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-122-2021 on October 19, 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.

COUNTY COUNCIL CONVENES VIRTUAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION; EXTENDS COUNTY’S EMERGENCY DECLARATION DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS; SENDS ALTERNATIVE REDISTRICTING PLAN TO PUBLIC HEARING

The County Council convened in virtual session on Tuesday, October 19^th.  Following unanimous approval in the Committee of the Whole, the County Council adopted CR-122-2021, authorizing the County’s 14th Continued Declaration of Emergency due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).  State law requires the consent of the County Council to continue the declaration. During Tuesday’s Session, the Council also introduced CR-123-2021, a Resolution concerning the 2021 Prince George’s County Council Redistricting Plan, for the purpose of enacting a plan of County Council district boundaries in accordance with Section 305 of the County Charter.  The matter has been scheduled for public hearing on Tuesday, November 16, 2021. 

WATCH Tuesday’s Council Session.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CONVENES The Committee of the Whole (COW) convened virtually on Tuesday, October 19th and again on Thursday, October 21st.  There were two items for consideration on Tuesday’s COW agenda. CR-122-2021, concerning the County’s 14th Continued Declaration of Emergency due to the Coronavirus, was unanimously approved, and moved to the full Council for a vote.   The COW also reviewed CB-105-2021, an Act concerning Food Truck Hubs, for the purpose of eliminating Food Truck Hubs and authorizing Food Truck vending in certain zones in Prince George’s County.  The measure was not moved forward, citing the need for further discussion.  WATCH TUESDAY’S COW. Thursday’s COW session agenda included the review of proposed legislation, and a briefing on the Master Plan from the Prince George’s County Telecommunications Transmission Facilities Coordinating Committee (TTFCC).  Michelle D. Lyons, Chair, TTFCC Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement, and James Crane, Facility Coordinator, Columbia Telecommunications Corporation, provided the presentation to Council Members.  WATCH THURSDAY’S COW.

HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL WORK GROUP MEETS 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 the Director of the County’s Department of Housing and Community Development, Aspasia Xypolia, met virtually on Friday, October 22nd.  The HOFA Work Group is charged with developing policies and strategies to address the County’s housing affordability, housing quality, and types. During Friday’s meeting, HOFA members worked to reach agreement on priorities to guide development of detailed housing production targets and achieve a shared understanding of how these targets relate to existing housing needs.   HOFA members also received remarks from Deputy County Administrative Officer, Angie Rodgers. HOFA’s next meeting is scheduled for Friday, November 19th at 1:30 p.m.

CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION MEETS The Prince George’s County Climate Action Commission, established by CR-007-2020 to develop a Climate Action Plan for Prince George’s County, met virtually on Friday, October 21st.  The Commission is working to develop a plan that guides the County’s preparation for, and resilience to, regional climate change impacts, and sets and achieves climate stabilization goals.  On September 21, 2021, the County Council approved CR-93-2021, which extends the reporting time for Climate Action Plan, and the term of the Climate Action Commission to January 15 and January 30, 2022, respectively.   It also provides for a 30-day public comment period.  Friday’s discussion agenda included a Commission status update and approval of a Draft Climate Action Plan to move forward for a 30-day public comment period and submission to the County Council in January 2022.

COUNCIL CHAIR CALVIN S. HAWKINS, II, ISSUES STATEMENT ON PASSING OF COLIN POWELL, FORMER U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE

The Prince George’s County Council is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Colin Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State, at the age of 84.

His wife and family are foremost in our thoughts and prayers, as they embrace the personal and heartbreaking loss of a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

A trailblazer and principled leader who committed his life to serving our nation, he marked many “firsts” in a distinguished military, political and government career, creating new pathways for people of color and American immigrants.

General Powell’s legacy of leadership and service will have an enduring impact on us all, and as we remember him, we are grateful for a job well done.

NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY – SATURDAY; COVID VACCINES AVAILABLE

Prince George’s County residents can safely discard old, unused, or unwanted prescription medications this Saturday, October 23^rd, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at The Athletic Republic, 6417 Marlboro Pike, District Heights, MD, 20747, during the Health Department’s drive-through, drop-off event in recognition of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The initiative, led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), allows for a convenient and responsible way of disposing of unused or expired prescription drugs while helping to address a national public safety and public health issue.  Residents can also drop off e-cigarettes or other electronic smoking devices with batteries removed.  The Health Department is offering free COVID-19 vaccinations at the event as well. 

CLICK HERE to find additional drop-off sites in the County on Saturday.    

GET PROTECTED FROM THE FLU!

Don’t miss a chance to be protected from the flu! The County Health Department is offering FREE, WALK-IN, community flu shot clinics - open to all County residents.  If you’re under 18, you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There’s a clinic tomorrow, October 23^rd, at the Bowie Volunteer Fire Department, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Permanent hours at Health Department Clinics in Cheverly and Clinton.  See the flyer for additional information.

STAND UP AND DELIVER GROCERY DISTRIBUTION THIS WEEKEND

The County’s Stand Up & Deliver program, in an ongoing initiative to address food security concerns, will distribute Grab & Go groceries on Saturday, October 23^rd, at 10:00 a.m., at the following locations – First Baptist Church of Highland Park, Landover; Love A.M.E. Church at Capitol Heights Elementary, Capitol Heights; and Kingdom Fellowship AME at High Point High School, Beltsville.  While supplies last.  One box per vehicle.  

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY JOB AND RESOURCE FAIR – NOVEMBER 2^nd

Job hunting? Don’t miss the County’s Job and Resource Fair on Tuesday, November 2 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Residents will have access to job opportunities, a legal clinic, and many other government and community resources! Register here: https://bit.ly/PGCJobFairNov2

DEADLINE FAST APPROACHING!  APPLY NOW FOR COUNCIL’S DOMESTIC VIOLENCE GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITY October is Domestic Violence Month. Local nonprofits in Prince George’s County are urged to APPLY ONLINE for FY 22 County Council Domestic Violence Program grant funding in support of work addressing the needs of County residents who are survivors of domestic violence.  Do it now!  The deadline is Monday, October 25th at 5:00 p.m.

A NIGHT OF FUN WITH BOO-THRU

Join the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation for a safe Halloween drive-thru event at Watkins Regional Park, Glenn Dale Community Center and Cosca Regional Park!  Families will have the opportunity, from the safety of their vehicles, to tour through a family-friendly themed trail with lots of scenes to view, goodie bags, pumpkins (while supplies last), and more! Register at pgparksdirect.com, and search for ‘boo-thru.’

 COUNCIL MEETINGS NEXT WEEK

October 25 - Sitting as District Council - 10:00 AM - Agenda

October 26 - County Council -  10:00 AM  eComment

October 26 - Sitting as the Board of Health - 1:30 PM  Details

October 27 - Zoning Hearing Examiner - 9:30 AM  Agenda

October 28 - Sitting as the Committee of the Whole -  10:00 AM - Details

October 28 - Housing and Community Development Public Hearing - 5:00 PM                         eComment

Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page

COUNCIL VICE-CHAIR DENI TAVERAS HOLDS 6TH ANNUAL STATE OF DISTRICT 2 EVENT VIRTUALLY

Council Vice-Chair Deni Taveras (D-District 2) was joined by Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, Police Chief Malik Aziz and local division officers, District 3 School Board Member Pamela Boozer-Strother, PGCPS Chief Operating Officer Dr. Mark Fossett, and members of the Planning Department for her 6th Annual State of the District 2 Event on Wednesday.  The virtual event was attended by 61 participants.  Vice-Chair Taveras said it was a wonderful opportunity to share the many great community investments occurring in District 2!

DISTRICT 5 COUNCIL MEMBER JOLENE IVEY JOINS GROUNDBREAKING FOR NEW BLADENSBURG LIBRARY

Introduced as a true champion and advocate of the library system, District 5 Council Member Jolene Ivey joined the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System, and a host of other elected officials, library patrons and supporters on Wednesday morning, to participate in the groundbreaking celebration for the new Bladensburg Branch Library. At 22,000 square feet, the new space will be 3 times the size of the former one, accommodating more space and amenities for residents of all ages. 

WATCH the groundbreaking celebration!

DISTRICT 4 COUNCIL MEMBER JOINS CONGRESSMAN ANTHONY BROWN FOR TOUR OF NEW BUSINESS IN BOWIE

District 4 Council Member Todd M. Turner joined Congressman Anthony Brown on Monday, October 18^th for a site visit to SemaConnect, a Prince George’s County and Bowie-based business, a fully integrated manufacturer of electric vehicle charging solutions.  They toured the Bowie facility and met with the executive team for an overview of company operations. The 10-year-old company has grown from 4 to nearly 80 employees and is based in Melford in District 4.  Learn more about this exciting new industry. 

Visit https://semaconnect.com

DISTRICT 9 COUNCIL MEMBER SYDNEY HARRISON AND COUNCIL CHAIR CALVIN HAWKINS JOIN THE 99^TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR PRINCE GEORGIAN MRS. RUTH BARNES JONES! 

District 9 Council Member Sydney Harrison and Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, honored Prince Georgian, Mrs. Ruth Barnes Jones, with a Council Proclamation on Wednesday, celebrating her 99^th birthday!  Council Member Harrison asked about the secret to living a prosperous life.   Mrs. Barnes Jones answered, "Live right, treat everybody right, and mind your own business.”  She added that prayer helped her through the storms of life.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY MRS. RUTH BARNES JONES!