our 27. Thank you for your time. Thank you, sir. Thank you, Maura. I appreciate it. (Applause.)
Good afternoon. My name is Jerry Davis and it's wonderful to hear these comments about the Marine Corps as a fellow marine, former marine. Thank you very much for this opportunity. I stand here because Dr. Palmer, who should be here, had an unavoidable happening that he had to take care of. So unfortunately he can't be here. But I stand for it before you humbly. As Dr. Palmer once said, Every neighborhood, every community has an earthly corner, a place where a community is built and memories are made. The earthly corner of the Black Bottom was 36th and Market Street. I had my first job on that particular corner as a 12- or 13-year-old, so it means so much to me. The thing that I would say to you about the Black Bottom is that people encouraged you, people supported you. It really gave definition to -- this is important to me, and it made me feel that I was somebody. Even before Jesse Jackson coined the phrase, people looked out for one another in that community. Unfortunately, the Black Bottom, the intentional displacement of the Black Bottom residents due to the West Philadelphia Corporation, including Drexel and Penn as well as the City of Philadelphia through the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, has led to the prosperous area now known as University City. Through this urban renewal project, thousands of people lost their homes for little or no compensation. The vast majority of these people were Black. The passage of Resolution 11 260767 is an important act of recognition, but it only scratches the surface of harm dealt and created by the city's most valuable institutions. The next steps must be towards ensuring the prosperity of the area and that it's shared with us in our descendants who forced removal from the neighborhood and made this wealth possible. This is stolen wealth. We demand reparations from the City, the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel. Thank you, Councilmember Gauthier, Mary Jones and Andrew Goodman for your support of the Black Bottom Reparations Committee, the elders of the Black Bottom and the 3054 signatures. With the QR codes all of you have, you will be able to add your name to our Reparations Committee. The Black Bottom was a vibrant community, a caring community, a nurturing community where people looked out for one another. All too often that's a lost art today. Too many spaces today, here locally in the nation as a whole don't do what they did in the Black Bottom. And when the Black Bottom was lost, that culture was also lost. We have to recognize that people live there. People made contributions to this community and we have to have the reparations. We demand the reparations. Thank you so much for this opportunity. Sorry that I had to rush through this. It was a lot longer than two minutes, I'm sure. But thank you so much and God bless. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. We have a whole lot of people who want to speak as well. Go ahead.
Good afternoon, Councilmembers. My name is Emily Ndiokho and I'll be reading testimony from Edward M. Epstein, the author of Race and Real Estate in Education: Inventing Gentrification in Philadelphia, 1916-2020, and the Director of the Teachers Institute of Philadelphia at the University of Pennsylvania in the 1950s. It was a turning point in Philadelphia's history. The city's manufacturing jobs were migrating elsewhere and its infrastructure and landscape crumbling. Under the leadership of City Planner Edmund Bacon, there was an interest in restoring the city's historical districts and in using federal urban renewal dollars to demolish and redevelop areas they considered blighted. City landscape also saw that while manufacturing was in decline, campuses and colleges and hospitals were growing. The city's economy was shifting from manufacturing to eds and meds and tourism. As early as 1947, Bacon targeted West Philly for redevelopment. He claimed the areas north of Penn and Drexel, the Black Bottom, were creating a band of blight around the university. Taking up Bacon's charge, Penn bought Drexel and the area's hospitals together to form the West Philadelphia Corporation, WPC. In 1959, this coalition planned the redevelopment and rebranding of the University area as University City. The largest share of WPC funding was from Penn and its Board Chair was Penn President Gaylord Harnwell. A key part of WPC's plan was the demolition of the Black Bottom. It proposed to replace it with a research park, the University City Science Center and University City High School, which was to have been a science magnet school. The WPC claimed that the benefits from these projects justified the use of urban renewal dollars for the demolitions. When they learned the plan, the Black Bottom residents protested vigorously, delaying the award of federal funding. Penn, however, used its influence to persuade the city and the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and the School District of Philadelphia to approve the project. The demolitions were carried out by the Redevelopment Authority in 1966 and 1967. The WPC did not live up to its projects and now the new prosperity that's been created. But the Black Bottom residents have not been dealt it. This is stolen wealth. Penn, Drexel and the City of Philadelphia owe reparations to the residents who were displaced from their homes in the 1960s. Sign the petition and join the movement to learn more. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to take a moment, we've had a couple speakers that I just want to acknowledge. First, I want to congratulate President Jim Meredith, the newly minted President of Father Judge High School. We wish you well, Mr. President, in leading these young men into the future. So we wish you well as a body. And also to Bob McEwen and his wife Janet, whose family gave the ultimate sacrifice in the Vietnam War. That's why we're renaming Solly Avenue "27 Way." I just want to note for the record, for my colleagues that may not know this, so there were two high schools in the country, number one high school that lost the most men in Vietnam was Edison, in the country. The second high school, the most in the country, was Father Judge High School, lost 27 young men. So the sacrifices of Philadelphians, we just need to recognize them. And that's why I introduced this resolution today. And that's why I'm looking forward to an affirmative from my colleagues today. And with that, Mr. President, I do ask for some indulgence to go tend to some Council business and to be voted in the affirmative on all bills and resolutions until my return. Thank you.
You're welcome. Leave is granted. Please proceed, ma'am.
My name is Amy Hillier. I'm an Associate Professor at Penn School of Social Policy and Practice, where I teach courses in social work and urban studies. I came to Philadelphia for graduate school in 1995 and I've been at Penn ever since, and I've lived in West Philadelphia, near Clark Park since 2005. I'm here to speak in strong support of the proposal to recognize the Black Bottom. I am fortunate that my colleague Walter Palmer, who teaches with me, has shared a lot about the history over the years, including Penn's role in neighborhood displacement. I'm grateful to my colleagues Laura Wolf Powers and Edward Epstein for publishing excellent books on this topic. Having worked at Penn and lived in this neighborhood, I know I am implicated in this history. In many ways, I am the face of gentrification. I purchased my home with financial support from Penn. My two children attended Penn Alexander. My neighbors, most of them also White, and I have consistently experienced increases in our property values and have disproportionately benefited from the public and private investments in the area. This has happened against the backdrop of public school closures across the city. Poverty rates for children ranging from 25% to 37%, a childhood asthma rate two to three times the national average, and a housing affordability crisis. I am committed to teaching my students at Penn the hard history about Penn's role in West Philadelphia, which is not limited displacement of the Black Bottom. I want to see these learning opportunities expand to include all Penn students as well as students at the neighborhood schools Powel, SLA Middle School and Penn Alexander. The development of the Science Center along Market Street may have caused displacement of people, homes and businesses, but the memories and legacy of the Black Bottom neighborhood will not be erased as long as we commit to telling and retelling this history. A serious discussion about reparations is long overdue. The Black Bottom Elder sent a letter to Penn officials in 2025 asking to move this conversation forward and they are still waiting. Thank you. (Applause.)
Hi. My name is Dr. Beth Ramella. I'm the Superintendent at Overbrook School for the Blind. I'm a teacher of the visually impaired and certified orientation and mobility specialist. It is my privilege to stand before you today to thank Philadelphia City Council for the work that you do to support, recognize and advocate for individuals with visual impairments, not just during Low Vision Month or World Blindness Month or Vision Awareness Month, but throughout the year. Vision Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize the millions of Americans living with visual impairment. Low vision is more than simply needing glasses. It can affect a person's ability to read, navigate their environment, recognize even their familiar faces of their family, use technology or participate independently in everyday life. And while vision loss may not always be medically correctable, rehabilitation, education, technology and specialized supports can be an extraordinary difference in their lives. This is where our work at Overbrook School for the Blind begins. For nearly two centuries, Overbrook has been part of the Philadelphia community and today we serve more than 180 students on our campus. We support 190 students and families throughout our early intervention outreach programs, and more students than that in public schools in the Philadelphia area and surrounding communities. But our work on our campus doesn't just stop there. We work with families in their earliest parts of their lives. We send teachers of students with visual impairments and certified orientation and mobility specialists into community schools. We provide assessments, development, consultation and services throughout the communities. We were appreciated last week with an award and -- okay. We just want to thank you because accessibility is not a luxury. It's an opportunity for our students to use and learn and grow. All of the skills that they need. Thank you. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Will M. Brownlee, Keith Gant, Rev. Doctor Wendell J. Mapson, Nhakia Outland, Ogbonna Paul Hagins, Garrett Oliver, Audrey Neate and Judith Queen Robinson, please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning, Council President, members of City Council and everyone here today. I am Pamela Vasserman, Director of Development and Communications at Overbrook School for the Blind, and I am incredibly proud to be here with our Superintendent Dr. Beth Ramella. As City Council recognizes October as Vision Impairment -- Vision Awareness Month, first, I want to thank Councilman Curtis Jones for helping us shine a light on the blind and visually impaired community here in Philadelphia and Councilwoman Dr. Nina Ahmad, whose support of Overbrook School for the Blind and the students and families we serve has meant so much to our community at Overbrook. We have the privilege of seeing every day what is possible when children are given the right support, education and opportunities. There is one story to me that captures exactly why this work matters. There was a 4-year-old, a child at Overbrook who was deaf and blind. Let's call him Johnny. Johnny's parents were visiting Overbrook for Parents Day, and his teacher asked him to come over and hold their hands. Johnny began pressing into their hands. His parents asked the teacher, what is he doing? And his teacher said, he's saying, I love you. That was the first communication Johnny had ever had with his parents. Imagine being a parent waiting four years to hear that Johnny in any way was realizing that his parents were realizing that that was the very first thing he was communicating. And it was, I love you. That is Overbrook. It is not simply about academics. It is about communication, connection, independence, dignity, and giving children a way to participate fully in, around and the world around them. Our students are not defined by blindness or visual impairment. They are children preparing for college careers, independence, and meaningful lives. They are learning to communicate, use technology, develop skills, advocate for themselves, build relationships, and discover what they want their futures to look like. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
To President Johnson, to members of City Council, including our Councilperson Jamie Gauthier, my name is J. Wendell Mapson, Jr. For the past 39 years, I've been Senior Pastor of Monumental Baptist Church, located on the corner of 50th and Locust in the heart of West Philadelphia. Our congregation is celebrating this year the 200th anniversary of its founding on March 24, 1826, 37 years prior to the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and 50 years after the birth of United States. I appreciate the honor of addressing you today. I'm here on behalf of the congregation I serve to express support for the resolution to rename the 50th Street block where the church is located Monumental Way in recognition of our congregation's profound spiritual impact in our city as well as its role during the 19th century in the liberation of people escaping the horrors of enslavement on their way to the North. Currently, Monumental sponsors outreach ministries including food giveaways, voter registration drives, ministries to youth and seniors housing forums, and the distribution of school supplies, among other social- oriented initiatives so that our impact is not only in the sanctuary but in the streets. As we enter our third century, our congregation will continue to be a voice of social justice and moral clarity, a voice badly needed in these uncertain times. We will continue to be an example of the resiliency, power and influence of the Black church as we speak to and for the lost, the least, the left-out and the disinherited. Thank you for this opportunity, for your time and for your listening ear. I'm a Baptist preacher. And this is the shortest speech I've ever made. (Applause.)
Good morning, members of City Council and Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad. My name is Nhakia Outland, and I'm the founder and Executive Director of Prevention Meets Fashion. I stand before you today in support of Councilmember Ahmad's resolution 5 for October being Menopause Awareness Month. For generations, perimenopause and menopause have been hidden in silence, misunderstood and subjected to stigma. I'm not sure if you're aware, but did you know that changes in women were meant that they were insane? Women were often sent to asylums. The solution was to remove their ovaries and hysterectomy. Again, this is not far, far removed from what is still happening today. For far too long, millions of individuals experiencing hot flashes, sleep disturbance, mood changes and shifting cycles were left without language, medical guidance and workplace accommodations. At Prevention Meets Fashion, our mission is to ensure that reproductive health education spans the entire life cycle and disrupts the binary. So what we haven't heard today is that queer people also experience menopause. And that is something that we need to talk about when we're talking about menopause and menopause conversations. This advocacy is not just organizational for me. It is deeply personal. As someone currently navigating perimenopause, not yet menopause, I know the lived reality of managing complex physical and emotional changes while caring for my children, running an organization, supporting a team, and serving our city. We cannot treat reproductive justice as something that stops after childbearing years. Recognizing October as Menopause Awareness Month is a step towards breaking generational taboos and getting people to talk openly and recognizing menopause or, as many of us heard growing up, personal summers. Thank you, Councilmember Ahmad, for your visionary leadership. And thank you for the entire Council body for championing equity at every stage of life. I strongly urge the passing of this resolution. Thank you. (Applause.)
Ogbonna Hagins, fourth-generation chattel slavery survivor. Council President Johnson, I want to start with the Black Bottom. I think recognizing the historic West Philadelphia community is important. But doesn't recognition also raise a question about whether the people connected to that community can actually afford to remain, keep their property and build wealth? You've introduced legislation or you're planning on introducing legislation calling for Philadelphia to be able to raise the minimum wage to $25 an hour. So I have a question. If you are truly serious about addressing wages, would you be willing to meet with my organization, the Philadelphia Reparations Coalition for American Freedmen? Because what we're talking about isn't simply raising the minimum wage. We're talking about abolishing starvation wages. We already have legislation for your legal team to review based on the reconstruction framework of the 39th Congress. So we have the legislation already written for you, Council President, and for your legal team. We're just requesting that if you're serious, that we schedule a meeting with my compliance officer, with my administrator and myself to seriously deal with starvation wages in this city, particularly as it relates to the descendants of chattel slavery. I'm Ogbonna Hagins, the unseated council president, the President of the Philadelphia Reparations Coalition for American Freedmen. Over and out. (Applause.)
Good afternoon. My name is Garrett O'Dwyer and I'm the Policy Director at CDC. Thank you for the opportunity to offer testimony in support of Resolution 260770, which expresses the city's opposition to the proposed changes to the rules governing the Community Reinvestment Act, better known as the CRA. I'd like to thank Council President Johnson and Councilmember Rue Landau for introducing this resolution and for understanding the risks posed by this proposed rule from the Trump administration. For those of you who don't know, the CRA is a foundational pillar of community development, which requires banks to provide access to credit and investments in low- and moderate- income communities and evaluates whether they meet these obligations. If you care about affordable housing or economic development, if you care about access to credit for a family looking to buy a home or start a small business, if you care about the strides we've made since the days of redlining, then you should care about CRA. This proposed rule would, among other things, change the thresholds under which banks are evaluated, reduce their obligations and eliminate key accountability frameworks that, should this proposed rule go into effect, will set back the work that we have done to address economic mobility and housing instability in Philadelphia and across the country. In particular, it will significantly undermine the goals of the H.O.M.E. initiative. This will happen in big, obvious ways, like more challenging financing for low-income housing tax credit, rental developments and small, less obvious, but no less insidious ways, like the first-time homebuyer has done everything right but doesn't understand why they still can't get a mortgage. So I want to thank City Council for taking this stand and raising the profile of a critical issue that has received far too little attention. However, there is more that we can all do. The public comment period on this proposed rule is open until October 13th. I urge everyone, those in this room, those listening at home to submit comments in opposition. We've created a customizable template@cdc.org to help you do exactly that. Councilmembers, we'll be following up with your offices and are happy to provide any assistance we can in developing comments on this. It's really important that you do not just in the regulatory process, but in what will surely be litigation to follow. Thank you for your partnership and your solidarity. And I urge City Council to adopt Resolution 260770. (Applause.)
Hello, everyone. My name is Audrey Neate, she/her. I've been a Starbucks worker for nearly five years and I was one of the original organizers at my store at 22nd and South. I'm here to share some of my experiences and why I believe that this committee should support the resolution to boycott Starbucks. Sadly, I was laid off this past Saturday. We were only given two days' notice that our store had just been closing. Just before that, my manager had planned to have us celebrate our success by going to Queen and Rook to play board games and have some drinks, but instead that turned into a farewell party. The hardest part about that is that we didn't fail. Recently, our store consistently hit its metrics. We had the cleanest store in the city, ranked number one for customer connection in the region. And we're making record-store profits. And they closed us anyway. Starbucks would rather spend unlimited amounts of money fighting its workers than agree to a fair contract. Meanwhile, their CEO Brian Niccol get travel expenses paid by private jet between his home in California and his office in Seattle. Yet they went and canceled our Lyft transportation benefits. Many Starbucks baristas struggle with food insecurity. Many have families who depend on them. What would be pocket change to a CEO would make a real difference to the workers who keep this company running. We are not asking for luxury. We are asking to be able to live. Starbucks needs to listen to its workers. And if they won't listen to us at the bargaining table, then we need to make sure they hear us from everywhere else. I strongly urge this committee and the city to boycott Starbucks. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good afternoon. All notification to the public from City Council is an urgent matter. Queen Judith Robinson here, using Resolution 6 260770 to shout out what I learned this summer. Party, party, party. I like the party. You know that, Councilman, right. But our students are not proficient in reading. The majority are not reading on grade level. I learned this summer $40 million police facility in the heart of North Philly and a constituency of 19121 are not working on the job. I learned that the same elected official of the 5th District who bullied the police facility and eminent domain in Sharswood/Brewerytown using PHA, is unprecedented, now has a community center with his name on it, on the same land where eminent domain was used. And Darrell Clarke also was on the board for the same agency that used eminent domain. Unprecedented conscience asks the question, is it right? I'm saying hell no. Whose idea is it to keep running people to North Philly to view the land of eminent domain? Was John Legend told --
Just chill with the language though. Go ahead and finish.
Hell no. 7 Yeah. All right. So all politics are local. Was John Legend told about the eminent domain in Sharswood (inaudible) --
Thank you for your comments and we'll talk to you later on. Thank you. I'll follow up with you. Thank you very much.
I know, I know. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you very much, ma'am.
(Inaudible). COUNCIL PRESIDENT 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: I didn't make you laugh, ma'am. Thank you. I will follow up with you, Ms. Robinson.
And I'll follow up with you. Take care. God bless. Call the next person please.
Council President, there is no further public comment for today.
That concludes today's public comment section. We will now consider resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 1 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING 260741.
A resolution 4 also naming the 1400 block of 5 Thompson Street as "Samuel Staten 6 Jr. -- 7
Council will be at ease. 9 (Council at ease.) 10
Will the Clerk please 12 read the resolution title of 13 Resolution 260741. 14
A resolution 15 also naming the 1400 block of 16 Thompson Street as "Samuel Staten 17 Jr. Way" to honor the life, 18 leadership and enduring 19 contributions of Samuel Staten, 20 Jr., to organize labor, working 21 families and the City of 22 Philadelphia. 23
The Chair recognizes 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young for a motion regarding Resolution No. 4 260741.
Thank you, Mr. President. I humbly ask for the passage of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 13 No. 260741 should have been adopted a long time ago. But nevertheless, all those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution 1 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING will be adopted. The Chair wants to take a moment to acknowledge Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada.
7 Thank you, Council President. 8 I am asking to be 9 excused for the rest of Council and 10 I'd like to be marked as aye on all 11 bills and resolutions. 12
Thank you. Leave is 14 granted. Thank you very much. 15 Chief Clerk, please read 16 the title of Resolution No. 260766. 17
A resolution 18 also naming the 200 block of South 19 50th Street as "Monumental Way" to 20 honor the legacy and impact of the 21 monumental Baptist Church on the 22 Walnut Hill community. 23
Chair recognizes 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to offer an amendment to Resolution No. 260766. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 16 No. 260766, which is an amendment, be adopted. All in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Anyone opposed? (No response.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: The ayes have it. The resolution has been amended. This bill will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 9 260767.
A resolution 11 recognizing "Black Bottom" as the first and official name of the neighborhood in West Philadelphia, bounded by 32nd Street to the east, 40th Street to the west, University Avenue to the south, and Lancaster Avenue to the north, ensuring that future communication or action on part of the City of Philadelphia acknowledge this community's importance to our City.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING motion regarding Resolution No. 3 260767.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 12 No. 260767 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING read the title of Resolution No. 3 260769.
A resolution 5 renaming the 5600 block of Woodbine Avenue as "James A. Reed Way" to honor the life, legacy and lasting contributions of James A. "Jim" Reed to the City of Philadelphia.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion regarding Resolution No. 260769.
Thank you, Mr. President. Going back to Bell Tel, I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 23 No. 260769 be adopted. All those in favor of 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 14 260770.
A resolution 16 urging the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to withdraw the proposed amendments to their Community Reinvestment Act rules, which would roll back anti- redlining standards and weaken banking services to low- and 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING moderate-income communities while threatening investments in affordable housing and community development.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion regarding Resolution No. 10 260770.
On your behalf, Council President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 19 No. 260770 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: Anyone opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 10 260774.
A resolution 12 also renaming the 1200 Block of North LeCount Street “Derrick ‘Phat Geez’ Gant Way” to honor the life and legacy of Derrick Tawheed Haleem Gant, a Philadelphia recording artist and beloved member of the North Philadelphia community.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young for a motion regarding Resolution No. 24 260774. 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 9 No. 260774 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 23 260779.
A resolution 1 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING unequivocally standing with unionized workers by endorsing the boycott of Starbucks called for by Workers United-SEIU by encouraging residents, neighboring local councils, and Philadelphia City Council to refrain from purchasing Starbucks products until Starbucks finalizes a fair union contract.
Chair recognizes 13 Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke for 14 a motion regarding Resolution No. 15 260779. 16
17 Thank you, Mr. President. 18 I move for the adoption 19 of the resolution. 20 (Duly seconded.) 21
It has been moved and 23 properly seconded that Resolution 24 No. 260779 be adopted. 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor of the motion signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 14 260780.
A resolution 16 also naming the 3300 block of Solly Ave as 'Father Judge 27 Way' to honor the 27 graduates of Father Judge High School who lost their lives in the Vietnam War.
The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson, who will do a motion on 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING behalf of Councilmember Mike Driscoll, for Resolution 260780 -- Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
With your permission, Council President, I would like to make the motion on behalf of Councilmember Driscoll.
Absolutely. Chair officially recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion regarding Resolution No. 260780 on behalf of Councilmember Mike Driscoll.
Thank you, Council President. And I want to thank Councilmember Driscoll for his leadership and acknowledging Edison 64, because my uncle was one of the Edison 64. So thank you, Councilmember Driscoll, for your leadership on his behalf. 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 8 No. 260780 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. We will now have consideration of privileged resolutions. Will the Clerk please read any additional resolutions on today's Calendar. 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating the Independence Blue Cross Foundation on the occasion of its 15th anniversary. Introduced by Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution congratulating Daniel Hilferty, Michelle Singer, the Board of Directors, and the entire Philadelphia Soccer 2026 team for their successful planning and execution of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Isaiah Thomas on behalf of Council President Johnson.
Chair recognizes 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion on the resolution.
Again, thank you for your leadership, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution. 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
A privileged resolution recognizing October 5, 2026, through October 9, 2026, as the City of Philadelphia’s Maximizing Economic Development (MED) Week: Celebrating Small and Local Businesses, a focused week of programming providing small and local businesses throughout Philadelphia’s neighborhoods and commercial corridors with access to key information and resources. Introduced by Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr.
But on behalf of all those who were the Father formerly known as MED Week, we evolve, we survive, we thrive no 9 matter what, and I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing National Coming Out Day on October 11, 2026 in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Rue Landau.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion on the resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.) 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing October 2026 as LGBTQ+ History Month in the City of Philadelphia and honoring the activists, advocates and members of the LGBTQ+ community who continue to fight for civil rights and equality. Introduced by Councilmember Rue Landau.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you. I move for the adoption 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing October 4 to October 10, 2026 as Digital Inclusion Week in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Rue Landau. 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion on the resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Will the chief Clerk please read the title of the 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing October 2026 as Cyber Security Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia, and acknowledging the importance of empowering individuals and organizations to prevent and recognize online threats, providing resources to protect sensitive data and fostering a culture of digital safety by educating the public on best practices. Introduced by Councilmember Rue Landau.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion on the resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing Lieutenant Gregory A. Brown, Sr., on the occasion of his retirement from the Philadelphia Police Department and commending him for 40 years of exemplary public service. Introduced by Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young. 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring, commending and congratulating Marni Gangel on the occasion of her retirement from the Defender Association of Philadelphia, celebrating her extraordinary career and enduring commitment to justice, reproductive rights and the children and families of our city. Introduced by Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke on behalf of Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Minority Leader, I do move for the adoption of the resolution. 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing October 12, 2026 as “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” in the City of Philadelphia, honoring and commemorating the achievements, traditions, and contributions of American Indians, 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING also known as “Indigenous peoples”; and affirming the City’s commitment to historical truth, cultural respect, education, and partnership with Indigenous communities. Introduced by Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke on behalf of Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Chair recognizes Councilman Nicolas O'Rourke for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the Minority Leader, I do move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring the Black Brain Campaign for a decade of dedicated work to destigmatize mental health in the Black community by providing mental health services and culturally competent training for clinicians. Introduced by Councilmember Cindy Bass on behalf of Council President Johnson.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Chair recognizes Councilmember Anthony Phillips.
I'm good (inaudible). 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
Okay. I got you. Understood. I understand. I understand. Say less. Chair recognizes Mr. Clerk. Please read the resolution please.
A privileged resolution celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Philadelphia Police Department's "Women in Patrol" and honoring five decades of women's service and leadership in law enforcement. Introduced by Councilmember Cindy Bass on behalf of Council President Johnson.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I move 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. For the record, Member Jones, are you on that resolution, sir?
Okay. Thank you very much. 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Chief Clerk, please read the title of the resolution please.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) for its unwavering commitment to empowering women, strengthening families, advancing educational and economic opportunities, promoting health equity, advocating for social justice, and uplifting communities. Introduced by Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Chair recognizes the Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing October 2026 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia and honoring survivors, advocates and all those affected by breast cancer. Introduced by Councilmember Nina Ahmad on behalf 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING of Council President Johnson.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution on your behalf. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing October 2026 as Vision Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia and honoring Overbrook School for the Blind leadership in advancing education, technology and access for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Introduced by Councilmember Nina Ahmad.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. This was co-introduced with Councilmember Jones. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Mr. Clerk, please read the title of the resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings to investigate the impacts of reductions to Medicaid coverage under H.R. on Philadelphia residents, our healthcare providers, and service 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING organizations, and to examine the City of Philadelphia’s strategy and preparedness to address those impacts. Introduced by Councilmember Nina Ahmad.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Anyone opposed? 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. I just want to say, Dr. Ahmad, that's good work because the cuts actually start today, October 1st, for SNAP and Medicaid. So we have our work cut out for us. But local government is on the front line so we will meet the moment. Mr. Clerk, please read the title of the resolution, sir.
A privileged resolution recognizing October 2026 as Menopause Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia to affirm the importance of ending the stigma and cultural silence surrounding menopause and to acknowledge it as a natural biological process that significantly impacts the physical 10/1/26 - STATED - 2ND READING and emotional well-being of many individuals. Introduced by Councilmember Nina Ahmad.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmed for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Mr. Clerk, any other resolutions?
There are no 7 further resolutions in my possession, Council President.
Thank you very much. That concludes our Calendar for today. Are there any speeches on behalf of the Minority? Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.
Thank you, Mr. President. Really brief -- actually, I didn't even have a speech today, but I did want to remark since you made the point around Medicaid and SNAP getting cut today. I want to appreciate the entire Committee on the Innovative Economy that joined us yesterday for our Cost of Living Report hearing. This report is a product of the Cost of Living Task Force of the City Council of Philadelphia. Now, in my two and a half, almost three years being in this body, I've learned a little bit about government and I respect that. Many of us find our lanes and we can get territorial about our lanes. But in light of that context, I wanted to make sure that I clarified that this report is not a Nic project. This report, as I was explaining to Councilman Phillips, this report is a grab bag. If there is anybody in this body that sees something in there that you feel like you can get with, maybe there's a piece in there that you can't, there's some other parts that you can, please have at it. The idea is that these are experts who are experienced in their work, that have put in over a year's worth of time compiling this report that identifies what is in each one of those categories, driving up the cost of living. And there's about or actionable policy ideas to help drive it back down. Not one single thing will do it if we did it across the board, like kind of a unilateral approach, maybe or at that time, that could actually help bring it down. I just want to clarify again, this isn't just for me and my little trophy. This is what the Council of the City of Philadelphia is offering as it relates to addressing the cost of living and affordability in the City of Philadelphia. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you. Job well done as well. Speeches on behalf of the Majority. Chair recognizes Councilmember Anthony Phillips. He ain't turn off that light either. It's like minutes ago, but 15 learned from the best. Go ahead, 16 Dr. Anthony Phillips, sir. The 17 floor is yours. 18
19 Thank you, Council President. 20 And greetings to my colleagues and, most importantly, to all of our neighbors across Philadelphia, especially our 9th District. Last month Rutgers University released research showing that something alarming is happening. 70% of mice in Philadelphia region now carry genetic mutations that make them resistant to poison, where we've experienced this for a lot of decades. Rats are now in the Northeast. Rats aren't mutating the same way, but they're evolving just as fast. So we're learning to -- they're learning to avoid traps and they're getting smarter by the day. Pest control companies in our city are running seven days a week, fully booked and they're still barely keeping up. This is not a minor problem. This is an epidemic. The science is clear. Poisons alone are no longer the answer. Experts tell us it will take years to develop new pesticides. So what do we do? Right now we have to go back to the basics. Prevention, sanitation, removing the conditions where these rodents thrive. That's why this resolution I introduced today demands that we do something different. We're calling on the Department of Public Health to treat this like the public health emergency it is. We're calling on Licenses and Inspections to enforce our sanitation codes with real teeth, declaring it an emergency, not continuing to give people these cure periods. Notify them that we're in an emergency. Let them know that they have a week or so to get it together, and any condition that is causing rodents to happen deserves an immediate fine, and it needs to stick and needs to stay. There's no more 90-day cure period, 60-day cure period, fix it. In addition to that, we're calling on Sanitation to get the resources it needs to remove food and shelter that attract these rodents in the first place. We can no longer just have a few bad actors on the block who continue to put their trash out in the back, in the front, cause disruption for the good actors in our neighbors who are suffering through this rodent problem in the Northeast. So this isn't about blame. It's about accepting that our old playbook in the City of Philadelphia to take down rodents and rats is not working. And we got to act smarter. So we're asking for clear responsibilities, clear metrics, and public reporting on what's happening. I expect the team from Public Health, Licenses and Inspections and Sanitation to go out in the Northeast within the next week or so with a blitz saying, here's what we're going to do. I'm not saying -- don't tell me what block. I'm saying the entire Oxford Circle literally, literally educating people on what needs to be done, doing an abatement plan and then following up to make sure that this is clean, safe and habitable. If this is happening in certain areas of the city, they would be in a rush in a barnstorm. There's no reason why one area of the city should suffer like this for a long period of time. It has to happen. So let's show them what a problem is, the city that we're serious about it. And I hope that we have some urgency and intelligence to this rat problem in Oxford Circle and Castor Gardens. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you for that, Member Phillips. It's the little things that take care of the big things that we have to pay attention to. President Johnson, members of this body, and those of you who are paying attention out in the community, we had an opportunity to have a wonderful State of the Union address in the 4th District. We represent about 157,000 people. Senator Hughes, Amen Brown, Morgan Cephas, Tarik Khan and Roni Green were at that town hall. All of the things that you are doing here fit within that microcosm of my district. And the way we want to fit them in, President, is in four quarters. I talk about this all the time. There's the seniors. We are looking at legislation on senior safety, which includes a security guard in the lobby or a camera with a live eye on it, protecting those individuals from 9:00 to 6:00 a.m., 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. That's one aspect of it. A manifest, that when someone comes in looking at Auntie, they know which ones are the departments where people have mobility issues so that if the lights go out and the fire is going, let's go to that apartment first to save that individual, common sense. The third quarter are people who are in the workforce already. I call them ALICE, Access Limited, Income Constricted and Employed, the working poor. They worked all their life. They're trying to maintain their assets, people in Overbrook Park that can't qualify for a lot of the housing programs that we passed that they pay for, they can't get. So they have to make critical decisions on how to maintain their properties. We want to look out for that quarter. So I'm looking to work with those in the housing space to make sure that if you make $2 more, let's figure out how to get them in. The second quarter are young people that are entering the workforce, I'm looking at you, Caroline, that have entered the workforce that want to enjoy a quality of life similar, if not better, than their parents. They want to be able to afford a mortgage. They want to be able to afford a meal. They want to be able to afford the cost of living. And when we start talking about minimum wage, the minimum wage for the state of Pennsylvania is $7 plus. Who can live off of that? So we want to look out for them to make sure that they have opportunities to live a life that their parents had. The first quarter, first quarter, precious babies are in the education space, Member Thomas. They should be able to know that my school will be open in June, that Lankenau will be open in June, that Overbrook Elementary will be there for them, because of nothing they have done other than perform excellently. 100% graduation rates at Overbrook. Where do they do that at, where they do that at, at Overbrook. And so, we need to not fix what ain't broke. We should be leery of closures of schools that are based on opportunities to develop. We're going to pay attention and put them in those four categories. My name is Kurt Jones. You got my word on it. (Applause.)
Thank you very much, Member Jones. Chair recognizes Councilmember -- and very well said. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.
Thank you, Council President. I'm glad that we're talking about rats now. I've been talking about them in Kensington for a while. Maybe now that they made it up to the Northeast, we might get some help down in Kensington --
If I would have known that's all it would take, I would have brought some of my Kensington rats up to the Northeast. But you definitely don't want the rats we got.
All joking aside, Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 8:00 a.m., check-in at 7:00 a.m., we have the Smokin' Joe Frazier Walk, Run, Roll. Baby, come out. A stronger Philadelphia moves forward. We all are welcome. Come out and support the Frazier Foundation. You know, as the Champ said himself, I fought for my city, I fought for my people, I never backed down. Let's show him some respect and get out there and walk, run and roll October 3rd, Saturday. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you very much. Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you, Council President. Today I was proud to introduce two resolutions in support of Philadelphia's LGBTQ+ community. National Coming Out Day is a moment each year where the LGBTQ+ community and our allies celebrate living as your authentic self, reflecting on how far we've come, the fight for equity and committing to a future where everyone is free to be who they are and who they love. Each queer person's coming out story is personal, but sadly, not every story ends with affirmations from loved ones. As Philadelphia's first openly LGBTQ+ member of City Council, I want to remind anyone who has come out, anyone who plans to come out one day or anyone who is still coming to terms with their identity, you belong, you are worthwhile and you have community here in Philadelphia. Right now the ACLU is tracking 5531 anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the U.S. In 2026, 63 bills targeting our trans and non-binary residents have passed in this country. My straight and cisgender colleagues, I know you stand with me as allies in the fight for LGBTQ+ equity. But remember that just because Philly is loud and proud to be queer, the same cannot be said across the country and across the Commonwealth. And it is our duty as elected officials to stand up against this kind of hateful legislation. Fostering inclusivity and reject hate and bigotry as the norm. This leads to why I introduced my other resolution 22 recognizing October as LGBTQ+ History Month in Philadelphia from the annual reminders outside Independence Hall in the 1960s to the first Gay Pride March in 1972, to the passage of extensive anti- discrimination laws, Philadelphia has fought for our rights. It's why I'm even able to sit up here today as a proudly out Councilmember. This is the City of Brotherly Love, Sisterly Affection and Sibling Solidarity. And no homophobic or anti-trans rhetoric at the federal level or even right here in Philadelphia is going to change that. Thank you to Mayor Deuso, the first openly trans mayor in the Commonwealth, both for coming out, for being part of our state's history and for all you've done, not just for Downingtown, but for all of us. And today I was also proud to introduce a resolution 1 recognizing October 4th to 10th as Digital Inclusion Week in the City of Philadelphia. In today's modern world, digital equity, digital literacy and digital equity solutions are just a few of the technology barriers residents can face. Too many Philadelphians deal with barriers when it comes to accessing resources and tools online due to limited resources and access. In order to live, learn and work, digital inclusion must be a part of creating a better Philadelphia for all. Thank you to Jonathan Latko from Temple University and to Kate Rivera from TLC for speaking to the importance of this value during public comment today. And additionally, I introduced a resolution recognizing this October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Philadelphia. Data privacy is a massive concern for our city and consumers and, lack thereof, puts Philadelphians at risk. Please use this month as a reminder to stay alert, update your passwords and enable protections like multi-factor authentication on all devices. Don't let your personal information fall at risk. Thank you very much for your time.
Thank you, Rue. Chair recognizes Dr. Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. Let me start by saying today is about access. Access for our most vulnerable, access for those who silently suffer, access for those of us who move through the world with unique needs that are never met, which is why I introduced a privileged resolution 6 today. And I thank my colleagues for voting to pass this to authorize the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings to explore the impacts of reductions to Medicaid under H.R. 1 on Philadelphia's healthcare providers and service organizations. As of today, H.R. 1, state governments are now responsible for 75% of administrative costs as of October 1st, compared to 50% in the past. A 25% increase in administrative costs is significant and a heavy lift for any government. This is an act of moral cruelty and one which will hurt many Philadelphians, including 1.4 million immigrants here legally who are expected to lose their benefits under these cuts. Access is also why I introduced a resolution recognizing October 2026 as Menopause Awareness Month in Philadelphia. Along with this resolution, my Bill No. 250849 goes into effect starting January 1, 2027. The purpose of today's resolution and all my work regarding menopause and menstruation is to end the culture of stigma and silence around these issues, and to give people access to the support and care they need to live their full lives. These are natural processes and so many of us go through that. It is about time we normalize it. My final piece of legislation was a resolution I co-introduced with Councilmember Curtis Jones to recognize October 2026 as Vision Awareness Month in Philadelphia and honors the Overbrook School for Blind. Organizations like Overbrook lead the way in advancing education, technology and access for individuals with vision impairment. And I'm thankful for the work we do. Lastly, but not least, I want to say we need to save the Academy of Natural Sciences. As of yesterday, Drexel formally closed the Public Museum of the Academy. And they currently claim that the Academy is not actually closed. Only the public museum is closed. Let me know this -- there is much more to come. This is effectively the closure of the museum. And we cannot let anyone use public relations messages to get their way out of this. The Legislative Oversight Committee hearing is scheduled on October 7th to explore how the Academy's public museum came to be at risk and put the conversation on public record to make sure all of the hundreds of emails and phone calls we are getting from people who are deeply, deeply upset to know what exactly happened and we owe it to Philadelphia. With that, I yield back my time. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. I first want to echo some of the sentiments of my colleague regarding the Academy. We took my son there on Sunday just to visit the Academy. And we ended up in the protest march from the Academy to City Hall to keep that place open. And it was a real lesson that I got to teach my son, while we were out there, the importance of those learning institutions. And I was talking to grown adults. And they just turned and looked, who had no idea who I was, right, I'm just in this space. They were just thanking me for teaching my son and showing my son those lessons, the importance of these types of spaces. And a grown man turned to me and said -- he started crying. He started crying because of what that institution means to him. And I was there with my son and my wife. My wife looked at me, we looked at each other and she basically said, you got to do something, right, you got to do something. So I know it all comes down to economics. But there are ways that we can help and there is help that was offered. So looking forward to the conversation continuing about how we can help this institution maintain its public-facing space. Because that is what I am fighting for as a member of City Council, fighting for the public good of that space. And we want to make sure that the public can continue to have access to that learning space. Because again, that space is the first space in the country to have the dinosaurs erect, right, like the first place in the country, you know, to have some of these artifacts. And as we are celebrating the 250th year of America, it's just sad that we see the closing of an institution like the Academy of Natural Sciences. And we know that there are issues, right. There are financial issues. But I think again we can work around that, work through that to ensure that these learning spaces are protected here in our city. I also want to honor again and recognize Mr. Samuel Staten, Jr. here in City Council as we presented him with the resolution and street sign, officially renaming the street today in his honor. This designation is to honor his life, his leadership and his enduring contributions, not only just to organize labor here in the City of Philadelphia, but to working families to the people of the City of Philadelphia. Because if you saw the people who were standing up behind us there, they weren't members of the Union, right. They were Philadelphians that, again as I mentioned, keep this city going. They are nonprofit leaders. They're community leaders, right. They are people who believe in this city and people who Mr. Staten has invested in through his leadership to make sure our city continues to thrive. So I want to thank everyone who joined him today. Your presence again speaks volumes of the lasting impact of his leadership. And Mr. Staten, thank you for your service and thank you for your commitment to working people here in the City of Philadelphia. We all heard your story today. And it's a privilege to help ensure that your contributions are permanently recognized by the city. Today we also introduced a resolution honoring Lieutenant Greg Brown on his retirement. We heard some of the words of former Mayor John Street had to speak about Lieutenant Brown. I want to thank him for his service and recognize him for his commitment, 40 years of his commitment to the Philadelphia Police Department and serving our city. There's always talk about police officers in the city and reforming police. Well, you can't reform something without understanding what it is, right. And having a friend like Lieutenant Brown, to really understand that police are our folks. They're our people, they're our friends. They're our community. And we need to be able to understand how those institutions work so we can reform them to make sure that our communities stay protected. So again, congratulations to Lieutenant Brown.
I wish you and your family all the best as you begin this next chapter in your retirement. We unfortunately had to postpone the street renaming for Coach Ham of Ben Franklin due to weather. We can't predict the weather, but we are working on a new date. We're going to be celebrating this legendary coach, this mentor, this educator. This remains a priority for me so I want to let all those who love him know that we are working on a new date. But in the spirit, I remember Councilmember Jones mentioned, you know, sharing Lemon Hill today. In the spirit of that sharing, this Saturday, October 3rd is Norf Philly Day: The Family Reunion. It is at Chalmers Park at 29th and Chalmers and 29th and Lehigh, which is actually in the 4th Council District, in that spirit of sharing, Mr. President. , Councilmember Brooks supporting us as well, with All In The Family CDC, Shadow Trax Media Arts. This is a celebration of North Philly, of the people, the culture, the businesses, the community organizations. We've had over 150 vendors who are registered. There will be free food and there are performances throughout the day. We have headline performances, Zay Money who actually just met President Bill Clinton. We have the Philly Destiny Band. We have something for all ages again. So if you're a Millennial or an older Millennial, we have singer Res. And if you're one of my old heads, we have the Philly Intruders for you as well. So we have some folks for all generations of the City of Philadelphia in North Philly. So come on out, bring your friends, bring your family to come celebrate Norf Philly Day with us. That is this Saturday, again from 12:00 to 7:00. And we are bringing back the wrestling that we had again as well. So it's going to be a great time this Saturday. I know there are a lot of things happening in North Philly on Saturday for the community, but it's to bring community out, to bring community together to fellowship, to get to know each other again, right, to talk amongst each other, again to celebrate being in North Philly. And so, as you know the weather postponed our original date, but we are bringing this back this Saturday again, Norf Philly Day, Chalmers Playground. Come on out. But before I'm heading to Chalmers on Saturday, I'll be in Fairmount where we have a street renaming after Councilmember Bill 24 Greenlee. Bill Greenlee is someone who has always been a supporter of our community. It will be an opportunity to recognize his years of public service and his lasting contributions to Philadelphia and to the Fairmount community. So I look forward to joining his family, his colleagues and neighbors for this celebration. And last but not least, Mr. Council President, next week, next Tuesday, October 6th, from 5:00 to 7:00 at Lab Charter School, 926 Sedgley, we are continuing our Quality of Life Town Hall Series, where these meetings give community an opportunity to speak directly to representatives from city departments, our partner organizations, speak to me directly as we discuss public safety, sanitation, neighborhood cleanliness, L&I and Streets concerns as well as property taxes here in the city. It's going to be followed by an open question-and- answer session. And again, the questions are to me and other city departments. So I encourage any neighbor to attend. Bring your questions and help us identify the issues that need attention in your community. Mayor Street mentioned constituent services as the bread and butter as the backbone of what we do. Well, this is what we're doing, bringing the service directly to you in these neighborhoods with our Quality of Life Town Hall Series. So again, October 6th will be at Lab Charter School at 926 Sedgley. October 14th, we're going to be at Hartranft School. So please mark your calendars. Your input helps us guide the work that we do in the 5th Council District to improve your quality of life. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. Very well done. As there are no more speeches, the Chair recognizes the Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Council President. I move that Council stands adjourned until Thurs --
Chair -- oh, I'm sorry. Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I won't be long at all. I just wanted to let everyone know --
I just wanted to let everyone know that our street renaming ceremony for former Councilmember Donna Reed Miller of course was rained out last week. And at the request of the family, it is likely that we're going to be doing that some time next spring. So I just wanted to let everyone know that. And also, the ribbon- cutting that we had scheduled also for last week due to the rain was postponed and will be some time this fall. We will get a new date and make sure everyone is aware. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Deputy Whip Bass. Any other speeches? (No response.)
Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Council President. I move that Council stands adjourned until Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stands adjourned on Thursday, October 8th at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Thank you all very much. - - - (Stated Meeting adjourned at 1:35 p.m.) - - - C E R T I F I C A T I O N I, hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence noted are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me in the foregoing matter, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. ________________________________ TANEHA CARROLL