Radnor Township Board of Health Meeting - November 17, 2025

The Radnor Township Board of Health convened on November 17, 2025, at 5:30 PM. The meeting addressed organizational changes, communicable disease updates, student intern projects, and proposed recommendations on carpet replacement and e-scooter regulation. Significant resignations were announced, and the board reviewed routine approvals.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The board approved the September 15, 2025 (revised) and October 20, 2025 meeting minutes. Both were approved with minor typographical corrections to be submitted by David. Motions were made and seconded for each set.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Diana Pope (Windermere Avenue): Spoke in support of recording a recommendation for pertussis (whooping cough) vaccination, noting that mentioning the disease without explicitly recommending vaccination could be missed. She emphasized the importance for new parents and older adults.
• Former School Substitute (name not given): Commented on the acellular form of the TDAP vaccine, stating that despite full vaccination, her three children tested positive for pertussis years ago. She noted that pediatricians are aware of this issue and that current recommendations include azithromycin even after two weeks of symptoms.

Discussion Items

• Organizational Issues: Chairman Lucy announced that David (eight years of service) and Seth are resigning after the December meeting, and she is also resigning due to a family move to the Hershey area. This will leave four vacant seats on the seven-member board. The board discussed the need to fill vacancies; at least two candidates have expressed interest, with a third pending. The chairman noted this as both a disruption and an opportunity for new leadership.
• Important Health Dates: November is American Diabetes Month (10% of U.S. population estimated to have diabetes, one-quarter unaware), COPD Awareness Month, and Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung cancer screening recommendations were reviewed: low-dose CT for ages 50–80 with a 20-pack-year smoking history, currently smoking or quit within 15 years, annual screening recommended.
• Student Intern Program Update: Two interns presented initial project ideas. Healy is researching the connection between sleep and academic performance in adolescents, with a focus on later school start times at Radnor High School. A second intern is examining public services to the elderly disrupted by government shutdowns, with potential collaboration with the Wayne Senior Center.
• Communicable Disease Update (Dr. David): No outbreaks of flu, COVID-19, or RSV reported in the U.S. The CDC website is not updating regularly; there is no functioning MMWR. A new H3N2 flu strain with seven mutations from the vaccine strain is circulating in the UK. Pennsylvania Department of Health recommends vaccination for flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumococcus for healthcare workers and long-term care staff. An outbreak of infant botulism linked to contaminated formula (ByHeart Whole Nutrition) has been reported in 23 states, including Pennsylvania, with a voluntary recall. Pertussis activity is low but expected to rise seasonally. Raw milk outbreaks continue. Dr. David noted that the leading cause of death for ages 6–24 is now firearm violence, surpassing motor vehicle accidents—a testament to vaccine effectiveness.
• Old Business – Carpet Installation: The board discussed drafting a recommendation to the township to replace carpet in the administration building using environmentally sustainable materials, considering financial factors. The motion was to send a formal statement to the board for a vote at the next meeting. The RFP for the carpet has not yet been issued; a board recommendation could inform the RFP.
• New Business – Radnor School District Update (Maureen Larerio, via board member): No flu outbreak; one case reported at Wayne Elementary. Common colds, a few GI issues, and several cases of mono at Radnor High School. The district has about 3,500 students and approximately 1,000 staff. Handwashing and stay-home reminders are posted.
• Board of Commissioners Update (Maggie): The e-scooter/e-bike ordinance will be introduced at the November 17 Board of Commissioners meeting. The ordinance would require e-scooters to be used only on private property (not on roads, trails, or parks), and e-bikes must follow bike rules, with helmets required for ages 16 and under. Enforcement details are included. Maggie noted that the bridge safety system (hanging PVC pipes) on the Radnor side has prevented bridge strikes, though some pipes are flipped. She also mentioned the county's Vision Zero Delco initiative to reduce traffic fatalities.
• County Update (Lucy): Delaware County reported higher rates of sexually transmitted diseases (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis) compared to other Pennsylvania counties, but lower than Philadelphia and higher than Chester County. Zip codes 19087 and 19085 had notable case numbers. Free self-testing kiosks for chlamydia and gonorrhea are available in Eddystone and Media.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: Both sets of minutes (September 15 revised and October 20) were approved with minor corrections.
• Resignations: Chairman Lucy, David, and Seth will resign after the December 2025 meeting, leaving four vacancies. The board will seek new members; candidates have been identified.
• Carpet Recommendation: A formal statement on environmentally sustainable carpet replacement will be drafted and voted on at the next meeting.
• E-Scooter/E-Bike Ordinance: Introduced at the Board of Commissioners meeting on November 17; expected to be controversial but likely to pass.
• Next Steps: The next meeting will include a student presentation by the League of Women Voters and a vote on the carpet recommendation. The board will continue recruitment for new members.