April 2025 Minutes
Merion Civic Association Board Meeting
April 22, 2025, 7:30pm
Directors in Attendance:
Eileen Bruckman, Scott Feuer, Brian Gordon, Les Greenberg, Li Halpern, Renee Hill, Carol Lavoritano, Orsi Lazar, Karla Moras, Kevin Murphy, Craig Oliner, Melanie Schafmeister
Not attending: Bruce Eisenberg, Elizabeth Goldmuntz, Susan Guthrie, Julie Kliene, Suzanne Saltzberg, Daniella Weinberg, Mitchell Weinberg
President Eileen Bruckman called the meeting to order at 7:45 pm.
Guest Speaker:
President Bruckman welcomed Zachary Ainslie, Arborist Representative at Bartlett Tree Experts. Zachary opened the meeting by noting that it was Earth Day today, a day dedicated to celebrating environmental awareness. Historical context: Bartlett started in 1907, with the Bala Cynwyd branch being the oldest continuously operating branch, which opened in 1921. Fun fact: Bartlett does the pruning at Buckingham Palace.
Zachary gave an overview of what they do and explained how they use sound waves to determine if a tree is hollow. Pruning is a big part, with structural pruning practices at an early age supporting a healthier tree. Invasive species they are treating in the area: ash borer beetle, lantern flies, boxwood tree moth (new, likely to become an issue), caterpillars (can completely decimate a boxwood quickly), scale insects (newly in our area, causes Crepe myrtle bark scale), and nematodes (cause beech leaf disease in leaves). Beech leaf disease is spread by birds ingesting the nematodes, and their poop landing on the tree. The disease is new to our area, attacking beech trees that make up a large part of our tree canopy in the area. They can treat individual trees, but treating entire forests is difficult.
Prior Meeting Minutes:
Due to a lack of a quorum of Directors in attendance in March, both the February and amended March Meeting Minutes, with the removal of a handout referencing March data, were approved tonight, with a first by Kevin Murphy and a second by Li Halpern.
Treasurer’s Report:
Due to a lack of a quorum of Directors in attendance in March, both the February and March Treasurer’s Reports were approved tonight with a first by Carol Gordon and a second by Carol Lavoritano.
Commissioner’s Report:
There was no commissioner report this month.
Federation of Civics:
Karla Moras and Les Greenberg reported issues brought to the attention of civics:
· Ardwood Civics resolution is asking for us for endorsement regarding SEPTA. That was approved unanimously at the meeting.
· LMT Survey: complete if you would like a township shuttle service.
· Haverford Civic Association, with the support of Bryn Mawr Civic Association, raised concerns about the preservation of 17 Elliot (home designed by architect William Price). HCA and BMCA do not want the commissioners to add it to the historical repository without the owner’s consent. Further discussion by MCA to determine if to support HCA and BMCA.
· The St. Asaph/Belmont roundabout, proposed by PennDOT, has been unanimously opposed by NCBC. NCBC contends that its size is too large for the space.
· The Historical Society and Conservancies presentation showed their new website, which is part of the LMT website.
St. Charles Seminary:
Craig Olner reported that a meeting with commissioners regarding the traffic study is scheduled for May 1. Senior living operations are still conducting due diligence and may join the campus, which will result in the upper and lower campuses offering assisted living, thereby minimizing vehicular traffic on Wynnewood. The meeting is April 26, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. There is an open house. Register at stcharlesproject.com.
Merion Community Coalition:
Karla Moras reports that they had a meeting with Commissioner Sinai and Chris Leswing to discuss the status of approvals regarding the use of the fields and the use of PA systems, as well as the Phase 1 approvals from the commissions.
Lower Merion School Board:
Melanie Schafmeister reported that Frank Ranelli has now been in place as the new superintendent for a week and a half. The monthly finance committee meetings have been ongoing since December to discuss the ‘25/26 school year budget that will be voted on in June. One more meeting is scheduled for May if you’re interested in learning more. Meetings from December to April are available to view on the LMSD website and meeting attachments on BoardDocs.
Fire and Public Safety:
Kevin Muphy reports a community watch with dog walking. Secretary retiring.
Streets:
Renee Hill contacted LMT to have the potholes filled on Merion Rd. on the red brick part of the road.
Station and Grounds:
Scott Feuer reports that the flower box will be ready May 7. Septa has agreed to remove all the old boxes by the end of this month. They will be stored and then installed as follows. Also looking into putting in a self-watering system. Scheduled to put all the plants in after Mother’s Day, Saturday, May 17. Collected over $20,000 for the boxes.
New Business:
Amend Section 5-07(a) of MCA Bylaws to lower the quorum from twelve (12) to seven (7) was approved by 10, 1 no (Apologies: I didn’t get first and second)
Craig Olner mentioned that the Shade Tree Commission has been approved to plant 200 trees a year, and as a civic, we can recommend planting to the Shade Tree Commissioner. A discussion ensued, and Craig was asked to collaborate with Shade Tree to develop a list for the fall planting with the commission.
Upcoming Events:
April 7, 1-3PM: The Cars and Trucks event will be held. This year, invitations were extended beyond the Merion Civic area.
May 22: The next meeting of the MCA Board will be May 22, 2025 at 7:30 PM at the Merion Tribute House.
June 12: The Flag Day concert. Due to Flag Day falling on a Saturday, the Tribute House is not available, so the concert will be held two days before. We have the same band lined up and food truck.
New neighbors in attendance: Stephen Ludwick of Melrose Avenue was welcomed by the directors.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:36