Showing posts with label Carroll Co Dist Sykesville Police. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carroll Co Dist Sykesville Police. Show all posts

Monday, April 5, 2010

Sykesville Police are investigating the theft of a wheelchair

Sykesville Police are investigating the theft of a wheelchair

April 5 2010

By Kevin Dayhoff for Soundtrack http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/04/sykesville-police-are-investigating.html

Folks in the small town of Sykesville are shaking their heads in disbelief today upon learning that over the weekend someone stole the wheelchair of a town resident who is paralyzed from the chest down.

Sykesville is a relatively quiet town of approximately 4500 residents, which straddles the Carroll and Howard County border in the southern part of Carroll County, where - still to this day - most everyone knows each other.

However, a small part of that small-town trust has been shaken. According to the town police chief, John Williams, who answered the phone when this reporter called the department asking for additional information, “the theft of a wheelchair occurred during the evening hours of Saturday, April 3, 2010 between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.

“The owner of the wheelchair is a town resident and is paralyzed from the chest down. The adult size wheelchair is red and black in color with ‘QUICKIE’ printed in white lettering on the back of the chair.”

When asked why he answers the phones and if he also takes out the trash and washes the windows at the police station, Williams only admitted to be “in a flurry of administrative tasks,” with a wry chuckle.

Williams noted that “neighbors got together and carried the owner from his car to his bed… But we sure would like to return the wheelchair to its owner.

“Officers canvassed the neighborhood, but so far we have had no luck locating the wheelchair and we have no suspects at this point. The wheelchair has been valued at $4,500.00,” said Williams.

The investigation is ongoing. If anyone has additional information that could help the Sykesville Police Department, they are asked to call 410-795-0757.

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20100405 sdosmked Sykesville PD investigating the theft of a wheelchair

Labels: Carroll Co Dist Sykesville, Carroll Co Dist Sykesville Police, Carroll County crime, Crime, Diversity Disability Handicap, This creeps me out, This is nuts

*****

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ or http://kevindayhoffart.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/ or http://www.westgov.net/ = www.kevindayhoff.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ = www.newbedfordherald.net Explore Carroll: www.explorecarroll.com The Tentacle: www.thetentacle.com

*****
Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Friday, March 12, 2010

Sykesville Police Department Speed Camera Fact Sheet

The Sykesville Police Department has released a fact sheet on the Automated Speed Camera Program

March 11, 2010

In a related story, see: “Sykesville resident leads attempt to repeal speed camera ordinance,” 338 signatures needed to force issue to referendum
Posted 3/10/10 by Eldersburg Eagle, Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/03/sykesville-police-department-speed.html Labels: Carroll Co Dist Sykesville, Carroll Co Dist Sykesville council, Carroll Co Dist Sykesville Police, Law Order Traffic Speed Cameras http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/307569.html

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Below is a Fact Sheet on the Automated Speed Camera Program we hope will assist in answering questions in reference to the projected project.

Over the past decade, the Town of Sykesville has been faced with the chronic problem of speeding motorists. In fact, speeding in and around our community has been, and continues to be, our Town residents’ number one complaint.

In an effort to curb speeding, the Town has utilized a number of means and methods. Some of the means and methods have included the following (not in any particular order):

Enhanced educational material in Town newsletters outlining the dangers of speeding and reminding motorists to slow down.

Periodic newsflashes via email reminding motorists to slow down

Extensive discussions with concerned citizens during Mayor and Town Council meetings about speeding in specific areas of town.

Periodic flyers distributed to the community reminding residents to slow down,

Construction of speed humps in high-speed areas.

Installation of rumble strips in areas of concern.

The use of a “Your Speed Is” sign in strategic locations that shows the motorists the speed they are traveling.

Parking of unmanned police vehicles in high-speed areas.

Increased enforcement through the use of radar.

The design of narrower streets in some of our new subdivisions

Retaining narrower streets in older parts of town.

Additional signage along town roadways warning motorists about speed enforcement and pedestrian safety.

Unfortunately, while some of these methods have temporarily reduced speeding, none have proven effective in changing motorist behavior over the long term. One of the most effective means has historically been increased enforcement through the use of radar. Given limited staffing levels and the need to respond to the increasing number of other calls for service, even this approach has proven ineffective over the long term.

On February 22nd, 2010, after extensive discussion at several public meetings and two formal public hearings, the Mayor and Town Council approved an Ordinance to allow the use of speed cameras within our community. This was made possible due to Senate Bill 277 that went into effect October 1st, 2009.

The objective of the program is to (1) effectively reduce speeding on our Town streets and roads, (2) increase pedestrian and motorist safety, and (3) shift more of the increasing cost of the need for our police to enforce our speeding laws to those who are breaking our speeding laws. This law allows for the placement of speed monitoring systems in school zones from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The respective areas will be sign posted and the locations will be listed on the Town’s website (http://www.sykesville.net/), as well as in public newspapers. The first 30 days of this program will serve as a “warning period”.

A citation will be issued (mailed to the registered vehicle owner) if the operator drives at least 12 mph or greater over the posted speed limit. The fine for this violation is $40.00.

This will not be considered a moving violation but rather is a civil fine carrying no points. If the fine is not paid, the Motor Vehicle Administration can suspend or refuse to re-register the vehicle. Insurance companies will not be able to consider these violations for rate increases or adjustments.

The Police Department has always taken an aggressive posture when it comes to speeding, both through education and enforcement. One or two officers working radar are unable to impact the number of violators using conventional enforcement methods. We need to change driver behavior; we need to slow down.

This enforcement effort should be viewed as a means to alter driver behavior, achieve voluntary compliance to speed laws and our ultimate goal, keeping our town safe.

FACTS

Photo Speed Enforcement has been authorized by State law.

Photo Speed Enforcement is placed only in sign-posted areas within a half-mile radius of the three school zones. The school zones include Sykesville Middle School, Ava Wanas Montessori and Springfield Presbyterian School / Stepping Stones Pre-School.

Roads within the school zones will be sign-posted prior to enforcement. Enforcement will be based on speed complaints, vehicular and pedestrian traffic and threat-level assessments. * For a list of some of the roads within our school zones, refer to the end of the document.

The first 30 days of this Program will serve as a warning period in which no citations are issued.

The locations of the cameras will be posted on our website and advertised in local newspapers.

The equipment utilized for this program will be portable (not permanently fixed to a particular site) and will be leased by the Town; not purchased.

The citations will be issued only to vehicles traveling 12 miles over the posted speed limit or greater; i.e.,

In a 25 mph zone, an individual would have to be traveling 37 mph or greater to receive a citation.

A photo is taken of the vehicle and its tag number. That photo will be reviewed by a Law Enforcement Officer who will determine, based on the evidence, whether the vehicle was speeding (12 mph or greater over the posted speed limit).

The citation is a civil fine carrying no points assessed on the individual’s drivers license record. It is a set fine of $40.00 that is set by Sate law.

The individual does have the right to contest the charge in court. The individual does have the right to confront their accuser. The Law Enforcement Officer who reviewed and validated the violation photo will appear in court to present photo evidence.

If the individual fails to pay the fine, his/her vehicle registration can be suspended or MVA can refuse to re-register the vehicle.

The revenue that may be generated by this Program can only be used for public safety enhancements within our community.

a. Legislated Formula for Revenue. Fines collected by a political subdivision as a result of violations may be used to recover the costs of implementing and administering the Speed Monitoring system.

b. After implementing and administering costs are recovered, the subdivision may retain up to 10 percent of the Town’s operating budget; i.e., if the Town’s operating budget is $2,000,000, the Town will be allowed by law to retain $200,000.

c. All additional funds generated by this program (those funds that exceed 10 percent of the total revenues) shall be submitted to the State Comptroller).

The Comptroller shall deposit any money remitted to the General Fund of the State.

By law, violations of this Program must be mailed no later than two (2) weeks after the alleged violation for vehicles registered in the State of Maryland and 30 days after the alleged violation occurred for vehicles registered in another State.

An individual may elect to stand trial by notifying the issuing agency of this intent at least five (5) days prior to the date of payment as it appears on the citation.

If the individual who receives the citation desires the officer to be present and testify at the trial, the individual shall notify the court and the State in writing no later than twenty (20) days prior to trial date.

Under more desirable conditions this program would be unnecessary. Unfortunately, we have used increasingly scarce Town resources to combat speeding in the Town with limited success. Conventional methods have proven ineffective over the long term.

Our mission is to change driver behavior and when this goal is achieved, the equipment will be removed and re-deployed on an as-needed basis.

The Mayor and Town Council believe that utilizing today’s technology, at no additional cost to the Town, to enforce speed laws and to hold those who violate our laws accountable while creating a safer environment for our community is most effectively done through the use of photo enforcement.

* Below is a list of the primary roads within our school zones (minor roads could be included if warranted):

Springfield Avenue
Obrecht Road / Third Avenue
Central Avenue
Jeroby Road
Sandosky Road
Village Road
Harlan Lane
Spout Hill Road
Jennifer Way
College Avenue
Kalorama Road

Thank you
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

20100311 sdosm Sykesville PD Speed Camera Fact Sheet

*****

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ or http://kevindayhoffart.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/ or http://www.westgov.net/ = www.kevindayhoff.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ = www.newbedfordherald.net Explore Carroll: www.explorecarroll.com The Tentacle: www.thetentacle.com

*****
Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Monday, February 22, 2010

EAGLE ALERT: Sykesville becomes first Carroll municipality to approve speed cameras


Sykesville becomes first Carroll municipality to approve speed cameras

Police Chief: It will be several months before cameras would be in place

http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/3991/cameras/

By Charles Schelle, Posted 2/22/10

Click here for a larger image: http://twitpic.com/14uhxk or here: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/406357981/sykesville-becomes-first-carroll-municipality-to

SYKESVILLE — Carroll County should have its first speed cameras installed this year following the Sykesville Town Council's vote tonight (Monday) to approve a speed camera ordinance.

At its meeting at the Town House and after a second public hearing, the council voted 5-1 in favor of speed cameras. Mayor Mike Miller and council members Leslie Reed, Frank Robert Jr., Ian Shaw and Chris True voted in favor while Councilman Leo Keenan voted against. Councilman Scott Sanzone was absent.

"I'm ecstatic," Police Chief John Williams Jr., told The Eagle. "Time and time again, the number one issue in our town is speeding, speeding, speeding."

The town expects to operate three mobile speed camera units in three school areas/zones for speed cameras:

• Ava Wanas Montessori School, 7590 College Road;

• Springfield Presbyterian School/Stepping Stones Pre-School, 7300 Spout Hill Road; and

• Sykesville Middle School, 7301 Springfield Ave.

READ MORE AT ... http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/3991/cameras/

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2010/02/eagle-alert-sykesville-becomes-first.html http://tinyurl.com/ye3pakc

Sykesville MD becomes first Carroll municipality to approve speed cameras http://tinyurl.com/ye3pakc http://twitpic.com/14uhxk http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/406357981/sykesville-becomes-first-carroll-municipality-to

*****
Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://www.westgov.net/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

*****
Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Monday, June 1, 2009

Letter to the Explore Carroll editor: Initial meeting for new Sykesville mayor raises concern by Saslow

Initial meeting for new mayor raises concern in Sykesville by Howard Saslow, Sykesville Letter to the editor posted in www.explorecarroll.com on 5/31/09 

On May 27, I attended my first Sykesville Town Council meeting since losing my bid for a council seat and since the new administration took office. 

Though Jonathan Herman, my choice for mayor, was narrowly defeated by Mike Miller, I was, and still am, willing to give our new mayor a chance. 

However, first impressions are that the town's residents are in for a rude awakening. The most telling change was Mr. Miller's refusal to take public comment during discussion of the planned purchase and installation of the emergency generator slated for the police station and town house. 

First, let's remember that the generator was approved by the previous council. 

Second, funding for the generator is included in the current year's fiscal budget. 

Third, the project was already awarded to a contractor, Bangs Generator Systems, and finally, it sets a dangerous precedent that puts many past, current and future projects in jeopardy. 

 One of the things I have always valued as a citizen of the town has been accessibility to town officials and the ability to affect town decisions through public comment at town meetings. 

Certainly if the mayor wishes to eliminate the generator, something that may have tremendous impact on the health, safety and welfare of residents, he should be willing to entertain comments from the community that he serves. Mr. Miller's position is a slap in the face to every citizen whose past participation at council meetings has made Sykesville a better place to live. 

Had he made it a point to attend Town Council meetings prior to taking office, he would be aware of the public/council dynamics that have worked so well for the town during past administrations. 


For more information please see: New Sykesville mayor objects but council OKs generator: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/06/new-sykesville-mayor-objects-but.html 

Charles Schelle’s article in www.explorecarroll.com may be found here: Resident takes issue with mayor not taking public comment on matter - New mayor objects, but council OKs generator ______ 


Mr. Culleton’s column may be found in www.explorecarroll.com here: Culleton on Carroll - By John Culleton Posted on www.explorecarroll.com 5/18/09 Herman's loss in Sykesville is a blow to countywide economics ______ Miller upsets Herman in Sykesville mayoral race By Charles Schelle on “Soundtrack.” 

Charles Schelle’s article may found here: Miller upsets Herman in Sykesville mayoral race By Charles Schelle ______ 


Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

New Sykesville mayor objects but council OKs generator


New Sykesville mayor objects but council OKs generator

New mayor objects, but council OKs generator

For more on this unfolding story please see:
Herman's loss in Sykesville is a blow to countywide economics by John Culleton http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/05/hermans-loss-in-sykesville-is-blow-to.html

Mr. Culleton’s column may be found in
www.explorecarroll.com here: Culleton on Carroll - By John Culleton Posted on www.explorecarroll.com 5/18/09 Herman's loss in Sykesville is a blow to countywide economics

Miller upsets Herman in Sykesville mayoral race By Charles Schelle on “Soundtrack.”

Charles Schelle’s article may found here:
Miller upsets Herman in Sykesville mayoral race By Charles Schelle

The election results may be found here:
Sykesville, Carroll County Maryland May 5 2009 municipal election results


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Resident takes issue with mayor not taking public comment on matter By Charles Schelle cschelle AT patuxent.com

Posted on
www.explorecarroll.com 5/31/09


The Sykesville Police Department will get an emergency generator despite opposition by newly-elected Mayor Mike Miller.

The mayor and members of the Town Council debated at a May 27 meeting whether to fund the generator in the $2.8 million fiscal 2010 budget -- despite the fact that the council had previously awarded a contract in April to Bangs Generator System for $43,511.

The 80-kilowatt generator will power both the police station and the Town House in emergencies.

Council members Leslie Reed, Frank Robert, Scott Sanzone and Chris True voted to approve to fund the generator in next year's budget, while Miller and council members Leo Keenan and Ian Shaw voted against the generator.

[…]

Miller then said he would not take additional public comment on the generator issue before the vote. That prompted resident Howard Saslow, who unsuccessfully ran for Town Council, to criticize the process.

"It is a slap in the face to all of us who take part in due process," he said.

Miller said he decided to not take public comment because the generator had been discussed at prior council meetings and he thought the audience "was aware of all the nuances."

Saslow said the mayor and council should consider public comment if they are considering reversing the outcome of a vote made by the previous by the mayor and council.

"I hope that the future of the town is not what I saw tonight," he said. "It is really upsetting to me as a member of this town to not be able to comment on something that important."

[…]


Be sure to read the entire article:
New mayor objects, but council OKs generator

20090531 New mayor objects but council OKs generator by Schelle

http://explorecarroll.com/news/2950/new-mayor-objects-but-council-oks-generator/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff

www.explorecarroll.com New Sykesville mayor objects but council OKs generator by Charles Schelle http://tinyurl.com/mxkkfv

Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Information release from the Sykesville Police Department

Information release from the Sykesville Police Department

May 20, 2009

In an effort to obtain current information out to the community and dispel rumors, the Sykesville Police Department is releasing the following:

On May 15th, 2009, at approximately 4:45 pm a white male operating a mustard colored vehicle attempted to speak to a young child riding his bike on Harlan Lane. It is unknown what, if anything, was said as the child ran home to inform his parents. The parents contacted the police, the area was checked but the individual was not located.

Our officers have increased patrols in the area and will maintain a visible presence. To date, no crime has been committed. However, we do take these matters seriously and are eager to identify this person. It may have been a harmless gesture or event, but we want to gather all information in an effort to identify and question this person.

I certainly appreciate the support and cooperation of the community but we still need to approach this matter will great sensitivity and caution.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

John R. Williams
Chief of Police
Sykesville Police Department
7547 Main Street
Sykesville MD 21784
(410) 795-0757
(410) 795-8864 FAX

20090520 Information release from the Sykesville Police Department
Kevin Dayhoff: www.westgov.net Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Sykesville ALERT about bogus Telephone Solicitors

20080818 Sykesville ALERT about bogus Telephone Solicitors

August 18, 2008

TELEPHONE SOLICITATIONS

Please be aware that the Town of Sykesville and the Sykesville Police Department does not, and has not, solicited for donations or contributions via the telephone or door to door.

Should you receive a similar request, please ask for the individual's name and telephone number and contact the Sykesville Police Department by calling (410) 795-0757.

We do want to inform you that the Fraternal Order of Police conducts annual funding campaigns by telephone and is a legitimate cause. Feel free to contact us to verify the validity of their requests as well.

John R. Williams, Jr.
Chief of Police

Sykesville Police Department
7547 Main Street
Sykesville, MD 21784
(410) 795-0757 fax (410) 795-8864