Town Council Meetings

Town of Sykesville Dear 7547 Main Street, Sykesville, MD 21784 Town House p: 410.795.8959 f: 410.795.3818 Stacy Link, Mayor townofsykesville.org Joseph Cosentini, Town Manager Jennifer Livesay, Town Treasurer Kerry G. Kavaloski, Town Clerk OFFICIAL MINUTES OF MAY 27, 2025 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING NO. 25-10 The Council meeting of the Town of Sykesville was held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Mayor Link called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. in the Town House Council Chambers. Mayor Link led the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. PRESENT: Mayor Stacy Link, Council President Anna Carter, and Council Members Mark Dyer, Alan Grasley, Elizabeth Guroff, Leo Keenan, Jeremiah Schofield. STAFF: Joseph Cosentini, Town Manager Kerry Kavaloski, Town Clerk Michael Spaulding, Police Chief PUBLIC COMMENTS: Chris Bushman, 532 Oklahoma Avenue, gave a public comment thanking the Council for their hard work. He also told Chief Spaulding about portable speed tables that could be used to target high speeding areas. MOTION: Council Member Schofield motioned to extend the public comment time above three minutes. Council Member Keenan seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. Ian Cornelius-Rommel, 7272 Norris Avenue, gave a public comment on the proper disposal of American and Maryland flags. He also mentioned removing personal property from the parks, such as lacrosse balls, after use. Brady Goddard, 6887 Sheffield Drive, gave a public comment on the proper disposal of American flags and about trash left in parks. A public comment was received via email regarding increasing communication and examples of how that can be achieved. CONSENT AGENDA: I. Minutes from May 12, 2025 II. Minutes from May 19, 2025 MOTION: Council Member Guroff motioned to approve the item on the Consent Agenda. Council Member Dyer seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS: III. Consider/Discuss/Act on introduction of Ordinance NO. 2025-04: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ADOPTED BUDGET OF THE TOWN OF SYKESVILLE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2024, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2025 Joe Cosentini, Town Manager, explained that this ordinance is the second budget amendment for the FY2025 budget. Most adjustments are due to capital projects. There is an overall decrease in revenues and expenditures of $2,092,300. Miscellaneous revenue was adjusted due to the Sandosky building design, the Front Lawn project, and Program Open Space funding for Millard Cooper Park being moved to FY2026. There is also a reduction of $1,200,000 in ARPA funding that will be used to finish the South End Streetscape project next year. There is also a $40,000 reduction in the Unassigned Fund Balance, as this is the matching portion of the Safe Streets 4 All grant that will be used in FY2026. Revenue adjustments include an increase in the donation to the Sykesville Freedom District Volunteer Fire Department, grant funded expenses in Public Safety, Parks Maintenance that was needed, and $6,000 to the Downtown Sykesville Connection (DSC) to reimburse them for improperly disposed of equipment and a one-time contribution of $15,000 in lieu of them holding another fundraiser/festival. Council Member Keenan asked to include a donation to the American Legion in the FY2026 budget. This would need to be added during the first budget amendment for the FY2026 budget. Council Member Guroff explained that the public comment received via email commended staff for their hard work, and she noted that this staff report was an excellent example of it. Council Member Schofield asked if there has ever been a one-time contribution to the DSC and how the $15,000 amount was decided. Mr. Cosentini explained that this is the first time a one-time contribution has been proposed, and the amount was decided based on how much they needed to be made whole. Council Member Schofield explained the return on investment that is provided by the DSC by drawing people to the Town and making the Town a destination. Council Member Dyer encouraged the DSC to quantify their return on investment. MOTION: Council Member Keenan motioned to approve the introduction of Ordinance NO. 2025-04 as presented and to schedule the public hearing and adoption for June 9, 2025. Council Member Schofield seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. IV. Consider/Discuss/Act on a Proclamation for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month  Mayor Link read the proclamation for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. MOTION: Council President Carter motioned to approve the proclamation for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Council Member Dyer seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. ANNOUNCEMENTS/REPORTS: • The next meeting is Monday, June 9, 2025. • We have volunteer opportunities available as a Crossing Guard and on the Police Auxiliary. Email town@sykesville.net for more information about volunteering with the Town. • Staff Updates o Mr. Cosentini announced the following: The Maryland Historical Trust sent their response to the Station project submission. It was considered incomplete, and more information is needed. There were minor things that were denied. The team is still working with Carroll County for the building permit process, and then they will come before the Town’s Planning Commission. The South End Streetscape project has been delayed due to weather and to ensure that the project is done correctly. The target is now the end of June. The splash pad is open with robust attendance. Mr. Cosentini thanked Alan Grasley for taking the first bucket of the year. There was a discussion about parking and the possibility of a shuttle service during the Farmers’ Market. o Public Safety Report Chief Spaulding presented the Public Safety Report for the period of May 5 through May 18. There was a total of 436 reports, including four assist other agencies, 12 community policing events, 59 foot patrols, 12 incident reports, 194 patrol checks, and 27 traffic enforcement initiatives. Chief Spaulding announced that Sergeant Lacy has identified three individuals who were involved in the burglary from the Shell Station by identifying the stolen lottery tickets that were attempted to be cashed in Montgomery County. Sergeant Lacy continues working on the stolen vehicle from Carter Road. Mayor Link mentioned that the owner of the stolen vehicle continues to receive tickets from various speed cameras and red light cameras. Chief Spaulding announced that the Police Department held an open house on May 17. Sergeant Schlaerth organized the entire event, and  there was approximately 60 people who attended. Sergeant Lacy received Supervisor of the Year honors from the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. Chief Spaulding welcomed home Auxiliary Lieutenant Jeff Queen. Chief Spaulding announced that there was a crime spree in the county over the weekend, with five attempted stolen vehicles that ended in a chase in Frederick. The suspects were apprehended. • Council/Commission Updates o Council Member Keenan announced that there is a green native plant talk at the Community Garden. The DSC has applied for grants for Main Street improvements and technical assistance. The Pride Festival, the Juneteenth Festival, and the Let Freedom Ring Parade are in June. Neighborhood floats will be competing for a $500 grand prize. o Council Member Ries announced that there is a Movie in the Park on June 14 with a concert from The Band Shoppe before the movie. o Election of a Council President MOTION: Mayor Link nominated Anna Carter as Council President. Council Member Guroff seconded the nomination. Anna Carter accepted the nomination. The motion carried unanimously with Council President Carter abstaining. o Council Liaison Position Assignments Mayor Link assigned the following positions: Council Member Guroff was assigned to the Historic District Commission. Council Member Ries was assigned to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Council Member Schofield was assigned to the Planning Commission. Council Member Keenan was assigned to the Downtown Sykesville Connection. Council Member Dyer was assigned to the Carroll Cable Regulatory Commission and to the Board of Zoning Appeals. ADJOURN: There being no further business to come before the Council, Council Member Ries motioned and Council Member Dyer seconded to adjourn meeting at 8:06 P.M. The motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted Town Clerk Kerry Kavaloski