Radnor Township Environmental Advisory Council Meeting - April 15, 2026

The Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) held its regular meeting on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Radnorshire Room. Key topics included a presentation on the Regional Building Energy Benchmarking Program, public comments on gas leaf blowers and steep slope restoration, planning for the May 2 native plant giveaway, and updates on the gas leaf blower phase-out ordinance. The meeting also covered ongoing projects such as the Brook Farm Trail cleanup and the monarch pledge.

Consent Calendar

• The meeting minutes from March 18, 2026, were approved unanimously by all members present.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Diana Pope (Windomirror Avenue resident) made two suggestions:
  1. Include a question about gas-powered leaf blowers in the upcoming township community survey to gauge broader public opinion beyond the town hall attendees.
  2. Propose a demonstration project using native ground covers on steep, difficult-to-mow slopes (e.g., across from the middle school) to reduce mowing costs and noise. The property is privately owned, but she noted the owner might be amenable. The EAC chair called this a "great thought."

Discussion Items

• Regional Building Energy Benchmarking Program – Lauren Pulowski (DVRPC) and Emily Puglis (Green Building United) presented the program and a model ordinance. Key points:
  • Benchmarking measures annual energy use (electricity, gas) and building characteristics to produce an Energy Star score (50 is national median).
  • The program targets large commercial and multifamily buildings over 25,000 sq ft (about 109 buildings in Radnor, covering 74% of gross floor area) and municipal buildings over 5,000 sq ft.
  • The model ordinance has been reviewed by legal counsel (Fox Rothschild) and found consistent with municipal police powers.
  • Compliance is phased: municipal buildings by June 30, 2027; other covered buildings by June 30, 2028.
  • The program is grant-funded through June 2027, with additional funding sought. DVRPC and GBU provide extensive support (help desk, training, data analysis).
  • In Q&A, Sven asked about measurable carbon reductions; presenters cited typical 3-15% energy savings in comparable programs. Sven also requested sample reports to show actionable insights.
• Gas Leaf Blower (GLB) Phase-Out – Chair Dan reported a town hall on April 7 with mixed reactions (approximately 45 opposed, 5 in favor). EAC urged members to attend the Board of Commissioners town hall on April 23 to show support. The possibility of adding Zoom access was raised and Ian agreed to arrange it.
• Native Plant Giveaway (May 2) – Over 100 households already registered out of 250 slots. Volunteers needed for bagging plants on May 1 (Friday afternoon) and for the giveaway (9 AM–12 PM at Township Building). Additional plants will go to schools.
• Monarch Pledge – Anjana proposed the township take the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge through the National Wildlife Federation. Commissioner Kathy Agnew (Riley) volunteered to submit the pledge; deadline extended to May 15. The EAC will assist with action items.
• Brooke Farm Trail Cleanup – Bess reported that access is being negotiated with the Mill Dam Club (owner of the trailhead). A cleanup event is possible in May or June, partnering with Delco Revolution mountain biking team, pending liability waivers.
• Single-Use Plastic Bags – Discussion about farmers market bag usage. Sven noted that paper bags have higher environmental impact for produce, and the existing ordinance may have exceptions for produce. EAC decided not to investigate further unless violations are observed.
• Other Items – Road salt presentation to Board of Health on April 20; seed library support (volunteer help, not funding); limiting mature tree removal (leaflet for plant giveaway); Route 30 native plant corridor (exploring a site along Radnor Trail near high school).

Key Outcomes

• The EAC approved the March 18 minutes.
• The benchmarking presentation will be shared with the meeting minutes.
• EAC members will attend the GLB town hall on April 23 at 6:30 PM (hybrid Zoom option to be added).
• The native plant giveaway on May 2 will proceed; raffle for trees postponed to next year.
• Commissioner Riley will submit the Monarch Pledge by May 15.
• The EAC will present tap water chloride data to the Board of Health on April 20.
• Sven and Bess will prepare newsletter articles for the summer issue (eco-friendly yard, mosquito bucket, milkweed, GLB education).
• The EAC will coordinate with Parks & Rec on the Brooke Farm Trail cleanup and the Radnor Trail native plant demonstration site.
• Budget estimates to be finalized by next meeting; seed library grant of $500 tabled until other expenses are confirmed.