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Historical Commission Meeting Minutes - June 29, 2022

7/21/2022

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Historical Commission Member Attendees: (7 – Quorum)

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

Leah Jennings
Patti DeFroscia
Tom Parr

Historical Commission Members Absent (1):

Cathy Callaghan - Excused

Historical Commission Guests (1):

Mike Bedrick

OPENING:
The meeting was called to order by Chair Stephens at 7:06 PM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Secretary Evans announced that the meeting was being recorded.
Secretary Evans continued with Member Roll Call and introduction of guests.
Chair Stephens asked if there were any comments/corrections on the minutes of the May 18, 2022 meeting. Secretary Evans responded that the minutes were not completed in time and will be ready before the July meeting. Tabled until July.

OLD BUSINESS:

SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. SPACKMAN FARM
  1. Mark reported that he sent an email to Abbey and P&R regarding a potential joint Holiday event and that Commissioner Kennedy announced at the last BOC meeting that they were very interested. He added that the chain at the main entrance was down, and looked like someone might have driven through it, but that a log was blocking the driveway so trespassers could not get up there.
2. MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA
  1. Mike and Lorraine said they were still waiting to receive the images from Abbey and would call her again
  2. Mark E shared that he had already followed up with Abbey and received the images. The Spackman Farm article was transmitted electronically to these publications on 6/29/22:
    1. Town Lively – News Department
    2. Daily Local – Fran Maye
    3. The Patch – Holly Herman
    4. Vista Today - Mark Hostutler
    5. Chesco Times – Mike McGann
  3. Mark E added that he had contacted CCHPN about running an ad in their fall issue and they were still working on the spring issue. It is now out, so they should let us know the ad-deadline for the fall issue soon. Dawn asked about sending the, the article. he said he would send them the draft Spackman as well.
3. HISTORICAL PRESERVATION
  1. Mark E shared that the BOC has been hosting open workshops on the HPO at 6:30pm prior to the start of each BOC Meeting, the next one will be 7/14. He has been working with the Township solicitor to absorb suggested tweaks from those workshops. He added that Chapter 19 of the township code currently charges and defines the Hx Com’s powers and responsibilities. The language will be updated and codified in the new ordinance. Mike B suggested that in the updated language we lower the minimum numbers to 7.
  2. He asked for help with clarifying the current proposed resource list. He credited Patty with letting us know we had lost Hatfield Tea Room, or it would have still been on the list.
4. LLOYD FARM
  1. Tom Parr shared that had reached out to the PA Historic Museum Commission and has had a good back-and-forth dialogue with April Frantz. After we learned through PA-SHARE that it was listed under Valley Brook Farm they were able to locate the records. The 1982 assessment found it was eligible for the National Registry. In 2014, after a developer inquired about historical resources in the area, the farm was reassessed, and this time it was deemed not eligible due to loss of integrity. We found on PA-SHARE that it was listed as “needs to be reevaluated”. He reached out to the state to request all documentation as to why it was no longer eligible, and details on loss of integrity. They sent 20 pages of records just received today. Tom asked that Mark E share those docs with the members of the Hx Com. Tom said April was more than accommodating and that if we wanted, and had new information to share, she said they could re-evaluate the farm again. She also connected him with Megan McNish who is willing to help us ID our important resources.
  2. Mark E said that Tom had reached out to Chesco Historian Catherine Quillman, after which Mark ran into her at the CCHPO dinner. Mark said he had a nice chat with her about Lloyd Farm. She will be attending our July meeting to share her expertise. Tom said she could help our understanding of Underground Railroad ties. Paul S said the loss of integrity could have something to do with the loss of the barn. Patty D said they had run into a similar issue with Gardner Beale House and the house at Kings Grant. They said the interior had been changed too much. Paul S stated that is also what we can expect to run into with Lloyd Manor, that much of the woodwork had been removed by the developer, so we should focus on the landscape preservation, and the house may still have some local significance. Tom said April F had said the same thing. Paul believes we need to explore all possibilities.
  3. Tom Parr also reported that we had heard back from Natural Lands, and they are open to another meeting to discuss saving the farm
  4. Paul S said he has not been in contact with Dianne Cram to do a study on Lloyd Farm/Lloyd Manor, but will add to his tickle list
  5. Mike and Lorraine said that they still have not heard back from NAACP re Lloyd Farm. They will try again.
EDGES’ MILL HISTORIC DISTRICT UPDATE
1. Cathy C was not present. Leah J reported that Cathy has had multiple back-and-forth conversations by phone with April Frantz. Dawn C said she had sent all of the Micki McAllister documents to Cathy. Paul S said it’s important that we keep pushing forward on it.
JUNE 4th HISTORICAL TOUR REPORT
1. Mike and Lorraine reported that it was a nice day and they had about 9 visitors. Shared what they did to kept it somewhat cool on a hot day.
OCHS LIASON REPORT
1. Dawn reported that OCHS is just getting back into action post-COVID. Patty D is their new Hx Histories and Marker Chair. They will push for a vote to complete the markers in EM. They have permission from the owners, and are ready to place the markers, but they are waiting until ongoing construction at the Bank House (corner house) is more settled. She added there is a newsletter and brought along brochures. If anyone did not get the newsletter, that means they’re not members, and added that the membership dues may be going up soon. They are working toward re-establishing the long-standing bond enjoyed between OCHS and CTHC. Paul S challenged the members of the CTHC to achieve 100% membership in OCHS. Dawn added what an honor it is to be working with new Vice President Abbey Swan. She is constantly working to make the connection stronger.
PA SHARE UPDATE
1. Paul prefaced by saying we need to set up a training session.
2. Mark E said he had begun exploring it and it is a powerful tool to accomplish many of our stated goals. Once the Historic Preservation Sub Committee completes their work on the Edges Mill histories, we can get this going through PA Share. But the Edges Mill group needs to review, edit, and approve what Micki McAllister put together for them before any action can be taken
3. Mark E shared that on his test drive of PA Share he found a couple of our resources in question listed as “eligible” and/or “Needs Re-Evaluation. Mark said he will schedule a zoom with Paul to share credentials and get the process started. Paul shared for any visitors that what PA-SHARE is
FINANCE UPDATE
1. Mark E reported there were no expenditures
2. Dawn said that at the CCHPN dinner many Hx Coms reported they had Treasurers, and that we should consider having a treasurer. There were no volunteers. Paul S said that while we have such a small budget, we may be alright for now, but when we begin to apply for grants, we will need one.
ORGANIZATIONS TO CONSIDER JOINING
1. Tabled from 12/15/21 Meeting
2. Mark said he’ll have a list of organizations ready for the September Meeting. Lorraine asked if we are members of the organization that hosted the dinner. Dawn said yes, we are members of CCHPN and she should be getting the newsletter. She loves what the CCHPN President (Jim Buczala) says and how he writes. He’s been pushing “Adaptive Reuse” that is exactly where our focus needs to be.

NEW BUSINESS:

Paul there has been discussion of the need to develop a definable set of classifications to make for an enforceable ordinance. If we’re going to call something historical, we need to be able to defend why. Paul said that we need more information on the resources, why something is important to the township. Mike B asked if there is an evaluation sheet. Paul said it needs to be incorporated into the ordinance. He said Mark needs help from the CTHC with this research. Mark said Kristin Camp has been very helpful and has been clear that she needs to know what standards delineate Class 1 and Class 2, and what defines the resources importance so she can craft the language accordingly. She referred to the 2013 County resource list and asked if he knew who had been involved in the process. He said asked Patty D who told him the 2013 study included the County, OCHS, CTHC, Karen Marshall. KC dug deeper and came up with the classification system prepared by that team. Mark E shared a potential historic classification system based on the county 2013 study, and noted that according to that document, local historical commissions can designate a resource as Class I even if it is not eligible for the National Registry. Paul said we need a definable, defendable reason for classification. We should adopt the national criteria as our criteria for a Caln Register so we can identify local resources and provide a measure of protection. This will go before the public in hearings, at this point we want to hammer out our criteria, and that it would be appropriate to establish a new sub-committee to explore these issues. Mike B asked if there was a state list of sites that may be different from the national reg. Paul said he believed the sate uses the National registry. Getting to the National Registry has become a cottage industry and how can we get there without using large amounts of funds. Perhaps we can come up with a way of protecting resources that important to Caln, and that’s where we’re trying to go with the ordinance. Paul asked for a motion to establish a new Ordinance Sub-Committee led by Mark E and empower him to select who he would like to work with him. Moved by Mark E, Second by Dawn C, Vote called by Paul S, Motion passed 7-0. Tom Parr, Paul S, and volunteered their assistance. Mark asked that Patty D also work on the sub-com because she has the knowledge. Mark then shared other various draft documents including the revised Chapter 19 language to be codified into zoning. Mark E pointed out that in Chapter 19 it states that the CTHC has the authority to enter into grants and suggested that we intentionally seek out a new member with Grants experience. Dawn suggested maybe we could out it in the township newsletter or on social media, there are people out there that love to write grants. Mark said that maybe we could use a little bit of our budget for a grant writer.
Tom Parr reported on CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVRNMENT. He shared the top line and the benefits including grants, adaptive reuse ideas, and services for preservation. There are 48 CLGs in PA, and Caln is surrounded by them. There is a cost. Discussion ensued and we all agreed it would be beneficial for Caln. Paul added that it would tie us into the Keystone Grants Network, and it could pay for itself. Suggested we do as much of the legwork as we can before going to the township. Mark said one of the requirements is examples that the township is interested and working towards preservation wo we need the Township’s buy-in. Dawn asked if there was a 1-time charge or an annual fee. Paul S drafted Tom P to choose who he wants to help him. Tom said he’s been asking for some neighbors to get involved and join.
PARTNERING WITH OTHER HX COMS
1. Tabled from 5/18/22
2. Mark reported that it should not have been on the agenda. He could report on how wonderful the CCHPN dinner was, and that we had 4 members present. We were able to share our story in that public space. Dawn said we got some people’s attention that night.

ADDITIONAL BUSINESS:

Dawn shared how disturbed she was to see about the Amville Bridge was destroyed by PennDOT even though it was on the National Registry. There was video of it posted. It could happen here. She added that the Lloyd Bridge is wonderful and still has some of its capstones. Paul said it’s easy to run an engineering report on a bridge and determine it is not up to modern standards.
Dawn said the amount of truck traffic that is now using the EMR bridge has dramatically increased since Auger opened. And they are using the driveways of private homes to turn around. There was an agreement with the former business that disallowed trucks from using the bridge and forced them to use 322. Mark E reminded everyone that a CU Hearing was coming up on 4060 EMR and we all should be in attendance.
Dawn shared that she heard the Gardner Beale House program at CASH was in danger of being discontinued and noted how much work Paul S had out into that program. Dawn said she can reach out to Joe C, and that we need to be involved, as is the OCHS. Paul S asked that it be put on the agenda under new business for the July meeting. Mark E said that the CASD approved a large raise for administration and has not approved a contract for teachers, so programs are probably being cut. Mike B blamed state funding. Mark concurred and added that Charter Schools as just as big of a problem.
Mark said that maybe we could all start thinking about seeing Lloyd and Spackman as Historic Districts. Maybe we could get Spackman into the County’s hands and use those funds to obtain Lloyd.
Dawn reminded everyone that the coming Sunday would be the first Sunday of the month and we need volunteers to lead the Schoolhouse tour. Paul was a possibility. Dawn said if he could do it she would do it with him, she doesn’t like doing it alone.

ADJOURNMENT
Chair Stephens asked for a motion to adjourn
Moved by Mark E
Second by Dawn C
Vote called by Paul S
Motion passed 8-0

Meeting was adjourned at 8:18 PM

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Historical Commission Meeting Minutes - May 18, 2022

7/21/2022

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Historical Commission Member Attendees: (8 – Quorum)

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

Cathy Callaghan
Leah Jennings
Patti DeFroscia
Tom Parr

Historical Commission Members Absent (0):
Historical Commission Guests (1):

Mike Bedrick

OPENING:
The meeting was called to order by Chair Stephens at 7:07 PM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Sec. Evans announced that the meeting was being recorded.
Secretary Evans continued with Member Roll Call and introduction of guests.
Chair Stephens asked if there were any comments/corrections on the minutes of the April 20, 2022 meeting. There were none.
Chair Stephens asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the February Meeting
Moved by Mark E
Second by Tom P
Vote called by Paul S
Motion passed 8-0

OLD BUSINESS:

SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. SPACKMAN FARM - Mark E reported that the 2022 Township Paving Program has been approved and includes the driveway and parking area at Spackman Farm. Grass Pavers will be used to ease maintenance, and the project is expected to be complete by the end of summer. He suggested we consider partnering with Parks and Rec for a candlelight and hot cocoa holiday event at Spackman. Perhaps get the house lit from outside. Paul S confirmed all would be on the exterior. Mike B suggested that we do it as soon as the driveway is open. Paul S and Tom P said we should wait and try to connect with P&R. Paul thought we should meet with P&R ahead of time to look at potential issues, rope off the porch, etc. Mark added we should get some security cameras going ASAP. Tom P asked who would provide cameras. Paul S said it’s the township. Once we meet with P&R we can meet with township to be sure we can address safety issues. Mark will contact P&R and report back at next meeting.
2. MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA – Mike and Lorraine
  1. Mike and Lorraine reported that they had no updates and were waiting on the Spackman Barn roof photos.
  2. Mark said he reached out to confirm the township has acquired the drone before/after images but Abbey but is out of the office through 5/20. He asked for approval to send the article (updated to include news of the grass paver project) and photos out as soon as we have the images. The distribution list includes TOWN LIVELY, CCHPN NEWSLETTER, DAILY LOCAL, THE PATCH. He asked what publications he missed. Tom Parr suggested VISTA online and said it’s definitely worth pursuing. Mike B added Coatesville Times and said he would reach out to them. Chair Stephens asked for a motion to approve the distribution of the Spackman Farm article (updated to include news of the grass paver project) and photos to the select publications out as soon as we have the images. Moved by Lorraine T, Second by Tom P, Vote called by Paul S, Motion passed 8-0
  3. Mark added that the CCHPN Newsletter accepts paid adverts for its Spring and Fall issues. We missed the spring and are up against the deadline for the Fall issue. The cost for a ¼ page B/W ad is $100. He believes this would be a wise use of part of our annual budget. Mark asked who among us has the skills to create the ad? Dawn C strongly suggested Abbey Swan and will reach out to her as soon as Abbey returns from vacation. Mark added that if the first ad does well, we might consider making this an annual campaign, there’s a Fall & Spring 2-ad discount rate of $185. Lorraine said it was a good idea and not much money. Dawn suggested we use a photo of the barn, and the schoolhouse. Paul S thought it’s better to have a purpose and not just “Hey, we’re here”.Chair Stephens asked for motion to approve using $100 of our 2022 budget to run an ad in the Fall issue of the CCHPN Newsletter if we can make the deadline. Moved by Mark E, Second by Lorraine T, Vote called by Paul S, Motion passed 8-0
3. HISTORICAL PRESERVATION
  1. HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE
    1. Mark reported that the initial review of our proposed ordinance will be on Thursday May 26th. He added that this was the last chance for this commission to comment on the proposed ordinance and resource document before the review. Paul S said that his reviewed the doc and aside from pending comments in red, it looked like what we had wanted to achieve. Dawn asked if the meeting was public, Mark said he thought it was not. Mark asked for any comments, there were none. Paul S confirmed that there would be no vote on the 26th, only discussion. Mark confirmed it was the beginning of the process. Paul asked if we needed to fill in the blanks where there was red text. Mark said he thought the read was info not settled on yet in the new zoning, and what had to be provided by the township/solicitor.
      1. Mark shared his screen so all could see 155-608-5C. He highlighted the proposed language on pre-application meetings. Mike B asked if it would be with Hx Com? Paul said it would be with us and shouldn’t cause delays.
      2. 155-608-8-C is not settled on yet (zoning), landscaping and buffering was taken out by Township - Mike B asked if this was included in general zoning.
      3. Cathy C asked when the public will get to review and comment on the Zoning Update. If it’s a zoning meeting or BOC. Mark said BOC and that we’re not trying to stop people from doing things to their homes, we’re trying to stop developers from destroying Hx resources. Paul S said it still comes down to the zoning officer, Mark said he thought it was going to end up landing on the BOC.
      4. Paul S reiterated that we didn’t create this out of whole cloth, that we pulled ideas from existing ordinances and it’s a pretty good compromise between protecting the community and protecting property rights
      5. Paul asked about the properties on the resource list, if we could look at them. Mark said that if someone would put them into google maps it would be of great help. He said we got a list of over 1,000 from the county and banged it up against our list, removed their Class 3, 4 and 5. Mike asked what our Class 3 were. Paul S said we weren’t going to have a class 3. Dawn asked Patty if she’d reviewed it since she was involved in the original process. She hadn’t but will. Paul thought we had a good working list, and the things that we should stick with what we already list as Class 1 and 2. What’s on the county list might not be needed. We have to do a good job of educating people of what all this means for them. We need to be clear that we’re not trying to push these on the list without input from the property owners.
      6. Paul asked if some of them were archeological sites and not buildings? Patty said the Hatfield Teahouse has been demolished. It went through the BOC and no one ever let the Hx Com know it was a historic resource. Might not have stopped the demo but could have inventoried it for pictures and history. Tom Parr said the county list had the Lloyd Bridge Pump Station. Pal S said he always notices the shed on North Caln and wonders if it’s one of the resources on the county list.
      7. Mike B asked if there were provisions for adding anything to list in the future. Paul and Mark confirmed there is language to that effect.
      8. Cathy C asked if we’re getting rid of the historic overlay. Mark and Paul said the overlay provided no real protections, but real protections will be being extended to the entire township. She said that if we had that earlier we could have saved Lloyd Farm.
EDGES’ MILL HISTORIC DISTRICT UPDATE
1. Cathy reported she’d spoke with Elizabeth R and April Frantz and they’re using the original paperwork sent in on her home and create for the other homes to try to help us get this done. Dawn said it’s great they’re keeping up the conversation and added that Micky M had done a tremendous amount of work on the area, did all the research and typed it all up so the documentation is there. Mark E added that we spent $350 for PA Share to expedite this, that we need someone to take the reins and get it all organized.
MAY 15TH HISTORICAL TOURS
1. Leah and Cathy reported it was a wonderful day. The place looked beautiful. Leah said there were around 12 at the Schoolhouse. Dawn said there were 21 at the Meetinghouse. Dawn added that Dot Johnson donated a small rolltop child’s desk for the schoolhouse. Next tour date is June 5th. Dawn added we should start throwing dates around for the Spackman Farm P&R effort before everyone’s calendars get too jammed. Paul S said as soon as we have confirmation from P&R we can start that. Paul thought a Saturday night might work best; we should get a list of what’s already booked. Paul asked for volunteers for June 5th. Leah suggested we turn the dehumidifier off when in building during summer months, as long as we turn it back on. It gets unbearably hot. A small fan also helps.
2. Lorraine and Mike volunteered to do June 5th tours
PA SHARE
1. Mark had nothing to report.
LLOYD FARM PRESENTATION
1. Mark said “all hope is lost” is not true. That the PennDOT plans could help us. Paul asked if we’d heard back about the mantle, etc. Dawn has not and will follow up. He shared a PPT he created for Lloyd Farm. He emphasized that one of the special features is that it’s not in the middle of nowhere, it is right in the public eye. Tom P asked if I the PPT could be shares with us, and if he could come to any meetings.
2. Mark E proposed that we form a new sub-committee, The Lloyd Farm Sub-Committee and that Tom Parr head that up. Chair Stephens asked for a motion to form a new Sub-Committee, The Lloyd Farm Sub-Committee and that Tom Parr head that up, Moved by Mark E, Second by Cathy C, Vote called by Paul S, Motion passed 8-0
3. Mark asked if Dianne Cram could do a condition assessment on Lloyd Farm/Lloyd Manor. Paul said he will reach out to her and that it can be more than a windshield look if the property owner agrees.
4. Cathy C thought it would be good for us to obtain as many records as we can. Tom Parr said that in 1984 there was a chance to put it on the National Register but the archdiocese didn’t want to do it. Mark displayed the preliminary state DOE form. Tom will dig deep and follow up. He said every year for the last 40 years there have been crops growing, and he wants to protect it. Paul S will tell Dianne we’re looking for permission to get in.
5. Mike B shared a work of warning: the PennDOT plans might not inhibit the developer plans, only make them change their placement.

NEW BUSINESS:

ORGANIZATIONS TO CONSIDER JOINING
1. Tabled from 12/15/21 Meeting
2. Paul S said we have reupped our CCHPN membership. Mark asked that everyone send him their full contact info to him even if they think he has it.
FINANCE UPDATE – Mark reported we were granted a $1200 Budget for this year, and had expended the following amounts:
1. $350 for PA SHARE 1 year license
2. $100 for CCHPN Annual Membership
3. $10.59 for a new Guestbook for the Old Schoolhouse
4. The CCHPN Annual Membership of $100 was paid 5/18/22, leaving us with a remaining balance of $739.41
5. Mark reported that he CCHPN Volunteer Dinner will be held at 5:30 on Wednesday June 22nd at Thornbury Farm, 1256 Thornbury Road, West Chester. He asked if we should we consider using some of our 2022 budget to send a representative or two @ $15/ticket? Paul S suggested that $15 wasn’t much OOP individually, so we should reserve our budget funds. Mark asked if everyone was amenable to rescheduling our June meeting to Wednesday June 29th? All agreed to reschedule. Mark will contact Kristen and Abbey to reschedule.
4801 HORSESHOE PIKE
1. Resident had expressed interest on FB but did not show up at the meeting. Tabled
PARTNERING WITH OTHER HX COMS
1. Interest expressed on FB, but no one show up at the meeting. Tabled

ADDITIONAL BUSINESS:

Tom Parr inquired on where we are on CLG? Paul S instructed Mark to put it on the agenda for the June meeting.
Mark reported that the Buchanan House is in great danger. The current owner, who formerly used this historically significant resource as the Craft House restaurant is now operating a Crypto-mining enterprise out of its basement. So much heat is generated by the computers that large fans are being run off generators and could be a fire hazard. Leah asked for more explanation of what crypto mining is. Paul S described the amount of energy required and the amount of heat created by the process, which makes it dangerous.
Mark shared that Parkesburg will be celebrating their Sesquicentennial on May 20, 21, and 22, and details were available at Parkesburg.org
Mark shared a Q 1 - Q 2 PPT update on our goals
1. Draft and Present HPO - COMPLETE
2. Identify Historical Resources – COMPLETE
3. Register for PA-SHARE – COMPLETE
4. Edges Mill Historic District – NOT COMPLETED
5. CLG – IN PROCESS
Mark shared a DRAFT of Q 3 goals
1. Township Passage of HPO
2. Increased Membership
3. Get our Hx Com in Local News
4. Completion of Edges Mill documentation for PA-SHARE Submission
5. Lloyd Farm Campaign

ADJOURNMENT
Chair Stephens asked for a motion to adjourn
Moved by Cathy C
Second by Dawn C
Vote called by Paul S
Motion passed 8-0

Meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM

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Historical Commission Meeting Minutes - April 20, 2022

5/23/2022

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Historical Commission Member Attendees: (5– Quorum)

Lorraine Tindaro – Vice Chair
Mark Evans – Secretary
Dawn Coughlan

Cathy Callaghan
Leah Jennings

Historical Commission Members Absent (3):

Paul Stephens – Chair (Excused)
Patti DeFroscia (Excused)
Tom Parr (Excused)

Historical Commission Guests (1):

Mike Bedrick

OPENING:
The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Tindaro at 7:10 PM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Technical difficulties prevented the meeting from being recorded.
Secretary Evans continued with Member Roll Call and introduction of guests.
Vice Chair Tindaro asked if there were any comments/corrections on the minutes of the February 16, 2022 meeting. There were none.
Vice Chair Tindaro asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the February Meeting
Moved by Dawn C
Second by Mark E
Vote called by Lorraine T
Motion passed 5-0

OLD BUSINESS:

SUB COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE
  1. Mark E reported that the Proposed Ordinance and Hx Resources list have been distributed to all members of the Zoning Update Taskforce and expects there to be a meeting to review it in May.
  2. Mark said he received a 2nd Caln resource list/atlas from the County that includes approx. 900 resources in Caln. Our list only has 65 resources. Mark will send the County document around to the Hx Com members for review.
  3. Mark also said it was suggested that the Hx Com reach out to the owners of historic resources to gauge their interest/concerns about being included on the list
    1. Dawn C shared that many people did not accept the OCHS offers to put a marker on their property. Major misconception is that they think it’s the same as being on the National Register
    2. Mark said one point to get across is that their properties are already considered to be of Historic value by the County. All the Ordinance does is add protections against developers infringing on the integrity of their properties.
    3. The group discussed various scenarios
    4. Mike B suggested that we interview all of the property owners that would be affected. Cathy C agreed. Mark E noted that it could mean scheduling as many as 900 interviews which would be a logistical nightmare.
    5. All agreed that messaging is of utmost importance.
2. MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA
  1. Lorraine T and Mike B reported that the Spackman Farm article was approved for distribution, but remains held up until we receive the Hi-Res arial photos taken by ARRO
    1. Mark E said he thinks Abbey now has them and will follow up with her.
    2. Mark E suggested that we also submit the Spackman article to CCHPN for their newsletter
  2. Dawn C mentioned that she is trying to get details on who painted the portraits of the Pimms (Richard Pimm and Mary Pimm -nee Edge) that now reside in the Schoolhouse. Mark E suggested that would also make for a great article, especially for the Township Newsletter.
3. SPACKMAN FARM
  1. Mark E reported there were no updates to report on Spackman Farm.
4. EDGES MILL HISTORIC DISTRICT
  1. Cathy C reported that she spoke with April France and Elizabeth Rairley over the last 2 weeks, and they will use the existing paperwork on her house, send her specific questions regarding the other properties and put it all together. They told her that they believe they can get it done.

NEW BUSINESS:

There was no new business on the agenda

BUSINESS:

CCHPO Membership
1. Mark E will follow up to make sure our membership has been renewed. Mark and Dawn reminded the group that we have a budget for 2022 of $1200. Of that $350 have been spent for PA SHARE leaving $850 available.
Mark brought up the planned demolition of the condemned house on the golf course. He will let us know once the additional asbestos removal is complete. He also confirmed that the Barn will not be demoed.
Mark suggested we revisit Lloyd Farm. He started an application for PA at Risk but ran out of time. In the process he received permission from Downingtown Historical Society and Abandoned Steve to use any of their images of Lloyd Farm in the preservation efforts. He is now working on a complete history and has found inconsistencies between various existing histories. He has not found any evidence that it was part of the Underground Railroad.
1. Mike B said he will reach out to the NAACP to see if they have any documentation on Lloyd Farm.
2. Cathy C said it’s hard to believe it wasn’t part of the UR, as many properties were. Hopes we find something.
3. Leah asked if there were any updates on the developer or the house. Cathy C added that the house was magnificent. Mark said that there were no developer actions, and with the rerouting of Lloyd Ave thought the north end of the Farm he doubts there will be enough land left for the developer to make it worth the investment. Cathy C added that could help to preserve it. Mark said they ripped out the door and the mantels and banisters and he heard they were donated to the CCHS. Dawn C will reach out to CCHS to see if they have them.
Mark said the Orangery at Glen Isle was definitely part of the UR. The group discussed Glen Isle and its former life as the Ship Inn. Mark suggested that they all pick a date late summer to have dinner at the Orangery.
Dawn brought up the Schoolhouse Tours and suggested the dates be scheduled to coincide with the Log Cabin and Meetinghouse Tour dates: May 15, June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4, and October 2. Mark apologized for sending incorrect days around.
1. The group agreed those dates make the most sense.
2. An email will be circulated with the correct dates.
3. Mike B suggested we ask the Township to correct the dates on the website
4. Cathy C and Leah J will host the tour on May 15th.
Leah J suggested we look into the status of the Bee Hive House as it is threatened by planned the Christian Fellowship building.

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

Meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM

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Historical Commission Meeting Minutes - February 16, 2022

4/22/2022

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Historical Commission Member Attendees: (6– Quorum)

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

Patti DeFroscia
Leah Jennings

Historical Commission Members Absent (1):

Cathy Callaghan (Excused)

Historical Commission Guests (2):

Mike Bedrick
Tom Parr
Micki McAllister

OPENING:
The meeting was called to order by Chair Stephens at 7:10 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 Stephens asked if there were any comments/corrections on the minutes of the January 19, 2022 meeting. There were none.
Chair Stephens asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the December Meeting
Moved by Dawn C
Second by Leah J
Vote called by Paul S
Motion passed 6-0

OLD BUSINESS INCLUDED:

A report from our Marketing and Social Media sub com and approval of the Spackman Farm article for distribution to select local news outlets, pending our receipt of Hi-Res arial photos taken by Arro
Spackman Farm sub com hosted a discussion about revisiting the naming convention used to designate Spackman Farm. There was also discussion of the Kings Highway Masterplan.
Historical Preservation sub com hosted a discussion about the definitions of Class 1 and Class 2 historic resources. They also reported that pending completion and cross-checking of the Updated Historical Resource document, the Historical Preservation Ordinance was ready to be transmitted to the Zoning Taskforce.

NEW BUSINESS INCLUDED:

An update on PA SHARE - we now have a 1-year subscription
Historical structures at Brandywine Hospital were discussed but it was determined they were not in Caln
Organizations to consider joining remained tabled
New Member Tom Parr delivered a detailed report on Certified Local Government and how to achieve that status

BUSINESS:

Our membership to CCHPO needs to be renewed.

ADJOURNMENT
Chair Stephens asked for a motion to adjourn
Moved by Lorraine T
Second by Dawn C
Vote called by Paul S
Motion passed 6-0
Meeting was adjourned at 8:23 PM

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Historical Commission Meeting - March 16, 2022

3/16/2022

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Tonight's meeting was CANCELLED

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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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