James E. Blanch

The meeting included the reorganization of the Park and Open Space Board for 2026, resulting in the election of new officers: Ms. Hyczko as Chair, Mr. Cimini as Vice Chair, and Ms. Mudambi as Secretary. Key discussion points from the 2025 Year End Report highlighted increased public awareness, park priorities such as the Whitpain Dog Park move and opening of inclusive playgrounds at Mermaid Park, trail projects, open space bond and grant reviews, and wildlife management increases. Committees were formed for 2026 priorities, including Community Center and Dog Park, Open Space Preservation, Sports and Recreation, and Trails. Priorities for 2026 included planning for 2026 Trail Walks, scheduling the Dog Park Relocation Grand Opening, involvement in Community Center development (including drafting a letter regarding the backup generator), beautification efforts, continuation of Open Space Projects, evaluation of pickleball courts, organizing volunteers for storm cleanup, and continuing Shade Tree Ordinance Review. Other business included brainstorming Scout projects, noting staff changes, and planning for the repurposing of West Ambler Park in 2027.

The meeting commenced with welcoming a new alternate member. The commission proceeded with the election of officers for 2026, resulting in the election of Mr. Eberle as Chair, while the Vice Chair position was tabled until the next meeting. Key discussions included finalizing the date and increasing the budget for the 2026 Native Tree Giveaway, with plans to advertise species descriptions in the Whitpain Wire. The commission reviewed the success of the 2025 Street Tree Planting Program and scheduled a presentation from Davey Tree regarding the Canopy Restoration Program for the following month. Discussions also covered challenges with the Whitpain Township Heritage Tree Program and the formation of a subcommittee, including Ms. Pearce and Mr. David, to further develop the Invasive Species Proposed Ordinance, focusing on educational awareness rather than immediate legislation. The possibility of a tree planting event for the America 250 celebration was also considered.

The agenda for the meeting included a continuation of the Public Hearing for Conditional Use Application #CU50-25 concerning a car wash at Olympus Pines Management Co LLC. The Consent Agenda addressed several items, including the approval of financial reports, the 2025 Planning Commission Annual Report, and motions to extend 2024 road resurfacing contracts for 2026 and to participate in various cooperative purchasing agreements for 2026. Further agenda items involved authorizing construction inspection and administration services for the Skippack Pike and School Road Intersection Improvement Project, approving a waiver for a land development plan for a new Community Center, authorizing the advertisement for bids for two Harley Davidson Police Motorcycles, and authorizing the execution of the Regional Fire Investigation Team 6 MOU. The board also planned to address a settlement and release agreement with a police department employee and the amendment of the Township Fee Schedule.

The agenda for the meeting included the reorganization of the Board, covering the appointment of the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Solicitor. Several cases were scheduled for discussion: one case (ZHB #2464-25) requested a continuance to February 19, 2026. New cases included requests for exceptions (ZHB #2475-25, ZHB #2476-25), side yard variances (ZHB #2477-25, ZHB #2478-25), a front yard variance (ZHB #2479-25), an accessory structure variance (ZHB #2480-25), and an extension of relief (ZHB #2376-23).

The Arts and Culture Commission discussed future events, including the community festival at Montgomery County Community College in September. They considered the involvement of the ACC, potential stage inclusions, and the promotion of local artists or photographers in the weekly Wire. The commission also discussed a talent show, its logistics, and submission deadlines. Two subcommittees were established, one for the community festival talent show and another for reviewing submissions to the Wire. Visual arts submissions with a "fun in the sun" theme were discussed for the summer edition of the Wire. The members explored possible future winter events, including utilizing the Manor House at Prophecy Creek Park and the Wissahickon Valley Public Library, along with potential programs for children and monthly ethnic celebrations. The commission also touched on involving the ACC in the country's 250th Anniversary celebration next year.