(5/27) Funding received for ADA compliant curbs and ramps

During the May 1 Thurmont Town meeting Commissioners voted to approve a bid to construct and install ADA compliant curb cuts, ramps and detectable warning devices throughout Thurmont. Some of the sidewalks in question are in rough shape and currently have no ADA ramps in place. Town staff identified 48 ramps at eighteen different locations throughout town that need to be upgraded in order to be ADA compliant.

Funding for this project will come from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program from the Department of Housing and Community Development. The grant already received accounts for a total of $63,000, but Chief Administrative Officer Jim Humerick noted there is a possibility that CDBG may grant the town additional funds.

The two bids received for this project came from RFP, Inc., in the amount of $97,926 and from M&M Construction, Inc., for $105,570. Town staff recommended the Board approve the lowest bid from RFP, Inc., but stay within the parameters of the bid amount. Humerick mentioned that staff already discussed and compiled a prioritized list of work to concentrate primary efforts on heavy pedestrian areas.

The Board made a motion to accept the RFP, Inc. bid and added that staff only operate under the scope of work that would fall under the $63,000 CDBG grant received, unless additional funds were awarded.

Registration open for "A Day in the Park" summer park program

Thurmont is now accepting registrations for this summer’s inaugural "A Day in the Park" summer park program. The program is available to children ages five to fifteen years old and costs $10 per day or $35 for the week. The program runs from July 23 through July 26 and July 30 through August 2, 8:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. each day. You can register for individual days or for the entire week. Pre-registered participants will each receive a t-shirt and a re-usable water bottle. To register, stop by the Thurmont Municipal Offices between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or call 301-271-7313 to request a form be sent to you. Payment must be received when registering. Pre-registration is required. We hope to see you with us this summer!

Fall completion planned for Thurmont celebration murals

The final phase of the Thurmont celebration mural project, spearheaded by Yemi Fagbohn, may see its completion this fall. The project in its entirety has been in the works since 2013, when the Thurmont Lions Club approached the town of Thurmont regarding a potential art project to "beautify the town."

The third and final phase began last spring and features prominent events, businesses and landscapes that make up Thurmont as well as stenciled outlines of our Presidents. These outlines consist of those Presidents who have visited Camp David, located in the Catoctin Mountain Park. The mural is being depicted across four panels on the substation building beside the trolley on East Main Street.

In the works right now are scenes depicting the Colorfest, the Catoctin Zoo and some of Thurmont’s wineries. Already, Yemi has received significant funds via generous donations from people and businesses from outside the Thurmont community. Yemi asked the Board for their assistance and ideas on raising additional funds from within the community. The Board thanked Yemi for all the hard work he has already put into the project, and will discuss some ideas to help with fundraising efforts.