HLRA
Wednesday, March 15 2006
In Attendance:
Authority Board
W. William Whiteside, III, Chairman
Joanna M. Furia Esq., Vice Chairman
Donnamarie Davis Esq.
Jeffrey Albert, Esq.
William Donnelly
Carmen S. Italia, Jr.
Staff
Michael J. McGee
Mary Eberle Esq.
Curt Toll, Esq.
William Walker
Absent:
James R. Matthews
David Creamer, Treasurer
Joan Nesbitt, Secretary
Mr. Whiteside called the meeting to order at 3:07 PM. The Board members introduced themselves and all those
present did likewise. A sign in sheet was circulated and is attached hereto. Ms. Liz Gabor and Mr. Rich
Tenga of the Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA) joined the meeting via speaker phone.
On a motion by Mr. Donnelly which was seconded by Mr. Italia the Board unanimously approved the minutes as proposed
for the February 15, 2006 meeting.
Mr. McGee advised the Board that the Township continues to advance the Authority funds to operate. He reported
that the legal bills were the only direct outlay of funds at this time; however, administrative costs to operate were
accruing. He distributed a list of checks for the Board's consideration. Mr. Donnelly then moved and
Mr. Italia seconded to approve the list of checks in the amount of $42,069.20. The motion passed with five ayes
and one abstention being Mr. Albert.
Mr. McGee pointed out that the members of the Board had received copies of Governor Rendell's letter dated
February 17, 2006. In that letter, the Governor suggested that the HLRA should offer written support for his
efforts to keep an airfield at Willow Grove in support of military and homeland security missions, in exchange for
his support for OEA recognition of the Authority as the LRA. There was considerable discussion on the
matter. Mr. Whiteside suggested that the board limit their role to planning the reuse of whatever property that
the federal government declares surplus; rather than injecting their opinion on the use of the property by the
federal government. He offered the opinion that there is ample opportunity for the various agencies of the
federal government to request a federal to federal transfer of property should a need exist for an military or
homeland security airfield at the site. Mr. Tenga also pointed out that the State could request a public
benefit conveyance to maintain an airfield. Mr. Whiteside suggested and the board agreed that Mr. Toll should
draft a response letter to the Governor for his signature.
Mr. McGee reported that the OEA letter recognizing the Authority as the LRA had been signed by Mr. O'Brien.
He also reported that Mr. Whiteside, Ms. Furia, Mrs. Eberle and he were the only individuals that had expressed an
interest in attending the May 2nd thru May 5th conference conducted by the Office of the Secretary of Defense in
Atlanta. He then suggested that there be a meeting of the LRA Board to which all members of the LRA committees
be invited. The purpose would be to provide an overview of the BRAC process. Ms. Gabor stated that she
would be available to conduct the meeting between March 29th and March 31st. The Board agreed and the Director
will ensure that there was a room available and advise all of the date. Mr. Albert suggested that the
committees have additional members and that he would provide some suggested names.
Mrs. Eberle reported that Horsham Township Council had adopted the proposed Ordinance increasing the size of the
Authority Board from seven to nine members and that it would be necessary for the Authority to file amended Articles
of Incorporation. Mr. Italia moved and Mr. Albert seconded a motion to direct the Solicitor to file the amended
Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. McGee reminded all those present that there would not be a meeting on Wednesday, April 19th due to the fact that
the Board will be touring the Base starting at 1:00 pm and not finish until approximately 4:00 pm. He then
asked for the will of the Board to submit a letter to OEA for formal recognition as the LRA for the Horsham Memorial
Army Reserve Center. The Board unanimously agreed that a request should be submitted.
Mr. Preston, representing the Navy PMO, stated that the Navy is expected to make a declaration of surplus on May
9th. There are two DOD requests for property. They are 15 acres for the Air Force and 65 acres for the
Army (25 for the Army Reserve and 40 for the Army National Guard). The FAA is requesting approximately 3.5
acres that is the site of the radar tower along Horsham Road and the VA has yet to follow up on their original
expression of interest for an undetermined building.
Mr. Whiteside then asked if anyone present wished to ask questions or make any comments. Mr. Thompson of Mann
Road stated his opinion that the LRA was incorrect in stating that the Base was closing and that the 111th was
remaining and needed the runway for future operations. Mr. Haberkern of Senator Santorum's office stated
that the BRAC law was specific that the Navy Base is closing. Mr. Chip Eiser of Horsham asked for a
clarification of the BRAC action. Mr. Preston stated that there would be a military enclave under Federal
ownership. The location of the enclave would not preclude a civilian airport but no federal agency has
requested the runway. Mr. Haberkern questioned if the State could request the runway. Mr. Toll answered
that the LRA will plan the reuse of all surplus property and that the State and others could request a public benefit
conveyance. Ms. Carol Baker of Bucks County Housing asked who would determine that membership of the Bucks
County Housing Committee. Mrs. Eberle responded that the committee will have five members. One member
appointed by the Commissioners, two by the Warminster Board of Supervisors, one by the Centennial School District and
one appointed by the Borough of Ivyland.
There being no additional business the meeting was adjourned at 4:10 PM,
Respectfully submitted,
Michael J. McGee
Executive Director
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