On March 17, 2022, Narberth Borough Council passed Resolution #2022-6 affirming the Borough’s participation in the Sustainable Pennsylvania Community Certification Program. The Sustainable Pennsylvania Community Certification, a project of the Pennsylvania Municipal League and Sustainable Pittsburgh, is a voluntary performance recognition program to help municipalities achieve their sustainability goals to save money, conserve resources, and encourage innovation. It is intended to bring recognition to municipalities that are applying the policy and practice of sustainability as their way of operating in order to advance community prosperity. Focused on municipal operations, policies, and practices, the certification also serves as a mechanism for sharing best practices for creating a more sustainable Pennsylvania.
Narberth Borough strives to be a more sustainable community by committing to preservation of community character, balanced planning, and increased community involvement. This dedicated section of our website outlines some of the many initiatives we have undertaken or are starting to undertake to ensure the long term health and vibrancy of Narberth and its residents. Our promise is to continue to promote and improve sustainability through our municipal policies and practices to enrich the lives of our residents and the health of our community.
Sustainable PA Silver Certification
Narberth Borough announced on August 17, 2022, that it is among a select group of high performing municipalities to become certified through the Sustainable Pennsylvania Community Certification program. Narberth Borough is recognized at the Silver level of certification for meeting the program’s rigorous performance criteria which track 131 policies and practices that define a sustainable community.
In earning the Silver certification, Narberth Borough is acknowledged for its progress in such areas as community design and land use, energy efficiency, health and wellness, intergovernmental cooperation, recycling and waste reduction, fiscal controls, and internal management and operations
Sustainability Initiatives
Bike Narberth
LED Streetlight Installation
The Borough of Narberth purchased the streetlights from PECO, and the LED streetlights were installed in 2021. The project is anticipated to be completed by Spring 2022.
Climate Action Plan and EV Charging Stations
Narberth Borough has developed of a Climate Action Plan that was accepted by Narberth’s Borough Council in September 2020. The plan details the steps Narberth will take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, utilities, and municipal waste. Narberth was part of a cohort of 20 municipalities selected by Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection to work with the international group ICLEI to develop plans to help local communities mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and plan for long-term adaptations that climate change will require in Pennsylvania. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on September 10, 2021, for its new electric vehicle charging stations. To read the full Press Release, visit https://www.narberthpa.gov/climate-action-plan-and-ev-charging-stations-press-release/. The Public Health and Safety and Ad Hoc Parking Committees are discussing how to regulate and provide residential EV chargers.
Professional Training
In order to ensure that Narberth Borough provides the best services possible, municipal staff regularly attend professional training, including safety, management, sustainability, and training specific to job duties. In addition, newly elected officials may also participate in local government training such as the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs’ Newly Elected Municipal Officials Training.
Community Involvement
Narberth Borough posts public meeting information, including agendas and meeting packets, on the Borough’s website, Facebook page, bi-annual printed newsletter and weekly emailed newsletter to ensure that opportunities are provided for public participation and civic engagement. Meeting minutes are uploaded to the website once approved and meetings are recorded for public view on the Narberth Civic Association’s YouTube. The community may also visit the Borough’s new webpage dedicated to volunteer opportunities to view a description of all Boards and Commissions, see what positions are available, and submit an application form.
Stormwater Management
Municipalities have been required to demonstrate how they are reducing the amount of pollutants in runoff that enters the stormwater system. To address this the Borough Engineer, in partnership with Council and staff, has developed a Draft Pollution Reduction Plan, currently pending approval by DEP. Narberth Borough has a dedicated webpage for Stormwater Management and has received Notice to Proceed from Montgomery County for stormwater bumpouts, the Borough Engineer expects to have the design ready for bid in June 2022.
Shade Tree Planting
Each fall and spring, the Shade Tree Commission encourages Narberth Borough residents and businesses to plant shade trees on their properties by volunteering with the community to plant them. Tree planting sign up forms and information are emailed in the weekly newsletter and posted to the Narberth Borough Facebook.
Street Tree Management Plan
Public Works Department
The Public Works Department of Narberth has been exploring ways to reduce our emissions and fuel usage. With the support of borough council, borough management and the Narberth EAC, we have been able to begin ordering battery powered landscape equipment. To read more, visit https://www.narberthpa.gov/sustainable-practices-in-public-works/. The Public Works Department does not use pesticides or herbicides.
Municipal Building Energy Audit
In 2021, Narberth Borough requested an energy audit by Pennoni, Narberth’s Engineering firm for the building located at 100 Conway Avenue. The audit is expected to be complete in 2022 and the results will be posted to https://www.narberthpa.gov/information/project-information/plans-reports-presentations/.
Montgomery County C-PACE Program
Montgomery County passed a resolution to adopt C-PACE in July 2020. The Commissioners approved C-PACE to help local commercial, industrial, and agricultural property owners obtain low-cost, long-term financing for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation projects. Upon approving the C-PACE resolution, the commissioners authorized the County to enter into a Cooperative Agreement with Sustainable Energy Fund for the administration of the Program.
Through the C-PACE program, Montgomery County commercial businesses, agriculture interests, and nonprofits can finance clean energy and water efficiency projects with long-term and low-cost financing. To learn more about the program and for information on how to apply, visit https://pacpacecounties.org/county/montgomery-county/.
Property and Grounds Assessment
Single-Use Product Ordinance
In October of 2018, Narberth Borough became the first municipality in the state of Pennsylvania to enact an ordinance restricting plastic bags and straws. Since then, municipalities all across the state have passed similar regulations.
On September 21, 2023, Narberth Borough Council adopted an amendment to its existing Single-Use Product Ordinance to include restriction of non-recycled paper bags, Styrofoam and other expanded polystyrene products, and plastic utensils. The amendment was drafted in collaboration with the Narberth EAC.
The amended ordinance will go into effect September 3, 2024. View the Amended Ordinance.
Overview
- Narberth businesses are prohibited from providing single-use plastic bags and new non-recycled paper bags to customers, including retail and takeout deliveries.
- Narberth businesses are prohibited from providing Styrofoam or other expanded polystyrene products to their customers.
- Businesses can provide customers a compliant recycled paper bag (contains a minimum 40% recycled content) or a reusable bag, for a 10¢ minimum fee.
- Businesses will no longer automatically provide disposable plastic utensils, except upon request of the customer, and with a minimum fee of 10 cents per utensil or set of utensils.
- The ordinance will go into effect on September 3, 2024.
- A business that violates or fails to comply with the ordinance requirements will receive an initial written warning notice. Subsequent violations will be subject to potential fines.
Business Owners and Vendors
As part of the amended Single-Use Product Ordinance, businesses are required to display temporary signage at their location to notify customers of the ordinance. The signage shall be displayed prominently at all points of sale.
Narberth Borough has drafted a Notification Flier for vendor use. Hard copies of the flier can be obtained from the Borough Office during open hours of Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm.
- Businesses can opt out of the minimum fee for compliant recycled paper bags and reusable bags for prepaid takeout orders or deliveries only.
- Minimum fees must be stated on a receipt to the customer at the time of sale.
- Minimum fees cannot be waived, unless the customer is paying with an EBT card, SNAP voucher, WIC, or similar government assistance program related to retail food purchases
- Businesses are permitted to provide customers with a previously used paper bag, at no charge
- Businesses cannot provide plastic straws to customers, except upon request
Enforcement of the amended ordinance starts October 1, 2024. Businesses that fail to comply after an initial written warning shall be subject to the fines below, plus court costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the Borough through enforcement proceedings:
Fines for non-compliance after an initial written warning are as follows:
- Fine of $100 for a first offense within 12 months of written warning
- Fine of $200 for a second offense, occurring within 12 months of the first offense
- Fine of $500 for a third or any subsequent offense, occurring within 12 months of the immediately prior offense
Narberth may apply for a hardship extension of up to one year to use up existing supplies, by submitting a written request to the Borough Manager. See Section 388-10 of Ordinance to see what circumstances would qualify for such an exemption.
Resources
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
- Are businesses permitted to distribute new recycled paper bags? Yes, with a 10 cent minimum fee. The charge for a new recycled paper bag must be separately stated on a receipt provided to the customer at the time of sale.
- Does the minimum fee requirement for utensils and bags apply for food delivery services (DoorDash, GrubHub)? Yes. When requested by the customer, businesses can provide utensils for a minimum charge of 10 cents per utensil or set of utensils, and the fee should be separately stated on the customer’s receipt at the time of sale. Businesses may opt out of the minimum charge for new recycled paper bags for prepaid takeout orders or deliveries.
- Are single-use plastic bags or non-recycled paper bags permitted for takeout of prepared/hot foods? No. They are prohibited for all goods and takeout deliveries, including deliveries using a delivery service from a business located within Narberth Borough. Recycled paper bags may be provided.
- Does the ordinance apply to food truck vendors operating in the borough? Yes.
- Can businesses provide customers with previously used paper bags or reusable bags? Yes. Businesses can provide previously used paper bags to their customers (whether they are recycled or not) or previously used reusable bags, with no minimum fee.
- Where should notification signage be posted? For how long? Signage provided by the borough notifying customers should be posted at all points of sale, for at least six months after the effective date (until March 3, 2025).
- Does the ordinance restrict dry cleaning bags? No.