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Mount Rainier council adopts ordinance to codify Green Team, disband Environmental Protection Board
Summary
The council unanimously adopted Ordinance O5-2025 to codify the Mount Rainier Green Team in the city code and merge duties previously held by the Environmental Protection Board into that team. Councilmembers said the change clarifies roles and supports Sustainable Maryland certification.
The Mount Rainier mayor and council unanimously adopted Ordinance O5-2025 on Dec. 2, 2025, adding the Green Team to the city's code and dissolving the Environmental Protection Board.
Councilmember Joseph summarized the ordinance during the second reading, saying it "does two major things: 1, it formally establishes the green team in our code of ordinances, and 2, it merges the duties from the Environmental Protection Board into the green team," giving the new body responsibility to help the city pursue Sustainable Maryland certification and advise on sustainability matters.
Councilmembers who spoke praised the work of past volunteers and said codifying the Green Team should make recruitment and coordination simpler. Valerie said she was "looking forward to a strong green team coming back," and Danielle called for a "new and vibrant and active green team." The mayor noted that the city will begin recruiting four members to serve on the expanded board and asked staff to help publicize vacancies.
The motion to adopt the ordinance was made by Councilmember Valerie, seconded by Councilmember Danielle, and passed unanimously, 4–0. The council directed staff to initiate outreach and return with appointment steps and any needed administrative updates.
The ordinance takes effect following the city's usual adoption procedures; councilmembers said they expect staff to manage recruitment and integration of the Green Team's duties into routine operations.
