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 January 21, 2021, 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-2-2021 on January 12, 2021.  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.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE  CONVENES VIRTUALLY TO REVIEW PROPOSED LEGISLATION AND RECEIVE UPDATES The Prince George’s County Council Committee of the Whole (COW) convened virtually on Tuesday, February 2nd to discuss the Council’s position on proposed statewide and local bills under consideration in the 2021 Maryland General Assembly Session. The COW also received an update on Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) 2021 legislative initiatives.  WATCH Tuesday’s COW.   On Thursday, February 4th, the COW met to discuss CB-001-2021, which following public comment, was held in committee for further discussion and amendments.  CB-003-2021, also on the meeting agenda, was held in COW.  Both measures concern Qualified Data Centers.   WATCH Thursday’s COW.

COUNTY COUNCIL CONVENES FOR FEDERAL UPDATE FROM U.S. CONGRESSMAN STENY H. HOYER; REVIEWS LEGISLATION; CONSIDERS CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION AND EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS

The County Council convened session on Tuesday, February 2^nd, with a federal update briefing from Congressman Steny Hoyer, the Majority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Maryland's Fifth Congressional District.  Congressman Hoyer discussed a wide range of issues and concerns impacting Prince George’s County and the nation.  Topics included updates on the new Biden-Harris Administration and the 117th Congress, as well as the January 6^th attacks on the U.S. Capitol; COVID vaccine disparities; the economy; transportation; and relocating the FBI headquarters to Prince George’s County. READ Congressman Hoyer’s press release.

Tuesday’s Council session also included a review of Proposed Correspondence and proposed legislation.   Following discussion in the Committee of the Whole, the County Council approved CR-003-2021, concerning the appointment of seven citizens to the 2021-2022 Charter Review Commission, tasked with undertaking a comprehensive study of the County Charter, and CR-009-2021, extending the Executive appointment of Tara Jackson as Prince George’s County’s Acting Chief Administrative Officer.  WATCH Tuesday’s Council Session.

COUNCIL CONVENES AS BOARD OF HEALTH - RECEIVES UPDATES ON VACCINE DISTRIBUTION; LAUREL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CAMPUS; DOCTORS HOSPITAL AND LUMINIS HEALTH The Prince George’s County Council, sitting as the Board of Health, convened on Tuesday, February 2nd, for a briefing update on the County’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution status from Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Health and Human Services, George Askew, MD, and Office of Homeland Security Acting Director Ronnie Gill.  The Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives Executive Director, Steven McAdams, provided Maryland COVID-19 vaccine distribution updates, focusing on support and resources for Prince George’s County communities.  The Board of Health also received briefings on the Laurel Health and Wellness Campus, and Doctors Hospital/Luminis Health.   Board of Health Liaison Terrence Fullum, MD, and Advisor, Yolandra Hancock, MD were also on hand to provide Board of Health updates and participate in the discussions.  WATCH Tuesday’s Board of Health meeting.

COUNCIL CHAIR CALVIN S. HAWKINS, II JOINS COUNTY EXECUTIVE ANGELA ALSOBROOKS FOR POLICE REFORM ANNOUNCEMENT

Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, joined County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Interim Police Chief Hector Velez, and Police Reform Task Force co-chairs, Judge Maureen Lamasney and Delegate Alonzo Washington, for a Friday afternoon press conference announcing Police Reform recommendations to be implemented in the County.  After a comprehensive study and review of the Police Department, the Police Reform Work Group, created in July 2020 by the County Executive, submitted its Report and Recommendations to the County Executive on December 4, 2020. The Work Group's recommendation report is available HERE.   WATCH the press conference. 

RESPONSIBLE LEGACY TASK FORCE MEETS  The nine-member Prince George’s County Responsible Legacy Task Force, established by Council Resolution-81-2019, convened a virtual meeting on Friday, February 5th.   The task force is charged with reviewing all County monuments, parks, street names, County buildings and other places of honor, and creating a process to determine the future of names linked to a prejudiced past.  The Prince George’s County Responsible Legacy Task Force is working to ensure that the County’s legacy is one of equality, diversity and inclusion.  Friday’s meeting discussed plans for public input in the task force process.  The Prince George’s County Responsible Legacy Task Force will submit an interim report on or before December 31, 2020 and prepare a final report on or before June 30, 2021.  The next meeting is scheduled for March 5, 2021.

COUNCIL CHAIR CALVIN S. HAWKINS, II, JOINS MARYLAND GOVERNOR LARRY HOGAN AND COUNTY EXECUTIVE ANGELA ALSOBROOKS FOR TOUR OF SIX FLAGS MASS COVID-19 VACCINE SITE IN LARGO

Council Chair Hawkins joined Governor Hogan and County Executive Alsobrooks for a tour of the Six Flags America Mass Vaccination Site in Largo on Friday, February 5^th.  The site, a partnership between the Maryland Department of Health, the Maryland National Guard, and Kaiser Permanente, will open officially on Saturday, February 6^th. Vaccinations are by appointment only, and appointments to receive the second dose will be scheduled simultaneously.

SAVE THE DATE:  DR. ANTHONY FAUCI JOINS COUNTY LEADERS FOR A VIRTUAL DISCUSSION ABOUT COVID VACCINES ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH

Prince George’s County welcomes Chief Medical Advisor to the President and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Director, Dr. Anthony Fauci, on Monday, February 8, 2021, at 2:00 PM, for a virtual discussion about COVID-19 vaccines.  Join Dr. Fauci and County leaders to get answers to your questions and concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID vaccines.  Don’t forget!  Monday, February 8^th at 2 p.m.  You can view the webinar discussion at here.

NEW!  COVID-19 VACCINE HOTLINE

The COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Hotline is NOW LIVE for seniors and County residents who need assistance with pre-registering for a vaccine appointment. For help, CALL 311 and PRESS #. Only those who need assistance with pre-registering should call the hotline. Please share this information with seniors and other County residents who need this assistance.  For more information about the County’s COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Program, visit the COUNTY’S VACCINE WEBPAGE. 

SNAP HOTLINE The Homeless Persons Representation Project (HPRP) has launched a hotline to provide free legal help for Maryland families in order to get and keep their SNAP benefits. Call 1-800-613-2518 to learn more and access help.

HELP WITH FUEL BILLS  The Fuel Fund of Maryland may be able to help income-eligible County residents with fuel bills. LEARN MORE about the fund and find out if you might be eligible.

COUNTY SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL INSPECTION PROGRAM MANDATES TIMELY CLEARING OF SNOW AND ICE  Did you remember to clear the snow and ice from your sidewalk after this week’s snow?  The clearing of snow and ice from sidewalks and other paved walkways after a storm involving subfreezing precipitation is an important safety and accessibility consideration for pedestrians, especially those who have ambulatory disabilities, young children and seniors.  Prince George’s County requires the prompt clearing of snow and ice from public sidewalks after snow events. Owners, tenants and managers of residential and commercial properties with paved sidewalks adjacent to their properties are responsible for removal of snow and ice. Failure to do so could result in a reminder notice, fines, or you could bear the cost of a contractor hired by the County to clear the sidewalk.  CLICK HERE for more information.

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROVIDER SURVEY; JOIN
THE VILLAGE

The Prince George’s County Re-Entry Advisory Board continues to pioneer the comprehensive improvement process supporting returning citizens since pre-COVID.  The Advisory Board is now engaging the County’s community service providers in the process, so these services can be accessed and utilized. Re-engaging neighbors and family members, while giving them the tools they need to succeed as citizens, takes a village. We want our Prince George’s County-based service providers to be a part of the village.  Join this important work by completing this SURVEY by February 28th!

 COUNCIL MEETINGS NEXT WEEK

February 8 - Board of Appeals - 6:00 PM   Agenda

February 9 - Council Sitting as Committee of the Whole - 10:00 AM     Agenda

February 9 - County Council  - 11:30 AM    Agenda

February 9 - Council Sitting as District Council - 12:00 PM   Agenda

February 10 - Zoning Hearing Examiner - 9:30 AM  Agenda

February 10 - Board of Appeals - 6:00 PM Agenda

February 11 - Council Sitting as Committee of the Whole - 6:00 PM  Agenda

February 12 - Re-Entry Advisory Board -10:00 AM  Public Notice

February 12 - Food Security Task Force - 1:00 PM  Public Notice

 Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page

While we have seen continued decreases in key COVID-19 metrics over the past few weeks, Prince Georgians must remain vigilant. The Health Department strongly recommends not gathering with those outside your immediate household on Super Bowl Sunday. Let’s continue to keep our loved ones, friends and neighbors safe.

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH!

Celebrate and honor African American heritage during Black History Month in February. From performances to history lessons to tours, there are plenty of exciting events and activities planned throughout Prince George's County.   CLICK HERE for Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning activities.