Radnor Township Board of Commissioners Meeting - November 24, 2025
Radnor Township Board of Commissioners Meeting - November 24, 2025
The Radnor Township Board of Commissioners met on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Radnorshire Room. The meeting included public participation, approval of a consent agenda, introduction of ordinances, a caucus on a subdivision, and adoption of the 2026 budget and related financial items.
Consent Calendar
- Approved unanimously: Minutes of November 10, 2025; 2026 Township Meeting Dates; 2026 Holiday Schedule; Chief Monthly Report – November 2025; Staff Traffic Committee Minutes – October 15, 2025; HARB 2025-13 – Certificate of Appropriateness for 303 S Wayne Avenue; Resolution 2025-160 supporting Vision Zero; Resolution 2025-162 authorizing a contract with MGT, LLC for an executive search firm (not to exceed $26,000); Resolution 2025-151 for a T2 Systems software agreement.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Joe Schumacher (South Valley Forge Road, resident 13 years) stated that a township drain pipe under his property has been collapsing since 2021, creating a large pit near Wayne Elementary School. He reported that despite numerous contacts with the township, only riprap was placed in the pit, and the pipe continues to collapse. He requested that the approved design project begin in early 2026 as part of the final budget and bond issue, emphasizing that five years is too long to wait.
- Kevin Haynes (378 Morris Road) commented on the e-bike ordinance, noting the irony of the Commonwealth requiring helmets for e-bikes and e-scooters but not for motorcycles. He expressed full support for helmet laws.
- Baron Gemmer (South Wayne Avenue) raised questions about definitions in the e-bike ordinance, particularly concerning class one vs. class two electric bicycles and the treatment of gas-powered motorized bicycles.
- Michael Devine (Gay World Drive) asked whether the prohibition on e-scooters on public streets applies to neighborhood streets, and suggested that people with medical conditions should be aware of risks when riding.
- Andy Goldenberg (11 Meadowcrest Road, resident 22 years) spoke in opposition to the Meadowcrest subdivision, citing road safety, inadequate infrastructure, excessive tree removal (26 mature trees), increased impervious coverage, loss of privacy and natural light, and the setting of a bad precedent. He urged denial of the subdivision and proposed a single-family home instead.
- John Tolucci (113 Chew Lane) also opposed the Meadowcrest plan, arguing that waivers are being sought for financial gain, the road network already exceeds the five-building limit, and the development would destroy the pocket neighborhood character. He noted that his property provides legal access to the road, making eight lots total.
Discussion Items
- 3C – Ordinance 2025-08 (E-Bike and E-Scooter Regulations) – Introduction: Solicitor Rice presented an updated draft ordinance that would incorporate state law restrictions, including prohibiting e-scooters on public streets and limiting e-bikes on township property except when visiting township buildings. Amendments were made to add an exception for township building visits and to change the term “violator” to “person” in the penalties section. A proposed amendment to ban under-16 operation on private property was withdrawn after Commissioner Agnew expressed discomfort. The ordinance sets a $25 fine for first violations, with escalation to a non-traffic citation if unpaid. Chief Flanagan described a planned public education campaign. Commissioner Coates raised accessibility concerns for people with mobility aids. After discussion, the ordinance was introduced with a 6-1 vote.
- 3D – Caucus: 3 Meadowcrest Road Subdivision (No Vote): The applicant presented a revised plan reorienting lots after a rear-yard issue was raised. Neighbors reiterated concerns about road safety, waivers, tree removal, and overdevelopment. Commissioner Agnew suggested the applicant work more closely with neighbors to reduce square footage and improve compatibility. The item was a caucus with no action taken; future discussion anticipated.
- 3E – Resolution 2025-113 (Sewage Facilities Module): Due to the controversy surrounding the Meadowcrest subdivision, the board voted to table the resolution.
- 3F – Resolution 2025-121 (Strafford Walk Final Approval): Greg Lingo of Rockwell Stratford LLC summarized improvements made through neighborhood engagement. The resolution was approved unanimously (Commissioner Abel absent).
- 3G – Ordinance 2025-11 (Handicap Parking Spaces) – Introduction: The ordinance removes one handicap space at 166 Meredith Avenue and adds spaces at 232 Poplar Avenue and 114 North Lowrys Lane. Approved unanimously.
- 4A – 2026 Budget (Ordinance 2025-13) – Introduction: Manager Bill White presented the 2026 budget options, citing a $1 million general fund deficit driven by unreliable business tax revenue and fixed cost growth (wages, benefits). He compared Radnor’s low millage rate to neighboring municipalities and presented three scenarios: (1) no tax increase with staffing freezes and service cuts; (2) break-even with a 0.1789 mill increase ($98.50/year for median taxpayer); (3) full staffing (including three police officers) with a 0.3119 mill increase ($171/year); and (4) a middle-ground “civilian” option with a 0.2249 mill increase ($123/year). Commissioners broadly supported a tax increase to stabilize revenue and fund capital projects. Commissioner Mulrooney moved to introduce the budget at the 0.2249 mill increase (civilian option), with a request to explore adding one or two police officers incrementally. The motion passed 6-1.
- 4B – Sewer Rent Rate (Ordinance 2025-14) – Introduction: The rate increases 2.7% from $13.11 to $13.46 per thousand gallons (approximately $0.35/month for typical users). The fund is in strong financial shape, with funds set aside for sewer camera inspections and emergency repairs. Unanimously approved.
- 4C – Stormwater Fee (Resolution 2025-161): The fee remains unchanged from 2025. Unanimously approved.
Key Outcomes
- Ordinance 2025-08 (E-Bikes & E-Scooters) introduced as amended (6-1) to allow public hearing at a future meeting.
- Meadowcrest Subdivision caucus held; no vote; sewage module tabled.
- Strafford Walk final land development plan approved unanimously.
- Handicap parking ordinance introduced unanimously.
- 2026 Budget introduced with a 0.2249 mill increase (projected $123/year for median taxpayer) and intention to explore adding one or two police officers. Final adoption scheduled.
- Sewer rate increased 2.7% (to $13.46/thousand gallons) introduced unanimously.
- Stormwater fee kept flat for 2026.
- Upcoming events: Elves for Shelves (Dec 5) and Hanukkah Menorah Lighting (Dec 14) announced; board extended Thanksgiving wishes.
Meeting Transcript
To the Board of Commissioners meeting for Monday, November 24th. I'd like to call the meeting to order if you would join me for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance. Thank you. I would like to give notice that we had an executive session immediately prior to this meeting to discuss personnel, legal, and real estate issues. Members of the public are welcome to speak for up to five minutes on any topic you choose. If it is in regard to something that's on the agenda and you can stay for that, it's often better listened to and taken in context, but not necessary. You can speak whenever you want. Just give your name and your street. Any takers? Seeing none. Oh, wait. Oh, I'm sorry. Come on up. Just tell us your name and street, and you can have five minutes. Uh hi, my name is Joe Schumacher, and uh my wife and I have lived on South Valley Forge Road for 13 years. Um the township has a drain pipe that goes under my property from South Valley Forge Road, runs the length of the property probably about 200 yards, and uh dumps out uh in some wetland area immediately adjacent to Wayne Elementary School. Since 2021, the pipe has been collapsing, and it started a collapse where the where the water comes out near the school. Uh it created a pit that was probably 20 feet long, six feet deep, ten feet wide. Uh and again, it was immediately adjacent to the to the school. Um I have been in contact with the township countless times back and forth. Um the township has always said, okay, we're gonna take care of it, we're gonna take care of it. Uh, but it hasn't been taken care of. Uh a couple of years ago, uh they did come in and put what's called riprap, a bunch of rocks in into the pit. So at least the pit was full and that uh alleviated the danger somewhat. Uh but in the meantime, it it just keeps collapsing, and you can follow a line from from the outlet uh up the property, and there's a hole here, and there's a hole here, and there's a whole here. It just it just keeps collapsing. So there's still a danger, and obviously the property is being devalued. Uh it is my understanding that the design for the project has been approved since uh 2022. Um what I'm here to ask is that uh uh you know my understanding is subject to the final budget being approved and the bond issue being approved, uh, that it would be a project that would be begun in early 2026 and completed in 2026. And all I'm asking is that happen. Uh five years seems long enough. Thank you. Thank you very much. We'll try to get somebody to get back to you. Thank you. Any further public participation? This time, seeing none. Um I'm gonna move on um to Commissioner Mulrooney wants to make a quick statement. Hi, I just wanted to welcome our um Boy Scouts today. This is Troop 284, Radner's um scouting troop here to earn their merit badge, and I just wanted to acknowledge you and the troop leaders, and thank you for being here tonight. Welcome. All right, we'll move on to the consent agenda. Um is there any item on the consent agenda that a commissioner or member of the public would like to pull for discussion? Seeing none, could I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? So moved. So moved by Commissioner Mulrooney in a second. Second by Commissioner Riley. Um all in favor. Aye.
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