Brian Shapiro

The special meeting included an executive session prior to the meeting to discuss matters of potential litigation. During public comments, residents raised concerns regarding properties at 1836 S. Broad Street and 308 Gwynedd Avenue, citing issues such as apparent boarding house operations, excessive parked vehicles, continuous lighting, and property boundary infringements. The primary agenda item involved the motion to adopt Resolution 29-2025, which initiates the process of preparing a municipal curative amendment to cure a substantive invalidity found in a portion of the Upper Gwynedd Township Zoning Ordinance. This process directs the Zoning Officer and Solicitor to examine the code, and it does not change existing legislation immediately. Discussions clarified that this review process is separate from ongoing enforcement proceedings at specific properties. The Zoning Officer indicated intent to issue a citation for illegal parking at 308 Gwynedd.

Key discussions included follow-up on recycling responses from trash haulers, planning newsletter articles, and assigning topics like salt pollution and Ecologic Gardening for Fall. The committee reviewed updates on the Plastic Waste Reduction Program, noting that minor changes were made to the draft certification checklist and decals will be distributed in the new year. The Fall Tree Giveaway was deemed a success, with plans to limit distribution next year. Progress on the Birdtown, PA designation was noted, pending final signature on the application. The Lawn to Meadow Conversion Workshop and Fall Fest events were summarized. Regarding Land Development, a motion was approved to submit a memo to the Board of Commissioners concerning the Merck B10B Parking Garage, confirming Merck will use native plantings. The Assistant Township Manager reported on the finalization of the Haines Run project closure, upcoming land development proceedings for 1500 Pennbrook Parkway, and the commencement of groundwater monitoring for the Superfund 7 site.

The meeting included discussions on environmental education and outreach initiatives, such as recycling responses from trash haulers and the Fall Fest. Updates were provided on the Plastic Waste Reduction Program, including visits to local businesses. The 2025 Native Plant Giveaway and Native Tree Giveaway were discussed, with details on tree distribution and plant profiles. The Birdtown, PA initiative was reviewed, and the Lawn to Meadow Conversion Workshop was mentioned. PECO presentation options for 2026 were considered. The Assistant Township Manager reported on the Haines Run contractor planting Willow sticks and other trees, with a concern raised about planting American Beech trees due to a fungal disease.

The Upper Gwynedd Township Park and Recreation Advisory Board meeting included the introduction of the new Program Coordinator, Brock Azeff. Fall Fest 2025 was reviewed, noting the event's success but also areas for improvement such as volunteer allocation and supply management. Updates were provided for the Holiday Lights event and the ParkSci Playground revitalization project, including potential fundraising and community involvement opportunities. The 2026 budget was discussed, covering capital projects like mower purchases, pole barn construction, sidewalk repairs, trail engineering, tennis/pickleball paving, and funding for the 1908 West Point Pike building. Special event dates and Park Board meeting dates for 2026 were set, and board members were encouraged to complete the Township mission statement survey. Park and Recreation Ordinances were distributed for review and update suggestions in 2026. A walk-through of the 1908 West Point Pike Building was conducted, highlighting its potential.

The meeting included discussions and updates on several key topics. The Carnival Update indicated that final budget numbers were pending, security measures were reviewed, and there was a record number of pre-sale mega bands sold. The Parksci Playground Update mentioned the wants from survey such as water play, sand play, ninja course, climbing facilities, nature based. The 2026 Budget Update covered requests for a Pole Barn, Two Mowers, Sidewalk repair, Tennis/Pickleball repair/addition, Replace Whittaker playground, replace tractor, parking lot paving. The Fall Fest 2025 will feature Cinderella, a Fairy Godmother, horse-drawn carriage rides, a rock climbing wall, and tarot card readings. Holiday Lights 2025 plans include a snow machine, gingerbread contest, characters, and a drone show, with discussions on the event's location and potential solutions for snow globe issues. There was also a brief Pool Board Update and an offer from the Boy Scouts to assist with fundraising.