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 Per the decision announced by the County Executive, effective March 9, 2022, at 5:00 p.m., the Prince George’s County State of Emergency expired. In an abundance of caution, and given the current state of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the County Council is now operating under the following procedures:
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DISTRICT SIX COUNCIL MEMBER MEDLOCK SWORN INTO OFFICE
The Prince George’s County Council welcomed their newest colleague, Council Member Johnathan M. Medlock, who was administered the Oath of Office on Monday, May 9, 2022, by Clerk of the Circuit Court Mahasin El Amin during a swearing-in ceremony in the Council Hearing Room in Largo. Council Member Medlock will serve the remaining 7 months of the Council term set to expire on December 5, 2022.
In remarks to a contingency of supporters, Council Member Medlock reaffirmed his strong commitment to supporting District 6 residents and Prince George’s County. “One of the things I want the District 6 community to know and understand, is that you have a representative for your district - and democracy only works if someone is working on democracy. Being in this position I have an opportunity now to serve not only the city of District Heights but all the surrounding areas with integrity, leadership, foresight, and commitment. I vow to work with the Council Members to make sure our County continues to move forward.”
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DISTRICT COUNCIL CONVENES ON LAND-USE MATTERS
The Prince George’s County Council, sitting as the District Council on zoning matters, convened a hybrid meeting on Monday, May 9th. Monday’s scheduled session included New Cases and Items Pending Finality. The District Council is granted authority to act on zoning matters by the State of Maryland Regional District Act, now in the Land Use Article of the Maryland Annotated Code.
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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CONVENES TO REVIEW LEGISLATION AND TRANSCRIPT ANALYSIS
The Council Committee of the Whole (COW) convened this week, on Monday, May 9th, Tuesday, May 10th, and Thursday, May 12th. Monday’s COW included the Executive Appointment of Bridgette Ann Greer to the Personnel Board for Prince George’s County. Council Members also addressed several legislative measures, followed by budget work sessions to review proposed spending plans for the Citizens Complaint Oversight Panel, Police Accountability Board, and the Administration Charging Committee.
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Tuesday’s COW included the review of legislation and budget work sessions for the Board of Education Operating and Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budgets, and the CIP for all Prince George’s County agencies.
Thursday’s COW convened to review the Transcript Analysis for the Preliminary Adelphi Road-UMGC-UMD Purple Line Station Area Sector Plan and Proposed SMA.
COUNTY COUNCIL APPROVES PROPOSED CORRESPONDENCE AND EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENT; ENACTS LEGISLATION
 The County Council convened a hybrid session on Tuesday, May 10th. Council Members reviewed Proposed Correspondence to Montgomery County Council President Gabe Albornoz, transmitting the Prince Georges County Council's proposed recommendations on the Fiscal Year 2023 Operating and Capital Budgets of WSSC, M-NCPPC and the Washington Suburban Transit Commission (WSTC). The letter was approved for the signature of the Chair. The Executive Appointment of Dewayne Hudson to the Board of Registration for Building Contractors for Prince George’s County was also unanimously confirmed, and following public hearings, several bills and resolutions were enacted and adopted, including CR-055-2022, expressing the Council’s support for declaring May 20, 2022, “Bike to Work Day” in Prince George’s County.
 PRINCE GEORGE’S AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY COUNCILS ADOPT FY 2023 BI-COUNTY BUDGETS
 Prince George’s and Montgomery County lawmakers, convening virtually for the annual Bi-County Budget meeting on Thursday, May 12, 2022, unanimously adopted FY 23 budgets for WSSC Water; and the bi-county portion of the new spending plans for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) and the Washington Suburban Transit Commission. The Fiscal Year 2023 Bi-County budgets are effective July 1, 2022.
GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS AND FISCAL POLICY COMMITTEE REVIEWS LEGISLATION
The Council’s Government Operations and Fiscal Policy (GOFP) committee, met virtually on Thursday, May 12th, to review CB-029-2022, proposed legislation establishing a Property Tax Credit for certain elderly individuals, and measures concerning compensation and benefits, labor agreements and “PILOT” Agreements, which were all moved forward for Council consideration. Council Member Edward Burroughs III serves as GOFP Committee Chair. Council Member Mel Franklin serves GOFP Committee Vice Chair. GOFP committee members include Council Members Jolene Ivey, Rodney C. Streeter, and Todd M. Turner.
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TRANSPORTATION, INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE REVIEWS LEGISLATION
The Council’s Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment (TIEE) committee met virtually on Thursday, May 12th, to review CR-033-2022, proposed legislation concerning the FY 23 Federal and State Transportation Grant Application, approved for Council consideration. Council Member Rodney C. Streeter serves as TIEE Committee Chair. Council Member Todd M. Turner serves as TIEE Committee Vice-Chair. TIEE committee members include Council Members Tom Dernoga, Dannielle M. Glaros, and Deni L. Taveras.
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COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS VOLUNTARY MASK-WEARING IN INDOOR PUBLIC PLACES |
Due to the highly transmissible Omicron variant, COVID-19 cases have been steadily rising in Prince George’s County and the State over the last six weeks. This recent rise is substantially lower compared to the winter Omicron case surge and County COVID-19 hospitalizations remain relatively low*. However, out of an abundance of caution and to help the County avoid rising into the CDC’s “Medium” COVID-19 Community Level, the Prince George’s County Health Department recommends residents ages two and older wear masks in indoor public places voluntarily.
Masks remain required in congregate health care settings, County public schools and libraries, and in any business or organization that chooses to require them.
Residents five and older should get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible, and those 12 and older should get a booster dose (if you are 50 or older you can get a second booster dose).
Residents who feel sick or were exposed to someone with COVID-19, should get tested. For anyone testing positive, please stay home for at least five days, and follow CDC isolation guidance. COVID-19 treatment is also available at pharmacies across the region as part of the federal government’s Test-To-Treat program.
*County-level numbers are updated regularly on the department’s COVID-19 data dashboard under the Current Status tab.
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GRAB & GO MEAL DISTRIBUTION
 The County’s Stand Up & Deliver program, a continuing initiative addressing food security concerns, will distribute free Grab & Go Groceries this Saturday, May 14th, at 1:30 PM/Sábado, 14 de mayo a las 1:30 PM, at the First Baptist Church of Highland Park, 6801 Sheriff Road, in Landover. While supplies last. One box per vehicle. Please remain in your vehicle.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
 May is Mental Health Awareness Month, time set aside for a special focus on educating our communities about important resources and placing special attention those living with mental and behavioral health issues. If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis - depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide, or another mental health or substance use concern, you can call 211 and press 1, or text MD to 741741. For more information about mental and behavioral health resources and upcoming events in Prince George’s County, CLICK HERE.
THIS SATURDAY – GREATEST OF ALL TIME MENTAL HEALTH EXPO
 The 1st Annual “Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T) Mental Health Expo focusing on young people ages 18-24, their families and caregivers, and community-based providers to learn effective ways of managing their mental health and wellness through supports in Prince George’s County, takes place Saturday, May 14th, at Bowie State University’s Martin Luther King Communication Arts Center, 14000 Jericho Park Rd. The one-day event, a partnership between the Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas, the Prince George’s County Health Department, and the Bowie State University Graduate Student Association, includes health screenings, live entertainment and more! REGISTER HERE.
 COUNCIL MEETINGS NEXT WEEK
May 16 - Sitting as the District Council - 10:00 AM - Details
May 16 - Education/Workforce Development Committee - 1:30 PM - Details
May 17 - County Council - 10:00 AM
May 19 - PHED Committee - 10:00 AM Cancelled
May 19 - HHSPS Committee - 1:30 PM
Archived Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page
COUNCIL MEMBERS JOIN RIBBON-CUTTING FOR MEDSTAR’S NEW MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY IN CLINTON
 Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, and Vice-Chair Sydney Harrison joined County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and a host of county, state, federal and hospital officials to cut the ribbon on a new mental health facility at Medstar Southern Maryland Hospital in Clinton, on May 10th. The hospital’s new behavioral health unit with 24 in-patient beds, opens this month, providing access to four new treatment areas, a dedicated examination space, a quiet room, and more.
COUNCIL MEMBER DANNIELLE GLAROS CELEBRATES GROUNDBREAKING FOR NEW ATWORTH PROJECT IN COLLEGE PARK
 District 3 Council Member Dannielle Glaros participated in the official groundbreaking on Thursday, May 12th, for Atworth, an exciting new transit-oriented development in College Park. After seven years, the surface parking lot will be gone and housing with ground floor retail project will bring 451 studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and retail to College Park, Maryland. Delivering in spring 2024, due to a WMATA-Amazon Housing Equity Fund deal, this project will offer rents that are at 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or below for the next 98 years.
COUNCIL VICE CHAIR SYDNEY HARRISON HONORS COUNTY OFFICERS SERVING DISTRICT 9
 On May 6th, Council Vice Chair and District 9 Council Member Sydney Harrison, in partnership with the nonprofit, 4Ever Unified, hosted the District 9 Police Appreciation Celebration, honoring County law enforcement courageously serving and protecting District 9 residents and communities. The event was held at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 89 in Upper Marlboro. Vice-Chair Harrison also recognized the leadership of Prince George’s County Police Chief Malik Aziz.
DISTRICT 3 COUNCIL MEMBER DANNIELLE GLAROS HOST VIRTUAL DISCUSSION FOCUSED ON THE IMPACT OF THE COUNTY’S PAST ON ITS FUTURE
 Council Member Dannielle Glaros hosted a Virtual Discussion event on Thursday, May 5th featuring consultant, Dr. Angela Simms and panelists, The Hon. David C. Harrington, Senior Director of Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement- Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic Region; Dr. Charlene Dukes, President Emeritus, Prince George’s Community College; and Tonia Wellons, President & CEO of the Greater Washington Community Foundation. Dr. Simms shared a research summary and insights from her Ph.D. dissertation focusing on Prince George’s County, while panelists offered comments and responded to questions during the powerful discussion about the history of Prince George’s County and the impact of the County’s past on its present and future. Watch a Facebook video of the event HERE
DISTRICT 2 COUNCIL MEMBER DENI TAVERAS HONORS TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
In partnership with Community Crisis Service. Inc., District 2 Council Member Deni Taveras teamed with District 3 School Board Member Pamela Boozer-Strother, in a show of appreciation for teachers and staff at Adelphi Elementary School and Buck Lodge Middle School during last week’s Teacher Appreciation Week celebration. Teachers and staff were treated to lunch for working tirelessly with students and families despite the impact of the global pandemic, and for their dedication to ensuring students are prepared for the future.
CELEBRATING ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
 Did you know that May was chosen to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month because the first Japanese immigrant arrived in the United States in May of 1843, and the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad, on which many Chinese laborers worked, was held on May 10, 1869? The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System has lots of information about Asian Pacific Americans on its website, which also details some great events to celebrate the month. LEARN MORE. On May 17th, for ages 10 and older, you can join author Patti Kim for a conversation about what it was like growing up in American as an immigrant from Pusan, South Korea, and how her childhood shaped her middle grade novels, "I'm OK" and "It's Girls Like You, Mickey". 6:00pm - 7:00pm at the Laurel Branch, Large Meeting Room A. REGISTER HERE.
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