Sykesville public meetings in 2025

Historic District Commission

The commission will review and act on the minutes from the October 22, 2025 meeting and set dates for the 2026 meetings. It will consider an application to replace the roof at 7415 Springfield Avenue. It will also consider applications for an applied wall sign at 707 Sandosky Road and a new freestanding business sign at 7618 Main Street. The agenda includes town updates and commissioner reports.

• Approve minutes from October 22, 2025
• Set dates for 2026 Historic District Commission meetings
• Review roof replacement application for 7415 Springfield Avenue
• Review applied wall sign and hanging business sign at 707 Sandosky Road
• Review new freestanding business sign at 7618 Main Street

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will hear two appeals regarding a denied concept plan for the Warfield Commerce and Cultural Center and a site development plan process determination. The meeting will be held at the Town House on Main Street.

• Appeal of Planning Commission denial for Warfield Commerce and Cultural Center concept plan
• Appeal of Town Manager's determination on site development plan process
• Meeting location: 7547 Main Street - Town House
• Meeting time: Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 6:00 p.m.

The Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously to enter a closed session, then returned to open session. It approved its jurisdiction to hear Case #2025-02 (appeal of a Planning Commission denial) and Case #2025-04 (appeal of the Town Manager’s decision). Both hearings were continued to February 4, 2026. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Closed session motion approved (unanimous)
• Return to open session motion approved (unanimous)
• Approved jurisdiction for Case #2025-02 (unanimous)
• Approved jurisdiction for Case #2025-04 (unanimous)
• Adjournment motion approved (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Sykesville Planning Commission will approve the minutes from the October 6, 2025 meeting. Commissioners will consider and act on the schedule for meetings in 2026, and discuss the selection of the chairperson and vice‑chairperson. The agenda also includes a staff report, a review of procedural rules, and town updates.

• Approval of minutes from October 6, 2025
• Consider/Discuss/Act on 2026 meeting schedule
• Consider/Discuss the chairperson and vice‑chairperson
• Staff report
• Review of rules of procedure

Town Council Meetings

The Sykesville Town Council will approve the minutes from the November 10 meeting, consider how to appoint a new council member, and hold a closed‑session discussion on acquiring real property within town limits and on pending litigation. The meeting also includes public comments, announcements about volunteer opportunities, and staff updates.

• Approve minutes from the November 10, 2025 council meeting
• Discuss and decide the process for appointing a council member
• Closed‑session consideration of purchasing real property within town limits
• Closed‑session discussion of pending litigation (Warfield lawsuits)
• Volunteer opportunities for crossing guard and police auxiliary positions

The council unanimously approved the minutes from the November 10 meeting. It also approved a new process to fill the council vacancy, requiring letters of interest by December 15 and a vote on January 12. The council entered a closed session to discuss potential property acquisition and pending litigation, took no action, and then returned to open session. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved November 10 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved appointment process with letters due Dec 15, vote Jan 12 (unanimous)
• Entered closed session to discuss real property purchase and pending litigation (unanimous) – no action
• Returned to open session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The Sykesville Parks and Recreation Commission will review meeting minutes, discuss the design for an updated town map, and plan a visit with Santa. The agenda also includes updates on pavilion rentals, Liberty Tree seedlings, and tree maintenance.

• Review October 23, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discuss design for updated map of Sykesville
• Plan visit with Santa
• Review pavilion rentals and special event fees
• Update on Liberty Tree seedlings and tree maintenance

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will meet to review a conditional use request for a warehouse. The board will also vote on the approval of minutes from April 29 and October 1, 2025.

• Case #2025-05: Conditional Use Request for a Warehouse at 7452 Springfield Avenue

The Board approved the minutes from the April 29 and October 1, 2025 meetings. It then approved Case #2025-05, granting a conditional use for a warehouse at 7452 Springfield Avenue with required structural analysis, site‑plan revisions, Historic District Commission approvals, and compliance with all codes. The Board also approved adding the staff report and related materials to the official record.

• Approved April 29, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved October 1, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved conditional use for warehouse at 7452 Springfield Avenue with conditions (unanimous)
• Added staff report, application, and related materials to the record (unanimous)

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will discuss and potentially act on purchasing real property within town limits and consult on pending litigation. The meeting will also include the approval of minutes and the consideration of proclamations for Municipal Government Works Month and Native American Heritage Month.

• Approval of October 27, 2025 minutes
• Consideration of proclamations for Municipal Government Works Month and Native American Heritage Month
• Consideration of purchasing real property within Town Limits
• Consultation on pending litigation (Warfield Lawsuits)

The council approved the minutes from the October 27, 2025 meeting. It also approved proclamations for Municipal Government Works Month and for Native American Heritage Month, correcting a wording error. The council entered a closed session to discuss real‑property acquisition and pending litigation, taking no action on those items, and then returned to open session and adjourned. Council Member Schofield announced his resignation effective November 16.

• Approved October 27, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Municipal Government Works Month proclamation (unanimous)
• Approved Native American Heritage Month proclamation, corrected "reman" to "remain" (unanimous)
• Approved motion to enter closed session (unanimous)
• Approved motion to return to open session (unanimous)
• Approved motion to adjourn meeting (unanimous)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will review a variance request for land use percentages and two appeals regarding development decisions. These items involve the Warfield Commerce and Cultural Center and a proposed site development plan.

• Case #2025-03: Variance request for land use percentages in the Planned Employment Center District
• Case #2025-02: Appeal of July 7, 2025, Planning Commission denial of the Warfield Commerce and Cultural Center re-subdivision concept plan
• Case #2025-04: Appeal of Town Manager's decision on the required process for a site development plan

The board voted not to hear Mr. Coale’s testimony and also refused to consider the Development and Disposition Agreement as evidence. It ordered the applicant to submit a memorandum of law within 15 days, after which the town attorney will have 15 days to respond and the applicant 10 days to reply. The variance hearing was continued to a date to be determined after the memorandums are received. Cases #2025-02 and #2025-04 were each continued to December 3, 2025 at 6 P.M.

• Denied Mr. Coale’s testimony as not directly relevant to the variance
• Denied testimony regarding the Development and Disposition Agreement
• Requested a memorandum of law from the applicant within 15 days
• Set 15‑day response period for the town attorney and 10‑day response period for the applicant
• Continued the variance hearing to a date to be determined after memorandums are filed
• Continued Case #2025-02 to December 3, 2025 at 6 P.M.
• Continued Case #2025-04 to December 3, 2025 at 6 P.M.

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will consider a scope update for the B.F. Shriver Cannery Reuse Master Plan and Construction Documents. The meeting includes a closed session to discuss personnel matters.

• Consider scope update for Michael Baker International Work Order No. 2
• Review updated Work Order No. 2 and Structural Assessment Report
• Closed session to discuss personnel and vacancy procedures

The council approved the updated Michael Baker International Work Order No. 2 for the B.F. Shriver Cannery reuse master plan, adding $123,467 for deconstruction assistance and material reuse, funded by a state capital grant. The October 14 meeting minutes were also approved on the consent agenda. Several procedural motions to open, close, and adjourn the session were adopted unanimously.

• Approved October 14, 2025 minutes (unanimous, 1 abstention)
• Approved updated Michael Baker International Work Order No. 2 for Shriver Cannery ($123,467) (unanimous)
• Motion to return to open session adopted (unanimous)
• Motion to enter closed session adopted (unanimous)
• Motion to return to open session after closed session adopted (unanimous)
• Motion to adjourn meeting adopted (unanimous)

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The Sykesville Parks & Recreation Commission will discuss recent community events, including a Santa raffle, cinema debrief, farmer's market recap, and a skate jam. It will receive updates on town initiatives such as the Springfield Health Center 5k, a sensory‑friendly trunk‑or‑treat, interpretive panels, and the MML PRA. The agenda also includes a discussion of the FY27 Greenspace Equity Program grant and plans for installing bollards on Oklahoma Street.

• VIP Visit with Santa Raffle
• Sykesville Cinema – October Debrief, Old Popcorn Machine
• September Farmer’s Market Debrief
• FY27 Greenspace Equity Program Grant
• Bollards on Oklahoma

Historic District Commission

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Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will hold public hearings regarding the acquisition of approximately 4.0657 acres of property and an amendment to the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget. The body will also review stormwater improvement proposals for Norwood Avenue and Central Avenue.

• Ordinance 2025-05: Acquisition of 4.0657± acres northwest of Main Street and Norwood Avenue (Map 200, Parcel 4323)
• Ordinance 2025-06: Amendment to the adopted budget for fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026
• Stormwater Improvement Projects proposal from BGC, Inc. for Norwood Avenue and Central Avenue
• Proclamation for National Community Media Day

The council adopted an ordinance to acquire about 4.07 acres of land northwest of Main Street and Norwood Avenue. It also amended the FY 2025‑26 budget to add a police grant and $525,000 for the property purchase. Additional actions included approving a National Community Media Day proclamation and a $280,000 storm‑water improvement project, all by unanimous votes.

• Approved September 22, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous; Council President abstained)
• Adopted Ordinance 2025‑05 to acquire ~4.07 acres NW of Main St and Norwood Ave (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2025‑06 amending FY2025‑26 budget, adding $22,680 police grant and $525,000 for property purchase (unanimous)
• Approved Proclamation for National Community Media Day (unanimous)
• Approved BGC, Inc. stormwater improvement proposal for Norwood and Central Avenues, up to $280,000 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:14 P.M. (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Sykesville Planning Commission will approve the August 4, 2025 meeting minutes, receive county updates, and discuss ongoing projects, including staff reports and updates on the Enclave Current Neighborhood Square and Enclave Town Square Expansion. The agenda also includes a Board of Zoning Appeals hearing update and general town updates.

• Approve minutes from August 4, 2025
• Staff report on ongoing projects
• Update on Enclave Current Neighborhood Square
• Update on Enclave Town Square Expansion
• Board of Zoning Appeals hearing information

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the August 4, 2025 meeting. The meeting was then unanimously adjourned at 7:22 P.M. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved August 4, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:22 P.M. (unanimous)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will introduce a new attorney to its members. No other agenda items were listed for this meeting.

• Introduction of new attorney to BZA members

The Board of Zoning Appeals introduced Larry Taub, Esq. as the new board attorney. Members discussed general procedures for cases heard by the board. The meeting was adjourned after a motion to adjourn carried unanimously.

• Motion to adjourn carried unanimously

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The commission will discuss debriefs for the Sykesville Cinema, Fall Cleanup, and recent concerts. Members will also review upcoming events including the October Farmers Market and Trick or Treat activities.

• Scouts of America Pack 719 Pancake Breakfast
• Sykesville Cinema September debrief and costume contest
• October Farmers Market
• Tree safety updates
• Minor playground equipment fixes

The board approved the July 24 and August 28 meeting minutes and summary. They authorized buying movie‑sign toppers for up to $25 and increased the Skate Jam band payment to $300 total. They also approved purchasing 200 Sparky stickers and scheduled tree service at Millard Cooper Park for November with semi‑annual maintenance.

• Approved July 24, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved August 28, 2025 meeting summary (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of movie sign toppers up to $25 (unanimous)
• Approved increase of band payment to $300 total for Skate Jam (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 200 Sparky stickers (unanimous)
• Scheduled tree service at Millard Cooper Park for November and every six months thereafter (unanimous)
• Confirmed no edits needed for the volunteer newsletter (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:58 P.M. (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The Sykesville Historic District Commission will consider and act on two applications: a hanging sign and painted mural for the Moonshadow Collective at 7611 Main Street, and a hanging business sign at 7526 Main Street, Unit B. The commission will also review minutes from the July 23, 2025 meeting and a summary from the August 27, 2025 meeting. Additional agenda items include town updates and commissioner reports.

• Consider/Discuss/Act on #2025-13 for a hanging sign and painted mural at 7611 Main Street
• Consider/Discuss/Act on #2025-14 for a hanging business sign at 7526 Main Street, Unit B
• Review minutes from July 23, 2025
• Review summary from August 27, 2025
• Town updates and commissioner reports

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the July 23, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously approved a hanging sign for the Moonshadow Collective at 7611 Main Street and a hanging business sign at 7526 Main Street, Unit B. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved July 23, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved hanging sign for Moonshadow Collective at 7611 Main Street (unanimous)
• Approved hanging business sign at 7526 Main Street, Unit B (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will consider an ordinance to acquire approximately 4.07 acres of real property northwest of Main Street and Norwood Avenue. The Council will also discuss an ordinance to amend the adopted budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

• Consider ordinance to acquire 4.07 acres of real property northwest of Main Street and Norwood Avenue
• Consider ordinance to amend the adopted budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026
• Public comments limited to three minutes per person
• Meeting streamed live to YouTube and Facebook
• Volunteer opportunities available as a Crossing Guard and on the Police Auxiliary

The council unanimously approved the minutes from the September 8, 2025 meeting. It introduced and approved Ordinance 2025‑05 authorizing the purchase of a 4.0657‑acre parcel northwest of Main Street and Norwood Avenue, and set a public hearing for October 14, 2025. It also introduced and approved Ordinance 2025‑06 to amend the FY 2025‑2026 budget, with a public hearing also set for October 14, 2025. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved September 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Introduced and approved Ordinance 2025‑05 to acquire ~4.0657 acres NW of Main St & Norwood Ave; public hearing set Oct 14, 2025 (unanimous)
• Introduced and approved Ordinance 2025‑06 to amend FY 2025‑2026 budget; public hearing set Oct 14, 2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Town Council Meetings

The council unanimously approved the minutes from the August 11 meeting and the proclamation for Hispanic Heritage Month. A closed‑session was entered to discuss possible real‑property acquisition, but no action was taken. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved August 11 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation (unanimous)
• Entered closed session to consider real‑property purchase (no action, unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The commission discussed items such as a new popcorn machine, upcoming cinema events, fall cleanup, concerts, a September farmers market, volunteer newsletter, and Sparky stickers. Town updates included community outreach, tree safety checks, a new baby swing, slide landing at the splash pad, and the semi‑quincentennial. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded.

Historic District Commission

The meeting on July 23, 2025 did not have a quorum, so no items were voted on. Approval of the July 23 minutes was postponed to the September meeting. The application for a hanging sign and painted mural at 7611 Main Street was presented but could not be acted upon and will be reconsidered at the September 24 meeting.

Town Council Meetings

The council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda items, including reappointments to the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. They also unanimously extended Mr. Bushman's public comment time. The key action was the unanimous adoption of Resolution 2025‑02, accepting the deed of the Schoolhouse Road right‑of‑way so the town can maintain the roadway. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved Consent Agenda items (minutes, planning commission reappointments, zoning appeals reappointment) – unanimous
• Extended public comment time for Mr. Bushman – unanimous
• Adopted Resolution 2025‑02 accepting Schoolhouse Road right‑of‑way deed – unanimous
• Adjourned meeting – unanimous

Planning Commission

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the July 7, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously approved the site plan for Lib’s Grill at 7618 Main Street, granting a waiver of the required parking spaces. The amended plat for Parcel 479, lots 1A and 2A was unanimously approved. The meeting was adjourned at 8:14 P.M.

• Approved July 7, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Lib’s Grill site plan with parking waiver (unanimous)
• Approved amended plat for Parcel 479, lots 1A and 2A (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:14 P.M. (unanimous)

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The commission approved the placement of a Little Free Library in the Little Sykes Rail Road Park, with the motion passing unanimously. It also set a schedule of 10‑minute ad blocks before and after the movie "Skate or Hide" and arranged a Q&A session afterward. Additional actions included staffing the August 3 Farmers’ Market, limiting participation to one market per month, and referring the splash‑pad daycare issue to the Town Council.

• Approved placement of a Little Free Library in Little Sykes Rail Road Park (unanimous)
• Approved the May 22 and June 26, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Decided to play 10 minutes of ads before and after "Skate or Hide" with a Q&A session afterward
• Commissioners will staff the August 3 Farmers’ Market (Gilbert and Sheets)
• Decided to attend only one Farmers’ Market per month
• Council Member Ries will bring the splash‑pad daycare issue to the Town Council
• SPARC determined the youth‑elderly program is a good idea but not within its purview

Historic District Commission

The commission unanimously approved the June 25, 2025 meeting minutes. It also unanimously approved application #2025-11 for a 38" × 34" applied wall sign at 7611 Main Street. Finally, it unanimously approved application #2025-12 for porch repairs, including replacing brick stairs with wooden stairs, at 7332 Springfield Avenue.

• Approved June 25, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved application #2025-11 for applied wall sign at 7611 Main Street (unanimous)
• Approved application #2025-12 for porch repair at 7332 Springfield Avenue (unanimous)

Town Council Meetings

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, adopted proclamations for Parks and Recreation Month and Maryland 250, and approved a three‑year warranty extension for two license‑plate‑recognition units costing up to $10,320. The meeting also entered and exited closed session to discuss property purchase and pending litigation, with no action taken on those items.

• Approved Consent Agenda minutes from June 9, 2025 (unanimous)
• Adopted Parks and Recreation Month proclamation (unanimous)
• Adopted Maryland 250 proclamation (unanimous)
• Approved three‑year warranty extension for two LPR units with Leonardo U.S. Cyber and Security Solutions, LLC, not to exceed $10,320 (unanimous)
• Entered closed session to consider property purchase and pending litigation (unanimous, no action)
• Returned to open session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The commission unanimously denied the submitted concept plan for the Warfield site due to inconsistencies with the town zoning code. It also unanimously approved the draft Water Resource Element to be sent to the Maryland Department of the Environment for a 60‑day review. Additional approvals included the historic district addition on the French Twist building and demolition of a warehouse at 7452 Springfield Avenue. The meeting was adjourned after all business was completed.

• Denied Warfield site concept plan (unanimous)
• Approved draft Water Resource Element for state review (unanimous)
• Approved historic district addition on French Twist building (unanimous)
• Approved demolition of warehouse at 7452 Springfield Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from June 2, 2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:10 P.M. (unanimous)

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The board voted unanimously to push approval of the May 22, 2025 meeting minutes to the next meeting. Commissioner Shifflett agreed to transport equipment to Millard Cooper Park before the July concert and movie. Commissioner Sheets will post signage for both events and, together with Council Member Ries, staff the Farmers’ Market table on July 6; Commissioners Poet and Sheets will staff the table on July 20. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Postponed approval of May 22, 2025 minutes to next meeting (unanimous)
• Commissioner Shifflett will transport equipment to Millard Cooper Park before July event
• Commissioner Sheets will post signs for July concert and movie
• Commissioners Sheets and Council Member Ries will staff Farmers’ Market table on July 6
• Commissioners Poet and Sheets will staff Farmers’ Market table on July 20
• Motion to adjourn the meeting (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The commission unanimously approved the demolition of the non‑contributing warehouse at 7452 Springfield Avenue (motion carried 6‑0). It also approved, by a 5‑1 vote, the proposed 27‑by‑16‑foot addition with an upper deck to the French Twist Café at 732 Oklahoma Avenue. The minutes from the May 28, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 P.M.

• Approved minutes from May 28, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved demolition of warehouse at 7452 Springfield Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved addition to French Twist Café at 732 Oklahoma Avenue, 27’×16’, with upper deck (5‑1)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Town Council Meetings

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda and appointed a new parks commissioner. It adopted Ordinance No. 2025‑04, reducing the town’s 2024‑2025 budget by $2,100,000. The council also unanimously approved a Pride Month proclamation, a flag‑retirement box project, and a 24‑month energy contract with a green adder. All motions carried without dissent.

• Approved consent agenda items (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Lauren Hanratty to Parks and Recreation Commission (unanimous)
• Approved Flag Retirement Box project (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 2025‑04 to amend budget, reducing $2.1 M (unanimous)
• Approved Pride Month proclamation (unanimous)
• Approved 24‑month energy contract with green adder at $0.08380 and community solar application (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:58 P.M. (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The commission heard a staff report on converting a garage to commercial space for a music school. Staff presented the Preliminary Subdivision Plan for a new subdivision, noting no outstanding concerns. An update was given that the South End Streetscape project is delayed until the end of June. A workshop on House Bill 538 is planned before the July meeting.

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission approved the minutes from the April 23, 2025 meeting. It unanimously approved replacement of front porch stairs at 7557 Main Street using brick and adjusted step dimensions. It also unanimously approved converting the garage at 7557 Main Street to commercial use, with wood‑framed windows and doors meeting specific design criteria. The application for an addition to the French Twist Café was tabled for further discussion at the June 25, 2025 meeting.

• Approved April 23, 2025 minutes (vote in favor)
• Approved replacement of front porch stairs at 7557 Main St with brick, unanimous
• Approved exterior garage conversion at 7557 Main St with wood‑framed windows/door, unanimous
• Tabled discussion of French Twist Café addition at 732 Oklahoma Ave to June 25, 2025, unanimous

Town Council Meetings

The council adopted Ordinance No. 2025-04 to amend the FY2025 budget, reflecting a $2,092,300 overall decrease in revenues and expenditures. It also extended public comment time, approved the May consent agenda minutes, adopted a proclamation for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, elected Anna Carter as Council President, assigned liaison positions, and adjourned the meeting.

• Extended public comment time beyond three minutes – motion carried unanimously
• Approved May 12 and May 19 minutes on consent agenda – motion carried unanimously
• Adopted Ordinance No. 2025-04 to amend FY2025 budget – motion carried unanimously
• Approved proclamation for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month – motion carried unanimously
• Elected Anna Carter as Council President – motion carried unanimously (President abstained)
• Assigned Council members to various commissions and boards – motion carried unanimously
• Adjourned meeting at 8:06 P.M. – motion carried unanimously

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The commission approved the April 24 minutes and voted to show the short film "Skate or Hide" after ads but before the August movie. Commissioners Nick Sheets and Amy Poet were elected co‑chairs through January 2026, and Drew Rittenhouse was elected Secretary. The board also decided not to bring the mascot Sparky to Farmers’ Markets and assigned Commissioners Gilbert and Poet to staff the June 1 market table.

• Approved April 24, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0-1)
• Approved showing "Skate or Hide" after ads before August movie (unanimous)
• Elected Nick Sheets as co‑chair through Jan 2026 (unanimous)
• Elected Amy Poet as co‑chair through Jan 2026 (unanimous)
• Elected Drew Rittenhouse as Secretary (unanimous)
• Decided not to have Sparky at Farmers’ Markets
• Commissioners Gilbert and Poet to staff Farmers’ Market table on June 1

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council swore in Mayor Stacy Link and Council Members Elizabeth Guroff, Leo Keenan, and Alexandra Ries. The council then adjourned the meeting by unanimous motion.

• Swore in Mayor Stacy Link (unanimous)
• Swore in Council Member Elizabeth Guroff (unanimous)
• Swore in Council Member Leo Keenan (unanimous)
• Swore in Council Member Alexandra Ries (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Town Council Meetings

The council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 2025‑03, approving the annual budget for FY 2025‑2026 and keeping the property tax rate at $0.32 per $100 of assessed value. The budget includes a $100,000 allocation from the capital reserve for stormwater management and maintains a fully funded $1,000,000 stabilization reserve, with no new debt or positions proposed. The adjournment motion passed 6‑1.

• Adopt Ordinance No. 2025‑03 (annual budget and tax rates) – unanimous
• Set property tax rate at $0.32 per $100 assessed value – unanimous
• Allocate $100,000 from capital reserve for stormwater improvements – unanimous
• Maintain fully funded $1,000,000 stabilization reserve – unanimous
• No new debt or new positions approved – unanimous
• Open public hearing on Ordinance No. 2025‑03 – unanimous
• Close public hearing on Ordinance No. 2025‑03 – unanimous
• Adjourn meeting – vote 6‑1

Planning Commission

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the March 3, 2025 meeting. It then unanimously postponed approval of the Warfield Site concept plan until the July 2025 meeting and asked the applicant to revise the plan to exclude all right‑of‑way areas and provide a written explanation of HB‑538. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved March 3, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Postponed approval of Warfield concept plan to July 2025 and requested revisions (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board approved the March 19, 2025 minutes and admitted the Thrive at Warfield application and supporting documents into the record. It recognized James Mathias as an expert and entered the Thrive at Warfield Plan into the record. The Board then approved the Conditional Use Request for an assisted‑living facility on Parcel B of the Warfield Commerce and Cultural Center, adding three specific conditions. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved March 19, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Admitted application and full package into the record (unanimous)
• Admitted Litman Frizell letter and Carl Wilson traffic study as exhibits (unanimous)
• Recognized James Mathias as an expert (unanimous)
• Moved Thrive at Warfield Plan into the record (unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Use Request for assisted living facility on Parcel B with conditions (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Town Council Meetings

The council approved the minutes from the April 14 meeting and appointed Andrew Miner to the Board of Zoning Appeals. It adopted Ordinance No. 2025‑03, setting the FY 2025‑2026 budget and maintaining the property tax rate at $0.32 per $100 of assessed value, and scheduled a public hearing for May 12, 2025. All actions were approved unanimously.

• Approved April 14, 2025 minutes (unanimous, Dyer abstained)
• Appointed Andrew Miner to Board of Zoning Appeals (unanimous)
• Adopted FY 2025‑2026 budget and kept tax rate $0.32 per $100 (unanimous)
• Scheduled public hearing and adoption of budget ordinance for May 12, 2025 (unanimous)
• Returned to open session after recess (unanimous)
• Entered closed session to discuss pending litigation (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:09 P.M. (unanimous)

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The board unanimously approved buying 50 thank‑you note cards for SPARC. They also unanimously approved ordering t‑shirts and hoodies for each commissioner. Earlier minutes from February and March were approved with votes of 4‑0‑2 and 5‑0‑1 respectively. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved February 27, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0-2)
• Approved March 27, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0-1)
• Approved purchase of 50 SPARC note cards (unanimous)
• Approved ordering t‑shirts and hoodies for each SPARC commissioner (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the March 26, 2025 meeting unanimously. It also approved application #2025-06 for renovations at 7618 Main Street, authorizing a standing seam metal roof, board‑and‑baton siding on additions, and panelized siding on the porch, with a unanimous vote. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved March 26, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved renovation application #2025-06 for 7618 Main St with standing seam roof and board‑and‑baton siding (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Town Council Meetings

The council approved the minutes from the March 24, 2025 meeting and reappointed the Parks and Recreation Commission for three-year terms. It also adopted proclamations honoring Earth Day and Arbor Day. Additional motions approved a recess, a closed‑session period, a return to open session, and the meeting adjournment, all unanimously.

• Approved minutes from March 24, 2025 (unanimous)
• Reappointed Parks and Recreation Commission for three-year terms (unanimous)
• Approved Earth Day proclamation (unanimous)
• Approved Arbor Day proclamation (unanimous)
• Approved recess at 7:43 PM (unanimous)
• Approved closed session at 7:50 PM (unanimous)
• Approved return to open session at 8:21 PM (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment at 8:22 PM (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Sykesville Planning Commission approved the March 3, 2025 minutes and three project proposals. It ratified the written recommendation for a conditional use of an assisted‑living facility on Parcel B of the Warfield property. It also approved the Enclave at Parkside preliminary plan and pattern book, and the site plan for the Schoolhouse Road Apartments with labeling errors corrected. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved March 3, 2025 minutes (unanimously)
• Approved written recommendation to Board of Zoning Appeals for conditional use of assisted living facility on Parcel B of Warfield property (unanimously)
• Approved Enclave at Parkside preliminary plan and pattern book, allowing move to final subdivision phase (unanimously)
• Approved site plan for Schoolhouse Road Apartments with labeling errors corrected (unanimously)

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The SPARC meeting was adjourned at 8:18 P.M. by a unanimous vote. The February 27, 2025 minutes were tabled for consideration at the April 24 meeting. Commissioners discussed upcoming events, equipment upgrades, and park improvements, noting support for renting pickleball equipment and ordering new fencing for the splash pad.

• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
• Tabled February 27, 2025 minutes (postponed to April 24)
• Commissioners favorable to renting pickleball equipment for weekend use
• New park‑rules signs ordered (25 signs) for all parks
• New fencing ordered for splash pad (to be installed before Memorial Day)
• Picnic tables purchased for Millard Cooper Park pavilions

Historic District Commission

The commission approved the February 26 minutes and unanimously approved applications to replace gutters and downspouts at 7436 Spout Hill Road, replace a shed roof at the same address, replace rear gutters at 7344 Springfield Avenue, and allow a hanging sign and window decals at 7566 Main Street. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved February 26, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved replacement of gutters and downspouts at 7436 Spout Hill Road with complementary colors (unanimous)
• Approved replacement of shed roof at 7436 Spout Hill Road with matching asphalt shingles (unanimous)
• Approved replacement of rear gutters at 7344 Springfield Avenue with historically accurate half‑round gutters (unanimous, Commissioner Ball recused)
• Approved hanging sign and window decals at 7566 Main Street (unanimous)

Town Council Meetings

The Council approved the March 10, 2025 minutes on the consent agenda unanimously. It denied Ordinance No. 2025-02, directing staff to rewrite it to cover only mechanically amplified sounds on public property. The Council opened and then closed a public comment period, both motions passing unanimously. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 7:50 P.M.

• Approved March 10 minutes (unanimous)
• Denied Ordinance 2025-02, directing staff to draft a narrower noise ordinance (unanimous)
• Opened public comment period (unanimous)
• Closed public comment period (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a revised set of rules of procedure. The revisions remove sections 7a‑7c, change a notice period to 20 days before a meeting, and assign the Town Clerk to administer oaths for testimony. The motion was carried unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved revised Board of Zoning Appeals Rules of Procedure (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)