Lazaretto Preservation Association of TinicumTownship

Board Meeting Minutes – March 29, 2016

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Lazaretto Preservation Association of TinicumTownship

TinicumTownshipBuilding, 629 North Governor Printz Blvd.

P.O. Box 331

Essington, Pennsylvania19029

March 29, 2016

Meeting Minutes

In Attendance:Herb MacCombie (Chair),Ed Rubillo(Treasurer),Chris Templin (Secretary),

David Barnes, Peter Benton, Rod Maroney, Pat McCarthy, Andrew Palewski and Vic Pepenelli

Visitors:Peter Dajeuskis and Ann Clausen of the firm “ Interpretive Solutions,” Rebecca Brumble, Helena Crib, Robert Dant, Ann Duncan, and Harry Kissenger

Herb called the meeting to order at 6:27 p.m. Minutes were accepted with corrections as made.

1. Peter introduced Peter Dajeuskis and Ann Clausen who will help develop an interpretive plan. The Vision Committee had given them a tour of the Lazaretto before the meeting. A scope of work and a budget would be presented to the Board and the Commissioners. Then we’d raise the money to implement the plan. Ann said she was excited to see the Vision Plan and thrilled with the possibilities at the site. Not only the history but the environment and contemporary issues of public health and immigration will be incorporated. She congratulated the Township for saving the Lazaretto making this possible.

It will be a collaborative effort of all interested parties. The process may take nine months. The first phase is to decide what foundational stories/aspects to portray. The second is to develop an education plan. They focus on the concept of visitor experience: orientation, direction, how the history relates to the 3-D surroundings. There will be a calendar, phasing and a budget. Herb asked if the firm will be able to offer any guidelines in terms of fundraising. Tourism and Heritage Tours are a benefit for local business.

Former Board member, Paul Steinke,is going to be the new Executive Director of the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia. He has a lead for us for a Pew grant.

Ann Clausen suggested talking to health and wellness foundations as a source of donations.

Herb asked if parts of the third floor were included in the Vision Statement. Peter said some space might be needed for staff. The Vision Statement project has three parts: 1. Interpretation 2. Education Mission(involves staffing and programming) 3. The physical work that has to be undertaken

2. We are out for bid. The deadline might be postponed two weeks to accommodate a couple of recommended contractors. There is a bid committee who will make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. Eighteen contractors have received the specs. We did receive four bids.

3. The student’s ideas are still being considered. Herb is interested in the lantern festival. He will check with appropriate authorities to see if it is possible.

4. Having high profile, deep pocket members of an Honorary Advisory Board would be a benefit. We need to determine how many and how things would be set up.

David might reach out to the staff, associates, and personal assistants of former Directors of Homeland Security, CDC Directors, etc. to find out the best way to approach asking for Honorary Advisory Board members.

Peter suggested we start with our city contacts like Chellie Cameron, CEO of the PhiladelphiaInternationalAirport, and other local partners. We should have something more organized, including more definite plans before we seek the high profile people. Herb has some people to contact. Peter

would like to have it all wrapped with the vision of the Township. Pat will work on getting all the ideas in his head on paper with Pat Barr. Having more community involvement expands the level. All the stories the Township has to tell are very important. The school children need to learn how their community was developed.

5. The immediate plans for changes in the airport have changed. The terminals will be improved before the runways are expanded.

6. David has heard from Professor Richard Veit. He was not available on March 26. He is still interested in April 20th. That is the date of the Elementary School celebration. The dig is not a public event. David asked if Herb could be the contact for permission to dig if the opportunity arises on shorter notice than waiting for a Board meeting. Yes, Herb will be the contact person and he will notify David Schreiber. Rich will keep detailed records for all work done and share them with us. Peter reminded us that Professor Veit should notify PHMC of his work here.

7. Elementary School Principal, Stephanie Farmer, would like the students to be involved with the site. If possible, in the future she’s like some of the students to visit during a dig.

8. We are still looking for the report on the ground penetrating radar from last June. Ed said that Tony Selletti said a copy was emailed to Herb. Recently Tony emailed a copy to Ed, who was trying to get a color copy printed out. It was suggested Ed email the information to the Township.

9. Rebecca Brumble has launched the website. It includes a donation service and ticket sales for future events. She has photographer friends who will take photos to use on the website for a click version of a virtual tour. The photos will be changed periodically. Pat said Representative Micarelli had a drone video done of the site and all the progress will be photographically documented.

Rebecca asked if the LPATT minutes could be posted on the website.

She also said a web TV show that airs in NY is interested in the Ganges ship story. Also there are several requests for paranormal radio interviews. Herb needs all the information to review before presenting requests to the Commissioners.

10. David asked if the landscaping issue (office park-like) was resolved. Menke Menke did the entire site with plantings that will be attractive in all seasons. Vitetta used those plans for the drawings. The landscaping will not start until fall of 2017. Herb will be glad to look at better ideas.

The seawall restoration will be farther down the line, later than October 2017.

11. Guest Robert Dant of the Aero Club of Philadelphia announced this June is the 101st anniversary of seaplanes in Essington. The tide on June 11 would not permit planesto come ashore for the event. The high tide on the following Saturday, (weather permitting) June 18th, is suitable for an event from 10 to 2 p.m. (rain date of Sunday, June 19th).He will send out the information to the seaplane community. He expects at least five to seven planes would participate. He asked the possibility for a modest cookout for the pilots. Advertizing will be better this year. Robert asked if the Township again would assist in a ramp lean up.

David made a motion to adjourn at 7:55p.m. Motion passed.

The next meeting will be April 26, at 6:30 PM at the Township building.

Please use the community room main doors.