Citizen Report: The top take-a-ways from the Sykesville Planning Commission Meeting on June 12, 2023:

Citizen Report: Sykesville Town Council Meeting June 12, 2023

In the last meeting of the Town’s fiscal year, Sykesville Town Council discussed the budget and a contract for the rewrite of Town Zoning and Subdivision rules.

Appointments

The appointment of Alex Ries to the Parks and Recreation Commission for a three-year term expiring April 2026 and the appointment of Brian Ball to the Historic District Commission for a three-year term expiring June 2026 unanimously approved by the Council. 

Budget

Public hearing and consider/discuss/act on Ordinance NO. 2023-03 – FY2023 Budget Revision which includes category adjustments to current and expected revenues and expenses for the remainder of the fiscal year. There has been a decrease of $335,450 due to capital projects that have had to be pushed to FY2024.  Capital projects involve engineering efforts for Sandusky Lot, Town House Front Lawn, and Baldwin Drive/Oklahoma Avenue projects as well as the two ongoing storm water projects.  There were no comments from the public.  The Council approved the ordinance unanimously.

Work Order for Rewrite of Town Zoning and Subdivision Rules and Regulations

The Council considered, discussed and acted on Michael Baker International (MBI) On-Call Professional Services Agreement and Work Order No. 1 called “Creation of a Unified Development Ordinance”.  The Council unanimously approved this professional service for the rewrite of Town Zoning and Subdivision rules and regulations. MBI was the firm who helped the Town with the Comprehensive Plan. The proposed work by MBI is “to combine all zoning and subdivision related rules and regulations into one cohesive document. The process for the rewrite will be similar to the comprehensive plan process, though the work will be much more in depth. This is because the comprehensive plan is more of a visioning document, and the unified development code will establish very specific rules and regulations in support of the vision established in the comprehensive plan.” It is anticipated to be an 18-month project.  This $162,000 contract will span FY2024 through FY2025.  More information on this contract can be found on the Town website at https://www.townofsykesville.org/DocumentCenter/View/3430/Michael-Baker-Intl-Supporting-Documents?bidId and https://www.townofsykesville.org/DocumentCenter/View/3429/MBI-Contract-Staff-Report?bidId.

Volunteer Opportunities

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

Treasurer’s Report 

Treasurer, Craig Weaver, reported that the budget is on track at the 11-month mark of the fiscal year.

Public Safety Report 

Chief Michael Spaulding reported on the time period of May 16^th – June 5^th.  The force responded and participated in 711 events including 28 community police activities, 322 patrols, 36 traffic stops, and 23 incident reports.  Several of the officers participated in the Torch Run this month.  The force adopted a Special Olympic child this year.  At the MML Summer Conference, Governor Wes Moore will be in attendance.  Also, Corporal Michael Schlaerth will be awarded Top Cop at this event which will be held Tuesday June 27^th, 7:30-9:00am.

The full June 12, 2023 Council meeting can be seen at https://www.facebook.com/carrollmediacenter/videos/634094288643897

The next Town Council meeting is Monday, July 10, 2023