COUNCIL ADOPTS VIRTUAL VOTING MEASURE
  The Council, in a historic vote on Tuesday, October 3, adopted CB-078-2023 amending the Council’s Rules of Procedure to allow for virtual attendance and voting in limited circumstances. During the COVID pandemic, the Council allowed for virtual meetings, attendance, and voting; however, those allowances ended when the State of Emergency was lifted. The virtual voting resolution will allow for virtual attendance and voting in limited situations with advanced notice. With the adoption of this measure, District 7 Council Member Krystal Oriadha will be able to participate in Council sessions virtually while on maternity leave.
WORKGROUPS FOCUSING ON TRUANCY, GUN VIOLENCE, AND LGBTQIA+ ESTABLISHED FOLLOWING UNANIMOUS COUNCIL SUPPORT
 The County Council, during session on October 3, voted to support the establishment of three workgroups to closely examine issues impacting residents and communities, and identify ways to effectively address them. CR-074-2023 establishes a Workgroup to Study Truancy to focus on the correlation between repeat juvenile offenders and truancy rates and identify goals and strategies for reducing overall delinquency across the County. CR-075-2023 establishes a Gun Violence Safety Workgroup responsible for studying the community impact of gun violence and reviewing and proposing solutions during the one-year term of the workgroup's existence. CR-077-2023 will study current services, perform research, and analyze underserviced areas of need for residents within the LGBTQIA+ communities of the County, and develop recommendations for programs or legislation to expand services for the LGBTQIA+ communities.
 In other Council action on Tuesday, the Council unanimously confirmed the appointment of Dr. Matthew D. Levy as Health Officer for Prince George's County.
COUNCIL PRESENTS PROCLAMATIONS RECOGNIZING VALOR AWARDS
 The Council began its session on Tuesday, October 3rd with the presentation of proclamations recognizing the 46th Annual Prince George’s County Public Safety Valor Awards, which honors exemplary service in the Office of the Sheriff, Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, Police Department, Department of Corrections, and the Office of Homeland Security.
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
 The Council had a fantastic Hispanic Heritage Month celebration! The program titled “Latinos: Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America,” featured writer and spoken word artist Camilo y Los Locos, singer-songwriter Aleyzza, and Dr. Perla Guerrero, University of Maryland College Park Associate Professor of American Studies and U.S. Latina/o Studies Program Director.
Council Chair Tom Dernoga issued a statement saying: “Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate our Hispanic and Latino communities' vibrant cultures, rich traditions, and invaluable contributions. These communities enrich our county in countless ways.
In 2023, the Hispanic population in Prince George's County reached a historic high, representing 24% of our total population. Hispanic children now make up a significant 39% of our County's public school students, reflecting the diversity and promise of our future. Moreover, Hispanic people have contributed significantly to our economic landscape, boasting the state's second-largest and fastest-growing number of Hispanic-owned businesses.
By commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to unity and inclusivity. Together we can ensure that Prince George's County remains a place where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive regardless of their background."
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STATE CONSOLIDATED TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM IS ADDRESSED DURING COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE |
 The Council’s Committee of the Whole (COW) convened on Monday, October 2, to address a Joint Signature Letter to Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld regarding the 2023 Projects List for the Fiscal Years (FY) 2024-2029 State Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP). Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) Special Assistant to the Director, Victor Weisberg, joined COW to provide a review of the Joint Letter and respond to committee members’ questions and concerns related to priority projects in specific Council districts. During Council session on Tuesday, October 3, the Council voted to approve the Chair’s signature on the Joint Proposed Correspondence with County Executive Angela Alsobrooks detailing the County’s priorities for the CTP.
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PGCPS SUPERINTENDENT JOINS EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS BUDGET RECONCILIATION AND SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORTATION |
 The Council’s Education and Workforce Development Committee (EWD), on Monday, October 2, welcomed Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) Superintendent Millard House II and PGCPS Chief Financial Officer Lisa Howell to address the Board of Education FY 2024 Operating Budget Reconciliation. PGCPS Director of Transportation Keba Baldwin and Chief Operating Officer Dr. Charoscar Coleman, also joined the committee meeting to provide updates on efforts to improve on-time performance of school bus transportation.
BUS TRANSPORTATION DISCUSSION
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GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS AND FISCAL POLICY COMMITTEE MOVES POLICE DEPARTMENT TOWING CONTRACTS LEGISLATION FORWARD |
 The Council’s Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee (GOFP) convened on October 5 to address CB-078-2023 legislation concerning Police Department Towing Contracts. The measure, which was favorably considered for Council consideration, encourages County-based minority businesses and County- based small businesses to bid on Police Department towing contracts. The legislation also notes that successful bidders, contractors, and subcontractors be treated equitably in the number and type of service calls received from the Police Dispatcher on the Police Vendor List.
PLANNING, HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE ADDRESSES CANNABIS DISPENSARIES, APPRAISAL BIAS, AND VACANT PROPERTIES – MEASURES MOVE FORWARD
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 The Cannabis Reform Act, enacted earlier this year by the Maryland General Assembly, permits the sale of recreational cannabis - no longer limiting the sale of cannabis to medicinal purposes only. On Thursday, October 5, the Council’s Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee (PHED) favorably considered CB-070-2023, which will amend the County Code to comply with the CRA by removing the medical requirement for the sale of cannabis. The measure will also address the sale of cannabis in certain zones. CB-075-2023, legislation establishing a ban on appraisal bias; and CB-080-2023 establishing a Vacant Property Registry Program were also reviewed and voted favorable for Council consideration.
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HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES, AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE REVIEWS EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS AND RECEIVES MISSION OF LOVE BRIEFING |
 The Council’s Health, Human Services, and Public Safety Committee (HHSPS) convened on Thursday, October 5, for the review of Executive Appointments to the Commission for Individuals with Disabilities, which received favorable consideration. Committee members also received a briefing from Mission of Love Charities Chief Executive Director Adenia M. Bradley. Mission of Love Charities, established in 1991, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing crucial support and assistance to individuals and families in need.
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