ROLL CALL

PRESENT:

ABSENT:

16 - Councilmembers Bass, Brooks, Driscoll, Gauthier, Harrity, Jones,

Lozada, O'Neill, Phillips, Squilla, Thomas, Ahmad, Landau, O'Rourke,

Young and Council President Johnson

1 - Councilmember Gilmore Richardson

INVOCATION

Council met, a quorum being present.

REVEREND DR. VALERIE ANDREWS, PASTOR OF THE ETERNAL LIFE MISSIONARY BAPTIST

CHURCH, was introduced and offered an appropriate prayer.

APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL

COUNCILMEMBER BASS MOVED TO APPROVE THE JOURNAL

of Thursday February 19, 2026.

THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO.

LEAVES OF ABSENCE

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson

THE REQUEST WAS GRANTED.

COMMUNICATIONS

February 24, 2026

TO THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY

OF PHILADELPHIA:

I am pleased to advise you that on February 24, 2026, I signed the following bills,

which were passed by Council at its session on February 12, 2026:

Bill No. 250988

Bill No. 251031

Respectfully,

Cherelle L. Parker

Mayor (File No. 260130)

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

THE COMMUNICATION WAS READ AND FILED.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS

Councilmember Phillips Introduced and Referred the following Bill, Sponsored by Councilmember

Phillips:

Bill No. 260131: An Ordinance Authorizing the City of Philadelphia to install, own,

and maintain right-of-way encroachments on the 7600, 7700, and 7800 blocks of

Ogontz Avenue, all under certain terms and conditions.

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

Councilmember Jones Introduced and Referred the following Bill, Sponsored by Councilmember

Jones:

Bill No. 260132: An Ordinance Regulating the direction of movement of traffic on

Hermit Street between Manor Street and Manayunk Avenue.

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

Councilmember Young Introduced and Referred the following Bill, Sponsored by Councilmember

Young:

Bill No. 260133: An Ordinance Amending Section 14-303 of the Philadelphia Code

entitled "Common Procedures and Requirements,” by further clarifying exceptions to

lapse of permits issued without construction documents, all under certain terms and

conditions.

THE BILL WAS REFFERED TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES.

Councilmember Squilla Introduced and Referred the following Bill for Council President Johnson,

Sponsored by Councilmember Squilla:

Bill No. 260134: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 12-923 of the Philadelphia Code

entitled “Smart Loading Zones” authorizing the Philadelphia Parking Authority to install

smart loading zones in the area of Center City bounded by Spring Garden Street,

Bainbridge Street, the Schuylkill River and the Delaware River, for the purpose of

improving the appropriate use of loading zones and reducing traffic congestion, all

under certain terms and conditions.

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

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

the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Phillips:

Resolution No. 260135: Resolution Honoring and recognizing Chief Inspector

Nicholas Smith for his distinguished service, community-centered leadership, and

unwavering commitment to public safety in the City of Philadelphia.

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

Calendar the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Gauthier:

Resolution No. 260136: Resolution Also naming the 4700 Block of Wyalusing

Avenue as “Philadelphia Masjid Way” in recognition of over 50 years of faith, service,

leadership, and community excellence.

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

the following Resolution for Council President Johnson, Sponsored by Councilmembers Thomas,

Phillips, Landau, Lozada, Brooks, Harrity, O'Rourke, O'Neill and Ahmad:

Resolution No. 260137: Resolution Congratulating the Audenried High School Girls

Basketball Team on winning the 2026 Public League Championship against Imhotep

High School, securing their fourth straight PPL championship.

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

the following Resolution for Council President Johnson, Sponsored by Councilmembers Thomas,

Phillips, Landau, Lozada, Brooks, Harrity, O'Rourke, O'Neill and Ahmad:

Resolution No. 260138: Resolution Honoring and recognizing Philadelphia250 and

the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation, and their Philadelphia community partners

for their work on the “Ring It On” citywide semiquincentennial initiative.

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

the following Resolution for Council President Johnson, Sponsored by Councilmembers Jones,

Phillips, Landau, Lozada, Brooks, Harrity, O'Rourke and Ahmad:

Resolution No. 260139: Resolution Calling on the PA General Assembly to take

swift and decisive action to pass Pennsylvania Senate Bill 110, also known as Bryan’s

Law, to amend the Emergency and Law Enforcement Personnel Death Benefits Act to

extend line-of-duty death benefits to surviving spouses and children of first responders

who die from job-related trauma, including PTSI-related suicide, ensuring equitable

treatment for their families.

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

the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Landau:

Resolution No. 260140: Resolution Recognizing February 28th, 2026, as HIV is Not

a Crime Awareness Day in the City of Philadelphia.

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

the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Landau:

Resolution No. 260141: Resolution Honoring and recognizing the U.S. Women’s

Hockey Team for winning the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics and

representing the United States with distinction, integrity, and excellence.

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

the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Lozada:

Resolution No. 260142: Resolution Recognizing and Celebrating March 2026 as

Women’s History Month in the City of Philadelphia and Championing the Power of

Women Who Build Connections and Drive Prosperity for All

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

the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Lozada:

Resolution No. 260143: Resolution Recognizing and Honoring the Smedley Bulldog

Blitz Cheerleaders as the First Philadelphia Public Elementary School to Compete at

the UCA Nationals

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

the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Young:

Resolution No. 260144: Resolution Welcoming the 58th Mid-Atlantic Black Law

Students Association Regional Convention to the City of Philadelphia

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

the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Young:

Resolution No. 260145: Resolution Recognizing March as “National Reading

Month” and March 2nd as “Read Across America Day” in the City of Philadelphia,

and further honoring the critical work of community organizations working to expand

literacy skills of youth and adults across the City of Philadelphia.

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

the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Young:

Resolution No. 260146: Resolution Recognizing February 23 to February 27, 2026,

as Public Schools Week and Celebrating the Essential Role of Public Schools,

Educators, Students, and Families in Strengthening the City of Philadelphia

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

the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Brooks:

Resolution No. 260147: Resolution Recognizing and celebrating Dr. Carol Simmons,

Nyoca Carr, Estelle Vaughn, Pela McFee, Carolyn Booker, Winnie Harris, and the

Black women who devote their lives to nourishing their neighbors and communities

across Philadelphia, on the occasion of Black History Month.

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

following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Bass:

Resolution No. 260148: Resolution Recognizing and honoring the Imhotep Charter

High School boys’ basketball team for winning its sixth consecutive Public League

Championship and celebrating its historic achievement in Philadelphia high school

basketball.

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

following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Bass:

Resolution No. 260149: Resolution Honoring Pastor Clement M. Lupton, III for his

outstanding leadership, faithful service, and transformative impact upon the spiritual and

civic life of the City of Philadelphia in recognition of Black History Month.

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

Rules Suspended the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Ahmad:

Resolution No. 260150: Resolution Authorizing the Joint Committees on Public

Health and Human Services and the Children and Youth to hold hearings to raise

awareness regarding the role of gaming platforms and social platforms and their use in

the grooming, recruitment, and exploitation of minors, including conduct that may lead

to human trafficking.

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

the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Ahmad:

Resolution No. 260151: Resolution Recognizing and honoring The Philadelphia

Orchestra on the occasion of its 125th Anniversary, celebrating its founding in 1900

and its enduring role in establishing Philadelphia as a global center of culture, creativity,

and artistic excellence.

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

the following Resolution, Sponsored by Councilmember Ahmad:

Resolution No. 260152: Resolution Honoring Angelo Perryman and Perryman

Building and Construction for seventy years of excellence, leadership, and lasting

impact on the City of Philadelphia.

REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES

There were no reports from Committees today.

CONSIDERATION OF THE CALENDAR

PUBLIC COMMENT

Estell Vaughn

260125

Lynn Landis 260129

Jeanne Lisitsky 260122

Katrina Delancey

Evelyn Torres

John McAuley

260122

Landau Introducing

260129

Carolyn Booker Brooks Introducing

Zaahir Muhammed Gray Bass Introducing

Julia Cadwallender

Young Introducing

Donna Bullock

Jay Koftman

260122

Landau Introducing

Kimmel Proctor Young Introducing

Don Hannah Young Introducing

Dominique Young Introducing

Hannah Abrams Landau Introducing

Ana Parra

260122

Jinaki Bright Young Introducing

Faith Bedworth Landau Introducing

Katherine Upton Bass Introducing

Leon Hawes Bass Introducing

Victor Rodriguez

Wick Savage

Rosko Scott

Landau Introducing

Young Introducing

Landau Introducing

Young Introducing

Jayla Meeks

Mecca Vance

Stacey Trooskin Landau Introducing

David Alexander Jenkins 260172

Angela Crumby 260122

Judith Robinson

241070-A

Anne Dorn Young Introducing

Corinne Green Young Introducing

Ogbonna Hagins

250843

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

FEBRUARY 26, 2026.

ABOUT PUBLIC COMMENT: City Council receives public

comment on bills and resolutions that are printed on this

agenda for the meeting. Speakers will have up to three minutes

to speak; please prepare your comments to fit within that time

limit. The Council President, may, depending on circumstances,

establish a lower time limit. The Council President will

announce the applicable time limit at the beginning of the public

comment portion of the agenda. The Council President may

also limit repetitious comments on the same agenda item or

defer comments to the next meeting of Council.

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR PUBLIC COMMENT: Speakers for public

comment can sign up in advance, submit comments

electronically, or sign up to speak the day of the meeting.

To sign up in advance, speakers may call 215-686-3406 or email

chiefclerk@phila.gov by no later than 3 p.m. the day before the

meeting. Speakers who sign up in advance will be added to the

list. Speakers must provide the following information:

• Full name (including proper pronunciation and spelling)

• The bill number or resolution number that will be addressed

• Whether you support or oppose that particular bill or

resolution

• Telephone number where you can be reached

• Street address

Speakers may also submit public comment electronically by

email to chiefclerk@phila.gov no later than 3 p.m. the day

before the meeting, preferably as a Word or a PDF attachment

to the email. Electronic submissions become part of the written

record of the proceedings but they are not read aloud in

Council. To sign up the day of the meeting, come to Room 400,

City Hall and check in at the desk by the entrance.

If you require an accommodation or service to fully participate,

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

There were no Bills on First Reading today.

BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON FINAL PASSAGE

Councilmember Thomas called up:

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 ADOPTED.

Councilmember Gauthier called up:

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.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember Landau called up:

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.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember Lozada called up:

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.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember Brooks called up:

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

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

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember Ahmad called up:

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

Act and reject any additional barrier to voter registration.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ON SECOND READING AND FINAL

PASSAGE

Bill No. 241056, as amended: 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

to eliminate the requirement that City officers and employees resign from their City

office or employment before becoming candidates for public office; and authorizing 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:

Absent: 1 Councilmember Gilmore Richardson

Ayes: 15 Councilmembers Bass, Brooks, Driscoll, Gauthier, Harrity, Jones, Lozada, O'Neill,

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

Nays: 1 Councilmember Young

RESOLUTIONS

Councilmember Phillips called up:

Resolution No. 260135: Resolution Honoring and recognizing Chief Inspector

Nicholas Smith for his distinguished service, community-centered leadership, and

unwavering commitment to public safety in the City of Philadelphia.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember Thomas called up:

Resolution No. 260137: Resolution Congratulating the Audenried High School Girls

Basketball Team on winning the 2026 Public League Championship against Imhotep

High School, securing their fourth straight PPL championship.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember Thomas called up:

Resolution No. 260138: Resolution Honoring and recognizing Philadelphia250 and

the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation, and their Philadelphia community partners

for their work on the “Ring It On” citywide semiquincentennial initiative.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember Landau called up:

Resolution No. 260140: Resolution Recognizing February 28th, 2026, as HIV is Not

a Crime Awareness Day in the City of Philadelphia.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember Landau called up:

Resolution No. 260141: Resolution Honoring and recognizing the U.S. Women’s

Hockey Team for winning the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics and

representing the United States with distinction, integrity, and excellence.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember Lozada called up:

Resolution No. 260142: Resolution Recognizing and Celebrating March 2026 as

Women’s History Month in the City of Philadelphia and Championing the Power of

Women Who Build Connections and Drive Prosperity for All

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember Lozada called up:

Resolution No. 260143: Resolution Recognizing and Honoring the Smedley Bulldog

Blitz Cheerleaders as the First Philadelphia Public Elementary School to Compete at

the UCA Nationals

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember Young called up:

Resolution No. 260144: Resolution Welcoming the 58th Mid-Atlantic Black Law

Students Association Regional Convention to the City of Philadelphia

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember Young called up:

Resolution No. 260145: Resolution Recognizing March as “National Reading

Month” and March 2nd as “Read Across America Day” in the City of Philadelphia,

and further honoring the critical work of community organizations working to expand

literacy skills of youth and adults across the City of Philadelphia.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember Young called up:

Resolution No. 260146: Resolution Recognizing February 23 to February 27, 2026,

as Public Schools Week and Celebrating the Essential Role of Public Schools,

Educators, Students, and Families in Strengthening the City of Philadelphia

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember Brooks called up:

Resolution No. 260147: Resolution Recognizing and celebrating Dr. Carol Simmons,

Nyoca Carr, Estelle Vaughn, Pela McFee, Carolyn Booker, Winnie Harris, and the

Black women who devote their lives to nourishing their neighbors and communities

across Philadelphia, on the occasion of Black History Month.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember Bass called up:

Resolution No. 260148: Resolution Recognizing and honoring the Imhotep Charter

High School boys’ basketball team for winning its sixth consecutive Public League

Championship and celebrating its historic achievement in Philadelphia high school

basketball.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember Bass called up:

Resolution No. 260149: Resolution Honoring Pastor Clement M. Lupton, III for his

outstanding leadership, faithful service, and transformative impact upon the spiritual and

civic life of the City of Philadelphia in recognition of Black History Month.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember Ahmad called up:

Resolution No. 260150: Resolution Authorizing the Joint Committees on Public

Health and Human Services and the Children and Youth to hold hearings to raise

awareness regarding the role of gaming platforms and social platforms and their use in

the grooming, recruitment, and exploitation of minors, including conduct that may lead

to human trafficking.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember Ahmad called up:

Resolution No. 260151: Resolution Recognizing and honoring The Philadelphia

Orchestra on the occasion of its 125th Anniversary, celebrating its founding in 1900

and its enduring role in establishing Philadelphia as a global center of culture, creativity,

and artistic excellence.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

Councilmember Ahmad called up:

Resolution No. 260152: Resolution Honoring Angelo Perryman and Perryman

Building and Construction for seventy years of excellence, leadership, and lasting

impact on the City of Philadelphia.

THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED.

SPEECHES

Councilmember Brooks, Councilmember Ahmad, Councilmember Phillips, Councilmember Young,

Councilmember Landau, Councilmember Young, and Councilmember Jones.

SEE NOTES OF TESTIMONY FROM STATED MEETING OF THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2026.

ADJOURNMENT

COUNCILMEMBER BASS MOVED TO ADJOURN

until Thursday March 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

THE MOTION WAS DULY SECONDED AND AGREED TO.