Council Connections - October 7, 2022

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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VIRTUAL MEETINGS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE  

The County Council is currently experiencing technical difficulties with its in-house meeting production operations. This means, pursuant to Council Rule 4.7, that all Council sessions will be conducted virtually until further notice.  Please follow Council sessions online at https://pgccouncil.us/Live   We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience, as technicians work as quickly as possible to resolve the issue.  For queries about public participation in virtual Council sessions during this time, please email https://ClerkoftheCouncil@co.pg.md.us

COUNCIL CONVENES VIRTUAL SESSION – ADOPTS LEGISLATION PROMOTING RACIAL EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE IN COUNTY GOVERNMENT; ALSO RECEIVES MACo BRIEFING

The Prince George’s County Council convened virtually on Tuesday, October 4^th to review and unanimously adopt  CR-068-2022, legislation declaring the intent of Prince George’s County to develop an equity policy framework to promote racial equity and social justice throughout the County Government. 

Council Members also received a Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) briefing, presented by President, Laura Everngam-Price and Executive Director Michael Sanderson. MACo is the non-partisan voice of all 24 Maryland counties promoting effective, efficient government through advocacy, education, and collaboration.

The briefing was part of a MACo “Roadtrip” providing an update to Council Members across the state about the 2022 Maryland General Assembly Session and discussing the upcoming General Assembly Session in January.

COUNCIL CHAIR CALVIN S. HAWKINS, II CONGRATULATES NEWLY-INAUGURATED PRINCE GEORGE’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRESIDENT
DR. FALECIA D. WILLIAMS

The Prince George’s County Council warmly congratulates Prince George’s Community College and Dr. Falecia D. Williams, upon her inauguration as the institution’s ninth president. 

Prince George’s Community College is a growing, thriving institution of higher learning committed to the academic excellence of its students. The formal installation of President Williams is truly an exciting moment in the history of the Community College, and the Board of Trustees and Presidential Search Committee are to be commended for their outstanding leadership selection.

A noted expert in student success, President Williams brings more than 25 years of progressive leadership experience, fiscal prudence, and administrative responsibility in higher education to her new post. 

She assumed responsibilities for Prince George’s Community College in the summer of 2020, at the height of the unprecedented COVID-19 global pandemic. Despite the unparalleled leadership challenge, her tenacity fully illustrates the Community College’s commitment to its “Forward Momentum.” 

The Council is assured that under the leadership of President Dr. Falecia D. Williams, the journey ahead will continue to embrace a legacy rich in progress and bright with promise for both Prince George’s Community College and Prince George’s County.  

Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, was pleased for the opportunity to bring special greetings on behalf of  the County Council, during the Prince George’s Community College Presidential Inauguration Ceremony on Thursday, October 6, 2022.

WATCH THE PGCC PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION CEREMONY ON YOUTUBE

HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE CONDUCTS VIRTUAL MEETING The Council’s Health, Human Services and Public Safety (HHSPS) committee met virtually on Wednesday, October 5th for a review of County Executive Angela Alsobrooks’ Executive Appointments of Ioana Stoica and Jamie Wiesner to the Commission for Women. Both nominees shared their backgrounds and discuss their willingness and desire to be commissioners.  The committee approved the appointments for Council consideration, and a Council confirmation public hearing has been scheduled for Monday, October 24th at 10 a.m.  Council Vice-Chair Sydney Harrison chairs the HHSPS Committee Chair. Council Member Tom Dernoga serves as Committee Vice-Chair. HHSPS committee members include Council Members Rodney Streeter, Johnathan Medlock, and Mel Franklin.

FIGHTING COVID AND THE FLU

 Before flu season is underway and COVID case rise, boost your immunity!

Visit http://vaccines.gov to find a clinic near you, or make an appointment at one of the County Health Department clinics at http://marylandvax.org

Visite http://vacunas.gov para encontrar una clínica cerca de usted o haga una cita en una de nuestras clínicas en http://marylandvax.org

OCTOBER IS
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
– PRINCE GEORGE’S GOES PINK

Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks has launched the County’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month initiative, “Prince George’s Goes Pink,” a collaboration between County Government and various community partners and organizations dedicated to serving those impacted by breast cancer. Throughout the entire month, the County will host more than a dozen education, prevention, and awareness events and activities.  Residents can learn more about Prince George’s Goes Pink, find a list of events, and register for any event by visiting mypgc.us/PG

On Saturday, October 8th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Tanger Outlets-National Harbor, the County partners with Hope Connections for the 2022 Breast Cancer Awareness Month Community Health Fair. Participants will have access to a variety of resources including mammography screenings. Registration is required to receive a mammogram. SIGN UP HERE.

M-NCPPC ANNUAL BUDGET FORUMS 2022

The Prince George’s County Planning Board of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission will hold a virtual 2022 Budget Forum on October 18, 2022, beginning at 7 p.m. The forum seeks to solicit comments on the Commission’s budget for planning, parks, and recreation in Prince George’s County for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2023.  LEARN MORE.

COUNCIL MEETINGS NEXT WEEK

Oct. 11 - County Council  -  10:00 AM  -  AGENDA 

Oct. 11 - Sitting as the Committee of the Whole - 1:30 PM  DETAILS

Oct. 11 - Public Hearing - 5:00 PM - DETAILS

Oct. 12 - PHED Committee - 1:30 PM - DETAILS

Oct. 13 - TIEE Committee - 10:00 AM  - DETAILS

Oct. 13 - GOFP Committee - 1:30 PM - DETAILS

Archived Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page

COUNCIL CHAIR CALVIN HAWKINS AND STATE OFFICIALS DISCUSS JOINT REENTRY EFFORTS

On Thursday, September 29^th, Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, and Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Secretary Robert Greene led a team discussion focused on collaborative efforts between Prince George’s County and the state on Maryland on reentry initiatives for returning citizens.

DISTRICT 3 COUNCIL MEMBER DANNIELLE GLAROS JOINS PURPLE LINE ADVOCATES
TO RELEASE NEW REPORT

On September 28^th, District 3 Council Member Dannielle Glaros joined with fellow Purple Line advocates, for the release of the Purple Line Corridor Coalition’s Sustainable and Equitable Development Strategy Report.  The report focuses on inclusive growth along the Purple Line to ensure that families are not left behind and to minimize displacement.

CONGRATULATIONS
COUNCIL MEMBER TODD M. TURNER!

District 4 Council Member Todd M. Turner was recognized during the Arc of Prince George’s County’s 70th Anniversary Jazz Jubilee celebration as a Platinum Honoree.  Council Member Turner thanked the Arc’s Executive Director Robert Malone, the Board of Directors, and staff for the honor, congratulating the nonprofit for a job well done representing those with disabilities in the County, over seven decades.

DISTRICT 2 COUNCIL MEMBER DENI TAVERAS LAUDS RENAMING OF ADELPHI MIDDLE SCHOOL TO HONOR FIRST LATIN AMERICAN WOMAN
SUPREME COURT JUSTICE

District 2 Council Member Deni Taveras (D) – District 2, is looking forward to a bright future for County students as Adelphi Middle School is renamed by the PGCPS Board of Education, the Sonia Sotomayor Middle School at Adelphi, honoring the inspiring accomplishments of the Supreme Court Justice.  Council Member Taveras expressed her support for the name change.  “Over 38% of Prince George’s County Public School students are Hispanic and they deserve inspiring role models that they can strive to emulate – they cannot be that which they cannot see. The renaming of the new Adelphi Middle School, located in the heart of the Latino community, to the Sonia Sotomayor Middle School is game-changing and a win-win for Prince George’s County. Our students and community deserve this honor and recognition.”  The new school is scheduled to open next school year.

COUNCIL CHAIR CALVIN HAWKINS AND
VICE-CHAIR SYDNEY HARRISON
JOIN LOCAL BOXING COMMUNITY TO REMEMBER LEGENDARY BOXING COACH BUDDY HARRISON

Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II and Vice-Chair Sydney Harrison were among more than 100 community members who gathered last Thursday evening for a candlelight vigil in remembrance of legendary boxing coach Buddy Harrison.   Owner of the Old School Boxing in Hillcrest Heights, Buddy Harrison was a victim of homicide, fatally shot recently in his D.C. neighborhood.

He was revered by community members, especially young people who considered his gym a safe place, welcoming boxers regardless of ability or background.   In January, Vice-Chair Harrison honored Buddy Harrison for his community work with a Muhammad Ali Award, as part of his recognition of heroes in the community.

CELEBRATING NATIVE AMERICAN DAY
IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

In 2019, the County Council adopted CB-008-2019, renaming Columbus Day to Native American Day in Prince George’s County.   The Council stated, “The native and indigenous peoples of Prince George's County and the United States have significantly contributed to the rich fabric of history and culture we celebrate in our communities and should be rightly recognized. Whether it is the Piscataway-Conoy tribe in the County, or the many Native American tribes indigenous to every region of our nation, recognizing their place as the 'First Americans' is long overdue.” Native American Day was celebrated in Prince George’s County for the first time on Monday, October 12, 2020.

County Government offices, except for public safety agencies, and including the offices of the County Council and Legislative Branch, will be closed on Monday, October 10, 2022, in observance of Native American Day.

Visit the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System online to learn more: https://www.pgcmls.info/native-american-indigenous-peoples-heritage

Discover the rich and diverse culture of Native Americans at this year's in-person festival hosted by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation!

14TH ANNUAL AMERICAN INDIAN FESTIVAL
Saturday, October 15, 2022, 10 am - 4 pm