Sykesville public meetings in 2025

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will review minutes from the October 22, 2025 meeting and set dates for its 2026 meetings. It will consider an application to replace the roof at 7415 Springfield Avenue. It will also discuss applications for a wall sign and hanging business sign at 707 Sandosky Road and a new freestanding business sign at 7618 Main Street.

• Roof replacement application for 7415 Springfield Avenue
• Applied wall sign and hanging business sign at 707 Sandosky Road
• New freestanding business sign at 7618 Main Street

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will review two appeals regarding development and subdivision decisions. The meeting includes a challenge to a Planning Commission denial and a dispute over the Town Manager's required process for a site development plan.

• Case #2025-02: Appeal of the July 7, 2025, denial of the concept plan for re-subdivision of the Warfield Commerce and Cultural Center
• Case #2025-04: Appeal of the Town Manager’s decision regarding the required process for a proposed site development plan

The Board moved into a closed session and returned to open session, both unanimously. It then approved its jurisdiction to hear Case #2025-02 and Case #2025-04, with hearings to be scheduled later. The two cases were continued to February 4, 2026, and the meeting adjourned unanimously.

• Closed session motion carried unanimously
• Return to open session motion carried unanimously
• Approved jurisdiction to hear Case #2025-02 (unanimous)
• Approved jurisdiction to hear Case #2025-04 (unanimous)
• Cases #2025-02 and #2025-04 continued to Feb 4, 2026
• Adjournment motion carried unanimously

Planning Commission

The Sykesville Planning Commission will approve the minutes from the October 6, 2025 meeting. It will consider, discuss, and act on the schedule for meetings in 2026. The commission will also consider appointments for chairperson and vice chairperson, receive a staff report, and review rules of procedure. Town updates will be presented.

• Approve October 6, 2025 meeting minutes
• Consider and act on 2026 meeting schedule
• Consider chairperson and vice chairperson appointments
• Staff report presentation
• Review rules of procedure

Town Council Meetings

The Sykesville Town Council will discuss the process for appointing a council member and, in a closed session, will consider acquiring real property within town limits and consult on pending litigation. The meeting also includes approval of the November 10, 2025 minutes and a public comment period limited to three minutes per speaker. Announcements about the next meeting and volunteer opportunities are provided.

• Consider/Discuss/Act on the process for appointment of a council member
• Closed session: consider acquisition of real property within town limits
• Closed session: discuss pending litigation (Warfield Lawsuits)
• Consent agenda: approve minutes from November 10, 2025
• Public comments limited to three minutes per person

The council unanimously approved the minutes from the November 10 meeting on the consent agenda. It also unanimously approved a new appointment process for the vacant council seat, with letters of interest due Dec. 15 and a vote to appoint on Jan. 12. The council entered and exited a closed‑session period and adjourned the meeting unanimously.

• Approved November 10 minutes on consent agenda (unanimous)
• Approved appointment process for council vacancy – letters due Dec 15, appointment vote Jan 12 (unanimous)
• Entered closed session to discuss real‑property purchase and pending litigation (unanimous, no action taken)
• Exited closed session and returned to open session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The Sykesville Parks & Recreation Commission will discuss several community items, including a design for an updated town map, a Visit With Santa event, January meeting dates, the “Snow Angel” program, and proposals for popcorn machines. The commission will also receive town updates on pavilion rentals and special event fees, Liberty Tree seedlings, bat boxes, and other projects. No final decisions are recorded in the agenda.

• Design for Updated Map of Sykesville
• Visit With Santa
• Pavilion Rentals & Special Event Fees
• Liberty Tree Seedlings
• Bat Boxes

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will approve the minutes from the April 29 and October 1, 2025 meetings. The board will discuss Case #2025-05, a conditional use request to locate a warehouse at 7452 Springfield Avenue, including a staff report, the application, and related photos.

• Approve minutes from April 29, 2025
• Approve minutes from October 1, 2025
• Review Conditional Use Request for a warehouse at 7452 Springfield Avenue (Case #2025-05)
• Consider staff report, application, and photos for the warehouse request

The Board unanimously approved the minutes from April 29 and October 1, 2025. It then approved Case #2025‑05, granting a conditional use for a warehouse at 7452 Springfield Avenue with required conditions on structural analysis, site plan, historic district approval, and code compliance. The Board also unanimously 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 Case #2025‑05 conditional use for warehouse at 7452 Springfield Ave with conditions (unanimous)
• Added staff report, application, and related materials to the record (unanimous)

Town Council Meetings

The Sykesville Town Council will approve minutes from the October 27, 2025 meeting and consider two proclamations—Municipal Government Works Month and Native American Heritage Month. The council will also hold a closed‑session to discuss the possible acquisition of real property within town limits and to consult on pending litigation known as the Warfield Lawsuits. Additional agenda items include public comments, volunteer announcements, and staff reports on treasury and public safety.

• Approve minutes from the October 27, 2025 meeting (Consent Agenda)
• Consider a proclamation for Municipal Government Works Month
• Consider a proclamation for Native American Heritage Month
• Closed session: consider purchasing real property within town limits
• Closed session: discuss pending litigation (Warfield Lawsuits)

The council approved the minutes from the October 27, 2025 meeting and adopted proclamations recognizing Municipal Government Works Month and Native American Heritage Month, each by unanimous vote. A closed‑session was held to discuss a possible property purchase and pending litigation, but no action was taken on either item. 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 with wording correction (unanimous)
• Entered closed session to consider real‑property purchase (no action)
• Entered closed session to consider pending litigation (no action)
• Council Member Schofield announced resignation effective Nov 16 (no vote)
• Motion to return to open session passed unanimously

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will review three specific cases involving land use and development processes. These include a variance request for the Planned Employment Center District and two appeals regarding previous administrative and commission decisions.

• 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 the Town Manager's decision regarding the process for a proposed site development plan

The board did not grant or deny the requested variance and postponed the hearing. It declined to hear testimony from Mr. Coale and from the Development and Disposition Agreement as not directly relevant. The board ordered the applicant to submit a memorandum of law within 15 days, set response periods, and continued this case and two other appeals to Dec 3, 2025.

• Declined to hear Mr. Coale’s testimony (not directly relevant)
• Declined to hear testimony on the Development and Disposition Agreement
• Requested memorandum of law from applicant within 15 days
• Set 15‑day response period for Town Attorney, then 10‑day response for applicant
• Continued variance hearing to a date after memoranda are received
• Continued Case #2025-02 appeal to Dec 3, 2025 at 6 PM
• Continued Case #2025-04 appeal to Dec 3, 2025 at 6 PM
• Adjourned meeting at 10:18 PM (unanimous)

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will discuss and act on a scope update for Michael Baker International Work Order No. 2. This involves the B.F. Shriver Cannery Reuse Master Plan and Construction Documents. The meeting includes a proposed closed session to discuss personnel and vacancy procedures.

• Work Order No. 2: B.F. Shriver Cannery Reuse Master Plan and Construction Documents
• Structural Assessment Report for B.F. Shriver Cannery
• Personnel discussion regarding vacancy procedures

The council approved the minutes from the October 14 meeting and unanimously approved an updated work order with Michael Baker International to add $123,467 for deconstruction assistance on the B.F. Shriver Cannery project, funded by a state capital grant. A closed‑session meeting was held to discuss personnel matters, but no action was taken. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved minutes from Oct 14, 2025 (unanimous, one abstention)
• Approved updated Michael Baker International Work Order No. 2 for B.F. Shriver Cannery reuse plan, adding $123,467 scope (unanimous)
• Held closed session to discuss personnel matters (no action)
• Motion to return to open session passed unanimously
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The Sykesville Parks & Recreation Commission will meet to consider several community updates. Items include a VIP visit with a Santa raffle, debriefs of recent events such as the cinema, farmer’s market, Skate Jam, and Trick or Treat on Main Street, and a volunteer newsletter. The commission will also receive town updates on the Springfield Health Center 5k, the FY27 Greenspace Equity Program grant, a sensory‑friendly trunk‑or‑treat, interpretive panels, MML PRA, and bollards on Oklahoma. No formal decisions are noted; the agenda consists mainly of informational reports.

• VIP Visit with Santa raffle
• Sykesville Cinema – October debrief
• FY27 Greenspace Equity Program Grant update
• Bollards on Oklahoma
• Interpretive panels

Historic District Commission

The provided agenda text contains no legible items or decisions. No specific rezoning, contracts, ordinances, fee changes, or public hearings can be extracted. The agenda appears to be unreadable or missing substantive content.

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council will hold public hearings and decide on two ordinances: one to authorize the purchase of about 4.0657 acres of property at MAP 200, Parcel 4323 located northwest of Main Street and Norwood Avenue, and another to amend the town's adopted budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. The meeting will also consider a proclamation for National Community Media Day and review a stormwater improvement proposal from BGC, Inc. for Norwood Avenue and Central Avenue.

• Ordinance 2025-05: authorize acquisition of approx. 4.0657 acres at MAP 200, Parcel 4323 NW of Main St and Norwood Ave (includes contract of purchase and sale)
• Ordinance 2025-06: amend the adopted budget for FY July 1 2025 – June 30 2026 (draft budget revision detail)
• Stormwater Improvement Projects proposal from BGC, Inc. for Norwood Avenue and Central Avenue (cost proposal attached)
• Proclamation for National Community Media Day
• Public hearing on the above ordinances with staff reports and related documents

The council adopted Ordinance No. 2025‑05 to acquire about 4.0657 acres northwest of Main Street and Norwood Avenue. It also approved Ordinance No. 2025‑06 amending the 2025‑2026 budget, adding $22,680 for police grants and $525,000 for the new property. Additional actions included approving a proclamation for National Community Media Day and a $280,000 stormwater improvement contract for Norwood and Central Avenues.

• Adopted Ordinance No. 2025‑05 authorizing acquisition of ~4.07 acres (Map 200, Parcel 4323) – unanimous
• Adopted Ordinance No. 2025‑06 amending FY 2025‑2026 budget – unanimous
• Approved Proclamation for National Community Media Day – unanimous
• Approved BGC, Inc. stormwater improvement proposal up to $280,000 for Norwood and Central Avenues – unanimous
• Approved September 22, 2025 minutes on consent agenda – unanimous (Council President abstained)
• Approved public hearing openings and closings for Ordinances 2025‑05 and 2025‑06 – unanimous

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will meet to receive updates on ongoing projects and a Board of Zoning Appeals hearing. The agenda includes discussions regarding the Enclave Current Neighborhood Square and the Enclave Town Square Expansion.

• Enclave Current Neighborhood Square update
• Enclave Town Square Expansion update
• Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing staff report

The commission approved the minutes from the August 4, 2025 meeting with a unanimous vote. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous consent. No other actions, approvals, or denials were taken; the remainder of the agenda consisted of project updates and pending zoning appeals.

• Approved August 4, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will introduce a newly appointed attorney to its members. No other agenda items are listed for decision. The meeting is set for October 1, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. in the Town House at 7547 Main Street, Sykesville, MD. The session will be streamed live on YouTube and Facebook.

• Introduction of new attorney to BZA members

The Board introduced Larry Taub, Esq. as the new BZA attorney, replacing retired attorney Lynn Board. Members discussed general procedures for cases heard by the BZA. The meeting was adjourned after a unanimous motion. No substantive decisions were made.

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The Sykesville Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss debriefs of recent events such as the Scouts of America pancake breakfast, the September cinema screening, and the fall cleanup. It will also consider upcoming activities including the October Farmers Market and a community skate jam. Town updates on tree safety, playground equipment fixes, donor contributions, and a pollinator bio‑blitz will be presented.

• Scouts of America Pack 719 Pancake Breakfast
• Sykesville Cinema – September Debrief, Beetlejuice and Costume Contest
• Fall Cleanup Debrief
• Concert Debrief
• October Farmers Market

The commission approved the July 24 and August 28 meeting minutes. It authorized $25 for movie sign toppers, raised total band payments to $300, and approved purchase of 200 Sparky stickers. All motions carried unanimously.

• Approved July 24, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous, one abstention)
• Approved August 28, 2025 meeting summary (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of movie sign toppers up to $25 (unanimous)
• Approved increasing total band payment to $300 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 200 Sparky stickers (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:58 P.M. (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will consider applications for a hanging sign and painted mural for the Moonshadow Collective at 7611 Main Street, and a hanging business sign for Unit B at 7526 Main Street. Staff reports, application materials, and sign guidelines will be reviewed. The commission will also review minutes from July 23, 2025, a summary from August 27, 2025, and receive town and commissioner reports.

• Application #2025-13: hanging sign and painted mural for Moonshadow Collective, 7611 Main Street
• Application #2025-14: hanging business sign for Unit B, 7526 Main Street
• Review of minutes from July 23, 2025
• Review of summary from August 27, 2025
• Town updates and commissioner reports

The commission approved the minutes from the July 23, 2025 meeting. It then unanimously approved a hanging sign for the Moonshadow Collective at 7611 Main Street, while the applicant postponed the mural. A second unanimous vote approved a hanging business sign at 7526 Main Street, Unit B. All motions passed without dissent.

• Approved minutes from July 23, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved hanging sign for Moonshadow Collective at 7611 Main St (unanimous)
• Approved hanging business sign at 7526 Main St, Unit B (unanimous)
• Adjoined motion to adjourn the meeting (unanimous)

Town Council Meetings

The Sykesville Town Council will consider two ordinances: one authorizing the purchase of approximately 4.0657 acres of property northwest of Main Street and Norwood Avenue (Map 200, Parcel 4323), and another to amend the adopted budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. The meeting also includes a consent agenda to approve minutes from the September 8, 2025 meeting and public comments limited to three minutes per speaker.

• Approve minutes from September 8, 2025 (consent agenda)
• Ordinance No. 2025-05 to acquire ~4.0657 acres at MAP 200, Parcel 4323 NW of Main St & Norwood Ave
• Contract of Purchase and Sale for the above property
• Ordinance No. 2025-06 to amend the adopted budget for FY July 1 2025 – June 30 2026
• Draft Budget Revision Detail accompanying the budget amendment

The council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 2025‑05 authorizing the purchase of approximately 4.0657 acres of land northwest of Main Street and Norwood Avenue for $525,000, with a public hearing set for October 14, 2025. The council also unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 2025‑06 amending the FY 2025‑26 budget, funding the purchase from the town’s unassigned fund balance, and set its public hearing for the same date. The consent agenda minutes from September 8, 2025 were approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:48 P.M.

• Approved Ordinance No. 2025‑05 to acquire ~4.0657 acres for $525,000 (unanimous)
• Set public hearing for Ordinance No. 2025‑05 on Oct 14, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 2025‑06 to amend FY2025‑26 budget, funding purchase from unassigned fund (unanimous)
• Set public hearing for Ordinance No. 2025‑06 on Oct 14, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved September 8, 2025 minutes on consent agenda (unanimous)

Town Council Meetings

The Sykesville Town Council unanimously approved the minutes from the August 11 meeting and the proclamation recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month. The Council also voted unanimously to enter a closed session to discuss possible real‑property acquisition, returned to open session without taking action, and then adjourned the meeting.

• Approved August 11, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation (unanimous)
• Moved into closed session to consider real‑property acquisition (unanimous)
• Returned to open session from closed session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The Sykesville Parks and Recreation Commission will review meeting minutes and discuss operational items including a new popcorn machine, a concert series, and a farmers market. The agenda also includes updates on community outreach, tree safety, and park facility improvements.

• Review July 24, 2025, meeting minutes
• Discuss new popcorn machine
• Review Sykesville Cinema debriefs
• Plan Fall Cleanup and Here 'Til Sunday Concert
• Update on September Farmers Market

The meeting covered public comments on items such as a new popcorn machine, cinema screenings, a fall cleanup, a concert, a farmers market, a volunteer newsletter, and stickers. Town updates included community outreach, tree safety checks, a new baby swing, slide landing at the splash pad, and the semi‑quincentennial celebration. No motions were adopted, denied, or tabled, and no vote tallies were recorded.

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission met on July 23, 2025, but only two commissioners were present, so a quorum was not reached. Because of the lack of quorum, the minutes from July 23 were not approved and will be reconsidered in September. The application for a hanging sign and a painted mural at 7611 Main Street was presented but could not be voted on and will be brought back for approval at the September 24 meeting.

Town Council Meetings

The Council extended the public comment time for a resident and approved the Consent Agenda, which included reappointing two Planning Commission members and one Board of Zoning Appeals member. It then adopted Resolution No. 2025‑02, accepting a deed of dedication for the Schoolhouse Road right‑of‑way so the town can maintain the roadway. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Extended public comment time for Mr. Bushman (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda: July 14 minutes and reappointments of Ted Ludvigsen, Mike Scheiner, and Al McEvoy (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 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 all required parking spaces. The commission unanimously approved the amended plat for Parcel 479, lots 1A and 2A. The meeting was adjourned at 8:14 P.M. after a unanimous vote.

• Approved July 7, 2025 meeting 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 unanimously approved the placement of a Little Free Library in Little Sykes Rail Road Park and also approved the May 22 and June 26 meeting minutes. It decided to run 10 minutes of advertisements before and after the "Skate or Hide" screening, followed by an informal Q&A, and to attend only one Farmers’ Market per month, with Commissioners Gilbert and Sheets staffing the August 3 market. The commission concluded that the youth‑elderly assistance program is a good idea but outside SPARC’s purview, and the splash pad was closed for two extra days for motor replacement.

• Approved May 22 and June 26 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved placement of Little Free Library in Little Sykes Rail Road Park (unanimous)
• Decided to play 10 minutes of ads before and after "Skate or Hide" and host Q&A (no vote recorded)
• Decided to attend only one Farmers’ Market per month; Commissioners Gilbert and Sheets will staff August 3 market (no vote recorded)
• Determined youth‑elderly program is a good idea but not within SPARC’s purview (no vote recorded)
• Closed splash pad for two extra days due to motor replacement (no vote recorded)
• Motion to adjourn meeting (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The commission approved the June 25, 2025 meeting minutes by unanimous vote. It also approved application #2025‑11 for an applied wall sign at 7611 Main Street. The commission approved application #2025‑12 for porch repairs, including replacing brick stairs with wood, at 7332 Springfield Avenue. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved June 25, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved applied wall sign at 7611 Main Street (unanimous)
• Approved porch repair at 7332 Springfield Avenue (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Town Council Meetings

Council approved a three‑year warranty extension for the two vehicle‑mounted License Plate Recognition camera systems, with a cost not to exceed $10,320; the motion carried unanimously. The council also adopted proclamations for Parks and Recreation Month and Maryland 250, each unanimously. The consent agenda minutes from the June 9, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously.

• Approved three‑year LPR warranty extension up to $10,320 (unanimous)
• Adopted Parks and Recreation Month proclamation (unanimous)
• Adopted Maryland 250 proclamation (unanimous)
• Approved June 9, 2025 consent agenda minutes (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The commission voted unanimously to deny the submitted concept plan for the Warfield site because it conflicted with the town's zoning code. It also approved the draft Water Resource Element to be sent to the Maryland Department of the Environment for a 60‑day review. Earlier, the June 2, 2025 minutes were approved unanimously.

• Approved June 2, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Denied Warfield site concept plan and set conditions for future submittals (unanimous)
• Approved draft Water Resource Element for state review (unanimous)

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The board voted unanimously to postpone approval of the May 22, 2025 meeting minutes to the next meeting. Commissioners assigned tasks for upcoming July events, including transporting equipment to Millard Cooper Park, posting signs for the concert and movie, and staffing the Farmers’ Market tables on July 6 and July 20. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

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

Historic District Commission

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the May 28, 2025 meeting. It approved a 27‑by‑16‑foot addition to the French Twist Café at 732 Oklahoma Avenue by a 5‑1 vote. It also approved the demolition of the warehouse at 7452 Springfield Avenue by unanimous vote.

• Approved minutes from May 28, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved application #2025‑09 for French Twist Café addition, 732 Oklahoma Ave (5‑1)
• Approved application #2025‑10 for demolition of warehouse, 7452 Springfield Ave (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Town Council Meetings

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda and the Eagle Scout flag‑retirement box project. It also approved Ordinance No. 2025‑04, reducing the adopted budget by $2,100,000. Additional unanimous approvals included the Pride Month proclamation and a 24‑month energy contract with a green adder at $0.08380 per kWh.

• Approved consent agenda items (unanimous)
• Approved Flag Retirement Box project (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 2025‑04 to amend budget, reducing $2,100,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Pride Month proclamation (unanimous)
• Approved 24‑month energy contract with green adder at $0.08380/kWh (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The commission heard staff reports on county updates, a garage conversion for a music school, and a preliminary subdivision plan with no outstanding concerns. It noted the South End Streetscape project is delayed until June and announced a workshop on House Bill 538 before the July meeting. No approvals, denials, or votes were recorded.

Historic District Commission

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the April 23, 2025 meeting. It approved application #2025-07 to replace the front porch stairs at 7557 Main Street using brick and modified step dimensions for safety. It approved application #2025-08 to convert the garage at the same address to commercial use, requiring wood‑framed windows (two‑over‑one or three‑over‑one) and wood door and garage frames. The commission postponed further consideration of application #2025-09 for an addition to the French Twist Café at 732 Oklahoma Avenue to the June 25, 2025 meeting.

• Approved minutes from April 23, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved application #2025-07: replace porch stairs at 7557 Main St with brick, adjust step dimensions (unanimous)
• Approved application #2025-08: convert garage at 7557 Main St to commercial space, require wood‑framed windows (2‑over‑1 or 3‑over‑1) and wood door/frame (unanimous)
• Tabled discussion of application #2025-09 for French Twist Café addition at 732 Oklahoma Ave to June 25, 2025 (unanimous)

Town Council Meetings

The council approved Ordinance No. 2025-04 to amend the FY2025 budget, with a $2,092,300 overall decrease. It also adopted a proclamation for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and elected Mayor Stacy Link's nominee, Anna Carter, as Council President. Council members were assigned to various liaison positions and the meeting was adjourned at 8:06 P.M.

• Extended public comment time beyond three minutes (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items: minutes from May 12 and May 19, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 2025-04 to amend FY2025 budget (unanimous)
• Approved Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month proclamation (unanimous)
• Elected Anna Carter as Council President (unanimous, Carter abstained)
• Assigned council members to liaison commissions and boards (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:06 P.M. (unanimous)

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The commission approved the April 24, 2025 meeting minutes with a 6‑0‑1 vote. Commissioners unanimously elected Nick Sheets and Amy Poet as co‑chairs through January 2026 and Drew Rittenhouse as secretary. They also approved showing the resident film “Skate or Hide” after ads before the August Movies in the Park.

• 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)

Town Council Meetings

The Town Council swore in Mayor Stacy Link and four newly elected council members—Elizabeth Guroff, Leo Keenan, Alexandra Ries, and the mayor herself. After the swearing‑in, Council Member Ries moved to adjourn, Keenan seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. The meeting concluded at 5:46 P.M.

• Mayor Stacy Link sworn in by Heather DeWees (Clerk of Circuit Court)
• Council Member Elizabeth Guroff sworn in by Mayor Link
• Council Member Leo Keenan sworn in by Mayor Link
• Council Member Alexandra Ries sworn in by Mayor Link
• Motion to adjourn carried unanimously

Town Council Meetings

The Council approved the April 28 minutes on the consent agenda, opened and closed the public hearing on Ordinance No. 2025‑03, and then adopted the ordinance adopting the FY 2025‑2026 budget and maintaining the property tax rate at $0.32 per $100 of assessed value. All budget‑related motions passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned with a 6‑1 vote.

• Approved April 28 minutes (unanimous, Schofield abstained)
• Opened public hearing on Ordinance No. 2025‑03 (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing on Ordinance No. 2025‑03 (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 2025‑03: FY 2025‑2026 budget and tax rates (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (6-1 vote)

Planning Commission

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the March 3, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously voted to postpone approval of the Warfield Development concept plan until the July 2025 meeting and to request a revised plan that excludes public right‑of‑way from land‑use calculations. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved March 3, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Postponed approval of Warfield concept plan to July 2025 and requested revised plan excluding right‑of‑way (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved the March 19, 2025 minutes. It also unanimously admitted the assisted‑living application and related documents into the record, recognized an expert, and moved the Thrive at Warfield plan into the record. The Board then unanimously approved the conditional use request for an assisted‑living facility on Parcel B of the Warfield Commerce and Cultural Center, attaching three specific conditions. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved March 19, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Admitted application and full package into the record (unanimous)
• Moved Litman Frizell letter and Carl Wilson traffic study into the record (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 three 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, both unanimously. Council members then introduced Ordinance No. 2025‑03 to adopt the FY 2025‑26 budget and set the property tax rate at $0.32 per $100 of assessed value, scheduling a public hearing and adoption for May 12, 2025. All motions carried unanimously.

• Approved minutes from April 14, 2025 (unanimous, Dyer abstained)
• Appointed Andrew Miner to Board of Zoning Appeals for three‑year term (unanimous)
• Introduced Ordinance No. 2025‑03 to adopt FY 2025‑26 budget and set tax rate (unanimous)
• Scheduled public hearing and adoption of the budget ordinance for May 12, 2025 (unanimous)

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The board unanimously approved buying 50 SPARC thank‑you note cards. It also unanimously approved ordering t‑shirts and hoodies for each SPARC commissioner. Earlier minutes from February and March were approved, and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.

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

Historic District Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the March 26, 2025 meeting by unanimous vote. It then 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, also by unanimous vote. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved March 26, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved renovation application #2025-06 for 7618 Main Street with specified roof and siding (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Town Council Meetings

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda items, including the reappointment of the Parks and Recreation Commission for three-year terms ending April 2028. It also unanimously approved proclamations for Earth Day and Arbor Day. A closed session was held to discuss pending litigation, with no action taken. All other motions, such as recess, return to open session, and adjournment, passed unanimously.

• Approved March 24, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Reappointed Parks and Recreation Commission for three-year terms (unanimous)
• Approved Earth Day proclamation (unanimous)
• Approved Arbor Day proclamation (unanimous)
• Entered closed session to discuss pending litigation (unanimous, no action)
• Approved recess motion (unanimous)
• Returned to open session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

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

• Approved Parcel B conditional‑use recommendation for assisted‑living facility (unanimous)
• Approved Enclave at Parkside preliminary plan and pattern book, allowing move to final subdivision phase (unanimous)
• Approved Schoolhouse Road Apartments site plan with labeling errors corrected (unanimous)
• Approved March 3, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Sykesville Parks & Recreation (SPARC)

The board changed the October cinema movie from Casper to Beetlejuice. The February 27 minutes were tabled until the April 24 meeting. Commissioners approved renting pickleball equipment for weekend use and designated points of contact for the June 14 concert. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Table February 27 minutes until April 24
• Commissioner Ries to choose a word for the Scav “EGG” enger Hunt
• Commissioner Sevick to contact volunteers about the Skate Jam
• Commissioners Poet and Sheets set as points of contact for the Band Shop for the June 14 concert
• Replace October cinema movie with Beetlejuice
• Commission favored renting pickleball equipment for weekend rentals
• Adjourn meeting (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the February 26, 2025 meeting. It then unanimously approved four applications: replacement of gutters and downspouts at 7436 Spout Hill Road with complementary colors, replacement of a shed roof at the same address, replacement of rear gutters at 7344 Springfield Avenue, and a new hanging sign with window decals at 7566 Main Street. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved February 26, 2025 minutes (unanimously)
• Approved application #2025-02 to replace gutters and downspouts at 7436 Spout Hill Road with complementary colors (unanimously)
• Approved application #2025-03 to replace shed roof at 7436 Spout Hill Road (unanimously)
• Approved application #2025-04 to replace rear gutters at 7344 Springfield Avenue (unanimously, Commissioner Ball recused)
• Approved application #2025-05 for hanging sign and window decals at 7566 Main Street (unanimously)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimously)

Town Council Meetings

The council denied Ordinance No. 2025-02 that would regulate noise on public property between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., voting unanimously. The motion also instructed staff to draft a new ordinance limited to mechanically amplified sounds on public property, unless part of a permitted event. The council approved the consent agenda items, including the March 10 minutes, unanimously.

• Denied Ordinance No. 2025-02 (noise regulation) – unanimous
• Directed staff to draft a narrowed ordinance for mechanically amplified sound – unanimous
• Approved consent agenda minutes from March 10, 2025 – unanimous
• Opened public comment period at 7:21 P.M. – unanimous
• Closed public comment period at 7:23 P.M. – unanimous
• Adjourned meeting at 7:50 P.M. – unanimous

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Sykesville Board of Zoning Appeals held a training session and then voted on its draft Rules of Procedure. The board approved the rules with three changes: removal of sections 7a‑7c, a notice period set to 20 days before a meeting, and assigning the Town Clerk to administer oaths for testimony. The motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved revised Board of Zoning Appeals Rules of Procedure (unanimous)
• Removed sections 7a‑7c from the draft rules
• Changed notice requirement to 20 days before a meeting
• Designated Town Clerk to administer oaths for testimony