City of Philadelphia  
City Council  
Chief Clerk's Office  
402 City Hall  
Philadelphia, PA 19107  
Meeting Minutes (Long)  
Thursday, February 12, 2026  
10:00 AM  
Room 400, City Hall  
CITY COUNCIL  
ROLL CALL  
PRESENT:  
ABSENT:  
16 - Councilmembers Bass, Driscoll, Gauthier, Gilmore Richardson, Harrity,  
Jones, Lozada, O'Neill, Phillips, Squilla, Thomas, Ahmad, Landau, O'Rourke,  
Young and Council President Johnson  
1 - Councilmember Brooks  
INVOCATION  
Council met, a quorum being present.  
REVEREND JEFFREY JORDAN, SENIOR PASTOR OF WHOSOEVER METROPOLITAN  
COMMUNITY CHURCH, was introduced and offered an appropriate prayer.  
APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL  
COUNCILMEMBER BASS MOVED TO APPROVE THE JOURNAL  
of Thursday February 5, 2026.  
THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO.  
LEAVES OF ABSENCE  
Councilmember Brooks  
THE REQUEST WAS GRANTED.  
COMMUNICATIONS  
There were no Communications from the Mayor.  
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS  
Councilmember Driscoll Introduced and Referred the following Bill, Sponsored by Councilmember  
Driscoll:  
Bill No. 260095: An Ordinance Authorizing the installation, ownership and  
maintenance of an elevator encroachment in the vicinity of 3400 Aramingo Ave,  
Philadelphia, PA 19134, under certain terms and conditions.  
THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON STREETS AND SERVICES.  
Councilmember Gilmore Richardson Introduced the following Resolution for Council President  
Johnson, Sponsored by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson:  
Resolution No. 260096: Resolution Confirming the appointment of Wesley R. Payne,  
IV, as a member of the Board of Ethics, to serve in the term ending November 16,  
2029.  
Councilmember Gauthier Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage  
Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Gauthier:  
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.  
Councilmember Thomas Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar  
the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Thomas:  
Resolution No. 260098: Resolution Celebrating and recognizing February 15th as  
215 Day of Giving, an annual observance that honors Philadelphia’s identity while  
strengthening and highlighting the role of nonprofit organizations servicing  
under-resourced and underserved communities.  
Councilmember Jones Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar  
the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Jones:  
Resolution No. 260099: Resolution Renaming the 3000 Block of West Harper  
Street “Joyce Hill Way” to honor the life and legacy of Joyce Hill.  
Councilmember Jones Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar  
the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Jones:  
Resolution No. 260100: Resolution Honoring and Recognizing the Observance of the  
Holy Month of Ramadan in the City of Philadelphia.  
Councilmember Lozada Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar  
the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Lozada:  
Resolution No. 260101: Resolution Authorizing the Committee on Housing,  
Neighborhood Development, and the Homeless to hold hearings to examine the Office  
of Property Assessment, its assessment methodology, appeals process, and the impact  
of rising property assessments and property taxes on Philadelphia residents.  
Councilmember Lozada Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar  
the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Lozada:  
Resolution No. 260102: Resolution Authorizing  
a joint hearing between the  
Committee on Public Safety and the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural  
Affairs to examine the presence of firearms in public recreation spaces, the  
enforcement of existing laws, and strategies to reduce gun violence in parks and  
playgrounds across the City of Philadelphia.  
Councilmember Ahmad Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar  
the following Resolution for Councilmember Bass, Sponsored by Councilmembers Ahmad,  
Phillips, Gilmore Richardson, Jones, Landau, Brooks, Harrity, O'Rourke and Driscoll:  
Resolution No. 260103: Resolution Honoring and recognizing Reverend Michael A.  
Major, Sr. during Black History Month for his extraordinary leadership, faith-driven  
service, and unwavering commitment to the renewal, restoration, revitalization of the  
Nicetown-Tioga community and celebrating his Installation as Senior Pastor at Zion  
Baptist Church  
Councilmember Ahmad Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar  
the following Resolution for Councilmember Bass, Sponsored by Councilmembers Ahmad,  
Phillips, Gilmore Richardson, Landau, Brooks, Harrity, O'Rourke and Driscoll:  
Resolution No. 260104: Resolution Recognizing and honoring February 20, 2026, as  
“Love Your Pet Day” in the City of Philadelphia  
Councilmember Ahmad Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar  
the following Resolution for Councilmember Bass, Sponsored by Councilmembers Ahmad,  
Phillips, Gilmore Richardson, Jones, Landau, Brooks, Harrity, O'Rourke and Driscoll:  
Resolution No. 260105: Resolution  
Councilmember Ahmad Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar  
the following Resolution for Councilmember Bass, Sponsored by Councilmembers Ahmad,  
Phillips, Gilmore Richardson, Jones, Landau, Brooks, Harrity, O'Rourke and Driscoll:  
Resolution No. 260106: Resolution Honoring Bishop J. Louis Felton from The Mt.  
Airy Church of God in Christ for his extraordinary lifetime of service, leadership, and  
lasting contributions to the spiritual, civic, and social well-being of the City of  
Philadelphia during Black History Month  
Councilmember Ahmad Introduced and Ordered Placed on This Week's Final Passage Calendar  
the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Ahmad:  
Resolution No. 260107: Resolution Recognizing February 17, 2026, as the Lunar  
New Year and celebrating the cultural and historical significance of Philadelphia’s  
Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.  
REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES  
COMMITTEE ON LAW AND GOVERNMENT  
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.  
COUNCILMEMBER GILMORE RICHARDSON MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES OF THE  
COUNCIL SO AS TO PERMIT CONSIDERATION THIS DAY OF BILL NO. 251098.  
THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO.  
THE BILL WAS ORDERED PLACED ON THIS DAY`S FIRST READING CALENDAR.  
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 ORDERED PLACED ON FINAL PASSAGE CALENDAR FOR NEXT  
MEETING..  
CONSIDERATION OF THE CALENDAR  
PUBLIC COMMENT  
Jeremy Blatstein  
Jody Applebaum  
Amanda Eldridge  
Samantha Craven  
Charles Hull  
250917  
250989  
250989  
250989  
250989  
260086  
Adam Oldman  
David Alexa Jenkins  
241070  
Jonathan Stein 260086  
John McAuley  
Lynn Landes  
260086  
250768 250843  
250988  
Elaine Petrossian  
Marie Marinakis 250989  
Robert Gray 241070 250989  
Jessica Graaf  
Devon Rodriguez Cayro 250989  
Vanessa Raymond-Garcia 250980  
Ian Griffin 250989  
250989  
Darrien Johnson Thomas Intro  
Emanuel Clark Thomas Intro  
Ryan Harris Thomas Intro  
Ogbonna Haggins  
241070  
James Buck III Bass Intro  
Rev. Dr. Suzanna Kershaw  
Bass Intro  
Rev. Michael Major Bass Intro  
Rev. James Buck Jr Bass Intro  
SEE NOTES OF TESTIMONY FOR FULL COMMENT FROM STATED MEETING OF THURSDAY,  
FEBRUARY 12, 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 ON FIRST READING  
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 ORDERED PLACED ON NEXT WEEK'S SECOND READING  
CALENDAR.  
BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON FINAL PASSAGE  
Councilmember Landau called up:  
Resolution No. 260086: Resolution Commending the Pennsylvania General  
Assembly for including the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit in the 2025-2026  
budget, a crucial new tool to provide essential resources and lift families out of poverty  
across the Commonwealth.  
THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.  
Councilmember Harrity called up:  
Resolution No. 260089: Resolution Calling on the General Assembly of the  
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework  
and conduct a formal safety and labor impact review of driverless rideshare vehicles  
operating in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania.  
THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.  
BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON SECOND READING AND FINAL  
PASSAGE  
Bill No. 250988, as amended: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 9-600 of The  
Philadelphia Code (entitled “Service and Other Businesses”) to add business hour  
restrictions in the Fifth Councilmanic District; and amending Section 14-529 of The  
Philadelphia Code, entitled “/VDO, Fifth District Overlay District,” to restrict certain  
commercial uses and make other related changes, all under certain terms and  
conditions  
THE BILL WAS READ AND PASSED.  
The Ayes and Nays were as follows:  
Absent: 1 Councilmember Brooks  
Ayes: 16 Councilmembers Bass, Driscoll, Gauthier, Gilmore Richardson, Harrity, Jones, Lozada,  
O'Neill, Phillips, Squilla, Thomas, Ahmad, Landau, O'Rourke, Young and Council President  
Johnson  
Nays: 0  
Bill No. 250989, 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 AMENDED.  
Bill No. 251031: An Ordinance Repealing in its entirety Bill No. 241055 (approved  
December 23, 2024), entitled “An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps  
by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area  
bounded by Packer Avenue, Seventh Street, Pattison Avenue, and Darien Street. To  
amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code by adding Section 14-541 entitled “/PAK,  
Packer Avenue Overlay District and making other related changes, all under certain  
terms and conditions.”  
THE BILL WAS READ AND PASSED.  
The Ayes and Nays were as follows:  
Absent: 1 Councilmember Brooks  
Ayes: 16 Councilmembers Bass, Driscoll, Gauthier, Gilmore Richardson, Harrity, Jones, Lozada,  
O'Neill, Phillips, Squilla, Thomas, Ahmad, Landau, O'Rourke, Young and Council President  
Johnson  
Nays: 0  
RESOLUTIONS  
Councilmember Thomas called up:  
Resolution No. 260098: Resolution Celebrating and recognizing February 15th as  
215 Day of Giving, an annual observance that honors Philadelphia’s identity while  
strengthening and highlighting the role of nonprofit organizations servicing  
under-resourced and underserved communities.  
THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.  
Councilmember Jones called up:  
Resolution No. 260100: Resolution Honoring and Recognizing the Observance of the  
Holy Month of Ramadan in the City of Philadelphia.  
THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.  
Councilmember Lozada called up:  
Resolution No. 260101: Resolution Authorizing the Committee on Housing,  
Neighborhood Development, and the Homeless to hold hearings to examine the Office  
of Property Assessment, its assessment methodology, appeals process, and the impact  
of rising property assessments and property taxes on Philadelphia residents.  
THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.  
Councilmember Lozada called up:  
Resolution No. 260102: Resolution Authorizing  
a
joint hearing between the  
Committee on Public Safety and the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural  
Affairs to examine the presence of firearms in public recreation spaces, the  
enforcement of existing laws, and strategies to reduce gun violence in parks and  
playgrounds across the City of Philadelphia.  
THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.  
Councilmember Bass called up:  
Resolution No. 260103: Resolution Honoring and recognizing Reverend Michael A.  
Major, Sr. during Black History Month for his extraordinary leadership, faith-driven  
service, and unwavering commitment to the renewal, restoration, revitalization of the  
Nicetown-Tioga community and celebrating his Installation as Senior Pastor at Zion  
Baptist Church  
THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.  
Councilmember Bass called up:  
Resolution No. 260104: Resolution Recognizing and honoring February 20, 2026, as  
“Love Your Pet Day” in the City of Philadelphia  
THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.  
Councilmember Bass called up:  
Resolution No. 260105: Resolution  
THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.  
Councilmember Bass called up:  
Resolution No. 260106: Resolution Honoring Bishop J. Louis Felton from The Mt.  
Airy Church of God in Christ for his extraordinary lifetime of service, leadership, and  
lasting contributions to the spiritual, civic, and social well-being of the City of  
Philadelphia during Black History Month  
THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.  
Councilmember Ahmad called up:  
Resolution No. 260107: Resolution Recognizing February 17, 2026, as the Lunar  
New Year and celebrating the cultural and historical significance of Philadelphia’s  
Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.  
THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.  
SPECIAL BUSINESS  
There was no Special Business today.  
SPEECHES  
Councilmember O'Rourke, Councilmember Phillips, Councilmember Young, Councilmember Bass,  
Councilmember Harrity, Councilmember Ahmad, Councilmember Lozada, Councilmember Landau,  
Councilmember Young, and Councilmember Thomas  
SEE NOTES OF TESTIMONY FROM STATED MEETING OF THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2026.  
ADJOURNMENT  
COUNCILMEMBER THOMAS MOVED TO ADJOURN  
until Thursday February 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM.  
THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO.