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City manager outlines infrastructure projects, sidewalk repairs, solar grant and ARPA-funded work
Summary
City Manager Kharish Kamali reported Newton Street (ARPA-funded) is 80% complete, sidewalk repairs covered ~36,423 sq ft, the city completed a home-repair program (~$114,000 expended), and the city received/awaits multiple grants (solar: $410,000 state grant; pending DHCD $745,000). Stop-sign approvals and other design milestones were also reported.
City Manager Kharish Kamali delivered a detailed operations and project update to the Mount Rainier council on Dec. 2, covering audit completion, FY27 budget planning and multiple capital and grant-funded projects.
Kamali said the Newton Street project—the last ARPA-funded project from an $5,400,000 program—was about 80% complete, with sidewalks, curbs and traffic calming installed; final speed-hump installation awaits resurfacing. He reported a home-repair program processed 17 applications and expended about $114,000 in assistance.
On sidewalk maintenance, Kamali said the crew completed roughly 36,423 square feet of repairs (11,247 sq ft of flexi-pave and the rest in regular concrete) and paused work for cold weather, noting concrete pours require a minimum temperature that precludes winter work.
Kamali described an SS48 grant (county/state-supported project package) in which "80% comes from the state" and the city provides a 20% match; he listed several project locations (Lehigh/Levy Trail crossing, 35th/36th, 31st Street food forest) and said final design documents are expected by late December to enable spring bidding.
He also said four municipal buildings received solar installations funded by a $410,000 state grant and one final building awaited inspection; the city expects operational savings from the installations.
Kamali reported the city submitted several grants and is awaiting reimbursements (example: a Chesapeake Bay Trust reimbursement of $150,000). He also listed an active green-street design for 31st and Perry ($530,000 project) and noted stop-sign approvals from the county for 16 locations; staff are preparing contracts and a vendor review.
Councilmembers thanked staff for the details and asked follow-ups on DNR grant status, charger readiness for EV trucks and ensuring sidewalk work does not leave openings over winter. Kamali said staff will follow up and report back on outstanding items.
The mayor praised staff for grant diligence and said the council appreciates the operational reporting.
