Thurmont, MD

Town Meeting

Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting

The Thurmont Planning and Zoning Commission meets on 9/24/2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Thurmont Town Office to review the Zoning Inspector's report and take up several land-use items. The agenda includes discussion and possible action on an extension to the conditional approval of a preliminary plat for Leal Homes, LLC (C1-PP-2024-01) on Eyler Road. Members will also discuss proposed restrictions on house dimensions, including a memo referencing a 3,000-square-foot limit, and a zoning ordinance review and text amendment covering vested rights, adaptive reuse, and DRRA. Public comments close the agenda.

• Discussion/action on an extension to the conditional approval of the preliminary plat for Leal Homes, LLC — C1-PP-2024-01 — Eyler Road
• Discussion on proposed restrictions to house dimensions, with a memo referencing a 3,000-square-foot (3000sf) limit
• Zoning ordinance review and text amendment, with drafts and memos on vested rights, adaptive reuse, and DRRA
• Approval of the 8/27/2026 meeting minutes
• Zoning Inspector's report and public comments

Thurmont Addiction Commission Meeting - NO MEETING

Thurmont Police Commission Meeting - NOT STREAMED

The Thurmont Police Commission is meeting to receive a department update from the Chief and discuss old and new business. Old business includes planning traffic control for Halloween in Park/Trunk or Treat, fundraising for a treadmill, and reviewing event collections. New business involves potentially assisting with nominations and awards for officers and community members.

• Halloween in Park/Trunk or Treat on October 24th, 5-7pm, needs two traffic control volunteers
• Treadmill fundraising at Colorfest in front of Food Bank, seeking volunteers
• Collections reported: $133 at National Night Out, $102 at NAMI
• Cool's Legacy 5k Run on September 19th at 10AM at Ambulance Event Complex
• Discussion on assisting with nominations and awards for officers and community members

Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting

The Thurmont Planning and Zoning Commission is meeting to approve prior minutes, review the zoning inspector's report, and take action on a requested extension to the conditional approval of the Leal Homes preliminary plat (C1-PP-2024-01) on Eyler Road. The commission will also discuss proposed restrictions on house dimensions and a zoning ordinance review and text amendment. Public comments will be heard.

• Extension to conditional approval of preliminary plat – Leal Homes, LLC – C1-PP-2024-01 – Eyler Road
• Discussion on proposed restrictions to house dimensions
• Discussion – zoning ordinance review and text amendment
• Approval of 8/27/2026 meeting minutes
• Zoning inspector's report

Town Meeting

The Thurmont Town Meeting on September 15, 2026, includes discussion and possible action on three items: joining the MD Rural Water Association Apprentice Program for the Wastewater Dept., filling a Streets & Parks Dept. vacancy, and the Emmitsburg Road Flood Mitigation Project. The board will also discuss committee/commission appointments, hear comments from commissioners and the mayor, and take public comments. The agenda is otherwise procedural, starting with the pledge and approval of the 9/1/2026 minutes.

• Discussion/action on MD Rural Water Association Apprentice Program for Wastewater Dept.
• Discussion/action on request to fill Streets & Parks Dept. vacancy
• Discussion/action on Emmitsburg Road Flood Mitigation Project
• Discussion/appointment for committees/commissions
• Commissioners' comments and public comments

Thurmont Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting - NOT STREAMED

The Thurmont Parks & Recreation Commission will meet to approve minutes, hear updates on community events and the Gold Star Memorial, and discuss potential new amenities including a basketball court at Orchard Hills and a disc golf course at Mountain Gate Park.

• Approval of July 6, 2026 meeting minutes
• Update on A Day in the Park, Summer Concert Series, Trolley Trail Flower Beds Project, and Community Show
• Update on Gold Star Memorial
• Discussion of Orchard Hills potential basketball court
• Discussion of Mountain Gate Park disc golf course project

The Commission approved the July 6, 2026 meeting minutes and expressed support for a proposed half basketball court at Orchard Hills Park. They plan to submit the project for a 2027 Open Space Grant. Additionally, the Commission addressed safety concerns regarding a fence at East End Park and reviewed preliminary plans for a new disc golf course.

• Approved July 6, 2026 meeting minutes
• Supported Orchard Hills half basketball court project
• Authorized submission of Orchard Hills court for 2027 Open Space Grant

Thurmont Police Commission Meeting - NOT STREAMED

The Thurmont Police Commission is meeting to receive a department update from the Chief, discuss old business including upcoming events and fundraising, and consider assisting with nominations and awards for officers and community members. The agenda includes public comment and adjournment.

• Halloween in Park/Trunk or Treat on October 24, 5-7pm, needs two volunteers for traffic control
• Fundraising for a treadmill, including a Colorfest table in front of the Food Bank
• Collections reported: $133 from National Night Out, $102 from NAMI
• Cool's Legacy 5k Run on September 19, 10AM at Ambulance Event Complex
• Discussion on assisting with nominations and awards for officers and community members

Town Meeting

The Thurmont Town Commission will discuss and potentially act on several items, including a wastewater apprentice program, filling a Streets & Parks vacancy, and the Emmitsburg Road flood mitigation project. The meeting also includes committee appointments and public comments.

• Discussion/action on MD Rural Water Association apprentice program for Wastewater Dept.
• Discussion/action on filling Streets & Parks Dept. vacancy
• Discussion/action on Emmitsburg Road flood mitigation project
• Discussion/appointment of committees/commissions
• Approval of 9/1/2026 meeting minutes

Charter Review Committee Meeting - NOT STREAMED

The Thurmont Charter Review Committee will vote on proposed changes from its June 10, 2026 meeting and continue discussing other charter sections. The meeting includes public comment periods before and after the vote. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with roll call and approval of prior minutes.

• Vote on proposed charter changes from 6/10/2026 meeting
• Public comment before vote on proposed changes
• Continued discussion on charter sections
• Approval of 6/10/2026 meeting minutes

Thurmont Green Team Meeting - NOT STREAMED

The Thurmont Green Team is meeting to discuss administrative items and plan upcoming events. The agenda includes changing the meeting date, implementing team positions and event chairs, and planning for fall 2026 and 2027 activities. Specific events discussed include Pumpkin Pick-Up, Fall Tree Planting, Green Fest 2027, Recycle and Shred Event, and plant swaps.

• Discuss change of meeting date
• Implementation of Team Positions/Event Chairs
• Fall 2026 Event Planning: Pumpkin Pick-Up, Fall Tree Planting
• 2027 Planning: Green Fest 2027, Recycle and Shred Event, Plant Swaps
• Community Garden and Town Planters discussion

The Thurmont Green Team decided to keep its regular meeting day and time unchanged. The group established several leadership positions and reviewed upcoming seasonal events, including the Pumpkin Pick-up and Spring Plant Swap.

• Kept regular meeting day and time unchanged
• Decided not to accept painted pumpkins for Pumpkin Pick-up
• Approved moving Spring 2027 Plant Swap to the community park
• Decided Spring 2027 Plant Swap will be held on a separate Saturday from Recycle and Shred
• Confirmed continuation of combined shred and recycling event for May 8, 2027
• Planned to move shoe drop-off station to the textile station at the recycling event

Town Meeting

The Thurmont Town Commissioners will meet on September 1, 2026, to approve the minutes from previous meetings, adopt Ordinance 2026-03 amending the FY26 end-of-year budget, and approve bids for 2026 ColorFest services. The meeting will also include a discussion on proposed restrictions to house dimensions and updates from the Charter Review Committee.

• Adoption of Ordinance 2026-03: FY26 End of Year Budget Amendments
• Bid approval for 2026 ColorFest services
• Discussion on proposed restrictions to house dimensions

The Thurmont Board of Commissioners adopted Ordinance 2026-03 amending the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, effective September 8, 2026. The board also approved three Colorfest service contracts totaling $74,750: traffic direction, bus services, and trash/toilets. A discussion on limiting house sizes to 3,000 square feet above ground was referred to the Planning and Zoning Commission for future discussion; no decision was made. The board approved the August 11 and August 18, 2026 meeting minutes.

• Adopted Ordinance 2026-03 amending the FY26 budget (5-0-0)
• Approved August 11, 2026 meeting minutes (4-0-1, Burns abstaining)
• Approved August 18, 2026 meeting minutes (5-0-0)
• Approved May Security Services for Colorfest traffic direction at $22,200 (5-0-0)
• Approved Rills Bus Services for Colorfest buses at $28,200 (5-0-0)
• Approved Key Sanitation for Colorfest trash and portable toilets at $24,350 (5-0-0)
• Referred proposed 3,000 sq. ft. house size limit to Planning and Zoning Commission for future discussion (no vote)
• Adjourned the meeting at 8:33 p.m. (5-0-0)

Thurmont Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting - NOT STREAMED

The Commission will receive updates on the Summer Concert Series, the Trolley Trail Flower Beds Project, and the Gold Star Memorial. Members will also discuss potential new projects for Orchard Hills and Mountain Gate Park.

• Update on A Day in the Park – Summer Concert Series
• Trolley Trail Flower Beds Project update
• Gold Star Memorial update
• Discussion of Orchard Hills potential basketball court
• Discussion of Mountain Gate Park disc golf course project

Charter Review Committee Meeting - NOT STREAMED

The Thurmont Charter Review Committee is meeting to vote on proposed changes to the town charter that were discussed at the June 10, 2026 meeting. The committee will also continue its discussion of other charter sections. Public comment is scheduled before the vote and at the end of the meeting.

• Vote on proposed charter changes from the 6/10/2026 meeting
• Public comment before vote on proposed changes
• Continue discussion on sections of the charter
• Approval of 6/10/2026 meeting minutes

Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting

The Thurmont Planning and Zoning Commission will review and discuss a concept plan for a solar panel project at 99 Radio Lane, along with a zoning ordinance review and text amendment. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes, a zoning inspector's report, and public comments.

• Concept plan C1-CP-2026-01 for Town of Thurmont Electric Utility Solar Panel Project at 99 Radio Lane
• Zoning ordinance review and text amendment discussion
• Approval of 4/23/2026 meeting minutes
• Zoning Inspector's report

The Thurmont Planning and Zoning Commission approved its April 23, 2026 meeting minutes 4-0-0 and received the Zoning Inspector's Report covering 4/24/2026 through 8/27/2026. The Commission discussed Concept Plan C1-CP-2026-01, a proposed 500-kilowatt ground-mounted solar facility at 99 Radio Lane on Town-owned land, but took no vote — staff noted the Commission does not approve concept plans, only provides comments. The Commission also discussed a 2026 Zoning Ordinance update covering Articles I through IV and agreed to review the state mandate, Developer's Rights and Responsibilities Agreements (DRRAs), and Adaptive Reuse at its next meeting on September 24, 2026.

• Approved 4/23/2026 meeting minutes (4-0-0)
• Received Zoning Inspector's Report for 4/24/2026–8/27/2026 (no action)
• Discussed solar array Concept Plan C1-CP-2026-01 at 99 Radio Lane; no vote taken
• Agreed to review state mandate, DRRAs, and Adaptive Reuse at the September 24, 2026 meeting
• Adjourned at 8:54 p.m. (4-0-0)

Thurmont Addiction Commission Meeting - NOT STREAMED

The Thurmont Addiction Commission is meeting to review past notes and plan upcoming community events, including Go Purple activities, a football date, Save a Life Day with the Frederick County Health Department, Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, 2026, a community show, a mental health walk, and Colorfest parking. The agenda is mostly event planning with no major policy or budget decisions.

• Overdose Awareness Day on 8/31/2026, 7:30-8:30pm at Mechanicstown Park, Main Street, Thurmont
• Go Purple T-shirts and football date
• Save a Life Day from FCHD
• Community Show
• Mental Health Walk and Colorfest Parking

Thurmont Police Commission Meeting - NOT STREAMED

The Thurmont Police Commission is meeting to receive a department update from the Chief and discuss old business, including a review of National Night Out, planning for upcoming events like Halloween in Park/Trunk or Treat, and fundraising efforts for a treadmill. The agenda is largely procedural and event-focused, with no major policy decisions or budget items listed.

• Review of National Night Out event
• Spring Shredding tabled
• Halloween in Park/Trunk or Treat scheduled for October 24th (tentative), needs two volunteers
• Fundraising for treadmill: proposed locations include in front of Food Bank and municipal lot at Colorfest
• Cool's Legacy 5k Run on September 19th at Ambulance Event Complex

Town Meeting

The Thurmont Town Meeting on August 18, 2026, will consider a bid for wastewater lateral repair and introduce Ordinance 2026-03 for end-of-year budget amendments. The meeting also includes ceremonial items such as recognizing scholarship recipients, swearing in an Ethics Commission appointee and a police officer, and announcing a police promotion. Commissioners and the mayor will provide comments, followed by public comments.

• Bid approval for Wastewater Dept. lateral repair
• Introduction of Ordinance 2026-03: End of Year Budget Amendments
• Swearing in of Ethics Commission appointee Brian Waesche
• Swearing in of TPD Officer Jaymes Phillips
• Recognition of James Black Memorial Scholarship recipients

The Thurmont Board of Commissioners approved a $19,750 contract with Ox Construction, LLC for sewer lateral repair at 108 Moser Circle, funded from Wastewater Dept. Capital Savings. They also introduced Ordinance 2026-03, which amends the FY2026 budget, with adoption scheduled for September 1, 2026. Several appointments and recognitions were made, including swearing in a new ethics commission member and a police officer.

• Awarded sewer lateral repair contract to Ox Construction, LLC for $19,750 (5-0)
• Introduced Ordinance 2026-03 (FY2026 budget amendments), adoption set for Sept. 1
• Swore in Brian Waesche to the Public Ethics Commission
• Swore in TPD Officer Jaymes Phillips
• Announced promotion of Ofc. Mike Sutton to Corporal

Charter Review Committee Meeting - NOT STREAMED

The Thurmont Charter Review Committee is meeting to vote on proposed changes from its June 10, 2026 meeting and to continue discussing other sections of the town charter. The agenda includes public comment before the vote and at the end of the meeting. This is a routine working session, not a public hearing on a specific project.

• Vote on proposed changes from the 6/10/2026 meeting
• Continue discussion on sections of the charter
• Public comment before vote and at end of meeting

The Charter Review Committee met on August 12, 2026, but lacked a quorum, so no official business was conducted. The meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m. and adjourned at 7:16 p.m. after Kevin McGuire noted the absence of a quorum. No votes or decisions were made.

• Meeting adjourned due to lack of quorum

Town Meeting

The Thurmont Town Commissioners will hold a meeting on August 11, 2026, at 615 East Main Street. The agenda includes procedural items, a police department report, and the swearing-in of Alexis Gregory as an alternate member of the Board of Appeals. Commissioners will also provide comments, and there will be a public comments period.

• Swearing-in of Alexis Gregory as Board of Appeals alternate

The Thurmont Board of Commissioners unanimously approved two appointments: Alexis Gregory as an alternate member of the Board of Appeals and Brian R. Waesche as an alternate member of the Ethics Commission. Both votes were 4-0-0. The board also approved the minutes from the July 21, 2026 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes from 7/21/2026 meeting (4-0-0)
• Appointed Alexis Gregory as alternate member, Board of Appeals (4-0-0)
• Appointed Brian R. Waesche as alternate member, Ethics Commission (4-0-0)

Thurmont Addiction Commission Meeting - NOT STREAMED

The Thurmont Addiction Commission is meeting to review prior notes and plan several community awareness initiatives, including Go Purple activities, a football date, Save a Life Day with FCHD, a parade float, National Night Out, and an Overdose Awareness Day event. The agenda is largely procedural and event-planning focused, with no decisions or dollar amounts listed.

• Review of last meeting notes
• Go Purple campaign and Go Purple Football Date
• Save a Life Day from FCHD
• Parade float planning
• National Night Out and Overdose Awareness Day/Event

The Thurmont Addiction Commission met on July 23, 2026, at Roy Roger's and reviewed upcoming events, including National Night Out, Rocky Ridge Parade, and Overdose Awareness programs. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was primarily for planning and coordination.

• Scheduled National Night Out for Aug 4 behind Thurmont Police Department
• Scheduled Rocky Ridge Parade participation for Aug 12
• Scheduled Overdose Awareness Program for Aug 31 at town square park
• Planned Go Purple setup for Aug 30 at town square park
• Scheduled Community Show table for Sept 11-13
• Planned Colorfest parking for Oct 10-11

Town Meeting

The Thurmont Town Commissioners will meet on July 21, 2026, to discuss and potentially approve municipal parking lot improvements, funding for the town’s 275th anniversary celebration, and program open space initiatives. Commissioners will also review meeting dates for August and hear comments from commissioners and the public.

• Bid approval for Municipal Parking Lot Improvements
• Discussion and action on funding for 275th Anniversary celebration
• Program Open Space discussion

The Thurmont Board of Commissioners approved a $170,995 contract with Huntzberry Brothers of Smithsburg, Maryland for Municipal Parking Lot Improvements, funded by $125,000 from a Main Street Improvement Grant and $45,995 from Highway User Revenues. The board also authorized up to $7,500 to forward-fund souvenirs for the Town's 275th Anniversary celebration, with proceeds reimbursing the Town and excess going to the Thurmont Historical Society. August meeting dates were moved to August 11 and August 18. The board discussed a proposed Catoctin Heights neighborhood park purchase but took no action.

• Approved Municipal Parking Lot Improvements contract with Huntzberry Brothers for $170,995 (3-0-0)
• Approved 6/9/2026 meeting minutes (3-0-0)
• Authorized up to $7,500 to forward-fund 275th Anniversary souvenirs (3-0-0)
• Set August town meetings for August 11 and August 18
• Adjourned the meeting (3-0-0)

Thurmont Police Commission Meeting

The Thurmont Police Commission is meeting to receive a department update from the Chief and discuss upcoming community events, including National Night Out, a 5K run, and fundraising for a treadmill. The agenda includes planning details for these events and requests for volunteers. No new business or public comment items are listed.

• National Night Out on August 4th, 6-7:30 PM, with food donations from Dominos, Kountry Kitchen, and others
• Spring Shredding event tabled
• Halloween in Park/Trunk or Treat on October 24th (tentative), needs two volunteers
• Fundraising for treadmill using municipal lot at Colorfest and collections at National Night Out
• Cool's Legacy 5K Run on September 19th at 10 AM at Ambulance Event Complex

Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Thurmont Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting - NOT STREAMED

The Thurmont Parks & Recreation Commission met on July 6, 2026, and approved the minutes from the May 4 meeting. They discussed the FY27 POS funding and a potential disc golf course, with representatives from Frederick Disc Golf presenting location and design ideas; next steps include a planning meeting. Updates were given on A Day in the Park, summer concerts, the Trolley Trail Adopt-A-Bed program, and the Gold Star Monument fundraiser. No formal votes were taken on substantive items.

• Approved minutes of May 4, 2026 meeting
• Discussed FY27 POS funding and disc golf course; no action taken

Thurmont Addiction Commission Meeting - NOT STREAMED

Thurmont Police Commission Meeting - NOT STREAMED

The Thurmont Police Commission is meeting to receive a department update from the chief and discuss old business including post-event reports for Spring Shredding, the May 15th Wine Stroll, and the NAMI 5k. They will also plan National Night Out on August 25th and fundraising for a treadmill, including potential donations from pizza chains and a booth at ColorFest. New business and public comment are also on the agenda. The meeting is not streamed.

• National Night Out on August 25th with potential pizza chain donations (20 larges each) and volunteer assignments
• Fundraising for a treadmill, including a possible ColorFest booth and collections at National Night Out
• Post-event reports for Spring Shredding, Wine Stroll, and NAMI 5k
• Halloween in Park update from the chief
• Helping Hands donations and follow-up with the chief

Charter Review Committee Meeting - AUDIO ONLY

The Thurmont Charter Review Committee will vote on proposed changes from its May 13, 2026 meeting and continue discussion on other sections of the town charter. Public comment is scheduled before the vote and again later in the meeting. The meeting begins with approval of the previous meeting's minutes.

• Vote on proposed changes from the 5/13/2026 meeting
• Public comment before the vote on proposed changes
• Continued discussion on sections of the charter
• Approval of 5/13/2026 meeting minutes
• General public comment period after discussions

The Thurmont Charter Review Committee approved several charter amendments, including adding voting rights for the Mayor Pro-Tem, changing the quorum to four members if an additional commissioner seat is approved, extending ordinance effective dates from 7 to 30 days, adding a mayoral veto power, and other procedural updates. The committee also deferred discussion on Section 408 (Forfeiture of Office) and agreed to skip the July meeting.

• Approved motion to add voting rights comment to Section 409 (unanimous)
• Approved motion to change quorum to four if additional commissioner seat approved (unanimous)
• Approved motion to change ordinance effective date from 7 to 30 days (unanimous)
• Approved motion to add additional information to Section 413 (unanimous)
• Approved motion to adopt highlighted changes to Section 501(c) (unanimous)
• Approved motion to add mayoral veto power to Section 501(d) (unanimous)
• Approved 5/13/2026 meeting minutes with corrections (unanimous)
• Approved motion to skip July meeting (unanimous)

Town Meeting

The Thurmont Town Meeting will approve the June 2, 2026 minutes, recognize winners of the 'If I Were Mayor' essay contest, and receive an update on the Gold Star Family Memorial Project from Julie El-Taher. Commissioners and the public will also have time for comments.

• Approval of 6/2/2026 meeting minutes
• Recognition of 'If I Were Mayor, I Would…' essay contest winners
• Update on Gold Star Family Memorial Project – Julie El-Taher
• Commissioners' comments by Burns, Hooper, Lookingbill, Stouter, CAO Humerick, and Mayor Kinnaird
• Public comments period

The Thurmont Board of Commissioners met on June 9, 2026 and approved the minutes of the June 2, 2026 meeting by a vote of 4 (+4 Honorary Mayors)-0-0. The rest of the meeting consisted of essay contest readings, commissioner and staff comments, a public comment period, and an update on the Gold Star Family Memorial project. No ordinances, contracts, budgets, or other substantive measures were decided; the meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.

• Approved 6/2/2026 town meeting minutes (4 (+4 Honorary Mayors)-0-0)
• Adjourned the regular meeting at 7:46 p.m. (4 (+4)-0-0)

Thurmont Green Team - NOT STREAMED

The Thurmont Green Team will meet to recap Green Fest 2026 and plan the Recycle and Shred Event and Plant Swap. The agenda also includes updates on the Community Garden and upcoming events. This is a routine discussion meeting with no formal votes or budget items.

• Recap of Green Fest 2026
• Final needs and volunteers for Recycle and Shred Event and Plant Swap
• Community Garden update
• Discussion of upcoming events
• Open discussion