Category: 2021

Historical Commission Meeting Minutes - December 15, 2021

1/21/2022

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Historical Commission Member Attendees: (6– Quorum)

Dawn Coughlan – Chair
Catherine Callahan
Lorraine Tindaro – Vice Chair
Paul Stephens

Leah Jennings
Mark Evans – Secretary

Historical Commission Members Absent (1):

Patti DeFroscia (Excused)

Historical Commission Guests (3):

Mike Bedrick
Paul Mullin
Tom Parr

OPENING:
The meeting was called to order by Chair Coughlan at 7:05 PM, who announced that the meeting was being recorded to expedite transcription of minutes, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Secretary Evans continued with Members Roll Call, and introduced guests.
Chair Coughlan asked if there were any comments/corrections on the minutes of the November meeting. There were none.
Chair Coughlan asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the November 9th Meeting
Moved by Paul S
Second by Lorraine T
Vote called by Dawn C
Motion passed 6-0

OLD BUSINESS:

SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
SPACKMAN FARM
1. Mark reported that the Barn roof project is now complete. He shared before and after images provided by the Township Engineer. Everyone was happy. Cathy C said now we need to get it painted white. Mike B congratulated everyone on getting it done.
2. Mark reported that the $75K to getting the driveway done right and opening up property to the public. Dawn asked if there was a deadline on when to use the funds, and when the Township would start putting out bids. Paul S said we don’t want to get in the way with the process, but that we should have the opportunity to at least look at what they’re planning to do.
  1. Send a note to the Township, opening with how glad we are that the Twp will open it up to the community and that we’d like to be a part of the process.
  2. Dawn said that she would draft a note
  3. Paul S said that the continued interest in the Farm is great news, especially since there are so many issues pulling at Twp funds. Mark said that the funds could only be used for Covid related expenses, and open space is one of them.
  4. Cathy C asked if there were plans to paint it. Mark said he wasn’t sure. Mike B said this time of year would be bad weather wise. Dawn suggested we consider this Phase 1 Preservation, and this Phase was now complete. Mike B said Phase 2 might be painting, improved access, paving. Vision is to make it public use. Mark added that this is also part of implementing the Kings Highway Master Plan.

MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA
1. Lorraine had nothing new to report. She asked Mark if we would be able to get photos to accompany the article they will draft. Mark said Abbey could provide photos. Mike said they will send the Press release around to the group for approval before sending it out.
2. The group discussed how to spin the article, including items in a. ii.4. above.
3. Dawn asked who they would distribute it to. Mike B said Town Lively, Daily Local, Mike McGann. Mark suggested CCHPN as well.
4. Paul Mullin joined the meeting. Mark said it was timely since they were just discussing the Kings Highway Master Plan. Dawn brought him up to speed.
5. Mark asked Paul M if there had been any further discussion regarding a 501C-3. Paul said people would be able to donate and earmark funds for specific Township projects. It is a priority for him in the new year, and a 501C-3 will require officers – he will be looking for volunteers.

HISTORICAL PRESERVATION ORDINANCE
1. Mark asked if everyone had reviewed the draft ordinance so they could provide comments. No one had.
2. Paul S asked if it had been updated with his last comments. Mark said yes and reminded everyone of where it could be found in Dropbox.
3. Cathy C said she remembered hearing no one had been happy with it when it was first submitted. Mark said it has since been updated.
4. Tom Parr said he’ll send his new email address – that he’s retiring at the end of the year and would like to be included.
5. Dawn asked if we would be live in January, that it would be easier to review it live together. Mark asked Paul M if we would be in the Zoom room in January. He hoped so, and that the Jan 3 swearing in will be live – congrats to all! Mark said it would best for us to remain hybrid for now. Paul M added that if Covid rears its ugly head everything could remain Zoom for longer than expected.
6. Paul S said it would be helpful if everyone carve out a little time to review the ordinance in advance of the next meeting so they’re prepared.
7. Mark E suggested we table this discussion until the January meeting.

Chair Coughlan asked for a motion to table the Hx Ord discussion until the January 2022 Meeting
Moved by Mark E
Second by Lorraine T
Vote called by Dawn C
Motion passed 6-0

4060 EDGES’ MILL ROAD SKETCH PLAN RESPONSE UPDATE
1. Dawn said she hasn’t heard anything since she sent the response and asked if anyone else had. Cathy C commented that she thought our response letter was great. Dawns asked if we should wait until they reach out to us? Mark said they don’t have the conditional use yet and that Ray Stackhouse will let us know, he is the intermediary.
2. Cathy said she’s been calling Harrisburg and not hearing back, she might just take a ride up there! Cathy said we can’t stop the flex space but at least we can have a say in things. She thought they were taking down trees today. Cathy said they took them down up the hill on the property that abuts her 7 acres. They’re putting up a house but she doesn’t know much about it. Leah said she saw another load of trees being taken away later in the day.
BUDEGT REQUEST UPDATE
1. Dawn asked if there was any information on that. Mark said that our request for $1200 was approved. Dawn said Paul S would be very happy about that, we can now join important organizations. Mark said Cathy and Leah would be very happy because we’d be joining PA SHARE, and all the necessary documentation for Edge’s Mill can be uploaded electronically, and possibly get all that done for free was going to hound the state to get the approval. Mark said that with PA Share we can digitally upload everything and that should expedite things.

NEW BUSINESS:

ORGANIZATIONS TO CONSIDER JOINING
1. Mark Evans thought we should table this again until January. Dawn said that waiting until the new Budget year sounded fine to her. Mark said he wanted to have a sidebar with Paul S before any discussion.

Chair Coughlan asked for a motion to table the Organization to Consider Joining discussion until the January 2022 Meeting
Moved by Mark E
Second by Lorraine T
Vote called by Dawn C
Motion passed 6-0

JANUARY REORGANIZATION MEETING
1. Chair Coughlin said that there will be a lot going on in January. Mark explained that as we’d discussed in January 2021, we would be holding reorganization meetings each year like the other commissions do. Paul M added that it is normal for Commissions to Reorganize each January.
STATE OF SCHOOLHOUSE
1. Dawn inquired as to condition of schoolhouse, there was mold that needed to be remediated. We lost our entire season of tours due to that issue
2. Will the township be doing a Holiday tree lighting this year? Mark said yes, December 5th. Dawn asked if we would be allowed to do our traditional open house at the schoolhouse in conjunction with the tree lighting. Is it safe? Mark and Lorraine said it possibly would not be safe, that there wasn’t even going to be the kids party, but not for certain.

ADDITIONAL BUSINESS:

Dawn asked if there was any additional business.
1. Paul S said that with Brandywine Hospital closing, the Hx Properties over there will probably be going on the market, and he’d like to put them on a future agenda so we can be proactive. Dawn asked how many properties were involved. Paul S said there was a barn and at least a house, “it’s a nice setting up there”. Will probably be developed but we want to be prepared to have suggestions on how to preserve a little bit of the open space for the agricultural heritage of the Township. Mark added that he knew Bailey-Pile is a Class II resource, although they are not original structures. Paul S said it’s the “Rural Feel” that we need to be cognizant of, make sure it’s part of the discussion. Mark remembered that Paul S had said earlier that it would be a great location for repurposing. Cathy asked if the house was occupied? Dawn said no, and there is another stone house deeper in the campus. Dawn asked Leah if BP is in OCHS database? She said she’d look into the history of it. Mark asked if anyone would be interested in taking photos of it. Dawn said she’d be happy to.
  1. Cathy said that she was told by Micki that the Edge House is not in the database. Leah said the database calls her house the Edge House. Mark read off a list of what he has histories/deed descents on in Dropbox.
2. Paul S asked how much of the Hospital Property is actually in Caln. Mike B said he thought it was in West Brandywine. Paul M said it is. shared that 10/21 at 5pm the CCHPN TOWNTALKS will be on Bondsville, and suggested we all try to attend.
PennDOT Expansion Plan
1. Mark asked if everyone has had a chance to review the plans in advance. Cathy, Paul S and Leah said they had. Dawn said she had comments from Patty D, and she would recommend Option B not A because A cuts off Bondsville Road, that we have a Hx Marker at the Taylor House at 700 BVille Road, and added that the owner may have passed away and it might be being put up for sale.
2. Paul S that the proposals be put up on the screenshare. Cathy asked when it will start. Tom Parr said 2028.
  1. Mark shared his screen with all options.. Paul S said this one appears to be the least impactful, that “B” is a cloverleaf, and clarified that it’s West BVille Road that would be closed. “C” pushes further into the wetland. Paul S confirmed that “A” leaves things the most as they are now, and doesn’t infringe much on the Historic District. There was discussion on CTHC expressing interest in what we’d like to see. Cathy asked if we could blow it up and look at it in person in January. Dawn said there is a deadline of Jan 6th. There are no public meetings, all comments have to be made virtually. Paul S thinks we should submit our thoughts as Hx Com. Mark concurred.
  2. Paul S suggested we vote on how to respond. Mark said anytime we have a chance to respectfully get our wished in front of people in writing we should, so that people will know that we’re here. Lorraine said we should let the Commissioners know we were planning to do this. Mark said we have to act fast.
  3. Paul S formed a motion that the Hx Com forward our opinion to review and upon their acceptance of that we send a statement of support for “A” of the proposed interchanges. Mark said we don’t have time to turn it around. Mike B said individuals can send their comments and that this group could do it as the Hx Com.
  4. Paul S amends his that we will write our response and that we will inform the commissioners that we will send it endorsing “A”.
  5. Dawn was concerned as to why Patty was in favor of “B”. Paul S thought she had expressed concern with cutting off W BVille, which B and D do, and maybe she meant A. Paul S said we couldn’t see us supporting a plan that cuts anyone off, and A was the only one that makes sense.
  6. Mark added that the 322 Interchange is also involved, and the Lloyd House is technically a Class II resource. He pointed out that every plan has Lloyd Avenue being redirected right through the center of the Farm. And that we might start doing everything we can to save the house. Mike B said that none of the proposed developments at Lloyd Farm had a road going through it, and it would not have worked. Tom Parr said he commented already because his house is going to be effected by relocating Lloyd. He said he also heard there was a possibility of building apartments on each side of the relocated Lloyd. He’s going to find the papers to share with us. Mark added that it’s not zoned for apartments. Paul S suggested his motion be amendment to include comments on Lloyd and Reeceville.
  7. Paul S pointed to the Reeceville Road exit. What happens to all of the people that live in that space? All options include a loss of homes. Cathy was concerned that residents might not be aware. Paul S said there was an article in the local paper. Houses will be condemned and taken through eminent domain, the market value will be paid. Paul said they should be evaluated for National Registry. Mark said that it would appear there are no historical resources in that section. Paul thought “A” is the least impactful option. Mark said he has concerns that we don’t have any say on this exit since we have no historic resources in it. Bailey-Pile is close but is not effected by any of the options.
  8. Paul suggested we amend his motion to include we are opposed to Lloyd Ave being relocated. Cathy said the Bed and Breakfast is there and that is of historic value. Tom Parr said there is a calliope of roads that go right through the Rock Raymond Carriage Houses. Everyone was concerned – many of them are brand new homes. Paul S asked if we had a preference for any of the 322 options. Mark thought “A” was the least invasive. Lorraine added that developers would never get to run a road through Lloyd Farm. Tom Parr said Joseph Court would be lost. Paul pointed to the stone house to the west of the exit. Dawn said the OCHS has recognized the Toll House. Paul M said the Toll House is Bill Schue’s house. Paul S said he would object to Plan “C” vehemently. “B” may be the best option with the least impact on historic resources. Mark suggested that the wording be “while we’re vehemently opposed to rerouting Lloyd Ave through Lloyd Farm due to potential impact on the Class II Manor House, Option “B” would have the least impact on existing housing. Mike suggested we point out that it would be less costly to not reroute Lloyd Ave. Tom Parr said he would let us know if he hears anything back from PennDOT.

Chair Coughlan asked for a motion on Paul S amended motion to recommend Option “A” for Rt 340, and Option “B” for Rt 322, with the caveat that we are opposed to rerouting Lloyd Avenue.
Moved by Mark E
Second by Dawn C
Vote called by Dawn C
Motion passed 6-0

ADJOURNMENT
Chair Coughlan asked for a motion to adjourn
Moved by Paul S
Second by Mark E
Vote called by Dawn C
Motion passed 6-0

Meeting was adjourned at 8:32 PM

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Historical Commission Meeting Minutes - October 20, 2021

11/10/2021

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Historical Commission Member Attendees: (5– Quorum)

Dawn Coughlan – Chair
Lorraine Tindaro – Vice Chair
Mark Evans – Secretary
Paul Stephens

Catherine Callahan

Historical Commission Members Absent (2):

Patti DeFroscia (Excused)
Leah Jennings (Excused)

Historical Commission Guests (2):

Mike Bedrick
Ashlee Dadd

OPENING:
The meeting was called to order by Chair Coughlan at 7:07 PM, who announced that the meeting was being recorded to expedite transcription of minutes, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Dawn C announced that Tony Wagner resigned from the Historical Commission and thanked him for all of his service.
Secretary Evans continued with Members Roll Call. Chair Coughlan introduced guests.
Chair Coughlan asked if there were any comments/corrections on the minutes of the April minutes. There were none.
Chair Coughlan asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the May 19th Meeting
Moved by Paul S
Second by Lorraine T
Vote called by Dawn C
Motion passed 5-0

OLD BUSINESS:

SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
SPACKMAN FARM
1. Mark reported that the roof is on the barn. Waiting for delivery of the flashing, gutters and snow guards. Dawn wondered if there were photos and said she’d reach out to Abbey. Paul S was impressed with how fast it went on once work started.
2. Dawn asked if there was anything else to report, Mark said that Paul Mullin had spoken to someone from the Mill and that the best thing to do is to start a 501C-3. It was being discussed when the floods came. With the $12-15mm in infrastructure damage, we were lucky to get the roof on when we did.
MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA
1. Lorraine had nothing new to report. Dawn asked if Lorraine and Mike could write something up to go with Abbey’s photos. Mike agreed to write a paragraph on the barn roof. Dawn said we could get it out to Town Lively, Daily Local, FB, Website. Mark mentioned that Tony W had made contact with those publications and they said they would print something as long as it was already written for them.
HISTORICAL PRESERVATION ORDINANCE
1. Cathy C reported that she and Leah had compiled numerous suggestions and sent them to the group
2. Mark E reported that shortly after the Hx Com 5/19 meeting, the Zoning Update Taskforce (ZUTF) added Hx Preservation to their June agenda. Mark, Paul S and Dawn C drafted a Historic Preservation Ordinance based heavily on East Brandywine’s, Cathy and Leah’s suggestions, and other ideas gleaned from the CCHPN luncheon. Dawn C sent the draft doc to Ray Ott and Kristen Denny in advance of the meeting, who basically rejected the idea at the meeting.
3. Mike B asked if there was any specific objections. Mark said the doc had one mention of possibly creating a HARB, and the entire doc was rejected as a whole due to the HARB language.
4. Mike B asked if there is a way to reintroduce it to the ZUTF? Mark said that at the June meeting, Commissioner Mullin suggested that the document be sent to all members of the Taskforce for review before revisiting the matter. Mark said he would share the Dropbox link to the draft for all Hx Com members to review and comment before attempting to resubmit.
5. Cathy C asked if we were losing the Overlay. Mark said no, but that there was nothing to lose. The language in the Overlay is so flimsy (“if possible, if feasible”). Paul S said that the way it’s currently written, it’s all up to the township and the developers whether they accept our suggestions. Mike B agreed there is no power in the overlay as written.
6. Mike B asked if there was a “back-door” to explore, Mark answered that he had started there. Mark also stated concern that the township did not appear to be in favor of the adoption of any strong Historical Ordinance, Cathy was surprised to learn that the township might not be on our side.
7. Ashlee Dadd agreed that it’s been her experience that township and developers have their own agenda, and that while they may seem very nice, they will tell you what they think you want to hear and then do what they want. She used the example of a BOC member assuring her and her husband (when he was on his death bed) that there was nothing being done, no high-density housing behind their home.
8. Dawn C turned focus back to the ordinance and the ZUTF, asked if it is something we can get back on the agenda with. Mark shared his screen to show the draft Caln Township Historical Preservation Ordinance, a 30-page document. Mark said that something like this could have forced Auger to build something that looks like the houses on the street. Cathy C asked if that wasn’t already in the overlay, as the previous owner of the flex space agreed to all of their requests. Paul S stated the language reads “if feasible’ and that right now the Auger plan is for a massive metal building.
9. Dawn C stopped the discussion so that we could stay on agenda, and will return to Auger in a minute, asked Mark for next steps on ordinance. Mark said our next steps are for everyone to review the draft in dropbox and make note of any changes, additions, and corrections. Added that all the pushback started with “no HARB” and ended with “this is not part of the Update”. Mark added that he has emails that specifically state that it is to be a part of the Update.
10. Paul S confirmed that it was important that we remove any mention of HARB from the ordinance. It could be something for down the line, but not now.
11. Mark added that at the October meeting of the ZUTF, another area the taskforce had targeted as potential residential-historical near Edge’s Mill was met with strong disagreement from the Township Manager who said she has a business that wants to possibly relocate there and she couldn’t turn them away.
12. Dawn asked when the next meeting is. Mark said the 1st Tuesday in November and December. Mike B reminded all that the first Tuesday in November is election day and there would be no meeting. Dawn asked if we would be ready for ZUTF December meeting. Mark said no, the January meeting is the safer bet, and that he would sent an email to ZUTF and Ray Ott requesting we get back on the agenda.
13. Mark alerted all that the Township has scheduled a budget meeting for the same day as our November meeting, Dawn recommended we find another date in November. The group settled on Tuesday November 9th. Mark said he would notify the township. Possibility of meeting in person was discussed and not realistic for rest of year due to installation of equipment. Dawn and Paul felt it was appropriate to include Ashlee, Micki, and Tom Parr in our ordinance review and include their suggestions as members of the public. Mike B suggested that we not share the ordinance with the general public until we are ready for prime time at which point it will be a part of the minutes.
EDGES’ MILL HISTORIC DISTRICT UPDATE
1. Cathy C said she was going to hound the state to get the approval. Mark said that with PA Share we can digitally upload everything and that should expedite things. Cathy said that Micki M had typed up all of the docs on her house . Mark asked if we could get a copy of it so we could use it as a guide for the other houses. Cathy said she’d sent it to Dawn. Dawn added that Paul S had been taking photos, Paul said we’ll need more and interior photos. Dawn added we were waiting on forms from Jane K, Mark said they were too big to send via email. Mark said that if we have PA Share we don’t need forms. Dawn said this was a great segue to New Business/Organizations to Consider Joining.

NEW BUSINESS:

ORGANIZATIONS TO CONSIDER JOINING
1. Mark Evans thought we should table this until a later date. All but PA Share - that we should get our budget request out to ask for an increase now, and PA Share would be the first to join. Paul S added some of the other groups. Paul and Dawn noticed that they hadn’t received CCHPN newsletters.
MOTION TO REQUEST BUDGET INCREASE TO $1200.00
1. Chair Coughlin asked for a motion to request that the Township increase the Historical Commission annual budget for the year 2022. Imperative that we get our request in ASAP as the Township and the BOC are currently working on the budget and it must be finalized by the end of the year. The total request will be for $1200, and that will allow us to purchase an annual license for PA Share, memberships in various Historical Organizations TBD.

Chair Coughlan asked for a motion to put in a formal request for our 2022 budget to be $1200
Moved by Paul S
Second by Mark E
Vote called by Dawn C
Motion passed 5-0

4060 EDGE'S MILL ROAD SKETCH PLAN
1. Dawn asked Mark to share his screen with the sketch plan. Mark pointed it out that we should be careful not to say “we want it to look like a barn”, because it currently does. Paul S concurred “a modern, steel barn”. Mark stated that at the PC meeting they said this 41K sq. ft building (replacing what was to be a 17.5K sq. ft building) doesn’t have to look like this or be this big, but we all have concerns. Mark compared what they currently have and what they propose, including moving the driveway further west, closer to Leah’s house. Mark shared the letter that said HX Com should have a chance to comment on it. The developer plans to run public water and sewer. Dawn said the earlier cost for water was $500K.
2. Dawn highlighted Cathy’s notes from Oct 2018, and added that Ashlee’s husband had contributed heavily to the notes, especially the sections requiring them to “maintain the buffer”, and leaving the trees and plantings in place where possible. We know they already reneged on. Quite a bit of the buffer along Edge’s Mill Road has been removed, and down the driveway they cleared everything when they put in stormwater management, we tried to protest the clearing and were told we don’t have a say in it. At the PC Meeting 10/19/21, the status of the wetlands was discussed -it is a functioning wetlands, Bill Scheu suggested a study of the wetlands be done. Mike be added that Bill added that we should restore the wetlands to being fully functioning. Dawn added that building on wetlands is one of the reasons the township’s flooding issues are out of control. The notes also include protection of western and northern natural buffers. Cathy said she has many pictures of the tree buffers before and after, and hoped that they weren’t going to take down the trees along Edge’s Mill.
3. Dawn turned to the slide showing the sketch plan. Cathy said that the wording is hx com “shall be heard”. Mark asked if we have a copy of the agreement signed by Antonini. Cathy said taking down the trees is out of vanity – they don’t have any drive by customers. Dawn added that Auger had told Leah that they do believe visibility from the road will lead to new customers. Mark said he would send a request to obtain the fully executed complete conditional use granted to Antonini.
4. Paul S asked about the new owners and if they are bound by the old agreement, and if so, how ca they do what they’re now talking about. Dawn replied that Ray had said those specifics are not part of it. Mark added that Ray said Antonini was to rent the interior out to other businesses, and Auger plans to use it for their own business, and that’s the difference. Paul S said that if it’s zoned for Commercial/Flex Space, there should be no difference. Paul said we have an agreement with requirements agreed to by the previous owner, and what we need to do is make the township to start enforcing that agreement. Paul asked if the size of the building is allowed on this lot, and what the conditional use will be. Mark replied that they claimed they weren’t asking for anything at this point, but that once they begin their land development plan we will “have input”. Lorraine agreed. Paul suggested we come up with some recommendations, which is all we can do:
  1. Two masses with a slight indent defining them, look at more than one indent, and maybe even one of them exaggerated to try to break up the mass of the building.
5. Dawn stated that we have Cathy’s notes, but if there was a proceeding recorded by the township, we need to see what is in it. Before we do anything we need to see if that conditional use is still in effect. Cathy said they need a variance for water suppression before they could build. Paul S said they couldn’t do something the size they want, but could do something half that size. Cathy stayed positive and said there’s no reason for Auger not to work with us. Paul S suggested there is one reason and that is money, and if it costs them money, they’re not interested. Dawn added that she would love to know why Antonini pulled out. Paul said we need to know what the legally enforceable rules are right now for this piece of property.
6. Mark reiterated that he will request a copy of the fully executed Antonini conditional use from the township, and from there we can start to draft a response to the Auger sketch plan. Dawn said that sounded great. Cathy said we need to meet with them and get them to not take down those trees. Paul S pointed out that the conditional use should have been included with the sketch plan when it was sent around.
STATE OF SCHOOLHOUSE
1. Dawn inquired as to condition of schoolhouse, there was mold that needed to be remediated. We lost our entire season of tours due to that issue
2. Will the township be doing a Holiday tree lighting this year? Mark said yes, December 5th. Dawn asked if we would be allowed to do our traditional open house at the schoolhouse in conjunction with the tree lighting. Is it safe? Mark and Lorraine said it possibly would not be safe, that there wasn’t even going to be the kids party, but not for certain.

ADDITIONAL BUSINESS:

Dawn shared that 10/21 at 5pm the CCHPN TOWNTALKS will be on Bondsville, and suggested we all try to attend.
Ashlee said she was looking through some of her husband’s notes and was hoping they might be helpful. Ashlee said she’ll scan the notes and send them to us. Dawn and Mark said how much we’d like her to join us.

ADJOURNMENT
Chair Coughlan asked for a motion to adjourn
Moved by Mark E
Second by Lorraine T
Vote called by Dawn C
Motion passed 5-0

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Historical Commission Meeting Minutes - May 19, 2021

10/21/2021

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Historical Commission Member Attendees: (7– Quorum)

Dawn Coughlan – Chair
Lorraine Tindaro – Vice Chair
Mark Evans – Secretary
Paul Stephens

Tony Wagner
Catherine Callahan
Leah Jennings

Historical Commission Members Absent (1):

Patti DeFroscia (Excused)

Historical Commission Guests (6):

Paul Mullin
Mike Bedrick
Micki McAllister
Ashlee Dadd
Tom Parr
Licia Carini

OPENING:
The meeting was called to order by Chair Coughlan at 7:08 PM. Secretary Evans announced that the meeting was being recorded to expedite transcription of minutes, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Secretary Evans continued with Members Roll Call. Chair Coughlan introduced guests.
Chair Coughlan asked if there were any comments/corrections on the minutes of the April minutes. There were none.
Chair Coughlan asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the April 21st Meeting
Moved by Lorraine T
Second by Leah J
Vote called by Dawn C
Motion passed 7-0

Dawn C announced that May is Historic Preservation Month, and stated there are many like-minded groups out there working for preservation and we’re pleased to be a part of that.
OLD BUSINESS:

EDGE’S MILL HISTORIC DISTRICT
1. Mark reported that he pulled together some of the histories and that we were hoping to get a copy of Cathy’s narrative as a model to base the other narratives on. Cathy said that Bob Wise has her paperwork.
  1. Dawn asked if could email a copy.
  2. Cathy said she would get a copy.
2. Dawn said that she knew Paul S was out taking photos, not sure if he had connected with Gary N.
Historic Preservation Presentation by Mark Evans
1. Mark gave a brief presentation addendum based on his learnings from the CCHPN Leadership Luncheon
  1. Importance of the Ordinance and the need for a new one for Caln
  2. Identify the resources and administer the ordinance that protects them
  3. Being a part of the administrative process is as important as the ordinance – if we’re not there at the front end, we won’t have any say at the back end.
  4. Always attend other meetings like the Planning Commission, the Zoning Taskforce. Make it a routine so that other’s start to think “what will the Hx Com think of that?”
  5. Get a Hx Com member on the Planning Com.
  6. 3-headed monster: ID and Designate, Protect, Public Outreach. Residents need to know what we’re trying to do and why so they can understand how it can help them if we want their support.
  7. What do we want to accomplish? Create a sense of place. Economic Development can come from our history. Historic tourism. Appreciation. Environments and viewscapes around our hx structures that pull people in. Commemorate.
  8. What needs to be protected and preserved? We don’t know and won’t find out without help. The county will pay for assessments. We need to compile a wish list of at-risk resources
    1. Mark asked for Hx Com members to each create a list of properties they would like to be assesses. Mark listed:
      1. Baily-Pyle House
      2. Lloyd Manor
      3. Spackman Farmstead
      4. Baker-Smith Springhouse
  9. Slide of 2017 Comp Plan’s list of properties important to Caln. Dawn asked if the Comp Plan is on the website? Mark confirmed that it is. Comp Plan also has an updated list of significant properties. He will send both lists around.
    1. GIS map needs to be updated.
  10. List of groups to consider joining, will be shared at next meeting
  11. PA Share
    1. PA Share is a planning tool
    2. Data
      1. Digitized legacy data
      2. Integrated criteria and special search
      3. Customizable maps
    3. Submit and track projects online
    4. Field Survey and Survey Management
      1. Surveyor mobile data collection tool and manager
    5. Pro Level is $275/year
  12. Slide of Hx Pres Ord suggestions from Cathy and Leah
    1. The Ordinance is a living document
    2. A proper ordinance would require anything near hx properties and districts to go Hx Com. Always have a seat at the table.
  13. Slide of what a proper Hx Resource map should look like
  14. Recap and Next Steps:
    1. Ask township to adopt “Historic Caln, Where it All Began”
    2. Prepare assessments list for Diane Cram at CCHPN
    3. Request a member of Hx Com be appointed to Planning Com
    4. Attempt to fill spot on Zoning Hearing Board with member of Hx Com
    5. Recruit new member with Grant Writing experience
    6. Ask for a small budget increase to cover memberships
    7. Request township explore becoming Certified Local Government

Paul Stephens arrived. Lorraine T requested that the presentation be sent around to members. Dawn suggested we also send to guests Micky, Tom Parr and Ashlee. Tony W shared that he had applied for opening on Zoning Hearing Board.

GARDNER-BEALE HOUSE / CASD PROGRAM
1. Paul S reported the kids are presenting the results of their study, that it was more than involved than they were anticipating, so they will presenting more about the process of going through and trying to understand the house rather than having conclusive results at this point. Dawn asked if Paul was interviewed, he replied that if he was it probably wouldn’t have made the final cut
2. Dawn explained CCHPN Live at Five and the work at G-B House to guests in the audience
3. Dawn asked if Paul S will continue to work with the students. He responded that it’s a several year program and they will have some kids who grow into the next steps of the plan.
VA HOSPITAL DEMO
1. 2 large sections were demolished. Paul S will revisit the letter he drafted prior to demo, and will to revised the letter to request copies of historical information for us to keep on file.
2. Dawn mentioned that they had just pulled together some panels for their 90th anniversary celebration and that it was quite moving. The panels are in Building 3 in case anyone wants to see them. She will send around info.
SUB COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. SPACKMAN FARM
  1. Dawn reported that her last update in April was on the roof color being chosen and ordered, with construction possibly beginning by June.
  2. Mark reminded everyone of the Kings Highway Master Plan and shared his screen to show a diagram of one of the options. It’s out there and waiting to be done. This Com could help.
  3. Paul Mullin stated that the Kings Highway Plan means a lot to him.
    1. Wants to contact Bondsville to find out how they went about setting up a 501 C-3
    2. Create narrative about house
    3. Plan needs to be addressed in stages
    4. Get this thing going
    5. We need donations and grant money to get this fulfilled
      1. Licia C said she was so excited she would make the first donation and wants to get involved in any way she can. Spackman is such a gem of the township, and for a long time she didn’t know it existed. This is the kind of thing to make sure the residents are aware of, especially when we restart live meetings
  4. Tom Parr asked about roof order, wanted to make sure the order has been placed because he’s been experiencing extreme delays with anything construction related, especially anything that’s metal. Dawn replied that Kristen said she was on her way to order it the day color was chosen.
  5. Tony W suggested that we follow up with Kristen on delivery/install date. Dawn said she would call and report back
  6. Licia asked at what point we can start to form a committee to get Kings Highway moving, someone to write grants, somebody financially sound, somebody with ideas – or do we need it. Dawn said we really need a grant writer and asked if anyone present had experience?
  7. Tony W asked for a copy of the Kings Highway Plan to share with a couple of people he works with who are grant writers. Mark said he will add it to Dropbox

MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA – Tony W

Based on the master list, Juneteenth will be featured for May township newsletter
Garner-Beale House Live at Five is listed on Website and Facebook. Please register. Event is May 20th from 5-6pm
Draft article for GB House to Mark, Dawn and Paul for Chesco Times and Town Lively.
1. Dawn asked if he had spoken with Francine or Mike, it was by email
2. He is resending the draft
Any response from Senator Muth and Representative Williams on letter of support for GBH project?
1. Dawn said they went out under Township address, so we don’t know if they responded
2. Paul S said CCHPN did write a letter
3. Mark was to nudge Dan and Katie

HISTORICAL PRESERVATION ORDINENCE AND COMP PLAN
1. Cathy reported that she sent out suggestions on landscaping in the morning. No electronic signs w/height restrictions, lighting will be in character with Hx buildings, trees and berms around property required. She noted Flex Space concerns as further motivation – they’d worked so hard on that and thought they’d won.
  1. Mark shared his screen so all could see what Cathy sent
  2. Mark said he was pulling together a master list with everything that’s been recommended
  3. Dawn and Cathy both stated how important the Ordinance is.
  4. Mark said he got a lot from Jim B, and thought that Cathy and Leah were spot on with their recommendations. He’d like to add language that protects buildings that aren’t on the register, potentially hx, beyond the Hx District, rehabbing, adaptive reuse, tree regs, species, etc. He mentioned the Sears House as an unprotected building that with the right Ord would require our participation for anything to happen even next door to it.
2. Cathy stated her regret for being unable to get on the Zoom BOC meeting, and asked what she missed
  1. Dawn said that she’d brought up concerns re the permit application for the Flex Space (former Antonini property). Learned from Commissioner Young that all stipulations that Hx Com made were part of a conditional use agreement that moves “with the property” to the new owner. So, anything Auger wants to build on that land must agree to those provisions (lighting, look, trees). The permit submitted was for storm water grading, and we’re not protected by the Overlay Pres District language. Does not say “must”, uses “very soft” language such as “where feasible”. Dawn’s concern is the raising of those trees, is that contributing to water runoff. Would like to meet with the owner. She had submitted a “Right to Know” and received copies of the proposal and Engineer Bryan K’s recommendations. At the moment, it has not been approved. Paul S interjected that it means any trees “in the way” of stormwater grading can be taken down. Mike Bedrick asked if there was another question raised about equipment used? Dawn clarified it was in regards to building permits and “Deep Dynamic Impaction” that could have had serious damage to Leah and Dawns’ houses. John Contento got that method blocked. Cathy said she is concerned about what Auger has in mind. Paul S reiterated that lack of stormwater restrictions in the Ord was the problem. Mike B suggested this be addressed, and asked if anything in stormwater was applicable. Paul M said that the pending permit was outlined to only the 2 mounds of dirt and that the trees removed were to be replanted along with new landscaping once piles have been removed. Paul S stated there were some requirements for replanting regarding types of trees. Paul M said he believed the schematic listed where and what would be planted. Dawn said Tulip Poplars and Sycamores there have flourished because they’re native species and do well because they are suited for wetlands. Dawn wants them to be respectful with the grading. Ashlee said her late-husband had been very involved with this in the past, and in lieu of having the preservation language we need, maybe we could make a deal with the owner as “good neighbors”, to get some compassion from him for the importance of the historic area. The destruction will start here and keep going unless we do something now. Dawn added that hers and Leah’s homes are built on the soil. Cathy said she just bought another property up to Rt 30 to protect it. Paul S asked about zoning for Cathy and Leah’s properties – they are zoned for commercial, and the Taskforce was looking to change the zoning to remove the commercial from them, but need the approval of the property owners to do that. Ashlee asked if this is the property that butts up to A-1 Mulch, Paul S said everything on the south side of Edge’s Mill is zoned commercial, and has more value as such. It has more value as commercial, but if we can change it the land is locked in as residential and is protected. Mark clarified that the proposed Historic Ordinance was to be for the entire Township, not just the District. Ashlee said it’s frightening when historic homes are threatened – once they’re gone they’re gone, and they’re being affected by changes environmentally. Dawn added that the light population and carbon monoxide and noise from Rt 30, as Micky said, is palpable. Mark added that when he and his wife bought their lot across from Lloyd Farm, they thought “that’s a park, it will always be a park”, but that wasn’t the case. Dawn called on Micky who had her hand up, but hadn’t meant to. Paul M said that when Penndot does the new intersection, a cloverleaf coming into the space that Cathy just bought (good move to buy it to protect it), maybe Penndot can install a sound barrier.

NEW BUSINESS:

MOTION TO AUTHORIZE HX COM REPRESENTATIVES TO THE TOWNSHIP
1. Mark said that based on learnings from Jim B, since meeting minutes are legal docs, we need to have the Hx Com vote to authorize specific individuals to speak to the BOC and Township on their behalf

Mark E asked for a motion Authorize Dawn Coughlan and/or Paul Stephens to represent the Hx Com at all township meetings

Motion by Lorraine T
Second by Tony W
Dawn called the vote
Motion passed 7-0

ORGANIZATIONS TO CONSIDER JOINING
1. Dawn said Mark had touched on this earlier and Paul S had made some recommendations. Mark asked that we table it until next meeting so that he could have a sidebar with Paul S. The only thing they were sure of is PA Share. Dawn clarified that it is $275/year, we might need a budget increase. Mark E listed all of the advantages to having PA Share, Paul S added that we could actually begin the Edge’s Mill nomination in there. Mark thought that a digital nomination would move faster than reams of paper with handwritten notes.
2. Dawn said that we will table it, and Mark would follow up with Paul S to revisit at a later date
Dawn recognized Tony W
1. Tony said that our website still showed cancellation of Schoolhouse Tours. Were we considering reopening the Schoolhouse for tours on Sundays.
  1. Mark E said he wasn’t sure the condition of the interior, and noted it was a small space. He deferred to Paul M
  2. Paul M said with the mold is being exasperated by the building not being opened every week. He spoke with Mike Fragale, he made sure dehumidifier is working, but being closed for a year is a problem. We should get out there to get it aired out. Paul S said is we could get one window to open we could get some cross-ventilation going. Paul S will follow-up with Mike F.
  3. Dawn said we’ll table the discussion for now
  4. Dawn added that the Historical Society has suspended tours for the summer.
  5. Tony W asked if airing out the schoolhouse and wiping away mold was our responsibility or the Township’s. Dawn responded that the Township was doing the mold remediation.
Dawn thanked Ashlee, Micky and Tom for attending and encouraged them to keep coming and consider joining us
Micky inquired about Cathy’s Edge’s Mill history not being digitized. She offered to take on the task of typing it up and digitizing. Cathy said she will try to get her copy back from Bob Wise, she only has part of it now, but will get it. Dawn said she’d get Cathy’s contact info to Micky.

Dawn asked for a motion to adjourn.
Moved by Paul S
Second by Leah J
Dawn called the vote.
Motion passed 7-0

Meeting adjourned at 8:36 PM

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Historical Commission Meeting Minutes - April 21, 2021

5/20/2021

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Historical Commission Member Attendees: (6– Quorum)

Dawn Coughlan – Chair
Lorraine Tindaro – Vice Chair
Mark Evans – Secretary
Paul Stephens

Tony Wagner
Patti DeFroscia

Historical Commission Members Absent (2):

Catherine Callahan (Excused)
Leah Jennings (Excused)

Historical Commission Guests (2):

Mike Bedrick
Micki McAllister

OPENING:
The meeting was called to order by Chair Coughlan at 7:04 PM. Secretary Evans announced that the meeting was being recorded to expedite transcription of minutes, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Secretary Evans continued with Members Roll Call and Introduction of Guests.
Chair Coughlan asked if there were any comments/corrections on the minutes of the March 17th Meeting. Patti D stated that under section 2.b.i. the correct name of the historian should be Ross Kershey, not Pershing. Mark E said he would make that change.
Chair Coughlan asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the March 17th Meeting
Moved by Paul S
Second by Mark E
Vote called by Dawn C
Motion passed 6-0

OLD BUSINESS:

Historic Preservation Presentation by Mark Evans
1. Mark gave a brief presentation based on his learnings from the CCHPN Leadership Luncheon he attended representing Dawn C
  1. Importance of the Ordinance and the need for a new one for Caln
    1. Mark now believes it would be more expedient to have the ordinance done outside the Zoning Taskforce
    2. A proper ordinance would require developers to report to Hx Com regardless of where they are making plans, prohibit demo by neglect, attractive nuisance liabilities, stop/stall the demo permit process, expand overlay district, protect trees, enact sign laws
    3. Contact Jeanine Spears at the County re $5K Vision Partnership funding for Ordinance. Ask township for balance of funds.
  2. Educating the residents
  3. Detailed minutes
  4. Connection to Muni Administration
  5. Need for a Hx Com member on Planning Com and Zoning Hearing Board. There is an opening on ZHB
  6. Comprehensive Plan and Implementing Historical Protections
  7. Work towards residents feeling a part of it. Need a motto
  8. Prepare assessment request list for Diane Cram at CCHPN. They will fund assessments
  9. Push for more accountability from municipal government, empower them to ask more questions and take a stronger stance
  10. Recruit as many people with a passion as we can
  11. Request budget increase from BOC to fund memberships and PA Share (approx. $500)
    1. Paul S added that PA Share gives access to State Database
  12. Certified Local Government

HISTORICAL PRESERVATION ORDINENCE – ME/PS
1. Mark laughed and said “I think I just presented it”
2. Paul S said the main thing is a need for an ordinance with teeth that allows us to protect the community. It’s a way of letting the community know what’s been ID’d as important and trying to protect it
3. Mike B asked if the proposed process would be for the Hx Com to prepare the ord and present it to the Zoning Taskforce? Mark responded that the process would be to determine to move forward with it, reach out to J Spears to gauge odds of getting $5K for it, find the proper attorney to work with us to draft it, ask Twp for balance of funds needed to complete it.
4. Mike B asked if we should start putting together as many specifics as possible in advance. Mark said we’ve already been working on that. Paul S said it’s not a matter of reinventing the wheel – there are good ordinances out there to model from and tailor to our needs and flavor of Caln.
5. Mike B suggested that we should put all of that together and have a special meeting to review. Mark said we have a sub-com working on it that should be able to present to us at a meeting in the near future.

EDGE’S MILL HISTORIC DISTRICT
1. Mark reported that he pulled the histories from OCHS on 4019 and 4020 Edge’s Mill Road, the deed descent for 930 and 931 Bondsville Road but no histories. Needs the addresses of the remaining properties within the district.
2. Dawn said she has a call into the OCHS President regarding the other 2 properties that they most recently commissioned research on that have not yet been uploaded. They are also deed descents. She believes Cathy C has a professionally prepared history of the Edge House.
3. Mark said that when we have all of those docs, he will attempt to create narratives for all based on the one for the Edge House.
4. Paul S said that we had talked about having the SHPO to provide us with an example of another National District application to model from.
5. Paul S stated that he had taken some photos but needs to get back out again – doesn’t believe we managed to make contact with all of the property owners to take pictures from behind the houses, etc. He has completed Dawn and Cathy’s houses but needs permission for the others.
6. Dawn asked Patti if she knew Gary Norheimer (the owner of the Mill and other properties) and if she could get clearance for Paul S to go on the property to photograph them. Patti said they are neighbors and said she would try to get contact information.
7. Mark mentioned that we had asked for 90 days to figure out how to do this on our own and were only 30 days into it. Dawn said we were on oour way.
GARDNER-BEALE HOUSE / CASD PROGRAM
1. Paul S reported the kids are putting together their videos and hoped to have them uploaded and available in the next 30-45 days.
2. On May 6th he would be meeting with the class. Along with Diane Cram and Suzanne A (designer from Archer-Buchanan) they will show the kids how to date the house based on technology. He said he is a “nail nerd” and gets excited about that! Differences in technologies that went into creating the nails can be used as a dating tool for when something was constructed. He showed us an 1815 L-head nail, a hand-wrought Rose-head, and other examples.
HISTORIC RESOURCES MAP
1. Mark said that he needs to follow-up with Abbey and Denise to see where we are on scanning.
2. Mark said that the maps he saw a the luncheon blew him away. Paul S said they were the GIS maps, that are being used quite effectively in documenting historic sites. If we were to join PA Share at the professional level we could go in and look at the GIS maps that the state currently has on Caln and ID the Hx resources that they’re aware of, and from there start updating that record by providing information on other properties that we’re aware of.

VA HOSPITAL DEMO
1. Paul S said that he needs to revised the letter, that unfortunately the demo did take place. They did have professional photography taken so were going to ask that they give us a set of the photos and any plans or drawings of the buildings to give to the Historical Society.

BAKER-SMITH PROPERTY
1. Mark said that he was supposed to draft a letter from the Hx Com to the BOC asking them to approach the owner of the property regarding the historic Spring House and their previous offer to donate as parkland. He said he’d dropped the ball, no excuses.
2. Dawn said she could draft it up. It’s a sweet little springhouse and it would be a shame if it were demolished.
3. Patti asked where it is. Dawn said it’s an open area across from Handicrafters, where they could put a trail, a couple of benches, a marker with history of the site. Patti said they’d tried to save the house before it was demoed. They took interior photos but the inside had been let go, there were holes in the roof.
4. Paul S asked if the images were with the OCHS, Patti said she thought she had them in her house. Paul said they would be great for our “Lost Caln” documentation.
  1. Mark recognized Tony W for all the work he’s been doing with getting the history out, and added that perhaps we could add a “here’s what we lost” every so many months. Dawn said we’d need somebody who knows that stuff, like Patti.

SUB COMMITTEE REPORTS

SPACKMAN FARM
1. Dawn reported that the roof color was chosen 2 weeks prior to tonight and according to the Twp Manager, the order was placed that day. It takes 2 months for manufacturing and delivery. Hopefully by June we’ll be under construction. The color will be Bronze.

MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA – Tony W

Tony W reported that he had written and sent out letters of support for the Garner-Beale House CASD project out to both Senator Muth and Representative Williams, and that hopefully we’ll hear back from them soon.
He worked with Abbey to get her some photos for the Newsletter article on the CASD GB House project, and forwarded the link to the Program Instructor
He said that Lorraine forwarded some info on a Chesco Times contact. He asked if the group wants to share one of our recent articles with that contact? Spackman Farm or GB?
1. Dawn suggested GB, and that they should mention the upcoming video. Paul said that’s like a 2 for 1: the program at the High School and promoting Caln History. Dawn added that it connects with the County. Mike B said it’s public schools doing stuff while the pandemic is still going on.
2. Dawn suggested Town Lively. It’s the former Community Courier and it’s Francine Fulton who is a real friend of grassroots type things. Paul said he just got one. Micky M showed her copy to all of us. Micky said she would send the contact info to us.
3. Tony said that he will work on Chesco Times and Town Lively
4. Dawn added that the Daily Local is worth a shot, and that GB is timely.
  1. Mike B said that the Daily Local would be pleased to run something that they don’t have to write.
5. Tony asked about the master list for the next Caln Newsletter topic. Mark said he thought it was Juneteenth. Dawn said she hasn’t seen anything on the Caln level about it, only at the County level.
  1. Dawn said we could volunteer, provide water bottles, give us a script - lead walks through Carver Court, underground railroad stops in Caln we could have people stationed at. Dawn said the Gravner-Barnes house on 340 that is documented as being a big stopover.
  2. Tony said he would find the list. Dawn said that he and Abbey were doing a great job, and that Juneteenth should be the next one.
Tony said that he would volunteer for the Zoning Hearing Board

Dawn interjected that she thought Micky M has been posting some very intellectual commentary on Caln Watch, and that we are looking for members. Micky responded that they are moving to Maine in the not-too-distant future. It may only be for part of the year, so they may not sell the house in Caln. Mark and Paul said we could keep working through Zoom, and that he would send her the link to apply. He said we could use someone like her who cares. She said we was sad that there weren’t ordinances in place to protect things, but encouraged from this meeting.

HISTORICAL PRESERVATION
1. Cathy and Leah were unable to attend. Dawn said that they are the group working on the ordinance and we look forward to what they come up with.

NEW BUSINESS:
Dawn made a motion to adopt “Historic Caln, Where it All Began” as our motto.
Second by Mark E
Dawn called the vote
Motion passed 6-0

Mark E made a motion that the Hx Com report to the BOC that we have adopted “Historic Caln, Where it All Began” as our motto, and encourage them to take that motto under consideration for the Township as soon as possible
Second by Dawn C
Dawn called the vote
Motion passed 6-0

Dawn asked if there was any additional business.

Mark E stated that he wanted to get on the record regarding the Baily-Pyle House
1. It was willed to and is owned by Brandywine Hospital, not Regal Builders
2. There are 2 date markers on the house, 1729(?) with the letter “M” for Mendenhall, and 1929(?). The original house burned down and was rebuilt in 1929
3. The barn was destroyed by a hurricane in 1973 so the current barn only dates back to then
4. Paul S said that it may well be worth looking at, that it is within the 50 year zone, but may not have any historical associations or characteristics that would make it qualify. There were some well-known Philadelphia architects that were doing country homes in the 1920’s
5. Paul said that maybe there is a foundation with Brandywine Hospital that could adaptively reuse the building. There could be solutions out there, but jumping up and down screaming may just scare people off.
6. Dawn asked Patti to reach out to the Foundation to see what she could find out about the house. She said she would try. Paul said that we could offer to them a free assessment through CCHPN, and that we’re concerned about it just sitting there. We’re not trying to push them, only encourage them

Dawn asked for a motion to adjourn.
Moved by Mark E
Second by Patti D
Dawn called the vote.
Motion passed 6-0

Meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM

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Historical Commission Meeting Minutes - March 17, 2021

5/18/2021

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Historical Commission Member Attendees: (7– Quorum)

Dawn Coughlan – Chair
Lorraine Tindaro – Vice Chair
Mark Evans – Secretary
Paul Stephens

Tony Wagner
Catherine Callahan
Leah Jennings

Historical Commission Members Absent (1):

Patti DeFroscia (Excused)

Historical Commission Guests (3):

Mike Bedrick
Tony DiSario
Jane Kennedy

OPENING:
The meeting was called to order by Chair Coughlan at 7:06 PM. Secretary Evans announced that the meeting was being recorded to expedite transcription of minutes, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Secretary Evans continued with Members Roll Call and Introduction of Guests.

Chair Coughlan asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the January 20th Meeting
Moved by Paul S
Second by Mark E
Vote called by Dawn C
Motion passed 7-0

Chair Coughlan asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the February 17th Meeting
Cathy C asked for clarification to be noted that she was stating that it was the Hx Com’s responsibility to work on moving it to the Register. Mark E responded that he understands there are times that our verbiage doesn’t match our meaning, and that these things can be tweaked in advance of the meeting by sending an email. Paul S added that he understands her passion about Edge’s Mill.
Tony W asked for clarification on Page 4 letter D if it was meant to be his statement or Tony S? Mark said it should be Tony W, and that he will make that change and tweak the wording on Cathy’s comment.
Moved by Tony W
Second by Paul S
Vote called by Dawn C
Motion passed 7-0

OLD BUSINESS:

EDGE’S MILL HISTORIC DISTRICT
1. Paul S stated that he had presented the proposal to the BOC for consideration. There were some reservations about the cost, and a comment from the general public that we had spent a lot of money on the School and Barn Roof and given the circumstances might not be the right time. Paul appreciated the comment. He reported that a take away from the BOC was that we would explore other ways of completing the project and/or raising funds for it.
2. Cathy C mentioned the email she had received from Corey at the National Register suggesting we only need the DOE at this stage. It’s still a lot of money but even Karen Marshall didn’t believe it could be done without a professional, it’s too many properties.
3. Commissioner Jane Kennedy arrived as a guest to share some of the issues she faced with Carver Court, how it was done as a local group effort without Township money, so that maybe we could find ways to economize. Asked if we had considered a 501C? An oral history on disc as a fundraising appeal? She asked if Mark had the docs she had sent. Mark said they did not come through.
  1. Jane shared that Elizabeth R is aware of the project, that it is viable, and with more photos and oral history how they are all connected – a common thread that makes it a district. A nice story that ties all of the properties together. She believes we can move forward on our own.
    1. Cathy shared that Elizabeth had told her a paragraph on each would be sufficient, and that otherwise it was a go.
  2. At this point there were technical issues that prevented Jane from sharing her screen, and apparently the survey form she was trying to show was too large to go by email.
    1. Jane to get the forms to Mark, and he will get it distributed.
    2. Jane asked if there is a map of the district, that it will have to be included. Cathy said submitted it with her submission, and has a copy.
      1. Mark asked Jane if it was her understanding that we should be able to get it done, and if she expected we will get help from Elizabeth, et al. Jane said we won’t know until we get there.
      2. Mike B suggested that we give it 30-days to ID roadblocks and determine if we could do it. Cathy C repeated that Karen Marshall told her we couldn’t do it on our own.
      3. Dawn C suggested we table it until we see the forms.
        Paul S said photos were easy to get. He would take some himself. Asked Cathy C to notify the residents that he may be out there taking photos
        Dawn C added that all the histories of the homes are on the Historical Society website, the info is available
        Mark E said he would pull down the histories, and see what he can do. Agrees with Mike B on 30-days, though might be actually 60-90 days.
        Paul S said that the more we provide RGA the less it may cost
        Mike B added that if we come close but can’t accomplish it, we can go the BOC and say “this is as far as we could get, can you help us?”
        Paul S suggested that each document how much time we out into this so that we have numbers to point to
      4. Everyone thanked Jane for her help

GARDNER-BEALE HOUSE / CASD PROGRAM
1. Paul S reported they had the first classroom exercised with the students doing sketched and elevations. A lot of the original trim is still there. House has a confused Hx as far as building changes that have occurred, Have more questions than answers, are at the beginning. About 15 students per class, 2 classes. Mix of interest levels, but a lot of fun.
2. Mike B asked about legendary tunnel that goes up the hill.
  1. Leah said the tunnel is there but boarded or cemented over. Last seen by historian Ross Kershey. Paul S said that he didn’t see any evidence of that. There is only a basement in the front 1811 structure, only a crawl space in the back section. Paul S said it would be nice to have the historian show us where it was. It’s a long way to the hill.
  2. Leah added that the original owners of the house are buried in an unmarked grave along Lincoln Highway, just past Enterprise Car Rental, back in the woods.
3. Paul S will try to set up an Hx Com site visit for us.
INVENTORY OF HX RESOURCES
1. Mark reported that he has delivered the package to Abbey, and that Abbey and Denise will get it scanned and provide a master copy for us.
VA DEMO PERMITS
1. Paul S thinks we should get a letter out. Will draft a letter this week.
BAKER-SMITH PROPERTY
1. Mark said the Hx Com will have to draft a formal request asking that the Township reach out to the owner regarding historic Spring House on property.
2. Dawn offered to draft a letter asking the BOC to contact the property owner if he is still interested in donating the property, and if he can be swayed by the historical significance of the spring house.
3. Dawn asked Paul S if he’d checked out the integrity of the spring house. He said he hadn’t from up close due to it being private property.

SUB COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. SPACKMAN FARM – Paul S
  1. Mark reported that Monday at 1:30 will be the Pre-Construction meeting with Kupex.

MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA – Tony W

Tony W had to leave the meeting early so no report.
Dawn asked if Lorraine or Mike had anything to share.
1. Lorraine said they were in the process of contacting Katie Muth, Dan Williams, and Mike McGann from the paper. Will get contact info to Tony.
2. Leah said she “Neighborhood.com” is a great resource for marketing.
3. Paul S suggested that if we send the Chester County Ledger “ready to publish” articles about we’re doing, they would probably run with it.
4. Mark said he’d also reach out to Dan Williams via FB messenger.
Dawn mentioned the article Abbey had done in the Caln Newsletter, and that she was working on the next month’s article already. When Spackman Farm is completed, we’ll have another great story to tell.
Mark said that he had reached out to Catherine Quillman, that she now writes for Today Media. Hopefully she’ll respond.

HISTORICAL PRESERVATION – Cathy C
1. Very concerned about signage and upset about trees being removed, the sort of things we need to protect against in the new ordinance.
  1. Leah said that she spoke with the owner about the trees and he didn’t like what she had to say, and added that he might be considering a sign along the highway. Said he was planning for new plantings.
  2. Dawn clarified that there are no protections against him removing trees, and that the signs are creating light pollution.
  3. Paul S said that there is a legitimate concern about preserving trees in an historical area, and maybe that should be considered by the Zoning Taskforce. “If a tree is over a certain height or size, or is a particular species, you need a permit”.
  4. Cathy said she was told by Ray S that you need a permit to take down a number of trees, and that they are in a flood plain, Dawn added there will be runoff issues due to the trees having been removed.
  5. Paul suggested that we approach the owner with a list of plantings that will focus the view on his building and enhance the appearance.
  6. Dawn expressed concern about the possibility of a large lighted sign. Paul S said we need to make sure Ray S won’t just give them a permit without clearing through us. Mark stated that Ray is very busy, and it wouldn’t hurt for us to make sure we’re concerned with what “could” happen. Paul S said that if not handled properly it could lose it’s integrity and be considered Industrial.
2. Dawn specified that going forward it was important to build these protections into the ordinance, Cathy asked if there were any other suggestions for the ordinance.
  1. Mark asked if Cathy and Leah have found any language that protects trees, etc. Cathy said Chadds Ford is very strict. Mark suggested that they grab that language.
    1. Cathy stated that our overlay has language. Paul S felt the language in our overlay spoke in vague terms, that we need specific language. We need to look at other places to make ours up-to-date and enforceable.
    2. Leah added that as long as there is no DOE, there are no protections for the south side of the street.
    3. Paul said that it’s in the local ordinances that we control these things, why we need the strongest ordinance we can.
    4. Dawn asked what the timeline was with the Taskforce, what is our deadline? Mark said within 90 days we should have something ready to present.
      1. Mark stated that if we want to end up with what East Brandywine has, that we need to start by asking for what Chadds Ford has, it will get whittled down.
      2. Paul S said we could do a “buffet” menu, different pieces from multiple Townships.

NEW BUSINESS:

MARK E brought up PSATS’s monthly publication, and that Caln is one of the few Townships in the County that does not have information on the Historical Commission
1. Dawn was concerned that other Caln Commissions are listed but not ours.
2. Mike B added that Lorraine had tried to get that added a few years back with no success. Mark said we will get it done this time.

Dawn thanked everyone for their contributions, that it was a really good meeting of the minds and we had built lots of momentum.

Dawn asked if there was any other business. There was none.

Dawn asked for a motion to adjourn.
Moved by Lorraine T
Second by Mark E
Dawn called the vote.
Motion passed 7-0.

Meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM.

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Historical Commission Meeting Minutes - February 17, 2021

3/22/2021

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Historical Commission Member Attendees: (7– Quorum)

Dawn Coughlan – Chair
Lorraine Tindaro – Vice Chair
Mark Evans – Secretary
Paul Stephens

Tony Wagner
Catherine Callahan
Patti DeFroscia

Historical Commission Members Absent (1):

Leah Jennings (Excused)

Historical Commission Guests (3):

Mike Bedrick
Bob Wise
Tony DiSario

OPENING:
The meeting was called to order by Chair Coughlan at 7:03 PM. Secretary Evans announced that the meeting was being recorded to expedite transcription of minutes, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Secretary Evans continued with Members Roll Call and Introduction of Guests.

OLD BUSINESS:

EDGE’S MILL HISTORIC DISTRICT
1. Chair Coughlan introduced Bob Wise of RGA, and turned the mic over to Mark E to ask specific questions.
  1. Have the rates changed in the last 6-months or are we locked in at the price in the most recent Proposal?
    1. Mr. Wise confirmed that we are locked in at that rate.
  2. Concerned about the wording in the proposal (fully confident) vs the wording in his email to Karen Marshall (good candidate, but can’t promise anything). For the HX Com to ask the BOC to fund a project of privately owned homes is new territory, and any discrepancy could lead to problems for Township and the Hx Com.
    1. Mr. Wise said that he could not predict what the state is going to say, and cannot guarantee it. But after speaking to the state he is fully confident that we will get the DOE. Most of the resources are still standing, and it’s a good candidate. Nothing standing in the way of it. He would not take our money if he did not think it was a great candidate. He stated that “fully” may have been too strong of a word, maybe he should have just said “confident”. Mark E expressed appreciation for his honesty and recognition of the discrepancy.
  3. In looking at the potential top end cost, could this get out past $9-$10K for just the DOE.
    1. Mr. Wise noted that he just saw a typo in the fee schedule, it had an extra 5, should be $6,170, not $6,1750. Believes that the quote of $6,170 for DOE and $5,765 for the National is reasonable based on all of his experience, it should cost no more. The state could always “wake up on the wrong side of the bed”. Believes it’s a good price, but not cheap. Mark E agreed that it is a fair price.
      1. Dawn recognized Cathy C who shared that we’re going to find a way to do it with or without the funding. It took a year for her to do the work on her own home. Dawn C thanked her for all of her work.
      2. Dawn C recognized Paul S. He questioned if the fee is for the DOE? Bob said it’s about half. Confirmed that the total cost all the way through nomination would be $11,935.
      3. Dawn C asked Mark E if we would be asking the BOC for the full $11,935. Mark said that he thought it was being done in 2 phases and that we would only be requesting the $6,170 at this juncture.
      4. Paul S stated that were benefits to having only the DOE, would prefer we go all the way. Mr. Wise agreed that having the DOE provides some level of protection against any proposed developments at step 1 of the process. Paul mentioned that the widening of the Bypass Interchanges is the biggest threat.
      5. Dawn asked if Tony or Patty had any questions. Patty asked how many houses, and asked about the house at the end of Bondsville Road. Cathy responded that it is 6 homes, and that house is not a part of it. Paul S stated that it could not be added to the protections because it’s not part of the milling district. Mr. Wise said that it’s good that we have the core., and the mill is still standing.
      6. Dawn thanked Mr. Wise for his time, and excused him from the meeting.
2. Dawn stated that we need to resolve it this evening. Asked if we can split it into 2 projects?
  1. Paul replied that we could ask him to do just DOE, and that the township only consider funding the DOE. In good conscious we need to present the 2nd part to the BOC as a future cost.
  2. Mark stated he desperately wants it to happen. But:
    1. The Township made it through the first year of Covid without laying anyone off or cutting any services. There are no guarantees that we’ll make it through this year, and won’t have an idea of what our tax income will look like until later in the year.
    2. There is no precedent in Township history of the Twp paying for something for private residences. He believes it would be good for the township, and being on the National Register could lead to us being a historical “destination”. If he was one of the owners, he would try to convince his neighbors to come up with the $ for the DOE. Once the DOE is obtained we’re on more solid ground, the Twp. could be in a better financial position post Covid, then approach the BOC and ask them to pay for the National Registry part of the process.
      1. Cathy stated that it would be insane for the Hx Com to not forward the proposal to the BOC, and Mark needed to take his Commissioner hat off and just be a part of the Hx Com. Mark clarified that he was strategizing how to get what we want. The wrong approach could destroy our credibility.
      2. Paul S recommended that we send the Proposal to the BOC, not “ask” for money up front, this has our endorsement, and ask them to consider it. This is the cost now, and could possibly go up. We don’t want to lose credibility. A lot of residents attend the BOC meetings. We must recognize that these are tough times.
      3. Cathy stated that she didn’t understand what we’re voting on, getting it on the registry or the money, and why we’re even debating it. Mark clarified that we all want it to be on the National Registry, we’re voting on if we want to ask the Township to spend potentially over $12K.
      4. Tony W asked if we could ask for a portion thereof, that there could be subsidized in a partnership with the homeowners. That it didn’t have to be an all-or-nothing. And that we should move it ahead.
      5. Mike B said we were on to something. “This is what it will cost”, and put it onto the docket for consideration throughout the year.

Dawn asked that Paul S make a motion.

Paul S proposed a motion that we forward the proposal to the BOC, with our endorsement for this area being worthy of the National Registry. The $ part is not part of our purview, but are asking that they consider it.
Moved by Dawn C
Mark asked if we could amend the motion to say that we will forward the proposal to the BOC, and that Dawn and Paul will attend the meeting to pitch it in person.
Dawn threw it back to Paul who amended the motion to include that we present it in person.
Moved by Dawn C
Second by Tony W
Vote called by Dawn C
Motion passed 7-0

GARDNER-BEALE HOUSE / CASD PROGRAM
1. Dawn C thanked Tony W for getting us started with drafting a letter to the CASD Superintendent stating our support, and that the letter is at the Township being put on Caln Letterhead.
2. Dawn reported that she had a wonderful conversation with the new teacher who is running the program, and that Lisa Doane-Hartley is there once a week.
3. Dawn asked if Paul S had any more information, and added that the teacher is very involved, wants to know everything. He’s into the Hx architecture of the building, can’t wait to get into it.
INVENTORY OF HX RESOURCES
1. Dawn stated that she had provided the materials to Mark E. Mark reported that he had cleared with Kristen Denne to ask Denise to scan everything. Thanked Patty for digging it all out.
VA DEMO PERMITS
1. Township has no knowledge of notification, nor does Lorraine or Josh of BOC and Cathy of Hx Com. It’s Federal property anyway, so we have no say.
2. Paul S thinks we should at least write a letter to the State Hx Pres Office to let them know that we just found out about this, can find no record of ever being notified, yet the documentation states that we did not express interest in consulting. That would not have been the case if we had been notified.
3. Paul’s concern is that the State and VA is aware of whether they have drawings and other documents relating to these buildings so there’s a historic record of them. We might ask if we can come and photograph to make a record for the Township.
4. Dawn asked if the letter should come from us or from the Township. Mark said he thought it would be best to come from us. Paul S will put together a very rough draft with what we should ask for.

BAKER-SMITH PROPERTY
1. Mark said he consulted with the Township Manager and she feels it would be better for the BOC to approach him. Mark suggested that it be pitched at the same time as the RGA proposal.
2. Dawn asked if there is a For Sale sign on it. Mike said he hadn’t seen one. Paul S said he saw the sign but wasn’t certain if it was on that property. Dawn will contact Ray S to see if it is for sale

SUB COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. SPACKMAN FARM – Paul S
  1. Paul stated that he has an email from Chris Caba, Flander-Chase-Knox House. and will forward it around to all of us.
  2. Mark said that he got an email from Bryan K. That we have the contracts in order and will be scheduling the Pre-Construction meeting with Kupex probably for early March. They have 60 calendar days after receiving the Notice to Proceed to complete the work, which should be by late May/early June. There was much celebration
2. MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA – Tony W

The main accomplishment was the letter to CASD mentioned earlier in the meeting.
Next step is to get endorsements from Katie Muth and Dan Williams.
1. Mike B asked if he should forward the contact info to Tony, or make an introduction. Tony said he’d prefer an introduction
Tony asked if Mike had been in touch with Mike McGann from Coatesville Times. Mike replied that they had sent an email out, but had some issues and had to change their email address. So they’ll try again.
Tony asked Mark about the writer he knew about. Mark said it was Catherine Quillman, that she now writes for Today Media, so it could be a much bigger project if we can get her interested in what we’re doing. Mark said that he will reach out and see if we can get her involved, then discuss at March meeting what approach we want to take.

AT THIS POINT WE ACCIDENTALLY WENT OUT OF ORDER AND COVERED NEW BUSINESS. SECTION “C” BELOW WAS COVERED AFTER NEW BUSINESS

HISTORICAL PRESERVATION – Cathy C
1. With Leah absent, and Cathy dealing with loss in the family, there was not much to report this month.
2. Cathy said that she was concerned about the trees that were cut down on Edges Mill Road, and that is sort of things we need to protect against in the new ordinance.
3. Cathy said that signage and brightly lit signs are true concerns for the new zoning. Mark agreed, and said that signage will be addressed in the Taskforce
4. Mark added that he and Paul S were discussing the idea of having our own HARB, and getting it incorporated into the new zoning.

NEW BUSINESS:

CALN FB MONTHLY UPDATE – DC

Dawn recommended that we do a Monthly Historic Update in all Caln social media (FB/Website). Maybe start with Spackman or Schoolhouse.

Tony said that the only limiting factor is that we have no control over the FB page or website, so everything depends on Abbey’s availability, and if she’s too busy, we can’t get much done
1. Mark asked if we should start our own FB page and ask the Township to link to it (prefaced by saying it was a stupid question)
  1. Dawn said she sees it more as a news feature, and that Patty could work with Tony to make sure the History and the Media are connected.
  2. Tony replied that we could have legal issues with moving forward with our own repository of info.
  3. Dawn doubts we would get the traffic on our own.
Lorraine mentioned that there was a great article in the newsletter about the Schoolhouse, and maybe we should use the Newsletter.
1. There seemed to be agreement that the Newsletter was the best approach since it goes out in hard copy, by email and is posted to the FB page
2. Tony reiterated that Abbey is sometimes too busy, and that he had reached out to Mark earlier in the day to see if he should follow up on an item that had been waiting response for some time. We’re still stuck with being dependent on the Township having to do the work for us.
  1. Mark said that he’s been told we’ll never have the ability to do our own work on their FB page
  2. Tony said that Abbey has been very helpful and has done a lot for us
  3. Dawn said she’d give Abbey a call and report back in March. There’s some good things happening and the more publicity the Hx Com gets, the better it will be for Hx Preservation.

Dawn asked if there was any other business. There was none.

Dawn asked for a motion to adjourn.
Moved by Mark E, second by Tony W
Dawn called the vote.
Motion passed 7-0.

Meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM.

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Historical Commission Meeting Minutes - January 20, 2021

3/18/2021

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Historical Commission Member Attendees: (7– Quorum)

Lorraine Tindaro, Acting-Chair
Mark Evans, Secretary
Dawn Coughlan
Paul Stephens

Tony Wagner
Catherine Callahan
Patti DeFroscia

Historical Commission Member Absent (1):

Leah Jennings (Excused)

Historical Commission Guests (3):

Paul Mullin
Mike Bedrick
Tony DiSario
Kathleen Hood

OPENING:
The meeting was called to order by Acting-Chair Tindaro at 7:04 PM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Secretary Evans announced that the meeting was being recorded to expedite transcription of minutes.
Secretary Evans continued with Members Roll Call, and Introduction of Guests.

Approval of 1/20/21 Minutes
Chair Cathy Callaghan requested that mention of Bob Wise be removed from the 1/20/21 minutes. There was discussion, but it was decided that it was appropriate for it to be there.
PAUL S MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE 1/20/21 MEETING
SECOND BY DAWN C.
VOTE CALLED BY LORRAINE T
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
2021 Reorganization
Lorraine T called for Nominations for the position of Chair, and thankd Cathy Callaghan for her service as chair. Everyone applauded.
Cathy Callaghan nominated Lorraine Tindaro
Mark Evans Nominated Dawn Coughlan
Tony Wagner offered a second
Mike B asked who he was seconding, Lorraine or Dawn? He confirmed Dawn just as Patty DeFroscia added a second for Dawn C.
Hearing no second, Lorraine removed her name from consideration.
Cathy C asked if we needed Leah J present before moving forward with the vote. Since there was a quorum, there was no need.
MOTION MADE BY LORRAINE FOR DAWN C TO BE NAMED NEW CHAIR BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT AND CALLED THE VOTE
DAWN C ELECTED NEW CHAIR UNANIMOUSLY
Cathy C thanked Lorraine for being her Vice Chair and never missing a meeting, also Mike B.
Lorraine T passed leadership of the meeting over to new Chair Dawn C, who in turn thanked Lorraine for doing the preparation for the meeting, especially with so much business being considered
OLD BUSINESS:

EDGE’S MILL HISTORIC DISTRICT
1. Mark E asked if Lorraine and Mike had reached out to Bob Wise as requested; they said that they had not. Mark expressed disappointment that they had not thought to pass the assignment on to someone else if they were unable to complete it.
2. Dawn asked if we would be prepared to vote on recommending the District to the BOC after Mr. Wise responds to questions. It was confirmed that with more information we should be ready to vote on the revised RGA proposal.
SUB COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. SPACKMAN FARM – Paul S
  1. Paul stated that he had not heard back from Chris Caba regarding his insights on how to make this property a successful place for events. Dawn asked if he was the manager for Valley Forge event site? Paul confirmed that yes, Chris runs the Flander-Chase-Knox House. Paul asked if any of us know someone who does similar things, such as the mansion in Tredyffrin, perhaps we could contact them.

Dawn mentioned that Leah stated at a previous meeting that Springton Farm hosts events and asked Patty D if she knew if they still did. Patty confirmed that they had in the past, but wasn’t sure if they still do. Paul was clear that all we need is some insight of what we would need to do to make Spackman desirable, to get someone interested by public offering, what we need to do to meet the local laws of PA, and how to market it effectively. Paul S asked if we had found out anything about obtaining an insurance rider for a one day visit by Valley Forge. Mark E stated that he had reached out to Kristen, but with all that’s going on- budget season, Covid - did not expect to hear back right away but hopes to have an answer in February.

Paul asked Mark if there was an update of the Barn Roof. Mark apologized for not having the answer but would get it by the February meeting. Dawn said that she thought at a BOC meeting someone said the material wasn’t available yet.
Kathleen Hood arrived at that point.

KATHLEEN HOOD of Chester County Historic Preservation Network (CCHPN) GAVE A PRESENTATION ABOUT CCHPN and WHAT IT IS, ITS ROLE BEING TO PROVIDE BOTH INSPIRATION AND SUPPORT IN THE IMPORTANT WORK THAT WE ARE DOING. THE PRESENTATION RAN FOR 15 MINUTES, HIGHLIGHTING EXCITING UPCOMING EVENTS. MS. HOOD WILL SEND PAUL S A COPY OF THE POWERPOINT, AND STATED THAT WE ARE WELCOME TO POST IT TO OUR WEBSITE.

MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA – Tony W

Tony W reported that he had not yet heard back from Abbey regarding the Spackman Farm news article
1. Mark E said he had contact info for a writer who is Historic Preservation focused and will provide by next meeting
2. Mike B said he knows Mike McGann who founded Coatesville Times and he may be interested. Mark suggested that they reach out and connect him to Tony W
Mark mentioned that the website looks great

HISTORICAL PRESERVATION – Cathy C
1. Cathy reported that she had emailed everyone some recommendations for our Hx Ordinance
2. Mentioned resource inventory of New Garden that she saw at last year’s CCHPN luncheon
  1. “Shall” is the key word, and is missing from ours
  2. We need to add these items and wording to our resource list
  3. Paul S said it’s a good approach, we have time to get ready for the Zoning Taskforce. Putting things out there in a way we can all digest them in the process is great.
3. Cathy said she was not sure why Leah was not in attendance, but that they had been talking about the Bondsville Mill District. They are moving along in their process with the Register, they filed after us, and that Leah was sad about that.
4. Dawn C thanked Cathy for sending around her Hx Ord recommendations, commenting that it’s great to have them in writing.

NEW BUSINESS:
Mark E requested that we go out of order and revisit Spackman Farm Sub Committee as he had found his notes from the BOC meeting regarding the Barn Roof:
Waiting on the revised contract documents. Because of the change in material, the contract had to be amended, and the docs are “in the mail”. Once they are received, the project can get underway.

ZONING TASKFORCE/HX REVIEW BOARD/AMMEND CHARTER
1. Mark E stated that the Taskforce recommendation will be refined down from the cumulative list coming in from Cathy and Leah’s sub com, and anything else the Commission wants to include. We will vote to individually approve each item, and then submit it to the Taskforce
2. Mark E reported that the Historic Architecture Review Board(HARB) is a “bigger picture” idea that had grown out of a conversation with Paul S. Having the ability to designate local Caln properties that have historic significance, it might be worth exploring the possibility of amending the Hx Com charter to form our own HARB.
  1. Paul S stated that by State law the BOC would have to create the Review Board, but that it goes hand-in-hand with the local designation of historic places. The question arose if we designate it historic, does it have to be done with property owner’s permission? This will have to be researched. We could establish criteria or guidelines and maintenance work that goes into keeping a property up, so we would have a say in protecting the historic integrity and the architectural character of something we deem historic. Guidelines can be extensive or limited.
    1. Dawn asked if he was referring to HARB, and if we need any kind of professional endorsement, or if we can make that recommendation to the BOC? Paul confirmed HARB and that we should be able to do it. It is authorized by State legislature for local communities to set these up. We can recommend to BOC that we form one.
    2. Dawn said that it would behoove us to have HARB, other townships have them and they have been very useful in protecting historic resources; she cited Upper Merion township as a HARB example. Would this be a part of our ordinance?
      1. Cathy said yes, our ordinance is pretty good, but could be much better, and that’s why she and Leah are suggesting more protective language like New Garden and E Brandywine Township ordinances contain regarding distances between historic properties and proposed development, etc.
      2. Paul S said those numbers set the criteria to invoke HARB review. We need to establish the guidelines first and that will take some effort. At the very least, we need to look at guidelines used elsewhere successfully. Dawn stated that is what Cathy is working on. Cathy said that Karen Marshall had been suggesting we get these things into our ordinance.
      3. Paul reiterated that we need the guidelines that allow us to tell them what they can and can’t do.
      4. Mike B read from the ordinance which reads “developed in a sensitive way to the needs of the community”. Paul S stated that language is too vague to be enforced in any way. Mark E said that the ordinance will be addressed as part of the Zoning Update, and it will not cost us anything. Paul S said that once the HARB is established in the ordinance we can develop the guidelines. Dawn closed the discussion by stating that we’re working in that direction and will be submitting it to the Zoning Taskforce
      5. Mark E added that as per a conversation with Paul S. we need to start thinking of our Caln historic resource inventory past the end of 19th century
        Dawn asked if the resource map was something that Patty D would like to be involved in? Patty said she has all of the docs put together previously by Historic Commission members Tom and Patty DeFroscia, Lois Demchak, and Doreen Jacoby, including a color-coded map. Mark asked if she had it electronically. She said no, but there was a copy at the Township. Cathy C said she has a map.
        Paul S asked if these things could be copied/scanned by Township. Mark offered to scan the documents if not. Paul said that having those documents puts us ahead of the game.
CASD PROGRAM: GARDNER – BEALE HOUSE
1. Paul S described the Historic Preservation curriculum at CASH – 4 year program. He met with Joe Tassoni, the new teacher, enthusiastic about the kids. Goal is to do condition assessment and produce a video this semester.
2. Paul S said that it would be helpful if we wrote a letter of support for them. Patti asked if he had spoken Lisa Doan-Harley, the originator of the course, whose ancestors came from Calne England, suggesting Lisa would be a great source of information on the House.
3. Patti said the CASD had once offered the Historic Commission the building for $1. Paul S said it will require a lot of time and effort over the years. The class will put the time into it, but money will eventually come into play. He again recommended that we write a letter, and invite the class to present their video to us, and potentially the BOC (perhaps even the BOC send a letter of support). Dawn said she would draft something.
  1. Mike B suggested we reach out to local politicians Katie Muth and Dan Williams. Tony W will send the letter to both to solicit their support. Mark E asked if Mike B and Lorraine T would introduce Tony W to them. They agreed to do that.
  2. Cathy C asked if the students are allowed inside. Paul S said that wearing N95 masks they should be able to go in, but it’s up to the school. He added that maintenance is supposed to be going in to clean out accumulated junk.
4. EXPLORE IDEAS FOR CALN
  1. Dawn said that E Brandywine does free programs that are very exciting. Dan Campbell representing a National Mills group was a guest speaker and talked about Edge’s Mill as one of the few standing mills from that time period. Maybe in the fall/post Covid, we could put together one of these programs. She would like to work with Abbey on this. She asked for suggestions of topics, what the group thinks about this idea. Paul S said he loves it, and mentioned PA barns, and that we have a great barn at Spackman – it could get attention for us. There is a PA Barn Association.
    1. Dawn suggested that we keep this on the back burner and plan for the fall.
  2. Mark interjected that he recently encountered kids trespassing at Spackman Farm, and suggested we all try to keep an eye on the Farm, and call the Caln Police if we see anything. Tony W asked if there is signage, Mark confirmed.
BUDGET
1. Dawn asked if we had a budget approved? Paul M stated that it was and we got $750. $150 went to the CCHPN membership and we have a $500 balance.
VA HOSPITAL DEMOLITION PERMITS
1. Mark said that he will call Ray Stackhouse in the morning.
2. Dawn stated that she heard 2nd hand that where the doctors lived is slated for demolition because it was in poor condition and too far gone for affordable repair. We didn’t know about it. Paul S said that we would only have been notified of demo permit if it were in the historical overlay district. Paul M asked how many buildings are involved. Paul M googled it and found a document that listed the building numbers and their locations on the campus, it was dated June 2019. Paul S thought they were probably getting their money together to do it this year. Mark E asked how they could demo if it’s on the National Register. Paul S said that the worst they could do is remove the historic designation due to loss of buildings. He thought it was too late for us to get involved and questioned if the BOC or Hx Com received notification in 2018 or 2019. Mark E asked Lorraine T if she remembers this from the BOC. Dawn stated that Ray Stackhouse should have a record of it. Mark and Paul M believed there should be a record. Paul S said we could ask SHPA. Cathy and Lorraine said they did not recall any communications. Paul S said that there should have been a 106 through the SHPA, unless it only went between the Feds and the State, since the property is federal. When it comes to Historical Preservation, “you can’t win when you’re arguing with Churches and Hospitals because one is saving souls, one is saving lives, and all you’re doing is saving a ratty old building, and you can’t win that argument”. Mark asked if we should try to get it to the press and get attention, or would that make it more likely that they will try to get out of the Nat registry? Paul S said that the bigger concern is that they may be planning to build something new, and what’s that going to like? Dawn suggested that we divide and conquer.
  1. Mark reaching out to Ray S
  2. Paul S reaching out to Karen Marshall to see what info she has

Dawn asked if there was any other business. There was none. Mark noted that we had 7 members present for the meeting. Cathy and Lorraine congratulated Dawn on being elected Chair.

Dawn asked for a motion to adjourn.
Moved by Paul S, second by Mark E
Dawn called the vote.
Motion passed 7-0.

Meeting adjourned at 8:42 PM.

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Historical Commission Meeting Minutes - December 15, 2021

Historical Commission Meeting Minutes - October 20, 2021

Historical Commission Meeting Minutes - May 19, 2021

Historical Commission Meeting Minutes - April 21, 2021

Historical Commission Meeting Minutes - March 17, 2021

Historical Commission Meeting Minutes - February 17, 2021

Historical Commission Meeting Minutes - January 20, 2021

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