COUNCIL CONVENES FOR FINAL SESSION PRIOR TO SUMMER RECESS – ENACTS HEALTHY RESTAURANTS LEGISLATION AND OTHER MEASURES, ADDRESSES EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS

The Prince George’s County Council convened Tuesday, July 18, 2023, in its final regular session before Summer Recess.  During Tuesday’s session, the Council passed key legislation; received public testimony from residents and stakeholders; and addressed Proposed Correspondence. 

 The Council enacted the following measures: 

•  CB-046-2023, Healthy Restaurants Legislation proposed by Vice Chair Blegay in response to the rise in chronic illnesses and the County’s lack of healthy food options. Under the measure, Prince George’s County Government will provide incentives to restaurants offering foods deemed “healthy” by the Health Department’s Healthcare Action Coalition and a registered dietician. To receive County incentives, at least 40% of a restaurant’s meals must be deemed healthy and include one “healthy” plant-based meal. County support would be offered in the form of zero-interest loans, publicity, marketing, promotion during annual Restaurant Weeks, and other incentives. 
• CB-061-2023, legislation amending provisions of the County Code regulating the procedure to declare County Real Property as Surplus Property. 
•  CB-031-2023, an Ordinance amending the definitions of Convenience Store, Gas Station, and Tobacco Shop uses in the Zoning Ordinance to clarify the percentage of certain uses that may be dedicated to the display and sales of tobacco products also passed. 
•  CR-022-2023, legislation amending the Salary Plan of the County to reflect the continuation of certain Military Leave Benefits and the eligibility requirements for certain military leave benefits. 
•  CR-063-2023, legislation adjusting the Public Safety and Behavioral Health Surcharge 
•  CR-069-2023, a Council Resolution concerning School Facilities Surcharge 
•  CR-070-2023, legislation establishing a Universal Design Implementation Workgroup to assist the County in implementing the required procedural and design requirements of Universal Design established in CB-65-2023. 
•  CR-72-2023, legislation concerning the 2009 Countywide Master Plan of Transportation – Minor Amendment 

In other matters, the Council addressed Executive Appointments to the Fire Commission, which were ultimately rejected in a 6-3-1 vote, with a commitment from Council Chair Dernoga to engage with all interested stakeholders to effectively address concerns of the volunteer and career firefighters as it relates to the Fire Commission nomination process moving forward. 

CR-071-2023, legislation expressing opposition to locating a PEPCO lithium battery storage facility in the Southlawn and Livingston Woods Area was also introduced. Following public testimony from residents opposed to the project, PEPCO leadership addressed the Council, committing that no construction will commence on the project until they come back before the body in September. 

The Council also announced the appointment of Jocelyn Route to the Prince George’s County Board of Education. Route currently serves as a Public Health Advisor for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Political Science and a Master’s degree from Howard University. 

The County Council will reconvene in September, unless an emergency meeting is required during recess.

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