From the Office of Council Member Tom Dernoga July 2026

(From left to right) District 1 School Board Member Dr. Tiffini Andorful, Ms. Yvette Korvin, Liya Shewakena, and Council Member Dernoga celebrating Ms. Korvin’s 37 years of service as a High Point High School teacher.

Concrete Spilled on Rhode Island Avenue

Since January 2026, my team and I have been in touch with the Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) to advocate for a remedy for the concrete tailings that spilled along Rhode Island Avenue between Powder Mill Road and Baltimore Avenue. Several Beltsville residents have contacted me to express concern about these driving conditions.

DWP&T has examined the roadway a couple of times and responded that due to the thickness of the concrete tailings spill it is difficult to physically remove without doing damage to the roadway surface. However, thanks to continued community complaints and continued advocacy by the District 1 staff, DPW&T has now agreed to look at other options for removing the tailings. We will keep watch on this matter.

“Prohibited Home Business” Legislation Introduced

I recently proposed Council Bill CB-048-2026, "Prohibited Home Businesses", on May 26, 2026, in order to strengthen enforcement against illegal home-based businesses. This legislation includes:

            Expanding the responsible parties to include "owner of record, tenant, lessee, or occupant".

Establishing the definition of "Prohibited Home Business" to include "Vehicle Repair, Servicing, or Maintenance, or any business that adversely impacts the residential character of the neighborhood".

Establishing the following civil monetary fines (for which each day a prohibited home business violation continues shall constitute a distinct civil violation): 1st Violation is $1000; 2nd Violation (within a 24-month period) is $2500; 3rd and Subsequent Violation is $5000.

Establishing that, for any violation constituting a Prohibited Home Business, the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE) may issue a citation immediately upon verification and shall not be required to grant a grace period.

Establishing that civil fines, penalties, and the cost of abatement may be recorded as a lien upon the property.

CB-048-2026 has been referred to the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment (TIEE) Committee for further review. If enacted, we can make it harder to conduct illegal business operations in residential areas that continue to see ways to avoid enforcement by the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE). Track the progress and read the bill at tinyurl.com/CB-048-2026.

Staying Cool and Safe in Extreme Heat

With the extreme heat of Summer, it is important to stay cool and hydrated. Please be aware of your local Cooling Center. In Beltsville, this is the Vansville Community Center, located at 6813 Ammendale Road, Beltsville, 20705. The Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center, located at 7120 Contee Road, Laurel, 20707, will also serve as a cooling center. You can utilize this interactive map to locate cooling centers in District One and throughout the County: tinyurl.com/CoolingCenters2026.

            Here are suggestions to help cope with extreme heat: drink plenty of fluids while avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and overly sweet beverages. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing. Avoid direct sunlight, wear sunscreen, and stay in cool, shaded locations whenever possible. Avoid salty foods or beverages that can lead to dehydration. If you have to engage in physical activities, do so during the morning and evening when temperatures are cooler, and take breaks to cool off. Also, be sure to protect your pets by keeping them cool, well-hydrated, and never leaving them in a parked vehicle. Stay safe and take these precautions to protect yourself, your family, and your pets during periods of extreme heat.

            Heat-related health issues include heat cramps, which can then lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat cramps manifest as muscle pain and extreme cramping. Heat exhaustion manifests as dehydration, cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin, extreme weakness, nausea, headaches, vomiting, and faintness. Heatstroke manifests as body temperatures over 105 degrees Fahrenheit, dry and red skin, a rapid and weak pulse, fast and shallow breathing, convulsions, disorientation, delirium, and potentially heat-induced coma. To address heat cramps, stop all activities, find a rest area, drink fluids (avoid caffeinated products and alcohol), and wait for a few hours before resuming activity. Heat cramps can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you experience heat exhaustion again, drink fluids, find a cool, shaded resting place, and seek medical attention if symptoms do not improve within one hour. If you are facing heat stroke, cool off with cool, wet towels to lower your body temperature and call 911. Be careful when giving fluids; do not give fluids if the victim refuses water, vomits, or has fainted.

Contact Us

Please keep in touch by emailing us at councildistrict1@co.pg.md.us or calling 301-952-3887.