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COUNCIL OPERATIONS In an abundance of caution given the current state of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and under the Governor’s “Proclamation and Declaration of State of Emergency and Existence of Catastrophic Health Emergency – COVID-19”, effective March 5, 2020, and the Prince George’s County State of Emergency Declaration, effective March 16, 2020, as well as guidance from the Office of the County Executive, dated March 13, 2020 and updated on April 13, 2020, including the closing of County buildings to the public; and in consultation with the County Department of Health, the County Council is operating under the following emergency procedures.  These procedures became effective pursuant to CR-10-2020, which was adopted by the Council on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

BOARD OF HEALTH CONVENES VIRTUAL SESSION; RECEIVES COVID -19 BRIEFINGS FROM MARYLAND’S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION AND HEALTH PROVIDERS IN THE COUNTY

The Prince George’s County Council, sitting as the County’s Board of Health on health policy matters, convened a four-hour virtual session on Tuesday, April 14^th, to hear important COVID-19 briefings from Maryland’s Congressional Delegation and health providers in Prince George’s County.  U.S. Congress Members providing the first briefing included, The Honorable Steny Hoyer; The Honorable Ben Cardin; The Honorable Chris Van Hollen; and The Honorable Anthony Brown, focusing on the federal response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), and discussing resources for Prince Georgians.  READ Senator Cardin’s presentation, County and Municipal Governments Guide to Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Funding.

The second briefing featured presentations from health providers in the County, representing the University of Maryland Capital Region Health, Kaiser-Permanente, Luminis Health Doctors Community Health System; Medstar Southern Maryland Hospital Center; and Adventist Healthcare Fort Washington Medical Center. The Prince George’s County Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Health, Human Services and Education, Dr. George Askew, and Board of Health Advisor, Dr. Yolandra Hancock also participated in the briefing.   Missed it?  VIEW informative presentations and WATCH the Council’s on-demand video.

COUNTY COUNCIL ENABLES PUBLIC COMMENT DURING VIRTUAL SESSIONS; NEW ECOMMENT PORTAL HEIGHTENS PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OPTIONS; FIRST USE DURING APRIL 20TH COUNCIL SESSION

The Prince George’s County Council, meeting virtually until state of emergency declarations are lifted, has established an eComment portal to facilitate public participation in virtual Council sessions. The portal enables residents to register electronically to speak on agenda items scheduled for public hearing, or to submit a comment or letter into the official public record, in lieu of verbal testimony.  

Council Chair Todd M. Turner (D) – District 4, says as the Council convenes virtually because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic, public participation in Council processes has become even more important. Given the economic impact of COVID-19 in Prince George’s County, and the Council’s current FY 21 Budget Review and Adoption process, public input in Council processes is critical. eComment provides residents with an opportunity to participate in virtual Council sessions, and important budget public hearings, while adhering to social distancing guidelines.”   READ the full media advisory.  VIEW the eComment Flyer. The eComment portal will be available for the Council session on Monday, April 20, 2020, which includes public hearings (see below).   Those who are unable to use the portal can call to sign-up to speak by calling 301-952-3600, email comments to ClerkoftheCouncil@co.pg.md.us ,  or fax to 301-952-5178.

For more information on Public Hearing Notices/Sign Up to Speak, click HERE.

COUNTY COUNCIL TO CONVENE APRIL 20TH FOR SCHEDULED VIRTUAL SESSION AND BUDGET PUBLIC HEARINGS; RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO UTILIZE ECOMMENT PORTAL FOR PUBLIC TESTIMONY The Prince George’s County Council, aided by the use of technology, and in alignment with State of Emergencies by the State of Maryland and Prince George’s County, will convene virtually on Monday, April 20th, at 2:00 p.m. for a scheduled Council session, which includes several public hearings.  The Council will reconvene at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, for two required FY 21 Budget public hearings for bi-county agencies.  SIGN UP TO SPEAK with eComment.  READ the full announcement.  WATCH LIVE on Monday, April 20th.

DISTRICT 9 COUNCIL MEMBER SYDNEY HARRISON, TOGETHER WITH COUNCIL VICE-CHAIR AND AT-LARGE COUNCIL MEMBER CALVIN HAWKINS, PRESENTED "COVID-19 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW" - A VIRTUAL TOWN HALL MEETING

District 9 Council Member Sydney Harrison, co- hosted with Council Vice-Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, a Virtual Town Hall meeting, “COVID-19: Things You Need to Know,” on Wednesday, April 15^th.   Participants for the virtual event discussion and Q & A included – Board of Health Advisor, Dr. Yolandra Hancock, Board of Health Liaison,Dr. Terrance Fullum; Dr. Chile Ahaghotu, Medstar Southern Maryland Hospital; Sonja Bachus, Greater Baden Medical Services; Major Cedric Dickerson, Prince George’s County Police; and District 9 School Board Member Sonya Williams. Including in the discussion was the need to continue following the guidelines of public health officials for staying at home; social distancing; hygiene practices; and wearing facial coverings.  To Listen, CLICK HERE and enter the Access Password F2%Z=1@3 to listen.

DISTRICT 7 MEMBER RODNEY STREETER PARTICIPATES IN “WHAT’S THE 3-1-1? KNOW YOUR COUNTY GOVERNMENT,” SERIES OF CONFERENCE CALLS WITH RESIDENTS Discussing the importance of Census 2020 participation in Prince George’s County, District 7 Council Member Rodney Streeter, joined the County Office of Community Relations’ “What’s the 3-1-1?  Know Your County Government,” conference call for residents, on Thursday, April 16th.  “While we are following the guidelines for social distancing and staying at home, I am encouraging residents to take 10 minutes to complete your Census 2020 forms.  This is a great time to get it done, and it is SAFE, EASY and IMPORTANT. When all Prince Georgians are counted, we get the resources we need in our community for the next 10 years. There is a lot at stake, and I cannot stress strongly enough, the critical importance of every Prince Georgian’s participation.”  This event is part of a conference call series allowing residents to "get the 311" on government resources and services and educate and inform Prince Georgians about the processes and procedures of County Government.

SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO COUNCIL MEMBER DENI TAVERAS UPON FAMILY COVID-19 LOSSES District 2 Council Member Deni Taveras has sadly lost four family members to the coronavirus (COVID-19).   The Prince George’s County Council and Legislative Branch express our deepest condolences upon such great loss.   WATCH this media report discussing her efforts to prevent families in District 2, which she represents, from the same heartbreak.

COUNCIL AND LEGISLATIVE BRANCH MOURN THE LOSS OF COUNTY EMPLOYEE TERRY STANLEY The Prince George’s County Council and Legislative Branch express utmost sorrow upon news of the passing of Prince George’s County employee Terry Stanley on Sunday, April 12th.  We extend our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers to her son, Antwine, daughter-in-law, Ronette and their family and loved ones. Terry worked more than 25 years for the Office of Central Services and served as a day porter in the County Administration Building.  She was a welcome and daily presence for the Legislative Branch, establishing a great rapport with Council Members and staff, and always going above and beyond in her service to assist public officials, staff and visitors to the County Administration Building.   The members of this body and the Legislative Branch Administration and staff are deeply grateful for her hard work and dedication to enhancing the quality of life in Prince George’s County, and especially for her faithful service to each of us.

COVID-19 RESPONSE, RESOURCES
AND UPDATES

M-NCPPC, DEPT. OF PARKS AND RECREATION

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County, has cancelled all events through the end of May to help keep our community safe. In alignment with information from public health officials, the status of these events are being evaluated on a month-to-month basis.  While Parks and Recreation facilities are closed to the public, a new Online Resource Center at www.pgparks.com/onlineresourcecenter provides virtual activities for patrons. Please feel free to share with your constituents, family and friends as we work together as a community to stop the spread of COVID-19.

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY MEMORIAL LIBRARY SYSTEM UPDATE

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, all Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) buildings are closed temporarily until further notice. All in person programs, outreach, meeting room use, and passport services are suspended. All fines incurred during the closure will be waived when the Library reopens. Book drops are closed.  D.C. United and PGCMLS have launched a new partnership to support all Prince Georgians with engaging online content to stay fit and engaged during the present stay at home order.  The partnership, a first-of-its-kind in Major League Soccer, features free access to bilingual English/Spanish workout videos for kids (Talon’s Workout Tapes), bi-weekly Ask Me Anything (AMA) events with D.C. United players, and bi-monthly virtual story time, #SaveWithStories, for children ages 2-8 through the PGCMLS website and social media.

PRINCE GEORGE’S ARTS AND HUMANITIES COUNCIL – AN UPDATE FOR LOCAL ARTISTS The Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council (PGAHC), is dedicated to keeping the arts community well informed of all of the resources available during the COVID-19 Pandemic.  The PGAHC announces the Prince George’s County Arts Emergency Community Relief Fund, to support the creative community during the COVID-19 pandemic.  APPLY here.  DONATE here.  For more resources, Click HERE.

VERIZON SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY FUND Small businesses across the country are confronting extreme economic challenges as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Financial support at this critical time can make the difference between staying in business or closing permanently, leading to lost income, jobs and economic stability.  Thanks to a $2.5 million investment from Verizon, grants are available to help small businesses fill urgent financial gaps until they can resume normal operations or until other more permanent financing becomes available. FIND OUT MORE about the Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund.  In addition, Verizon is now offering new discounts for nurses and teachers!  Click HERE.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

COUNCIL MEMBERS RESPOND TO COVID-19 WITH PARTNERSHIPS TO PROVIDE MEALS TO RESIDENTS

COUNCIL MEMBER DANNIELLE GLAROS 

District 3 Council Member Dannielle Glaros has connected numerous partners and organizations to distribute meals to vulnerable individuals in Council District 3. Last week, partners distributed more than 600 meals. By Saturday afternoon, they will have distributed more than 5,500 meals and bags of groceries. Partners include famed Chef Jose Andres and the World Central Kitchen; Sardi's; Capital Area Food Bank; Christian Life Center's Passion & Compassion Ministry; Sowing Empowerment & Economic Development (SEED); Kaiser Permanente; Central Kenilworth Avenue Revitalization CDC; Brighter Bites; Peace City Church; Solid Rock Church; Town of Riverdale Park; City of New Carrollton; IRC; East Pines Terrace Apartments; St. Mary's Catholic Church of Landover Hills; United Baptist in New Carrollton; and more.  In partnership with Capital Area Food Bank, Brighter Bites and Coastal Sunbelt Produce, Council Member Glaros will distribute 1,000 boxes of shelf stable food and fresh produce on Saturday, April 18, at 11:00am, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 7301 Annapolis Road, Landover Hills.

COUNCIL VICE-CHAIR AND AT-LARGE COUNCIL MEMBER CALVIN S. HAWKINS 

Council Vice Chair and At-Large Council Member Calvin S. Hawkins, II and his team spent the holiday weekend helping families in need.  Supporting the efforts of the Rev. Tony Lee and the Community of Hope AME Church, and other community volunteers, Council Member Hawkins and his team helped pack and distribute 500 meals and groceries to residents in the community.  WATCH this media report of the event.

District 8 COUNCIL MEMBER MONIQUE ANDERSON-WALKER  

Last week, Council Member Monique Anderson-Walker expanded her weekly food distribution in District 8, which has now provided food to more than 10,000 residents impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.  In addition to the weekly Tuesday Free Food and Produce partnership with St. Stephen Baptist Church, Capital Area Food Bank and Share Food Network, providing meals to 200 families this week, District 8 team and volunteers distributed food to 930 people on Wednesday.  Council Member Anderson-Walker partnered with famed chef, Jose Andres/World Central Kitchen to serve 800 hot lunches distributed by the District 8 team and volunteers to the Adventist Healthcare Fort Washington Medical Center; District 8 first-responders; sick and shut-in seniors, seniors and the homeless.  Groceries and produce were also delivered to 110 District 8 seniors in private and apartments homes.  WATCH the video.

UPCOMING VIRTUAL MEETINGS
_____________

The County Council is announcing the following emergency operations regarding upcoming Council functions which became effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020 and pursuant to CR-10-2020. 

COUNTY COUNCIL
Sitting as 
Committee of the Whole
Virtual Meeting
APRIL 20  - AGENDA

COUNTY COUNCIL
Virtual Meeting
APRIL 20 - AGENDA

GENERAL ASSEMBLY
COMMITTEE
Virtual Meeting
APRIL 20 - AGENDA

COUNTY COUNCIL
Virtual Meeting
April 20 - AGENDA