T.J. Jourian

Members of the public came to support a resolution condemning the cuts to HUD and implored Councilmembers to do more than condemn by doing more in service to the unhoused population in the city.

SEPTA celebrated moving than 400,000 people on the day of the Eagles’ parade; this was a test for high-profile events that will be happening next year. More budget cuts are forthcoming in March 2025.

Students and members of the public spoke on a number of issues, including concerns about the District's ability to protect students from ICE raids and the need for staff training, as well as arguments for and against approving two new Charter School applications.

SEPTA Board awards Cubic Transportation Systems the Key 2.0 contract for $211 million. SEPTA is anticipating severe budget cuts and rate hikes in the next fiscal year, starting in July.

At the first meeting since January 2024, board members spoke of general lack of communication flowing from the city and the Department of Health to the Board of Health with the new mayoral administration. Interim Health Commissioner provided an overview of the priority areas.

Tax Review Board heard a case concerning fines related to the fire department not being able to adequately enter a property during a fire. The petitioner inherited the property.

Superintendent Watlington unveiled the district’s strategic approach to addressing the Middle East conflict and an update on the facilities plan. An overwhelming number of speakers in support of reinstating NEHS teacher Keziah Ridgeway and protecting those discussing Palestine.

Members of the public called attention to the District’s handling of discussions around Palestine and Israel, and urged the board to vote no on Action Item 36, a MOU between Drexel University, SLA-MS and Powel Elementary, which was not listed on the public agenda.

The Tax Review Board heard petitions to appeal property violations bills. Questions arose from petitioners concerning L&I's judgement about how the Community Life Improvement Program (CLIP) identifies and selects properties that are in need of improvement.

CDR members want to see developers do better than meet baseline requirements for affordable housing development near Bartram's Garden. Residents and representatives of the East Point Breeze Neighbors RCO expressed several concerns and suggestions about 1520-30 Washington Ave.

Protesters were barred from the meeting, as students and elected officials shared frustration with how the District is handling censorship of pro-Palestinian student project. The School District's 2025 budget was also approved, but a shortfall is expected for the upcoming year.

The Committee on Public Health held a lengthy hearing led by Councilmember Kendra Brooks on harm reduction programs and the increase in substance abuse and overdoses in Black and brown communities.

Several residents spoke in support of Youth Apprenticeship Week and Child-care Provider Appreciation Day, as well as Bill #240369 to audit the funds distributed in the Kensington area, with particular attention to be paid towards increasing education-related funding.

The Board provided an update on TAP-R Reconciliation Proceedings and public and technical hearings about the rate increases will be held on May 10th. The Rate Board also denied of Lance Haver's motion to appeal against the Public Advocate.

This meeting was cancelled due to the sudden passing of Chief Clerk Michael Decker. The next meeting will happen on February 29, 2024.

Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) held their first public Community Town Hall of the year providing a review of CPOC’s past year and 2024 goals.

No notes were taken for this meeting.

The school district has instituted a reconstruction plan for the 2023-24 school year due to previous failures regarding graduation, technology use, and virtual learning.

Property owners dispute water bills for their buildings, mostly located in West Philly. The agency reduced the bills for nearly every case. Many of the issues did seem to stem from the updated water meters.

July report of police complaints referred from CPOC to Internal Affairs, and complaints for the year thus far.

BOE shared updates on litigation concerning For A Better Philadelphia and hiring updates.

BOE shared updates on litigation concerning For A Better Philadelphia and hiring updates.