May 2025 Minutes
Merion Civic Association Board Meeting
May 27, 2025, 7:30pm
Eileen Bruckman, Co-President, open the meeting at 7:37 pm.
Guest Speakers:
Lynn Williamson, Director of Lower Merion Township Library System, and Suzanne Saltzberg, Children’s Librarian at the Bala Cynwyd Library. Both speakers updated the association on the status of LM libraries.
Lynn described the process of library funding from the Federal, State, and Local levels and its impact on library services. Two questions were asked and answered:
How is each library governed?
How does the system allocate money to each LM library?
Suzanne spoke about how the residents in Lower Merion can obtain books/documents digitally and in print via PA Access. To learn more about resources available to all residents, visit the library and any librarian will help you find what you want (especially Museum Passes).
Commissioner’s Report:
Todd Sinai, LM Township Commissioner, Ward 12, discussed issues concerning SEPTA cuts in service.
Bus services and Regional Ral services would affect the township businesses and residents’ quality of life. He and the township’s Board of Commissioners are working with state and other government officials to help solve the funding issues.
The zoning issue concerning the Kohelet Yeshiva on Highland Ave & Old Lancaster Road was discussed. The issue concerns changing the use of the buildings for other than a school. The school wants to allow another religious organization to use the facilities when the school is not in use. They will present to the Merion Civic association in June.
Lastly, Todd gave a brief update with respect to the St. Charles Seminary property. Not much has changed since the Spring meetings when Main Line Health informed Merion residents of their plans.
April Meeting Minutes:
April 22nd Minutes were approved after Karla Moras and Les Greenberg clarified some issues with the minutes
Federation of Civics - Karla Moras:
Please refer to corrected minutes.
St. Joe’s/City Avenue - Karla Moras:
A meeting is scheduled in the Fall to discuss the university’s Master Plan.
School Board - Melanie Schafmeister:
June School Board Meeting topics are the budget and the hiring of a new Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Minelli.
Fire and Public Safety - Kevin Murphy:
Dog Walkers Watchers & Town Watchers had a successful training in May.
President’s Report - Eileen Bruckman:
Bill Hanafee & Scott Feuer did an excellent job on our new flower boxes at the train station.
Fun Day at the Tribute House – Union Fire Co., LM Police, and Barlett Tree Co were some of the participants.
Note: Flag Day celebrated on Thursday, June 12; MCA next meeting June 24 @ 7:30 PM.
New Business:
June 4 Rally in Harrisburg to address SEPTA issues.
Li Halpern – vote to reimburse Li for website renewal: approved by MCA Board.
Vote to adjourn: Brian Gordon and 2nd by Kevin Murphy.
Respectfully submitted by Bruce P. Eisenberg