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 COUNCIL EMERGENCY OPERATIONS STATUS
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 September 1, 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-90-2020 on September 15, 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. Rules of Procedure for the County Council and District Council have been amended, pursuant to CR-57-2020 and CR-58-2020, respectively, adopted on July 21, 2020, for virtual and remote public participation before each body.
DISTRICT COUNCIL CONVENES TO REVIEW LAND-USE MATTERS
The Prince George’s County Council, sitting as the District Council on zoning matters, met virtually on Monday, September 21st. The District Council is granted authority to act on zoning matters by the State of Maryland Regional District Act, now in the Land Use Article, of the Maryland Annotated Code.
WATCH Monday’s District Council meeting.
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COUNCIL CONVENES TO REVIEW LEGISLATION AND PROPOSED CORRESPONDENCE; EXTENDS COUNTY STATE OF EMERGENCY; RECEIVES COVID-19 BRIEFING UPDATE; HOLDS JOINT PUBLIC HEARING
 The virtual County Council session on Tuesday, September 22nd, heard three important briefing updates. The first briefing, a Board of Elections update, was provided by Elections Administrator Alisha Alexander, joined by Deputy Chief Administrator Officer Floyd Holt. Critical details of the upcoming November 3rd Presidential General Election were shared. WATCH the Board of Elections briefing.
During the second briefing, Council Members received a status update on the MDOT Purple Line P3 Project from Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) Administrator, Kevin Quinn; Purple Line Project Director, Matt Pollack; Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation Major Projects Manager, Victor Weissberg; and Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation Deputy Director Martin Harris. The discussion included a focus on current litigation and the short-term plan for the State responsibilities for the Purple Line project and included Council concerns about the status of this critical project. This briefing was also covered by The Washington Post and in Maryland Matters. WATCH the briefing.
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Finally, the Council also received a status update on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), on the I-495 and I-270 Managed Toll Lanes project. The briefing was presented by MDOT SHA I-495 & I-270 P3 Office Director Lisa B. Choplin; Deputy Director, Jeff Folden; Environmental Manager, Caryn Brookman; and Strategic Communications and Intergovernmental Affairs Manager, Shawn Eum. Deputy General Counsel Debra Borden and Planning Coordinator Crystal Hancock, representing the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and the County’s Department of Public Works and Transportation also participated in the briefing presentation. The deadline to provide public comments on the DEIS has been extended until November 9, 2020. WATCH for the latest on this major State transportation project.
Tuesday’s Council session also included the Presentation and Introduction of proposed legislation and approval of proposed correspondence. For Tuesday’s full agenda, WATCH the Council Session.
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COUNCIL APPROVES JOINT LETTER TO GOVERNOR HOGAN ADDRESSING 2020 GENERAL ELECTION VOTING; GOVERNOR URGED TO CONTINUE SUPPORT FOR GENERAL ELECTION WITH ADDITIONAL FUNDING AND OPERATIONAL ASSISTANCE
The Prince George’s County Council, during a virtual session on Tuesday, September 22nd, voted to authorize Council Chair Todd M. Turner’s signature on a Joint Letter with County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, to Maryland Governor Larry Hogan. The correspondence, a follow up to a Joint Letter approved on July 7, 2020, urges Governor Hogan to continue support for the 2020 Presidential General Election by providing additional funding and operational assistance for local Boards of Elections to conduct a fair and successful General Election on November 3rd. The Prince George’s County Board of Elections estimates additional unbudgeted costs to the County of over $3.5 million to conduct the election. This briefing was also covered by Maryland Matters. READ the entire press release
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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE HOLDS VIRTUAL MEETING TO REVIEW LEGISLATION AND APPOINTMENTS
The Council’s Committee of the Whole (COW) met virtually on Thursday, September 24th, to review proposed legislation and County Executive appointees to the Prince George’s County Solid Waste Advisory Commission, Wage Determination Board, and the Commission for Animal Control, which were favorably voted out of COW for public hearings and consideration by the full Council. CR-086-2020, legislation concerning the FY 21 Annual Transportation Plan for Maryland Public Transportation Programs and Americans with Disabilities Act Program; CB-058-2020, legislation establishing June 19th as Juneteenth Day to be observed as a regular County holiday in Prince George’s County, Maryland; and CB-057-2020, legislation establishing the Homestead Property Tax Credit for the County property tax for the taxable year beginning July 1, 2021 were also favorably voted out of COW for consideration by the full County Council. Additionally, COW approved a motion to draft a Resolution of Approval for the proposed designation of the Teed House as an Historic Site in College Park, Maryland. WATCH Thursday’s COW meeting.
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HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL WORK GROUP MEETS VIRTUALLY; DISCUSSION AGENDA INCLUDES CHALLENGES OF COVID-19 AND OVERVIEW OF INCLUSIONARY ZONING STUDY
The Housing Opportunities for All (HOFA) workgroup, established by CR-16- 2019, and chaired by Council Member Dannielle Glaros, met virtually for the first time on Friday, September 25th. The meeting, the first since the March County State of Emergency, was attended by more than 60 participants, including Council Chair Turner and Council Member Davis. Included on the meeting agenda was a discussion about the impact of COVID-19 on housing, and an overview of the Inclusionary zoning study for the County. HOFA is charged with assisting the County with setting priorities and implementing the Comprehensive Housing Strategy Report, entitled "Housing Opportunities for All for Prince George’s County.” The workgroup provides advice on any proposed legislation and/or changes for consideration by the County to policies, regulations, procedures, and distribution of County resources. Executive Director of the Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development, Estella Alexander serves as HOFA Co-Chair.
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CONGRATULATIONS COUNCIL MEMBER DENI TAVERAS – 2020 CAIR COALITION COMMUNITY ADVOCATE AWARD RECIPIENT!
District 2 Council Member Deni Taveras is proudly congratulated upon being honored with the 2020 Community Impact Award, presented during the 2020 CAIR Coalition Virtual Awards Gala, on Wednesday, September 23rd. The stated mission of the Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition is to ensure equal justice for all immigrant adults and children at risk of detention and deportation in the Capital region area and beyond through direct legal representation, know your rights presentations, impact litigation, advocacy, and the enlistment and training of attorneys to defend immigrants.
“Prince George’s County Council Member Deni Taveras has demonstrated that having an ally and lead advocate at the local level not only matters, it can make all the difference in the world, as we work to ensure that immigrants threatened with detention and deportation have access to the legal services needed to keep immigrant families together.” – 2020 CAIR COALITION VIRTUAL AWARDS
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COUNCIL CHAIR TURNER ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF SUPREME COURT JUSTICE RUTH BADER GINSBURG
The Prince George’s County Council joins the nation in mourning the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. A groundbreaking Supreme Court Justice, professor and litigator, she was a tireless and powerful champion for equality under the law, who dedicated her entire career to upholding the ideals outlined in our Constitution. A fighter until her final days, Justice Ginsburg’s voice will be sorely missed on the Supreme Court and in our nation’s discourse. Her enduring legacy will continue to inspire the commitment of future generations of Americans to work for justice. The County Council remains grateful for her distinguished record of service, and we offer our sincere condolences to her family, loved ones, her colleagues and the nation during this most sorrowful and reflective time.
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COUNTY EXECUTIVE ANGELA ALSOBROOKS ANNOUNCES PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY TO REMAIN IN PHASE 2 REOPENING; ANIMAL SERVICES FACILITY AND ADOPTION CENTER TO REOPEN, APPOINTMENT ONLY, ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced during a press conference on Thursday, September 24th, that the County will remain in Phase 2 reopening due to a slight spike in cases in the County after the Labor Day holiday weekend. This decision was made under the advice of County health officials after analyzing COVID-19 data and trends over the past two weeks. “I want to commend Prince Georgians for continuing to do a beautiful job of keeping each other safe,” said Alsobrooks. “The increase that we saw from the recent Labor Day holiday weekend was not as bad as the one we saw following the 4th of July weekend, so if our numbers continue to trend downward, we may be able to move into our next phase of recovery in the near future.” The County Executive also announced that the Prince George’s County Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center (ASFAC) in Upper Marlboro will reopen by appointment only on Monday, September 28, for pet adoptions, pet redemptions, and animal intake. For details, WATCH ON YOU TUBE. READ the press release.
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LIBRARY CURBSIDE SERVICE
 All library buildings, including restrooms, remain closed to the public, however the library is offering curbside service for safe access to its materials. Mobile printing is also now available at select branches. Make sure to use the curbside service at our local library branch. LEARN MORE.
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ELECTION 2020 – PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY VOTERS GET THE FAQ’S
What is the safest way to vote? To reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, all registered voters, including out-of-state students, those overseas or in the military, have the option and are encouraged to Vote-by-Mail in the November 3rd Presidential General Election. Please note that the deadline to register to vote for the 2020 Presidential General Election is 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2020. Got more questions about your voting options in the November 3rd General Election? Get Registered. Get Your Ballot. Get the FAQ’s! Visit the Prince George’s County Board of Elections ONLINE.
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DISTRICT 9 COUNCIL MEMBER SYDNEY HARRISON SHARING CENSUS INFORMATION; DEADLINE IS NEXT WEEK!
On Friday, September 18th, District 9 Council Member Sydney Harrison and the District 9 Team went door-to-door in the community, urging residents to complete their 2020 Census. The deadline to complete the 2020 Census is Wednesday, September 30th. Getting counted means you will help bring increased federal funding resources to your community and help determine the updated legislative and voting boundaries. The next census will not take place again until 2030, so let’s make sure Prince George’s County gets the federal funding and resources it needs over the next 10 years! Make sure your family, friends, neighbors and every Prince Georgian gets counted. Visit my2020Cenus.gov or call 844-330-2020 today!
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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY PLANNING BOARD SCHEDULES ANNUAL BUDGET FORUMS; 2020 BUDGET FORUMS WILL BE VIRTUAL
 The Prince George’s County Planning Board of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is holding its 2020 Budget Forums virtually this fall, to solicit comments on the Commission’s budget for planning, parks and recreation in Prince George’s County for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2021. The virtual public forums will be held on Tuesday, September 29th at 7:00 p.m., and again on Tuesday, October 13th at 7:00 p.m. Public participation is encouraged. Everyone who wishes to speak at the Budget Forum MUST REGISTER ONLINE by Noon, the Monday before the forum. CLICK HERE to register to speak.
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 September 29 - County Council- 10:00 AM Notice
September 29 - Board of Health - 11:00 AM Details
September 29 - Sitting as Committee of the Whole - 1:00 PM Details
September 30 - Zoning Hearing Examiner - 9:30 AM Details
October 1 - Sitting as Committee of the Whole - 10:00 AM Details
October 2 - Responsible Legacy Task Force - 10:00 AM Details
October 2 - Food Security Task Force - 1:00 PM Details
Meetings can be viewed from Council Livestream page
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DISTRICT 8 COUNCIL MEMBER MONIQUE ANDERSON-WALKER AMONG SPEAKERS PARTICIPATING IN VIRTUAL WASHINGTON REGION VISION ZERO SUMMIT
 District 8 Council Member Monique Anderson-Walker was among a noted panel of speakers for the Virtual Washington Region Vision Zero Summit, Closing Plenary: Vision Zero in the Washington Region, on Thursday, September 24th. This event brings together elected officials, decision-makers, advocates, and the private sector to share best practices, insights and innovations to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our region’s streets and highways. The Closing Plenary discussion was moderated by Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) Executive Advocacy Director Jeremiah Lowery, with opening remarks from Kristen Smith, Head of Global Road Safety Policy, Uber. Council Member Anderson-Walker joined At-Large, District of Columbia Councilmember Elissa Silverman, Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson, and WABA Executive Director Greg Billing on the panel, which included discussion about transportation equity, and changing the culture.
COUNCIL DISTRICT 4 TEAM HELPS TO DISTRIBUTE EMPLOY PRINCE GEORGE’S CASH CARDS TO RESIDENTS IMPACTED BY COVID
On Thursday, September 24th, Employ Prince George’s (EPG) successfully distributed over $23,000 in EPG Cash Cards to City of Bowie and District 4 residents affected and laid off due to the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Prince George’s County Council Chair Todd M. Turner’s District 4 Team joined Bowie City Council Member Ingrid Scott Harrison, the Bowie Senior Center, and the Bowie Police Department to host the Cash Card Distribution event. Both the City of Bowie and Council Chair Turner provided funding to assist residents approved for the COVID-19 Hourly Employee Relief Fund. There is still funding available to residents in need of assistance through the relief fund! Visit www.EmployPGedge.com to apply today!
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