(2/5) Jim Humerick, 53, of Thurmont, has been named chief administrative officer for the town.
Humerick, who lives in Thurmont with his wife and son, replaces Bill Blakeslee, who left office in October and ran an unsuccessful campaign for town commissioner.
Humerick has worked for the Maryland Capitol Parks and Planning Commission since 1986. The commission is funded by Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.
Humerick most recently served as regional operations manager and has held administrative management positions with the commission.
"I’m looking forward to working with the citizens of Thurmont. There are great things happening here," Humerick said.
Humerick was chosen from 41 applicants, said Town Commissioner Martin Burns, who noted there were many qualified applicants for the position. Humerick will assume the new position on Feb. 24.
In other matters, town officials approved a contract with Flo’s Lawn Care, a local business, for mowing 70 acres of town land including parks and easements. The initial contract with Flo’s was two years ago for $33,963, and a second year for $33,951. This contract is an optional one-year agreement for $44,000.
Town officials also approved appointments to police, planning and appeals board positions. Burns said the panels are to carry out town policies and regulations. Burns said he has witnessed, as well as heard complaints from residents, of panel members "going over the top" when making decisions and at times being rude to those appearing before the commissions.
Mayor John Kinnaird said his complaint about the board of appeals is that members sometimes do not show up at scheduled meetings.
"Make a commitment, even alternates need to show up," the mayor said.
Kinnaird said town officials and some residents toured the future town office, the former Dailey Funeral Home at 615 E. Main St., last week to determine what work needs to be done in each room. Kinnaird said he hopes to have requests for bids out soon. Bid requests for paving at the property and heating/cooling systems will be made separate from the interior remodeling. The town could move
into the new building this summer, depending on construction completion.
When the town hall moves from 10 Frederick Road, the front part of the existing town hall will become the Thurmont Food Bank. The back part of the building will still be used by town public works crews.
