March 26, 2025 Meeting Minutes

Merion Civic Association Board Meeting

March 26, 2025, 7:30pm

Directors in Attendance:

Eileen Bruckman, Scott Feuer, Brian Gordon, Les Greenberg, Susan Guthrie, Carol Lavoritano, Craig Oliner, John Zerges, Suzanne Saltzberg

President Eileen Bruckman called the meeting to order at 7:36 pm.

Guest Speaker:

President Bruckman welcomed Alec Hersh from the City Avenue Special Services District. Alec spoke in place of Brian Fenstermaker who was not able to attend. Alec explained the purpose of the CASSD and discussed recent and past initiatives and efforts. He also answered questions from the audience. 

Commissioner’s Report - Todd Sinai:

Commissioner Sinai reported on the budget and the 6.5% tax increase. He spoke about sources of revenue – business taxes, property taxes, state and federal funds, and debt. He noted that personnel make up the bulk of LMT spending. Capital expenditure will be $65 million in 2025. The big capital projects for next year are the Ardmore Community Center/PALM, the Ardmore pool, Ashbridge Park and playground improvement, and improvements to the sidewalk network through LMT. He explained the reason for the tax increase.

February Meeting Minutes:

There was not a quorum of Directors in attendance, so approval of the February Minutes is postponed until the March 25 Board meeting.

Treasurer’s Report:

There was not a quorum of Directors in attendance, so approval of the February Treasurer’s Report is postponed until the March 25 Board meeting.

Federation of Civics - Les Greenberg:

Les Greenberg made a report on the Federation of Civics meeting agenda items. He indicated the past meeting minutes would be circulated to the directors and the next Federation of Civics Meeting is April 11. The main topic will be Historic Preservation.

St. Charles Seminary - Susan Guthrie:

Susan Guthrie noted there is nothing to report on St. Charles Seminary.

Merion Community Coalition:

There was no report from the Merion Community Coalition.

School Board:

There was no report on Lower Merion School District

Fire and Public Safety:

There was no report on Fire and Public Safety

Streets:

There was no report on Streets.

Station and Grounds - Scott Feuer:

Scott Feuer noted the construction of the train station planters will be completed by the end of April. Mother’s Day is the target date for installing plant matter in the boxes. To date, construction costs for all but one of the boxes have been funded through donations.

New Business:

• The Cars and Trucks event will be held April 7, 1-3PM.  This year invitations were extended beyond the Merion Civic area.

• The Flag Day concert will occur June 12, two days before Flag Day. Flag Day falls on a Saturday so the Tribute House is not available that day. We have the same band line up and food truck.

• We need an MCA representative to the Federation of Civics. They would partner with Les.

• Speaker suggestions were solicited for future meetings (starting in the Fall).

• The next meeting of the MCA Board will be April 22, 2025 at 7:30 PM at the Merion Tribute House. Our speaker will be Zachary Ainslie, Arborist Representative at Bartlett Tree Experts.

• Fred Blum provided an update on his research related to street signage through Merion Station.

• The meeting was adjourned.