DISTRICT COUNCIL REVIEWS LAND-USE MATTERS

The Prince George’s County Council, sitting as the District Council on zoning matters, met on Monday, June 10th. Included among the agenda items were Oral Arguments.  Only persons of record can testify during an Oral Argument hearing, and testimony provided must be based upon the record; no new evidence is permitted.  Visit the District Council online to learn more.    WATCH to view the full agenda of Monday’s District Council meeting. 

COUNCIL CONVENES FOR M-NCPPC BRIEFING ON I-495/I-270 MANAGED LANES STUDY

The County Council met on Monday, June 10^th to receive a briefing on the I-495/I-270 Managed Lanes Study from Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) Principal Counsel Debra Borden, and Council Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and the Environment (TIEE) Committee Director J. Kenneth Battle.  Last week, the Maryland Board of Public Works voted to move forward with an amended plan to relieve traffic congestion by expanding I-495 and I-270.  This plan would include tolls on the Capital Beltway. Last month, the Council approved CR-33-2019, a resolution requesting the Maryland Board of Public Works to have greater oversight over this project, including conducting a fiscal analysis.  During the briefing, questions were raised about the environmental impact and a lack of public transportation options included in the study.  The Council is closely monitoring this process.   WATCH the Council briefing to learn more.  

Prince George’s County Council Members were in the audience Tuesday morning for the State of the County Breakfast jointly hosted by the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation and the Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable, at The Hotel at the University of Maryland.  County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks delivered her inaugural State of the County address, sharing the County’s positive economic outlook and significant accomplishments so far this year, and reporting that the “state of Prince George’s County is stronger and prouder than ever!”   Council Chair Todd M. Turner was pleased to bring remarks at the event as well, and on behalf of the Council, to thank County Executive Alsobrooks for her leadership and partnership for progress in Prince George’s County.  #PrinceGeorgesProud

COUNCIL’S GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS AND FISCAL POLICY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE HOLDS SPECIAL SESSION TUESDAY

The Council’s Government Operations and Fiscal Management (GOFP) committee, chaired by Council Member Derrick Leon Davis, met in a special session on Tuesday, June 11^th, to consider CR-28-2019, a resolution concerning contract approvals to approve a multi-year Financing Agreement and fund essential Prince George’s County (County) equipment and vehicles.  WATCH the GOFP committee meeting.

COUNCIL SITTING AS COUNTY’S BOARD OF HEALTH MEETS FOR SECOND TIME THIS YEAR

The Prince George’s County Council, in its role as the Board of Health, met Tuesday for a briefing by Board of Health Consultant and Liaison, Terrance Fullum, MD, MBA, and Board of Health Advisor, Yolandra Hancock, MD, MPH.  Following a Board of Health update from Dr. Fullum, Dr. Hancock provided presentations on County Health Rankings as reported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity.   VIEW Tuesday’s presentations on the Council’s Board of Health web page.  Manager of the Office of Assessment and Planning in the County’s Health Department, Donna Perkins, also summarized for the Council, the 2019 Community Health Assessment, a foundational document for making data-driven decisions.  This meeting preceded a Tuesday evening Board of Health Town Hall in collaboration with the RAND Corporation.  WATCH the full Board of Health briefing.    

BOARD OF HEALTH HOLDS TOWN HALL MEETING ON THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES NEEDS OF PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY; FACILITATED BY THE RAND CORPORATION

Recognizing the importance of effectively addressing the County’s health and human service needs, the County Council, in its role as the Board of Health, has partnered with the RAND Corporation to conduct the 2019 Health and Human Services Needs Assessment for Prince George’s County.  RAND is a nonprofit institution that helps improve decision-making through research and analysis.  On Tuesday evening, County residents and interested stakeholders filled the Council Hearing Room in Upper Marlboro to engage in an interactive dialogue about the Health and Human Services Needs of Prince George’s County.  The meeting, facilitated by RAND, featured an Overview of the Health and Human Services Needs Assessment; audience participation in a survey and polling of these needs; and an opportunity for public comment.  English to Spanish/French translation and Sign Language interpretation services were also provided.  If you missed the Town Hall, you can WATCH HERE.  You can still participate in the Health and Human Services Needs Assessment Survey, available in English and Spanish! With your help, the Board of Health will be able to identify our community’s health needs, discuss the best way to meet those needs, and enhance our Quality of Life, as we shape policies that help Prince Georgians to live better and longer.  VIEW more Town Hall photos.  #Building a Healthier Prince George’s County Together!

COUNCIL’S TRANSPORTATION, INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE RECEIVES ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE UPDATE

The Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment (TIEE) committee met on Thursday, April 13^th for an Animal Control Ordinance update.  Committee Vice-Chair and District 8 Council Member Monique Anderson-Walker presided over the meeting. Updates were provided by Department of the Environment Director Joseph Gill, and Associate Director Rodney Taylor, from the County’s Animal Management Division. TIEE committee members also heard from representatives of various advocacy groups, including the Best Friends Animal Society; Humane Rescue Alliance; Humane Society of the U.S.; Humane Society of Prince George’s County; Bowie Citizens for Local Animal Welfare (CLAW); and the Maryland Dog Federation. WATCH the full committee meeting.

COUNCIL’S GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS AND FISCAL POLICY COMMITTEE REVIEWS LEGISLATION; CONSIDERS APPOINTMENTS

The Council’s Government Operations and Fiscal Policy (GOFP) committee, chaired by District 6 Council Member Derrick Leon Davis, met Thursday, June 13^th,  to consider several pieces of proposed legislation including CB-33-2019 and CR-47-2019, legislation concerning Supplementary Grant and General Fund Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2019; CB-30-2019, Collective Bargaining Agreements legislation; and CR-48-2019, a Council Resolution concerning Compensation and Benefits.  Committee members also reviewed appointments to the Personnel Board and the Cable Television Commission.  WATCH the GOFP committee meeting.

COUNTY COUNCIL EXTENDS WELL WISHES TO KEVIN DURANT 

Kevin Durant, injured in Game 5 of the NBA Finals this week, is one of our own in Prince George’s County.  We could not be prouder of him and all he has accomplished. When he hurts, Prince Georgians hurt too. The Prince George’s County Council and the residents we represent, wish our Warrior well, as he rebounds from this injury.  We also send heartfelt well wishes to his Mother, Wanda Durant, as well. Healing mercies KD!  We are cheering for you!