Historical Commission Meeting Minutes - January 21, 2026

• Meeting Called to Order 
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Roll Call of Members: Cathy Callahan, Patty DeFroscia, Donna Diprinzio, Mark Evans, Tom Parr, Jamie Evans, and Commissioner Adam Thomas
• Introduction of Guests: Don Vymazal, Abbey Swan, Mike Bedrick, and Lorraine Tindaro.
• Reorganization Vote:
  • Chair – Mr. Parr nominated Donna DiPrinzio for chair – approved unanimously
  • Vice Chair - Commissioner nominated Patty DeFroscia for vice-chair – approved unanimously
  • Treasurer – Commissioner nominated Adam Thomas for treasurer - approved unanimously
  • Recording Secretary – Commissioner Evans nominated Abbey Swan for recording secretary - approved unanimously
• Public Comment:
  • Ms. Diprinzio expressed her thanks to Commissioner Evans for serving as Chair of the Historical Commission and all of his many efforts to preserve Caln’s history.

• Approval of 12/19/2025 Minutes – Approved with one abstention

 

• New Business:

 

• Commissioner Evans motioned to add the purchase of a $400 full-page ad in the CCHPN newsletter to the meeting agenda. Motion passed unanimously
• Commissioner Evans motioned to approve the purchase of a $400 full-page ad in the CCHPN newsletter. Motion passed unanimously

 

• Old Business:

 

• Joint meeting at Parkesburg HC Feb. 18, 2026 (Goals and Agenda)
  • The February Historical Commission meeting will be cancelled and the Commission members will be attending a meeting with the Parkesburg HC that evening.

 

• Applying for 2026 Chester County Planning Commission/Chester County Historic Preservation Network Town Tour and Village Walk (Update)
  • Ms. DiPrinzio asked for a motion to have staff apply for the 2026 Chester County Town Tours and Village Walks. Motion passed unanimously.
  • Ms. DiPrinzio asked for a motion to list the October and September dates as our first and second choices on the Town Tour application. Motion passed unanimously.

 

• Partnering with Coatesville HC on Caln History research projects
  • Mr. Parr motioned to table the conversation until the March meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

 

• Sub-Committee Reports:

 

• Membership 
  • Commissioner Evans noted Commissioner Adam Thomas is the newest HC member. He also reported that the Board is considering updating the Historical Commission bylaws to reduce the number of members in light of the Historic Preservation Ordinance.
•  Events
  • Mr. J Evans asked if any events are planned beyond the Picnic and Town Tour.
  • Mrs. DeFroscia reminded the group that they planned to order a live tree to plant for decorating at the holidays.
  • Mr. M. Evans explained that the Chester County Community Foundation suggested that the Township apply for both their 250 event grant and their smaller, Dare to Declare event. The group discussed hosting a fall Dare to Declare event (possibly with a hot air balloon).
  • Ms. Swan will bring the full township event schedule to the March meeting.
•  Spackman Farm 
  • Commissioner Evans asked about downspout extenders at the farm, Ms. Swan noted that they have been purchased and will be installed once the driveway is clear.
  • Mr. Parr reported that Mrs. DeFroscia and Mrs. Parr helped him take down the holiday decorations. Mrs. DeFroscia confirmed that the Hexagonal Schoolhouse decorations were also removed.
  • Commissioner Evans will connect Ms. Swan with Mark Slouf to schedule a time for him to take a look at the buckled floors.
• Marketing And Social Media
  • Commissioner Evans reported he plans to advertise upcoming events on Facebook once the details are worked out.
  • Commissioner Evans also noted that the Friends of Spackman-Davis Farm will be paying for a marketing video for the 250 events.
• Historical Preservation 
  • Commissioner Evans reported that the two public meetings on the HPO that have been held so far went very well. Other municipalities have asked to borrow the language in the draft.
  • Mr. Vymazal suggested adding a discussion of next steps for the HPO to an upcoming Board of Commissioners workshop meeting. He also suggested hosting a public meeting that the impacted property owners will be notified of.
• Caln At Risk 
  • Mr. Parr reported on the PennDOT meeting which may impact the Vickers’ farm and other nearby historic properties. The project isn’t likely to start for many years.
• OCHS Liaison Report
  • Mrs. DeFroscia mentioned that a meeting is scheduled for this coming Sunday which may be cancelled due to weather. The December House Tours and Carol Concert will very well-received. Ms. Swan mentioned the winter lecture series events.
• Finance Update 
  • Commissioner Thomas will coordinate with Ms. Swan to have a report ready for the March meeting. No funds have been sent as of the meeting.

 

• Additional Business:
  • Mrs. Callahan relayed that the vote took place to add Edges Mill to the National Register. The nomination was successful and the paperwork will be sent shortly.

 

• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM.