Mount Rainier, MD

City Council

Committees

The Mount Rainier Green Team is meeting to review minutes, update on new members, and confirm priority activities for 2026-2027. They will also develop a communications and outreach plan, discuss website updates, and coordinate on Sustainable Maryland and fall green initiatives. The meeting is largely planning and coordination, with no specific decisions or dollar amounts listed.

• Confirm priority activities for 2026-2027
• Develop communications and outreach plan
• Discuss website updates
• Discuss Sustainable Maryland / Fall Green Initiatives collaboration

Committees

The Mount Rainier Arts Commission is meeting to plan upcoming art projects, including a mural at the library, a sculpture at the traffic circle, a collaboration with the Rec Committee for Porchfest, and a community art banner initiative. They will also discuss grants and updates on the skatepark mural.

• Update on Skatepark Mural
• Mural at Mount Rainier library
• Exploration of Sculpture at Traffic Circle
• Porchfest Collab with Rec Committee
• Community art banner initiative

Committees

The Mount Rainier Design Review Board is meeting to review a variance request packet for 3001 Taylor Street. The board will confirm whether the submission is adequate for review and identify any missing materials. This is a packet review, not a final decision on the variance.

• Variance request for 3001 Taylor Street
• Review of submission materials for completeness
• Determine next steps for the variance application

Committees

The Mount Rainier Recreation Committee is meeting to plan two upcoming community events: Porchfest lite on Saturday, September 26, and the Sweaty Sweater Fun Run & 5K on December 12. The agenda includes opening actions and then focuses on these two events.

• Planning for Porchfest lite on Saturday, September 26
• Sweaty Sweater Fun Run & 5K on December 12

Committees

The Mount Rainier Ethics Commission will hold a remote meeting to approve minutes from prior 2025 meetings and discuss updates to its rules. The body will also review financial disclosure statements submitted by elected officials and city staff for 2025.

• Review of 2025 Financial Disclosure Statements from Elected Officials and City Staff

Committees

The Green Team is meeting to discuss membership, communications, and outreach. The group will also review updates regarding priority projects and the current action plan.

• Membership discussion
• Priority Project / Action Plan updates
• Communications and outreach

Committees

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will evaluate recent events and plan training for the remainder of the year. The committee will vote on spending for ice, batteries, and a $130.50 reimbursement for promotional bubbles.

• Vote on ice expenditure
• Vote on AAA batteries for headlamps
• Vote on $130.50 reimbursement for promo bubbles

Committees

The Design Review Board is conducting a second review of a variance request packet for 3001 Taylor Street. The board will confirm whether the submission is complete and determine next steps.

• Second review of variance request for 3001 Taylor Street
• Confirmation of submission adequacy and identification of missing materials

Committees

Committees

The Mount Rainier Tree Commission will meet to discuss updates on Pepco tree removals and line clearing, infrastructure projects including WSSC removals and the Arundel Green Street project, and approval processes for city tree plantings. The meeting also covers watering efforts and maintenance of existing trees.

• Update on Pepco removals and line clearing work
• WSSC removals and replacement tree planning
• Arundel 'Green Street' project discussion
• Pervious pavement sidewalk repair update
• Willow oak tree on DPWT easement discussion

City Council

The Mount Rainier Mayor and City Council will hold an emergency legislative meeting on July 7, 2026. The primary agenda item is a discussion regarding a rental license fee waiver request for the Mount Rainier Artist Loft. The meeting also includes standard agenda review, public comment, and adjournment.

• Rental license fee waiver request for the Mount Rainier Artist Loft
• Public comment period with a 3-minute time limit per speaker
• Standard agenda review and adjournment

Committees

The Design Review Board is holding a second review of a variance request packet for 3001 Taylor Street. The board will confirm whether the submission is adequate for review and identify any missing materials.

• Second review of variance request for 3001 Taylor Street
• Review of submission materials to determine adequacy
• Identification of missing items in the packet

Committees

The Mount Rainier Green Team will meet to address resident emails and identify priority projects and goals. The committee will also recruit new members and finalize its agenda. This agenda contains only internal administrative items and does not list public hearings or binding votes.

• Recruitment of new Green Team members
• Responses to resident emails
• Discussion to identify priority projects and goals
• Agenda agreement and meeting close

Committees

The Mount Rainier CERT committee will meet to review February–May training and event reports, plan upcoming activities, and discuss a guest presentation on block captains. Members will also vote on equipment or supply purchases before the June 30 fiscal year deadline. The agenda concludes with an open discussion period.

• Guest presentation on "block captains" by Rachel Bush
• Review of February–May training and event reports
• Planning for next quarter's training and community events
• Discussion and vote on purchases before the June 30 fiscal year end
• Open discussion period

The Mount Rainier CERT planning committee unanimously approved a list of supply purchases, including headlamps, a collapsible wagon, fire extinguishers, cold packs, emergency blankets, a canopy top, and give-away items. The committee also discussed a proposed neighborhood communications network led by Block Captains, reviewed past trainings and events, and tabled future training plans until the next meeting.

• Approved purchase of 8 headlamps for $26
• Approved purchase of 1 collapsible wagon for $76
• Approved purchase of 4 fire extinguishers for raffles at $43/pair
• Approved purchase of 100 cold packs for $88
• Approved purchase of 100 emergency blankets for $70
• Approved purchase of 10' x 10' replacement canopy top for $40
• Approved purchase of give-aways: 100 bubbles ($150), 1,000 stickers ($35), 2 first aid kits ($18 each), rubber bands ($7)
• Tabled future training discussion until July 22 meeting

City Council

The City Council will discuss Ordinance No. 05-2026, which replaces parking meters with paid parking zones using QR-code or app-based payments. Presentations are scheduled on the Arundel Road Green Street Project (stormwater and safety improvements between 31st and 34th Streets) and a proposed mixed-use development at 3200 Rhode Island Avenue (99 apartments, 8 retail spaces). The council will also review legislative priorities and a request to hold a Juneteenth flag raising.

• Ordinance No. 05-2026 to eliminate parking meters and establish paid parking zones with electronic payment via QR codes or apps
• Arundel Road Green Street Project: design complete, construction start June 2026, includes stormwater management, median, crosswalk, and bicycle improvements
• Proposed development at 3200 Rhode Island Avenue: 99 apartment units, 8 retail spaces, 135 parking spaces, requires floodplain waiver and multiple approvals
• Vice Mayor reports on Mosquitopalooza event and next steps
• Request to commemorate Juneteenth with a flag raising at City Hall Courtyard

City Council

The Mount Rainier City Council will hold first reading and adoption of Emergency Ordinance No. 09-2026, a budget amendment transferring grant funds and using $955,240 from fund balance for Potts Hall/Welcome Center. They will also vote on Resolution No. 08-2026 appointing Elise Moore to the Legacy Mixed-Use Town Center Design Review Committee. Other votes include setting city legislative priorities and adopting the FY2027 legislative calendar.

• Emergency Ordinance No. 09-2026 reallocates grant funds including $499,000 for Perry St/Green Streets streetscape, $422,000 for solar panels, $75,000 for Levee Trail crossing, and $14,000 for National Night Out
• Resolution No. 08-2026 appoints Elise Moore to the Legacy Mixed-Use Town Center Design Review Committee for a two-year term and acknowledges Elina Bravve's service
• Discussion and vote on establishing City legislative priorities and understanding the MML legislative process
• Discussion and vote on the FY2027 Legislative Calendar presented by Councilmember Jenny Hoffpauir
• Vote to approve meeting minutes from April 21 work session and May 5 legislative meeting

The City Council adopted a budget amendment and appointed Elise Moore to the Legacy Mixed-Use Town Center. The meeting also included updates on infrastructure projects and public comments.

• Adopted Resolution No. 08-2026 appointing Elise Moore (5-0-0)
• Adopted Emergency Ordinance No. 09-2026 Budget Amendment #2 (5-0-0)
• Agreed to invite developer to June 9 meeting regarding Eastern Avenue property
• Resolved to provide stop sign camera impact report at September meeting

Committees

Committees

This is a procedural committee meeting focused on administrative details, team norms, annual planning, and assigning roles for key initiatives. No ordinances, contracts, or public hearings are on the agenda.

• Discussion of meeting times and cadence
• Developing goals and annual planning
• Assigning team roles and leads for key initiatives

City Council

This is a work session of the Mount Rainier City Council. They will discuss several ordinances including a major revision of license and permit rules, elimination of parking meters, and increases in fines for various violations up to $5,000. They will also receive updates on the 3200 Rhode Island Avenue property, the Missing Middle Housing study draft strategies, the Tree Commission report, and a third-quarter financial report. Other topics include an emergency budget amendment, a Snow Angels program, legislative priorities, and potential hybrid meeting options.

• Update and discussion on the 3200 Rhode Island Avenue property from the owner
• Presentation from Prince George's County Planning on Missing Middle Housing study draft strategies
• Ordinance 04-2026: revising Chapter 7 'License and Permits' and moving illegal evictions to Chapter 10
• Ordinance 05-2026: eliminating parking meters and establishing paid parking zones
• Ordinance 07-2026: increasing fines for various violations, including raising maximum municipal infraction fines from $1,000 to $5,000

The City Council approved adding 10 minutes to the meeting agenda three times during the session. The meeting focused on presentations regarding missing middle housing and the Tree Commission, with no final decisions made on the topics.

• Approved adding 10 minutes to agenda (5-0-0)
• Approved adding 10 minutes to agenda (5-0-0)
• Approved adding 10 minutes to agenda (5-0-0)

Committees

The Mount Rainier Tree Commission will meet to discuss recruiting new commissioners, reflect on Arbor Day events, plan an annual observation walk of city trees, and receive updates on WSSC and Pepco tree removals and line clearing. The meeting is procedural and focused on ongoing tree management.

• Tree Commissioner recruitment discussion
• Annual observation walk of city trees planned
• Update on WSSC removals and replacement tree planning
• Update on Pepco removals and line clearing work
• Next steps for willow oak tree on DPWT easement

Committees

The Design Review Board is meeting to review a variance request packet for 3001 Taylor Street and determine whether the submission is complete for further review and next steps.

• Variance request for 3001 Taylor Street packet review

City Council

The City Council will hold second readings and votes on two ordinances: one amending traffic and parking codes for safer biking and walking (Vision Zero), and another updating the city fee schedule. They will also consider appointments to the Arts Commission, proclaim Autism Acceptance Month, and vote on meeting schedule changes for summer. Public comment is invited.

• Second reading and vote on Ordinance No. 01-2026 (Vision Zero) affecting sidewalk riding, parking rules, and truck restrictions.
• Second reading and vote on Ordinance No. 02-2026 to repeal and reenact the city fee schedule.
• First reading and adoption of Resolution No. 04-2026 appointing members to the Arts Commission.
• First reading and adoption of Resolution No. 05-2026 for Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month.
• Vote to change June work session date from June 16 to June 9 and to recess for July and August 2026.

The Council voted 5-0 to adopt Amendment 1 to Ordinance No. 01-2026, correcting a drafting error in parking regulations. The second reading of the full Vision Zero ordinance was moved but the final vote outcome is not recorded in the minutes; the document ends mid-sentence. No other substantive decisions were made; the remainder of the meeting consisted of reports, discussions, and event announcements.

• Accepted agenda with removal of item 12 (first reading of Resolution 07-2026) (voice vote, no tally)
• Motion to add 10 minutes to meeting passed (5-0)
• Adopted Amendment 1 to Ordinance No. 01-2026, correcting a drafting error in Section 13-107 (5-0)
• Second reading of Ordinance No. 01-2026 (Vision Zero) moved; vote outcome not recorded

Committees

The Mount Rainier Green Team is meeting to review a specified ordinance, elect officers, and decide on a future meeting schedule. The agenda includes introductions and new business, but no specific ordinance details are listed.

• Review of an ordinance (no further details provided)
• Selection of officers for the Green Team
• Decision on future meeting schedule

Committees

City Council

The Mount Rainier City Council will hear a Pepco presentation on utility bill increases driven by rising supply costs and capacity market spikes. The council will also discuss resolutions to appoint Arts Commission members and proclaim Autism Acceptance Month, along with an Arbor Day proclamation. Other items include rescheduling the June work session, a possible July/August recess, and removing resume requirements for volunteers.

• Pepco update on rising electric bills: supply prices up over 60% since 2020, capacity costs soaring
• Discussion on Resolution No. 04-2026 appointing and reappointing members to the Arts Commission
• Discussion on Resolution No. 05-2026 declaring Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month
• Arbor Day 2026 proclamation by Mayor Celina Benitez
• Removing resume requirements for volunteering – presented by Vice Mayor Danielle Carter

The Council heard presentations from Pepco regarding energy assistance and from Greenwill Consulting Group on state funding and legislative advocacy. The session included discussions on resolutions for the Art Commission and Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month, and a proposal to move the June work session to June 9.

• Approved motion to add 15 minutes to Pepco presentation (5-0-0)
• Approved motion to add 15 minutes to Greenwill Consulting Group presentation (5-0-0)

City Council

The Mount Rainier City Council will hold first readings of Ordinance No. 01-2026, amending traffic and parking rules under the Vision Zero plan, and Ordinance No. 02-2026, which repeals and reenacts the city fee schedule. Council members will also adopt Resolution No. 03-2026 to appoint five residents to the Green Team. Additional items include a vote on public‑comment rules, a $1,000 Teacher Appreciation allocation for Thomas S. Stone and Mount Rainier Elementary Schools, and a proclamation for Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month.

• Ordinance No. 01-2026: amendments to traffic, parking and bicycle safety codes (Vision Zero)
• Ordinance No. 02-2026: repeal and reenactment of the City Fee Schedule
• Resolution No. 03-2026: appointment of five residents to the Green Team
• Vote on rules governing public comments at council meetings
• Funding of $1,000 for Teacher Appreciation at Thomas S. Stone and Mount Rainier Elementary Schools

The council adopted Resolution No. 03‑2026, appointing members to the Green Team, with a 5‑0‑0 vote. It also approved a motion to add three minutes to public comment and a motion to amend the Council Rules, each passing 5‑0‑0. The minutes from prior meetings were approved and the session was adjourned.

• Adopted Resolution No. 03‑2026 appointing Green Team members (5-0-0)
• Approved motion to add 3 minutes to public comment (5-0-0)
• Approved motion to amend Council Rules for Speakers (5-0-0)
• Approved minutes for February‑March 2026 meetings (5-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)

Committees

The Recreation Committee will report back on a City Council presentation, review and vote on grant submissions, discuss upcoming Pride events, and consider any new business.

• Review and vote on grant applications
• Report back from City Council presentation
• Discuss upcoming Pride events
• Consider new business

The Recreation Committee approved funding of $2,500 for the Mount Rainier Elementary School PTO Carnival. Two other grant applications, Eyes to the Sky and Kimani Gardens & Beats, were not funded. The Jarrett Hendrix Station art programming grant of $1,250 was placed pending pending an email vote. The committee will review the grant process for possible improvements over the summer.

• Mount Rainier Elementary School PTO Carnival – $2,500 funded
• Eyes to the Sky – not funded (did not meet criteria)
• Kimani Gardens & Beats – not funded (did not meet criteria)
• Jarrett Hendrix Station – Art Programming – pending (email vote to follow)
• Committee will revisit grant process improvements over the summer

City Council

The Mount Rainier City Council will review the meeting agenda and then consider a proposal to enter a closed session. The closed session would be used to discuss personnel matters and to consult the City Attorney for legal advice, as authorized by Maryland Code article 3-305b subsections (1) and (7). No other agenda items are listed.

• Proposal to enter closed session under MD Code 3-305b (subsections 1 & 7) to discuss personnel matters and obtain legal advice

The agenda was accepted as presented. The council voted 5‑0 to enter a closed session, then voted 5‑0 to return to open session. Finally, the council voted 5‑0 to adjourn the meeting at 9:21 p.m.

• Accepted agenda as presented (5-0)
• Approved motion to go into closed session (5-0)
• Approved motion to come out of closed session (5-0)
• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (5-0)

Committees

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will hold a training session on using duct tape in emergency and disaster response situations. The session will demonstrate practical applications such as temporary repairs, medical support, and securing materials. No formal decisions or votes are listed on the agenda.

• Training session on duct‑tape applications for emergency response

The committee voted unanimously to provide a $250 honorarium to trainer Margaret Probst. It also voted unanimously to purchase two fire extinguishers for demonstration and raffle purposes. No other motions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved $250 honorarium to Margaret Probst (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of two fire extinguishers (unanimous)

City Council

The Mayor and City Council will hold a public hearing regarding proposed real property taxes for FY2027, followed by a budget work session. The proposed budget is balanced and does not increase property tax rates for residents.

• Proposed FY2027 operating revenues of $9,271,863
• Allocation of $500,000 for street and sidewalk reconstruction and repair
• Budgeting of $1,952,800 from the Safe Streets For All grant for FY2027
• Proposed 5% COLA for all employees and 2% merit for police officers
• Proposed $500 holiday bonus for all full-time employees

The City Council adopted the FY2027 tax rates for residential, multi‑family, commercial, industrial, townhouse, business personal property, railroad/public utility and vacant developed properties. Several procedural motions, including adding time to the agenda and taking breaks, were approved unanimously. Both the public hearing and the budget work session were adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved FY2027 tax rates: Residential $0.75/100, Apartment $0.86/100, Commercial $0.79/100, Industrial $0.79/100, Townhouse $0.75/100, Business Personal $0.99/100, Railroad/Public Utility $2.75/100, Vacant Developed $2.50/100
• Motion to adjourn the public hearing passed (5-0-0)
• Motion to add 8 minutes to the budget work session passed (5-0-0)
• Motion for a 5‑minute break passed (5-0-0)
• Motion to add 15 minutes to the budget discussion passed (5-0-0)
• Motion to add 2 minutes passed (5-0-0)
• Motion for a 30‑minute lunch break passed (5-0-0)
• Motion to adjourn the budget meeting passed (5-0-0)