Prince George's County Council Meeting – May 5, 2026

The Prince George's County Council met on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM and reconvening after a recess at 3:33 PM. The meeting covered consent agenda, second readings, a public hearing, resolution adoptions, a briefing from the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo), an executive session, and final correspondence. Key actions included enactment of a motor vehicle takeover bill and appointment of an Integrity and Compliance Officer.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the April 28, 2026, regular meeting and the 6 PM session.
• Presented and referred CB-038 (Impersonation of Utility Companies and Government Agencies) to the Public Safety, Health and Human Services Committee.
• Presented and referred CB-039 (Election Day Holiday) to the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee.
• Introduced CR-033 (Quantum Science Workforce Development) and referred it to the Education and Workforce Development Committee.
• Introduced CR-034 (Stop Sign Monitoring Systems – City of New Carrollton) and referred it to the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee.
• Introduced CR-036 (Contract Approvals) and referred it to the Committee of the Whole.

The consent agenda was adopted by a vote of 11-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Hamani Wilson (Fort Washington resident) described a flooding problem caused by city drain pipes, stating that repeated reports to 311 over years led to delayed action and ongoing damage to his home’s foundation. He requested assistance and raised broader concerns about resident communication and resolution for similar issues.
• Sherman Hardy (community member) accused county government of nepotism, cronyism, and lack of transparency, citing specific examples including councilmember family appointments, campaign donations, and the absence of a county auditor for 176 days. He called for accountability.

Discussion Items

• Second Reading of CB-020 (Pre-Application Neighborhood Meetings – Transparency in Land Use): The PHED Committee report noted that the bill requires the Planning Department to publish a searchable online database of pre-application meeting notices and ensure ADA accessibility. The committee voted 4-0 favorably with amendments. The bill was introduced with multiple co-sponsors.
• Second Reading of CB-025 (Responsible Pet Ownership Act): The TIEE Committee reported that draft two removes the term "custodian" from the licensing ban and increases civil fines to a range of $1,000 to $5,000 per violation, with waiver provisions. The committee voted 4-0 in favor. The bill was introduced with multiple co-sponsors.
• CB-030 (Charter Amendment – Repeal At-Large Council Members): The chair announced the item was deferred from the agenda.
• Public Hearing on CB-012 (Motor Vehicle Takeovers and Unlawful Speed Contests): No one signed up to speak. The public hearing was held. Council Member Fisher moved enactment, seconded by Vice Chair Olson. The bill was enacted with a vote of 10-0 (Council Member Burroughs absent). Council members praised the legislation as a regional first to address safety concerns.
• Resolutions CR-025 (District Council Rules) and CR-026 (County Council Rules): After committee reports, CR-025 was substituted with draft two (10-0) and then adopted (10-0). CR-026 was adopted (10-0). Both create a limited exception for excused absences in unforeseen urgent circumstances while allowing remote participation.
• Introduction and Adoption of CR-035 (2013 Central Branch Avenue Corridor Revitalization Sector Plan – Minor Master Plan and Sectional Map Amendment Initiation): The Council suspended the rules (10-0) and then adopted the resolution (10-0) to initiate amendments incorporating the Medical Innovation Campus Feasibility Study and remove policies already inserted in the 2014 Southern Green Line Station Area Sector Plan.
• MACo Annual Visit Briefing: MC Keegan-Ayer (MACo President, Frederick County Council Member) and Michael Sanderson (MACo Executive Director) presented on state fiscal challenges, including a projected $2.5 billion structural deficit for FY28, teacher pension cost shifts to counties, and the disparity grant program. Discussion covered housing affordability, energy grid pressures from data centers, and child care costs. Council members asked about GDP growth (Maryland ranks among slowest), energy generation, microgrids, and accessory dwelling units. No formal action was taken.
• Executive Session (1:33 PM – 1:41 PM): The Council met in closed session under §3-305(b)(1)(i) to discuss the appointment of the Integrity and Compliance Officer. A subsequent vote (9-0) appointed Curtis Carr, Jr. to that position for Prince George’s County Public Schools.

Key Outcomes

• Enacted CB-012 (Motor Vehicle Takeovers and Unlawful Speed Contests) with 10-0 vote (Burroughs absent).
• Adopted CR-025 (District Council Rules of Procedure) with 10-0 vote after substituting draft two.
• Adopted CR-026 (County Council Rules of Procedure) with 10-0 vote.
• Adopted CR-035 (Central Branch Avenue Corridor Plan Amendment Initiation) with 10-0 vote after suspending rules.
• Appointed Curtis Carr, Jr. as Integrity and Compliance Officer for Prince George’s County Public Schools by a 9-0 vote in executive session.
• Authorized a letter to the County Executive and Board of Education Chair transmitting the appointment (vote 6-0).
• CB-030 (Charter amendment) was deferred to a later date.