Sykesville council approves expanded Michael Baker scope for BF Shriver Cannery deconstruction plan

The Town of Sykesville on Nov. 1 approved an updated scope for Michael Baker International (MBI) Work Order No. 2 to add planning and construction administration work tied to the BF Shriver Cannery project.

Town staff told the council that after earlier work it became clear the cannery building could not be salvaged for productive reuse and that the new work order scope is intended to document and manage deconstruction efforts and follow-on master planning. Joe (staff) and Joan (staff) said the additional scope amounts to $123,467 and that the project is funded by a $1,000,000 capital grant the town received from the state; the town expects those funds to reimburse the cost.

The council voted to approve the updated work order after brief discussion. Councilwoman Guroff moved to approve the updated Michael Baker International work order; Councilwoman Keenan seconded. President Carter called for the ayes and the motion was recorded as unanimously approved.

Council asked whether building materials could be salvaged for reuse; staff said evaluating reuse options for existing brick and other materials is part of the deconstruction planning. Staff also noted that the site is on a Howard County property and will require coordination with county planning and historic commissions, separate permitting and construction administration.

The updated work order was described by staff as necessary to move from assessment toward a controlled deconstruction and subsequent master planning for reuse of the property. No change to the underlying $1,000,000 grant was reported; staff said the additional fee would be reimbursed from that grant.

Council did not identify a separate local match or additional borrowing tied to this approval in the discussion. The council moved into other business following the vote.