Council approves appointments, letters supporting state/federal actions and introduces watercraft parking bill

Prince George's County Council on Jan. 21 unanimously approved several administrative actions: letters transmitting the council's positions to state legislative leaders, reappointments to county boards and a letter supporting a Maryland Transit Administration grant application. The council also gave first reading to an ordinance that would ban parking of privately owned watercraft on county roads.

Jabari Cooper, chairing the General Assembly committee, told the council the committee voted to support local bills including PG 30125 (Prince George's County Coordinated Gun Violence Review and Response Team) and PG 30625 (Prince George's County Speed Monitoring Systems). "Moving forward with state bills, the General Assembly Committee voted to support Senate Bill 11 and House Bill 179, Organized Retail Theft Act of 2025," Cooper reported. The council voted 10‑0 to authorize the chair's signature transmitting the committee's positions to the county's Senate and House delegations.

Jennifer Jenkins presented the results of an executive session in which the council made appointments to county boards under county code. The council voted 10‑0 to reappoint Dr. Andrea Coleman and Earl O'Neil to the Police Accountability Board under County Code section 2‑533. Jenkins also reported a reappointment of Bradley Frome to the Spending Affordability Committee under County Code section 10‑112(21); the council authorized the chair's signature on that letter by a 10‑0 vote.

Kenneth Battle (reported as Kenneth Grant during the meeting) summarized a committee recommendation to send a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation supporting the Maryland Transit Administration's application for the Regional Infrastructure Accelerator grant. Battle said the program makes a total of $10,000,000 available, with awards ranging from $1,000,000 to $1,500,000; MTA's application was submitted Jan. 9 and comments are accepted through Jan. 28. The council voted 10‑0 to authorize the chair's signature on the letter of support.

On the consent agenda, council member Olson presented CB‑002‑2025, a bill described as "an act concerning watercraft parked on county roads" that would prohibit parking of personally owned watercraft on public streets, establish fines and permit towing after repeated violations. Olson’s bill was introduced for first reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole. The consent agenda motion to adopt passed 10‑0.

Ending: All standing motions on appointments and letters carried unanimously. Several council members said they would follow up with staff for details on implementation and next steps for the introduced bill.