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 EIGHT
COUNCIL MEMBER EDWARD BURROUGHS, III SWORN INTO OFFICE
FILLS DISTRICT EIGHT VACANCY

Council Members welcomed their newest colleague, District 8 Council Member Edward Burroughs, III, who was administered the Oath of Office on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, by District Court of Maryland Associate Judge LaKeecia Allen, during a swearing-in ceremony in the Council Hearing Room in Largo.  Council Member Burroughs won a Special Election to fill the District 8 Council seat left vacant in November 2021.  In remarks to family and supporters present, including House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Council Member Burroughs recognized his parents and family members for motivating him to work hard and serve. “I would like to thank my family and parents, who are with me today.  My father is here, and I believe he is the hardest working person I know, so that is something I learned from him. There are not enough words for me to properly express my love and appreciation for all of you, so I will say thank you for all you have done and continue to do for me.”  Following the swearing-in ceremony, Council Member Burroughs was seated for his first County Council session.

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, February 14th. Monday’s zoning agenda included New Cases, and Cases Pending Finality in districts across Prince George’s County.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CONDUCTS VIRTUAL MEETINGS THIS WEEK; APPROVES EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS; RECEIVES SEVERAL BRIEFING The Council’s Committee of the Whole (COW) met virtually on Monday, February 14th to consider Executive appointments to the Nuisance Abatement Board of Prince George’s County. A scheduled briefing on the Legislative Branch Budget was deferred to Thursday’s COW session.  The Executive appointments, approved by the COW, will be subject to a Public Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at 11:30 a.m.

The COW met virtually on Tuesday, February 15th to receive legislative updates for the Maryland General Assembly, including statewide and local bills impacting Prince George’s County.  District 4 Council Member Todd M. Turner also provided a Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) legislative update to his colleagues. 

The COW also met virtually on Thursday, February 17^th. Council Members approved the Executive appointment of Regina Y. Speed-Bost to the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC), as well as appointments to the Agricultural Resources Advisory Committee.   The COW also received briefings during Thursday’s session.   Thomas Lester, Project Manager, Community Planning Division, Long Range Planning Section provided the Maryland-National Park and Planning Commission’s Transcript Analysis of the Preliminary Bowie-Mitchellville and Vicinity Master Plan (Digest of Testimony).

Thursday’s COW included a briefing on the new Legislative Branch Constituent Services System, presented by Council Office of Communications Team Member, Shelby McRae, Technology and Communications Manager.  The COW adjourned following a briefing presentation on the FY 2023 Legislative Branch Budget.

COUNTY COUNCIL CONVENES VIRTUAL SESSION; REVIEWS LEGISLATION; RECEIVES CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION BRIEFING

The Prince George’s County Council convened session on Tuesday, February 15^th, with the Introduction of CB-005-2022, proposed legislation establishing a Property Tax Credit for elderly individuals.  The Council received a Climate Action Commission briefing presented by Department of the Environment Director Andrea Crooms; Associate Director Dawn Hawkins-Nixon; and Natural Resources Program Manager Mary Abe.  The briefing focused on the Climate Action Plan recommendations for Prince George’s County.  Council Members also authorized the Chair’s signature on Council letters addressed to Prince George’s County Senate Delegation Chair Joanne C. Benson, and Prince George’s County House Delegation Chair Nick Charles stating the position of the Council on proposed State legislation impacting the County; to WMATA Chair Paul Smedberg, expressing the Council’s position on WMATA’s proposed FY 2023 Budget and Service Proposal; and to Council Administrator Robert J. Williams, Jr., appointing Turkessa M. Green as the County Auditor for Prince George’s County, effective March 1, 2022.

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION MEETS VIRTUALLY   The Prince George’s County 2021-2022 Charter Review Commission met on Friday, February 18th.   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. Friday’s meeting agenda included briefings presented by Tara H. Jackson, Chief Administrative Officer, Office of the County Executive, and Alisha Alexander, Elections Administrator, Board of Elections.  Following discussion, Friday’s meeting was adjourned.

CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION HOLDS VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24^TH

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.  Residents are encouraged to share their recommendations or concerns regarding the County Charter with the Commission.  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, Wednesday, February 23rd. The public hearing will be virtual and may be viewed at live and on demand at https://pgccouncil.us/live

COVID-19 VACCINE BOOSTER CLINIC

The County Health Department is hosting COVID-19 vaccine booster clinics throughout the County. Getting a booster shot greatly reduces your risk of severe illness or hospitalization due to COVID-19.  To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit: mypgc.us/COVIDVaccine

COVID-19 RAPID AT-HOME TEST KIT/KN95 MASK DISTRIBUTION

The County is continuing to distribute COVID-19 rapid test kits and KN95 masks at select libraries and community centers each week while supplies last. Test kits and KN95 masks are free.  Residents must show proof of County residency. Two test kits (one kit contains 2 tests) and/or two masks will be distributed per person ages 2 years or older present at the time of pick-up. For more information, visit: health.mypgc.us/COVIDsupplies

$2 MILLION VAXCASH 2.0 PROMOTION FOR BOOSTED MARYLANDERS

Get boosted and be entered in the Maryland VaxCash 2.0 Promotion, awarding $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.   LEARN MORE

COUNCIL MEETINGS NEXT WEEK

February 22 - Council Sitting as the Committee of the Whole - 10:00 AM   Details

February 22 - County Council - 11:30 AM    Agenda

February 23 - Board of Appeals - 6:00 PM   Details

February 24 - County Council  - 6:00 PM  -  Agenda

February 24 - Council Sitting as the Committee of the Whole - 11:30 AM - Agenda

Archived Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page

JOIN US!  COUNTY COUNCIL HOSTS VIRTUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROGRAM – FEB. 24  

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, as well as poetry and spoken word performances offered by Creative Suitland artists - C. Alexandria-Bernard Thomas; Billye Keene Okera, Brenardo Taylor, and Sainey Ceesay.  The Reverend Dr. Gwendolyn E. Boyd of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church will provide the Invocation.   READ MORE.  

On Thursday, February 24, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., TUNE IN HERE. 

COUNCIL MEMBERS DANNIELLE GLAROS AND JOLENE IVEY AMONG MARYLAND LAWMAKERS ADVOCATING FOR MORE STATE SUPPORT OF TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT

On Wednesday, February 16^TH, District 3 Council Member Dannielle Glaros and District 5 Council Member Jolene Ivey, joined other Maryland lawmakers and stakeholders for a press conference at the New Carrollton Metro station to advocate for the Equitable and Inclusive Transit–Oriented Development Enhancement Act (HB710/SB516) and Maryland Regional Rail Transformation Act (HB778/SB514), proposed legislation in the Maryland General Assembly to support and improve Maryland’s rail system and transit-oriented development.   The Prince George’s County Council has taken a position of support on the legislation.  Council Member Glaros was joined at the podium by U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen; State Senator Malcolm Augustine and State Senator Pamela Beidle; Delegate Jazz Lewis; Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich; City of New Carrollton Mayor Phelecia Nembhard; Prince George’s County Deputy Chief Administrator for Economic Development Angie Rodgers; Labor leader Larry Kasecamp; and business leaders Jay Corbalis and Neil Greenberg.

VICE-CHAIR SYDNEY HARRISON AND DISTRICT 4 COUNCIL MEMBER TODD M. TURNER CELEBRATE BANISTER FORD GRAND OPENING

Prince George’s County welcomed Dan Banister, owner of Banister Ford of Marlow Heights, his family and staff on Friday, February 11^TH for the dealership’s official ribbon cutting ceremony.  Mr. Banister owns one of the 53 African American - owned Ford dealerships in the U.S. and is a member of the Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce.  Council Vice Chair Sydney Harrison and District 4 Council Member Todd M. Turner joined County Executive Angela Alsobrooks for the big event. 

DISTRICT 2 COUNCIL MEMBER DENI TAVERAS CELEBRATES NEW GROCERY STORE OPENING IN HYATTSVILLE – WELCOME LA COLONIA!

District 2 Council Member Deni Taveras was on hand this week to help cut the ribbon for the new La Colonia International Supermarket location in Hyattsville.  The new grocery store replaces the Save-a-Lot at Sargent and Chillum roads.  Council Member Taveras joined store owner Maria Aguilar for the celebration.  Council Member Taveras says as an entrepreneur, Maria Aguilar has been a great community partner, hiring local community residents, successfully keeping her employees working through the global pandemic, and providing performance space for the local music community.

COUNCIL CHAIR CALVIN S. HAWKINS, II
JOINS THE POLAR BEAR PLUNGE

The Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) is turning 20 in 2022! Every winter for the past 16 years, hundreds of passionate climate activists have run, walked, and skipped into icy cold waters to support the efforts of the CCAN.  This year, due to the unpredictability of COVID-19, there was a hybrid Plunge event, and plungers had the option to join in person at National Harbor or Plunge “BRRRR-tually.”  County Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, I had a great time enjoying the afternoon sunshine at the Polar Bear Plunge with members of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network at the National Harbor.  For more information, CLICK HERE.

DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION OF PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY EXPLORES BLACK HISTORY AT CHERRY HILL CEMETERY

The Cherry Hill Cemetery, an historic African American family burial ground, was established in 1884 on the farm of Josiah Adams. Located on Ingraham Street in Riverdale, it is the only intact African American family farm cemetery in the Bladensburg-Riverdale-Hyattsville area.  African American families, including the Adams, Becketts, Plummers, Quinces and Edwards), buried their loved ones at Cherry Hill through the 1940s.  Originally, local stone and yucca plants served as grave markers, but unfortunately many of these markers have been lost or moved. The location and quantity of burials is currently unknown.  Last month, the Archaeology Office invited geophysical analyst Dr. Tim Horsley to conduct a survey using ground penetrating radar (GPR). GPR is a non-invasive remote-sensing method that uses radar pulses to develop images below ground. Dr. Horsley will interpret the images to determine the location and quantity of graves. Analysis is still underway, but new information is anticipated soon that will help with the interpretation and preservation of Cherry Hill Cemetery.

County offices are closed on Monday, February 21, 2022, in observance of the Presidents Day federal holiday.  Please remain safe and well.  For more information, CLICK HERE.