Radnor Township Environmental Advisory Council Meeting - September 17, 2025

The Radnor Township Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) held its regular meeting on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Radnorshire Room. The meeting included updates on ongoing projects, discussion of a proposed gas leaf blower ban, approval of donations, and planning for future public education events. Key speakers included Chair Dan, members Bess, Sven, Donell, and Ben, along with public comment from resident Diana Pope.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Diana Pope (Windomere Avenue, Wayne) suggested using the upcoming Wayne Business Association Fall Festival (September 21) to pilot a community survey on eco-friendly yard practices, given the opportunity to test question clarity with attendees. She also informed the Council that the Delaware County Council was voting that evening on a 69-page Zero Waste Plan, which she recommended the EAC review in the context of local recycling efforts.

Discussion Items

• Gas Leaf Blower Phaseout: Chair Dan submitted a draft proposal for a seasonal ban on gas leaf blowers for Council review. No comments had been received. Dan noted that support among the Board of Commissioners waxes and wanes; he plans to seek a meeting with the Board. Lower Merion Township’s EAC has developed a similar seasonal ban, which will be up for public comment on October 8. State Representative Lisa Borowski confirmed that state-level legislation on leaf blowers did not advance and suggested working at the municipal level.
• Grass Height Ordinance: The Council discussed amending the existing weed ordinance to allow naturalized lawns with a clean border (e.g., 2–4 feet) rather than adopting a more complex model ordinance. Members favored a simpler approach to ease enforcement and resident adoption.
• Fenimore Pond Algae Overgrowth: Carol reported that recent pond skimming was ineffective, with algae returning quickly. She called for a comprehensive solution (e.g., dredging) and noted issues with surrounding beech trees and trail drainage.
• Stream Water Sampling: Dan and Bess attended a meeting with Willistown Conservation Trust to plan fall stream water sampling for salt content. A second planning meeting is pending.
• Public Education: The Council agreed to schedule future EAC lectures in hybrid Zoom/in-person format. Upcoming events include: Joyce Platfoot on the Radnor Memorial Library Seed Library (immediately after the meeting), Mike Weilbacher on “Our Fungal Future” (November 13), and a joint presentation on road salt with Lower Merion EAC, Jenkins Arboretum, and Trout Unlimited (December 18).
• Aronimink Golf Club Clear-Cutting: Noted as a new business item, but no action was taken; the Council will monitor the situation.
• Recycling and Waste Management: Dan plans to visit the public works building to understand the township’s waste and recycling processes.
• Municipal Energy Conservation: Sven reported that from March 1 to August 18, 2025, electric vehicle charging stations saved 7.7 metric tons of CO2 emissions compared to gasoline. The police department and public works will consider electric vehicles and landscaping equipment for 2026. LED lighting was installed at township buildings, and solar panel installations for the roof and public works building are expected to be completed by spring 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: The August 20, 2025 meeting minutes were approved unanimously by members present (Dan, Donell, Ben, Bess, and Sven joining later).
• Donations Approved: The Council voted unanimously to donate $500 to the Radnor Memorial Library Seed Library and $250 to support a garden/nature club at local elementary schools (STEELS books purchase).
• Budget: The EAC’s 2026 budget proposal of $15,000 was previously supported in August. Current 2025 balance is $1,825, with $1,106 in pending expenses (including the two donations), leaving approximately $700. The Council seeks additional speakers for the remainder of the year to utilize allocated funds.
• Upcoming Events:
  • Wayne Business Association Fall Festival (September 21, 12–4 PM) – EAC table staffed by Laura Lucer.
  • Owl Encounter & Night Hike at the Willows (November 14, 7–9:30 PM; rain date November 15).
  • Delaware County Household Hazardous Waste Collection (October 11, registration required).
  • Treefest (October 26) at the Willows.
• Next Steps: Dan will contact Kathy Agnew to request a presentation to the Board of Commissioners on the gas leaf blower ban. Bess and Sven will draft short articles for township social media on fall planting and “Leave the Leaves.” Dan will seek detailed suggestions from members on amending the grass height ordinance.