(3/2022) Bench To Honor Town Employee
At its January 25 meeting, the Town Council approved dedicating a memorial bench on the trolley trail to Jeff Kilby, a wastewater treatment plant operator, who passed away in 2021.
The decision came following a request the council received from one of Kilby’s municipal coworkers.
Kilby has been recognized in the past by the council for going above and beyond his job requirements and his outstanding work ethic, performing his duties with enthusiasm and being an all-around wonderful person to know. Work for the dedication is expected to begin as soon as possible.
New Farmers Market Signs Approved
The Town Council approved the purchase and installation of five new farmers market signs.
"The farmers market has always been an amazing program for us, and I’m always tickled pink when the season starts," said Mayor John Kinnaird.
The current market signs were gifted from the state Highway administration and have been up for many years, and are beginning to show their age, said Kinnard. "It’s time to replace them".
The new signs will cost approximate $4,000, including installation plus one year of maintenance to be performed by the state.
The project falls in the realm of economic development through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding said Town Manager Jim Humerick
"These signs will draw added attention to the farmers market," Kinnard added.
Council Mulls Rise in Colorfest Parking Fees
At its February 1 meeting, the Town Council discussed the pros and cons of raising Colorfest parking fees. The council considered increasing the fees charged to park in the community during the festival as the most painless way to increase revenue without changing vendor permit fees.
Currently, the town collects two dollars per car as part of their parking agreements. Under the current process, organizations parking cars charge $10 and pay the town $2, keeping $8 per car, or they can charge less, but the town still collects $2 per car.
Income from the parking fees helps the town cover bus transportation, sanitations, and security for the entire event. In 2021, Colorfest parking brought in $12,207 in parking fees, in 2019, it brought in $15,960, and in 2018 parking brought in $12,558,
Kinnaird said he had no problem with the town's loss generated in 2021 because the event is about helping nonprofits raise money.
Faced with a $3,000 deficit this season, Commissioner Bill Blakeslee recommended increasing the parking fee to 15 dollars with $5 coming to the town and $10 staying to the vendor. Blankslee said raising the parking fee by $5 would potentially lessen the confusion of dealing with one-dollar bills.
Commissioner Wayne Hooper noted $10 is inexpensive compared to what other events tend to charge. The Council made no decisions and more discussion regarding Colorfest parking is expected at a later date.
Green Fest Returns
Environmental stewardship returns as a community festival this April with the Thurmont Green Fest. The event is sponsored by the Thurmont Green Team and the Thurmont Regional Library and will be held April 9 at the Thurmont Regional Library.
The no-waste event is dedicated to promoting green living in the community and will offer nature crafts and games as well as educational opportunities including learningK how to plant trees, garden, compost and more.
Participants can also expect information about electronic recycling and native pollinators to ensure a sustainable Gateway to the Mountains. Food will be available from the Thurmont Lions Club. For more information about the Green Fest, call 301-600-7200.
