Speed Cameras
At the last Town Council meeting, Councilperson Guroff requested research on the possibility of installing speed cameras in Town. Chief Spaulding and Joe Cosentini met with a contractor and discovered that the process seems straightforward. Cosentini recommends that the Council discuss whether the Town wants speed cameras and, if so, where they should be placed. This discussion will take place at the upcoming strategic planning meeting on March 2, 2024.
Lib’s Grill Plans at the Station
The Town is working with the Liberatore group to ensure that the submission to the Maryland Historical Trust is complete for approval to begin construction. The target for opening Lib’s Grill was April 2024, but it appears that this has been delayed.
The Enclave of Parkside
As the Planning Commission liaison, Councilperson Schofield provided an update on the status of the site plan for The Enclave. The developer’s plan maximizes the residential components of the multi-use development in this area. Councilperson Grasley asked if the access to and from Route 32 had been approved. Schofield stated that it has not been discussed yet, but it is highly unlikely that it will be approved. Schofield also expressed concern about sediment erosion of the property caused by water, especially since it is built on a hill. While the parties involved are aware of this issue, residents are encouraged to contact county inspectors or the Town if they notice any concerns regarding water erosion.
Bids Open for Gatehouse Museum Porch Repair
On Wednesday, February 13, bids will open for repairs to the Gatehouse Museum porch.
Public Hearing and Act on Ordinance No. 2024-02: FY2024 Budget Revision
The first order of business was the Budget Revision ordinance, which was introduced and unanimously passed by the Council at their previous meeting. At the six-month mark of the fiscal year, the Town Staff review found unexpected funding needs under general operations and capital projects. Town Manager Joe Cosentini explained the details, including two items affecting this revision: the loss of lease revenue from Baldwin’s Station and legal fees. The Council opened the Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2024-02: FY2024 Budget Revision, but it was immediately closed as no public comments were received in person or via email. The Budget Revision ordinance was passed unanimously by the Council. The entire budget revision request can be found at:
[Ord-2024-02-FY24-Budget-Revision](https://townofsykesville.org/DocumentCenter/View/3772/Ord-2024-02-FY24-Budget-Revision-1)
and the revision spreadsheet at:
[DRAFT-FY24-Budget-revision](https://townofsykesville.org/DocumentCenter/View/3775/DRAFT-FY24-Budget-revision-1)
Annual Presentation by the Downtown Sykesville Connection
Julie Della-Maria provided the Council with the annual presentation on the status of the DSC. In the [Facebook video](https://www.facebook.com/carrollmediacenter/videos/304321079323358), Della-Maria’s presentation starts at 24:18 and goes till 41:20, where she discusses the DSC’s Strategic Plan through 2026, framework and governance, the work completed in the past year, and plans for the upcoming year.
Treasurer’s Report
Craig Weaver provided a detailed report on the fiscal year from July 2023 to January 2024.
Public Safety Report
Lieutenant Kilgore provided a safety report covering the period from January 15, 2024, to February 5, 2024, which included 683 events.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Town has volunteer opportunities available on the Historic District Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Crossing Guard, and Police Auxiliary. For more information about volunteering with the Town, please email town@sykesville.net.
Closed Session
At the end of the open session, the meeting was closed in accordance with the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, Section 3-305(b): (8) To consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation in regard to the pending litigation, the Warfield lawsuits.
The entire meeting can be viewed [here](https://www.facebook.com/carrollmediacenter/videos/304321079323358).
The next Town Council meeting will take place on February 26, 2024, at 7 pm.
