PV Civic Meeting 1/17/2023, 6:45pm

14 Attendees

Discussed election on March 1st at the next meeting (subsequently postponed).  Reiterated that new PVCA volunteers are needed and asked if anyone is willing to step in and take an active role.  Fay S. said she'll give it consideration.  Someone mentioned maybe posting it on Adrian Seltzer's weekly LM newsletter.  Joan voiced support for the work the PV Civic does and thinks events like the tree walk foster engagement.  We are looking for a new President, Treasurer, and Secretary/Scribe to represent the 1800 homes in Penn Valley. 

Discussed that the Federation of Civics met the week prior and discussed the remapping procedures for TS wards.  PV is minimally impacted by the redrawing of lines.

Regina M. is very happy with the work the township did with the new entry at the West Mill Creek dog park on Mill Creek Road.

Joan T. discussed that she is unhappy with the aesthetics of all tree stumps left behind when the trees along the ROW were removed on Moreno Rd.  Michelle reiterated that there should be a balance as these stumps when left in the ground have many ecological benefits.  It was suggested that Joan contact Joe Marco, the township arborist to discuss the matter.

Ward 1 Commissioner Dan Bernheim spoke on several topics:

A. Provided a summary of the incident between police using a taser against an African American woman at the Wawa during a traffic stop on Flat Rock Road. 

PVCA supports an independent investigation of the incident and a policy review of the use of tasers especially where deescalation is possible.  Subsequent review of traffic stop data in Lower Merion shows that African Americans are stopped disproportionately to their percentage of the population.  While only constituting 5.5% of the population, they are stopped 35-36% of the time.  https://www.lowermerion.org/home/showpublisheddocument/26857/637878762140370000

B. Noted that some commissioners are not running again.  They are Mike McKeon and Dave McComb. 

C. Discussed the billboard matter but stated that decisions are being made in Board executive sessions because of the ongoing litigation.

PVCA does not support new billboards in our TS and sent a letter to that effect to TS staff and commissioners. 

Meeting Adjourned at 7:45pm.