Town Council Meetings

Town of Sykesville Dear 7547 Main Street, Sykesville, MD 21784 Town House p: 410.795.8959 f: 410.795.3818 Ian Shaw, Mayor townofsykesville.org Joseph Cosentini, Town Manager Craig Weaver, Town Treasurer Kerry G. Chaney, Town Clerk OFFICIAL MINUTES OF February 22, 2021 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING NO. 21-04 The Council meeting of the Town of Sykesville was held on Monday, February 22, 2021. Mayor Shaw called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. via Zoom.us. Mayor Shaw led the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. PRESENT: Mayor Ian Shaw, Council President Alan Grasley, and Council Members Anna Carter, Mark Dyer, Leo Keenan, Stacy Link, and Jeremiah Schofield. STAFF: Joseph Cosentini, Town Manager Police Chief Michael Spaulding Kerry Chaney, Town Clerk Jana Antrobus, Executive Assistant Craig Weaver, Town Treasurer PUBLIC COMMENTS: There were no public comments. CONSENT AGENDA I. Minutes from February 8, 2021 II. Short-term reappointment of Richard Barry to the BZA until a replacement can be found MOTION: Council Member Keenan motioned to approve the items on the Consent Agenda with a minor correction to the minutes noted. Council Member Schofield seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS III. Consider/Discuss/Act on Appointment of Board of Elections Supervisors – Trefor Evans, Aften Johnson, Bob Betz and Board of Elections Supervisors alternates – Marianne Sickler All three Board of Election Supervisors and the alternate were in attendance. MOTION: Council Member Link motioned to appoint Trefor Evans, Aften Johnson, and Bob Betz to the Board of Election Supervisors and Marianne Sickler as  an alternate, with the pay set at $11.75 an hour. Council Member Schofield seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. IV. Consider/Discuss/Act on setting pay rate for Board of Elections Supervisors at minimum wage This item was covered in the previous motion. No discussion was needed. V. Consider/Discuss/Act on appointing Kerry Chaney, Town Clerk, as Assistant Election Secretary Joseph Cosentini, Town Manager, explained that the Town Charter currently establishes the Town Manager as the staff member in charge of election related duties and that the Council can appoint an Assistant Election Secretary as needed. The Town Clerk, Kerry Chaney, has historically handled all staff related election duties and should be appointed to this position for the 2021 election. MOTION: Council Member Link motioned to appoint Kerry Chaney, Town Clerk, as Assistant Election Secretary for the 2021 election. Council Member Dyer seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. VI. Introduction of Ordinance NO. 2021-02 Parks and Recreation Commission Mr. Cosentini presented Ordinance NO. 2021-02 and explained that the Parks and Recreation Committee has been a volunteer organization that is funded by the Town, but it has never been officially established as a Town Commission. This ordinance will establish the Parks and Recreation Commission with their set of guidelines. MOTION: Council Member Link motioned to introduce Ordinance NO. 2021-02 Parks and Recreation Commission. Council Member Schofield seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. ANNOUNCEMENTS/REPORTS • Next Mayor and Town Council Meeting is on Monday, March 8, 2021. This will be a Zoom meeting. • We have volunteer opportunities available on the Historic District Commission, SPARC, Police Auxiliary, and Crossing Guard. Email town@sykesville.net for more information about volunteering with the Town. • The Town is accepting Nominations for Council and Mayor. Nomination forms can be found on the Town Website: townofsykesville.org. Nominations will also be taken during the Council meeting on March 22, 2021. • Staff Updates o Mr. Cosentini announced the Comprehensive Plan is still being worked on. The last Advisory Committee meeting was held on February 18, and the Plan will be presented to the public during the Planning Commission meeting on March 1. There is a 60-day input period required by State Code.  o Carroll County Utilities are placing engineering markings on Main Street for a waste water line replacement. The project will occur during the fall. o Mr. Cosentini thanked Public Works for their efforts during the several snow and ice events. o Treasurer’s Report Craig Weaver, Town Treasurer, presented the January 2021 Treasurer’s Report. He explained that a real estate tax revenue was received, and it put the Town above the projected budget. The budget amendments were reflected in this report. He also explained that not all snow related bills have been received yet, and the Highway User Revenues may not come in as high as projected due to the COVID- 19 pandemic. MOTION: Council President Grasley motioned to approve the January 2021 Treasurer’s Report. Council Member Carter seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. o Public Safety Report Chief Spaulding presented the Public Safety Report for the period of February 3 through February 15. There was a total of 301 reports, including two assist other agencies, six foot patrols, six incident reports, 213 patrol checks, and 17 traffic enforcement initiatives. Chief Spaulding thanked the Public Works and the Police for their work during the snow and ice incidents as well. He explained they responded to numerous accident and disabled vehicle calls during the inclement weather. Chief Spaulding announced that an offer was made to a candidate, and they are currently going through the background and hiring process. Chief Spaulding announced a break in the Smoke and Snack Shop burglary case came from Howard County Police. They arrested suspects who were in possession of stolen lottery tickets that were traced back to the Smoke and Snack Shop. Sykesville Police Officers and the County Crime Lab were able to match blood left inside the store to the Howard County Police suspects. Mayor Shaw thanked Chief Spaulding for writing a comprehensive letter regarding the challenges of police reform in a small-town police force. Mayor Shaw sent the letter to the legislators and the Maryland Municipal League. • Council/Committee Reports o Council President Grasley announced there is a Merchants meeting on Friday, February 26 and that the Shiver Shuffle is scheduled for Sunday, February 28. o Council Member Keenan announced that Downtown Sykesville Connection Board meetings have been waived for February and March and a virtual retreat will be held on March 13. o Council Member Link announced a Parks and Recreation meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 25 at 6 P.M. o Council Member Carter announced that the Historic District Commission (HDC) meeting scheduled for February 23 has been cancelled due to a lack of applications. The Maryland Historical Trust removed the easement from the  Warfield property, and the HDC will still have full approval range. The budget will be adjusted to including funding for the use of a consultant. o Council Member Schofield announced there was not a Raincliffe Home Owners’ Association meeting. The Legislative Committee continues to meet to discuss Highway User Revenues and other legislation. Council Member Schofield asked for an update on Warfield. Mr. Cosentini explained the developers are waiting for the completion of the fiscal impact and economic study. Once that is complete, they will be asked to provide an update to the Council. Council Member Schofield recommended the Town ask for monthly updates from the developers. o Council Member Dyer announced the Planning Commission is scheduled to meet on March 1. o Mayor Shaw announced that the Gate House is working on developing an exhibit around George Lincoln Jr. and World War II. The Schoolhouse is starting garden preparations. ADJOURN: There being no further business to come before the Council, Council President Grasley motioned and Council Member Keenan seconded to adjourn meeting at 7:43 P.M. The motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted Town Clerk Kerry Chaney