Caln Township Chester County, Pennsylvania
Board of Commissioners June 26, 2025
7:30 PM Hybrid Meeting Minutes
Staff Members Present Caln Township Board Members: Paul Mullin-President (Absent), Joshua B. Young-Vice President, Jane Kennedy-Commissioner, Mark Evans-Commissioner, and Lorraine Tindaro-Commissioner, Don Vymazal-Township Manager and Township Secretary, Denise Miller-Assistant Township Secretary and Administrative Assistant (Zoom), Abbey Swan-Director of Community Enhancement, Ray Stackhouse-Director of Building and Life Safety, Lisa Swan-Director of Finance and Township Treasurer, and Police Chief Elias.
Professionals Present: Chief Taylor-Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company, Dereck Dry-Minquas, Roman Jastrzebski-Gilmore & Associates Senior Vice President, and Kristin Camp-Township Solicitor.
Special Guest: N/A
The Board of Commissioners’ (BOC) June 26, 2025, agenda was posted on the Township website, at the Township building on June 25, 2025, and agendas were made available for the public, at the meeting. The 2025 Township meeting schedule was published in the Daily Local Newspaper, on December 18, 2024.
Call to Order and Salute to the Flag – Commissioner Young called the June 26, 2025, meeting to order at 7:33 PM. He then called for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Citizens to be Heard – There were none.
1. Solicitor
1.1 509 N. Bailey Road Storm Sewer Easement – For Board consideration, Ms. Camp offered a storm sewer easement to replace a pipe, which was damaged during Hurricane Ida, with a larger pipe with an end wall at the end of the property of 509 North Bailey Road. Ms. Camp stated that the owners would like a fence and landscaping to hide the end wall.
Commissioner Young asked when the work will start. Mr. Jastrzebki replied that the work will start within the week after the contractor is notified of the bid award.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve invoice #2119 in the amount of $2,850.00 for landscaping and a fence and to pay $7,000.00 for the estimated appraised value of the easement. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 4-0.
2. Engineer
2.1 Caln Meetinghouse Road Bridge Emergency Repair Award of Contract – For Board consideration, Mr. Jastrzebski offered low bidder McCarthy Masonry and Concrete, in the amount of $48,865.00. Mr. Jastrzebski explained that since this is an emergency project, a budget of $75,000.00 is suggested because issues may arise once you get into the stream and the bridge area.
Commissioner Young asked when the contractor can start the project. Mr. Jastrzebski replied that the contractor can start within the week of being notified of the bid award.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to authorize the Township Manager to sign a contract with McCarthy Masonry & Concrete for the Caln Meetinghouse Road Bridge Emergency Repair Project, in the “not to exceed” amount of $75.000.00; Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 4-0.
2.2 G.O. Carlson Blvd. Retaining Wall-Final Application for Payment – Mr. Jastrzebski explained that Mr. Bickhart approved final payment #03 in the amount of $56,404.00.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve Payment #03 in the amount of $56,404.00 payable to Pickering Valley Landscape Inc., for the G.O. Calrson Boulevard Retaining Wall Project. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 4-0.
3. Director Reports
3.1 Fire Company – Chief Taylor reported highlights from his departments May 2025 report. Chief Taylor reported that their utility vehicle was delivered and placed into service July 18, and the fire and EMS skid unit was placed into service in the Chester County CAD system. Chief Taylor requested BOCs permission to update their apparatus photos and have their drone experts do a full apparatus view at Spackman-Davis Farm.
The board consensus was to approve both Chief Taylors’ requests. Commissioner Young asked Chief Taylor to coordinate his events with Mr. Vymazal.
3.2 Minquas EMS – Mr. Dry reported highlights from his departments May 2025 report. Mr. Dry reported that their service calls are currently 27%. Minquas worked alongside Township staff and certified 19 individuals for CPR and Stop the Bleed. Also, Minquas will open a new substation at 3629 Lincoln Highway on July 1, 2025. Commissioner Young stated that they will no longer be in a trailer. Hopefully when the firehouse renovations are completed, they can merge together again.
3.3 Ingleside Golf Course – N/A
3.4 Public Works – N/A
3.5 Building & Life Safety – Mr. Stackhouse reported highlights from his departments May 2025 report. Mr. Stackhouse stated that his June report will include 2024 to current comparative statistics. South Caln Road will close for 3-4 weeks starting June 30th, for installation of utilities at the Hills at Thorndale Woods Development. Mr. Stackhouse also reported that there are currently 4 fulltime Firefighters, nine part-time Firefighters, 1 fulltime Deputy Fire Marshall, and 16 Assistant Staffing.
3.6 Police Department – Chief Elias reported highlights from his departments May 2025 report. Chief Elias stated that there has been a 4% increase in service calls from year to date.
Commissioner Young explained that the police report their milestones at the meetings, and he would like to start having milestones of the administrative building staff reported at the meetings.
3.7 Community Enhancement – Ms. A. Swan reported highlights from her departments May 2025 report. Ms. A. Swan shared a picture of the Spackman-Davis Farm that was selected for the May Chester County photo of the week and then was on the Counties home page for a month.
Commissioner Young suggested uploading different playground equipment pictures on the website so the public can vote on what they would like to see as a replacement for the merry go round.
4. Finance Department
4.1 Financial Report – Ms. L. Swan reported that the last day for the face value of the annual tax bill is June 30th. Ms. L. Swan presented a pie chart for the finance department and what type of resident business is conducted at their window.
4.2 Check List
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve checks #54176 to 54242 and manual check 316. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 4-0.
5. Township Manager
5.1 Kings Highway Park Strategic Task Force – For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal explained that he would like to form a Kings Highway Park Strategic Task Force with representatives from different committees, boards, and public. This task force would be to review and update the 2007 Kings Highway Park Master Plan and focus on Kings Highway property and the Spackman-Davis Farm property to apply for grant funding for the necessary infrastructure and improvements, so it can be opened to the public.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve staff to form a Kings Highway Park Ad Hoc Strategic Task Force, for the purpose of reviewing and updating the Kings Highway 2007 Park Master Plan. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro The vote passed 4-0.
5.2 Municibid Police Vehicles Listing – For Board consideration, Chief Elias offered two police vehicles to sell on Municibid. Chief Elias also stated that both vehicles were purchased through a Local Share Account Grant.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to advertise a 2019 Grey Dodge Police Charger, with 72,000 miles and a 2019 Grey Dodge Police Charger with 56,000 miles on the public auction Municibid site. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 4-0.
5.3 DCED MTF Grant Application Assistance PSA – For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal offered a PSA from Gilmore & Associates to assist with the 2025 DCED MTF. Mr. Vymazal explained that there is a Penn Multimodal grant similar application that is due in December.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve Gilmore & Associates PSA in the “not to exceed” amount of $5,000.00 for the 2025 DCED Multimodal Transportation Fund Assistance Project, number 2400538-02. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 4-0.
5.4 CCIU – Mr. Vymazal thanked the police department for their professional response to the CCIU. Chief Elias stated
that their officers show patience and restraint when called to the CCIU. Chief Elias stated that 411 service callers were received this school year compared to 413 last school year. The highest prior year total before the 2022-2023 school year was 230. August-September 2025 service calls were 189 and January-June 389. Also, there were 707 patrol response hours during this school year.
Chief Elias explained that the Chester County Sheriff’s office recently contracted with the CCIU to provide school resource officers, starting the June 2025-2026 school year. A security director was hired at the beginning of the year.
6. Minutes to Approve
6.1 BOC May 8, 2025
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve May 8, 2025, BOCs minutes. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 4-0.
6.2 BOC June 12, 2025
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve June 12, 2025, BOCs minutes with one change. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 4-0.
7. Additional Business
Commissioner Evans explained about the Spackman-Davis Farm picnic on Saturday June 28th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. There are approximately 200 registered guests attending. Commissioner Evans stated that Caln Township has become highly regarded in the historic circles. Commissioner Evans and Commissioner Young thanked staff and volunteers for all their work.
8. Public Comment – There were none.
9. Adjournment
Commissioner Young made a motion to adjourn the June 26, 2025, BOCs meeting at 8:22 PM. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 4-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Miller,
Assist. Township Secretary
Board of Commissioners June 26, 2025
7:30 PM Hybrid Meeting Minutes
Staff Members Present Caln Township Board Members: Paul Mullin-President (Absent), Joshua B. Young-Vice President, Jane Kennedy-Commissioner, Mark Evans-Commissioner, and Lorraine Tindaro-Commissioner, Don Vymazal-Township Manager and Township Secretary, Denise Miller-Assistant Township Secretary and Administrative Assistant (Zoom), Abbey Swan-Director of Community Enhancement, Ray Stackhouse-Director of Building and Life Safety, Lisa Swan-Director of Finance and Township Treasurer, and Police Chief Elias.
Professionals Present: Chief Taylor-Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company, Dereck Dry-Minquas, Roman Jastrzebski-Gilmore & Associates Senior Vice President, and Kristin Camp-Township Solicitor.
Special Guest: N/A
The Board of Commissioners’ (BOC) June 26, 2025, agenda was posted on the Township website, at the Township building on June 25, 2025, and agendas were made available for the public, at the meeting. The 2025 Township meeting schedule was published in the Daily Local Newspaper, on December 18, 2024.
Call to Order and Salute to the Flag – Commissioner Young called the June 26, 2025, meeting to order at 7:33 PM. He then called for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Citizens to be Heard – There were none.
1. Solicitor
1.1 509 N. Bailey Road Storm Sewer Easement – For Board consideration, Ms. Camp offered a storm sewer easement to replace a pipe, which was damaged during Hurricane Ida, with a larger pipe with an end wall at the end of the property of 509 North Bailey Road. Ms. Camp stated that the owners would like a fence and landscaping to hide the end wall.
Commissioner Young asked when the work will start. Mr. Jastrzebki replied that the work will start within the week after the contractor is notified of the bid award.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve invoice #2119 in the amount of $2,850.00 for landscaping and a fence and to pay $7,000.00 for the estimated appraised value of the easement. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 4-0.
2. Engineer
2.1 Caln Meetinghouse Road Bridge Emergency Repair Award of Contract – For Board consideration, Mr. Jastrzebski offered low bidder McCarthy Masonry and Concrete, in the amount of $48,865.00. Mr. Jastrzebski explained that since this is an emergency project, a budget of $75,000.00 is suggested because issues may arise once you get into the stream and the bridge area.
Commissioner Young asked when the contractor can start the project. Mr. Jastrzebski replied that the contractor can start within the week of being notified of the bid award.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to authorize the Township Manager to sign a contract with McCarthy Masonry & Concrete for the Caln Meetinghouse Road Bridge Emergency Repair Project, in the “not to exceed” amount of $75.000.00; Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 4-0.
2.2 G.O. Carlson Blvd. Retaining Wall-Final Application for Payment – Mr. Jastrzebski explained that Mr. Bickhart approved final payment #03 in the amount of $56,404.00.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve Payment #03 in the amount of $56,404.00 payable to Pickering Valley Landscape Inc., for the G.O. Calrson Boulevard Retaining Wall Project. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 4-0.
3. Director Reports
3.1 Fire Company – Chief Taylor reported highlights from his departments May 2025 report. Chief Taylor reported that their utility vehicle was delivered and placed into service July 18, and the fire and EMS skid unit was placed into service in the Chester County CAD system. Chief Taylor requested BOCs permission to update their apparatus photos and have their drone experts do a full apparatus view at Spackman-Davis Farm.
The board consensus was to approve both Chief Taylors’ requests. Commissioner Young asked Chief Taylor to coordinate his events with Mr. Vymazal.
3.2 Minquas EMS – Mr. Dry reported highlights from his departments May 2025 report. Mr. Dry reported that their service calls are currently 27%. Minquas worked alongside Township staff and certified 19 individuals for CPR and Stop the Bleed. Also, Minquas will open a new substation at 3629 Lincoln Highway on July 1, 2025. Commissioner Young stated that they will no longer be in a trailer. Hopefully when the firehouse renovations are completed, they can merge together again.
3.3 Ingleside Golf Course – N/A
3.4 Public Works – N/A
3.5 Building & Life Safety – Mr. Stackhouse reported highlights from his departments May 2025 report. Mr. Stackhouse stated that his June report will include 2024 to current comparative statistics. South Caln Road will close for 3-4 weeks starting June 30th, for installation of utilities at the Hills at Thorndale Woods Development. Mr. Stackhouse also reported that there are currently 4 fulltime Firefighters, nine part-time Firefighters, 1 fulltime Deputy Fire Marshall, and 16 Assistant Staffing.
3.6 Police Department – Chief Elias reported highlights from his departments May 2025 report. Chief Elias stated that there has been a 4% increase in service calls from year to date.
Commissioner Young explained that the police report their milestones at the meetings, and he would like to start having milestones of the administrative building staff reported at the meetings.
3.7 Community Enhancement – Ms. A. Swan reported highlights from her departments May 2025 report. Ms. A. Swan shared a picture of the Spackman-Davis Farm that was selected for the May Chester County photo of the week and then was on the Counties home page for a month.
Commissioner Young suggested uploading different playground equipment pictures on the website so the public can vote on what they would like to see as a replacement for the merry go round.
4. Finance Department
4.1 Financial Report – Ms. L. Swan reported that the last day for the face value of the annual tax bill is June 30th. Ms. L. Swan presented a pie chart for the finance department and what type of resident business is conducted at their window.
4.2 Check List
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve checks #54176 to 54242 and manual check 316. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 4-0.
5. Township Manager
5.1 Kings Highway Park Strategic Task Force – For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal explained that he would like to form a Kings Highway Park Strategic Task Force with representatives from different committees, boards, and public. This task force would be to review and update the 2007 Kings Highway Park Master Plan and focus on Kings Highway property and the Spackman-Davis Farm property to apply for grant funding for the necessary infrastructure and improvements, so it can be opened to the public.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve staff to form a Kings Highway Park Ad Hoc Strategic Task Force, for the purpose of reviewing and updating the Kings Highway 2007 Park Master Plan. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro The vote passed 4-0.
5.2 Municibid Police Vehicles Listing – For Board consideration, Chief Elias offered two police vehicles to sell on Municibid. Chief Elias also stated that both vehicles were purchased through a Local Share Account Grant.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to advertise a 2019 Grey Dodge Police Charger, with 72,000 miles and a 2019 Grey Dodge Police Charger with 56,000 miles on the public auction Municibid site. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 4-0.
5.3 DCED MTF Grant Application Assistance PSA – For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal offered a PSA from Gilmore & Associates to assist with the 2025 DCED MTF. Mr. Vymazal explained that there is a Penn Multimodal grant similar application that is due in December.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve Gilmore & Associates PSA in the “not to exceed” amount of $5,000.00 for the 2025 DCED Multimodal Transportation Fund Assistance Project, number 2400538-02. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 4-0.
5.4 CCIU – Mr. Vymazal thanked the police department for their professional response to the CCIU. Chief Elias stated
that their officers show patience and restraint when called to the CCIU. Chief Elias stated that 411 service callers were received this school year compared to 413 last school year. The highest prior year total before the 2022-2023 school year was 230. August-September 2025 service calls were 189 and January-June 389. Also, there were 707 patrol response hours during this school year.
Chief Elias explained that the Chester County Sheriff’s office recently contracted with the CCIU to provide school resource officers, starting the June 2025-2026 school year. A security director was hired at the beginning of the year.
6. Minutes to Approve
6.1 BOC May 8, 2025
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve May 8, 2025, BOCs minutes. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 4-0.
6.2 BOC June 12, 2025
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve June 12, 2025, BOCs minutes with one change. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 4-0.
7. Additional Business
Commissioner Evans explained about the Spackman-Davis Farm picnic on Saturday June 28th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. There are approximately 200 registered guests attending. Commissioner Evans stated that Caln Township has become highly regarded in the historic circles. Commissioner Evans and Commissioner Young thanked staff and volunteers for all their work.
8. Public Comment – There were none.
9. Adjournment
Commissioner Young made a motion to adjourn the June 26, 2025, BOCs meeting at 8:22 PM. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 4-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Miller,
Assist. Township Secretary
