Sykesville public meetings in 2024

Town Council Meetings

The Sykesville Town Council is meeting via teleconference primarily to enter a closed session authorized under Maryland law to consult with staff and legal counsel about pending or potential litigation specifically related to the Warfield lawsuits. No other business is listed on the agenda.

• Closed session to discuss pending litigation – Warfield Lawsuits

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will consider and act on three applications for property renovations and signage. The body will also review updates for the Station Site Plan and Downtown Streetscape Plan.

• Renovations to the west façade at 7611 Main Street (#2024-29)
• Front porch repair and modification at 7557 Main Street (#2024-30)
• Hanging sign installation at 7546 Main Street (#2024-31)
• Station Site Plan and Downtown Streetscape Plan updates
• Approval of 2025 meeting dates

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will discuss and potentially vote on approving a bid award for the South End of Main Street Streetscape Project. This is the sole substantive item on the agenda before the annual holiday decorating tour.

• Consider/Discuss/Act on Approval of Bid Award for the South End of Main Street Streetscape Project

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will meet to approve meeting dates and a Planning Commission appointment. The agenda includes a presentation of the FY2023–2024 audit and a closed session to discuss pending litigation regarding Warfield lawsuits.

• Appointment of Daniel Mican to the Planning Commission
• Presentation of the FY2023–2024 Audit
• Approval of 2025 Meeting Dates and Holidays
• Closed session regarding Warfield Lawsuits litigation

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review minutes from November 4, receive county updates, and discuss project updates including Station Site Plans and South End Streetscape Plans. No votes on ordinances or fee changes are scheduled. The agenda is largely procedural and updates-focused.

• Approval of November 4, 2024 meeting minutes
• County staff report and updates
• Station Site Plans discussion
• South End Streetscape Plans discussion

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council is meeting to conduct a closed session. The discussion will focus on personnel matters and pending legal issues.

• Discussion of Warfield Lawsuits pending litigation
• Town Treasurer appointment personnel matter

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The Sykesville Parks and Recreation Commission will review October meeting minutes and discuss plans for the annual Visit with Santa event scheduled for December 7, 2024, from 3-6 PM.

• Visit with Santa: December 7, 2024, 3-6 PM at Town House

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will consider and act on two applications for property modifications. The meeting also includes a presentation from the Gate House Museum Curator regarding MD 250.

• Application #2024-29: renovations to the west façade at 7611 Main Street
• Application #2024-30: front porch repair and modification at 7557 Main Street
• Presentation on MD 250 by Adrienne Smith, Gate House Museum Curator

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will hold a regular meeting with a consent agenda (minutes and reappointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals), new business (a presentation on Maryland 250 and an agreement for use of an alley), and a closed session to discuss pending litigation concerning the Warfield lawsuits.

• Reappointment of Judy Walters to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a three-year term expiring August 2027
• Presentation on Maryland 250 by Gate House Curator Adrienne Smith
• Consideration and possible approval of an Agreement for the Use of Alley
• Closed session for pending litigation – Warfield Lawsuits
• Volunteer opportunities available on Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission, Crossing Guard, and Police Auxiliary

Planning Commission

The Sykesville Planning Commission will hold a public meeting to discuss and potentially approve a site plan for a residential addition at 7422 Springfield Avenue, review updates to the Parkside at Warfield stormwater management plan, and approve the 2025 meeting schedule. The meeting includes staff reports and revised plans.

• Site Plan Review for residential addition at 7422 Springfield Avenue
• Review and approval of Parkside at Warfield Stormwater Management Plan updates
• County approval letter for stormwater plan
• Approval of 2025 meeting dates
• Approval of October 7, 2024 minutes

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will consider and possibly act on two new business items: a job description for a Parks and Recreation Coordinator and a capital purchase of a 2010 Terex TL80 loader. The consent agenda includes approval of minutes from October 15 and a Municipal Government Works Month Proclamation. Public comments are limited to three minutes per person.

• Consider/discuss/act on Parks and Recreation Coordinator job description
• Consider/discuss/act on approval of capital purchase of a 2010 Terex TL80 loader
• Consent agenda: minutes from October 15, 2024
• Consent agenda: Municipal Government Works Month Proclamation
• Volunteer opportunities on Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission, Crossing Guard, and Police Auxiliary

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The Commission will discuss preparations for Visit with Santa and Trick or Treat on Main Street. The body will also review summer events and the Snack Shack refresh.

• Pack 719 fundraising request from Ryan Herzing for Visit with Santa
• Trick or Treat on Main Street planning
• Summer events debrief
• Snack Shack refresh

Historic District Commission

The Sykesville Historic District Commission will consider and possibly act on two permit applications: a hanging sign at 7550 Main Street and a residential alteration at 7344 Springfield Avenue. The agenda also includes approval of previous meeting minutes and reports from staff and commission members.

• Consider/Discuss/Act on #2024-27: hanging sign at 7550 Main Street
• Consider/Discuss/Act on #2024-28: residential alteration at 7344 Springfield Avenue
• Staff liaison report including right-of-way discussion

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will hold a public hearing and vote on Ordinance 2024-06, which would amend the town code to authorize automated speed monitoring systems in school zones. The meeting also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and a closed session to discuss pending litigation related to Warfield lawsuits. Other updates include volunteer opportunities and staff reports.

• Public hearing and vote on Ordinance 2024-06 authorizing speed monitoring systems in school zones
• Consent agenda: approval of minutes from September 23, 2024
• Closed session for pending litigation – Warfield lawsuits
• Volunteer opportunities on Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission, Crossing Guard, and Police Auxiliary

The Town Council adopted Ordinance 2024-06, which authorizes speed monitoring systems in school zones and reduces the speed limit to 25 mph in those areas. The ordinance passed 5-1, with Council Member Grasley voting against. The measure is the first step; a traffic study, vendor contract, signage plan, and State Highway Administration approval are still needed before any camera is installed.

• Adopted Ordinance 2024-06 authorizing speed cameras in school zones (5-1)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes from September 23, 2024 (unanimous)
• Opened and closed public hearing on Ordinance 2024-06 (unanimous)
• Entered closed session to discuss pending litigation (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Sykesville Planning Commission will review two site plans: a proposed expansion at 7540 Main Street (Local Motive) and a project at 7306 Springfield Avenue. Updates on the Enclave and Parkside developments will also be discussed. The meeting is being streamed live on YouTube and Facebook.

• Site plan review – 7540 Main Street: Local Motive expansion
• Site plan review – 7306 Springfield Avenue
• Enclave and Parkside development updates with preliminary plan and staff comment response

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The Sykesville Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss upcoming community events including October Sykesville Cinema (Ghostbusters), Music in the Park, Trick or Treat on Main Street, and Visit with Santa. A request for a Little Library will also be considered.

• October Sykesville Cinema featuring Ghostbusters
• Music in the Park event planning
• Trick or Treat on Main Street
• Visit with Santa holiday event
• Little Library request

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will review minutes from July and August and consider a certificate of appropriateness application (#2024-26) for a ground floor addition at 7422 Springfield Avenue. Staff and commission reports are also on the agenda.

• Minutes from July 24, 2024
• Minutes from August 28, 2024
• Consider/Discuss/Act on application #2024-26 for ground floor addition at 7422 Springfield Avenue

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will discuss and act on a financing plan for the station and a proposal for the Gate House porch. The body will also consider an ordinance to authorize speed monitoring systems in school zones.

• Ordinance NO. 2024-06 regarding speed monitoring systems in school zones
• Station Financing Plan
• Gate House Porch Proposal by Herman Restoration, LLC
• Closed session regarding Warfield Lawsuits litigation

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will discuss and act on the FY2025 paving contract and updates regarding the Station Project with Stazione, Inc. The meeting includes a review of lease amendments and a funding request for the Station Project.

• Award of the FY2025 Paving Contract to CPE, Inc. On-Call Howard County Contract
• Station Project update including a request for funding and First Amendment to Lease Agreement
• Reappointment of Ken Johnson to the Planning Commission for a five-year term
• Closed session to discuss Town Manager performance evaluation and Warfield lawsuits

The Sykesville Town Council unanimously approved amendments to the Station building as presented by Stazione, Inc., and authorized up to $350,000 in town funding for construction, with a financing plan to be presented at the September 23 meeting. The council also approved a first amendment to the lease agreement, extending the lease to 25 years and adjusting rent abatement terms. Additionally, the council awarded the FY2025 paving contract to CPE, Inc. for up to $279,500.

• Approved Station building amendments as presented (unanimous)
• Approved up to $350,000 town funding for Station construction (unanimous)
• Approved First Amendment to Lease Agreement with Stazione, Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved FY2025 paving contract with CPE, Inc. up to $279,500 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items excluding July 29 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved July 29, 2024 minutes with Dyer abstaining (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will meet to discuss and act on two items regarding building renovations at 7611 Main Street. This includes the reapproval of application #2023-10 and the consideration of application #2024-25.

• Reapproval of #2023-10 for building renovations at 7611 Main Street
• Consideration of #2024-25 for building renovations at 7611 Main Street

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The Sykesville Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss and plan upcoming community events, including the September Sykesville Cinema featuring Super Mario Bros., Music in the Park, and a Fall Clean-up scheduled for September 21. The commission will also consider approval of minutes from prior meetings.

• September Sykesville Cinema (Super Mario Bros.) planning
• Music in the Park event discussion
• Fall Clean-up on September 21
• Approval of May 23, June 27, and July 25 meeting minutes

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will meet on August 19, 2024, primarily to enter a closed session to discuss the performance evaluation of the Town Manager. No public legislative or policy items are scheduled for discussion or decision at this meeting. The agenda consists solely of procedural items and the closed personnel matter.

• Closed session to evaluate Town Manager's performance (personnel matter under Maryland law §3-305(b)(1))

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will meet to review and potentially approve the site plan for 7611 Main Street. The review includes the interior and exterior layout plans.

• Site plan review and approval for 7611 Main Street

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council is scheduled to meet on July 29, 2024. The agenda includes a proposed closed session to consult on pending or potential litigation.

• Closed session regarding Warfield Lawsuits

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The commission is meeting to discuss upcoming community events and review previous meeting minutes. The agenda focuses on planning for an August movie screening and a fall clean-up event.

• Planning for August movie (The Mighty Ducks)
• Planning for Fall Clean-up

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will meet to discuss and act on a request for gutter replacement. The body will also review minutes from the June 26, 2024 meeting.

• Application #2024-24 for gutter replacement at 7337 Springfield Avenue

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will review staff updates, including a License Plate Reader Memorandum of Understanding. A closed session is proposed to discuss purchasing real property within town limits and pending Warfield lawsuits.

• Consideration of purchasing real property within town limits
• Discussion regarding Warfield Lawsuits
• License Plate Reader Memorandum of Understanding update
• Approval of June 10, 2024 minutes

Planning Commission

This meeting consists of procedural items and staff reports regarding county updates and ongoing projects. The commission will also review the minutes from the May 6, 2024, meeting.

• Approval of May 6, 2024, minutes
• County update staff report
• Ongoing projects review and updates

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The Sykesville Parks and Recreation Commission meeting includes discussions regarding the July Movie, food donations, and the Let Freedom Ring Parade. The agenda also includes an update on Music In the Park and approval of May 23, 2024 minutes.

• Approval of May 23, 2024 meeting minutes
• July Movie discussion
• Food Donations discussion
• Let Freedom Ring Parade discussion
• Music In the Park update

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will review minutes from the May 22, 2024 meeting. The commission will also consider application #2024-23 regarding a tree removal at 7332 Springfield Avenue.

• Tree removal application #2024-23 for 7332 Springfield Avenue
• Review of May 22, 2024 meeting minutes

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will conduct a public hearing and consider Ordinance No. 2024-05 to amend the fiscal year 2023-2024 budget. The meeting also includes staff updates regarding the treasurer's report and public safety.

• Public hearing for Ordinance No. 2024-05 (budget amendment)
• Approval of May 28, 2024 meeting minutes
• Treasurer’s Report and Public Safety Report
• Mayoral Pride Month Proclamation

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will hold a public hearing and consider adopting an ordinance to change elected official salaries starting in fiscal year 2026. The body will also discuss and act on an ordinance to amend the budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

• Ordinance No. 2024-04: Amending salaries of elected officials starting in FY 2026
• Ordinance No. 2024-05: Amending the adopted budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024

Historic District Commission

The Sykesville Historic District Commission will meet to consider and act on three applications for property alterations: stucco replacement, a garden retaining wall, and deck repair. The commission will also approve minutes from its March and April meetings and receive staff and chair reports.

• Application #2024-20: stucco replacement at 7435 Springfield Avenue
• Application #2024-21: garden retaining wall at 7111 Sisco Way
• Application #2024-22: deck repair at 7423 Spout Hill Road
• Approval of minutes from March 27 and April 24, 2024 meetings

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will hold a public hearing and consider the adoption of the annual budget and tax rates for fiscal year 2024-2025. The body will also discuss a road paving contract and potential salary changes for elected officials.

• Ordinance NO. 2024-03: Annual budget and tax rates for FY 2024-2025
• Award of the FY2024 Paving Contract
• Ordinance NO. 2024-04: Amending salaries of elected officials starting in FY 2026
• Closed session regarding Warfield Lawsuits litigation

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will meet to approve previous minutes and receive a county staff report. The primary business item is a site plan review for Village Road Island and Sign.

• Site Plan Review for Village Road Island and Sign

Historic District Commission

The Sykesville Historic District Commission will consider and act on 11 applications for changes to properties in the historic district, including roof, window, awning, fence, walkway, and siding work. The meeting is open to the public and streamed online.

• Roof replacement at 729 Oklahoma Avenue (#2024-09)
• Window replacement at 7541 Main Street (#2024-10)
• Awning at 7568 Main Street (#2024-11)
• Fence at 7565 Main Street (#2024-12)
• ADA-compliant walkway at 7610 Main Street (#2024-13)

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will discuss and act on the introduction of Ordinance NO. 2024-03 regarding the annual budget and tax rates for fiscal year 2024-2025. The meeting also includes appointments to the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Parks and Recreation Commission.

• Ordinance NO. 2024-03: Annual budget and tax rates for fiscal year 2024-2025
• Appointment of Paul Mueller to the Board of Zoning Appeals
• Reappointment of Nick Sheets and Eric Valenstein to the Parks and Recreation Commission
• Proclamation for Earth Day
• Proclamation for Arbor Day

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will meet to review a site plan and interior site plan for 7503 Village Rd. The body will also receive a staff report regarding county updates.

• Site Plan Review for 7503 Village Rd
• Interior Site Plan for 7503 Village Rd

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The Sykesville Parks and Recreation Commission (SPARC) is meeting to approve the minutes from its February 22, 2024 meeting and discuss upcoming business. Agenda items include planning a September movie, the Easter Egg Hunt and ScavenEGGer Hunt, a spring park cleanup, Skate Jam, and new signs. The meeting is procedural and planning-focused, with no decisions or proposals detailed in the agenda.

• Approval of February 22, 2024 minutes
• September Movie planning
• Easter Egg Hunt and ScavenEGGer Hunt
• Spring Park Cleanup
• Skate Jam and New Signs

Historic District Commission

The Sykesville Historic District Commission will consider and possibly act on three permit applications: an applied wall sign at 7625 Main Street, applied wall signs and sidewalk repair at 6935 Warfield Avenue, and a fence and greenhouse at 7546 Norwood Avenue. The commission will also review minutes from its February 28 meeting and hear staff and chair reports. The meeting is open to the public and streamed live.

• Application #2024-06: applied wall sign at 7625 Main Street
• Application #2024-07: applied wall signs and sidewalk repair at 6935 Warfield Avenue
• Application #2024-08: fence and greenhouse at 7546 Norwood Avenue
• Approval of minutes from February 28, 2024
• Staff Liaison and Commission Chair reports

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will discuss and act on a contract for the Millard Cooper Park pedestrian bridge rehabilitation. The meeting includes a presentation by Flight Fiber and a request from Girl Scout Troop 1633 to paint storm drains.

• Millard Cooper Park Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation Contract
• Flight Fiber presentation
• Girl Scout Troop 1633 request to paint storm drains
• Closed session regarding Warfield Lawsuits litigation

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will discuss the adoption of the Carroll County Hazard Mitigation Plan and a stormwater project on Central Avenue. The body is also considering the purchase of equipment for the Linear Trail.

• Resolution NO. 2024-03: Adoption of the Carroll County Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Central Avenue Stormwater Project proposal from Bright Construction
• Linear Trail equipment purchase proposal from Bienenstock for log clusters, benches, couches, and forts
• Reappointment of Richard McCullough to the Historic District Commission

Historic District Commission

The Sykesville Historic District Commission will consider two applications: one for an applied wall sign at 7538 Main Street and another for a business sign at 7547 Main Street plus a water bottle filling station at 731 Oklahoma Avenue. The commission will also approve minutes from January 24 and 26, 2024, and hear staff and chair reports.

• Application #2024-04: applied wall sign at 7538 Main Street
• Application #2024-05: business sign at 7547 Main Street and water bottle filling station at 731 Oklahoma Avenue
• Minutes from January 24 and 26, 2024
• Staff Liaison Report and Commission Chair Report

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will discuss and act on Resolution NO. 2024-02 regarding revisions to the Historic District Guidelines. The council will also consider the appointment of a member to the Historic District Commission.

• Resolution NO. 2024-02: Historic District Guidelines Revision
• Appointment of Matther Clever to the Historic District Commission for a term expiring February 2027

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The Sykesville Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to approve the minutes from January 25, 2024, and discuss several upcoming community events. The main business items include approving a new SPARC logo, planning the Sykesville Skate Jam, and organizing the Easter Egg Hunt and ScavenEGGer Hunt. The agenda also includes town updates.

• Approval of January 25, 2024 minutes
• SPARC Logo Approval
• Sykesville Skate Jam planning
• Easter Egg Hunt and ScavenEGGer Hunt planning

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will hold a public hearing to discuss and act on Ordinance No. 2024-02 regarding the FY2024 budget revision. The meeting also includes an annual presentation by the Downtown Sykesville Connection.

• Public hearing and action on Ordinance No. 2024-02: FY2024 Budget Revision
• Annual presentation by the Downtown Sykesville Connection
• Closed session to discuss pending litigation regarding Warfield Lawsuits

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will meet to close the public hearing and review a preliminary plan update for Enclave at Parkside. The body will also review the 2023 Annual Report.

• Enclave at Parkside: Close public hearing and preliminary plan update
• Review of 2023 Annual Report

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The Sykesville Parks and Recreation Commission will meet to approve the minutes from November 16, 2023, and discuss the 2024 event schedule, a new SPARC logo, a Sparky costume, and the Sykesville Skate Jam. The agenda is mostly routine business with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approval of November 16, 2023 minutes
• 2024 Event Schedule
• SPARC Logo
• Sparky Costume
• Sykesville Skate Jam

Historic District Commission

The Sykesville Historic District Commission is meeting to consider three applications for business signs at 7568, 7550, and 7520 Main Street. The meeting was continued to Friday, January 26, at 11 AM via Zoom, and is also streamed live. The agenda includes approval of minutes from December 27, 2023, and staff reports on each sign application.

• Application #2024-01 for business signs at 7568 Main Street
• Application #2024-02 for business sign at 7550 Main Street
• Application #2024-03 for business signs at 7520 Main Street
• Minutes from December 27, 2023

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will consider acting on an ordinance regarding conditional uses in the B-L Local Business District. The council will also introduce a budget revision for fiscal year 2024.

• Ordinance No. 2024-01: Amending Chapter 180 Zoning, Article X B-L Local Business District §180-62 Conditional Uses
• Ordinance No. 2024-02: FY2024 Budget Revision

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will discuss a zoning map amendment for 7306 Springfield Avenue and a change to conditional uses in the B-L Local Business District. The body will also consider a resolution regarding alcohol at Downtown Sykesville Connection events.

• Zoning Map Amendment petition for 7306 Springfield Avenue
• Ordinance No. 2024-01 amending B-L Local Business District conditional uses
• Public hearing for Ordinance No. 2024-01
• Resolution NO. 2024-01 allowing alcohol at Downtown Sykesville Connection events

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will meet to ratify a report and recommendation regarding a zoning map amendment petition. The body will also receive a staff report on county updates.

• Zoning Map Amendment petition for 7306 Springfield Avenue