by James Rada, Jr.
April 2016
Emmitsburg
Pool Management Contract Approved
The Emmitsburg Town Commissioners approved a contract to have RSV Pools manage the town pool this year. As per a request from the commissioners, this new management company will have its staff wear uniforms and offer swimming lessons if there is sufficient interest. The company will also make efforts to hire staffing for the pool from among local residents. The new contract will cost the town $47,028, which is 2.5 percent higher than last year’s contract.
Town Deeds a Small Portion of Land to the State
To aid the bridge improvement work of the Flat Run bridge, the Emmitsburg Town Commissioners voted to deed 250 square feet to the State of Maryland temporarily. The land near the bridge is needed in order to build up a sufficient slope for the bridge. When the work is completed, the land will be deeded back to the town. The town will receive $250 for the land.
No Tobacco Products in Town Vehicles
The Emmitsburg Town Commissioners voted on April 4 to prohibit the use of any tobacco products in town vehicles. Tobacco use is already prohibited on town property and buildings.
Haller Retiring
Emmitsburg Town Manager, Dave Haller, will be retiring at the end of June this year. The long-time manager will be replaced by an interim town manager until the mayor and town commissioners decide on who to hire as a permanent replacement. Town Clerk, Cathy Willetts, will be serving as the interim town manager.
Two Meetings in May and June
Town Manager, Dave Haller, told the town commissioners during the April town meeting that they will be asking for two town meetings in May, and possibly, June. The town has only recently switched to a single town meeting each month, but reserved the right to meet twice a month if needed. With the town entering its budget season, town staff feels that the extra meetings are needed in order to be able to have the budget approved before the end of June.
Town Votes to Accept a Trail Conservancy Grant
The Emmitsburg Town Commissioners voted on April 4 to accept a $30,000 grant from the Trail Conservancy for trail improvements in town. There is a chance that the grant could increase to $40,000 if the town includes new signage and a parking lot in the improvements. However, this increase would also require the town to put forward a matching portion of $2,000. The commissioners can revisit this portion later if they choose to do so.
For more information on the town of Emmitsburg, visit www.emmitsburgmd.gov or call 301-600-6300.
Thurmont
Pick-up in Thurmont
The Thurmont Mayor and Commissioners approved a bid from Key Sanitation of Dickerson, Maryland, to provide curbside trash removal and bulk trash pick-up for Thurmont. Key Sanitation is the current provider of this service and the commissioners are quite happy with the service the company provides. When the contract was put out for bid, the town received two bids and Key Sanitation was the low bidder. The amount of the contract is $135,960 for the first year and $138,000 for the second year. The second bidder, Republic Services in Frederick, was roughly $60,000 more each year.
John Bean Reappointed to the Board of Appeals
John Bean was the only person to apply to fill his expiring term on the Board of Appeals. The commissioners re-appointed him to a third term. The Board of Appeals still has one member vacancy and a vacancy for an alternate member.
Moser Road Bridge Work Continues
Work on the Moser Road Bridge, which will also include a pedestrian bridge, is continuing. The 90-feet long and 5-feet long pedestrian bridge will not be parallel to the 60-feet long and 23-feet wide vehicular bridge. The town now has all of the permits and easements they need to move forward on the project.
The town is also considering creating a mini-park near a lime kiln that was discovered by the bridge. This hinges on the town obtaining land currently owned by Dan Ryan Homes. Discussions are ongoing to make this happen.
Farmers Market Opens in June
The Thurmont Farmers Market will restart on June 4, and be held each Saturday through September. The hours for the Farmers Market will be 9:00 a.m.-noon at the town parking lot on South Center Street.
For more information on the town of Thurmont, visit www.thurmont.com or call the town office at 301-271-7313.