THE LOWER MERION HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Executive Board Meeting

June 18, 2009

The Lower MerionAcademy

Present: Jerry Francis, Alison Graham, Joanne Murray, Max Buten, Leon Levine, Andy Amsterdam, Anna O’Hora, Ross Mitchell, Denise Francis, Jack Hagner, Ted Goldsborough, Bruce Reed, Bobbie McElroy

Guest: Ned Stumpo

Excused: Dennis Montagna, Sarah Francis and Steve Selinger

Jerry Francis called the meeting to order at 7:32 pm, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Minutes of the January 22, 2009 meeting were corrected to read that the 6^th grade class was from the Bala Cynwyd Middle School, not the Cynwyd School and that 2 teachers attended. It was then moved, seconded and unanimously approved as corrected.

Minutes from the April 19, 2009 Annual Meeting and Elections were moved, seconded and unanimously approved.

Bruce Reed reported on the Township’s efforts to preserve La Ronda, the 14,000 sq. feet mansion, designed by Addison Mizner. An unknown buyer has applied to tear the structure down, claiming to want the flat ground to build on. The 90-day restriction, as a Class II structure, before tear down, begins on June 30^th. The cost for the Township, or another interested buyer, to purchase the site would be around 6 to 7 million dollars. It has been suggested that the Township through the Historical Society seek pledges, in a segregated account, to purchase the property in a sensible fashion, under our 501(c)(3) designation. It may be possible to get some lenders involved. Leon Levine moved to authorize a sub-committee of our President, Jerry Francis and our Solicitor, Bruce Reed to undertake prudent actions, by seeking pledges, to preserve La Ronda. Jerry suggested a friendly amendment, to add our Vice President, Ross Mitchell, to the sub-committee. A voice vote was called. The motion and amendment were unanimously approved.

Cynwyd Train Station Stabilization Report: Thanks was given to the Broadlands Financial Group, LLC for their management and help in the transition from JECB Construction to Stumpo Construction. Ned Stump reported that his work started where the late Jim Easter’s work left off. The canopy roof has been raised 9 to 11 inches, and the support posts have been replaced using heavy timbers with a steel base. Dealings with the Township Inspectors and the local utilities are proceeding smoothly. A report, General Background and Revised Scope of Work was distributed for discussion. Stabilization of the building cost much more then expected, so the bad news is that the project has a shortfall of $138,000. The new completion estimate is $365,430. The budget will be redone and some fundraising will be necessary. Thanks to Ted and Max for their photos that document to monthly progress at the station. An open house will be held on July 4^th, with Historical Society volunteers on site to give tours.

The Station will act as trail head for the Cynwyd Heritage Trail. The best use of the 1^st floor area has yet to be decided. The 2^nd floor has 787 sq. feet of rentable area and will be used as a caretaker apartment. Chris Leswig was recommended. A Caretaker Job

Description was circulated and approved with suggested updates. Yet to be determined is the market value for the monthly rent for the apartment. Jerry Francis will enter into negotiations with Chris Leswig for a lease agreement. Ross will look into the lease agreement that was used for their caretaker at Merion Meeting. A sub-committee was established of Jerry, Andy, Leon and Joanne who will develop a classified add for the apartment that will be posted to Craig’s List.

Cynwyd Heritage Trail: The trail project has developed into a multi use trail and park system. The Township has approved a trail cleanup by the Student Conservation Association (SCA). Twenty-four interns, from area high schools and collages will work on the trail for 7 weeks starting in early July. Max Buten hopes to get the area around Clegg’s Mill as part of this cleanup. An informational report highlighting the funding for the trail was circulated. It totaled $3,050,000 with $2,324,000 in grant funds and $726,000 in matching grants and/or contributed labor.

Treasurer’s Report: Jack Hagner presented the Statement of Finacial Position, as of May 31, 2009. The Temporarily Restricted Assets are $225,314 and the Unrestricted Assets are $214,450. Total Liabilities and Net Assets are $439,767. There was a typo in the report and the Gross Profit from 74 books was changed to reflect 6 books. A motion to approve, as corrected, was made, seconded and unanimously approved.

The 2009 Budget was presented. It was moved, seconded and unanimously approved, to accept as presented.

Mazen & Company will perform a 2008 Financial Review. This is a State of Pennsylvania requirement and will cost us $2,000 to $3,000 for the review.

Thanks to Jack Hagner for the excellent financial reporting.

Education: A list of the 21 Lectures and Events, from January 1^st thru June 18^th was presented. A total of 920 people attended these events. Ted Goldsborough noted that 3 schools participated in the inter-generational interviews for the 4 grades. The school teachers got the interviewees who participated in this exercise.

Website: Max Buten reported that he and Ted continue to take pictures for their Documenting Today's Buildings for the Future project. They have taken 3,305 photos of 1,100 buildings located here in Lower Merion. In this collection, there are 44 pictures of La Ronda and 168 pictures of the Cynwyd Train Station. Max feels that our website needs an update…it has become stogy looking. The Board agreed to investigate an upgrade to our website and formed a sub-committee of Jerry, Max and Ted to draft a Scope of Work statement and interview designers and get a cost estimates. Ross Mitchell will share some names of designers for these interviews. A report will be made to the Board on September 17^th.

Membership: Denise reported that people are renewing for less money, with more at the $30 level. A second notice will be mailed at the end of June. So far, there are 9 new members for the year 2009.

Program: Joanne Murray was commended for the great 60^th Anniversary event. Our volunteers did a wonderful job. Joanne et al will plan the new fall events over the summer. Special thanks to Sarah Francis for getting the jute box and root beer floats and to Dennis Montagna for the antique car people. This group certainly added to the day’s festivities.

Public Relations: Jerry distributed the companion booklet on the Historic Murals in the Township building, done by the Historical Society.

Old Business:

Upgrade to the HVAC system in the Archive Room. Sabastion & Sons submitted an estimate for $16,700 for an upgraded air conditioning system. CHAS Cooling, Heating and Service submitted an estimate for $4,450 for a Dessert Air Dehumidifier. This new equipment is to improve the humidity problems that currently exist in our Archive Room. A motion was made to authorize Jerry to spend up to $5,000 for a new dehumidification system. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved by the Board. Since Dennis was absent, Jerry suggested that he check with him and get his approval before he proceeded with the installation. When the work is finished, a plaque will be placed on the door, dedicating the room to S. Hamill Horne.

Repair to the fireplace in the attic. Repointing will be done by Alfredo Stumpo in the fall months when it’s cooler.

W. Robert Swartz Collection. Looking for funding.

Reinstallation of the Autocar Historical Marker. We hope to get this project done in time for the Autocar Annual Meeting in September.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 PM.

Next Board Meeting Thursday, September 17, 2009

Respectfully Submitted,

Barbara McElroy, Recording Secretary