THIS WEEK IN COUNTY COUNCIL

COUNCIL EMERGENCY OPERATIONS STATUS

The Prince George’s County Council continues to operate under the The Prince George’s County Council continues to operate under the Governor’s “Proclamation and Declaration of State of Emergency and Existence of Catastrophic Health Emergency – COVID-19”, effective March 5, 2020, and amended May 13, 2020, and the Prince George’s County State of Emergency Declaration, effective March 16, 2020, and extended by the Governing Body of Prince George’s County with the adoption of CR-64-2020 on July 7, 2020.  The Council’s Emergency Operations Procedures became effective pursuant to CR-10-2020, adopted on March 17, 2020, and amended pursuant to CR-35-2020, adopted on May 18, 2020.

COUNCIL CONVENES VIRTUALLY FOR FINAL SESSION PRIOR TO SUMMER RECESS; HOLDS PUBLIC HEARINGS; ADOPTS SEVERAL MEASURES; PLACES BOND BILLS ON NOVEMBER BALLOT

The Prince George’s County Council convened virtually on Tuesday, July 21st, in its final regular session before the August recess. During Tuesday’s session, the Council considered and adopted over 25 legislative measures; held 18 public hearings; and addressed proposed correspondence. Council Chair Todd M. Turner noted the outstanding work of his Council colleagues, as well as staff, to address important issues given our virtual operations.  The Council adopted the following measures:

CB-042-2020, legislation proposed by the County Executive realigning $20 million from the Police Department Capital Budget earmarked for a public safety training facility, to build a clinical health facility addressing mental health and addiction.

CR-066-2020, legislation asserting that racism is a crisis of public health, public safety and economic welfare because of its effect on the entire Prince George’s County community.

CR-062-2020, the Council established the Prince George’s County Food Security Task Force to address issues related to the supply and demand of healthy food, and areas with limited access to healthy food, food-health connections, school meals, and food security.

CB-043-2020, CB-044-2020, CB-045-2020, CB-046-2020 and CB-047-2020, five (5) bond bills that will be placed on the November ballot during the November General Election, for approval to fund County capital projects for public works, community college, libraries, public safety and County buildings.

The Council also voted to extend the appointment of Prince George’s County Acting Police Chief Hector Velez for four months pursuant to the County Charter; Approved the Prince George’s County Public Schools’ Budget Reconciliation Request for the $2.3 billion for the Fiscal Year 2021 school year; and approved several measures addressing Salary Plans for the County’s frontline workers, including provisions for COVID-19 Hazard Pay for first responders. 

READ the press release.  For the full agenda,

WATCH Tuesday’s Council Session.

COUNCIL CHAIR TURNER ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF CIVIL RIGHTS ICON, THE HONORABLE JOHN LEWIS

The Prince George’s County Council joins with our residents, the nation and the world, in mourning the immeasurable loss of the Honorable John Lewis, a revered champion of civil rights and passionate fighter for social justice.  The Council extends its condolences to the family and loved ones of Congressman Lewis; the City of Atlanta and his constituents; the congressional colleagues and staff who served with him; and those who fought alongside him on the front lines of this nation’s historic movement for racial and social justice. Congressman Lewis left us a legacy marked by his strong courage and deep commitment to humanity, inspiring all to continue the work for justice and equality.

COUNCIL VICE-CHAIR AND AT-LARGE COUNCIL MEMBER CALVIN S. HAWKINS, II, AND DISTRICT 5 COUNCIL MEMBER JOLENE IVEY AMONG OFFICIALS WELCOMING NATIONALLY-RANKED PEDIATRIC CARE IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Council Vice-Chair and At-Large Council Member Calvin S. Hawkins, II, and District 5 Council Member Jolene Ivey joined Prince George’s County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks, other local and state elected officials, Children’s Hospital representatives, and “Dr. Bear” to celebrate the opening of Children’s National Prince George’s County – a new regional pediatric healthcare facility located within the Woodmore Towne Center in Glenarden (Council District 5).  The Council remains committed to access to quality healthcare and addressing health disparities, as priorities.  Council Vice-Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II noted in his remarks that the new, 60,000 square foot, state-of-the-art, pediatric outpatient and specialty care center provides families in Prince George’s County greater access to a broad range of services.  “Finally, we can serve our own children right in our own community rather than having their families drive them north to Baltimore or west to D.C. This facility will include comprehensive testing, imaging, surgeries and behavioral health resources on-site. We are grateful to the doctors and nurses that have committed to caring for our youth through love, care and innovation in addition to their expertise.”  The new healthcare facility officially opened Wednesday, July 22^nd.  

READ MORE about Children’s National Prince George’s County. 

MORE HEALTHCARE NEWS - UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND CAPITAL REGION HEALTH MEDICAL GROUP OPENS NEW MULTI-SPECIALTY OUTPATIENT CLINICAL PRACTICE AT THE NATIONAL HARBOR

The County Council, in its role as the Board of Health, welcomes the announcement that the University of Maryland Capital Region Health Medical Group has opened a new outpatient practice at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. The multi-specialty practice occupies 19,000 square feet of leased space at The Medical Pavilion at National Harbor.  The new practice opens in advance of opening a new hospital, the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center, in Largo. The new hospital represents a $543 million investment by Prince George’s County, the State of Maryland and UMMS. The 600,000 square foot flagship facility will include 205 private inpatient rooms and eight operating rooms. The outpatient practice that currently sees patients at its Cheverly location will relocate to the Largo campus. 

READ the press release for more information.

COUNCIL CHAIR TODD M. TURNER PARTICIPATES
IN COVID-19 STRATEGIC RENEWAL TASK FORCE MEETING HOSTED BY FORMER D.C.
MAYOR ANTHONY WILLIAMS  

Council Chair Todd M. Turner represents Prince George’s County on the Connected DMV, COVID-19 Strategic Renewal Task Force, facilitated by the Greater Washington Board of Trade, and charged with creating a shared regional vision for accelerating economic recovery and shaping a stronger future for the Greater Washington metropolitan area following the COVID-19 pandemic.  Chair Turner, acknowledging that the long-term impacts of the COVID crisis will continue to burden residents and the local economy for a long time, attended the virtual task force meeting on July 16^th, led by former D.C. Mayor and Federal City CEO Anthony Williams.  The discussion focused on a regional economic development strategy, flexible work policies and broadband connectivity and access.     

COUNTY ANNOUNCES COVID-19 AMBASSADOR COMPLIANCE TEAM

Residents who see a COVID-19 safety protocol violation in a County business can report that violation via phone or email. The County’s COVID-19 Ambassador Compliance Team will then perform a site visit to follow-up on that concern.  

READ MORE about the program in this press release.

July 27:  County Council sitting as District Council   10:00 AM    Meeting Details

View archived virtual meetings on our website

The deadline to register to vote for the 2020 Presidential General Election is 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2020.

CLICK HERE for more information on Absentee Ballots, Voter Registration, and more.

#ConnectionsStartwithUS!

Census Completion and Meal Distribution 

Free meals, coffee and doughnuts, backpacks, PPE, and swag items (first come first served), and most importantly, the opportunity to complete your Census on the spot!

Saturday, July 25, 2020      10:00PM – 12:00PM

College Park Church of the Nazarene
9704 Rhode Island Ave.
College Park, MD 20740

ELECTION 2020 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS

All registered voters have the option and are encouraged  to vote by absentee ballot, including out-of-state students,  those overseas or in the military, in the November 3^rd elections. 

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THE COUNTY’S NEXT POLICE CHIEF

As the County begins a national search for a new Chief of Police, residents have an opportunity to weigh in. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey and share your thoughts and feedback on the County’s next Police Chief.  All results must be submitted by August 17th.  The survey is available in English and Spanish HERE.

CENSUS 2020  

We are now just about 100 days away from October 31, 2020, the last day to respond to the 2020 Census by phone, online or via mail.  The County’s current self-response rate is 64%, still short of the goal of 85% by October 31, 2020. While social distancing, there are still easy ways you can fill out your Census form and help the County to meet its goal.  Below is a list of upcoming Census promotion events.

Step Up, Step Out!  

Enter your video for "Step Up, Step Out for 2020 Census", a virtual block show and talent PSA competition. The contest is open to the undergraduate chapters of Greek Letter organizations and area college and university student organizations. The deadline for PSA video submissions is July 30, 2020; winners to be announced August 7, 2020. 

Visit StepUp4Census.Org for important details and criteria.

2020 Census Faith Action Weekend

July 24 – 26, 2020

CLICK HERE for More Information and a Faith-Based Census Guide

DISTRICT 3 COUNCIL MEMBER DANNIELLE GLAROS, PARTNERS WITH AT-LARGE COUNCIL MEMBER CALVIN HAWKINS AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS TO DISTRIBUTE MEALS

District 3 Council Member Dannielle Glaros partnered for the third time on Wednesday, July 22^nd, with the Department of Family Services to distribute boxes of meals to District 3 seniors age 60 and over. Council Vice-Chair, At-Large Council Member Calvin S. Hawkins, II, and members of his team, also joined Council Member Glaros' Chief of Staff Aimee Olivo and the District 3 team, at the City of New Carrollton Municipal Building, to help distribute 450 boxes of meals.  To date, this partnership has provided more than 1,000 boxes of meals in Council District 3. Thanks to numerous volunteer drivers, including Delegate Nicole Williams, Templeton Elementary School Principal Ebony Harris, Court-Appointed Special Advocates CEO Anne Marie Binsner, numerous Kaiser Permanente staff members, District 3 civic leaders, and local residents, more than half of these meals were delivered to District 3 seniors who were not able to pick them up. Council Member Glaros looks forward to partnering with DFS again in September.

COUNCIL CHAIR TODD M. TURNER COMPLETES ‘LUNCH FOR HEROES’FOR 4th COUNCIL DISTRICT FIRE STATIONS

On July 17th County Council Chair Todd M. Turner, joined by County Fire Chief Tiffany Green and crew, conducted his sixth weekly “Lunch for Heroes” distribution at the Glenn Dale Volunteer Fire Station 18 in Glenn Dale.  Over the past six weeks, Council Member Turner has provided lunch as a “thank you” for each of the fire stations located and serving the 4th Council District, including Stations 43, 39, 19, 16, 35 and 18, done in partnership with In Reach & Panera Bread. 

DISTRICT 8 COUNCIL MEMBER MONIQUE ANDERSON-WALKER PARTNERS TO HOST “YOUTH SUMMIT – LEADERS FOR ERADICATING INJUSTICES”

District 8 Council Member Monique Anderson-Walker, in partnership with BlackGirls4BlackLives and the Prince George’s County Office of Community Relations, hosted “Youth Summit – Leaders for Eradicating Injustices” on July 17th, as part of her ongoing “MOVING FORWARD” webinar series. Youth leaders from Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Montgomery and Howard counties, engaged in open and honest dialogue on racial equity, the power of voting, and 2020 Census participation. In addition, participating youth provided creative arts performances through spoken word and song. The “MOVING FORWARD” webinar series provides a platform for residents to engage in open and honest dialogue and discuss coping and transformative strategies on challenging topics.

LISTEN to the “Youth Summit – Leaders for Eradicating Injustices,” on YouTube.

COUNCIL MEMBERS CONGRATULATE FAME
ON ITS 16^TH ANNIVERSARY

County Council Chair Todd M. Turner, District 6 Council Member Derrick Leon Davis; and District 7 Council Member Rodney C. Streeter, are among the many supporters of the Virtual 16^th Annual Anniversary and Awards Celebration for FAME, the Foundation for the Advancement of Music and Education, to be held on Saturday, July 25^th at 6 p.m.  The event, celebrating 16 years of service to youth in our community, features host Fox Talks and musical guest Eric Roberson. The celebration event will honor educators and members of the community, as well as 2020 FAME Jazz Band Program graduates. 

Visit FAMEmusic.org for details.