(1/3) At the first town meeting of the year, the town council reaffirmed their liaison appointments for 2023. No changes were made and all commissioners voted to keep their liaison positions for another year. As liaisons, the commissioners are responsible for advocating for and communicating the needs of the committees to the council, and discussing what actions can be taken. The appointments will continue as follows.

Mayor John Kinnaird was assigned to the planning and zoning commission. This commission acts as an advisory board regarding matters of town growth and orderly planning.

Commissioner Bill Buehrer was assigned to the Board of Appeals. The board is responsible for hearing and deciding the appeals of the Zoning Administrator. The board consists of five members and one alternate, serving three year terms. Buehrer was additionally appointed to the Economic Development Committee, which collaborates on matters relating to business needs and development, and the Electric Department.

Commissioner Bill Blakeslee was assigned to the Police Commission which advocates for the matters of the police department. Blakeslee was also assigned liaison to the senior center. The Thurmont Senior Center serves to provide lunch to senior residents of the town and surrounding areas, as well as entertainment and companionship through events and activities, services and programs. In addition, Blakeslee was assigned liaison to the town’s Wastewater Department.

Commissioner Wes Hamrick was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission. The commission handles issues regarding the development of, and programs relating to, park facilities and other recreational activities in the town. The parks and recreation commission consists of five members who are to serve four-year terms.

Hamrick was additionally assigned liaison to the Thurmont Ministerium. This will be the committee’s second year assigned to a liaison. In addition, Hamrick was assigned liaison to the Town’s Street and Parks Department.

Commissioner Wayne Hooper was appointed to the Thurmont Addiction Committee, the Special Activities Commission and the Thurmont Skatepark Committee. Hooper was also re-appointed for Mayor Pro-tem, who is responsible for acting as the President of the Board of Commissioners when the mayor is absent.