Mount Rainier public meetings in 2024

City Council

The Mount Rainier City Council will vote on reallocating $458,840 in ARPA funds from multiple completed or ongoing projects to the Potts Hall/Welcome Center project. The council will also vote on a variance request for a property at 4224 29th Street, as recommended by the Design Review Board. Additionally, the council will present Youth Scholarship awards to seven recipients and approve the minutes from the November 19 work session.

• Vote to reallocate $389,124.67 from nine projects (Newton Street, Food Security, Richardson Park, Social Worker, ARPA Consultant, Student Scholarship, Police Uniform, Streets and Sidewalks, Home Repair, Business Interruption Fund) plus $69,715.50 remaining balance to Potts Hall/Welcome Center
• Vote on variance request for 4224 29th Street for a rear/side addition and driveway expansion
• Presentation of Youth Scholarship awards to seven awardees
• Vote to approve minutes from November 19, 2024 Work Session

The City Council approved a variance request for 4224 29th Street and reallocated $458,840.17 in ARPA funds to the Potts Hall/Welcome Center project. They also approved the November 19, 2024 work session minutes. During the work session, they discussed the return of career firefighters to Bunker Hill Fire Station and reviewed a budget amendment ordinance.

• Approved variance request for 4224 29th Street (5-0)
• Approved ARPA fund reallocation of $458,840.17 to Potts Hall/Welcome Center (5-0)
• Approved minutes for November 19, 2024 work session (5-0)

City Council

The Mayor and City Council will review a report on the upcoming 2025 legislative session from Greenwill. The body will also receive an update regarding the Mount Rainier Volunteer Fire Department.

• Presentation on Greenwill Annual Pre-Session Report for the 2025 legislative session
• Update and discussion on the Mount Rainier Volunteer Fire Department
• Vote on approval of minutes from October 15 and October 29, 2024

City Council

The Mayor and City Council will hold a virtual work session to discuss the FY2024 audit report, a building application at 3401 Newton Street, a proposed mural project at 3510 Rhode Island Avenue, and the 2025 WMATA bus network plan that extends several routes and increases frequency. Two proclamations will also be presented. No final votes are scheduled; all items are for discussion only.

• FY2024 audit presentation by Mr. Dan Kenney
• Building application discussion for 3401 Newton Street
• Proposed mural project at Station 3510 Rhode Island Avenue by the Arts Commission
• 2025 WMATA Bus Network Plan changes including route extensions (e.g., D34 to West Hyattsville Metro, C41 from Mount Rainier to West Hyattsville) and improved frequency on Rhode Island Avenue
• Proclamations for Municipal Government Works Month and Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day (November 14)

City Council

The Mayor and City Council will review a loan application for Naturally Integrated Learning Experiences (NILE) to establish a daycare. The body will also vote on resolutions regarding the Recreation Committee and the budget calendar.

• Proposed $50,000 loan from the Million Dollar Incentive Fund for NILE daycare leasehold improvements at 3508 Perry Street
• Second reading and adoption of Resolution No. 04-2024 updating Recreation Committee terms
• Second reading and adoption of Resolution No. 05-2024 regarding the Budget Calendar
• Discussion on a support letter to DDOT for planned changes on Eastern Avenue

City Council

The Mayor and City Council are reviewing a proposal to opt into a Prince George’s County composting program and discussing safety improvements proposed by DC for Eastern Avenue. The body is also receiving updates on ARPA projects and the Safe Street for All grant.

• Proposed composting program with a 'compost and yard waste' tipping fee of $45.00 per ton
• DC's Notice of Intent for Eastern Avenue safety treatments, including new left-turn bays and removal of 21 parking spaces
• ARPA project updates including 31st and Perry ($79,000) and Newton - 34th-37th ($922,000)
• Update on Safe Street for All (SS4A) grant from Toole Design Group
• Proposed compost bin distribution for opt-in residents on October 29 and 31

City Council

The City Council will receive a public safety update from the Chief of Police and discuss rent stabilization. They will vote to appoint Gabriel Popkin to the Tree Commission and adopt resolutions proclaiming Black History Month and Reproductive Rights Day. The meeting also includes first readings on a Recreation Committee resolution and a budget calendar.

• Vote to appoint Gabriel Popkin to the Tree Commission
• Second reading and adoption of Resolution No. 02-2024 proclaiming February as Black History Month
• Second reading and adoption of Resolution No. 03-2024 proclaiming Reproductive Rights are Human Rights
• Discussion on Rent Stabilization (15 minutes)
• First reading of Resolution No. 05-2024 on Budget Calendar

City Council

This is a work session of the Mount Rainier City Council. They will discuss a building application for 3722 36th Street, with a presentation from the property owner. They will also consider changing the Recreation Committee member terms from one-year to two-year terms. Additionally, the City Clerk will present minutes from the September 3, 2024 legislative meeting.

• Presentation and discussion on building application at 3722 36th Street
• Discussion on changing Recreation Committee member terms from one-year to two-year
• Presentation of minutes from September 3, 2024 legislative meeting

The Mount Rainier City Council held a work session with no formal votes on substantive items. They discussed a building application for 3722 36th Street, with Councilmember Chesek advising on construction hours, tree protection, and soil placement. Mayor Benitez proposed changing the Recreation Committee term from one to two years, and the council reviewed September 3, 2024 minutes. The meeting adjourned with a 5-0 vote.

• Accepted agenda as presented
• Discussed building application for 3722 36th Street (no vote)
• Discussed changing Recreation Committee term to two years (no vote)
• Presented September 3, 2024 work session minutes (no approval noted)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will hear a presentation on building applications for two properties on 30th Street, discuss and vote on reappointments to the Recreation Committee, and hold first readings of resolutions recognizing Black History Month and reproductive rights. Also up for discussion is a Vice Mayor rotation and reimbursement for a teacher appreciation event.

• Presentation and discussion on building applications at 4303 and 4310 30th Street
• Reappointment of Stephanie Schlesinger, Emily Bird, Bethany Van Kampen-Saravia, Tracy Meserve and appointment of Megan Haber to the Recreation Committee
• First reading of Resolution No. 02-2024 proclaiming February as Black History Month
• First reading of Resolution No. 03-2024 on Reproductive Rights
• Discussion and approval of $67.37 reimbursement for Teacher Appreciation at Thomas S Stone Elementary School

The Mount Rainier City Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Stephanie Schlesinger, Emily Bird, and Bethany Van Kampen-Saravia, and the appointment of Megan Haber and Jenny Hoffpauir to the Recreation Committee. Councilmember Valerie Woodall was appointed Vice Mayor for the next year. The council also held first readings of resolutions proclaiming February as Black History Month and affirming reproductive rights, and discussed but did not vote on a reimbursement request for a teacher appreciation event.

• Reappointed Stephanie Schlesinger, Emily Bird, Bethany Van Kampen-Saravia and appointed Megan Haber, Jenny Hoffpauir to Recreation Committee (5-0)
• Appointed Councilmember Valerie Woodall as Vice Mayor for next year (5-0)
• Approved June 4, 2024 Legislative Meeting minutes (5-0)
• Held first reading of Resolution 02-2024 proclaiming February as Black History Month
• Held first reading of Resolution 03-2024 on reproductive rights

City Council

The Mount Rainier City Council will hold a second reading and vote on Resolution No. 01-2024. This resolution affirms the city's commitment to human rights and supports calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. The council will also vote to approve minutes from the May 21, 2024, work session.

• Second reading and adoption of Resolution No. 01-2024 regarding Gaza ceasefire and human rights
• Approval of May 21, 2024, Work Session minutes

City Council

The Council will discuss the West Hyattsville-Queens Chapel Sector Plan and Sectional Map Amendment. Members will also vote on adopting Ordinance No. 04-2024 to implement stop sign monitoring systems. Additionally, the council will hold a first reading of Resolution No. 01-2024 regarding human rights.

• Adoption of Ordinance No. 04-2024 for stop sign monitoring systems
• Discussion on West Hyattsville-Queens Chapel Sector Plan
• First reading of Resolution No. 01-2024 regarding human rights and Gaza ceasefire
• Appointment of John Deamond to the Arts Commission
• Presentation of Youth Scholarship Awards to 10 awardees

City Council

The City Council will discuss the WMATA Better Bus Network redesign and provide feedback regarding service changes in Mount Rainier. The agenda also includes a proposal for "drug free zones" and a discussion on the role of the Police Review and Advisory Board. Additionally, the Council will review a building application for 4505 32nd Street.

• Building application for 4505 32nd Street
• Proposal to designate certain areas as "drug free zones"
• WMATA Better Bus Network update and feedback
• Discussion on the role of the Police Review and Advisory Board

City Council

The City Council will vote on Budget Amendment #2, which reallocates ARPA funds for projects including Potts Hall and Memorial Park. The agenda also includes a first reading of an ordinance regarding stop sign monitoring systems. Additionally, the Council will consider a variance request for 4216 Rainier Avenue.

• Adoption of Budget Amendment #2 reallocating ARPA funds
• First reading of Ordinance No. 04-2024 regarding stop sign monitoring systems
• Vote on variance request for 4216 Rainier Avenue
• Appointment of Deanna Noel and Rebecca Solow to the Arts Commission

City Council

The Mayor and City Council will hold a second reading and vote on Ordinance No. 03-2024. This ordinance establishes the property tax rates and the annual budget for Fiscal Year 2025. The meeting also includes an agenda review and a period for public comment.

• Adoption of FY2025 budget totaling $14,572,344.41 in revenue and expenditures
• Tax rate of $0.75 per $100 for single-family and townhouse residential properties
• Tax rate of $0.86 per $100 for multi-family residential properties
• Tax rate of $0.79 per $100 for commercial and industrial real property
• Allocation of $3,604,621.48 to the Police Department

City Council

The Mount Rainier City Council will hold a second reading and vote on Resolution No. 01-2024. This resolution affirms the city's commitment to human rights and supports calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. The council will also vote to approve minutes from the May 21, 2024, work session.

• Second reading and adoption of Resolution No. 01-2024 regarding Gaza ceasefire and human rights
• Approval of May 21, 2024, Work Session minutes

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing and work session to discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget. The meeting includes a review of projected revenues and expenses for the upcoming fiscal year.

• Public hearing regarding Proposed FY2025 Budget
• Proposed total operating revenue of $9,671,544.41
• Proposed real property tax revenue of $5,227,690.84
• Proposed use of $1,000,000.00 from fund balance (Potts Hall)

City Council

The Mayor and City Council are conducting a public hearing on the proposed real property tax for fiscal year 2025. This will be followed by a budget work session to review the proposed FY2025 budget.

• Proposed FY2025 Residential/Single Family and Townhouse tax rate: $0.75 per $100 of assessed value
• Proposed FY2025 Apartment/Multi-Family tax rate: $0.86 per $100 of assessed value
• Proposed FY2025 Commercial and Industrial tax rate: $0.79 per $100 of assessed value
• Proposed FY2025 Business Personal Property Tax Rate: $0.99 per $100 of assessed valuation
• Proposed FY2025 Vacant Developed Property Tax Rate: $2.50 per $100 of assessed valuation

City Council

The Mayor and City Council will hold a virtual work session to discuss a potential farmers market and rent stabilization deferment. The body will also receive updates on specific properties and the status of ARPA-funded projects.

• Discussion on extending the deferment of the City’s rent stabilization effective date
• Update on the 3200 Rhode Island Avenue property
• Presentation on a building application for 3001 Taylor Street
• Presentation on establishing a Farmers Market in Mount Rainier
• Status update on ARPA projects, including stormwater and community grants

City Council

The Mayor and City Council will discuss the completion of the Potts Hall/Welcome Center renovation and a building application for 4100 30th Street. The body will also consider a budget amendment to transfer funds for overtime pay and the reappointment of two Ethics Commission members.

• First reading of Ordinance No. 01-2024 to transfer $25,000 from Temporary Labor to Overtime Pay
• Discussion on Potts Hall/Welcome Center Phase II renovation with bids including Monarc Construction, Inc. at $3,356,703
• Presentation on building application for 4100 30th Street
• Reappointment of Emerson LaJoie and Robert Vanderbilt to the Ethics Commission
• Proposed use of Line Item 5505 funds for snacks for Ward 1 quarterly community meetings

City Council

The Mayor and City Council are holding a community conversation to review a concept design for the 31st Street and Perry Street intersection. City Manager Kourosh Kamali and a consultant from the Low Impact Development Center (LIDC) will present the plans to gather resident feedback.

• Presentation of concept design for 31st Street and Perry Street Improvement Project

City Council

The Mayor and City Council will review the proposed FY25 budget, including a discussion on tax rates. The session also includes a building application presentation for 3808 33rd Street and a request to support the Mount Rainier Volunteer Fire Department Company 3.

• Proposed FY25 Budget presentation and tax rate discussion
• Building application presentation for 3808 33rd Street
• Letter of support for Mount Rainier Volunteer Fire Department Company 3
• $1,952,800 in Safe Streets For All grant funds for streets and sidewalks
• $500,000 allocated for streets and sidewalks

City Council

The Mayor and Council will review second-quarter reports from the Police, Economic Development, and Code Compliance departments. The body will also discuss ARPA funding for business assistance and non-profit grants.

• Recommendation to start renovation of the Police Department basement
• ARPA funding for business assistance on the 3300 block of Rhode Island Avenue and Perry Street
• Discussion on non-profit Community grants
• Review of $75,000 DHCD MFIP grant for 34th Street Façade Improvement Project
• Vote to approve meeting minutes from November 2023 through January 2024

City Council

The Mayor and City Council will review a real estate planning project for the Varnum Street Business District and discuss using ARPA funding to assist businesses affected by construction on Rhode Island Avenue and Perry Street. The session also includes second-quarter reports from Public Works, Human Resources, and Administrative Services.

• Varnum Street Business District Real Estate Planning Capstone Project presentation by University of Maryland
• Proposed ARPA funding for business assistance during construction on the 3300 block of Rhode Island Avenue and Perry Street
• Proposal to add budget funds for spaying and neutering feral cats
• Building application presentation for 4111 Rainier Avenue
• Public Works report on $150,520 grant for stormwater facilities on Arundel Rd and $105,726 for Frederick Richardson Memorial Park

City Council

The Mayor and City Council will consider the second reading and adoption of an ordinance to change speed limits from 25 mph to 20 mph on specific city roads. The body will also hear presentations regarding building applications for two properties.

• Ordinance No. 08-2023: Lowering speed limits from 25 m.p.h. to 20 m.p.h. on city roads
• Building application presentation: 3423 Newton Street
• Building application presentation: 3815 32nd Street
• Arbor Day Proclamation for April 26, 2024
• Vote on approval of minutes for 14 meetings spanning 2020 and 2023