September 2025 Minutes

Merion Civic Association Board Meeting

September 16, 2025, 7:30pm

The meeting was called to order, and a welcome was extended by Eileen Bruckman at 7:40pm.

Directors in Attendance:

Scott Feuer, Eileen Bruckman, Craig Oliner, Les Greenberg, Bruce Eisenberg, Renee Hill, Li Halpern, and Susan Guthrie.

Guest Speakers:

Zev Eleff, President of Gratz College, was the guest speaker. Zev’s presentation included the history of Gratz College, an overview of operational and programmatic details, and information on enrollment. Zev also provided information on Gratz College’s plans for the Bala Women’s Club which they recently purchased.

May Meeting Minutes:

A motion was made by Les Greenberg to approve the Minutes from the May MCA Board Meeting and seconded by Bruce Eisenberg. The motion passed on a voice vote.

Treasurer’s Report:

A motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report was made by Li Halpern and seconded by Scott Feuer. The motion passed on a voice vote.

Commissioner’s Report:

Todd Sinai gave his commissioner’s report. The report covered updates to the noise ordinance; a gas-powered leaf blower policy on the Board of Commissioners agenda for October; and an update on MLH’s plans for the St. Charles property development.

Township and Land Development Report:

• Les Greenberg provided information on the Kohelet/Shteibel matter heard by the Zoning Hearing Board.

• There was no report on St. Joe’s activity. There was no representative in attendance from the Merion Community Coalition.

• There was no report on the St. Charles’ development since the topic was covered by Commissioner Sinai earlier in the meeting.

School Board Report:

There was no report on LMSD. Melanie Schafmeister was not in attendance.

Fire and Public Safety:

There was no report on fire and public safety. Kevin Murphy was not in attendance.

Streets Report:

There was no report on Streets. Renee Hill was no longer in attendance.

President’s Report - Scott Feuer:

Scott Feuer provided an update on the status of the flowerbox Drive. All the boxes are in place now and the team is working on a plan for plaques/engraving.

New Business:

• Eileen Bruckman initiated a discussion about Director elections at the October Annual Meeting and a timeline for nominations. Directors with expiring terms are Eileen Bruckman, Les Greenberg, Orsi Lazar, Kevin Murphy, and Melanie Schafmeister.

• Eileen Bruckman initiated a discussion about possibly cancelling the November and February meetings. The November meeting falls the week before Thanksgiving and is typically sparsely attended. February is also sparsely attended. No decisions were made.

• October’s Board Meeting will be Tuesday, October 28th  at 7:30PM at the Merion Tribute House. It will be the Annual Meeting and the format will be a Pot Luck. The October speaker will be Kathleen Abplanalp, Director of Historic Preservation at the Lower Merion Conservancy.

A motion to adjourn was made by Les Greenberg and seconded by Scott Feuer. The motion passed on a voice vote.