Here are the top take-a-ways from the Town of Sykesville Council Meeting:

Downtown Sykesville Connection

Julie Della-Maria, Executive Director presented an update for the Downtown Sykesville Connection for the year.  She explained the DSC guiding principles, that are the driving purpose to improve downtown quality of life, include Organization, Economic Vitality, Promotion and Design.  While most municipalities have four principles, DSC added a fifth which is Green.  In addition, now a new part of the Strategic Plan includes the principle of JEDI which stands for Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.  Lastly Mrs. Della-Maria presented three Awards to Young Volunteers who help with Farmer’s Market.

Ordinance NO. 2023-01 for FY2023 Budget Revision

The Council Acted on Ordinance NO. 2023-01 for FY2023 Budget Revision to consider an increase in the FY2023 budget to replace an old dump truck.  A used truck will be purchased from Manchester which needs to be approved by their Town Council.  The Council unanimously passed the Ordinance for the budget revision.

Act on approval of night work on Main Street (State Road 851)

Currently Main Street is under construction for the State to repair a waste water line.  Night work will reduce work time. It will occur for 7 days, Monday – Thursday nights.  There would be noise from truck traffic, generators and pumps.  However, night work means less impact to the residents, traffic, businesses and lower sewer flow during that time.  This will also include another 7-10 for a “big dig” on the south end of Main Street which will be louder work.  The Council gave unanimously agreement for this night work.

Act on approval of the firm to update the Historic District Commission Guidelines

Sykesville’s Historic District Commission Guidelines are out of date.  Brennan & Company Architects is a local company and have done work with Ellicott City. The Town Council  unanimously approved the hire of Brennan & Company Architects as the firm to update the Historic District Commission Guidelines.

Sykesville has volunteer opportunities available on the Historic District Commission and Police Auxiliary. Email town@sykesville.net for more information about volunteering with the Town.

Other Announcements

Candidate filing forms for 3 Council positions open in May 2023 are now on the website and are due by March 27, 2023.  The second week of April, mail-in ballots will be available.

Carroll County will be looking at economic development land use opportunities on the east side of Route 32 for rewrite of comprehensive plan. There will be a public meeting at the Maker’s Space in the lower level of the Westminster Library on Thursday, February 16, 2023, 5-7pm.

Treasurer’s Report was read by Craig Weaver.

Lt. Sean Kilgore provided the Public Safety Report for which he shared that the force responded to 662 calls for service.  Also discussed was the escape situation at the state-run Central Laundry Facility on January 19, 2023.  The escaped prisoner was originally thought to have left under a truck but they later determined he cut a fence to escape.  The Council expressed concern about the delay in response from the Laundry Facility to the Town.  The Council also thanked the force for all its work especially for community policing and reporting. 

Councilperson Elizabeth Guroff was accepted into Leadership Maryland Class of 2023.

The council moved to Closed Session.

The next Town of Sykesville meeting is Monday, February 27, 2023 at 7pm.