Tamara Forsyth

The agenda for the meeting included committee organization updates, specifically the selection of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for 2026 (though this information appears derived from the minutes for the January 12th meeting which this agenda references). Key discussion topics for the current meeting scheduled for March 2, 2026, include status updates on the Abolition Hall and property conditions assessment report from MBTA, discussions on governance and fundraising strategies, the choice between a dedicated website versus a Township webpage, and potential programming initiatives. The meeting also included a segment for public comment.

The amended agenda for the meeting included initial procedural items such as the election of the Chair and Vice Chair. Discussions covered correspondence, including a suggestion to adjust the public comment period length. Key items addressed included the review of minutes from previous meetings in November and December 2025. The main focus was on land development applications, specifically a sketch plan for 22 dwelling units at 608 Germantown Pike (SLD #08-25). New business involved the initiation of the 2026 Zoning Work Program, including discussion of Sewer Module Component 4A review (SLD #07-23). The agenda also outlined procedures for public participation.

The meeting commenced with the election of the Chair and Vice-Chair, followed by correspondence which included an announcement regarding an amended agenda omitting one item and a discussion on whether to reduce the public comment period to align with the Board of Supervisors' new policy, with the Commission favoring retention of the existing policy. Key agenda items included a sketch plan discussion for SLD #08-25 at 608 Germantown Pike, which proposes 22 apartment units renovating pre-1940 buildings, prompting significant discussion regarding zoning compliance, high density (exceeding the eight units per acre limit), necessary variances for demolition, and driveway alignment. Public comment focused heavily on density, traffic, stormwater management, and the potential destruction of a known historic resource (Moorhead Clayworks). The Commission ultimately voted to submit the DEP-required Sewer Module Component 4A for a development at 1001 Washington Street, despite significant concerns regarding its consistency with the comprehensive plan and environmental standards, opting to attach notations expressing discomfort with several answers due to incomplete impact analysis. New Business also included outlining the 2026 Zoning Work Program priorities, focusing on amendments related to permitted uses, parking requirements, solar energy provisions, and revising the Conservation Design Overlay (CDO) District, particularly addressing issues related to scale and open space calculation.

The agenda for the Emergency Service Board meeting includes nominations for Chair and Vice-Chair, announcements, reports from the Fire Marshal, EMC, Chiefs of the Barren Hill, Spring Mill Fire Companies, Whitemarsh Ambulance, and Police, as well as reports from the Public Works Director and Township Manager. Key discussion items include the introduction of the new township Finance Director, civilian comments, training updates, old business, new business such as an ordinance amendment first reading, and an update on the Emergency Service Study.

The Annual Organizational Meeting included the selection of temporary positions, appointing a Temporary Chair and Temporary Secretary. Key actions involved the election of the Board Chair and Vice-Chair for Whitemarsh Township. Numerous appointments were made, including the Township Manager, Finance Director, Assistant Secretary, Chief of Police, Zoning Officer, Solicitor, Engineer, Right to Know Officer, Roadmaster, Emergency Management Coordinator, Flood Plain Administrator, and Tax Collection Committee Representatives. The Board accepted resignations from two members serving on various boards. Resolutions were adopted establishing the 2026 meeting schedule format (including a change to public comment time), the Township Travel and Business Expense Policy for 2026, the 2026 Holidays for Non-Uniformed, Non-Union Employees, the 2026 Annual Emergency Operation Plan Promulgation, and authorization to pay 2026 disbursements. Motions were approved for the selection of Bank Depositories and the selection of Zelenkofske Axelrod LLC to audit the Township Financial Statements.