THIS WEEK IN COUNTY COUNCIL

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-125-2020 on November 17, 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; FINAL LEGISLATIVE YEAR 2020 ZONING SESSION   The District Council, under the authority granted to act on zoning matters by the State of Maryland Regional District Act, known as Article 28 of the Maryland Annotated Code, convened virtually on Monday, November 16th, for its final session in Legislative Year 2020. Monday’s review of projects located in communities across Prince George’s County included items Referred for Documents and Pending Finality. WATCH Monday’s District Council session.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CONVENES VIRTUALLY; FINAL LEGISLATIVE YEAR 2020 MEETINGS TO REVIEW GENERAL ASSEMBLY ITEMS AND PROPOSED LEGISLATION, INCLUDING NEW DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY DUE TO COVID-19   The Council’s Committee of the Whole (COW) convened virtually on Monday, November 16th and again on Tuesday, November 17th, the final meetings in Legislative Year 2020. Monday’s COW discussed the upcoming 2021 Maryland General Assembly Session.   County Council Legislative Team Members Kenneth Battle and Monica Best James; as well as members of the County’s Executive’s team, Deputy Chief of Staff John Erzen, and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Rhea Harris participated in the discussion.  Agenda items included a review of General Assembly operating procedures; a recap of last Friday’s Joint Delegation Priorities meeting; and discussion about local bills and public hearings, as well as legislative priorities for the County Executive and County Council. WATCH Monday’s COW. During Tuesday’s COW, which convened following a recess from the County Council session, Council Members addressed proposed legislation – CR-125-2020, legislation concerning the County’s seventh continued Declaration of Emergency related to the Coronavirus pandemic. County Attorney Rhonda Weaver and Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Health, Human Services and Education, Dr. George Askew, and Director of Emergency Management, Ronnie Gill provided an overview of the updates to the County’s Emergency Declaration, as the troubling rise COVID-19 metrics in Prince George’s County continues. This resolution was moved favorably in COW and moved to the full Council agenda for a vote.  The COW reviewed CR-127-2020, establishing a “Health in All Policies,” approach that recognizes the many health factors outside of clinical settings and requiring communities to closely examine investment choices for health. This resolution was approved as amended in COW, and referred to the full Council for a vote.  Finally, the COW also reviewed CR-126-2020, a resolution approving a waiver of the Adequate Public Safety Police Response Time Calm Mitigation Fee, proposed by the County Executive,  for the mixed-use Callm Retreat Project in Clinton.  Following a full discussion, which included Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Public Safety Mark Magaw, Acting Police Chief Hector Velez, and residents who spoke on the matter, Council Members approved the resolution and moved the legislation to the full Council agenda.   WATCH Tuesday’s COW.

COUNTY COUNCIL CONVENES FINAL SESSION OF LEGISLATIVE YEAR 2020; SUPPORTS CONTINUED DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY; AUTHORIZES COVID19-RELATED PUBLIC SAFETY HAZARD PAY; ADOPTS “HEALTHY KIDS MEALS” LEGISLATION; ENACTS SEVERAL ZONING BILLS

The County Council convened virtually for its final session of Legislative Year 2020 on Tuesday, November 17th.   The Council will meet on December 1, 2020, for the Exchange of the Gavel, and schedule a December date to convene in response to COVID-19.  Council Chair Todd M. Turner (D) – District 4, remarked, “This has been a challenging Legislative Year for the Council and the residents we are privileged to represent.  I commend my Council colleagues, and the Legislative Branch staff, for a very successful year of work on behalf of Prince Georgians.  In collaboration  with County Executive Alsobrooks and her administration, we were able to enact legislation that improves quality of life for County residents, and addresses the issues that concern us all, especially during this time of crisis.”

The day-long session began with the introduction of Council Resolutions, followed by a review of Proposed Correspondence, 27 public hearings, and several measures eligible for a final Council vote. Several zoning bills and legislation related to hazard pay for public safety and other County officials were also approved.

Among the bills enacted on Tuesday, and subject to County Executive Angela Alsobrooks' signature:

Prince George’s County Seventh Continued Declaration of Emergency
Tuesday’s Council action included the introduction and adoption of CR-125-2020, continuing the County’s Declaration of Emergency, and addressing the impact of the current COVID-19 surge,  and the County’s return to a hybrid Phase1/Modified Phase2 status, as recently announced by County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.

Healthy Kids Meals
Council Members voted unanimously to approve CB-071-2020, far-reaching legislation to provide healthy food options for young people in the immediate community.  Following the unanimous vote, Council Member Sydney Harrison commented, “As the bill’s sponsor, Vice-Chair of the Council’s Health, Human Services committee, and a member of this legislative body committed to ‘Health in All Policies,’ I want to thank my Council colleagues and staff for their support and assistance with the passage of this groundbreaking legislation that moves us closer to a Healthier Prince George’s County.  I also want to thank coalition partners Sugar Free Kids Maryland, the Prince George’s Food Equity Council, and the American Heart Association for vigorously supporting this bill, and the speakers who testified in favor of the bill for their engagement in our legislative process.   I look forward to continuing our work with the restaurant industry and business community as part of our shared commitment to promote a culture of health and wellness in Prince George’s County, especially as we all continue to respond to the devastating impacts of COVID-19 in our communities.”

Health in All Policies
Tuesday’s Council adoption of CR-127-2020  establishes an approach to recognize health factors outside of clinical settings and require communities to  carefully consider their investment choices for health. The legislation, which references the recommendations in the most recent RAND report, states in part, “The Prince George’s County Council, sitting as the Board of Health, believes in Health in All Policies as a collaborative approach that integrates and articulates health  considerations into policymaking across all sectors to improve the health of all communities and people.”  CR-099-2020, designating Healthy Foods Priority Areas in the County for targeted tax incentives for grocery stores, also received final Council approval on Tuesday. READ the entire press release. 

WATCH Tuesday’s Council session. 

HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL WORK GROUP, RE-ENTRY ADVISORY BOARD AND CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION CONVENE

The Prince George’s County Council’s Housing Opportunities for All Work Group, Re-Entry Advisory Board, and Climate Action Commission convened virtually on Friday, November 20^th.  All meetings will be held virtually. The work group meetings may be viewed live and on-demand HERE. Agendas may be viewed in their entirety HERE.

Click on the image to learn more about these Council Groups.

COUNTY COUNCIL ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF FY 2021 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE GRANT AWARDS; FIFTH ROUND OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE GRANT FUNDING The County Council, in an initiative combatting domestic violence and related abuse in the County, announced a list of nine (9) nonprofit recipients of the Council’s FY 2021 Domestic Violence Grants on Thursday, November 19th. The Council appropriated $500,000 in FY 2021, for its fifth consecutive round of grant funding to support prevention activities and programs serving Housing, Workforce Development, Counseling/Mental Health Services, or Advocacy/Legal Services needs of County residents who are victims of domestic violence and other forms of related abuse.  To date, the Council has awarded $2.5 million in Domestic Violence Grants. For a list of the Council’s FY 2021 Domestic Violence Grant Awards, visit the webpage.   READ the press release.

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY UPDATED PHASE TWO GUIDELINES BASED ON STATE ACTIONS

This week, Governor Larry Hogan announced new measures  to stop the spread of COVID-19. Measures previously announced by the County Executive remain in place for Prince George’s County. However, on Friday, November 20 at 5:00 PM, restaurants and food service establishments must start closing dine-in service at 10:00 PM. Also, hospital visitation has been limited statewide and hospitals should avoid elective procedures unless it is a life-saving procedure. 

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY ANNOUNCES CURFEW AT NATIONAL HARBOR FOR UNACCOMPANIED MINORS DUE TO CONTINUED INCREASE IN
COVID-19 METRICS

Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced Thursday that Health Officer Dr. Ernest Carter has issued a Health Directive and Order imposing a curfew at National Harbor for unaccompanied minors (ages 17 and under) beginning Friday, November 20 at 5:00 PM. The County is taking this action to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus as cases continue to rise in the County, region and State. The Health Order imposes a curfew on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from 5:00 PM to 6:00 AM for unaccompanied minors ages 17 and under. Minors that are accompanied by an adult will still be able to shop and dine at the National Harbor after this time.   

LEARN MORE.

WATER CLOSES BUILDINGS TO PUBLIC ACCESS DUE TO REGION’S SURGING COVID-19 CASES  Due to surging COVID-19 cases in our region, WSSC Water announced Friday that it will again close its facilities to the public effective Monday, November 23. The reinstituted closures impact the Customer Service One-Stop Shop and Cashier Window, both located at WSSC Water’s headquarters building at 14501 Sweitzer Lane in Laurel. Additionally, on Monday, WSSC Water is centralizing its fire hydrant meter rental program to one location by appointment only: Anacostia Maintenance Depot located at 4102 Lloyd Street in Hyattsville.  WSSC Water Customer Service Advisors are available to help answer billing-related questions and assist financially struggling customers establish convenient payment plans and identify affordability programs that best meet their needs.   READ the notice.

COVID-19 HOLIDAY SEASON SAFETY TIPS 

The holiday season is upon us.  Plan ahead to protect yourself, your family and your community from COVID-19 when you celebrate November and December holidays including, but not limited to: Día de Los Muertos; Diwali; Kwanzaa; Thanksgiving; Hanukkah; Christmas; and New Year’s Eve. The Prince George’s County Health Department strongly recommends NOT holding large family gatherings. Any type of celebration must include everyone wearing masks, distancing at least six feet from one another, regular hand sanitizing and disinfection of high-touch surfaces.  For more information, CLICK HERE.

RAPID RE-EMPLOYMENT GRANT PROGRAM

Employ Prince George’s Rapid Re-Employment Grant online application is available HERE. Businesses hiring Prince George’s County residents before December 15 will qualify for grants up to $15,000 per new employee hired. Grants will supplement 50% to 90% of an employee’s salary during an agreed upon period. Businesses are eligible for up to $50,000 in grants for this program.  Funding is on a first-come, first-served basis.

NO COUNTY COUNCIL MEETINGS NEXT WEEK

Archived Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page

CONGRATULATIONS COUNCIL MEMBER RODNEY STREETER – 2020 RECIPIENT PHYLLIS CAMPBELL NEWSOME AWARD District 7 Council Member Rodney C. Streeter is the honored recipient of the 2020 Phyllis Campbell Newsome Public Policy Leadership Award, which highlights the work of elected and non-elected officials who have gone above and beyond in partnership with the nonprofit sector to ensure more vibrant communities. Upon accepting the award, presented virtually on Thursday, November 19th, by the Center for Nonprofit Advancement during its 41st Annual Celebration honoring nonprofits, Council Member Streeter noted, “The work of your organization and the nonprofit community is paramount to the viability of all communities. Let us continue to progress and thank you for your firm partnership and able advocacy.”  Each year, the Center honors four public officials with this award. One official is recognized from each of the jurisdictions the Center supports including, Prince George’s and Montgomery counties, the District of Columbia, and Northern Virginia

COUNCIL MEMBER DENI TAVERAS NAMED CHAIR OF METROPOLITAN COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENT’S CLIMATE, ENERGY, AND ENVIRONMENT POLICY COMMITTEE  District 2 Council Member Deni Taveras has been named chair of the Metropolitan Council of Government’s (COG) Climate, Energy, and Environment Policy Committee (CEEPC), the principal policy adviser to COG on climate change, energy, green building, alternate fuels, solid waste and recycling policy issues, and other environmental issues. This responsibility includes development of a regional climate change strategy to meet the regional greenhouse gas reduction goals adopted by the COG board. CEEPC members include federal, state, and regional agency representatives; electric and gas utilities; the Air and Climate Public Advisory Committee; environmental organizations; and business organizations.

COUNCIL CHAIR TODD M. TURNER DISTRIBUTES HOLIDAY MEALS TO DISTRICT 4 SENIORS

Council Chair Todd M. Turner and his District 4 Team hosted Thanksgiving Senior Meal Grab and Go event Thursday morning at the Bowie Senior Center.  These free meal distribution efforts, in partnership with the Prince George's County Department of Family Services, the cities of Bowie, and Greenbelt, distributed over 550 frozen, pre-packaged holiday meals prepared by Martin's Catering to senior residents.  Council Member Turner and the District 4 Team  were joined by representatives from Starbuck’s stores in Prince George’s County at the Bowie event, and Greenbelt CARES, and the honorable Judith Davis, Greenbelt City Council at the Greenbelt event.

COUNCIL VICE-CHAIR, COUNCIL MEMBER AT-LARGE CALVIN HAWKINS TEAMS WITH FOOD & FRIENDS TO PREPARE MEALS

On Wednesday morning, Council Vice-Chair, Council Member At-Large Calvin S. Hawkins, II, visited Food & Friends to volunteer and prepare pre-packaged meals for  clients with life-challenging illnesses and who need medically-tailored specialized meals delivered to their homes. Every client receives a weekly delivery of 18 meals. While the kitchen is located in the District of Columbia, nearly 30% of Food & Friends clients are Prince George’s County residents.

COUNCIL JOINS CENSUS 2020 “PROUD TO BE COUNTED” CELEBRATION

The County Council was pleased to partner with the Prince George’s County Government,  Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Prince George’s County Complete Count Committee, and many, many dedicated partners and volunteers to support Complete Count activities throughout Prince George’s County.  On Sunday, November 15th, Council Vice Chair, Council Member At-Large Calvin S. Hawkins, II, joined Prince George’s Planning Board Chairman, and Chair of the County’s Complete Count Committee, Betty Hewlett, and Maryland Secretary of Planning Robert McCord, for a special Census 2020 Complete Count Drive-by Celebration, in the parking lot of the Aviation Museum at College Park.  READ the Council Proclamation lauding the Complete Count Team for hard work, persistence, ingenuity and dedication to exceeding the goal and reaching a 70% self-response rate. Prince George’s County is Proud to be Counted! 

 HAPPY AND SAFE THANKSGIVING! 

The Prince George’s County Council wishes you a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving.   Because of COVID-19, special precautions must be considered for the safety of our families, loved ones and community.   The Council is thankful for privilege to represent Prince Georgians and our communities, and we urge each of you to follow the advice of our Health Department, and the new orders in place for your safety.