Council Connection

COUNTY COUNCIL ESTABLISHES TASK FORCE TO REVIEW NUTRITIONAL STANDARDS IN CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES

On Tuesday, October 29, the County Council unanimously adopted CR-006-2024, a resolution proposed by Council Member Krystal Oriadha (District 7) to create the Healthy Food in Prince George’s County Correctional Facilities Task Force. The 14-member task force will recommend nutritional, food safety, and other correctional facility standards to the Board of Health, aiming to ensure access to healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, while supporting the health, well-being, and religious and cultural identities of detained and incarcerated community members. “We just have to do better in our jail system and what this does is create a mechanism to figure out what those standards will be,” Council Member Oriadha previously told the Health, Human Services, and Public Safety Committee. The resolution calls for guidelines that consider daily caloric needs, serving size, and standards set by the Center for Good Food Purchasing, while meeting or exceeding the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

COUNTY COUNCIL ENCOURAGES CREATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE COORDINATION COUNCIL

On Tuesday, the County Council also unanimously adopted CR-32-2024, a resolution proposed by Council Member Wanika Fisher (District 2) to express strong support and encouragement for the creation of a Criminal Justice Coordination Council in Prince George’s County. If established by the County Executive, the new body would operate similarly to those in Washington, D.C., Montgomery County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and surrounding jurisdictions in Virginia. The 14-member council would be made up of judges, attorneys, law enforcement, and government representatives and would aid in the coordination of law enforcement efforts, resources, and knowledge.

RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING CELL PHONE BAN IN PGCPS SCHOOLS PASSES COMMITTEE

On Monday, October 28, the Education and Workforce Development Committee moved favorably on a resolution to encourage Prince George’s County Public Schools to ban cell phones in schools. Council Member Wanika Fisher (District 2) introduced CR-95-2024, aiming to improve grades and reduce bullying. PGCPS Superintendent Millard House, II took part in Monday’s meeting and called cell phones and social media the “great disruptor.” Under current PGCPS rules, cell phones are supposed to be turned off and put away during the school day but are allowed during lunch periods. Superintendent House told the committee, “Personally, I do believe that this is an area that we will be taking a close look at.” He previously told Council Chair Jolene Ivey (District 5) and Vice Chair Sydney Harrison (District 9), on the Council Conversations podcast, that a handful of PGCPS schools are currently taking part in a cell phone-free pilot program. Ultimately, the school board would have to change the district’s cell phone policy. Watch here.

Committee members were briefed on FY 2024 Interagency Commission on School Construction’s (IAC) Annual Maintenance of Maryland’s Public School Buildings Report, an assessment of a school system’s ability to maintain its infrastructure, as well as the Prince George’s County Public Schools' Construction and Facilities Maintenance Plan. Representatives from PGCPS discussed scoring and assessment scores related to facility conditions, educational adequacy, and the plan for facility modernization. The briefing also included a progress update on major construction projects and highlights from the proposed FY 2026 PGCPS Capital Budget.

On October 16, 2024, the Prince George’s County Council hosted a Pre-Proposal Conference for its FY 2025 Domestic Violence Grant Program. The session provided past, current, and potential applicants the opportunity to inquire about the grant program, the application process, and current programming facilitated through County agencies including the Office of the Sheriff and the Family Justice Center. The Prince George's County Council will accept grant applications for the FY 2025 Domestic Violence Program through Wednesday, November 6, 2024. For more information and to obtain a copy of the FY 2025 Domestic Violence Grant Program application, visit pgccouncil.us/DVGP.

November 4 - Sitting as the District Council - 10:00 AM - NO COUNCIL SESSION

November 4 - GOFP Committee - 1:30 PM - DETAILS

November 5 - County Council - 10:00 AM - NO COUNCIL SESSION

November 6 - Board of Appeals - 6:00 PM - Virtual Hearing

November 7 - PHED Committee - 10:00 AM - Cancelled

November 7 - HHSPS Committee - 1:30 PM - DETAILS

Council Chair Jolene Ivey (District 5) and Council Member Krystal Oriadha (District 7) honored Dr. Douglas E. Edwards at a street sign naming ceremony in recognition of his tireless work and dedication to the District 7 community. The event took place in front of Dr. Edwards’ Mission of Love Charities on Old Central Ave. in Capitol Heights. It was a monumental occasion highlighting Dr. Edwards’ achievements and impact in the community for over 30 years.

Council Chair Jolene Ivey said, “Happy Birthday” to Bladensburg, celebrating 282 years of history, community, and resilience! We are grateful for the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of the town.

Chair Ivey also joined Council Member Wanika Fisher (District 2) for the grand opening of Free State Distillery in Upper Marlboro! It was great to see all the hands involved in making it a reality. This exciting local business brings craft distilling and unique flavors to the county, supporting local jobs and our county’s economy.

Vice Chair Harrison also joined County Executive Angela Alsobrooks in welcoming the opening of the Washington International Horse Show and the Capital Challenge to Prince George’s County. This significant event, returning after a 27-year hiatus, brought over $25 million in economic growth last year and showcased the county to an estimated 85 million viewers across 13 countries via CBS. Vice Chair Harrison expressed gratitude for the collaboration with various stakeholders, including Mrs. Sheila Curry, who championed bringing the Horse Show back home. Elsewhere, Vice Chair Harrison got a chance to meet a few more equine friends during the M-NCPPC Fall Agriculture Tour, where he visited farms including Montpelier Farms, Deep Roots Farm, RR & BBB Farm, and Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards.

COUNCIL MEMBER HAWKINS SPEAKS AT HEMINGWAY MEMORIAL A.M.E., PREPARES CARE PACKAGES FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Council Member Calvin Hawkins (At-Large) had the opportunity to speak at Lay Witness Day at Hemingway Memorial A.M.E. Church in District Heights on October 27th. He provided moving testimony about his path to redemption through faith following his incarceration as a young adult. Council Member Hawkins was grateful for the opportunity to share his personal story, connect with the congregation, and recharge through worship! Council Member Hawkins also partnered with the Washington Commanders, One Love Foundation, and From Pain to Power to prepare care packages for survivors of domestic violence. It’s wonderful to come together to make a difference!

Council Member Ingrid S. Watson (District 4) held a Community Walk Through and Meeting in Old Town Bowie on October 17^th.  The event started at Huntington Community Center and was guided by Mark Lawrence, CEO of Inncuvate, who provided a walking tour of proposed revitalization efforts. Council Member Watson appreciated the update as well as the opportunity to talk to residents about their concerns and interests at the community meeting that followed the tour.