Good morning, good morning, everyone.

Uh, and welcome to the county council.

Uh, I'm council chair Chris Doriatha.

Um, and so some of these Tuesdays when we come together as council, we have an opportunity to present proclamations uh to either groups, individuals, organizations that are doing amazing work uh in the county.

And so it's one of our favorite times on the council.

So today, uh, I think we have five proclamations uh that we'll be giving out.

Uh, we are going to start with our first proclamation in honor of National Public Works Week, whereas public works professionals play a vital role in sustaining and enhancing the quality of life in Prince George's County by maintaining essential infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water systems, public buildings, and waste management services.

And whereas these dedicated individuals work diligently behind the scenes and on the front lines to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of our residents, often responding to emergencies and serving under challenging condition conditions.

And whereas the observation of National Public Work Week, sponsored annually by the American Public Works Association, highlights the importance of public work service and recognizes the contribution of those who plan, design, build, manage, and operate our critical infrastructure systems.

And whereas the theme of National Public Works Week for 2026, advancing quality of life for all, reflects the ongoing commitment of public works professionals to improve the communities they serve through innovation, sustainability, and resilience.

And whereas Prince Georges County is proud to recognize and celebrate the hardworking public works employees, engineers, technicians, and support staff whose dedication ensures the efficient delivery of essential services to our residents every day.

And whereas it is fitting that we set aside time to honor the contributions of public works professionals and to increase public works, public awareness of the importance of their work in shaping vibrant and thriving communities.

All public work professionals are commended for their commitment to excellence and their essential role in maintaining the improvement, the infrastructure that supports our daily lives.

Now, therefore it be proclaimed the Prince George's County Council acknowledges May 17th through 20 through the 23rd of 2026, National Public Works Week in Prince George's County, and encourage all residents to join in recognizing individual contributions of public work professionals and to express appreciation for their dedicated service.

This is signed by myself, Council Chair Chris Sorriatha, and Vice Chair Eric Olson.

I'd like to welcome up Director Johnson, the DCAO, all the members of our and I know we have some support staff as well.

If they want to come up, uh we'll give you an opportunity to speak and take pictures with the council.

Okay.

So you want to go ahead.

Okay.

Okay.

Good morning.

And uh thank you uh so much, uh, Council Chair Orieta.

Just have a few words, prepared uh words.

Um this is the 66th uh public works uh week celebration.

So this we are honored to um be honored by such a distinguished and august buddy as the council.

So on behalf of the dedicated men and women of the public works department, the department of public works and transportation.

Um I sincerely appreciate this recognition of the essential work performed every day to serve the residents of Prince George's County.

Public Works is often most visible during emergencies, storms, and infrastructure challenges.

But in reality, our teams work around the clock every day of the year, maintaining roads, bridges, sidewalks, traffic systems, storm-drain infrastructure, providing transit service, litter abatement, operations, and so much more that keeps our communities safe, mobile, clean, and connected.

And a lot of this is not seen by the public.

This recognition belongs to the frontline employees, supervisors, engineers, operators, technicians, mechanics, planners, administrative professionals, and support staff whose commitment to public service makes this county function.

Their professionalism, resilience, and dedication are truly appreciated.

I also want to thank the county executive administration, our agency partners, our organized labor representatives, and residents and the residents will be proudly served for their continued partnership and support.

It's an honor to serve Prince George's County, and we remain committed to delivering safe, reliable, and responsive public works services to our community.

Thank you again for this recognition and for your continued support of public works professionals throughout the county.

Can I call up uh can I call everyone up?

Public works guys, and ladies, come on up.

Don't be shy, we'll be if you're if you're wearing neon, can you come forward?

Because we see you.

Come on now.

Thank you, Sid.

Can you all can you all come fill in?

There's a lot of space here.

Come on in.

Come on in, fill in here as a lot of space.

Come back here and sit on the edge.

There's a ton of room here.

That's right.

I gotta be in the window.

Yeah, it's like if you've got throughout the menu, this is over.

Thank you.

I should get once.

Do you guys want you know what it was?

Right.

So I love all they let's do that.

Yeah, we're doing this one.

All righty.

I'm gonna give uh them a second to transition out quietly as we move on to our next proclamation.

Uh our next proclamation will be uh presented by Councilmember Ivy and Councilmember Adam Stafford uh to Kenmore Middle School.