COUNCIL CONNECTION

PGCPS PROVIDES BRIEFING ON TRANSPORTATION CHANGES FOR UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR 

Leaders from Prince George’s County Public Schools joined the Education and Workforce Development Committee on Monday, July 8, 2024, to provide an update on new initiatives to improve school transportation for the 2024-2025 school year, including shifting bell times, moving and consolidating bus stops, and enhancing customer service. The presentation, led by PGCPS Chief Operating Officer Dr. Charoscar Coleman, emphasized that moving to just three total school start times and six end times districtwide will facilitate more timely bus pick ups and drop-offs. There will be fewer bus stops which will increase the average walk time from .24 mile to 0.46 mile. The PGCPS team said it will also update the StopFinder App to prevent errors, and assess walk zones, so students with safe pedestrian routes will automatically not have an option to ride the school bus. Leaders said they are confident changes will provide greater efficiency.

COUNCIL MEMBER WATSON RESPONDS TO RECENT SURGE OF “JUGGING” ROBBERY CASES

Council Member Ingrid S. Watson (District 4) is reminding residents to remain cautious following a recent spree of armed robberies. Commonly known as “jugging,” robbers are targeting people leaving their bank or ATM, with victims being followed to their vehicles or even their homes. While this is a regionwide crime trend, there have been multiple cases in and around Bowie. “I want to assure residents that the entire public safety community is working together to address this issue. The safety and well-being of residents is of utmost importance to me, and these crimes are completely unacceptable,” Council Member Watson said. “I have spoken to Bowie Police Chief Dwayne Preston who assured me that his department is working collaboratively with all regional partners to safeguard the areas we’ve seen targeted. Police are also working with the State’s Attorney’s office to ensure those committing these robberies are held accountable.” There will be a Community Matters meeting featuring Chief Preston on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, 7:00 p.m. at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, 15200 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD 20715.

COUNCIL ADOPTS STORMWATER POND TASK FORCE RESOLUTION

At the Council meeting on Tuesday, July 9^th, Council members adopted CR-49-2024, a resolution sponsored by Council Members Wala Blegay (District 6) and Ingrid Watson (District 4) that would create a Stormwater Pond Task Force to study stormwater pond issues and determine the status of all stormwater ponds that are not under the management of the County to determine what actions should be taken to address infrastructure concerns.

COUNCIL PRESENTS PROCLAMATION IN SUPPORT OF NATIONAL MINORITY DONOR DAY

Also on July 9^th, Council presented a proclamation to Dr. Flavia Walton, Chair of the African American Outreach Task Force, in support of National Minority Donor Day. The task force works strategically to bring awareness to the Black community about organ donation through the Infinite Legacy organization. Minorities make up more than half of the national organ transplant waiting list, while also being less likely to be donors themselves, according to the US. Department of Health and Human Services. While there are many factors that determine an organ donor’s compatibility, individuals on the waiting list will have a better chance if there is no shortage of donors from their racial or ethnic group. We commend Dr. Walton for her work and leadership on this issue!

COUNCIL CONFIRMS APPOINTEES

The Agricultural Resources Advisory Committee is organized to serve as a link between the County’s farming community and local government. At Tuesday’s meeting, the Council confirmed the reappointment of Mr. Steven E. Darcey, Mr. Daniel A. Donohue, Mr. William O. Ritchie, and Ms. Pharyn E. Smith.

The Board of Social Services for Prince George's County is responsible for advising the local director and State Board as to the local application of State policies and procedures, and helping keep residents informed about social services. The Council confirmed the following individuals to the Board: Ms. Keisha L. Adams, Ms. Stephanie SJ Cox, Dr. Shirley R. Newton-Guest, and Mr. Nathaniel L. Wallace.

The Cannabis Reinvestment and Restoration Board was established to manage the distribution of funds from the Community Reinvestment and Repair Special Revenue Fund, which aims to support community reinvestment and repair initiatives using the revenue collected from the state's cannabis sales tax​. The Council confirmed the appointment of Dr. Ronald Garrett to the Board.

July 16 - County Council - 9:30 AM - Agenda Briefing

July 16 - Sitting as the District Council - 9:45 AM - DETAILS

July 16 - County Council - 10:00 AM - DETAILS

July 17 - Task-Forces Workgroups - 11:00 AM - DETAILS

July 19 - Task-Forces Workgroups - 2:00 PM - DETAILS

CHAIR IVEY HOSTS FOOD GIVEAWAY IN DISTRICT 5

Council Chair Jolene Ivey (District 5) hosted a food giveaway at Cheverly Station Apartments in partnership with Passion and Compassion, Inc. and VineCorps. Youth volunteers from VineCorps assisted with the effort and ultimately gave away almost 300 bags of food!

Chair Ivey also joined officials with the Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation to walk the area near Gladys Noon Spellman Elementary in Cheverly where a sidewalk and gutter improvement project will begin soon. A town hall meeting to inform the community impacted by the project is planned for Monday, July 22nd at 6 p.m. at Spellman Elementary.

VICE CHAIR HARRISON ATTENDS USAGING CONFERENCE

Vice Chair Sydney Harrison attended the USAging Answers on Aging Annual Conference and Tradeshow in Tampa, Florida from July 8-11. As the country’s largest gathering of local leaders in aging well at home, the conference provides peer-to-peer learning, and insight into federal policy and national trends that affect local communities. Conference workshops were centered around topics including housing affordability, healthcare access, behavioral health, elder abuse prevention, health and social care integration, economic and food security, workforce planning, and technology through volunteerism.

COUNCIL MEMBER ORIADHA CONTINUES SAFE SUMMER INITIATIVE

Council Member Krystal Oriadha (District 7) extends her thanks to everyone in attendance for the second stop of her Safe Summer Initiative, especially to Judge Me Now Literacy, STEAM, and Life Resources, Inc., for their hard work and dedication to keeping our kids safe and providing them a unique experience. The kids really enjoyed their stay at Launch Trampoline. Stay tuned for the next stop!

COUNCIL MEMBER OLSON VISITS NEW PURPLE LINE CARS

Council Member Eric Olson (District 3) got a chance to take a sneak peek at the Purple Line rail cars, marking a significant milestone for this historic project. The Purple Line is set to play a crucial role in achieving our climate, transportation, and economic development goals. We can't wait for it to be open to the public!