City Council February 27, 2025
Introduction of Bills and Resolutions
Councilmember Phillips introduced an Ordinance authorizing the Philippine Baptist Church or subsequent owner to install, own, and maintain an encroachment at 5801 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19141, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier introduced a Privileged Resolution to Bernice Korean Wilcox for her lifelong dedication to her family and community, celebrating her remarkable contributions and expressing deep appreciation for her kindness, service, and leadership. Placed on the Final Passage Calendar for today.
Councilmember Isaiah Thomas introduced an Ordinance amending Chapter 12-3400 of the Philadelphia Code Entitled “Use of an Automated Speed Enforcement System” to improve safety by providing for the use, administration, and enforcement of automated speed cameras on routes located within specified school zones all under certain terms and conditions. Bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
Councilmember Isaiah Thomas introduced a Privileged Resolution calling on all Philadelphians to recognize Black History Month, the stain of slavery in America, the way it still affects our humanity, and to uplift and recall those who’ve been advocating for moving our city and nation towards full equity and inclusion. Placed on the Final Passage Calendar for today.
Councilmember Curtis Jones introduced a Non-Privileged Resolution re-naming the 2000 block of North 59th Street, Will Smith Way, to honor and celebrate the impactful career and legacy of West Philadelphia native Will Smith. Placed on the Final Passage Calendar for today.
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada introduced a Privileged Resolution authorizing the Committee on Streets and Services and the Committee on Public Utilities to hold joint hearings examining the water main breaks and sinkholes occurring in District 7, evaluating the underlying causes of these issues and identifying solutions to prevent and mitigate their frequency. Placed on Final Passage Calendar for today.
Councilmember Jim Harrity introduced a Non-Privileged Resolution denouncing Senator Rand Paul’s “National Right to Work Act” as detrimental to labor as it undermines worker’s collective bargaining rights, weakens union power, and threatens worker protections. Placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at the next session of Council.
Councilmember Cindy Bass introduced an Ordinance amending Section 9 of the Philadelphia Code Entitled Regulation of Businesses, Trades, and Professions by revising Chapter 94400 Entitled Responsible Business Operations to add the sale of tobacco in violation of 18 PA CS Section 6305 to the list of nuisance behaviors, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
Councilmember Cindy Bass introduced an Ordinance revising Section 9-4406 entitled Penalties to require businesses found in violation of state tobacco laws to post signage indicating their lack of authorization to sell tobacco under city and state law, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill will referred to the appropriate committee.
Special Guest Recognized
Councilmembers Curtis Jones, Jr., Jeffrey J. Young, and Jamie Gauthier welcomed students from the Barry Elementary School, Russell Byers, and the Islamic Education Center, respectively, as they observed democracy in action.
For those who’ve not had the experience of a Council session, one of the more interesting and informative portions is the speeches given by individual members of Council at the end of each session. Along with public comments, it gives insight into how our elected officials and their constituents feel about matters that affect us all. I found these remarks from Councilmember Nicholas O’Rourke touching. In part, he said, “Once strangers and sojourners…it grieves me when Black folk, folk who’ve been oppressed in this land do not recognize when oppression is happening to someone other than themselves and laments that. I just want to say my values matter to me, and I hope to legislate them to at least lift them up…give them a platform so that we can possibly have a better society. Certainly, a better city for all to live in.”
The next Council session will resume at 10 am on Thursday, March 6, 2025, in the Council Chambers. I encourage everyone to attend a City Council Meeting in person if possible. If not, please view the Council session in its entirety at www.phlcouncil.com.
**********
Thank you for reading Lorraine Lavender-Sams’ article on scoopusamedia.com. To read additional articles of interest, please subscribe to Scoop USA Media. Print subscriptions are $75.00 and online subscriptions (Print, Digital and Vizion) are $90. (52 weeks/1 year)
