Sykesville, Pennsylvania

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

Historic District Commission

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will evaluate Application 2026-01 for a proposed business use at 7564 Main Street, reviewing the cover letter, application, staff report, business plan, and permitted uses. The board will also consider approval of the minutes from six prior meetings held between October 2025 and February 2026.

• Evaluation of Application 2026-01: Proposed business use at 7564 Main Street (cover letter, application, staff report, business plan, permitted uses)
• Approval of minutes from meetings on Oct 29 2025, Nov 19 2025, Dec 3 2025, Feb 4 2026, Feb 11 2026, Feb 24 2026

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will discuss and vote on approving a capital purchase for a Mean Green RIVAL 60" Electric Zero-Turn Mower. The meeting will also include a closed session to discuss personnel matters and pending litigation.

• Approval of Public Works Capital Purchase: Mean Green RIVAL 60" Electric Zero-Turn Mower
• Proclamation for Parks and Recreation Month
• Closed session for personnel (Museum Curator Position) and pending litigation (Warfield Lawsuits)
• Approval of June 8, 2026 Council minutes
• Volunteer opportunities available on Historic District, Planning, Parks and Recreation Commissions

Planning Commission

The Sykesville Planning Commission will meet on June 29, 2026 at the Town House, 7547 Main Street. The commission will approve the minutes from the April 6, 2026 meeting. The main agenda item is to consider, discuss, and act on the final subdivision plan for the Enclave at Parkside, including a staff report, the subdivision plan set, and a pattern book.

• Approval of minutes from the April 6, 2026 meeting
• Final Subdivision Plan for Enclave at Parkside – staff report, plan set, pattern book

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The Sykesville Parks & Recreation Commission will discuss updates on the Children’s Library, the Natural Bulletin Board, and the Let Freedom Ring Parade float. It will also review the recent Sykesville Cinema recap and plan upcoming movie night events. Additional town updates include the splash pad, zipline repairs, and other park maintenance topics.

• Children’s Library Update
• Natural Bulletin Board Update
• Let Freedom Ring Parade Float Update and Planning
• Splash Pad Updates
• Zipline Repairs

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will continue discussions on outdoor dining at 7618 Main Street and repairs at 7606 Main Street. The body will also consider a new residential shed at 7604 Mellor Avenue and rooftop solar panels at 7539 Norwood Avenue. Finally, the commission will discuss public art and color palette regulations.

• Continuation of outdoor dining patio application at 7618 Main Street
• Continuation of repairs and alterations application at 7606 Main Street
• Consideration of new residential shed at 7604 Mellor Avenue
• Consideration of new residential rooftop solar panels at 7539 Norwood Avenue
• Discussion on public art and color palette regulations

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will consider Ordinance No. 2026-02, which amends the adopted budget for the fiscal year July 1 2025 – June 30 2026. A staff report and budget revision details will be presented. The council will also discuss approving an updated Memorandum of Understanding with the Downtown Sykesville Connection.

• Ordinance No. 2026-02: amendment to the FY 2025‑2026 town budget
• Updated Memorandum of Understanding with the Downtown Sykesville Connection

Planning Commission

The Sykesville Planning Commission will meet on June 1, 2026 at the Town House. Commissioners will approve the minutes from the April 6, 2026 meeting and receive county updates. The primary agenda item is to consider, discuss, and act on the final subdivision plan for the Enclave at Parkside, including a staff report, the subdivision plan set, and a pattern book.

• Approve minutes from the April 6, 2026 meeting
• County updates presentation
• Staff report on the Enclave at Parkside subdivision
• Consider and act on the final subdivision plan set and pattern book for Enclave at Parkside

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The commission will review updates on the Nature Classroom, the Let Freedom Ring Parade float, and the Children’s Library. The body will also plan for a Movie Night featuring A Bug’s Life and discuss a vacant commission seat.

• Planning for Movie Night – A Bug’s Life
• Wrap-up of 2023 Community Parks and Playgrounds (CPP) Grant
• Splash Pad opening and staffing update
• Outdoor Nature Classroom sign
• Grant writing for POS Local

Historic District Commission

The Sykesville Historic District Commission will consider and act on four property alteration applications: repairs at 7606 Main Street, an ADA entrance ramp and stairs at 7626 Main Street, a hanging business sign and window decals at 7606 Main Street, and a residential privacy fence at 6999 Cedar Avenue. The commission will also discuss a proposed public art/mural regulation for the historic district. Staff reports will be presented for each item before any decisions are made.

• Application #2026-09 – Repairs and alterations to 7606 Main Street
• Application #2026-10 – New ADA entrance ramp and stairs at 7626 Main Street
• Application #2026-11 – New hanging business sign and door window decals for 7606 Main Street
• Application #2026-12 – New residential privacy fence at 6999 Cedar Avenue
• Public Art/Mural Regulation discussion for the Historic District

Town Council Meetings

The council will consider Ordinance No. 2026-02, which proposes changes to the adopted budget for the fiscal year that began July 1, 2025 and ends June 30, 2026. Staff will present a report and the budget revision details before the council votes. The meeting also includes routine items such as approval of minutes from May 11, 2026 and public comments.

• Adopt Ordinance No. 2026-02 to amend the FY 2025‑2026 town budget
• Review staff report and budget revision details
• Approve minutes from the May 11, 2026 council meeting

The council approved the minutes from the May 11, 2026 meeting. It also approved the introduction of Ordinance 2026-02 to amend the FY 2025‑2026 budget and scheduled a public hearing for June 8, 2026. Both motions carried unanimously.

• Approved May 11, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved introduction of Ordinance 2026-02 to amend FY 2025‑2026 budget; public hearing set for June 8, 2026 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:24 PM (unanimous)

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will hold a public hearing to consider and act on the adoption of Ordinance NO. 2026-01 regarding the FY2026-2027 Budget. The meeting includes reviews of the Draft FY2027 Budget Book, the Capital Improvements Plan, and the Strategic Plan Report.

• Public hearing and vote on Ordinance NO. 2026-01 (FY2026-2027 Budget)
• Review of Capital Improvements Plan
• Review of Strategic Plan Report
• Proclamation for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
• Proclamation for Mental Health Awareness Month

The council approved all items on the consent agenda, including two proclamations. A public hearing on Ordinance No. 2026‑01 was opened, closed, and the ordinance – the FY 2026‑2027 budget – was adopted, each vote unanimous. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved consent agenda items (minutes, AAPI Heritage Month proclamation, Mental Health Awareness Month proclamation) – unanimous
• Opened public hearing on FY 2026‑2027 Budget (Ordinance No. 2026‑01) – unanimous
• Closed public hearing on FY 2026‑2027 Budget – unanimous
• Adopted FY 2026‑2027 Budget (Ordinance No. 2026‑01) – unanimous

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will vote on Ordinance NO. 2026-01 for the FY2026-2027 budget and discuss the purchase of real property within town limits. The meeting will also include the reappointment of members to the Historic District Commission and a presentation on the Flag Box Update.

• Ordinance NO. 2026-01: FY2026-2027 Budget
• Reappointment of Chad Bederka, Michael Marsden, and Brian Ball to Historic District Commission
• Presentation of Flag Box Update
• Consideration of purchasing property within Town Limits
• Discussion of pending litigation

The Council approved the consent agenda items, including the March minutes and reappointments to the Historic District Commission. It unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 2026‑01, the FY2026‑2027 budget and tax rates, and set a public hearing for May 11, 2026. The Council entered a closed session to discuss potential property purchase and pending litigation, took no action, and then returned to open session before adjourning.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes and historic commission reappointments) – unanimous
• Adopted FY2026‑2027 budget and tax rate of $0.32 per $100 – unanimous
• Set public hearing for budget on May 11, 2026 – unanimous
• Entered closed session to discuss property purchase – no action
• Entered closed session to discuss pending litigation – no action
• Returned to open session – unanimous
• Adjourned meeting – unanimous

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The commission will review past events and plan for Arbor Day and an early movie night. Members will discuss ideas for a children's library off Gray Way and a handmade bulletin board. The meeting includes updates on the 2023 Community Parks and Playgrounds Grant and Bee City collaboration.

• Planning for Arbor Day and Early Movie Night
• Proposal for Children’s Library off Gray Way
• Proposal for Handmade Bulletin Board
• 2023 Community Parks and Playgrounds (CPP) Grant wrap-up
• Bee City Collaboration and New Little Sykes Signage

The commission voted unanimously to approve the amended minutes from the February 26 and March 26, 2026 meetings. They also unanimously adjourned the April 23 meeting at 8:01 P.M. No other motions were voted on; additional items were discussed for future action.

• Approved February 26, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved March 26, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:01 P.M. (unanimous)
• Commission requested Mr. Rittenhouse design new banner options (no vote recorded)
• Commissioner Sevick to contact Piney Run Park about bug‑related pre‑movie activities (no vote recorded)
• Commissioner Sevick to inquire about neighbor installing a children’s library on Gray Way (no vote recorded)
• Commissioner Shifflett offered to build a frame for a handmade bulletin board (no vote recorded)
• Town staff to contact tree companies for reclaimed wood for the bulletin board project (no vote recorded)

Historic District Commission

The Sykesville Historic District Commission meeting on April 22, 2026 will consider several applications for alterations to properties on Main Street. The items include repairs at 7604 Main Street, a pergola at 7615 Main Street, an awning and decorative wood fencing at 7565 Main Street, a string‑light installation at 7611 Main Street, and a new patio for outdoor dining at 7618 Main Street. The commission will hear staff reports and the applications before deciding. The agenda also includes a discussion of façade improvement projects that do not require commission approval and town updates.

• Application #2026-04: Repairs and alterations to 7604 Main Street
• Application #2026-05: New pergola structure on the patio at 7615 Main Street
• Application #2026-06: Awning and decorative wood fencing for rear patio at 7565 Main Street
• Application #2026-07: New string light installation at 7611 Main Street and adjacent properties
• Application #2026-08: New patio for outdoor dining area at 7618 Main Street

Planning Commission

The Sykesville Planning Commission will discuss a proposed amendment to the PEC process, reviewing staff reports and letters from March and August 2025. It will also consider and act on Resolution No. 2026-01, which approves and certifies the town's Water Resources Element. The meeting includes approval of the March 2, 2026 minutes and routine town updates.

• Discuss PEC Amendment Process Proposal (staff report, March 10 applicant letter, August 2025 town letter)
• Consider/Act on Planning Commission Resolution No. 2026-01: Approving and certifying the Water Resources Element
• Approve minutes from the March 2, 2026 meeting

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The Sykesville Parks & Recreation Commission will review February minutes and hear public comments. It will discuss old business such as the 2026 movie choice (A Bugs Life) and upcoming events like the Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Cleanup. New business includes Arbor Day planning, a concept discussion for a Let Freedom Ring float, updates to the mission statement and SOPs, a movie sponsorship application, and ideas for new park features. Town updates will cover splash pad vandalism, coordination with local and DNR agencies, social media outreach, and seasonal park maintenance.

• 2026 Movie Choice – A Bugs Life
• Easter Egg Hunt event
• Arbor Day event planning
• Let Freedom Ring Float Concept Discussion
• Movie Sponsorship Application

The commission unanimously approved the updated expectations and mission statement for SPARC. It also approved the Movie Sponsorship Application, the new signage option with the SPARC logo, and the June movie showing of A Bugs Life. Decisions were made for the Easter Egg hunt, including keeping Cooper Drive open, locating the starting line along the path, and setting a rain‑cancellation call by 8:30‑9:00 A.M. The Spring Cleanup walk will begin on the Linear Trail at Kalorama Road.

• Approved expectations and mission statement (unanimous)
• Approved Movie Sponsorship Application (unanimous)
• Approved signage option 1 with SPARC logo (unanimous)
• Approved showing A Bugs Life for June movie (unanimous)
• Kept Cooper Drive open for Easter Egg hunt
• Set Easter Egg hunt starting line along the path
• Rain‑cancellation call set for 8:30‑9:00 A.M. for Easter Egg hunt
• Spring Cleanup walk to start on Linear Trail at Kalorama Road

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will consider three property applications and discuss public art and mural regulations. The body will act on requests for demolition, signage, and structural repairs.

• Application #2026-01: Partial demolition at 7448 Springfield Avenue
• Application #2026-02: New door and window decals at 7568 Main Street
• Application #2026-03: Rear entry step replacement and garage repairs at 7332 Springfield Avenue
• Discussion of Public Art/Mural Regulation

The Historic District Commission approved three applications: partial demolition at 7448 Springfield Avenue, new door and window decals at 7568 Main Street, and replacement of rear entry steps plus garage repairs at 7332 Springfield Avenue with stipulations on future porch work and garage door design. All motions carried unanimously.

• Approved minutes from Dec 17, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved summary from Feb 25, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved partial demolition rear of 7448 Springfield Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved new door and window decals at 7568 Main Street (unanimous)
• Approved replacement of rear entry steps and garage repairs at 7332 Springfield Avenue with stipulations on porch compliance and wood‑grain garage door (unanimous)
• Adjourning the meeting at 8:34 P.M. (unanimous)

Town Council Meetings

The Sykesville Town Council will discuss several proclamations and a resolution that backs a state bill to create a task force for modernizing county and municipal revenue sources. Council members will also decide whether to reschedule the April 13 meeting. Public comments are limited to three minutes per person.

• Consider/act on Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation
• Consider/act on Resolution No. 2026-02 supporting HB 1142/SB to establish a task force for modernizing county and municipal revenue sources
• Reschedule the April 13 Council meeting
• Approve the Arbor Day Proclamation
• Approve the Earth Day Proclamation

The council approved the Arbor Day and Earth Day proclamations, the Sexual Assault Awareness Month proclamation, and a resolution supporting HB 1142/SB to create a revenue‑modernization task force. It also cancelled the scheduled April 13 council meeting. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved Arbor Day proclamation (unanimous)
• Approved Earth Day proclamation (unanimous)
• Approved Sexual Assault Awareness Month proclamation (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. 2026-02 supporting HB 1142/SB (unanimous)
• Cancelled April 13 council meeting (unanimous)

Town Council Meetings

The council will consider, discuss, and act on the Draft 2026 Strategic Plan report, including a staff report and the draft plan itself. They will also review Task Order #8 for a building assessment of 714 Sandosky Road and Task Order #9 for a parking study. A closed‑session item will address the possible acquisition of real property within town limits for a public purpose. The consent agenda includes approval of the Women’s History Month proclamation and minutes from the February 9 meeting.

• Draft 2026 Strategic Plan (staff report and draft)
• Task Order #8 – Building Assessment of 714 Sandosky Road
• Task Order #9 – Parking Study
• Closed session: consideration of acquiring real property within town limits
• Approval of Women’s History Month Proclamation

The council unanimously approved two task orders: a building assessment for 714 Sandosky Road limited to $25,560 and a parking utilization study limited to $32,920. The Women’s History Month proclamation was also approved unanimously. The council entered and exited a closed session without taking action on real‑property acquisition.

• Approved Women’s History Month Proclamation (unanimous)
• Approved Task Order #8 for 714 Sandosky Road building assessment, up to $25,560 (unanimous)
• Approved Task Order #9 for parking utilization study, up to $32,920 (unanimous)
• Entered closed session to consider real‑property acquisition (no action taken, unanimous)
• Exited closed session and returned to open session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Sykesville Planning Commission meeting on March 2, 2026 will review and act on a site plan for 7488 Springfield Avenue. The agenda includes a staff report, review of the site plan and parking layout, and revisions to a shared office component. The commission will also approve the minutes from the February 2, 2026 meeting and receive county updates.

• Approve minutes from February 2, 2026 meeting
• Consider site plan for 7488 Springfield Avenue
• Review staff report on the site plan
• Examine parking layout for the site
• Discuss shared office revisions

The commission approved the minutes from the February 2, 2026 meeting. It then approved the site plan for 7448 Springfield Avenue, allowing a shared office buildout, rear‑building deconstruction, and required parking improvements. The Board of Zoning Appeals denied three recent appeals, including a variance request for the Warfield property.

• Approved February 2, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved site plan for 7448 Springfield Avenue with parking and safety requirements (unanimous)
• Board of Zoning Appeals denied Warfield property variance request (denied)
• Board of Zoning Appeals denied appeal of planned amendment process (denied)
• Board of Zoning Appeals postponed hearing on appeal of July 2025 planning commission denial (postponed)

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The Sykesville Parks & Recreation Commission will review and approve the 2026 movie choices. Commissioners will discuss upcoming community events, including a kite festival, Easter egg hunt, spring cleanup and Arbor Day activities. Additional agenda items cover signage updates, a Snow Angels program update, and a Let Freedom Ring float concept discussion. Town updates on Millard Cooper Park construction and related permits will also be presented.

• Approval of 2026 movie choices
• Discussion of upcoming events (Kites and Flight, Easter Egg Hunt, Spring Cleanup, Arbor Day)
• Signage updates
• Snow Angels program update
• Let Freedom Ring float concept discussion

The board approved the minutes from the January 24 meeting (6‑0‑1). A movie schedule for June through October was adopted unanimously. The board also approved up to $75 for chips and water for the March 7 Kites and Flight event, unanimously. Several items were tabled or postponed, including the Arbor Day event and Millard Cooper Park parking improvements.

• Approved Jan 24, 2026 minutes (6-0-1)
• Approved movie schedule June‑Oct (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of chips and water up to $75 for Kites and Flight event (unanimous)
• Tabled Arbor Day event discussion
• Unlinked scavenger hunt from Easter Egg Hunt; plan scavenger later summer
• Postponed Millard Cooper Park parking lot and Cooper Drive improvements until after splash pad season
• Will discuss trail connection with new owner of Royal Electric property
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will review the minutes from the December 17, 2025 meeting. It will consider application #2026-01 for partial demolition in the rear of the building at 7448 Springfield Avenue, including staff report, parking study, site photos, and relevant town code. The commission will also receive town updates and commissioner reports.

• Review minutes from the December 17, 2025 meeting
• Consider application #2026-01 for partial demolition at 7448 Springfield Avenue
• Examine staff report and parking study for the demolition application
• Discuss Town Code – Structures of Unusual Importance related to the site
• Hear town updates and commissioner reports

The commission lacked a quorum, so the meeting could not take substantive action. The minutes from the December 17, 2025 meeting were tabled until the next meeting. No decision was made on application #2026-01 for partial demolition at 7448 Springfield Avenue. The commissioners unanimously approved a motion to adjourn the meeting.

• Minutes from Dec 17, 2025 tabled (no vote recorded)
• Motion to adjourn meeting carried unanimously
• Application #2026-01 pending (no quorum, no decision)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will meet to continue Case #2025-04. This case involves an appeal of the Town Manager’s decision regarding the required process for a proposed site development plan.

• Continuation of Case #2025-04 regarding a site development plan process appeal

The Board of Zoning Appeals opened the case record to include recent memoranda and emails, then returned to open session after a brief closed session. It voted unanimously to deny the appeal of the Town Manager’s decision in Case #2025-04, finding the decision consistent with the Town Code. The Board will issue a detailed written opinion later, and any further appeal must be filed within 30 days.

• Opened the case record to include memoranda and emails – motion carried unanimously
• Returned to open session after closed session – motion carried unanimously
• Denied the appeal in Case #2025-04 – motion carried unanimously
• Adjourned the meeting – motion carried unanimously

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will discuss and act on a request to use Millard Cooper Park for the 2026 Juneteenth Event. The meeting includes the swearing-in of Police Officer Tina Antkowiak and a closed session regarding Warfield lawsuits.

• Swearing in of Police Officer Tina Antkowiak
• Request to use Millard Cooper Park for 2026 Juneteenth Event
• Closed session regarding pending Warfield lawsuits

The council unanimously approved the February 9, 2026 minutes. Officer Tina Antkowiak was sworn in as a Sykesville police officer. The council approved using Millard Cooper Park for the 2026 Juneteenth event and directed staff to create a policy that closes the splash pad on the event day, passing the motion 6‑0‑1 with one abstention.

• Approved February 9, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Swore in Officer Tina Antkowiak as police officer
• Approved use of Millard Cooper Park for 2026 Juneteenth event and policy requiring splash‑pad closure (6-0-1, Dyer abstained)
• Moved to closed session (unanimous)
• Moved back to open session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will continue its review of Case #2025-03, a request to vary the land‑use percentages in the Planned Employment Center District. The meeting will consider the staff report, the applicant’s proposal and concept plan, and memoranda from the applicant, the town lawyer, and the applicant’s post‑hearing response.

• Continuation of Case #2025-03 – variance request for land‑use percentages in Planned Employment Center District
• Review of staff report on the variance request
• Consideration of Warfield Concept Plan with variance
• Examination of applicant and town lawyer memoranda
• Discussion of applicant post‑hearing memorandum

The board voted unanimously to deny the applicant’s request for a variance of the adopted land‑use percentages in the Planned Employment Center District. The board also approved adding two public‑comment letters to the record despite an objection, and unanimously voted to return to open session and to adjourn the meeting.

• Included two public‑comment letters in the record (unanimous)
• Returned to open session at 7:43 P.M. (unanimous)
• Denied variance request for Planned Employment Center District (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:39 P.M. (unanimous)

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will discuss and act on Resolution NO. 2026-01 regarding alcohol use at Downtown Sykesville Connection events. The meeting includes a presentation by the Downtown Sykesville Connection and a proclamation for Black History Month.

• Resolution NO. 2026-01: allowing alcohol at Downtown Sykesville Connection events
• Approval of the Black History Month Proclamation
• Annual Presentation by the Downtown Sykesville Connection
• Closed session to discuss pending Warfield Lawsuits litigation

The council approved the minutes from the Jan. 26 meeting and adopted the Black History Month proclamation, both unanimously. It also approved Resolution No. 2026‑01, allowing the Downtown Sykesville Connection to serve alcohol at its events on town property. The Gate House Museum annual report was postponed to a future meeting. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved minutes from Jan. 26, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved Black History Month Proclamation (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. 2026‑01 allowing alcohol at Downtown Sykesville Connection events (unanimous)
• Postponed Gate House Museum Annual Report to a future meeting
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will continue two cases involving appeals of planning and town manager decisions regarding a subdivision plan and a site development plan. The meeting will be held at 7547 Main Street.

• Continuation of Case #2025-02: Appeal of Planning Commission decision on Warfield Commerce and Cultural Center
• Continuation of Case #2025-04: Appeal of Town Manager's decision on site development plan process

The Board of Zoning Appeals voted to continue Case #2025-02 (appeal of the Planning Commission decision) to a future date after the variance hearing concludes. It also moved Case #2025-04 (appeal of the Town Manager decision) to February 24, 2026, and set the hearing for Case #2025-03 (variance request) on February 11, 2026. Memoranda for Cases #2025-02 and #2025-04 are due by February 16, 2026. All motions carried unanimously.

• Continued Case #2025-02 to a future date after variance hearing – unanimous approval
• Continued Case #2025-04 to February 24, 2026 – unanimous approval
• Scheduled hearing for Case #2025-03 on February 11, 2026 – unanimous approval
• Set memoranda deadline for Cases #2025-02 and #2025-04 to February 16, 2026 – unanimous approval

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review the Maryland Department of Planning Annual Report, hold a public hearing on the Water Resource Element, and vote to elect a chair and vice chair for 2026. The meeting also includes approval of the December 1, 2025 minutes. No other actions are listed.

• Consider/Discuss/Act on Maryland Department of Planning Annual Report
• Public Hearing on Water Resource Element
• Consider/Discuss/Act on Election of 2026 Chair and Vice Chair
• Approval of minutes from December 1, 2025

The Planning Commission approved the minutes from December 1, 2025. It approved signing and sending the 2025 Annual Report to Carroll County. The commission opened and then closed a public hearing on the Water Resource Element. Finally, it elected Dan Mican as Chairperson and Phil Singleton as Vice Chair for 2026. All motions carried unanimously.

• Approved December 1, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved signing and sending 2025 Annual Report to Carroll County (unanimous)
• Opened public hearing on Water Resource Element (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing on Water Resource Element (unanimous)
• Elected Dan Mican as Chairperson for 2026 (unanimous)
• Elected Phil Singleton as Vice Chair for 2026 (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The Sykesville Historic District Commission will review the minutes from the December 17, 2025 meeting, consider a staff report on public art and mural regulation, receive town updates, and hear commissioner reports.

• Review minutes from December 17, 2025
• Consider public art/mural regulation (staff report)
• Town updates
• Commissioner reports

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will receive an update and consider a request for funding regarding the Station Project. Other scheduled items concerning the Downtown Sykesville Connection were postponed due to inclement weather.

• Request for funding for the Station Project
• Postponed Resolution NO. 2026-01 regarding alcohol at Downtown Sykesville Connection events
• Postponed annual presentation by the Downtown Sykesville Connection

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The Commission will review the 2025 season and approve dates for 2026 meetings, events, and movies. The body will also discuss new standard operating procedures and internal expectations. Updates regarding Millard Cooper Park construction and the Royal Electric Property are on the agenda.

• Approval of 2026 meeting and event dates
• Approval of movie screenings
• Commissioner term renewal
• Signage updates
• Millard Cooper Park construction update

Town Council Meetings

The Sykesville Town Council will swear in a new council member and appoint a liaison to the Planning Commission. It will approve minutes from previous meetings and set the 2026 meeting dates and holidays. The council will also present the FY2024-2025 audit. Public comments are limited to three minutes per person.

• Swearing in of new council member
• Appointment of council liaison to the Planning Commission
• Approval of minutes from Nov. 24, 2025 and Jan. 7, 2026
• Approval of 2026 meeting dates and holidays
• Presentation of the FY2024-2025 audit

Council swore in Brandon Smith to fill the unexpired council term through May 2027. The council then unanimously appointed Smith as the liaison to the Planning Commission. The consent agenda items—including prior meeting minutes and 2026 meeting dates—were approved unanimously. The Façade Improvement Program was increased to $125,000 and the meeting was adjourned with one member abstaining.

• Swore in Brandon Smith as Council Member (term until May 2027)
• Appointed Brandon Smith as Planning Commission liaison (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items (minutes, meeting dates) (unanimous)
• Increased Façade Improvement Program to $125,000
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried, one abstention)

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will hold a closed session under Maryland Code §3-305(b). The session will address personnel issues, including interviews of council candidates and confidential personal information. No public decisions are recorded on the agenda.

• Closed session on personnel matters, including council candidate interview details (confidential)

The council voted unanimously to go into a closed session at 6:03 p.m. to discuss personnel matters. It then voted unanimously to return to open session at 7:05 p.m. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 7:06 p.m. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Entered closed session (unanimous)
• Returned to open session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)