Radnor Township Shade Tree Commission Meeting - July 29, 2026

The Radnor Township Shade Tree Commission met on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in the Radnorshire Room. Commissioners approved riparian project work, reviewed the Commemorative Shade Tree Fund, discussed a proposed shade tree ordinance amendment and street-tree replacement policy, and planned for the Wayne Fall Fest. No public comments were offered.

Consent Calendar

• Meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
• No new grading permits, unauthorized tree removals, or violation notices were reported.

Opening Announcement

• The commission agreed to privately fund and plant a memorial tree in September near the home of Sarah Pilling, a former meeting attendee who recently passed away.

Old Business

• Website update (Eugenia): The commission's two websites will be combined under the township's umbrella following a meeting with Molly and Ian, with a September launch/rebrand planned. The updated tree list can be included in the launch content.
• Look-back clause: Tabled because Kristen Scott was absent.

Riparian Project Updates

Willows Riparian Project

• Frank Perras presented updated plans for Abraham's Run and Little Darby Creek. With Gerard Landscaping's bid, both sections can proceed.
• The approved plan includes invasive vegetation removal, planting a minimum of 100 trees and 130 native bushes, about $15,000 for removal/mowing, $30,000 from the Commemorative Shade Tree Fund, and roughly $9,600 in Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) reimbursement. A Pleasant Run Nursery quote supported 72 trees and 134 shrubs and offered free delivery of about $550.
• Frank Perras will send PHS an adjusted-scope letter because the grant was lower than requested, while keeping the project in compliance.
• The commission approved the plan unanimously; it will go to the Board of Commissioners in mid-August.

Warren Philippone Memorial Park (listed as "Filipone Park" on the agenda)

• The 800-foot Little Darby Creek restoration from 2024 has 47 of the original 53 trees remaining; vines have returned, but the remaining trees are healthy. The approved maintenance plan covers one mowing this year, vine removal from the 47 native trees, and structural pruning of the 50 trees for about $7,000 to $7,350. Public Works may reduce the contractor scope by completing part of the work, but contractor help will still be needed.
• The commission approved the plan unanimously and will seek PHS maintenance grants for ongoing care. Frank Perras will also check the other side of the stream for missing trees.

Finance, Recognition, and Outreach

Commemorative Shade Tree Fund

• Frank Perras reported on a June 26 meeting with Bob Tate. The fund is separate from the general fund, receives no taxpayer dollars, and is restricted to residential right-of-way tree planting, park/trail tree planting, and contractual arborist services. A previously unapplied fee-in-lieu was corrected.
• The commission began 2026 with $29,000, had about $44,000 in expenses against $53,000 in available funds, and projects a balance of roughly $19,000 entering 2027 after PHS reimbursement. That money is needed for spring 2027 planting; one participant cautioned against assuming large future donations. Bob Tate will provide quarterly updates.

Green Wall at Township Building

• Frank Perras proposed a wall commemorating Radnor's green accomplishments, but only one plaque is currently available. The group suggested an annually updated donor plaque listing businesses that contribute to the Shade Tree Fund, and Frank Perras will follow up with township staff.

Wayne Fall Fest

• Kristen Scott reported that the commission applied for a free booth at the Wayne Fall Fest on September 20, 2026, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM. She will be unavailable that day, so volunteers are needed for shifts. Planned booth activities include a tree raffle, a prize game, signups for fall street-tree planting, and volunteer forms.

Proposed Ordinance and Policy Discussions

Tree Protection Fence Amendment

• James Gibbons proposed amending the Shade Tree Ordinance to allow a four-foot orange construction safety fence in addition to the existing six-foot wire fence, with the township choosing the standard based on construction risk. Supporters said it would lower costs for minor residential projects, improve visibility, and reduce safety hazards; the six-foot wire fence remains for major grading, heavy equipment, and sensitive trees.
• The commission voted unanimously to advance the proposal to discussions with township engineering and Steve Norsini before any Board of Commissioners introduction, and agreed that an unfavorable engineering review should not automatically stop the item.

Street Tree Replacement Policy

• James Gibbons proposed a policy to replace township street trees removed for safety whenever feasible, selecting species based on site conditions and using the tree fund, fees in lieu, grants, donations, and sponsorships. Discussion clarified the distinction between "street trees" and formal "right-of-way trees," and raised the option of asking the Board of Commissioners for about $10,000 in annual planting funding.
• The commission agreed to continue developing the policy with township staff and to bring a polished version back next month.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the meeting minutes, the Willows Riparian Project plan, and the Warren Philippone Memorial Park maintenance plan.
• Tabled the look-back clause, annual goals, hazardous trees list, and trees-removed list until next month.
• Voted to advance the tree-protection fence amendment to engineering/staff discussions.
• Agreed to continue street-tree replacement policy development and consider a future budget request.
• Received no public comments and adjourned.