Radnor Township Board of Commissioners Meeting - June 15, 2026
Radnor Township Board of Commissioners Meeting - June 15, 2026
The Radnor Township Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Monday, June 15, 2026, beginning at 6:30 PM at the Radnorshire Room. The meeting included the recognition of a longtime volunteer, public comments, a major caucus on a mixed-use development, introduction of several ordinances, and approval of multiple resolutions and consent agenda items.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Meeting Minutes: Minutes of the May 18, 2026 Board of Commissioners Meeting were approved.
- Chief Monthly Report - June 2026 – Accepted.
- Resolution 2026-84: Accepting the 2025 Audited Financial Statements and Independent Auditor’s Report.
- Resolution 2026-73: Renewal of Euna Solutions Grant Pre-Award Software subscription at a total cost of $16,391.
- Resolution 2026-76: Renewal of Microsoft Office 365 email and Office Suite for $33,636.93.
- Resolution 2026-75: Award of annual HVAC maintenance contract to JJ White, Inc. for $28,000 (General Fund).
- Resolution 2026-74: Purchase of bollard lights and street light pole for Wayne Walk Community for $8,969 (General Fund Street Light Maintenance Account).
- Resolution 2026-77: Purchase of a Ford Expedition SSV under COSTARS from Fred Beans Ford for $54,542 (insurance proceeds and Capital Fund).
- Resolution 2026-81: Hiring Aspirant Consulting Group LLC for PA State Accreditation of Police Department for $12,500 (Police Operational Budget).
- Authorization to Receive Sealed Bids: Replacement of deteriorated storm sewer at 607 South Valley Forge Road.
- Resolution 2026-79: Acceptance of Deed of Dedication – St. Honoré.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Sarah Pilling (45-year Garrett Hill resident) urged the Township to remediate the sidewalk along Garrett Avenue abutting Emlin Tonel Field, citing three pedestrian injuries in recent years and a recent incident where a wheelchair had to veer into the street due to obstructions. She called for a township-wide review of sidewalk conditions.
- A resident and musician expressed strong support for 118 North, noting its commitment to the community through fundraisers (e.g., Safe After Prom, scholarships). He suggested a possible compromise: retain the 118 North structure and build three stories on the adjacent lot, adding two stories on top of 118 North with support columns, rather than full demolition.
- Connie Congleton (408 Midland Avenue) presented a petition signed by over 550 residents asking the township to pause development at 118-120 North Wayne Avenue until the Vision for Wayne survey is completed. Key concerns: lack of a completed vision, risk to the historic downtown character, significant community impact, and unresolved environmental and infrastructure questions.
- Pam Lavin (116 Windermere Avenue) spoke against the development, characterizing it as "greed of one entity" overriding community needs.
- A longtime Wayne merchant (55 years) opposed the project, citing overcrowding, parking shortages, construction disruption, and the loss of the historic small-town feel. He called for a parking garage before further development.
- Mary Packer (27 Fairview Drive) reiterated concerns about parking, congestion, and the impact on existing merchants, urging careful deliberation.
- Paola Coppola (owner of Power Speed City) expressed general support for the project but voiced strong concerns about construction disruption, the alley access for tenants, and emergency vehicle access.
- Michael Scaro (co-owner of Power Speed City) worried that demolition could damage adjacent structures due to thin shared walls.
- Michael Ellis (owner of Teresa's Cafe) highlighted the difficulty of the alley for deliveries and parking, the congestion caused by the new building's three-fold increase in square footage, and fire access limitations.
- Andy Dickerson (also from Teresa's Cafe) acknowledged the developer's cooperation but feared this project would set a precedent that undermines future comprehensive planning and harm signature community events (e.g., Wayne Music Festival, car show, Halloween).
Discussion Items
3.A. Caucus – Preliminary Land Development Plan for 118-120 N. Wayne Avenue
- Presentation: David Falcone (applicant’s attorney), Dan Cellino (architect), John Anderson (civil engineer), and an environmental attorney presented the proposal to demolish two existing buildings and construct a three-story mixed-use building. The first floor would include a restaurant (intended for 118 North) and a retail/gallery space; the second floor would be office space (owner self-occupied, capped at 6 employees per ZHB condition); the third floor would have four studio apartments (not three as initially stated).
- Variances: Two variances had been granted by the Zoning Hearing Board without objection: one for loading space, one for number of parking spaces (four spaces assigned to the apartments). The ZHB and Planning Commission recommended no assigned parking for residents to avoid traffic in the rear easement.
- Design Features: The building features a third-floor setback (11 feet from the front facade) to reduce visual massing. Façade materials are red brick and limestone. The roof includes a green/blue roof combination for stormwater management, with private decks for each apartment.
- Environmental Reports: The applicant submitted Phase I, Phase II soil and air sampling reports. Soil had one exceedance (thallium, possibly a typo for vanadium). Indoor air sampling for VOCs showed an exceedance of the residential standard for PCE/TCE but passed commercial standards. The applicant committed to installing a vapor barrier during construction and will conduct post-construction indoor air sampling to determine if a vapor intrusion system is needed.
- Stormwater Management: The site is nearly 100% impervious. The green/blue roof system is proposed to control runoff, but two waivers are needed: one for infiltration (due to lack of suitable area) and one for the meadow condition calculation. The applicant argued that no stormwater conveyance exists on North Wayne Avenue; all roof runoff currently drains to the street.
- Commissioner Questions: Commissioner Larkin noted that the mean grade calculation may not comply with the ordinance (20-foot intervals around perimeter). Roof decks may constitute a use not enclosed in a building, potentially requiring a waiver. The driveway width (13.8 feet) violates the 25-foot two-way standard—a waiver is requested. He asked about the environmental testing gaps, the need for a formal remediation plan, and the proposed vapor intrusion system’s impact on nearby outdoor dining. He pressed for a construction management plan and an updated environmental consultant to appear before the board.
- Owner Statement: Joe Smogard, the property owner, stated he purchased the site with the intention of locating his businesses there long-term but has faced online abuse (including being called a pedophile). He indicated he might consider selling if the project is not approved.
3.B. Ordinance 2026-17 – Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots (Introduction)
- Solicitor’s Explanation: The ordinance replaces the current general provisions with a more restrictive framework. Key changes: voluntary demolition of a nonconforming structure is deemed abandonment, requiring new construction to comply with current zoning; changes from one nonconforming use to another will require a special exception with stricter criteria; undersized nonconforming lots may need to be consolidated. The ordinance also clarifies abandonment presumption (one year of non-use is a rebuttable presumption, not automatic).
- Public Comment: Roberta Winters expressed concern that the ordinance might conflict with the Garrett Hill overlay district, but the solicitor clarified that the new ordinance only applies to nonconformities under the Garrett Hill zoning, and existing overlay provisions remain intact.
- Vote: Approved for introduction (unanimous). It will be advertised for a public hearing at the July 20 meeting.
3.C. Ordinance 2026-16 – Handicapped Parking at Wayne Senior Center (Introduction)
- Converts four metered parking spaces on the west side of the Wayne Senior Center to handicapped parking to improve access for seniors; in evenings, these spaces can be used by restaurant patrons.
- Vote: Unanimously approved.
3.D. Ordinance 2026-14 – No Parking on Trianon Lane (Introduction)
- Establishes no parking on one side of Trianon Lane for 650 feet (between 215 and 219 Trianon Lane) due to sight distance and safety concerns. Estimated loss of about 20 parking spaces, but ample parking remains on the other side and most homes have driveways.
- Vote: Unanimously approved.
3.E. Ordinance 2026-15 – No Parking on Francis Avenue (Introduction)
- Prohibits parking on the west side of Francis Avenue for the full length, to improve safety for trash trucks, emergency vehicles, and snow plows. Residents currently park naturally on one side; the change codifies existing practice.
- Vote: Unanimously approved.
3.F. Ordinance 2026-18 – Stormwater Authority (Introduction)
- Repeals the expired Chapter 56 Municipal Authority and establishes a new Stormwater Authority under the Municipality Authorities Act. The authority will oversee stormwater management, MS4 permit compliance, and stormwater fee collection (fees subject to Board approval). Five members will be appointed. A public hearing is scheduled for July 20, 2026.
- Vote: Unanimously approved for introduction.
3.G. Resolution 2026-83 – Establishing a Public Art Commission
- Commissioner Larkin proposed creating a commission to develop a public art program for the township. The commission would engage residents, identify locations, and propose standards; no art program is established at this time. The resolution passed with strong support from the board.
- Vote: Unanimously approved.
3.H. Resolution 2026-78 – Skunk Hollow Culvert Design Contract
- Awards a $297,400 contract to GFT, Inc. for design, permitting, and bidding documents to replace the severely deteriorated culvert in Skunk Hollow Park. The culvert serves the park parking lot and leaf recycling area. The project will proceed under an emergency basis with DEP. Engineering fees represent about 25-30% of the estimated $1 million construction cost and are based on a defined scope.
- Vote: Unanimously approved.
3.I. Resolution 2026-82 – 2026 Superpave Street Resurfacing Project
- Awards the contract to Glasgow, Inc. (lowest qualified bidder) in the amount of $1,081,521.90 for street resurfacing. A map and list of streets were provided.
- Vote: Unanimously approved.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Agenda: All items approved unanimously.
- Caucus (118-120 N. Wayne Ave): No vote taken; caucus only. Next step is a preliminary hearing at a future meeting where a vote will occur. The applicant was directed to address numerous items raised by Commissioner Larkin, including mean grade calculation, roof deck waiver, driveway waiver, environmental remediation plan, construction plan, and provision of all documents shown.
- Ordinances Introduced: 2026-17 (Nonconforming Uses), 2026-18 (Stormwater Authority) – both to be advertised for public hearings on July 20, 2026. Parking ordinances (2026-14, 2026-15, 2026-16) were adopted as introduced.
- Resolutions Adopted: Public Art Commission established (2026-83); Skunk Hollow culvert design contract awarded to GFT ($297,400); 2026 street resurfacing contract awarded to Glasgow ($1,081,521.90).
Meeting Transcript
This Monday, June 15th, 2026 at 645 p.m. Will you please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance? Thank you. Before we get started, I'd like to give notice of an executive sessions held on June 8th last Monday and also just prior to this meeting to discuss legal and real estate matters. Okay, we're going to start off with the recognition of Bob Mickliss for his contributions of the seal of Radner Township stained glass project. So this is uh for Bob Nicholas. I I met Bob 35 years ago before I had kids, and I started teaching or coaching, they needed coaches for Radner Little League on the bigger fields. And I think it was the time Bob was actually coaching his own kids at the time. Since then he was coaching other kids, his brothers' kids, busy coaching. He was also organizing all of Radner Little League, Radner Basketball schedules, soccer schedules. He was involved in everything. If somebody wanted a youth sport, you would talk to him. If you want to flag football, you would talk to him, he would tell you what what you had to do. And he was a great uh mentor. Thank you, Tammy. Thank you, uh, and good evening, everybody. Um, for one of the days of the year where I actually am losing my voice, it's the day I have to recognize Bob Nicholas, and I feel so bad about that. Um Bob and I had the opportunity to work together for my entire career here in Radner Township, which is now going on 27 years, amazingly. So I wanted to have Bob come up, because I do want to read something to him, although I might not get all the way through it, and I may have to have Bakir, our program supervisor, jump in and help me. So I really apologize for my voice. It was great this morning when we met with staff for some reason I lost my voice today. Um so I don't normally sound this good or sound this bad. I usually sound a lot better with a lot of better uh inflections, but I do have something that I want to say about Bob. Um so if you guys will all bear with me because as you can see by everybody that's here in the room tonight, um, especially those that are standing along the back, they are here to celebrate Bob because that's how meaningful he is to our community. So tonight we gather not only to unveil a remarkable artistic contribution to the Radner Township Municipal Building, but also to honor an extraordinary resident of 43 years, Bob Nicholas, whose dedication, creativity, and service have enriched our community for more than four decades. His beautiful stained glass rendering, which we're gonna look at here shortly on the screens, of the Radner Township seal will now be permanently displayed in our buildings, glass enclosed East Entrance Festibule is far more than a work of art. It's a reflection of Bob himself, crafted with care and dedicated to the community that he loves. It serves as a lasting symbol of Radner Town Township's history, its values, and its identity, while standing as a testament to the spirit of the time and the service that Bob has embodied embodied throughout his life, especially here in Radner. Bob's over four decades of service embody the very essence of parks and recreation, enriching community life through sports, scouting, outdoor stewardship, and the preservation and enhancement of parks, trails, and open spaces. Essentially, Bob's done the work of an employee in Parks and Recreation after all these years of what he has done. And through his dedication, he's created opportunities for residents of all ages to play, learn, explore, connect, and thrive, helping to strengthen the quality of life and the sense of community that make Radner Township such a special place. Bob has impacted and will impact the lives of generations for Radner residents for years to come. The allotted time here tonight doesn't allow us to really fully capture all that he has done. And whatever you think you know that Bob has done, he has done a whole lot more, I can assure you. So at the heart of our youth sports programming, he's helped to create opportunities for our community's youth to learn teamwork, sponsorship, teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, and confidence. He's the founding and managing director of Radner Youth Basketball, which started in 1990. He's had 40 years of coaching and managing, not only within Radner Youth Basketball, but Radner Soccer Club and Radner Wayne Little League, including both baseball and softball. He was the past president and current board member of Radner Wayne Little League since 1988. And he has 35 years of managing the sports registration databases and the online scheduling, which I can assure you has been coming with a lot of a lot of webs and flows over the years with different systems and different technology and how it's evolved. With his leadership of Radner Scouts, he's guided young people through experiences that shaped character, responsibility, and service to others. Yes, that's a picture of Commissioner Riley up there. Thank you to Gary Rathsmill for sending that to me. So he served as the vice president of Radner 280 Friends of Radner 284, maintaining and managing the historic 1882 Radner Schoolhouse and the surrounding open space for scouts. And that stained glass that's up there in the right hand corner is another one of his artistic contributions over at the 1882 Scout House, which is absolutely beautiful. He was assistant scout master for Radner Troop 284 since 1994, assistant scout master for Troop Committee member and Eagle Scout Advisor. He's guided dozens of projects that have happened all across the park system here in Radner. And he's also been a Scout Merit Badge counselor in camping, canoeing, hiking, and backpacking. As an advocate of trails, parks, and recreation and open space, he's worked tiress tirelessly to enhance the quality of life residents throughout Radner Township enjoy. He was instrumental in the planting planning and the building and the maintenance of the township's most cherished hiking trails in Skoncalo Park, along with his son Andy Mikolas, and including the construction of the original Skunkala Bridge, which there's a picture of it up there, which had actually been destroyed by a fire, and then it was replaced. But I know that was a project that you really felt proud of over the years, and it made a big difference in the trail system in Skunkalo.
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