Radnor Township Board of Commissioners Organization and Regular Meeting - January 5, 2026
Radnor Township Board of Commissioners Organization and Regular Meeting - January 5, 2026
The meeting began with an Organization Meeting to swear in newly elected commissioners, elect officers, and appoint officials, followed by a Regular Meeting that included public comments, approval of a consent agenda, and discussion and votes on several ordinances and resolutions. Key topics included a sign ordinance amendment, a motion to initiate eminent domain for open space, and a contractor ordinance tied to fee waivers.
Consent Calendar
- Approved minutes of November 24 and December 8, 2025.
- Resolution 2026-02: Authorized workers compensation insurance coverage at $523,619 for 2026, funded from General and Sewer Funds.
- Resolution 2026-03: Authorized a grant application to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society for the Willows Riparian Repair Project ($15,750 grant) with remaining $19,251.20 from the Commemorative Shade Tree Fund.
- Resolution 2026-08: Ended the emergency disaster declaration related to recent Delaware County hospital closures.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Sarah Pilling (44 years on Garrett Avenue) honored the memory of Sam Horsey, a longtime African American patriarch and community leader in Garrett Hill, noting his service in the Army Reserve, as a postal worker, and in the Garrett Hill Town Watch.
- David Mackey (small business owner) criticized a September 2025 memo from zoning official Kochansky that reinterpreted sign size rules, forcing him to pay $7,000 in legal and architectural fees for a zoning hearing. He praised Commissioner Maggie Myers for professionalism and noted that an agenda item (Ordinance 2026-03) aims to correct the interpretation.
- Brian Unoviac (owner of Science Studios, a sign company) supported Mackey, arguing the reinterpretation would harm many Wayne businesses (citing examples) and said he was never consulted about the change.
- Robert Deig (123 Poplar Wing) spoke in favor of the Responsible Contracting Ordinance (RCO) amendment, emphasizing that the school district’s upcoming geothermal project requires highly qualified contractors for safety and cost certainty, and that RCO has proven effective at the county level.
- John Tolucci (neighbor) urged the board to hear all sides regarding the Meadowcrest subdivision before deciding.
Discussion Items
- Oath of Office and Reorganization: Maggy Myers (2nd Ward), Jim Riley (4th Ward), and Howard Childs (6th Ward) were sworn in. Jim Riley was elected President and Maggy Myers Vice President. Appointments included Township Solicitor John Rice, Labor Attorney Joseph Rudolf, Secretary Bill White, Assistant Secretary Peggy Hagen, and liaisons to boards and commissions. Reappointments and new appointments to various boards were approved unanimously.
- Land Development Plan – 270 S. Bryn Mawr (Lumais Project): Presentation tabled because the applicant was absent.
- Resolution 2026-07 – Gilmore & Associates Engagement: Approved (unanimous) to provide planning review and ordinance analysis for the wellness facility, with costs not to exceed $10,000 to be reimbursed by the developer.
- Resolution 2026-04 – Meadowcrest Subdivision: Tabled after discussion. The applicant’s attorney presented revisions increasing setbacks to 30 feet and reducing house size; neighbors disputed the actual square footage. Board deferred to January 26.
- Resolution 2026-05 – Sewage Facilities Planning Module: Tabled alongside the subdivision.
- Resolution 2026-06 – Radnor Chester Road Lot Line Change: Approved unanimously; applicant described it as an amicable transfer.
- Motion on Eminent Domain – Valley Forge Military Academy Property: Approved. Commissioner Childs explained the need for open space and a replacement for Solpe-so Jim, citing recent overdevelopment in North Wayne. The motion authorizes the solicitor to prepare necessary legislation for potential condemnation.
- Ordinance 2026-02 (Contractors – RCO Amendment): Introduced. After debate, the board voted to remove Section 14 (blanket fee waiver for school district) and keep Section 15 (any entity receiving a fee waiver must comply with the RCO). The amended ordinance was approved.
- Ordinance 2026-03 (Signs): Introduced and approved. Corrects the interpretation of wall sign area calculations to the long-standing practice (2 sq ft per linear foot for first 15 feet, resulting in 30 sq ft).
- Ordinance 2026-04 (Fee Schedule): Introduced and approved. Key changes include adjustments to developer escrow requirements and rear yard trash collection fees.
- Items 3J through 3N (Ordinances 2026-05 to 2026-08): These items were pulled from the agenda at the start of the meeting and were not discussed.
- New Business – Wawa Zoning Appeal: Approved a motion to send the township solicitor to the January 15, 2026 Zoning Hearing Board meeting regarding Wawa’s variance application.
- New Business – Economic Development Manager: Introduction of Sam Thomas as the new Economic Development Manager, effective January 5.
Key Outcomes
- New commissioners sworn in; officers and officials appointed.
- Consent agenda approved unanimously.
- Resolution 2026-07 (Gilmore engagement) approved.
- Resolution 2026-06 (Radnor Chester lot line) approved.
- Motion to initiate eminent domain process for Valley Forge Military Academy property approved.
- Ordinance 2026-02 introduced and approved as amended (removal of Section 14).
- Ordinance 2026-03 (signs) introduced and approved.
- Ordinance 2026-04 (fee schedule) introduced and approved.
- Motion to send solicitor to Wawa ZHB meeting approved.
- Items 3A, 3C, 3D tabled to January 26, 2026.
- Items 3J–3N pulled from agenda and not acted upon.
Meeting Transcript
Meeting is president. Um, I'd like to call the meeting to order. Could you join me for the Pledge of Allegiance? I pledge allegiance to apply the United States. Our first order of business is uh the oath of office for the second, fourth, and sixth ward commissioners, myself, Commissioner Riley, and Commissioner Childs. Meet me down below. Please raise your right hand. And repeat after the name. I, Maggie Myers. I Maggie Myers. Do solemnly swear. Solemnly swear. That I will support, obey, and defend. That I will support, obey, and defend. The Constitution of the United States. The Constitution of the United States. The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. And the Home Rule Charter of Radner Township. And the Home Rule Charter of Radner Town. And I will discharge the duties of Commissioner. And I will discard the duties of Commissioner. Of Radner Township. Of Radar House. With fidelity. Thanks. Please raise your right hand. Repeat after me. I Jim Riley. I do my own. That I will support, obey, and defend. Support and defend. Obey and defend the Constitution of the United States. The Constitution of the United States. The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. And the Home Rule Charter of Radner Township. And the whole charter of Radner County. And I will discharge the duties of Commissioner. I will discharge the duties of Commissioner of Radner Township Township with fidelity. I our child. Second. Second by Commissioner Agnew. Are there any other nominees? Seeing none, let's vote on the election of President Jim Riley. All in favor? Aye. Aye. It's unanimous. Next is the election of vice president of the board of commissioners. I'm gonna open up the table for a motion there.
openpublica.com