Council Connections Newsletter

The Prince George’s County Council continues to operate under the Prince George’s County State of Emergency Declaration, effective March 16, 2020, and extended by the Governing Body of Prince George’s County with the adoption of CR-48-2021 on May 11, 2021.

The Council’s Emergency Operations Procedures became effective pursuant to CR-10-2020, adopted on March 17, 2020, and amended pursuant to CR-35-2020, adopted on May 18, 2020. The Rules of Procedure for the County Council and District Council have been amended, pursuant to CR-57-2020 and CR-58-2020, respectively, adopted on July 21, 2020, for virtual and remote public participation before each body.

COUNTY COUNCIL CONVENES VIRTUAL SESSION FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS AND BRIEFINGS

The County Council convened in virtual session on Wednesday, June 2nd , to review legislation and conduct public hearings for CB-023-2021, an Ordinance concerning the I-3 Zone; and CB-028-2021, legislation amending the definition of Mobile Vendors to include Mobile Grocery Trucks to provide food options in targeted areas.  Both Council Bills were enacted.  

The Council also received an Economic Development Strategic Plan Update led by Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation President and CEO David Iannucci, and a briefing presentation on the County’s Redevelopment Authority Projects, led by Executive Director Stephen Paul.  WATCH Wednesday’s Council Session.

COUNCIL EXPANDS HEALTHY FOOD OPTIONS TO INCLUDE MOBILE GROCERY TRUCKS

In May, Council Member Turner joined with County Executive Alsobrooks, Council colleagues, Capital Area Food Bank President and CEO Radha Muthiah and staff for a sneak peak of their Curbside Grocery mobile truck
that will be coming to Prince George’s County now that the Council passes CB-28-2021, as part of a pilot program

The County Council, during Tuesday’s session, unanimously gave final approval to CB-28-2021, amending the definition of Mobile Vendors to include Mobile Grocery Trucks and providing healthy food options in the County’s Healthy Food Priority Areas.  Under the legislation, the definition of mobile vendors also references individuals who sell pre-packaged groceries including but not limited to dry goods, pantry staples, fresh fruits and vegetables (pre-packed or not), dairy products, proteins, pre-packed and uncooked meats from a mobile food service facility or producer mobile farmer’s market unit approved and inspected by State or County health departments.

Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II says this legislation expands food options for Prince George’s County residents in areas that need it most.  “We still have portions of the County, and specific households, where residents find access to groceries challenging.  Mobile grocery trucks give us an additional way to provide residents with fresh fruits, vegetables and other nourishing items, without having to travel far from home.”

District 4 Council Member Todd M. Turner, sponsor of the legislation, noted the importance of access to nourishing foods for every resident.    “The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the impacts on both food access and security of our residents in the County.  The mobile grocery trucks will bring food items into these communities, expanding food options for families.”   

READ MORE in the press release.

DISTRICT COUNCIL CONVENES VIRTUAL SESSION TO ADDRESS LAND-USE MATTERS The Prince George’s County Council, sitting as the District Council on zoning matters, met virtually on Wednesday, June 2nd. The scheduled session included two Items for Discussion related to Woodmore Commons located in District 5.  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.  WATCH Wednesday’s District Council meeting.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CONVENES VIRTUALLY TO REVIEW LEGISLATION The Committee of the Whole convened virtually on Thursday, June 3rd to address several measures, including CR-045-2020, a Resolution concerning Watershed Protection and Restoration. Council Members received a presentation from Department of Environment staff before voting the measure favorably out of COW for consideration by the full Council.  CB-029-2021, an Act concerning mobile units and food safety was also addressed and received favorable consideration. The 2020 Annual Action Plan for the Department of Housing and Community Development, Supplemental Appropriations in the approved FY 2021 Capital Budget, Certification of Non-Conforming Uses, and zoning legislation were among the other measures reviewed in COW.  WATCH Thursday’s COW in its entirety.

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION AND COMPENSATION REVIEW BOARD HOLD VIRTUAL MEETING The Prince George’s County 2021-2022 Charter Review Commission and the Compensation Review Board met virtually on Wednesday, June 2nd.  Both bodies share a chair, and membership. Section 1106 of the County Charter provides that the County Council and County Executive shall appoint by resolution, a Charter Review Commission. The purpose of the Charter Review Commission is to undertake a comprehensive study of the Charter and recommend appropriate changes to the Charter.  The Compensation Review Board is studying the rate of current compensation for the County Council and County Executive and will make recommendations regarding the amount of compensation. Lupi Q. Grady serves as Commission/Board Chair.  Commission/Board Members include Dennis C. Brownlee, Samuel H. Dean, Camille A. Exum, Dr. Stephanie V. Overton Stanard, Glenda R. Wilson and Jacqueline B. Woody.   The meeting was facilitated by Associate Council Administrator Colette Gresham, Esq.  Wednesday’s agenda included discussion around current compensation and allowances, and organizational discussion.  The Charter Review Commission final report deadline is April 1, 2022, and the Compensation Review Board recommendations deadline is December 15, 2021.  The next virtual meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 7th at 4:00 p.m.   All meetings are livestreamed and may be viewed live at https://pgccouncil.us/Live   WATCH Wednesday’s meeting.

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY RESPONSIBLE LEGACY TASK FORCE The Prince George’s County Responsible Legacy Task Force, established by CR-81-2019, met virtually on Friday, June 4th.  The task force is charged with reviewing all County monuments, parks, street names, County buildings and other places of honor, and creating a process to determine the future of names linked to a prejudiced past, and is working to ensure that the County’s legacy is one of equality, diversity and inclusion. Friday’s meeting agenda included a review of public survey responses, subcommittee updates, and an organizational discussion.  The next meeting is scheduled for July 16th at 10 a.m.

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY FOOD SECURITY TASK FORCE MEETS The Prince George’s County Food Security Task Force, established by CR-62-2020, met virtually on Friday. June 4th, to address issues related to the demand and supply of healthy food, food health connections, school meals, and overall food security in Prince George’s County.  Friday’s agenda included a discussion about extending the time for the work of the task force; community outreach strategy; and strategic and long-term system planning.   The next meeting is scheduled for July 16, 2021 at 1:00 PM.

IMPORTANT SIX FLAGS VACCINE SITE UPDATE

The last day to receive the first dose of a Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine at the Six Flags America Theme Park site in Upper Marlboro is June 26th.   The first date for Pfizer second dose vaccines only at this site, is June 29th.  Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccines will be offered at Six Flags from June 8th to July 3rd.   The last day of operation at this vaccine site will be July 17th.  For as long as they remain in operation, all sites will continue to offer no-appointment vaccinations. LEARN MORE about the State’s phased demobilization of mass vaccination sites.

VACCINE WALK-INS

Visit mypgc.us/COVID to see your vaccine options at County Health Department Clinics, where you can either walk-in or schedule an appointment.

MISSED THE UTILITY ASSISTANCE TOWN HALL?  STILL NEED HELP?

The County held a Utility Assistance Town Hall on Tuesday, June 1, to provide information about assistance programs offered by the Department of Social Services, local utility companies and the Salvation Army. If you missed it and still need the information, CLICK HERE for the presentation.   The event is also available on YouTube!  WATCH the video.   

EDC PERSONAL SERVICES BUSINESS GRANT

Through the Economic Development Corporation, personal services professionals in Prince George’s County are eligible for $5,000 grants to establish or expand business technical capabilities. Eligible use of funds may also include reimbursement of equipment or services purchased for, or related to, business online/e-commerce sustainability. The application period ends on June 15. Learn more and apply now: www.pgcedc.com/ebusiness

SAVE THE DATE!  STATE OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS ON JUNE 9TH

On Wednesday, June 9 at 6:00 PM, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks will deliver the virtual 2021 State of the County Address.  WATCH via the Prince George’s County Government YouTube page.

STAND UP & DELIVER FOOD EVENTS

SATURDAY, JUNE 5^TH – 10 AM

The Prince George’s County Stand Up & Deliver program, in an ongoing initiative to address food security issues, will distribute Grab & Go groceries at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 5^th.  Distribution sites are the Ebenezer Church of God, Landover Hills; Kingdom Fellowship AME Church at High Point High School, Beltsville; and LOVE AME Church, Capitol Heights. 

NATIONAL HARBOR – JUNE 18^th

The County will host a Stand Up & Deliver grocery distribution and vaccination event at National Harbor on June 18th. There will also be a job fair opportunity and plenty of prizes like Capital Wheel tickets!

 COUNCIL MEETINGS NEXT WEEK

June 07 - Redistricting Commission  - 3:00 PM  Public Notice

June 08 - County Council - 10:00 PM   Agenda

June 08 - Council sitting as Committee of the Whole  - 11:30 PM  Agenda

June 09 - Zoning Hearing Examiner  - 9:30 AM  Agenda

June 09 - Board of Appeals - 6:00 PM     Agenda

June 10 - Council sitting as Committee of the Whole - 10:00 PM   Agenda

June 11 - Re-Entry Advisory Board Meeting - 10:00 AM     Details

June 11 - Housing Opportunities For All Workgroup - 1:00 PM   Public Notice

Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page

DEDICATING THE NEW DISTRICT HEIGHTS VETERANS PARK

Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, District 6 Council Member Derrick Leon Davis, and Council Member At-Large Mel Franklin, were among those who addressed the Dedication Ceremony for Veterans Park in District Heights on Monday, pausing to  remember and honor veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The dedication follows years of teamwork, planning, design and construction of a place where veterans and residents can remember, honor and reflect.  

READ MORE about this special event in  pgsuite.com, “A Place of Honor.”

MEMORIAL DAY IN DISTRICT 4

District 4 Council Member Todd M. Turner joined the Bowie Veterans Organization on Monday for a Memorial Day Ceremony at Bowie Veterans Memorial Park, to honor those who wore the uniform and gave the ultimate sacrifice for us.   With COVID metrics improving, the annual event was held in person.  Council Member Turner also hosted an afternoon, outdoor Memorial Day Musical Tribute to Seniors featuring the FAME Jazz Ensemble at the Evergreen Estates, Willows Oaks, and Pin Oak Village senior communities in Bowie

CAMERON GROVE MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

District 6 Council Member Derrick Leon Davis “blew some of the rust through the old horn,” as he joined young musicians on the FAME Jazz Band Float with his saxophone, for the annual Memorial Day Parade through Cameron Grove! Enjoy the Facebook video.

HONORING ASIAN-AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER VETERANS

District 2 Council Member Deni Taveras joined hundreds of others on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on Memorial Day, with a mission to amplify the voice against anti-Asian violence, and honor fallen men and women who gave their lives for freedom, while highlighting the contributions Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made in America, especially military veterans.  The Council recently adopted CR-54-2021, a Resolution condemning all forms of anti-Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) sentiment, racism, and discrimination, and calling on federal officials, in collaboration with state and local agencies and Asian American and Pacific Islander community organizations, to address the rise in COVID-19-related hate crimes.  Council Member Taveras presented the Resolution during Monday’s National Day of Solidarity for the AAPI Community on the National Mall.

CELEBRATING IN FAIRMOUNT HEIGHTS

District 5 Council Member Jolene Ivey was honored to mark Memorial Day 2021 with the residents of Fairmount Heights! Thanking Fairmount Heights Council Member Stella Twyman Hargrove for the opportunity to serve as Grand Marshal of the parade, Council Member Ivey had plans to ride on a fire truck.  Those plans changed when the Chapel Oaks Fire Department got called into service and Council Member Ivey and her dog Chloe had to jump off and ride on the back of Herb Jones’ motorcycle instead!