 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-101-2020 on October 13, 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 VIRTUALLY ON LAND-USE MATTERS
The Prince George’s County Council, sitting as the District Council on zoning matters, met virtually on Monday, October 19th. The District Council is granted authority to act on zoning matters by the State of Maryland Regional District Act, in the Land Use Article, of the Maryland Annotated Code. The scheduled session included Oral Arguments; Items for Discussion; and Items Pending Finality for land-use projects in communities across the County. WATCH Monday’s District Council meeting.
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COUNTY COUNCIL CONVENES VIRTUAL SESSION; APPROVES MOU FOR PGCPS ALTERNATIVE CONSTRUCTION FINANCING FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS; REVIEWS LEGISLATION AND PROPOSED CORRESPONDENCE; RECEIVES BRIEFING UPDATES ON POLICE REFORM, BODY CAMERAS, AND COUNTY’S COVID RECOVERY PLAN
 The County Council convened a virtual session on Tuesday, October 20th, during which Council Members adopted CR-100-2020, as amended, approving the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) governing the Alternative Financing Construction (ACF) program, a multi-year public-private partnership to build new public schools in the County, and provide upgraded learning environments for approximately 8,000 students over the next four years. Upon adoption, Council Chair Todd M. Turner stated, “With Tuesday’s vote, the County Council continues to make critical investments in the County’s children, their families and our County, and reinforces school construction as a priority.”
READ the Chair’s statement.
Council Members also adopted CR-087-2020, a Resolution concerning the 2018 Water and Sewer Plan (June 2020 Cycle of Amendments), changing the water and sewer category designations of properties within the 2018 Water and Sewer Plan and introduced Proposed Correspondence regarding the 2021 Priority Projects List for the FY 2021-2026 State Consolidated Transportation Program, and the 495/I-270 Managed Lanes Study Draft Environmental Impact Statement, which were referred to the Committee of the Whole for discussion.
Additionally, the Council received two briefing updates. Prince George’s County Deputy CAO for Public Safety, Mark Magaw, updated the status of the Body-Worn Camera program, and joined a discussion on the progress of the Police Reform Work Group, with co-chairs, Judge Maureen Lamasney and Delegate Alonzo Washington. District 7 Council Member Rodney C. Streeter, representing the Council on the Police Reform Work Group, commented that subcommittees are now drafting recommendations for consideration by the full work group, and encouraged Council colleagues to share their thoughts and concerns, noting that a final report is expected by the December 4th deadline for presenting final recommendations to the Council.
Prince George’s Forward Task Force co-chairs, Dr. Charlene Dukes and David Velazquez, provided a presentation to the Council on the first of three task force reports, “Actions Today.” The Actions Today report offers concrete recommendations for immediate implementation to help the County and residents emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic stronger than ever. Its recommendations focus on five key areas of recovery: economic, health, education, human and social services, and government operations.
WATCH Tuesday’s Council session.
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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE RECEIVES BRIEFINGS; ADDRESSES PROPOSED CORRESPONDENCE; REVIEWS LEGISLATION
The Council’s Committee of the Whole (COW) convened virtually twice this week, on Tuesday, October 20th and Thursday, October 22nd, to receive committee briefings, address proposed correspondence and review legislation. Tuesday’s session included a briefing on Prince George’s County’s 2020-2021 Transmission Facilities Coordinating Committee (TFCC) Telecommunications Master Plan and Fiscal Year 2020 Annual Report. The Council also addressed CB-078-2020, as an addition to the agenda. The measure, which was favorably considered by COW, referred to the full Council and introduced, amends the Landlord-Tenant Code to limit a landlord’s ability to increase rent for certain tenants during the COVID-19 crisis. WATCH Tuesday’s COW.
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Thursday’s COW session included briefing updates from new Prince George’s Community College President, Dr. Falecia D. Williams; Prince George’s County Parks and Recreation on Youth Sports; and WSSC on Spending Affordability Limits. COW committee members also reviewed CR-103-2020, legislation concerning loans to Cybrary, Inc., and approved the measure for full Council review. Prior to adjourning, COW discussed two proposed joint letters to Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Gregory Slater regarding the County’s transportation priorities and the I-495/I-270 Managed Lanes Study Draft Environment Impact Statement (DEIF). WATCH Thursday’s COW.
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COUNCIL CHAIR TODD M. TURNER, AND COUNCIL MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE IN SUPPORT OF ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION MODEL FOR PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
 Prince George’s County Council Chair Todd M. Turner, Council Vice-Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, and Council Members Rodney Streeter, Mel Franklin, Dannielle Glaros, and Sydney Harrison joined Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and Prince George’s County Public Schools CEO Dr. Monica Goldson for a press conference at Drew-Freeman Middle School in Suitland, to discuss the critical need for the Alternative Construction Finance Plan to build new schools in the County. Chair Turner offered remarks on behalf of the County Council. Also participating as a speaker was Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO David Harrington, who discussed the impact on the business community. WATCH the press conference on YouTube. CLICK HERE for additional photos.
 PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY COUNCIL CHAIR TODD M. TURNER ISSUES STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO BOARD OF EDUCATION DECISION ADVANCING THE ALTERNATIVE CONSTRUCTION FINANCING PROJECT TO BUILD NEW SCHOOLS
The Prince George’s County Council congratulates Board of Education Chair, Dr. Alvin Thornton, and Board of Education members, on their approval of the historic Alternative Financing Construction (ACF) project, a first of its kind school construction model in Maryland and the nation. This week, the Council adopted CR-100-2020, as amended, approving the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the governing document that will guide the County’s collective roles and responsibilities as we proceed down the path for this groundbreaking public-private partnership approach to building the new schools we need. This novel, innovative and collaborative school construction model is an exciting undertaking, and the Council looks forward to traveling this critical journey jointly with County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Prince George’s County Schools CEO Dr. Monica Goldson, the Board of Education, and state lawmakers, for the benefit of our children and residents.
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY RE-ENTRY ADVISORY BOARD MEETS; DISCUSSES LEGISLATION; PREMIERES PRESENTATION VIDEO; RECEIVES BRIEFING ON DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA RE-ENTRY SERVICES
The Prince George’s County Re-Entry Advisory Board, established by Council Resolution 49-2019, and chaired by Council Member At-Large Calvin S. Hawkins, II, met virtually on Friday, October 23rd. The board is charged with determining, evaluating and implementing a comprehensive Re-Entry Program and re-entry services in the County to service formerly incarcerated persons attempting to acclimate back into society. During its meeting on Friday, the Re-Entry Advisory Board received a briefing update from Council Member At-Large Mel Franklin on Council Bill – 028-2020, proposed legislation establishing an incentive program to encourage employers to hire County residents who are returning from incarceration and related requirements.
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To further discuss the bill and because of deadlines for this year’s Legislative Session, the bill will be re-introduced next year to proceed with moving forward. Additionally, the board received a briefing presented by Kwasi Apraku-Gyau, MBA, CPM, Director of the D.C. Department of Corrections READY Center, a consolidated location where formerly incarcerated District of Columbia residents can access resources. Advisory Board members also viewed a short presentation video about the work of the Re-Entry Advisory Board and the County’s Bridge Center at Adam’s House, and heard from State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy and Prince George’s County Sheriff Melvin High on the importance of this effort in the County.
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PRINCE GEORGIANS COUNT! – CENSUS 2020
The response of Prince Georgians to Census 2020 will definitely make a difference in our communities! Prince George’s County surpassed the 2010 Self-response rate of 68.6% , achieving a final 2020 self-response rate of 70%! We are Prince George’s Proud to be Counted! The total census response rate, including households visited by enumerators, will be published later by the Census Bureau. GREAT WORK PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY!
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HEALTH DEPARTMENT BEGINS BILLING INSURANCE COMPANIES FOR COVID-19 TESTING SERVICES; PATIENTS WILL NOT BE CHARGED REGARDLESS OF INSURANCE COVERAGE
Individuals who were tested for COVID-19 at any of the testing locations operated or supplied by the Prince George’s County Health Department will soon be contacted by the department to obtain their health insurance information, if any. The purpose is to submit the cost of the individual’s COVID-19 testing services to their insurance plan for reimbursement to the County. Whether individuals have insurance or not, there will be no out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 testing at a department testing site. Insurance carriers cannot hold patients responsible for any deductible or co-pay. Whether patients have insurance or not, department employees will not be asking for any payment information from them. COVID-19 testing at County Health Department sites remains free regardless of insurance coverage. Appointments, doctor’s notes, and health insurance are not needed to get tested. If individuals have health insurance, they must present their insurance card at the testing site. For more information about COVID-19 testing, please visit health.mypgc.us/COVIDtesting.
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PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY - SATURDAY OCT. 24
 Avoiding substance use and preventing overdoses is extremely important but heeding that call right now is critical as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to present a variety of behavioral health challenges. That’s why the Prince George’s County Council wants you to know that the County’s Health Department and its partners are proud to once again sponsor National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24th to help minimize substance use and overdoses, and ultimately save lives in our communities. This year with social distancing, the event will be a drive-through drug take back from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brentwood Volunteer Fire Department, located at 3716 Rhode Island Avenue, Brentwood, MD, which ensures everyone’s safety. You can also stop by any one of the County’s eight district stations on Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm to safely and responsibly dispose of expired or unused medications and drop off all electronic smoking devices at all participating locations. No needles/sharps or aerosol medications. Face masks required.
SUPPORT COUNTY’S STAND AND DELIVER PROGRAM AT NANDO’S COMMUNITY DAY!
 Join Nando’s for their Community Day at the new Woodmore Towne Centre location on Saturday, October 24. Proceeds will benefit Children’s National Hospital and the County’s Stand Up & Deliver program addressing food security issues for residents impacted by COVID-19.
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