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Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes - April 9, 2026

4/9/2026

 
Caln Township
Chester County, Pennsylvania
Board of Commissioners Minutes
April 9, 2026, 7:30 PM
Caln Municipal Building & Microsoft Teams (Hybrid Meeting)
Call to Order, Salute to the Flag
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by Commissioner Josh Young. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Prior to the public meeting, the Board held an executive session to discuss legal matters.

Commissioners Present
  •  Josh Young, President
  •  Mark Evans, Vice-President
  •  Jane Kennedy, Commissioner
  • Adam Thomas, Commissioner
  • Paul Mullin, Commissioner
Also Present
  • Township Solicitor – Kristen Camp
  •  Township Staff: Don Vymazal – Township Manager, Abbey Swan – Assistant Township Manager, Ray Stackhouse - Director of Building and Life Safety, Nicole Shannon – Ingleside Golf Course Superintendent, Lisa Swan – Finance Director, Joe Elias - Chief of Police

The April 9, 2026 agenda was posted on the Township website and at the Township Building prior to the meeting.

Citizens to Be Heard (Agenda Items Only)
No residents, either in person or online, requested to speak on agenda items.

Presentation – Hexagon Schoolhouse Landscaping Concept

Anne Duzan presented a conceptual plan for improvements to the Hexagon Schoolhouse grounds, including accessible pathways, gathering spaces, native plantings, rain gardens, wet meadow stormwater management, educational signage, and permanent landscaping. Commissioner Mullin remarked that it would be great to update the space as a destination 
for residents. Commissioner Kennedy noted the need to add accessible walking paths on the 
hill going down into the grounds. Commissioner Young asked about next steps. Mr. Vymazal responded that township staff will coordinate preliminary cost estimates with the Township Engineer and explore grant opportunities. Commissioner Mullin asked about ideas for the blacktop area. Ms. Duzan replied it would be part of a wet meadow. 
Commissioner Thomas asked for details on planting an evergreen for the Christmas Tree lighting.

1. Township Solicitor
1.1 Draft False Alarm Ordinance (Discussion)
Ms. Camp provided an update to increasing the false alarm fine for fire alarms on commercial properties to motivate businesses to address the increase in false fire alarms. The proposed fines would be: first false alarm - no fee, second false alarm in 12 months - $100 fine, third false alarm in 12 months - $250, fourth, fifth, and sixth false alarm - $500, and seventh or more - $1000. Other Townships have adopted this with favorable results. 

Commissioner Young asked for clarification that these are commercial properties, and Mr. Stackhouse responded that they are mostly commercial properties as business is growing. The biggest offender is CCIU. Commissioner Kennedy asked if police are involved with these fire alarms, and Mr. Stackhouse said the police aren’t always involved. Commissioner Mullin asked about discerning between security systems and fire systems. Mr. Stackhouse explained that this is mostly for businesses that aren’t taking steps to rectify the situation.

No actions were taken.

1.2 Draft Massage Licensing Ordinance (Discussion)
Ms. Camp provided an update to require an FBI background check for business owners and employees of massage businesses. 

Commissioner Young asked if this requirement will be continuous when a business hires new employees. Ms. Camp responded that she was unsure how that would be enforced. Commissioner Thomas mentioned that the owner could keep an updated list of employees with their background checks. Commissioner Young replied that it would be good to have in case of a problem. Ms. Camp replied that she is happy to incorporate those changes. Commissioner Evans asked if this applies to freelance massage therapists operating out of their home. Ms. Camp replied that this applies to anyone in a brick and mortor facility. Commissioner Kennedy also requested adding the sex offender registry check in there. The Police Chief commented that the police aren’t permitted to run these checks themselves, and it would be very difficult for them to do so.

No actions were taken.

1.3 Zoning Ordinance Update – Advertisement (Discussion/Action Item)
Ms. Camp said the Township is ready to advertise the zoning ordinance update. We have to advertise it for at least 2 weeks and then hold a public hearing.

Motion to authorize advertisement of the Caln Township Zoning Ordinance public hearing.
Moved: Commissioner Mullin
Seconded: Commissioner Thomas
Vote: Unanimous (5–0)

2. Township Manager
2.1 Lincoln Highway Regional Vision Zero outreach (Discussion)
Mr. Vymazal reported that outreach efforts will include a postcard sent to 1500 residents and businesses along Lincoln Highway that links to a comprehensive survey. The Vision Zero project hopes to increase safety along Lincoln Highway for cars, pedestrians, and anyone else using that road.

Resident Mark DeYoung was recognized and asked if a crosswalk could be considered for the Mainline Health construction project at Lloyd Ave as part of the proposed PennDOT intersection construction. Mr. Vymazal replied that the current proposals show a completely new traffic pattern for that area which would remove the intersection. 

2.2 Ingleside Golf Club Test Well drilling proposal (Discussion)
Mr. Vymazal reported that the irrigation pond has not been replenishing as needed. The current solution is to rent a pump that pumps water from the lower reservoirs, but this is expensive ($2000/week). Another solution is to use public water, but this is also not cheap for the acreage that needs to be serviced. Staff propose to drill a well and have it feed the pond and the current irrigation system. The initial proposal is for test well drilling in the area.

Commissioner Young asked if the property was connected to public water when it was purchased, and Ms. Shannon replied that it is still connected, but the valve is closed. Commissioner Young asked if this would be more expensive, and Ms. Shannon replied that it might be. but there might be a different rate for irrigation. Commissioner Thomas asked for more details of the test drilling schedule. Commissioner Mullin asked for details about the feasibility and cost of connecting to public water for comparison, and Ms. Shannon replied that she would find out. Commissioner Young asked if repaving the Bypass affected the flow. Mr. Vymazal said that it likely affected it.

2.3 Ingleside Ball Picker Purchase- (Discussion/Action) 
Mr. Vymazal reported that the old range ball picker broke, so we are in need of a new one. Ms. Shannon explained that this is budgeted in the Range Expenses line item. They plan to forgo getting new mats and other items in order to purchase a more heavy-duty version of the ball picker.

Commissioner Evans asked about a PGA discount being applied, and Ms. Shannon replied that they would honor it. Commissioner Young noted that this seems like a need/action item instead of a discussion. The Board signaled they would take action tonight. Commissioner Young asked about the timeline for delivery, and Ms. Shannon estimated 3-4 weeks.
​
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to purchase a driving range ball picker from Range Servant for a total of $6,345.
Moved: Commissioner Evans

Seconded: Commissioner Kennedy
Vote: Unanimous (5–0)


2.4 2026 Roadway Line Striping Program - (Discussion) 
Mr. Vymazal provided an update on a memo from Mr. Huggins about road striping. Double yellow and single white lines need to be repainted on the roads indicated. He obtained 3 bids and DE Gimmel, Inc. came in the lowest at $20,289.47. Mr. Huggins recommends going with the lowest bid. This will be an action item at the business meeting.
​
2.5 Andrew Circle Disabled Parking Sign Application - (Discussion) 
Mr. Huggins and Chief Elias have reviewed and made recommendations for the location of a requested disabled parking sign on Andrew Circle. Chief Ellias mentioned that there are no handicapped spaces in that area. Commissioner Thomas asked if there would normally be a requirement for accessible parking. Commissioner Young mentioned that they had an 
agreement with the property to take half the open space and create overflow parking. This will be an action item at the business meeting.

2.6 Caln Meetinghouse Lease Agreement - (Discussion) 
Mr. Vymazal provided an update on the Caln Meetinghouse. The Society of Friends is interested in conveying the property to the Township. They have received approval from PA AG and are awaiting scheduling with the county courts. Iin the meantime, they would like the Township to lease the property and handle maintenance. The proposed lease would terminate as soon as county signs off on the transfer. The Township solicitor has drafted a lease for consideration at the next meeting.

2.7 Farmhouse Floor Restoration Proposal - (Discussion) 
Donna DiPrinzio, from the Friends of Spackman-Davis Farm and the Caln Historical Commission, presented a proposal from the Friends of Spackman Davis Farm to repair the floorboards at the farmhouse jointly with the Township, allocating no more than $3300 from previous fundraising. A joint contract will be considered at the next meeting. Commissioner Mullin asked if fundraising was done for this, and Commissioner Evans responded that the money is already available.

2.8, 2.9, 2.10 2017 Ford Edge, 2005 Dump Truck, 2011 F-350 - (Discussion / Action Item) 
 Commissioner Young entertained a motion to authorize staff to list the 2017 Ford Edge, 2005 Freightliner Dump Truck, and 2011 Ford F-350 township vehicles for sale. 
Moved: Commissioner Evans
Seconded: Commissioner Thomas
Vote: Unanimous (5–0)

2.11 Civil Service Commission Certified Firefighter List - (Discussion / Action Item) 
George March, chair of the Civil Service Commission, presented an official list of 5 part-time firefighter applicants for adoption.

Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve the Civil Service Commission’s Certified Firefighter List as presented.
Moved: Commissioner Evans
Seconded: Commissioner Mullin
Vote: Unanimous (5–0)

2.12 Part-Time Firefighter Conditional Offers - (Discussion /Action Item)
Mr. Stackhouse requested approval to extend conditional offers to fill three vacancies for part-time firefighter staff based on the certified list. Commissioner Young asked whether the applicants were current volunteers. Mr. Stackhouse replied that they are not. Commissioner Evans asked if any are currently living in the township, and Mr. Stackhouse replied that they are not.

 Commissioner Young entertained a motion to authorize The Director of Building and Life Safety to extend conditional offers of employment to Benjamin Watson, Zack Griffith, and Jonathan Simpson conditioned on a passing a physical and drug test. 
Moved: Commissioner Thomas
Seconded: Commissioner Evans
Vote: Unanimous (5–0)

3. Resolutions
3.1 & 3.2 Kings Highway Park Grant Resolution – Chester County & Kings Highway Park Grant Resolution – DCED - (Discussion / Action Item) 
Mr. Vymazal explained that these two resolutions are related to grant applications that the township is working on for improvements to the King’s Highway Park project. He explained that a task force has been meeting to pull together various concept plans, designs and cost estimates for improvements to that property with the goal being to create a public park. There was a consensus to go after grant funding to support the construction of a parking lot to access trails around the property. Resolutions are required to submit the grant applications. The total project cost is approximately $650,000. The first grant will be
$250,000, and the second grant will also go for the maximum amount. 

Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve Resolution 2026-13 authorizing staff to apply for a Preservation Partnership grant. 
Moved: Commissioner Mullin
Seconded: Commissioner Thomas
Vote: Unanimous (5–0)

Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve Resolution 2026-14 authorizing staff to apply for a Greenways Trails and Recreation grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. 
Moved: Commissioner Evans
Seconded: Commissioner Kennedy
Vote: Unanimous (5–0)

3.3 Local Government Week Resolution – (Discussion / Action Item)
Mr. Vymazal explained that each year, PA establishes this week to celebrate and acknowledge the work done by local governments throughout the Commonwealth. This year it is the week of April 19.

Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve Resolution 2026-15 declaring April 20th to April 24th, 2026, as Local Government Week. 
Moved: Commissioner Evans
Seconded: Commissioner Kennedy
Vote: Unanimous (5–0)

3.4 Library Week – (Discussion/Action Item)
Mr. Vymazal noted that PA designated this same week as Library Week as well. This year’s theme is ‘Find Your Joy’.

Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve Resolution 2026-16 declaring April 20th to April 24th, 2026, as Library Week. 
Moved: Commissioner Mullin
Seconded: Commissioner Thomas
Vote: Unanimous (5–0)

4. Minutes
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to table the March 26, 2026, Board Minutes.
Moved: Commissioner Evans
Seconded: Commissioner Thomas
Vote: Unanimous (5–0)

5. Finance
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve checks 55646 to 55696 and manual check 325.
Moved: Commissioner Mullin
Seconded: Commissioner Thomas
Vote: Unanimous (5–0)

6. Summary by applicable Board liaison
6.1 Parks & Rec
Commissioner Kennedy summarized Parks and Rec events: the Easter Egg Hunt and Sensory Egg Hunt went well, and the Caln Clean-up event collected lots of trash. They had a 
presentation from Fathers Standing in Hope for a Fish Rodeo at Lloyd Park and from a Boy Scout who wants to add a park bench to one of the parks for his Eagle Scout project. Commissioner Kennedy also mentioned upcoming events like the Summer Series, Art in the Park, and a bus trip to D.C.

6.2 COG
Commissioner Kennedy mentioned an upcoming conversation on infrastructure with elected officials at the Honeybrook Library, Zoning for Strong Communities meeting on May 27th, and grants for college students in public service.

Commissioner Thomas asked about doing a Foot Golf event against another township.

6.3 Municipal Authority/DARA
Commissioner Mullin reported that CTMA authorized their chair to sign an engineering agreement between CTMA and Pennoni Associates since our engineer moved to that company. They also authorized Pennoni to go out for bid on the Phase 2 portion of the Ray Road project once all permits are received. They also discussed the continuing plant modernization project.

6.4 Fire Board
Commissioner Mullin reported the Fire Board signed a new township agreement, and they are excited for the new fire truck to arrive. 

6.5 Historical Commission
Commissioner Evans reported that the Historical Commission organized schoolhouse tours, discussed their June 18th Town Tours and Village Walks event at the Meeting House. They 
plans for advertising 250th events and discussed interest in revisiting the Garddner-Beale House student project.

6.6 Lincoln Highway 
The meeting was cancelled due to inclement weather.

7. Additional Business 
No additional business was offered.

8. Public Comment 
No public comment was offered.

9. Adjournment
Commissioner Young motioned to adjourn the meeting.
Moved: Commissioner Evans
Seconded: Commissioner Kennedy
Vote: Unanimous (5–0)

The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:45 PM.
​
Respectfully submitted,
JoEllen McBride,
Office and Sustainability Coordinator
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