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Spring 2008 Newsletter

 

Farm Park Advisory Committee Meeting

January 25, 2008

- Notes by FPPA Board Members

The Farm Park’s future is guided by an Advisory Commission consisting of representatives from the three municipalities encompassing the Farm Park as well as the four members of the Pennsylvania legislature in whose districts the Farm Park resides.  The public meetings are held quarterly.  Members of the Farm Park Preservation Association regularly participate in these meetings.  Following is a summary of the issues reported and discussed at the January 2008 meeting. 

Elected officials present, Sen. John Rafferty (chaired meeting) and Rep. Mike Vereb.  Officials absent, Sen. Connie Williams (proxy sent with staff member) and Rep. Jay Moyer.  Sen. Rafferty noted that this would be Sen. Williams’ last year to serve on the advisory committee since her Senate term ends this year and she is not seeking re-election.  

 Public Forum

 Ben Hynes, speaking on his own behalf, asked about status of the proposed maintenance building to serve all county parks and to be located along the current main Germantown Pike entrance.  The response was that new planning director Clare Adams (see below) would be looking into it.

 Strategic Reorganization

 The Montgomery County Parks and Heritage Services (P&HS) manages all five county owned parks plus the Farm Park which is leased from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  In addition, there are five historic sites and a 52-mile trail system planned to grow to 70 miles within two years.

 Starting this year a new organization is in place to oversee and manage these parks. 

 Appointments

 William Brobst, former Administrator of Pottsgrove Manor has been promoted to Regional Manager III of the Parks & Heritage Services Department.  Mr. Brobst will oversee the Farm Park, Schuylkill Fish Ladder, Peter Wentz Historic Site and the trail system.  He has 20 years experience that includes experience in historic sites.

Patricia Butkowski, former Superintendent of Green Lane Park has been promoted to Regional Manager II of P&HS.

Mark Shope, former Superintendent of Upper Schuylkill Valley Park has been promoted to Park Supervisor of Green Lane Park.

Pam Murray, former Superintendent of Central Perkiomen Valley Park has been promoted to Regional Manager I of P&HS.

Ken Shellenberger, former Assistant Superintendent of
Norristown Farm Park has been promoted to Park Supervisor of Norristown Farm Park.

Scott Morgan, former Superintendent of Lorimer Park, has been promoted to Regional Manager IV of P&HS.

Jeff Larsen, former Superintendent of Norristown Farm Park has been promoted to Facilities Maintenance & Operations Chief of P&HS.

Clare Adams was newly hired as the Park and Heritage Planning Chief, replacing John Ives (resigned in September, 2007).  Clare has 22 years in public and private planning and has experience in involving public participation.  She will be instrumental in revising Master Plans for the parks.

Jill Dixon was newly hired as Visitors Services Chief.  Jill has 14 years experience.

Larry Gray was newly hired as Business Operations & Systems Chief

 Strategic Plan

 The strategic plan update is almost complete and will be presented to the County Commissioners shortly.

 Park Updates

 Deer Hunt - Although 32 antlerless deer were killed on 1/23/2008, there are still too many deer left for the carrying capacity of the one square mile park (7 to 20 per DCNR).  There was no mention of using immunocontraception in conjunction with a future hunt.

 The Dairy Barn's Museum display cases are having their lighting installed.  When done, painting will commence and a spring 2008 opening is expected.

 Pavilions expansion – engineering and design work by Czop Specter still under way.

 Maintenance Center - still under consideration

 Request for bids for the “stabilization and protection” of four buildings will be advertised by March 2008 with work scheduled to be completed by December 2008.  Due to monetary restraints, only the Shannon Mansion, Getty Cottage, Dairy Barn, and Castner House will be considered.  Stabilization and protection usually refers to structural stabilization and weather protection such as roof and windows.

 The Schuylkill Fish Ladder is almost complete.

 Concerts - contracts have been sent out.

 Doctor’s House -

East Norriton Township Manager Helmuth Baerwald reported that East Norriton would like to be involved in the restoration of the Doctor's House to house the East Norriton Historical Advisory Commission.  Mr. Baerwald stated that East Norriton would need a lot of help from legislators.  Jeff Larsen advised him to submit a proposal.

 660 Germantown Pike -

Mr. Baerwald proposed that the boarded up, uninhabitable building at 660 Germantown Pike (corner of Whitehall and Germantown Pike) be disposed of as follows: part of the property would go to the Fire Co and part would be used to widen the intersection.  He was advised to submit a proposal to the Advisory Board and DCNR.  Sen. Rafferty said legislative action is required for transfer of property.

 Property at Southwest corner of North Wales Road and Germantown Pike -

Mr. Baerwald mentioned that Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) had approached him about property on the corner of North Wales across from park entrance.  This is private property and a building had been proposed two years ago but not built.  Mr. Baerwald asked if East Norriton, Montgomery County, and ABC could join together to acquire it and make it into an overflow parking lot for ABC.

 Castner House -

Ed Duffy mentioned that Richard Woodcock, a descendent of the Castner family, contacted the FPPA and said he had photographs and other memorabilia to share.  Mr. Woodcock also asked about the restoration.  Jeff Larsen said Richard Woodcock also had contacted him.  DCNR will put on a new roof, windows and doors and renovate the inside.  Mr.Woodcock requested a tour of the building, which Jeff will give him.  The Zoo Bridge (Schuylkill Connector Trail) would end near the Castner House, but the House would remain NFP property.

 Bonnie VanOrmer suggested that any restoration include plans for archeological retrieval of items surrounding the properties to be restored.  Sen. Rafferty expressed enthusiasm about this and said he may be able to line up a local college to work on the project.

 

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