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Council introduces ordinance to formalize Environmental Advisory Committee
Summary
Upper Darby council approved an amendment and introduced ordinance 2026‑09 to formalize the township’s Environmental Advisory Committee, codifying a two‑decade advisory body and giving the committee a staff liaison and budgetary controls 'approved by council.'
On July 1 the Upper Darby Township Council introduced ordinance 2026‑09 to formally establish an Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) and added a clarifying amendment on appropriation language.
Counselor McIntyre moved to amend section 21.17 to add the phrase “approved by council” to the subsection on appropriation of funds; the amendment was seconded and carried by voice vote. Following the amendment, Counselor Denofio Bazone moved to introduce the amended ordinance as advertised, and the motion carried.
Counselor Denofio Bazone said the township’s EAC has functioned as a mayoral advisory group for over 20 years and that the ordinance is the product of two years of work involving staff liaisons and solicitor advice that an ordinance was appropriate. The ordinance will amend chapter 21 of the township code to create Article 4 establishing the EAC, its duties and a staff liaison role.
Supporters at the public forum included Peggy Kowolski, chair of the environmental committee, and Wendy Heatherington, an EAC member, both of whom described longstanding volunteer projects—cleanups, tree plantings, pollinator gardens and a seed library—and urged formalization so volunteers can coordinate with township staff.
Next steps: The ordinance was introduced with a public hearing and action set for July 15, 2026. The council’s amendment clarified that any appropriations tied to the EAC must be approved by council.
