Thurmont public meetings in 2024
14 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Town Meeting
The Thurmont Town Commissioners will hold a closed session to consult with legal counsel, then reconvene for public business. They will discuss and take action on a petition to annex the Simmers Property at 304 Apples Church Road, and consider reallocating ARPA funds. The meeting also includes swearing in Teresa Bean to the Ethics Commission, approving previous meeting minutes, and hearing public comments.
- Closed session to obtain legal advice under §3-305(b)(7)
- Discussion/action on annexation petition for Simmers Property at 304 Apples Church Road
- Discussion/action on reallocation of ARPA funds
- Swearing in of re-appointee Teresa Bean to the Ethics Commission
- Approval of meeting minutes from 11/19/2024 and 12/3/2024
The Board of Commissioners approved accepting bids for water infrastructure improvements and an electric department garage using remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds. They also approved funding for financial software modules and referred an annexation petition to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
- Approved $105,000 water infrastructure contract (4-0)
- Approved $15,825.30 electric garage construction contract (4-0)
- Approved $11,732 for Tyler Technologies financial software (4-0)
- Referred Simmers property annexation petition to Planning & Zoning Commission
- Accepted 11/19/2024 meeting minutes (4-0)
- Accepted 12/3/2024 meeting minutes (4-0)
- Sworn in Teresa Bean to Ethics Commission
- Adjourned meeting at 8:25 p.m. (4-0)
Town Meeting
This agenda outlines the December 3, 2024, meeting of the Thurmont Town Commission. The document is procedural and records no binding decisions. Scheduled items include a closed session to discuss personnel and a report on the 2024 Gateway to the Cure fundraiser for the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund.
- Closed session to discuss personnel
- Presentation of the 2024 Gateway to the Cure report to the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund
- Announcement of the 2024 Holiday Decorating Contest (12/16 through 12/20)
- Commissioners' comments from Burns, Hooper, Lookingbill, Blakeslee, CAO Jim Humerick, and Mayor John Kinnaird
- Public comments period
The Board voted 5-0-0 to enter a closed session to discuss personnel matters. A second motion to adjourn the meeting was also carried unanimously, 5-0-0. No public comments were received during the meeting.
- Closed session to discuss personnel approved (5-0-0)
- Motion to adjourn approved (5-0-0)
Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting
The Thurmont Planning and Zoning Commission will vote on a preliminary plat for a 6-lot subdivision by Leal Homes on Eyler Road. They will also discuss a concept plan for a business park access road east of the new Goodwill, a follow-up on downtown revitalization, and accessory dwelling units. Public comment will be heard.
- Preliminary Plan C1-PL-2024-01 – Leal Homes LLC – 6-lot subdivision on east side of 14 Eyler Road
- Concept Plan C1-CP-2024-01 – Thurmont Business Park Access Road east of the new Goodwill
- Follow-up discussion from workshop on Downtown Revitalization
- Discussion – Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
- Approval of 9/26/2024 meeting minutes and Zoning Inspector's Report
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a preliminary plan for a six-lot subdivision on Eyler Road, subject to ten specific conditions regarding stormwater, utilities, and HOA covenants. The meeting also approved prior minutes and received a zoning inspector's report.
- Approved 9/26/2024 meeting minutes (4-0-0)
- Approved Leal Homes subdivision preliminary plan (4-0-0)
- Set 10 conditions for Leal Homes subdivision
- Received Zoning Inspector's report (10/25/2024-11/21/2024)
- Discussed Thurmont Business Park access road (no action)
- Discussed Downtown Revitalization (survey planned)
- Discussed Accessory Dwelling Units (research planned)
- Adjourned meeting (4-0-0)
Town Meeting
The Thurmont Town Commissioners will consider a resolution to allocate funds for an outdoor fitness court, hear a presentation on the police department's school resource officer program, and recognize the Thurmont Lions Club's 95th anniversary. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes, introduction of a new economic development assistant, and a report on the 2024 Colorfest.
- Resolution to allocate funds for outdoor fitness court
- Presentation on school resource officer program by Chief Armstrong
- Proclamation for Thurmont Lions Club 95th anniversary
- Introduction of economic development assistant Marisa Moser Little
- 2024 Colorfest report
The Board of Commissioners adopted Resolution 2024-04, allocating up to $175,000 in local match to secure a $30,000 grant for an outdoor fitness court, with construction targeted by end of 2026. The board also approved minutes from the October 15 and November 5 meetings. Presentations on the school resource officer program and the 2024 Colorfest report were heard but no action taken.
- Approved Resolution 2024-04 to adopt and allocate funds for outdoor fitness court (3-1)
- Approved meeting minutes of 10/15/2024 (4-0)
- Approved meeting minutes of 11/5/2024 (4-0)
Town Meeting
The Thurmont Town Meeting will consider several items, including a pledge of allegiance, a closed‑session statement, approval of prior meeting minutes, and a swearing‑in ceremony for a new police officer. The council will discuss and potentially approve bids for BMP improvements to storm‑water facilities and a radio lane pump station, as well as a proposal to reallocate ARPA funds. Commissioners and the mayor will offer comments before public comments are taken.
- Discussion/bid approval – BMP improvements to storm‑water management facilities
- Discussion/bid approval – Radio lane pump station
- Discussion/action – Reallocation of ARPA funds
- Swearing‑in ceremony for new TPD officer Matt Irons
- Proclamation – Municipal Government Works Month
The Thurmont Board of Commissioners unanimously approved two major infrastructure bids, reallocated surplus ARPA funds to cover a wastewater generator cost, and authorized a $9,850 motor to reduce noise affecting nearby residents. The board also approved previous meeting minutes and swore in a new police officer.
- Approved $848,662.51 stormwater bid to S-Works Construction (4-0)
- Approved $1,028,825 Radio Lane pump station bid to William Hetzer (4-0)
- Approved $55,616.87 ARPA fund reallocation for wastewater generator (4-0)
- Approved $9,850 variable speed motor for Well 7 air scrubber (4-0)
- Approved Sept 24 and Oct 1 meeting minutes (4-0 and 3-0-1)
- Swore in Matt Irons as new Thurmont Police Department officer
Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting
The Thurmont Planning & Zoning Commission will consider a preliminary plan for two duplexes (four dwellings) at 212 E. Main Street. They will also discuss potential changes to accessory dwelling unit regulations. The agenda includes approval of prior meeting minutes and a zoning inspector's report.
- Preliminary plan C1-PP-2024-02 for Mick Late: proposed 2 duplexes (4 dwellings) at 212 E. Main Street
- Discussion on accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations
- Approval of minutes from 6/27/2024 and 8/22/2024 meetings
- Zoning inspector's report
- Public comment period
The Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved the June 27 and August 22, 2024 meeting minutes. It then approved the preliminary plan for two duplexes at 212 E. Main Street, adding conditions from the staff report, the site plan, and the minor subdivision plats. The meeting was adjourned after a unanimous motion.
- Approved 6/27/2024 meeting minutes (5-0-0)
- Approved 8/22/2024 meeting minutes (5-0-0)
- Approved Preliminary Plan C1-PP-2024-02 for 212 E. Main Street with conditions, site plan and minor subdivision plats (5-0-0)
- Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)
Town Meeting
The Thurmont Town Commissioners will discuss and possibly accept utility and access agreements for the Sheetz rebuild project, and discuss and possibly approve a license agreement with the University of Maryland for the Mesonet weather network. Other items include an Arbor Day proclamation, a parks memorial bench and tree program presentation, and a report on the 2024 Colorfest. The meeting also includes commissioner comments, public comments, and a closed session for legal advice and personnel matters.
- Discussion/Acceptance of utility and access agreements for the Sheetz rebuild project
- Discussion/Approval of a license agreement with University of Maryland & Mesonet
- Proclamation for 2024 Arbor Day
- Presentation on Memorial Bench and Tree Program by Parks & Recreation Commission
- 2024 Colorfest Report
The Board of Commissioners conditionally approved a license agreement with the University of Maryland for the Mesonet weather monitoring system. Additionally, the Board accepted utility and access agreements related to the Sheetz rebuild project.
- Conditionally approved University of Maryland & Mesonet License Agreement (4-0-0)
- Accepted Utility and Access Agreements for Sheetz Rebuild Project (3-0-0)
- Approved implementation of a Flag Program to replace street flags and poles
Town Meeting
The Thurmont Town Commissioners will discuss and possibly act on reallocating ARPA funds, approve bids for roadway paving, Moser Road substation equipment, and a replacement tractor for the Streets & Parks Department. They will also swear in new Police Commission and Ethics appointees and recognize the 60th anniversary of the Catoctin Colorfest.
- Discussion and possible vote on reallocation of ARPA funds
- Bid approval for roadway paving project
- Bid approval for Moser Road substation switches and miscellaneous structures
- Bid approval for replacement tractor for Streets & Parks Department
- Swearing in of Police Commission and Ethics appointees
The Board of Commissioners approved three capital projects: a $255,198.55 road resurfacing contract, a $258,070 sewer line rehabilitation, and a $109,800 substation refurbishment. They also approved the purchase of a new tractor for the Streets & Parks Department.
- Approved $255,198.55 road resurfacing contract (3-0)
- Approved $258,070 McDonald's sewer line rehab (3-0)
- Approved $109,800 Moser Road substation refurbishment (3-0)
- Approved $19,546.48 tractor replacement for Streets & Parks Dept (3-0)
- Approved 9/17/2024 meeting minutes (3-0)
- Sworn in Police Commission and Ethics Commission appointees
- Presented Catoctin Colorfest 60th Anniversary proclamations
- Received $6,500 donation from Colorfest to Police Department
Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting
The Thurmont Planning & Zoning Commission will receive a Zoning Inspectors Report, hold a Planning & Zoning Workshop, and open the meeting for public comment. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.
- Zoning Inspectors Report
- Planning & Zoning Workshop
- Public Comment
The Planning & Zoning Commission held a workshop to gather public input on downtown revitalization, specifically regarding the town's appearance, regulatory barriers, and future vision. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.
- Workshop held to discuss downtown revitalization vision
- Commission to discuss Accessory Dwelling Units at October meeting
- Motion to adjourn carried 5-0-0
Town Meeting
The Thurmont Town Meeting on September 24, 2024, includes the Pledge of Allegiance and a kickoff for the 2024 Gateway to the Cure event. No other substantive items are listed on the agenda.
- 2024 Gateway to the Cure Kickoff
The Thurmont Board of Commissioners held a town meeting that consisted solely of a ceremonial kickoff for the 2024 Gateway to the Cure fundraising series, with presentations on events and donations to the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund. No ordinances, contracts, or policy decisions were made; the only action taken was a motion to adjourn, which passed 3-0.
- Adjourned the meeting by motion (3-0)
Town Meeting
The Thurmont Town Meeting will consider several action items including approval of a bid for a new Electric Department truck, appointments to the Ethics and Police Commission, and discussion of improvements to Well 7's air stripper and the American Legion parking lot. The meeting also includes swearing in Jim Robbins to the Police Commission and public comments.
- Swear in Jim Robbins as Police Commission appointee
- Appointments to Ethics and Police Commission
- Bid approval for replacement of Electric Dept. Truck 906
- Discussion/action on Well 7 air stripper
- Discussion/action on American Legion parking lot
The Board approved the August 27 and September 3 meeting minutes. It appointed three members to the Ethics Commission and two members to the Police Commission. The Board also approved the bid to replace Electric Department Truck 906 for a total of $59,854. Other items such as the Well 7 air‑stripper and the American Legion parking lot were discussed but no action was taken.
- Approved August 27, 2024 minutes (3-0-1 vote)
- Approved September 3, 2024 minutes (4-0-0 vote)
- Approved three Ethics Commission members: Carol Robertson, Teresa Bean, Pat Rhodes (4-0-0)
- Appointed two Police Commission members: John Byrne and Charles “Mitch” Delph (4-0-0)
- Approved replacement electric truck bid – total $59,854 (4-0-0)
- Swore in Police Commission appointee Jim Robbins
- Motion to adjourn carried (4-0-0)
Town Meeting
At this meeting, the Thurmont Town Commission will consider adopting Ordinance 2024-06 to amend water and sewer rates. They will also discuss accessory dwelling units, approve minutes from August 6, swear in Planning & Zoning and Police Commission appointees, and consider bids for an electric department bucket truck upgrade and a dump trailer for streets and parks.
- Adoption of Ordinance 2024-06 to amend water and sewer rates
- Discussion of accessory dwelling units
- Bid approval for 'upfit' of Electric Dept. bucket truck
- Bid approval for Streets & Parks Dept. dump trailer
- Swearing in of Planning & Zoning and Police Commission appointees
The Thurmont Board of Commissioners adopted Ordinance 2024-06 to amend water and sewer rates for the first time since 2012, effective the first billing period of FY2025. They also approved two bids: $34,428.44 to Altec Supply for an electric department bucket truck upfit, and $11,518.20 to Hitchman Trailer & Snow Plow Sales for a dump trailer for streets and parks. A discussion on accessory dwelling units was referred to the Planning & Zoning Commission for further research, with no decision made. The previous meeting's minutes were approved 3-0-1.
- Adopted Ordinance 2024-06 raising water and sewer rates (4-0)
- Awarded $34,428.44 bid to Altec Supply for electric dept. bucket truck upfit (4-0)
- Awarded $11,518.20 bid to Hitchman Trailer for streets & parks dump trailer (4-0)
- Approved August 6, 2024 meeting minutes (3-0-1, one abstention)
- Swore in Pat Rhodes to Planning & Zoning Commission and Matt Westbrook to Police Commission
- Referred accessory dwelling unit discussion to Planning & Zoning for further study (no vote)
- Noted no public comments or additional business
Town Meeting
The Thurmont Town Commission will consider introducing an ordinance to set water and sewer rates for fiscal year 2025. Other business includes bid approvals for Colorfest services and an electric transformer, a discussion on Colorfest fees, a pole attachment agreement with Shentel, and appointments to the Planning & Zoning and Police commissions.
- Introduction of Ordinance 2024-06 – FY2025 Water and Sewer Rates
- Bid approval for 2024 Colorfest Services
- Discussion/Action on Colorfest fees
- Discussion/Action on Pole Attachment Agreement with Shentel
- Bid approval for electric transformer for Goodwill Retail Store
The Thurmont Board of Commissioners voted 3-0 to adopt a pole attachment agreement with Shenandoah Cable Television (Shentel), which plans to bring fiber internet to every home by mid-to-late 2025. The board also approved bids for Colorfest security, bus, and sanitation services totaling over $78,000, and raised Colorfest permit fees 10% for 2025 (excluding yard sale permits). A new electric transformer for the Goodwill store was purchased for $19,058, and two new members were appointed to the Police Commission.
- Approved Shentel pole attachment agreement for fiber internet (3-0)
- Approved May Security Services for Colorfest security at $27,528 (3-0)
- Approved Rills Bus Services for Colorfest at $26,000 (3-0)
- Approved Key Sanitation for Colorfest trash/portable toilets at $24,950 (3-0)
- Raised Colorfest permit fees 10% for 2025, yard sale permits remain $15 (3-0)
- Purchased 75 kVA electric transformer from Anixter for $19,058 for Goodwill store (3-0)
- Appointed Jim Robbins and Matt Westbrook to the Police Commission (3-0)
- Appointed Pat Rhodes as alternate member of Planning & Zoning Commission (ballot vote)
Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting
The Thurmont Planning and Zoning Commission will discuss and potentially take action on a final plat for the Mountain Brooke subdivision on Emmitsburg Road and a preliminary plan for two duplexes (four dwellings) at 212 East Main Street. The agenda also includes approval of previous meeting minutes, a zoning inspector's report, and discussions on master plan implementation goals and a professional conference.
- Discussion/action on final plat MA-FL-2024-02 for Mountain Brooke subdivision on Emmitsburg Road
- Discussion/action on preliminary plan C1-PP-2024-02 for Mickey Late proposal of 2 duplexes (4 dwellings) at 212 E. Main Street
- Approval of meeting minutes from June 21, 2023 and May 23, 2024
- Master Plan implementation goals discussion
- Discussion of 2024 APA Maryland & MPCA Conference
The commission granted conditional final approval for the 11-lot Mountain Brooke cluster subdivision final plat (5-0). They also granted a continuance requested by the applicant for a proposed two-duplex development at 212 E. Main Street. The meeting included discussion of master plan implementation goals and a future public workshop.
- Approved June 21, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)
- Approved May 23, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0)
- Granted conditional final approval for Mountain Brooke final plat (5-0)
- Granted continuance for Mickey Late duplex preliminary plan (5-0)