Dana W. Edwards

The board conducted an annual park user meeting to discuss planned usage for 2026 and gather feedback from various organizations using borough spaces. The meeting also included the selection of a new vice chair, the finalization of movie selections for the May and September movie nights, and a discussion regarding the scheduling and logistical planning for upcoming community events.

The committee reviewed the treasurer's report, noting positive financial indicators despite pending remittances and early-year expenses. Discussion covered the solid waste fund's balanced status, police and public works supply replenishments, and the financial tracking of bridge project expenditures. Significant attention was given to exceeding the snow removal budget due to unusual weather. Action items included the approval of a schedule of bills and the authorization of a letter of intent for a partnership regarding a new skate park project. Additionally, the committee authorized the advertisement of the 2026 road paving program, discussing funding mechanisms, the use of liquid fuels and highway aid allocations, and long-term planning for maintaining roadway infrastructure.

The committee reviewed the treasurer's report and discussed the modified accrual accounting system. Key agenda items included status updates on various grants, specifically the Low Volume Road grant for storm water improvements and the outlook for other outstanding federal and state grant applications. Additionally, the committee deliberated on potential zoning regulations and ordinances aimed at controlling the intensity of use for specific business types, such as smoke shops, nail salons, and other retail services, to prevent undesirable business clusters in the community.

The Business Meeting included several key discussions and actions. A significant portion involved acknowledging the departure of the current Borough Manager, Matt West, and welcoming the incoming manager, Maggie Doggs. Public comment addressed the overdue placement of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces, noting that Narberth Ambulance offers free assessment services, and inquired about current plans and timelines related to the 2011 property, including appraisals, subdivision plans, and potential sales. Council considered and approved the 2025 fee schedule, which included updates for police accident reports and the incorporation of sewer and solid waste rates. A second lease extension agreement for the WonderSpring daycare offices was approved, which includes the Borough utilizing 50% of the space for long-term storage. Additionally, the Council approved the revised charge and objectives for the Narberth Police Advisory Committee and ratified a settlement agreement concerning the police union contract, which notably includes providing short-term disability for all Borough employees, effective January 1, 2024.

The meeting commenced with the review and acceptance of the February minutes. Key discussions centered on the revision of the shade tree ordinance, including clarifying the commission's mission (charge) and jurisdiction, noting past difficulties in advancing the ordinance and related tree planting specifications for subdivisions. The commission also addressed the pause on spring planting due to funding changes, proposing to use fundraising or donations, possibly facilitated by the intermediary entity Fondi, to cover costs for planting on private properties. Furthermore, the commission discussed the Lower Merion Conservancy's interest in providing funds from a delayed federal grant for material purchases, potentially for the fall planting schedule, and touched upon park master plan updates, including pedestrian bridge work at Elmwood and repurposing parking/event space at the station circle.