Council Connections Newsletter

The Prince George’s County Council continues to operate under 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-48-2021 on May 11, 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. The 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.

“THE PEOPLE’S BUDGET” - PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTS $4.6 BILLION FY 2022 COUNTY BUDGET –

The Prince George’s County Council, convening virtually on Thursday, May 27^th, unanimously adopted a balanced $4.6 billion Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2022.  The County’s new spending plan, which reflects a 2.2-percent increase over last year’s budget, takes effect with the new Fiscal Year, which begins July 1, 2021. 

Following Council adoption of what Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, called “The People’s Budget,” he noted the impact of COVID-19 on Prince George’s County, and shared his optimism for its fiscal future.

“These are times like none other – not only for the challenges, but also for the opportunities before us. This final budget package is built upon sound and responsible principles of fiscal management, which we continue to follow.  It will take time for our slow economy to heal, but Prince George’s County is not standing still, and we will not be pulled back.”

READ the press release

WATCH the Council Budget Adoption

VISIT the FY22 Budget Portal 

DISTRICT COUNCIL CONVENES VIRTUAL SESSION ON LAND-USE MATTERS The Prince George’s County Council, sitting as the District Council on zoning matters, met virtually on Monday, May 24th. The scheduled session included Oral Arguments; Items Referred for Document; Items Pending Finality; and one case requiring Mandatory Review, Terrapin House located in District 3. 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.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CONVENES VIRTUALLY TO CONSIDER LEGISLATION The Committee of the Whole convened virtually on Monday, May 24th to address CR-047-2021, legislation concerning the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) which transfers certain appropriations and expenditures between programs in the Fiscal Year 2020-21 Operating Budget for the Recreation Fund.  CR-047-2021 received a favorable committee recommendation and was referred to the full Council for consideration. WATCH MONDAY’S COW.

COUNTY COUNCIL CONVENES VIRTUAL SESSION; HOLDS PUBLIC HEARINGS; ADOPTS LEGISLATION 

The County Council convened in virtual session on Monday, May 24th to consider several Council Resolutions eligible for adoption.   A public hearing was held for CR-046-2021, legislation approving certain multi-year contracts in accordance with the Prince George's County Charter, which was subsequently adopted by the Council.  The Council also adopted several other resolutions including CR-053-2021, legislation designating the Jones-Sheridan House and the Hierling House, both located in Hyattsville,   as Prince George’s County Historic Sites; CR-054-2021, legislation condemning all forms of anti-Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) sentiment, racism, and discrimination; and CR-055-2021, legislation declaring May as Mental Health Awareness Month. 

WATCH MONDAY’S COUNCIL SESSION.

CHAIR CALVIN S. HAWKINS, II, OFFERS COUNCIL CONDOLENCES UPON THE PASSING OF NATIONAL HARBOR DEVELOPER MILT PETERSON

The Prince George’s County Council is saddened to learn of the passing of visionary National Harbor developer, Milt Peterson, founder and chairman of the Peterson Companies. 

We extend our sincere condolences to his wife Carolyn; children Lauren, Rick, Jon and Steven; sister Sally; and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A true icon in the development community, Milt Peterson was the force behind the development of Fair Lakes and downtown Silver Spring, Maryland. 

In Prince George’s County, he transformed a 300-acre parcel on the banks of the Potomac River, into a vibrant multi-use waterfront development and resort destination now recognized the world over as National Harbor, and in turn, helped to build and grow Prince George’s County. 

Instrumental in the creation of the Center for Minority Business Development at Prince George’s Community College, Milt Peterson’s genuine appreciation for the value of Prince George’s County, and his contributions, which included molding successful, new business leaders in our community are incalculable.  

The impact of Milt Peterson’s groundbreaking investments in Prince George’s County will endure as an important part of his remarkable and legendary legacy. 

HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL WORK GROUP MEETS VIRTUALLY  The Prince George’s County Housing Opportunities for All Work Group (HOFA), established by CR-16-2019, and co-chaired by Council Member Dannielle Glaros and Department of Housing and Community Development Director Aspasia Xypolia, met Friday, May 28th.  The HOFA Work Group is charged with developing policies and strategies to address the County’s housing affordability, quality and housing types. During Friday’s meeting, the work group discussed recent implementation activities related to Housing Opportunities for All and worked to build consensus around the proposed universal design policy framework.

MASK MANDATE LIFTED 

Due to a continued decline in COVID-19 metrics and increasing vaccination rates, Prince George’s County is following CDC guidance and lifting the mask mandate effective Friday, May 28th at 5:00 PM. Masks are still required on public transportation and in schools, and in childcare and healthcare settings. Unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to continue wearing a mask until they are fully vaccinated and are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Visit mypgc.us/COVIDVaccine   WATCH Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks’ press conference on Wednesday to learn more.

READ the press release (English)

READ the press release (Spanish)

GREENBELT VACCINE CENTER OPEN
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

The FEMA Vaccination Center at the Greenbelt Metro Station is open Memorial Day Weekend, and walk-ins are welcome! If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, plan to stop by so you can be #ProudtobeProtected.

UTILITY ASSISTANCE TOWN HALL – JUNE 1

Mark your calendars for this one!  Prince George’s County is hosting a Utility Assistance Town Hall on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at 6:30 PM. Hear about support and assistance programs offered by the Department of Social Services, utility companies and the Salvation Army. Register HERE and receive the ZOOM information to participate.

COUNTY LIBRARIES MOVE TO PHASE THREE REOPENING – JUNE 14^TH  

The Prince George's County Memorial Library System will begin Phase 3 reopening on Monday, June 14. During Phase 3, libraries will be open to the public for full browsing, with computer use and curbside service by appointment. More information: https://pgcmls.info/reopening

EDC PERSONAL SERVICES BUSINESS GRANT

Through the Economic Development Corporation, personal services professionals in Prince George’s County are eligible for $5,000 grants to establish or expand business technical capabilities. Eligible use of funds may also include reimbursement of equipment or services purchased for, or related to, business online/e-commerce sustainability. There is a SHORT application period between June 1 and 15. Learn more and prepare to apply early: www.pgcedc.com/ebusiness

STAND UP & DELIVER – SATURDAY, MAY 29 & SUNDAY, MAY 30

The Prince George’s County Stand Up & Deliver program, in an ongoing initiative to address food security issues, will distribute Grab & Go groceries at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, May 29^TH, at New Home Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Highland Park, both in Landover.   A second distribution will take place on Sunday, May 30th, at 10:00 a.m., at the Community of Hope Church in Temple Hills.  While supplies last.  One box per vehicle.  

CLICK HERE to donate to the County’s Stand Up & Deliver program.

WSSC WATER – LATE FEES RESUME JUNE 1! WSSC Water has enhanced its programs and pay plans to provide financial assistance to more customers. Eligible residential customers may request a pay plan to make their water and sewer bills more affordable. Late fees resume June 1.  Need help?  Call 301.206.4001 Mon. – Fri., 7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., or CLICK HERE for more information on WSSC Water Financial Assistance.

REMINDER: MARYLAND VACCINATION LOTTERY DRAWINGS

If you’re a Maryland resident, have been vaccinated, and are 18+, you are eligible to win.  Daily drawings awarding $40,000 each day to vaccinated Marylanders.  Fourth of July Grand Prize $400,000.

If you haven’t been vaccinated, do so as soon as possible. Learn more HERE. 

 COUNCIL MEETINGS NEXT WEEK

June 02 - County Council  - 10:00 AM  Agenda

June 02 - Council sitting as District Council - 12:30 PM   Agenda

June 02 - Compensation & Charter Review Meetings  - 11:30 PM  Public Notice

June 03 - Council sitting as Committee of the Whole  - 10:00 AM  Agenda

June 04 - Responsible Legacy Task Force Meeting - 10:00 AM     Public Notice

June 04 - Food Security Task Force Meeting - 1:00 PM   Public Notice

Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page

DISTRICT 8 COUNCIL MEMBER MONIQUE ANDERSON-WALKER OFFERS REFLECTIONS OF MILTON V. PETERSON, PRINCIPAL AND CHAIRMAN OF PETERSON COMPANIES

We have lost a beloved visionary and industry leader, Milton V. Peterson, Principal and Chairman of Peterson Companies. Milt was renowned for his iconic development in the DMV, including the beautiful National Harbor in Prince George's County. Milt was a generous and kind man who never sought attention. I enjoyed knowing him, having in-depth conversations with him, and watching his visions become realities. District 8 will always have Milt Peterson with us at our National Harbor.

COUNCIL MEMBERS JOIN COUNTY EXECUTIVE ANGELA ALSOBROOKS AND ACTING POLICE CHIEF MALIK AZIZ ON 311 COMMUNITY WALKS

Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, and Council Member At-Large Mel Franklin were among a host of elected and community leaders, who joined County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Acting Police Chief Malik Aziz, and members of the County Police Department and Office of Community Relations, on a 311 Community Walk this week through the Capitol Heights/Walker Mill community.  Also, this week, Council Vice-Chair Deni Taveras joined the County Executive, acting Police Chief Aziz, and County Government agencies, for another 311 Community Walk through the Lewisdale neighborhood.  Community members shared several quality of life concerns, including crime and litter, that impact Prince Georgians, as they discussed the need to reinvest in established communities. 

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY HEALTHY KIDS’ MEALS BILL BECOMES LAW – EFFECTIVE MAY 24 On Monday, May 24, 2021, a new County law took effect that will make it easier for families and their children to choose healthier food and drink options when ordering kids’ meals at restaurants in the County. In November, the County Council unanimously approved CB-071-2020, also known as the Prince George’s County Healthy Kids’ Meals bill, which was signed into law by County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. This is the first legislation of its kind in the country to include healthier comprehensive options for both food and drinks. District 9 Council Member Sydney J. Harrison sponsored the legislation, supported by a diverse coalition, led by Sugar Free Kids Maryland, the Prince George’s Food Equity Council, American Heart Association and Center for Science in the Public Interest.  “As this groundbreaking new Healthy Kids Meals law takes effect, I look forward to its far-reaching impact on positive health outcomes, especially for our youth in Prince George’s County,” said Council Member Harrison. READ MORE.

DISTRICT 4 COUNCIL MEMBER TODD M. TURNER JOINS SPECIAL EVENT AT MARIETTA HOUSE MUSEUM IN GLENN DALE

District 4 Council Member Todd M. Turner was pleased to join the members and supporters of the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area, Inc. (ATHA)/Maryland Milestones for a special Preservation Month tour event at the Marietta House Museum in Glenn Dale.  Council Member Turner also recognized outgoing ATHA Executive Director for his decade of service, and formally welcomed the new Executive Director Ed Meagan Baco.