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 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-001-2022 on January 18, 2022. 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.
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 24th. Monday’s zoning agenda included Items Referred for Document and Cases Pending Finality.
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COUNTY COUNCIL CONVENES VIRTUAL SESSIONS; APPROVES PROPOSED CORRESPONDENCE AND LEGISLATION; RECEIVES POLICE AND VISION ZERO BRIEFINGS
 The Prince George’s County Council convene two virtual sessions this week, on Tuesday, January 25th, and Thursday, January 27th. Tuesday’s session began with a special Invocation, provided by The Reverend Colette Rice, Chaplain for the Prince George’s County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in honor of the late Cheryl A. Hickmon, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. National President and Chair of the National Board of Directors, who passed away after a recent illness on January 20, 2022.
Following Invocation, the Council reviewed Proposed Correspondence to County Executive Angela Alsobrooks transmitting the Council’s Legislative Calendar and Appointments Schedule for 2022, which was approved for authorization of the Council Chair’s signature. The Council also adopted CR-003-2022, legislation extending the appointment of Martin L. Harris as Acting Director of the Department of Public Works and Transportation.
Tuesday’s Council agenda also included Police Briefings focusing on the County’s planned Mental Health Facility, and status updates on the Implementation of Police Task Force Recommendations and Police Department Staffing presented by Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Public Safety, Barry Stanton, and Chief of Police Malik Aziz. Council session concluded with a Vision Zero briefing update - a County initiative to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all including people who bike walk, drive and use transit.
The Council also convened a virtual session on Thursday, January 27th to address a Motion to convene in Executive Session.
WATCH Tuesday’s Council session
WATCH Thursday's Council session
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE HOLDS VIRTUAL MEETINGS THIS WEEK; BRIEFINGS AND WORK SESSIONS
The Council’s Committee of the Whole met virtually on Monday, January 24th, to receive a briefing and hold a work session on the Planning Board’s Adopted Bowie-Mitchellville & Vicinity Master Plan. The Council must approve; approve with limited revisions; or declare that a second public hearing will be conducted on amendments to the Plan by March 10, 2022. To view the plan or for additional information, CLICK HERE .
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The COW also met virtually on Tuesday, January 25th for General Assembly updates, including a Fiscal Year 2023 Statewide Budget overview, and discussion of statewide and local measures. Council Member Turner Todd M. Turner provided the COW with Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) updates as well.
On Thursday, January 27th, the COW held its final work session of the week. Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) CEO, Dr. Monica Goldson, and Strategic Initiatives Officer Dr. Kara Libby reviewed the Kirwan Commission Mandates and Status of Implementation with Council Members. Dr. Goldson was accompanied by the Director of the Office of Alternative Infrastructure Planning and Development, Jason Washington, to provide the COW with an update on P3 school construction projects.
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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, January 28th. 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 discussed strategies to help the County achieve its priorities for housing production over the next several years; strategy implementation; proposals for a permanent housing advisory board in the County. The next scheduled HOFA meeting is Friday, February 25 at 10:30 a.m.
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PASSING OF NOTE
CITY OF HYATTSVILLE MAYOR KEVIN WARD
The Prince George’s County Council extends its deepest condolences to the family, loved ones and constituency of City of Hyattsville Mayor Kevin Ward, upon the difficult news this week that he sadly passed away from an apparent suicide. Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, recalled, “Kevin, who recently stepped in upon former Mayor Hollingsworth’s exit, was a grassroots public servant who was so full of life and always open to collaboration that will ultimately uplift and support others. Please pray for his family and the City of Hyattsville during this unforeseen and sad time.”
The City of Hyattsville is among the communities represented by District 2 Council Member Deni Taveras. She commented on the loss of this public servant. “We deeply mourn the loss of City of Hyattsville Mayor Kevin Ward. I have always respected his commitment to his community, diplomacy skills, and enjoyed his quick-witted comedic banter. I stand with him, his family, his children, and his constituency on this sad and tragic day. Today, we are all Kevin Ward.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. Call the 24/7 Maryland Crisis Hotline 2-1-1 and press option #1 .
LEARN MORE about accessing Mental Health Resources in Prince George’s County. Always, in the case of a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1
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HIGH POINT HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER CHERYL MITCHELL
The Prince George’s County Council is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of County educator Cheryl Mitchell, who was found deceased of natural causes inside High Point High School in Beltsville, where she taught. The Council holds her family, High Point High School and the entire Prince George’s County school community in our thoughts and prayers.
District 1 Council Member Tom Dernoga, who represents the community of Beltsville, noted, “We are devastated to hear of the passing of High Point High School educator, Cheryl Mitchell. She will be remembered as a strong student advocate who supported diversity. We send our support to her family, students and colleagues.”
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 COVID-19 TESTING UPDATE – BUNKER HILL FIRE STATION UPDATED HOURS
 The County Health Department’s COVID-19 testing site at the Bunker Hill Fire Station is now open on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Free rapid and PCR testing is available to County residents, regardless of insurance coverage.
For more information or to find additional testing sites, visit: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/3472/COVID-19-Testing
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY HEALTH CONNECT – OPEN ENROLLMENT DEADLINE EXTENSION
 The deadline for Marylanders to apply for health insurance through Maryland Health Connection has been extended until Monday, February 28th. Prince George’s County Health Connect is available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to assist residents with health insurance needs. For more information and to get covered, visit: https://www.pgchealthconnect.org/
STATE OF MARYLAND CONSUMER ALERT – BEWARE OF COVID DOOR-TO-DOOR TESTING
The Maryland Office of the Attorney General is alerting Marylanders of individuals and labs offering door-to-door COVID testing. The individuals performing these tests promise prompt results, but consumers have reported not receiving results several weeks after the initial test. Consumers have complained that they do not know how their personal identifying information is being secured.
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 COUNTY EXECUTIVE’S FY 2023 BUDGET
LISTENING SESSION – FEBRUARY 1
 Join County Executive Alsobrooks for her FY 2023 Budget Listening Session on Tuesday, February 1, from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts, concerns and ideas as the County Executive and her budget team develop her proposed FY 2023 County Budget. To sign up to testify virtually during the listening session, visit https://bit.ly/FY23pgcbudgetsession Residents must sign up by Monday, January 31 at 5:00 PM to be added to the speakers’ list. Written comments may be submitted via email to OMB@co.pg.md.us until Friday, February 4 at 5:00 PM.
UPDATE - BULKY TRASH PICKUP
 The County is rolling out a newer, faster, and improved curbside bulky trash collection pickup! Starting February 14th, residents can place TWO bulky items curbside on your regular trash day, without an appointment. Bulky appointments are still required for white goods/appliances and scrap tires. For a list of acceptable items and more information, visit http://mypgc.us/clearthecurb .
VIOLENCE PREVENTION TASK FORCE – BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION
 The Prince George’s County Hope in Action Anti-Violence Project is seeking County residents interested in serving on the new Violence Prevention Task Force. This group will work to create short-term and long-term strategies to reduce violence in the County, especially gun violence. Applications will be accepted for the Task Force until 5:00 PM on Friday, February 11. For more information and to access the application, visit: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/909/Community-Relations
METRO SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT ON FY23 BUDGET PROPOSAL THAT WOULD IMPROVE SERVICE AND FARES – PUBLIC COMMENT ENDS FEBRUARY 15th
The public comment period for Metro's Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) budget is officially open, and Metro's Board of Directors wants the public’s input. Metro is encouraging the public to share feedback before the comment period ends at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 15. A summary of key proposals is below, with full information about the proposals and ways to provide feedback available at wmata.com/budget
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CHALLENGES TO PUBLIC TRANSIT IN THE CONTINUING PANDEMIC ENVIRONMENT – WHAT’S YOUR SOLUTION? – PUBLIC HEARING FEBRUARY 2
 The Washington Suburban Transit Commission, which acts as the liaison between the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) for public transit, rail, bus, and para-transit planning and policy issues, will hold a virtual meeting on Wednesday, February 2, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Residents are encouraged to provide input on transit issues and challenges, especially amid the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic. To submit questions or comments in advance, email wstcofficial@gmail.com To register, CLICK HERE.
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 COUNCIL MEETINGS NEXT WEEK
February 1 - Council Sitting as the Committee of the Whole - Details
February 1 - Council Council - Details
February 2 - Council Council - Details
February 2 - Charter Review Commission - 4:30 PM - Public Notice
February 3 - County Council Retreat - Details
Archived Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page
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WEEKEND SNOW
The County’s Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) is prepared for the winter storms that impact our region.
 When a snow emergency is declared, DPW&T is responsible for providing “passable” conditions on a network of more than 1,900 miles of County-maintained roadways to ensure the safety of residents, citizens, and travelers.
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