Thurmont welcomes new police officers

Thurmont’s Police Department welcomed two new Police Officers on board during the month of October. Thurmont’s Police Chief Greg Eyler noted that both officers were hired to fill the void that was in the department for the past few years. "These are not "additional" or "new" officers, and both will be great assets to our community," commented Eyler.

Mike Mentzer was sworn into the Thurmont Police Department during the October 15 town meeting. Mentzer currently lives in Frederick County, and is a retiree from the DC police department after twenty years of service. "I am excited to be given this opportunity; I was very humbled to be given this position," stated Mentzer. He looks forward to begin meeting members of the Thurmont community. "Being in the community is a big part of being a police officer. One of my core beliefs is community policing," remarked Mentzer.

The second officer, Brandon Boyle, is a local to the Thurmont area, who previously worked for the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue. He will be sworn into his position as soon as he completes his time at the Frederick Police Academy.

Corner Lot amendments accepted

Thurmont approved minor amendments to the town’s Zoning Ordinance, addressing corner lots within town limits, during the October 8 town meeting. In 2017 the town updated its Zoning Ordinance, expanding on definitions for lot lines. At the time of adoption the town, without realizing it, had created an issue for corner lots. The revisions defined corner lots as consisting of two front yards that lie along public streets, while the lines that opposed the front lot lines were considered rear lot lines. This opened up the possibility for homeowners to have sheds place within the setbacks of the property.

The town’s Zoning & Utility Inspector, Kelly Duty, asked Commissioners to consider amending the definitions of corner lots, restoring them to the way they were written prior to 2017. The amendment will change the definition of a corner lot to having two front yards and two side yards. This will address proper setbacks within these types of properties but could potentially pose an issue for fencing yards, as corner lots will no longer be defined as having rear yards.

The ordinance was adopted unanimously by the Board, and the definitions of corner lots will be restored to their original definition.