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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.
COUNTY COUNCIL CONVENES VIRTUAL SESSION; APPROVES PROPOSED CORRESPONDENCE, ADOPTS LEGISLATION, RECEIVES NACo AND NEW ZONING ORDINANCE BRIEFINGS
The Prince George’s County Council convened on Tuesday, February 8th, beginning with the review of Proposed Correspondence to Prince George’s County Senate Delegation Chair Joanne C. Benson, and Prince George’s County House Delegation Chair Nick Charles, transmitting the position of the Prince George's County Council on proposed State legislation. Council Members approved the correspondence for the Council Chair’s signature. The Council also addressed CR-009-2022, concerning National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and CR-010-2022, recognizing National Mentoring Month, both unanimously approved by the Council. Prior to adjournment, the Council received a National Association of Counties (NACo) briefing, followed by a briefing update on the New Zoning Ordinance.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CONDUCTS VIRTUAL MEETINGS THIS WEEK; RECEIVES GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPDATES AND REVIEWS LEGISLATION
The Council’s Committee of the Whole met virtually on Tuesday, December 8th for General Assembly updates, including a discussion of statewide and local measures. Council Member Turner Todd M. Turner also provided the COW with Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) updates.
The COW met virtually on Thursday, February 10th for a scheduled briefing and the review of legislation. The Department of the Environment briefing was postponed and will be rescheduled. Included among the measures approved by the COW and forwarded to the full Council for consideration are CB-001-2022, CB-002-2022 and CB-003-2022, Collective Bargaining legislation, and CR-004-2022, CR-005-2022 and CR-006-2022, Compensation and Benefits measures. CR-007-2022, concerning Contract Approvals, also received COW approval.
WATCH Tuesday’s COW
WATCH Thursday’s COW
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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 Tuesday, February 8th. Tuesday’s zoning agenda included two Items Referred for Document, Carozza Property in District 9, and JH Calvert Park, LLC located in District 3.
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COUNCIL HOSTS BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROGRAM
 In observance of Black History Month 2022, the Prince George’s County Council will host a virtual Black History Program, “Black America Speak Up,” on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., and you’re invited! The program will feature musical selections by the Prince George’s County Choral Society. Poetry and spoken word performances will also be offered by Creative Suitland artists, C. Alexandria-Bernard Thomas; Billye Keene Okera, Brenardo Taylor, and Sainey Ceesay, representing Creative Suitland. The Reverend Dr. Gwendolyn E. Boyd of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church will provide the Invocation.
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CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARING
 The Prince George’s County 2021-2022 Charter Review Commission will hold a Virtual Public Hearing on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. on its proposed recommendations for Charter changes. 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. The Charter Review Commission’s final report deadline is April 1, 2022. To register to speak, submit comments or provide written testimony, CLICK HERE. You must register by 3:00 p.m. on the day BEFORE the Public Hearing. The next Charter Review Commission meeting is scheduled for Friday, February 18, 2022, at 10 a.m. The meeting will be virtual and may be viewed at https://pgccouncil.us/Live
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 $2 MILLION VAXCASH 2.0 PROMOTION FOR BOOSTED MARYLANDERS
 Maryland has launched its VaxCash 2.0 Promotion, which will award $2 million in cash prizes to a total of 12 Maryland residents who have received their booster shot every week through May 3. Maryland residents 18 and older who have received their primary COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shot in Maryland at any time are eligible to win. No registration or entry is needed.
FREE COVID-19 RAPID AT-HOME TEST KIT AND KN95 MASK DISTRIBUTION
 Did you get your COVID-19 at home test kit and KN95 masks yet? The County is continuing to distribute the rapid test kits and KN95 masks at select libraries and community centers each week. Test kits are free, regardless of insurance or immigration status. Additional locations have been added to include evening and weekend hours. TWO test kits (one kit contains 2 tests) will be distributed per person ages 2 years or older present at the time of pick-up. Residents must show proof of County residency. For more information and a complete list of distribution locations for at-home rapid tests and KN95 masks, visit: health.mypgc.us/COVIDsupplies
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 NEW BULKY TRASH COLLECTION STARTS NEXT WEEK
 Starting next week, residents receiving County services will be able to place UP TO 2 standard bulky items at the curb for collection on their regular trash day each week. Wondering what you can place curbside without an appointment?
Learn More at: mypgc.us/clearthecurb
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 COUNCIL MEETINGS NEXT WEEK
February 14 - Council Sitting as the District Council - 10:00 AM Details
February 14 - Council Sitting as the Committee of the Whole - 10:30 AM Details
February 15 - Swearing-in Ceremony – Council Member, District 8 - 10:00 AM
February 15 - County Council - 11:30 AM Details
February 15 - Sitting as the Committee of the Whole - 1:00 PM Details
Archived Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page
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DISTRICT 4 COUNCIL MEMBER TODD M. TURNER PROVIDES FOOD SECURITY TASK FORCE BRIEFING TO FARM POLICY COMMITTEE
 District 4 Council Member, and Chair of the Council’s Food Security Task Force Todd M. Turner, provided a briefing to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Food and Agriculture Regional Member (FARM) Policy Committee on Friday, February 11th. Council Member Turner joined the virtual meeting to provide an overview of the Food Security Task Force Final Report and Recommendations, presented to the Council in January. The Food Security Task Force was established with a goal of identifying challenges and opportunities, and providing recommendations for creating a healthy, equitable, and sustainable food system in Prince George’s County.
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COUNCIL VICE CHAIR SYDNEY HARRISON FOCUSES ON REGIONAL CONCERNS |
Council Vice Chair Sydney Harrison, representing Prince George’s County on the Board of Directors, participated in the monthly Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) meeting on Wednesday, February 9th. Board members are appointed each year by COG’s local governments and representatives from the Maryland and Virginia state legislative delegations. The current board consists of 34 members—the majority are elected officials. In recent years, the board has focused on regional infrastructure, economic competitiveness, and the Metrorail system. Wednesday’s meeting featured a robust discussion about housing concerns - specifically housing affordability, advancing livability, and 2030 regional housing targets. COG meetings are open to the public.
COUNCIL MEMBER DANNIELLE GLAROS MODERATES FOOD SECURITY PANEL
 District 3 Council Member Dannielle Glaros was honored to moderate the Food Security panel at the virtual Prince George’s County Commission for Women’s Legislative Briefing, “Women Moving & Upward,” on Sunday, February 6th. The keynote speaker was Tisa Clark, Immediate Past President Board Chair, Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce. Included on the panelists’ discussion agenda, the Prince George’s County Food Security Task Force Final Report and Recommendations.
COUNCIL CHAIR CALVIN HAWKINS AND DISTRICT 5 COUNCIL MEMBER JOLENE IVEY TEAM FOR RIBBON-CUTTING
 Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II and District 5 Council Member Jolene Ivey attended the January 29th ribbon- cutting event for the I See You Foundation, a nonprofit focused on alleviating local homelessness and restoring dignity, compassion, and respect for families in need. They joined “I See You” founder, Salwa Tagouri, her family, board members and a host of volunteers to cut the ribbon on the nonprofit’s new property located in District 5.
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