HAVERFORD CIVIC ASSOCIATION
Meeting of the Board of Directors
March 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; Lorraine Jones, Treasurer; Jane Carton, Secretary; Ercem Atillasoy, Tash Duff, Kirsten Humann, George McFarland, Esq., Anne Mezey, Andy Orr
Commissioners: Sheryl Gelber & Scott Zelov
Guest: Tom Sunnegren representing Ardmore.Patch.com
Apologies: Lee Tabas, Tom Wilkinson, Esq.
No Response: Andrew Bruckner, Shelly Brietling, Ruth Bramson, 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 February 8, 2011 meeting – The minutes were approved. Tash Duff moved the motion.
2. Treasurer’s Report – Lorraine Jones reported that there is $6,904.90 in available funds. Lorraine read appreciation letters for donations from HCA to the Merion Fire Company of Ardmore amounting to $750.00 and to the Police Pension Association for $500.00.
3. Commissioner Reports –
Scott Zelov (Ward 10)
- As of May, 2011, the Bryn Mawr Acme will undergo renovation lasting for an estimated period of ten months.
- The Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to move the trial off-leash dog program into permanent status in both Rolling Hill Park and West Mill Creek Park. In addition, code changes will take place in several passive parks, including Sharpe Park, allowing dogs-on-leash.
- On March 2nd, The Board of Commissioners recommended adopting a resolution seeking dispensation from the federal requirement to replace the township historic street signs. The resolution would authorize township officials to request a waiver, exempting the removal of the existing historic signs.
- The Ludington Library is expected to re open in September. Ludington “Lite’s” item circulation is the 2nd highest in the township library system.
- CFO Dean Dortone reported that the township ended 2010 with a $300,000 deficit, $1.4 million less than the budget projection.
- The LM Fire Dept. plans to ask the commissioners for a new 20 year, $15.8M equipment replacement plan for its 6 fire companies. The last agreement expired in 2010.
Cheryl Gelber (Ward 5)
- At the March 3rd BOC’s Ad Hoc Ardmore Committee meeting, Carl Dranoff presented a revised Ardmore Station plan to fall within the $37 million funding gap. The new plan has reduced the parking levels resulting in cutting garage spaces by almost ½ of the original concept. There will be no connection between the north and south side of the tracks. Ms. Gelber called the plan very disappointing. A follow-up meeting will be held on March 17th at the Township Building at 6:30 p.m.
- One Book One Lower Merion will take place on Sunday, March 20th, at the Township Building, at 2 p.m. This year’s selection is “A Rope and A Prayer”. Authors David Rhohde and Kristen Mulvihill will be present to discuss their story of capture and escape from the Taliban in Afghanistan and sign their book.
4. Renovation of Exxon Station on Woodside Avenue – Frank Kakos, AIA, of Frank Kakos Architects, presented conceptual plans for renovation of the Exxon Station located at Woodside and Montgomery Avenues. The plan is to convert one of the existing 3 fuel pump islands into a parking area fronting the proposed enlarged convenience store. The board expressed concern over the traffic problems that currently prevail due to the narrow bridge underpass on Woodside Ave. Members pointed out that with the WaWa mini-market located less than a block away, traffic is bound to be vastly intensified by the newly increased flow of in and out drivers accessing this busy intersection.
Action: Mr. Kakos took note of the board’s comments and will keep an open communication with us, as they seek solutions to address this traffic concern. It was noted that the proposed renovation was superior to the existing condition.
5. Riverbend Environmental Center – Laurie Bachman, Executive Director of the Riverbend Environmental Education Center, located in Gladwyne, introduced us to the advantages offered by this quiet nature preserve. Their mission is to “Grow Green Kids” with recreational creative programs, including a summer camp focusing on environmental education for children and young adults. We learned that their funding is made up of 70% program revenue and 30% donations. Ms. Bachman challenged the civic to promote their programs and make use of this valuable township resource.
Action: Engage in a program to support the mission of Riverbend, promote its benefits and add a link to Riverbend in the HCA website.
6. Art in Sharpe Park – Jane Carton gave an update on the “Art in Sharpe Park” event to be held on Saturday, May14th from 11 to 3 in the park. Rain or shine. Scott Zelov has agreed to be the Honorary Chair. Wayne is working on the agreement form between HCA and the artists/vendors, for review by legal minds, who will participate. This will be a family affair including children’s entertainment.
7. Federation of Civics Report –
- The board, with minor suggested modification, approved a resolution crafted by the Federation in support of the anti-billboard campaign in Haverford Township. Subsequently, the Pres. of the Federation asked Wayne Hunt if the HCA would approve the resolution as drafted and provided context for the request. Since the Federation request was reasonable given the context and the primary goal of blocking billboards remained, HCA approved the Federation request.
- The Federation and LMT are attempting to coordinate the civic associations to review the Issues Report of the Comprehensive Plan. Andy Orr reported that the last meeting focused on all civics attempting to craft a uniform mission statement for the township. A schedule of proposed meeting dates by Issue will be forthcoming.
8. New Business – The board commented favorably on HCA’s new website – www.haverfordcivicassociation.com. Board member, Andy Orr, has put together the site, which will be run like a blog with new posts where readers can leave comments, the purpose being to encourage community discussion as it relates to our neighborhood and its residents.
9. Adjournment – The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Some HCA members remained after adjournment to further discuss the Exxon station renovation and / or the Art in Sharpe Park event.
Next Meeting Date – Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 7:30 p.m at the Merion Cricket Club.
All Haverford residents are welcome!
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Carton, Secretary
March 14, 2011
Haverford Civic Association 
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