THIS WEEK IN COUNTY COUNCIL

COUNCIL EMERGENCY OPERATIONS STATUS

The County Council continues to operate under the emergency procedures 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.  These procedures became effective pursuant to CR-10-2020, which was adopted by the Council on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.  READ MORE.

FY 2021 BUDGET STATEMENT FROM COUNCIL CHAIR TODD M. TURNER; IMPACTS OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC PROMPT REVISIONS TO FY 2021 COUNTY BUDGET PROPOSAL

The coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic has thrust us all into uncertain times and unknown territory. Among the mounting impacts of this crisis is an economic challenge of historic proportion in Prince George’s County, that must be addressed in the County Council’s FY 2021 Budget Review and Adoption Process.  This will be yet another challenge that Prince Georgians will rise to meet together, motivated by the strength, determination and resiliency of our residents and communities. 

The County Council will continue its work with County Executive Alsobrooks and her budget team, County residents and all stakeholders, to ensure our County’s fiscal priorities are met, and address the community’s need for critical services and resources, in the review and adoption of the FY 2021 Proposed Operating and Capital budgets for Prince George’s County, as well as the budgets for two bi-county agencies - Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission and Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. 

On March 11, 2020, in accordance with the County Charter, County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks transmitted her Proposed FY 2021 Operating and Capital Budgets to the Council.  This week, anticipating a $134 million drop in County revenues as result of COVID-19 and applying reserve funds and outside aid, County Executive Alsobrooks submitted an amended FY 2021 Operating Budget proposal to the Council.  Adjustments to the Proposed FY 2021 Capital Budget are forthcoming. 

READ full statement.  To view FY 21 Budget documents, visit the Council’s FY 21 Budget Portal.

COUNCIL HOLDS FIRST VIRTUAL BUDGET PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR BI-COUNTY AGENCIES

For the first time in its history, as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, the County Council held two virtual Budget Public Hearings on Monday, April 20^th, required for bi-county agencies.  The first public hearing addressed the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) Proposed Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Operating & Capital Budgets, and the WSSC Capital Improvement Program for Water and Sewer for Fiscal Years 2021-2026.  Immediately following, the Council held a public hearing on the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) Proposed Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Operating and Capital Budgets and the (M-NCPPC) Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Years 2021-2026.  

WATCH the Bi-County Budget public hearings.  

FY 2021 BUDGET SEASON:  COUNCIL BEGINS BUDGET REVIEW PROCESS; PUBLIC COMMENT DURING UPCOMING BUDGET PUBLIC HEARINGS ENCOURAGED

The new Fiscal Year begins July 1, and pursuant to the County Charter, the County Council, in its role as fiscal authority, must adopt a new and balanced spending plan for Prince George’s County on or before June 1.  County residents and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the Council’s FY 21 Budget Process, especially considering the impact of COVID-19 on the County’s finances.  Sitting as the Committee of the Whole, the County Council will begin its detailed review of the FY21 County Budget, as amended, convening a virtual budget session on Tuesday, April 28^th.  The Council will also conduct two FY 2021 Budget virtual public hearings on Monday, May 4^th and Monday, May 11^th, providing an opportunity for critical public input and comment.  All Council sessions and public hearings are accessible to the public. Use the Council’s new eComment Portal 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.  Budget meeting and public hearing schedules have been revised and may be further impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency.  To follow updates on the Revised FY 2021 Budget, visit the Council’s FY 21 Budget Portal.   All Council meetings are currently virtual. 

VIEW Live and On-Demand

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JOIN USING THE LINK PROVIDED AT: https://pgccouncil.us/LIVE

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

4/28/2020 10:00 AM  Committee of the Whole  Virtual Meeting - Budget Worksession *11:00 AM - Board of Education, *1:00 PM – WSSC, *2:00 PM - M-NCPPC (CAS & Planning Dept)  

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

4/29/2020 10:00 AM  Committee of the Whole  Virtual Meeting - Budget Worksession Ethics, Personnel Board, Finance, Community Relations, License Commissioners, Office of Law, Revenue Authority, OHRM 

Thursday, April 30, 2020

4/30/2020 10:00 AM  Committee of the Whole  Virtual Meeting - Budget Worksession CCOP, Family Services, Social Services, Homeland Security, Corrections, Sheriff, State's Attorney 

ALL MEETINGS ARE VIRTUAL

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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE HOLDS VIRTUAL MEETING TO CONSIDER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LEGISLATION The Council’s Committee of the Whole (COW) met virtually on Monday, April 20th to consider CB-14-2020, legislation concerning the issuance of Special Obligation Bonds for the Largo Town Center Metro Development District, an economic development project that will include 379 multi-family units, 4,500 sq. ft. of retail and 419 structured parking spaces. It also provides a 5% rate reduction on market-rate rent for first-responders, nurses, teachers and military personnel.  CB-014-2020 amends and ratifies CR-92-2014, adopted by the County Council on November 12, 2014, and identifies the Largo Town Center Metro Development District as a special taxing district.  Following a robust COW discussion, the measure was favorably considered and referred to the full Council for Introduction.  A public hearing has been scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2020 at 12:00 p.m.  WATCH the COW meeting.

COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS VIRTUALLY; APPROVES JOINT SIGNATURE LETTER TO WMATA; HOLDS PUBLIC HEARINGS During the April 20th session, Council Members approved the Chair’s signature on a Joint Letter with County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks, to WMATA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Paul Wiedefeld, addressing modifications to the New Carrollton Metro Station Eastside Joint Development Agreement.  The Council also held public hearings on several legislative matters, including CB-001-2020, legislation expanding the amount of parental leave to County employees eligible for family and medical leave; CB-005-2020, legislation amending the minimum distance from certain areas where the boundary of property used as a Medical Cannabis Dispensary may be located; CB-006-2020, legislation regarding the implementation of small wireless facility permit fees; and CR-11-2020, a Resolution concerning the 2018 Water and Sewer Plan. WATCH Tuesday’s Council session for the full agenda. ___________________________________________________________________________

COUNCIL ENACTS RESOLUTION ADDRESSING THE PUBLIC HEALTH THREAT OF IMMIGRATION DETENTION DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

CR-012-2020, legislation recognizing the public health threat to Prince George’s County residents caused by holding residents in immigration detention during the COVID-19 global pandemic was unanimously adopted by the Council on Tuesday, April 20th. The measure joins Council Members with healthcare professionals and leaders across the country in calls for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency to release all County residents currently held in immigration detention or provide appropriate health services to those detained and halt all civil immigration enforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

READ the press release for additional details about Council action on the legislation.  

GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE REVIEWS 2020 MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION The 2020 Maryland General Assembly adjourned its 90-day session sooner than scheduled and will not reconvene, due to COVID-19.  The Council’s General Assembly committee met virtually on Tuesday, April 20th, to review the impact of the abbreviated 2020 General Assembly Session on Prince George’s County.  The General Assembly committee received an Impact Review of the State Budget; Overview of Local bills and Statewide bills of Interest enacted; and a Status Report on Joint Priorities.  WATCH the General Assembly Committee meeting. __________________________________________________________________________

COUNCIL CHAIR TODD M. TURNER JOINS COUNTY EXECUTIVE ANGELA ALSOBROOKS FOR COVID-19 PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCING PLANS TO ADDRESS FOOD INSECURITIES IN THE COUNTY

Council Chair Todd M. Turner joined County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks on Wednesday, April 22^nd, for a press conference addressing food insecurities in the County, and announcing $1.2 million in donations to the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) to support County residents.  These donations will go directly to providing food and meals to Prince George’s County residents in need. Chair Turner comments, “The County Council is an active partner in the County’s COVID-19 response, and we value the participation of our County’s nonprofit partners in meeting the needs of residents, particularly those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.  As part of its annual budget process, the Council provides funding to support nonprofits in this critical work.  To date, 17 of these organizations have been supported by a total $500,000 in Council grants, including $100,000 each to two longtime nonprofit partners, the Capital Area Food Bank and Food & Friends, addressing food distribution needs during this crisis.  Additionally, Council Members have worked alongside our community partners and volunteers across the County, to provide food to a growing community of Prince Georgians in need.” 

WATCH.  (windy day - please excuse portions of the audio)

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COUNCIL MEMBERS JOIN MARYLAND GOVERNOR LARRY HOGAN FOR PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCING REOPENING OF UM LAUREL MEDICAL CENTER FOR COVID-19 PATIENTS

Council Chair Todd M. Turner, Council Vice-Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, District 1 Council Member Tom Dernoga, joined County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and Governor Larry Hogan in Laurel Wednesday afternoon for a joint press announcement about the University of Maryland Capital Region Health’s temporary expansion into the former Laurel Medical Center, to provide an additional 135 beds for COVID-19 patients.   

WATCH the press conference. 

READ the University of Maryland Capital Region Health press release.  

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PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE!  NEW ONE-STOP MARYLAND UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE ONLINE APPLICATION Starts today, Friday, April 24th!  The Maryland Department of Labor has announced the launch of a new one-stop unemployment insurance application to allow all Marylanders to file all types of claims entirely online.  With BEACON One-Stop, Marylanders can file claims for many unemployment benefit programs through a single application, including those who are eligible for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, and individuals who were previously required to file by phone.  The launch of this new online application has allowed Maryland's Division of Unemployment Insurance to implement all three Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) programs.  To learn how services have been improved and expanded, visit the BEACON One-Stop Overview page. Click HERE to directly access the new BEACON One-Stop. Important Note from Maryland Department of Labor - (Despite rigorous testing of our new BEACON One-Stop application, the vendor we partnered with is experiencing temporary issues with the system due to the volume of claimants accessing the site simultaneously. The outside vendor is working hard to resolve the issues. Please check back later for updated information.)  _________________________________________________________________________

NEED HEALTH INSURANCE?  COVID-19 SPECIAL ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN!   

Do you need health insurance? Maryland Health Connections’ COVID-19 Special Enrollment Session is still open for uninsured residents to apply for health insurance, including Medicaid. Get covered by visiting https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/

TEXT TO 9-1-1

Shortness of breath or trouble breathing are among the symptoms of the coronavirus (COVID-19).  Now, as part of a program “soft launch,” Prince George’s County residents who are experiencing these symptoms, can now TEXT 9-1-1 for an emergency if they are unable to speak over the phone.    A statewide TEXT to 9-1-1 program is anticipated in the future. 

AT-LARGE COUNCIL MEMBER MEL FRANKLIN HOST CORONAVIRUS ECONOMIC IMPACT TELE-TOWN HALL MEETING

At-Large Council Member Mel Franklin hosted a “Coronavirus Economic Impact” Tele-Town Hall meeting on Thursday, April 23^rd, discussing the economic impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis on County families, jobs, businesses, and critical public services.  Joining the conversation to share important resources supporting residents and small businesses impacted by COVID, were: FSC First President and CEO, Shelly Gross-Wade; Maryland Delegate Darryl Barnes; President and CEO, Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce, David Harrington; , President and CEO, Employ Prince George’s, Walter Simmons; Prince George’s County Minority Business Compliance Manager, Mirinda Jackson; and banking representatives discussing the Federal Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses.  Missed it?  Listen HERE.

DISTRICT 9 COUNCIL MEMBER SYDNEY HARRISON AND COUNCIL VICE-CHAIR, AT-LARGE COUNCIL MEMBER CALVIN S. HAWKIN, II, PARTNER TO PROVIDE FACE MASKS TO HEALTHCARE WORKERS

District 9 Council Member Sydney Harrison and Council Vice-Chair and At-Large Council Member Calvin S. Hawkins, II, in partnership with nonprofit Masks 4 America; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Fort Washington Alumnae Chapter; and Board of Health Advisor, Dr. Yolandra Hancock, distributed thousands of N95 equivalent protective face masks to local healthcare professionals this week. Thousands of donated masks were distributed to hospital personnel at Greater Baden Medical Services in Brandywine, the University of Maryland Capital Region Health in Cheverly, and other healthcare facilities serving residents throughout Prince George’s County and surrounding areas.  Healthcare workers and first-responders around the country have welcomed donations of Personal Protective Equipment, including face masks, to address shortages during this current global pandemic.  Council Members Hawkins and Harrison serve respectively, as Chair and Vice -Chair of the Council’s Health, Human Services and Public Safety Committee.  

WATCH the video.

COUNCIL MEMBER AT-LARGE MEL FRANKLIN ISSUES “TO GO CHALLENGE” TO COUNTY RESIDENTS TO SUPPORT LOCAL RESTAURANTS  At-Large Council Member Mel Franklin is asking County residents to join him and support the Prince George's County restaurant community during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic by accepting his  “Buy Local Restaurant To-Go Challenge.”   As dine-in restaurants struggle and face permanent closure, the challenge includes purchasing a food delivery or curbside to-go order from your favorite local sit-down restaurant In Prince George’s County, at least twice a week during the coronavirus crisis. WATCH local media coverage of the “Buy Local Restaurant To-Go Challenge” and Take the Pledge!

2020 CENSUS OPERATIONAL ADJUSTMENTS The 2020 Census is well underway. Counting every Prince Georgian requires the participation of every household. If your household has not responded, now is the time. Even if you received a paper questionnaire in the mail, you can still respond online at 2020census.gov   The U.S. Census Bureau is adapting or delaying some of its operations to protect the health and safety of staff and the public. The online, phone and mailed self-responses will now continue throughout the data collection process until October 31, 2020.   READ MORE.