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Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes - April 24th, 2025

4/24/2025

 
Caln Township Chester County, Pennsylvania
Board of Commissioners April 24, 2025
7:30 PM Hybrid Business Meeting Minutes

Caln Township Board Members: Paul Mullin-President, Joshua B. Young-Vice President, Jane Kennedy-Commissioner, Mark Evans-Commissioner, and Lorraine Tindaro-Commissioner.

Staff Members Present: Don Vymazal-Township Manager and Township Secretary, Denise Miller-Assistant Township Secretary and Administrative Assistant, Abbey Swan-Director of Community Enhancement, Johnnie Huggins-Director of Public Works Department, Nicole Shannon Manager and Superintendent-Ingleside Golf Course, Ray Stackhouse-Director of Building and Life Safety, Lisa Swan-Director of Finance and Township Treasurer, and Police Chief Elias.

Professionals Present: Ross Bickhart of Gilmore and Associates (Zoom), and Township Solicitor Kristin Camp (Zoom).
Special Guest: Civil Service Commission Member Ron Miller.

The Board of Commissioners’ (BOC) April 24, 2025, agenda was posted on the Township website, at the Township building on April 23, 2025, and agendas were made available for the public, at the meeting. The 2025 Township BOC meetings were published in the Daily Local Newspaper, on December 18, 2024.

Call to Order and Salute to the Flag – Commissioner Mullin called the April 24, 2025, Board meeting to order at 7:30 PM. Commissioner Mullin then called for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Citizens to be Heard – There were none.

1. Presentations
1.1 Police Department Ceremonial Swearing In – Chief Elias asked Commissioner Mullin to swear in Samatha DeFrancesco and Michael Cabry as Corporals. Commissioner Mullin swore in Samatha DeFrancesco and Michael Cabry as Corporals who started their new positions on April 6, 2025. Chief Elias asked Staff Sergeant Miller to dismiss the platoon.

2. Solicitor
2.1 Ordinance 2025-02 Forming an EAC – For Board consideration, Ms. Camp offered an ordinance to establish an
Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) for advertisement.

Commissioner Mullin asked Ms. Camp about the language that states the BOC’s will assign a Chairman on the EAC. Ms. Camp replied that it is state law. Commissioner Mullin asked Ms. Camp about having a member from the Caln Township Planning Commission on the EAC. Ms. Camp replied that the state law reads “when possible.” Commissioner Mullin stated that a member of the Caln Township Planning Commission was on the Sustainability Task Force.

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to advertise Ordinance 2025-02 to establish an Environmental Advisory Council. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Young. The vote passed 5-0.


3. Engineer
3.1 2025 Road Program – Mr. Bickhart stated that PennDOT does not have any objections regarding this project going out to bid. The proposed estimated road cost with materials is $558,849.00.

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to authorize the 2025 Road Program to go out to bid, per the scope and cost estimate documents. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Evans. The vote passed 5-0.

4. Director Reports
4.1 Fire Company – Chief Taylor presented his departments March 2025 directors report. Mr. Taylor reported that
they have been selling their address reflective markers signs, which help fire, EMS, and police to identify the house quickly.

4.2 Minquas EMS – Mr. Dry presented his departments March 2025 directors report. Mr. Dry reported an average of
551 calls for the first quarter in 2025. Mr. Dry also reported that Minquas will have a car seat check on May 23rd.
Commissioner Evans stated that Delaware County will start to feel the impact of hospital closures. Mr. Dry replied that Caln EMS and fire services will be affected as well as the surrounding area services.

4.3 Ingleside Golf Course – Ms. Shannon presented her departments March 2025 report. Ms. Shannon reported that March 2025 had the highest revenue in the history of the Ingleside Golf Course.

4.4 Public Works – Mr. Huggins presented his departments March 2025 report. Mr. Huggins reported that their new bathroom and street sweeping are complete. Tree pruning has started at the Spackman-Davis Farm.

Commissioner Evans thanked public works for painting a new crosswalk on North Bailey Road to Citadel Bank.

4.5 Building & Life Safety – Mr. Stackhouse presented his departments March 2025 report. Mr. Stackhouse reported
159 Enforcement activities in March.

4.6 Police Department – Chief Elias presented his departments March 2025 report. Chief Elias reported Coffee with a
Cop on April 25th from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM in the Giant Starbucks. Chief Elias reported a conservation with Mr. Stackhouse on EMS and the fire department joining them at the next Coffee with a Cop. Chief Elias reported another trespass arrest at Lloyd Farm. Mr. Stackhouse stated that he received a call stating that a window at the farmhouse was un-boarded; however, it will be fixed as soon as possible.

Commissioner Young stated that Sergeant Whisler has reached 17 years of service.

4.7 Community Enhancement – Ms. A Swan presented her department’s March 2025 report. Ms. A. Swan shared the screen showing piles and 5 trucks of trash from clean-up weekend.

5. Finance Department
5.1 Financial Report – Ms. L. Swan presented her department's March 2025 report. Ms. L. Swan reported 15% of real estate collected in March and 80% collected in April.

5.2 Check List

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve checks 53873 to 53939 and manual check 314. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 5-0.

6. Township Manager
6.1 Civil Service Commission Official Eligibility List and Certification of Firefighter Applicants – Mr. Stackhouse explained that after a couple of months of competitive testing, which included physical agility, written testing, interviews, oral interviews, and background checks, 13 names were presented to the Civil Service Commission. They are presenting 10 names and recommendations to the BOC tonight. Mr. Stackhouse stated that Civil Service Commission Member Ron Miller is in attendance to answer questions.

Mr. Miller stated that Chief Elias and Mr. Stackhouse should be commended because this is not an easy job.

Commissioner Mullin stated that the Civil Service Commission held a public meeting on April 9, 2025, to formally approve and adopt the firefighter applicant eligibility list, which follows all the process of applicant testing and background investigation, as explained. During their public meeting, the Civil Service Commission certified names on the list in rank order for the BOC hiring consideration. In accordance with the Civil Service rules, 10 names were submitted to the BOC this evening to select 7 vacancies in the department Building and Life Safety. Prior to tonight’s meeting, an executive session was held to review the firefighter applications for applicants who were certified.

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the Civil Service Commission Official Eligibility List, which was handed to the BOC. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 5-0.

6.2 Civil Service Commission and Firefighter Conditional Offers

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to authorize the Director of Building and Life Safety to extend conditional offers of employment to the firefighter applicants. Zachary Holes and Jacob Labonte for full time positions, and Colin Finn, Jacob Bailey, Jonathan Hucko, Jeremy Sullivan, and Dylan Kaine for part time positions. Moved by Commissioner Kennedy and seconded by Commissioner Evans. The vote passed 5-0.

Mr. Stackhouse explained that this vote puts their staff in the position to fill shifts 24 hours a day for 7 days a week. Once the applicants start working, they will have 9 part-time and 4 full-time firefighters. One full-time deputy fire marshal and 2 fire marshals.

6.3 Friends of Spackman-Davis Farm MOU – Mr. Vymazal explained that Commissioner Evans, Ms. Camp and all the directors reviewed this document. Once the BOC approves the document, it will go before the Friends of Spackman-Davis farm for their signatures. The current version of this agreement expires on December 31, 2025, when a date and length of time can be made.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between Caln Township and the Friends of Spackman-Davis Farm. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 5-0.

6.4 PW Skid Steer – Mr. Vymazal explained that the skid steer is a COSTARS purchase that is in the 2025 capital budget
for purchase.

Mr. Huggins stated that the skid steer will help with snow removal and stormwater jobs on small roads.

Commissioner Kennedy stated that she believes that the total cost is $99,420.00. Ms. L. Swan replied that she would check the price.

Commissioner Young stated to add “not to exceed” $102,000.00 to the motion.

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to authorize the Township Manager to sign the purchase contract for a 2024 Caterpillar Skid Loader from Foley, in an amount “not to exceed” $102,000.00. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 5-0.

6.5 Planning Commission Hybrid Meeting Policy – Mr. Vymazal explained that the Planning Commission changed Subsection 4 part 6 regarding the meeting recording from “shall” to “may” record. The Historical Commission and the Parks and Recreation Board removed this section from their policy.

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the Planning Commissions’ Hybrid Meeting Policy. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 5-0.

6.6 Historical Commission Hybrid Meeting Policy

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the Historical Commissions’ Hybrid Meeting Policy. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Evans. The vote passed 5-0.

6.7 Parks and Recreation Hybrid Meeting Policy

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the Parks and Recreations’ Hybrid Meeting Policy. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Evans. The vote passed 5-0.


6.8 Sustainability Task Force Report – Mr. Vymazal and Ms. A. Swan presented the Sustainability Task Force Report for adoption.

Commissioner Mullin asked if this report is on the website. Ms. A. Swan replied that the draft is on and if approve, a Sustainability section will be on the website.

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the April 2025 Caln Township Sustainable Community Task Force Report. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Young. The vote passed 5-0.

6.9 CCIU – Chief Elias explained that as of last week, the police had 326 service calls. The CCIU Board had their meeting on April 16th and an agenda item was to approve a contract with the Chester County Sheriffs office to provide for school police or school resource officers. Chief Elias stated that he would keep the BOC updated as to if they hired school police or school resource officers.

Commissioner Evans asked Chief Elias if the CCIU has summer classes. Chief Elias replied that they have smaller classes.

7. Resolution
7.1 Resolution 2025-12 Thorndale Septa Line – Mr. Vymazal explained that the 2025-2026 SEPTA budget presentation on April 10, 2025, demonstrated a deficit and they are proposing service cuts throughout the entire network. One of the cuts is the Paoli/Thorndale line. In the release of the budget, there was a direct ask to the general assembly for support. There is a $200 million budget gap that needs closed to maintain the Paoli/Thorndale line. Mr. Vymazal presented Resolution 2025-12, a request urging elected officials in the state house and Senate to use their leadership in the general assembly to ensure that the Paoli/Thorndale line remains open. The rail line closing would have a significant impact on the community. SEPTA will make their decision on June 26th and the state budget deadline is July 1st.

Commissioner Kennedy asked if the BOC would make an appeal to Amtrak to keep the rail line open if the Paoli/Thorndale line closes. Mr. Vymazal replied that it would be something the township would have to pursue.

Commissioner Young explained that this closure would also cut bus and trolly service and other mass transit. The reason the Paoli/Thorndale line is being considered is because they pay Amtrak $47 million to lease their lines. He stated that the Downingtown and Coatesville lines are not completed yet. They will also cut special services.

Commissioner Evans stated that according to new traffic projections from the Delaware Regional Planning commission these cuts will put an additional 275,000 cars per day on the interstates and highways.

Commissioner Mullin stated that the largest affordable housing along route 30 was sold on public transportation.

Commissioner Evans reads the SEPTA proclamation.

Commissioner Mullin asked Mr. Vymazal if he has letters to send to the elected officials. Mr. Vymazal replied that he has the letters ready to send to the elected officials urging them to use their position in Harrisburg.

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve Resolution 2025-12 Moved by Commissioner Kennedy and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 5-0.

7.2 Resolution 2025-13 Calne England Proclamation – Mr. Vymazal presented a proclamation for Calne England to be presented to them when several residents visit there in May 2025.

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the presented proclamation to recognize and commemorate the 2025 Caln Township visit to the town of Calne Wiltshire, England. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 5-0.

8. Board Minutes to Approve
8.1 April 10, 2025

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the April 10, 2025, Board minutes. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Evans. The vote passed 5-0.

9. Additional Business – There were none.

10. Public Comment – Ron Miller stated that he is a retired educator, and he believes that the CCIU should pay for police service.

11. Adjournment

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to adjourn the April 24, 2025, Board meeting at 9:02 PM. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 5-0.


Respectfully submitted,
Denise Miller,
Assist. Township Secretary
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