City Council March 6, 2025
Introduction of Bills and Resolutions
Councilmember Anthony Phillips introduced a Privileged Resolution welcoming, recognizing, and commending Morehouse College and the Get on the Bus Initiative for their dedication to mentorship, leadership, and community empowerment in Philadelphia. Placed on the Final Passage Calendar for today.
Councilmember Katherine Gilmore-Richardson introduced a Privileged Resolution recognizing March 2 through the 8th during Women’s History Month as Women in Construction Week in the City of Philadelphia. Placed on the Final Passage Calendar for today.
Councilmembers Jamie Gauthier and Rue Landau introduced an Ordinance amending Chapter 19-4600 of Title 19 of the Philadelphia Code entitled “Low-Income Tax Provisions” by extending the deadline for low-income taxpayers to apply for refund forgiveness of real estate taxes under certain terms and conditions. Bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
Bills and Resolutions on Final Passage
Resolution 250130, introduced by Councilmember Kendra Brooks, condemns the unconstitutional actions taken by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to dismantle the federal government. Resolution Adopted, with Councilmember O’Neil being the only “No” vote.
Resolution 250157, introduced by Councilmember Curtis Jones, renaming the 2000 block of North 59th Street “Will Smith Way” honoring and celebrating the impactful career and legacy of West Philadelphia native Will Smith. Resolution Adopted.
Resolution 250165, introduced by Councilmember Jim Harrity, denounces Senator Rand Paul’s National Right to Work Act as detrimental to labor, as it under- mines worker’s collective bargaining rights, weakens union power, and threatens worker protections. Resolution Adopted.
Resolution 250167, introduced by Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke, recognizes inadequate heating stan- dards in rental housing across Philadelphia and empha- sizes the need to efficiently and comprehensively address heating issues throughout the City. Resolution Adopted.
Resolution 250171, introduced by Councilmember Nina Ahmad, recognizes the critical importance of legal representation in protecting the rights of immigrants when interacting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and encouraging all immigrant-serving organizations to promote legal resources. Resolution Adopted.
Bills and Resolutions on Second Reading and Final Passage
Bill 240427-A, introduced by Councilmember Jeffrey J. Young, an Ordinance amending Section 14-305 of the Philadelphia Code entitled “Nonconformities” by providing further provisions on changes from non-conforming uses, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill Passed.
Bill 250073, introduced by Councilmember Mark Squilla for Council President Kenyatta Johnson, an Ordinance to amend Bill Number 240181(approved, June 14, 2024), entitled “An Ordinance to Adopt a Fiscal 2025 Capital Budget,” by revising various appropriation amounts and totals, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill Passed
Bill 250072, introduced by Councilmember Mark Squilla for Council President Kenyatta Johnson, an Ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2025 from the Grants Revenue Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards, and commissions, to the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards, and commissions, and the Transportation Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards, and commissions. Bill Passed.
Bill 240304-A, introduced by Councilmembers Jeffrey J. Young, Mark Squilla, and Jim Harrity, an Ordinance amending Subcode “A” (The Philadelphia Administrative Code) of Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code (The Building, Construction, and Occupancy Code) to require proof of certain insurance certificates, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill Passed.
Bill 240665, introduced by Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, an Ordinance amending Title 10 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled “Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity,” by adding a new chapter concerning vehicular mobile service providers, and providing penalties, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill Passed.
Public Comments
David Alexander Jenkins, a frequent commentator at Council sessions, eloquently expressed in part the fol- lowing sentiment in support of Resolution 250130:
“I rise in favor of the Resolution laid before us by Councilmember Kendra Brooks, which condemns actions by DOGE to dismantle the federal government. Our forefathers warned us in earnest and most precisely, against this kind of overreach. James Madison, whom we remember as one of the founders of our Constitution, wrote in Federalist Number 47 that the accumulation of powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands may be the very definition of tyranny, and yet here we stand watching the seizure and control of the federal agencies of the people, whilst bypassing elected representatives and thusly their will. This is not efficiency, at best, it’s oligarchy…the erosion of democracy under the guise of reform, the taking away of institutions that protect working families, while ensuring the unelected South African continues to take taxpayer-funded contracts representing billions of dollars while bankrupting the American people,” remarked Jenkins.
The next Council session will resume at 10 am on Thursday, March 13, 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.
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