ROLL CALL

PRESENT:

EXCUSED:

15 - Councilmembers Brooks, Driscoll, Gauthier, Gilmore Richardson,

Harrity, Jones, Lozada, Phillips, Squilla, Thomas, Ahmad, Landau, O'Rourke,

Young and Council President Johnson

2 - Councilmembers Bass and O'Neill

INVOCATION

Council met, a quorum being present.

RABBI SHAWN ZEVIT OF MISHKAN SHALOM SYNAGOGUE, was introduced and offered an

appropriate prayer.

APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL

COUNCILMEMBER THOMAS MOVED TO APPROVE THE JOURNAL

of Thursday, February 12, 2026.

THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO.

LEAVES OF ABSENCE

Councilmembers Bass and O'Neill

THE REQUEST WAS GRANTED.

COMMUNICATIONS

The Sergeant-at-Arms presented messages from the Mayor as follows:

February 18, 2026

TO THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY

OF PHILADELPHIA:

I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your Honorable Body the following

proposed Ordinance:

AN ORDINANCE

Authorizing, generally, the continued issuance and sale by the City of

Philadelphia of Gas Works Revenue Notes of the City, prescribing the forms of

notes and providing for their execution and payment, pledging certain revenues

of the Gas Works as security, adopting a rate covenant and directing the

imposition and collection of rates and charges sufficient to comply therewith,

prescribing the conditions precedent to the issuance of specific series of notes,

including a resolution passed by the Bond Committee providing for establishment

of credit support for notes, providing for designation of a fiscal agent and

sinking fund depositary, providing for establishment of a sinking fund and its

management, providing remedies upon default, and providing for amendments

and modifications.

I hereby recommend your favorable consideration of this proposed Ordinance.

Respectfully,

Cherelle L. Parker

Mayor (File No. 260108)

THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED.

February 18, 2026

TO THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY

OF PHILADELPHIA:

I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your Honorable Body the following

proposed Ordinance:

AN ORDINANCE

Authorizing the execution, delivery and performance by the Philadelphia

Facilities Management Corporation on behalf of the Philadelphia Gas Works of

an amended Service Agreement with Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company,

LLC for gas storage services under the Transco WSS Open Access Rate Schedule.

I hereby recommend your favorable consideration of this proposed Ordinance.

Respectfully,

Cherelle L. Parker

Mayor (File No. 260109)

THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED.

February 18, 2026

TO THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY

OF PHILADELPHIA:

I am transmitting for the consideration of your Honorable Body a draft of a Resolution

entitled:

RESOLUTION

Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3902, 3906 W.

Girard Avenue, 3911-15 Cambridge Street located in the 3rd

Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of

The Philadelphia Code.

This Resolution has my approval and therefore I respectfully request that this

Honorable Body give it your favorable consideration.

Respectfully,

Cherelle L. Parker

Mayor (File No. 260110)

THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED.

February 18, 2026

TO THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY

OF PHILADELPHIA:

I am transmitting for the consideration of your Honorable Body a draft of a Resolution

entitled:

RESOLUTION

Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 515-33 W. Cumberland

Street, 2502, 2504, 2506, 2508, 2511-21, 2543-51 N. Fairhill Street, 2506-22,

2524, 2526, 2534-42 N. Reese Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District in

accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.

This Resolution has my approval and therefore I respectfully request that this

Honorable Body give it your favorable consideration.

Respectfully,

Cherelle L. Parker

Mayor (File No. 260111)

THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson Introduced and Referred the following Bill for Council

President Johnson, Sponsored by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson:

Bill No. 260112: An Ordinance Authorizing, generally, the continued issuance and

sale by the City of Philadelphia of Gas Works Revenue Notes of the City, prescribing

the forms of notes and providing for their execution and payment, pledging certain

revenues of the Gas Works as security, adopting a rate covenant and directing the

imposition and collection of rates and charges sufficient to comply therewith,

prescribing the conditions precedent to the issuance of specific series of notes,

including a resolution passed by the Bond Committee providing for establishment of

credit support for notes, providing for designation of a fiscal agent and sinking fund

depositary, providing for establishment of a sinking fund and its management, providing

remedies upon default, and providing for amendments and modifications.

THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson Introduced and Referred the following Bill for Council

President Johnson, Sponsored by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson:

Bill No. 260113: An Ordinance Authorizing the execution, delivery and performance

by the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation on behalf of the Philadelphia

Gas Works of an amended Service Agreement with Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line

Company, LLC for gas storage services under the Transco WSS Open Access Rate

Schedule.

THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson Introduced and Referred the following Bill for Council

President Johnson, Sponsored by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson:

Bill No. 260114: An Ordinance Authorizing and directing the changing of the name of

NovaCare Way to Eagles Way.

THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON STREETS AND SERVICES.

Councilmember Gauthier Introduced and Referred the following Bill, Sponsored by

Councilmember Gauthier:

Bill No. 260115: An Ordinance Authorizing Mukeshkumar Patel, owner and operator

of the newsstand at the northwest corner of 34th Street and Convention Avenue and

Civic Center Boulevard to construct, use, and maintain conduits in, under, and across

the northwest corner of 34th Street and Convention Avenue and Civic Center

Boulevard for the purpose of supplying electrical service to said newsstand, under

certain terms and conditions.

THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON STREETS AND SERVICES.

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final

Passage Calendar the following Resolution for Council President Johnson, Sponsored by

Councilmembers Gilmore Richardson, Phillips, Gauthier, Thomas, Landau, Lozada, Young,

Harrity and O'Rourke:

Resolution No. 260116: Resolution Recognizing and Celebrating The Philadelphia

Heritage and Phila Montco Branches of the Association for the Study of African

American Life and History.

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final

Passage Calendar the following Resolution for Councilmember Bass, Sponsored by

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson:

Resolution No. 260117: Resolution Honoring the leadership and service of Reverend

Tony Pritchette for his unwavering commitment to spiritual empowerment, community

outreach, and restorative justice in the City of Philadelphia in recognition of Black

History Month.

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final

Passage Calendar the following Resolution for Councilmember Bass, Sponsored by Gilmore

Richardson, Council President Johnson, Phillips, Thomas, Landau, Lozada, Young, Brooks,

Harrity, O'Rourke, Squilla and Ahmad:

Resolution No. 260118: Resolution Honoring Pastor Rob Harrison of New Journey

Christian Center and celebrating the vital role of faith leaders in shaping, uplifting, and

strengthening the Germantown community and the City of Philadelphia in recognition of

Black History Month.

Councilmember Gauthier Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage

Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Gauthier:

Resolution No. 260119: Resolution Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to

dispose of 3902, 3906 W. Girard Avenue, 3911-15 Cambridge Street located in the

3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The

Philadelphia Code.

Councilmember Landau Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar

the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Landau:

Resolution No. 260120: Resolution Honoring Ukrainian organizations in Philadelphia

for their service to Ukrainian Americans, Ukrainian refugees, and the broader

Philadelphia community.

Councilmember Landau Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar

the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Landau:

Resolution No. 260121: Resolution Honoring and congratulating Philadelphia Gay

News on the distinguished occasion of its 50th anniversary in Philadelphia, serving as

Philadelphia’s longest-running LGBTQ+ publication, and serving as a vital independent

voice that advances equality, visibility, and community.

Councilmember Landau Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar

the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Landau:

Resolution No. 260122: Resolution Calling on the United States Department of

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to expand investments into the

evidence-based solution to address homelessness that is Permanent Supportive

Housing, and condemning the significant negative impacts such cuts to funding will have

on Philadelphia’s residents, municipal services, and exacerbate our ongoing housing

crisis.

Councilmember Lozada Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar

the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Lozada:

Resolution No. 260123: Resolution Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to

dispose of 515-33 W. Cumberland Street, 2502, 2504, 2506, 2508, 2511-21,

2543-51 N. Fairhill Street, 2506-22, 2524, 2526, 2534-42 N. Reese Street located

in the 7th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of

The Philadelphia Code.

Councilmember Brooks Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar

the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Brooks:

Resolution No. 260124: Resolution Celebrating and honoring Vashti DuBois, Val

Gay, Facetta Garrison-Greene, and the Black women who are leaders of culture and

arts in the City and devote their lives to improving the arts and culture of Philadelphia,

on the occasion of Black History Month.

Councilmember Brooks Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar

the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Brooks:

Resolution No. 260125: Resolution Calling on Governor Josh Shapiro and the

Pennsylvania General Assembly to enact adult-use cannabis legalization in 2026.

Councilmember O'Rourke Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage

Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember O'Rourke:

Resolution No. 260126: Resolution Recognizing the beginning of the Lenten season,

a sacred period of reflection, prayer, fasting, and service observed by millions of

Christians in Philadelphia and throughout the world.

Councilmember O'Rourke Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage

Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember O'Rourke:

Resolution No. 260127: Resolution Recognizing and honoring the life of trailblazing

Civil Rights leader, dedicated public servant, and lifelong activist, Reverend Jesse

Jackson.

Councilmember Ahmad Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar

the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Ahmad:

Resolution No. 260128: Resolution Recognizing Saturday, February 21, 2026, as

International Mother Language Day to honor the brave souls who, on this day in 1952,

sacrificed their lives to retain the right to use their mother language Bangla, also known

as Bengali.

Councilmember Ahmad Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar

the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Ahmad:

Resolution No. 260129: Resolution Urging the U.S. Senate to oppose the SAVE

Act and reject any additional barrier to voter registration.

REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES

There were no reports from Committees today.

CONSIDERATION OF THE CALENDAR

BILLS ON FIRST READING

There were no Bills on First Reading today.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mykola Kosyk

Landau Introducing

Iryna Mazur Landau Introducing

Fernando Ramirez

Jeremy Blatstein

Marta Rubel (

Landau Introducing

251070

Landau Introducing

Brooks Intro

250989-A

Marguerite Anglin

Charles Hall

Lynn Landes

260097

David Alexander Jenkins

260097

Susan Slawson Brooks Introduction

Michelle Flamer CP Introduction

Regina Vaughn CP Introduction

Karen Williams CP Introduction

Ashley Miscevich

John McAuley

251097

260097

Samantha Craven

Jacob Zychick

250989-A

251097

Stephanie Arbutina

Penny Ellison

251108 251098-A

250989-A

Jordana Greenwald 241056 241070

Marie Marinakis 250989

Leslie Wood

250989

Steven Edwards 260099

Caroline Lipinski 250989

Robert Rudnitsky

Rachel Handis

Sharon Carter

251097

250989

Bass Introduction

Sharon Pritchette

Bass Introduction

Ogbonna Haggins 250768

Cait Allen 251097

SEE NOTES OF TESTIMONY FOR FULL COMMENT FROM STATED MEETING OF THURSDAY,

FEBRUARY 19, 2026.

Please note that this is an in-person meeting, and it is open to

the public. This meeting may also be viewed on Xfinity Channel

64, Fios Channel 40 or http://phlcouncil.com/watch-city-council/

Public comment will be received in-person regarding those

matters printed on the agenda on the following pages. Speakers

interested in participating in public comment at this meeting

may call 215-686-3406 by no later than 3 p.m. the day before the

meeting and they must submit the following information:

• Full name (including proper pronunciation and spelling)

• Identify the bill number or resolution number that will be

addressed

• State whether you support or oppose that particular bill or

resolution

• Telephone number where you can be reached

Speakers may also sign-up to participate in public comment on

the day of the meeting in Room 400, City Hall. Speakers who

submitted the above information within the required time frame

will be added to the list. Speakers will have up to three minutes

to speak; the Council President, however, reserves the right

based on circumstances to establish a different time limit. The

Council President may also limit testimony where repetitious

comments are offered on an agenda item.

ORDER OF BUSINESS IN A COUNCIL SESSION

Note: Some items do not occur at every session:

Invocation.

Approval of the journal of the preceding meeting.

Requests by Councilmembers for permission to be absent from

the session.

Reading of communications from the Mayor.

Introduction of bills and resolutions (to be referred to

appropriate Committees of Council).

Reports from Committees of Council.

Special business.

Bills on first reading.

Public comment on bills and resolutions on the Second

Reading and Final Passage Calendars - titles are printed below.

Bills that Council passed but that need to be returned by the

Mayor for reconsideration.

Consideration of bills and resolutions on the Second Reading

and Final Passage Calendars.

Bills and resolutions on the Suspension Calendar.

Speeches by Councilmembers.

BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON FINAL PASSAGE

Resolution No. 241070-A, as amended: Resolution Proposing an amendment to the

Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to eliminate the requirement that City officers and

employees resign from their City office or employment before becoming candidates for

public office; and providing for the submission of the amendment of the electors of

Philadelphia.

THE RESOLUTION WAS AMENDED.

Councilmember Gauthier called up:

Resolution No. 251108, as amended: Resolution Proposing an amendment to the

Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for the creation of the Office of the Youth

Ombudsperson; and providing for the submission of the proposed amendment to the

electors of Philadelphia.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember Gauthier called up:

Resolution No. 260097: Resolution Expressing support for Jerome Richardson and

our First Amendment rights in the face of political persecution against protestors by the

Trump Administration.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember Jones called up:

Resolution No. 260099: Resolution Renaming the 3000 Block of West Harper

Street “Joyce Hill Way” to honor the life and legacy of Joyce Hill.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON SECOND READING AND FINAL

PASSAGE

Bill No. 250989-A, as amended: An Ordinance Amending Title 10 of The

Philadelphia Code, entitled “Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity,” by adding

a new Section to impose a temporary moratorium on the breeding and transfer of

puppies, all under certain terms and conditions.

THE BILL WAS READ AND PASSED.

The Ayes and Nays were as follows:

Ayes: 15 Councilmembers Brooks, Driscoll, Gauthier, Gilmore Richardson, Harrity, Jones,

Lozada, Phillips, Squilla, Thomas, Ahmad, Landau, O'Rourke, Young and Council President

Johnson

Nays: 0

Bill No. 251097, as amended: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 9-4400 of The

Philadelphia Code, entitled “Responsible Business Operations,” to add illegal sales of

tobacco products to minors and unlicensed tobacco retailing as nuisance behaviors,

and require completion of a Department-approved Tobacco Retailer Education and

Compliance Training as a condition of lifting a Cease Operations Order, all under

certain terms and conditions.

THE BILL WAS READ AND PASSED.

The Ayes and Nays were as follows:

Ayes: 15 Councilmembers Brooks, Driscoll, Gauthier, Gilmore Richardson, Harrity, Jones,

Lozada, Phillips, Squilla, Thomas, Ahmad, Landau, O'Rourke, Young and Council President

Johnson

Nays: 0

Bill No. 251098: An Ordinance Providing for the submission to the qualified electors

of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by

Council proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to

the creation of the Office of the Youth Ombudsperson; and authorizing and directing

the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special

election.

THE BILL WAS READ AND PASSED.

The Ayes and Nays were as follows:

Ayes: 15 Councilmembers Brooks, Driscoll, Gauthier, Gilmore Richardson, Harrity, Jones,

Lozada, Phillips, Squilla, Thomas, Ahmad, Landau, O'Rourke, Young and Council President

Johnson

Nays: 0

RESOLUTIONS

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson called up:

Resolution No. 260116: Resolution Recognizing and Celebrating The Philadelphia

Heritage and Phila Montco Branches of the Association for the Study of African

American Life and History.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson called up:

Resolution No. 260117: Resolution Honoring the leadership and service of Reverend

Tony Pritchette for his unwavering commitment to spiritual empowerment, community

outreach, and restorative justice in the City of Philadelphia in recognition of Black

History Month.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson called up:

Resolution No. 260118: Resolution Honoring Pastor Rob Harrison of New Journey

Christian Center and celebrating the vital role of faith leaders in shaping, uplifting, and

strengthening the Germantown community and the City of Philadelphia in recognition of

Black History Month.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember Landau called up:

Resolution No. 260120: Resolution Honoring Ukrainian organizations in Philadelphia

for their service to Ukrainian Americans, Ukrainian refugees, and the broader

Philadelphia community.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember Landau called up:

Resolution No. 260121: Resolution Honoring and congratulating Philadelphia Gay

News on the distinguished occasion of its 50th anniversary in Philadelphia, serving as

Philadelphia’s longest-running LGBTQ+ publication, and serving as a vital independent

voice that advances equality, visibility, and community.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember Brooks called up:

Resolution No. 260124: Resolution Celebrating and honoring Vashti DuBois, Val

Gay, Facetta Garrison-Greene, and the Black women who are leaders of culture and

arts in the City and devote their lives to improving the arts and culture of Philadelphia,

on the occasion of Black History Month.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember O'Rourke called up:

Resolution No. 260126: Resolution Recognizing the beginning of the Lenten season,

a sacred period of reflection, prayer, fasting, and service observed by millions of

Christians in Philadelphia and throughout the world.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Resolution No. 260127: Resolution Recognizing and honoring the life of trailblazing

Civil Rights leader, dedicated public servant, and lifelong activist, Reverend Jesse

Jackson.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED BY STANDING VOTE.

Councilmember Ahmad called up:

Resolution No. 260128: Resolution Recognizing Saturday, February 21, 2026, as

International Mother Language Day to honor the brave souls who, on this day in 1952,

sacrificed their lives to retain the right to use their mother language Bangla, also known

as Bengali.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

SPECIAL BUSINESS

There was no Special Business today.

SPEECHES

Councilmember Brooks, Councilmember O'Rourke, Councilmember Gauthier, Councilmember

Ahmad, Councilmember Harrity, Councilmember Young, Councilmember Phillips, and

Councilmember Landau

SEE NOTES OF TESTIMONY FROM STATED MEETING OF THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2026.

ADJOURNMENT

COUNCILMEMBER THOMAS MOVED TO ADJOURN

until Thursday February 26, 2026.

THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO.