HAVERFORD CIVIC ASSOCIATION
Special Meeting of the Board of Directors
February 8, 2011
Merion Cricket Club
MINUTES (PDF Version)
The meeting convened at 7:30 PM, chaired by President Wayne Hunt
Attending: Wayne Hunt, President; Stephen Billings, 1st Vice President; Tom Wilkinson, Esq., 2nd Vice President; Lorraine Jones, Treasurer; Jane Carton, Secretary; Tash Duff, Kirsten Humann, George McFarland, Esq., Anne Mezey, Andy Orr, Karen Shapiro, Andrea Straub and Lee Tabas
Commissioners: Sheryl Gelber, Steven Lindner, Scott Zelov
Apologies: Commissioner Steven Lindner, Anthony Vale, Esq.
No Response: Shelly Brietling, Elizabeth Kuensell, Stephen Lee, Francis Leto, Esq., Cary McClain, Steven Mezrow, Carol Rando, Polly Richman, Paul Simpson, Vinnie West
1. Approval of Minutes of the January 11, 2011 meeting – The minutes were approved with one correction: Item 5. Flu deaths changed from Township to County. Motioned by Lee Tabas, seconded by George McFarland.
2. Treasurer’s Report – Lorraine Jones reported that available funds total $7,456.55. Lorraine read a letter from Charles Dolan of the Bryn Mawr Fire Co. thanking the HCA for our $500.00 contribution.
3. Interaction with the Federation of Civics – Wayne Hunt noted that the Federation of Civics meets on the 2nd Monday of each month and Haverford Civic meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. As such, the Haverford Civic board oftentimes has not reviewed / discussed Federation agenda items in advance of the Federation meeting. This has resulted in certain miscommunication between the Federation and Haverford Civic and has created a variance between the Federation minutes and the Haverford Civic minutes. Also, certain Federation agenda items are often last minute additions that preclude dissemination in advance. In order to provide clarity, the Haverford Civic board determined that the Haverford Civic liaisons to the Federation may only report as the official position of Haverford Civic those matters for which the Haverford Civic board has rendered an official position; in all other instances, any response from the Haverford Civic liaison is to be construed as the personal opinion of the liaison.
4. “Art in Sharpe Park” – Jane Carton reported that she and Lorraine met with Lindsay Taylor, Township Parks and Recreation Director, and Dave DeAngelis, the Parks Crew Leader, on Friday, January 14, to discuss the preliminary concept of this family oriented affair. Lindsay promptly provided the necessary guidelines regarding the Township’s business licenses required for the participating artists and vendors. On February 4th representatives of the HCA and The Garden Workers met to plan this fundraising event, which was determined to take place on Saturday, May 14 from 11:00 to 3:00 in the park. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for March 4. Jane’s request to donate all revenue generated from the event to be used for plant materials for the park was approved by the board members in attendance. Geo. McFarland, Esq. graciously offered to review the LM tax reporting requirements for the vendors and to assist in crafting an agreement with the vendors. Volunteers were asked to step up to the plate and lend their talents to the project.
5. Website Update – Andy Orr announced that a draft HCA website is up and running and can be accessed at haverfordcivicassociation.wordpress.com. Work continues on a permanent web site.
6. Commissioner’s Reports-
Scott Zelov (Ward 10)
- The Bryn Mawr Acme is scheduled to undergo construction in May, 2011, with completion expected in March, 2012. Lower Merion Township’s Chris Leswing is actively involved with Haverford Township in the landscaping plans, particularly as they apply to the Lancaster Avenue streetscape.
- The Shipley School campus improvement application will be heard at the Township B & P Committee meeting on February 9. The master plan includes demolition of the existing Thornebrook Apartments building, to be replaced by an education building in the quad facing Montgomery Avenue. Playing fields will be improved. New tennis courts will be added with an 88 space garage built beneath, bermed on three sides to effectively blend into the campus landscape. To improve traffic circulation around the campus, a new plan for the school’s pick up and drop off is proposed with an entrance and exit on Montgomery Avenue.
- As of a February 3rd hearing, the two year old Haverford Township billboard debate continues with no resolution in sight. A further public hearing is scheduled for March 3rd.
- The large limb that fell onto Old Lancaster Road at the intersection of Montgomery Avenue during the ice storm on February 2nd was removed by PECO. The 48 hour delay in removal was caused by an overwhelming backlog of downed wires in the township. Scott explained that the township cannot be responsible for removing trees and limbs when electric wires are involved.
- In an effort to make dog parks more user friendly, the two existing off lease parks will extend their hours for use. In a proposal by Lindsay Taylor at the Feb 2nd Board of Commissioner’s meeting, West Mill Creek Park’s hours would expand to sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. Rolling Hill Park trails would add late afternoon hours from 3:30-6-30 p.m. In addition, the township has proposed a dog training course as a part of the recreation activities roster in Rolling Hill. This program would include a “Canine Good Citizen” opportunity, allowing for a reduced permit fee. Scott noted that ordinance 129-12 “No Animals” will no longer be in effect in Sharpe Park. Commencing this spring leashed dogs will be permitted to enjoy the park with their humans.
- An official request for a waiver for existing Lower Merion “dog bone” street signs replacement will be presented at the March Commissioner’s meeting.
Cheryl Gelber (Ward 5)
- The Commissioners will elect an interim replacement for V.P. Mark Taylor (Ward I) at the February 16 Commissioner’s meeting. Commissioner Taylor’s resignation takes effect, at noon on February 16.
- The proposed Ardmore Transit Center project remains with a funding gap. Discussions are scheduled to continue at two public meetings on March 3rd and 17th in the Township Building at 6:30 p.m.
- FEMA has updated their flood hazard maps. Those township property owners who will be impacted have received notice of the change and can attend a public workshop scheduled for February 23rd at 6:00 p.m. in the Township Bldg.
- The North Ardmore Civic is concerned with a crime situation involving door to door solicitation. Several HCA board members noted that they, too, are being confronted by questionable individuals soliciting repairs and services. Cheryl suggested the Civics discuss this unpleasant situation with Supt. McGrath.
7. Federation of Civics Report – Stephen Billings reported that the next meeting of the Federation will be Feb 14th. Stephen also noted that, with respect to the LMT Planning Commission Issues Report, the Federation sought to determine if each civic should provide a representative who would pool information with the Federation to form the consolidated position of the Federation. After discussion, the Haverford Civic board felt that independent representatives of the civics was preferable to attempts to craft a unified position of all civics. The Haverford Civic board also inquired as to the representation of the Federation at the LM School District Meetings. It was noted that the former Federation representative was no longer attending the LM School District meetings and a replacement was being sought. The Haverford Civic board noted its desire to have a Federation representative attend the LM School Board meetings and report to the civics. The Haverford Civic board also noted its support of maintaining the historic Lower Merion street signs.
8. New Business – Stephen reported that the Community Watch program is alive and well. He has completed his training as a volunteer and has taken an active role in patrolling our neighborhood and encouraged us all to think about participating in the effort.
9. Adjournment – The meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m.
10. Next board meeting – Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 7:30 p.m at the Merion Cricket Club. In addition to normal business, a). Frank Kakos of Frank Kakos architects will present conceptual plans for the renovation of the Exxon gas station at the corner of Woodside & Montgomery Avenues followed by a Q&A and b). Laurie Bachman, executive director of Riverbend Environmental Education Center will make a brief presentation followed by a Q&A.
All Haverford residents are welcome!
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Carton, Secretary
February 10, 2011
Haverford Civic Association 
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