Mount Rainier manager reports completed FY25 audit, Potts Hall progress and grant‑funded projects; council adopts FY27 budget calendar

City Manager Karesh Kamali reported that the city’s FY25 audit was completed on Oct. 29 and that audit filings were submitted on schedule to the Maryland Office of Legislative Audits.

Kamali summarized several capital and grant‑funded projects: Potts Hall construction (a roughly $7,000,000 project) continues with outstanding sprinkler work and county inspection items; Newton Street storm‑drain and sidewalk work is underway with reinforced concrete pipe installed in phase 1; a home‑repair program tied to ARPA funding was allocated for $150,000 but had received about $114,000 in applications at the time of the report. The manager said the city’s ARPA allocation (the city’s portion identified as $5,400,000 in 2021) funded multiple projects.

Kamali also described Safe Streets (SS4a) work—high‑visibility crosswalks and sidewalk maintenance—with several projects at advanced design (90%) for locations including Bunker Hill and 31st Street. The Green Street project is state‑funded at $530,000 and awaits final design; the city also secured $410,000 for solar panels to reduce operations’ carbon footprint, and last summer completed Chesapeake Bay Trust work that the manager said totaled approximately $150,000 in joint Chesapeake Bay Trust and Prince George’s County funding.

Kamali said parking meters had been removed and that staff plan to launch a mobile parking app; a kickoff call was scheduled. He also noted the city was pursuing resurfacing grants for roads and continuing to address potholes and sidewalk repairs.

Councilmembers asked questions. Joseph asked about grants in the pipeline and specifically about funding for electric‑vehicle infrastructure; Kamali said there are opportunities in the pipeline but some items cannot yet be announced. On Chesapeake Bay Trust permeable‑paver funding, Kamali said Prince George’s County had placed a temporary pause on new rounds and the city was awaiting further announcements.

During the same meeting the council adopted Resolution O9‑2025, setting the FY2027 budget calendar with deadlines and public‑comment steps between Nov. 2025 and June 30, 2026 (adoption required by the charter). Councilmembers and staff noted the calendar is intended to give residents time to review and participate in the budget process.

What to watch: Potts Hall’s remaining fire‑protection and sprinkler corrections and county final approval; the city’s annual ARPA reporting (annual report due 04/01/2026) and any future grant announcements for Green Street, EV infrastructure and Chesapeake Bay Trust programs.