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File #: 230525    Version: 0 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: ADOPTED
File created: 6/15/2023 In control: CITY COUNCIL
On agenda: Final action: 6/22/2023
Title: Calling on the City of Philadelphia to modernize intermodal high-level communications to reestablish an effort to ensure Philadelphia can actively and efficiently respond to a crisis.
Sponsors: Councilmember Jones, Councilmember Driscoll, Councilmember Harrity, Councilmember Lozada, Councilmember Squilla, Councilmember O'Neill, Councilmember Vaughn, Councilmember Phillips, Councilmember Brooks, Councilmember Gilmore Richardson
Attachments: 1. Resolution No. 23052500, 2. Signature23052500
Title
Calling on the City of Philadelphia to modernize intermodal high-level communications to reestablish an effort to ensure Philadelphia can actively and efficiently respond to a crisis.

Body
WHEREAS, Including recent crises, effective communication is essential in situations such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, power outages, infrastructure failures, transportation disruptions, weather emergencies, civil unrest, or protests. Therefore, it is necessary to reestablish a dedicated hotline for public officials to communicate. This will benefit all citizens of our City; and

WHEREAS, Roughly eight years ago, there was a switchboard manned by Maryann Taliafello that quickly connected public officials in a time of crisis. This hotline has not been used in years, it is crucial that the proper steps are taken to allow for a new and improved hotline to be reintroduced; and

WHEREAS, Effective communication between public officials plays a crucial role in responding to various crises, enables the distribution of important information, coordinates emergency efforts, and ensures public safety in Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Communication is paramount in managing the spread of information during emergencies, and is especially needed between high level officials to resolve the issue at hand and prioritize the security of public health and safety; and

WHEREAS, In 2023 in Philadelphia, there have been numerous issues associated with drinking water. In March 2023, due to a chemical spill in the Delaware River, Philadelphia issued a bottled water advisory for a large number of its citizens. Furthermore, on June 11, 2023, a boil water advisory was put into effect within parts of West Philadelphia after a pumping station failed that afternoon. In the event of a water emergency, it is essential for officials from the executive and legislative branches of government to be in constant communication to discuss, communicate, and respond to issues; and

WHEREAS, on June ...

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