 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-137-2021 on November 29, 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.
EDITOR’S NOTE: OOPS! OUR APOLOGIES. THE FIRST EMAIL WAS SENT IN ERROR. THIS CORRECTED VERSION REFLECTS THE UPDATED PHOTO HEADER.
THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING!
 |
|
DISTRICT COUNCIL
CONVENES TO CONSIDER
LAND-USE MATTERS
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, January 10th, for its first session following the Council’s December Recess. Monday’s zoning agenda included Oral Arguments, a New Case, and Cases Pending Finality.
WATCH Monday’s District Council Session.
|
 COUNTY COUNCIL REVIEWS PROPOSED CORRESPONDENCE; RECEIVES WSSC BRIEFING AND FINAL REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM REENTRY ADVISORY BOARD DURING VIRTUAL SESSION
The County Council convened virtually on Tuesday, January 11, 2022. Tuesday’s session opened with an Invocation provided by The Honorable JoAnne C. Benson, Chair, Prince George’s County Senate Delegation.
Council Members authorized the Chair’s signature on Proposed Correspondence transmitting the County Council’s appointment of a Public Member to the WSSC Water Inspector General Appointment Committee; and on Proposed Correspondence transmitting the County’s State Joint Legislative Priorities for the 2022 Maryland General Assembly Session, which convened Wednesday, January 12, 2022.
Council Members received a scheduled briefing on the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) Sewer Extension Needs for Unserved & Underserved Neighborhoods (Final Recommendations of Bi-County Infrastructure Working Group), presented by WSSC CEO/General Manager Carla Reid and WSSC Commissioners and executive staff.
During Tuesday’s session, the Prince George’s County Reentry Advisory Board, submitted its 2021 Final Report and Recommendations to the County Council for consideration.
WATCH Tuesday’s Session
COUNCIL JOINS THE CALL FOR MLK DAY OF SERVICE VOLUNTEERS; PRINCE GEORGIANS ENCOURAGED TO SAFELY ENGAGE IN VOLUNTEER OR VIRTUAL DR. KING DAY COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES - JANUARY 17
The Prince George’s County Council encourages residents to safely engage in volunteer or virtual community events, on Dr. Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 17, 2022, “The MLK Day of Service.”
In honor of Dr. King’s enduring legacy of service and recognizing the holiday as “a day on, not a day off,” the Council joins the national call for an ongoing commitment to community service and engagement.
Prince George’s County Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II says the MLK Day of Service is a wonderful opportunity to support and uplift fellow Prince Georgians, especially during these challenging times.
“As Prince Georgians serve one another in observance of this day, it is a great opportunity to recommit to achieving Dr. King’s global vision for a ‘Beloved Community,” embracing justice, equality and love for one another. Many of us are struggling under the weight of this ongoing pandemic. While COVID-19 challenges us, there are safe options to consider for honoring Dr. King’s legacy and strengthening our commitment to service.”
Council Members are hosting and/or participating in MLK Day of Service events. CLICK HERE for a partial list:
|
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION MEETS VIRTUALLY
The Prince George’s County 2021-2022 Charter Review Commission met virtually on Wednesday, January 5th. Section 1106 of the County Charter provides that the County Council and County Executive shall appoint by resolution, a Charter Review Commission to undertake a comprehensive study of the Charter and recommend appropriate changes to the Charter. Wednesday’s meeting agenda included summary briefings of Departmental Charter Mandated Duties and Responsibilities and Potential Charter Amendments. Commissioners received a presentation from Director of Finance, Stephen McGibbon, and a briefing presented by Legislative Branch Legislative Officer Kathleen Canning. The Charter Review Commission’s final report deadline is April 1, 2022. The next virtual meeting is scheduled for Friday, January 21, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. WATCH the January 5th meeting.
All Commission meetings are livestreamed and may be viewed live and on-demand at https://pgccouncil.us/Live
|
TASK FORCES & WORK GROUPS
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY REENTRY ADVISORY BOARD SUBMITS FINAL REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNTY COUNCIL
The Prince George’s County Re-Entry Advisory Board (RAB), established by Council Resolution 49-2019, has completed its work, and presented its Final Report and Recommendations to the Prince George’s County Council during a scheduled briefing on Tuesday, January 11, 2022.
The Re-Entry Advisory Board has worked to evaluate and assess resources, services, and institutional partnerships currently available in the County and identify ways to effectively implement a comprehensive re-entry program and services addressing additional employment, housing, mental health, and faith-based needs for the County’s returning citizens.
The briefing began with an Executive Summary from Re-Entry Advisory Board Chair Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. Ret., followed by an overview of the Board’s recommendations provided by Ashley Sharp, Chief of Staff to Council Chair Calvin Hawkins, and Walter Simmons, Employ Prince George’s President and Re-Entry Advisory Board Vice Chair.
Prince George’s County Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, thanked the Advisory Board for its commitment to transforming the re-entry process and reducing recidivism in the County. “The Re-Entry Advisory Board has been dedicated to the work of transforming the re-entry process in Prince George’s County. This document, the result of a very thorough and comprehensive review, will guide Prince George’s County in its mission to help returning citizens build sustainable lives and access important community resources. I want to thank Board Members, and residents and other community stakeholders who have invested in this critical document. I look forward to the Council review and its successful implementation.”
|
NEW COVID-19 TESTING SITE – TEMPLE HILLS
 The County Health Department and Office of Emergency Management opened a new COVID-19 testing site at the Temple Hills Community Center this week. Free testing is available to County residents Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Walk-ins only. This site will offer rapid COVID-19 testing only through Monday, January 17th. Both rapid and PCR testing will be available beginning Tuesday, January 18th. No insurance is needed. To learn more and find additional testing sites, visit health.mypgc.us/COVIDtesting
UPDATE: MLK HOLIDAY HOURS OF OPERATION FOR COVID TESTING AND VACCINE SITES
These COVID-19 vaccine and testing sites will be OPEN on the MLK Day of Service Holiday: COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at the Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Complex in Landover; COVID-19 testing site at the Bunker Hill Fire Station in Brentwood; and the COVID-19 testing site at the Temple Hills Community Center in Temple Hills. These sites will be CLOSED: COVID-19 testing site at the First United Methodist Church in Hyattsville; and the Roseu Medical Center in Laurel. *Please note: Hours of operations are subject to change due to weather forecasts for inclement weather on Sunday, Jan. 16th.
COVID-19 AT-HOME RAPID TEST KIT DISTRIBUTION
Beginning this week, Prince George’s County is distributing 25,000 at-home rapid COVID-19 test kits each week through County libraries and community centers. You must show proof of County residency when picking up a free test kit. One at home COVID-19 test kit, which contains 2 tests, will be distributed per person, ages 2 years or older, while supplies last. For more information about COVID testing in Prince George’s County or to locate testing sites, CLICK HERE
|
STATE OF MARYLAND COVID-19 TESTING SITES
 The Maryland Department of Health is opening or expanding COVID-19 testing sites across the State. Three sites have opened or expanded in Prince George’s County. No appointment needed:
UM Laurel Alternate Care Site (drive-thru)
7300 Van Dusen Rd.
Laurel, MD 20707
Washington Education Zone (drive-thru)
6511 Princess Garden Pkwy.
Lanham, MD 20706
City of Praise Family Ministries
8501 Jericho City Dr.
Landover, MD 20785
|
