Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes - July 30, 2026

Caln Township
Chester County, Pennsylvania
Board of Commissioners
July 30, 2026
Board Business Meeting Minutes

1. Call to Order 
   The meeting was called to order at 7:32pm and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 
   Commissioners present: Josh Young – President; Mark Evans – Vice President; Adam Thomas – Commissioner; Paul Mullin – Commissioner; Jane Kennedy – Commissioner 
   Township Staff present: Don Vymazal – Manager; Abbey Swan – Assistant Manager; Joe Elias – Police Chief; Ray Stackhouse – Building & Life Safety Director; Nicole Shannon – Ingleside Director, Johnnie Huggins – Director of Public Works 
   Guests: Brian Nagle – MacElree Harvey, Ltd; Erin von Hacht – Gilmore Engineer 
   Commissioner Young noted that an executive meeting was held to discuss legal matters before the meeting. 
   The Board of Commissioners’ July 30, 2026 agenda was posted on the Township website and at the Township Building prior to the meeting. The 2026 Township meeting schedule was advertised in the Daily Local Newspaper on 12/18/2025. 
   
   
2. Citizens to be Heard – no citizens to be heard 
3.  Presentation 
   1.  2026-2027 Wedgwood Paving and Seal Coating - Wedgwood Drive Parking Request 
      Requesting parking restrictions on Wedgwood Drive to be lifted so that roads within Wedgwood development can be properly paved and sealed. Hoping to start in the next two weeks. Will supply property manager’s cell phone to the Township Manager during the process.  
      Mr. Vymazal clarified that Wedgwood Drive is restricted parking by ordinance, so the Board needs to temporarily lift those restrictions. And asked Ms. Kim if this was on one side of the street. 
      Ms. Kim responded that she believed so. 
      Mr. Vymazal responded that from a public safety standpoint they will need to only have one side approved. He also asked if they would have a towing contract. 
      Ms. Kim replied affirmatively. 
      Mr. Vymazal also requested copies of any correspondence sent out to residents so the Township can stay on top of covering signs. 
      Ms. Kim replied that Mr. Vymazal will be BCC’d on all communications. 
      Mr. Vymazal asked for anything in writing from the shopping center allowing parking. 
      Ms. Kim replied that if they do not hear anything they will not use it for overflow parking. 
      Commissioner Young asked if they were just approving one side or both sides. 
      Chief Elias mentioned that it would be easier to pick one side. 
      Mr. Stackhouse asked if it matters which side is chosen. 
      Chief Elias suggested just approving the outer rim so they can cover those specific sides. 
      Commissioner Mullin asked about the sewer work being done and if it could be coordinated. 
      Commissioner Kennedy asked about the time frame of the project. 
      Ms. Kim said four to six weeks depending on weather.  
      Commissioner Kennedy asked about handicapped parking. 
      Ms. Kim replied that residents have been instructed to reach out to the property manager. 
      Commissioner Young entertained a motion to temporarily suspend the no parking restrictions on the outer rim during paving and seal coating of Wedgwood Drive for two months. 
      Moved: Commissioner Evans 
      Second: Commissioner Kennedy 
      Vote: unanimous (5-0) 
4. Township Solicitor 
   1.  Cohen Tract Land Development (Action Item) 
      Solicitor Camp reviewed the response from Huxta International about environmental remediation of the property addressing Commissioner Mullin’s concerns and the conditions within the final land development approval.  
      Mr. Nagle said the applicant is in agreement. 
      Commissioner Young entertained a motion to grant the final land development approval for the subdivision and development of the Cohen property at 4109 East Lincoln Highway subject to the conditions in the motion. 
      Moved: Commissioner Evans 
      Second: Commissioner Kennedy 
      Vote: unanimous (5-0) 
   2.  Conditional Use Hearing Vet Fixer LLC (Discussion/Action Item) 
      Solicitor Camp reviewed the conditional use application for Vet Fixer LLC for leased space in Caln Shopping Center for an adult training center. They are coming to August 18th Planning Commissioner meeting and suggest holding the public hearing before the August 27th meeting.  
      Commissioner Evans mentioned that he will be on vacation during the hearing. 
      Solicitor Camp said that it will likely take longer so he should be able to attend at the second meeting. 
      Commissioner Thomas asked if that would be enough time for the planning commission to review. 
      Solicitor Camp replied that they do not have counsel and did not want to delay the process. They are constrained by the NPC to start the process in 60 days. 
      The Commissioners agreed to hold the public hearing on August 27th before their regular meeting. 
5. Township Engineer 
   1.  Paving Bid – 2026 Road Program (Discussion/Action Item) 
      Ms. Von Hock summarized the four bids for the 2026 Road program. Longs Asphalt was found to be the lowest bid. 
      Commissioner Young clarified that this money comes from the Liquid Fuels. 
      Commissioner Young entertained a motion to award the 2026 Road Program paving bid with options 1 through 4 to Long's Asphalt in the amount of $356,470.80. 
      Moved: Commissioner Mullin 
      Second: Commissioner Thomas 
      Vote: unanimous (5-0) 
   2.  Update on Barley Sheaf Bridge Repair 
      Ms. Von Hock summarized the findings of the engineering firm and the closure of the bridge. They have put together a plan and are ready to submit the permit. The repairs include backfilling the scour holes along the abutments and within the stream bed with concrete or other approved material, filling in the void abutments along the abutments and the footings, and an option to clean and paint the exposed beams. Once awarded the construction should take approximately 60 days. 
      Commissioner Young asked if there is an estimated cost yet 
      Ms. Von Hock said the structural department has sent it out to 4 contractors and they are waiting. 
      Commissioner Young asked if we need to bid 
      Ms. Von Hock said that it is an emergency so they can accept proposals 
      Commissioner Young asked when we would have those 
      Ms. Von Hock said that is should be ready for the August 27th meeting. 
      Commissioner Young asked if the emergency permit would be issued at the same time. 
      Ms. Von Hock replied affirmatively. 
      Commissioner Young asked if 75 days from their August meeting was a good estimate for the time frame. 
      Ms. Von Hock agreed. 
6. Director Reports 
   1.  Minquas 
      Assistant Chief Saros reported on new hires, trainings, new vehicles, and response statistics. 
   2.  Fire Department 
      Chief Taylor thanked the Commissioners for coming out for the new fire truck unveiling, reported on call volume for the month (up 27%), and he thanked Commissioners Thomas and Mullin for attending their training last month. 
   3.  Building & Life Safety 
      Mr. Stackhouse highlighted permits processed, rental applications, code enforcements, and inspections, updated emergency management plan, county-wide hazard mitigation plan was adopted by county commissioners so will be on the next meeting agenda, mentioned that the Township doesn’t respond to bypass calls unless it’s a major incident, EMS study project, trainings, and ongoing development projects for Mi Place and Thorndale Woods. 
   4.  Public Works 
      Mr. Huggins highlighted tree work after the storms last month, Fisherville Road infrastructure updates, and line striping. 
      Commissioner Thomas asked about the Hazelwood Guiderail. 
      Mr. Vymazal said they received paperwork today from engineers. 
      Commissioner Mullin asked which road they did the infrastructure updates on. 
      Mr. Huggins replied that it was Fisherville Road 
      Commissioner Young asked about the inlet updates on GO Carlson 
      Mr. Huggins replied that will be in next month’s report 
   5.  Ingleside Golf Course 
      Ms. Shannon highlighted revenue and attendance numbers, the rain has caused a bit of flooding and tree maintenance, and expecting a call on the well testing. 
      Commissioner Kennedy commended the foot golf event being held there yesterday. 
      Ms. Shannon mentioned that they had to dig 20 holes and will fill them back in. Hoping to host 2-3 more events in 2027. 
   6.  Community Enhancement 
      Ms. Swan highlighted June 250th events, newsletter, social media, and Art in the Park events. Beaver Creek Trail grant is moving ahead and should be able to go out to bid soon. National Night Out is Tuesday, August 4. 
      Commissioner Evans commended Ms. Swan and the community enhancement position. 
   7.  Police Department 
      Chief Elias highlighted staff milestones, calls for service YTD (up 8%), directed traffic enforcement from resident complaints, and suggestions for placing signs under stop signs at GO Carlson and Miller Ave stating ‘cross-traffic does not stop’.  
      Commissioner Kennedy asked about the large numbers of thefts in the Township. 
      Chief Elias mentioned it is mostly unlocked vehicles. 
7. Finance Department 
   1.  Financial Report (Discussion) 
   2.  Check List (Action Item) 
      Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve checks numbered 56091 through 56185 and manual check 331. 
      Moved: Commissioner Mullin 
      Second: Commissioner Thomas 
      Vote: unanimous (5-0) 
8. Township Manager 
   1.  Carver Court No Parking - (Discussion/Action Item) 
      Chief Elias summarized the concerns at Carver Court of a vehicle parked at 1 Foundry St. He went down their to look at the situation and is recommending that the Board approve no parking signage and painting of the curb since it is within the intersection. Since it is an enforcement issue would need to go in the code. 
      Mr. Huggins mentioned that adding signs to the other intersection as well would help during plowing.  
      Commissioner Kennedy commended the idea and that the police presence has helped with speeding. 
      Commissioner Thomas asked about extending the island out with paint to delineate the one-way roadway. 
      Chief Elias had no objections. 
      Commissioner Young entertained a motion to limit parking on Foundry Street as shown on the maps given to the board, as well as investigate the ability for public works to paint on the street so that it delineates in and out of Foundry Street. 
      Moved: Commissioner Evans 
      Second: Commissioner Thomas 
      Vote: unanimous (5-0) 
   2.  Deposit Account Signature Card - (Discussion/Action Item) 
      Mr. Vymazal summarized that Commissioner Thomas needed to be added as a signatory for the police pension fund account. 
      Commissioner Young entertained a motion for the Board of Commissioners to approve Commissioner Thomas being added as signatory to the police pension fund account. 
      Moved: Commissioner Mullin 
      Second: Commissioner Evans 
      Vote: unanimous (5-0) 
   3.  Old Caln Meetinghouse (Discussion/Action Item) 
      Mr. Vymazal summarized the process of the conveyance of the Old Caln Meetinghouse to the Township. As of July 14, 2026 the Meetinghouse is officially conveyed. One condition of the transfer is that the Friends meetings will still be held at the Meetinghouse. The Township is working on procedures and paperwork for this for the August or September meetings.  
      The Board had no conflicts or concerns. 
      Commissioner Evans thanked the Old Caln Historical Society for coming to him with this idea and Mr. Vymazal for being open for this. 
   4.  RKL Audit – Engagement Letter (Discussion/Action Item) 
      Mr. Vymazal summarized the findings of a targeted audit due to an administrative finding. We are currently going through an HR audit and it makes sense to bring in RKL for a targeted financial audit. 
      Commissioner Young entertained a motion for the Township Manager to engage with RKL, LLP for an audit not to exceed $7500. 
      Moved: Commissioner Thomas 
      Second: Commissioner Mullin 
      Vote: unanimous (5-0) 
9. Resolutions  
   1.  Resolution 2026-23 Dispose of Admin Documents (Discussion/Action Item) 
      Mr. Vymazal explained that there are strict guidelines for keeping hard copies of documents. These documents have passed the threshold and have been Docstar’d and stored electronically. 
      Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve Resolution 2026-23. 
      Moved: Commissioner Evans 
      Second: Commissioner Kennedy 
      Vote: unanimous (5-0) 
10. Minutes to Approve 
    1. July 9, 2026 (Discussion/Action Item) 
       Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve the July 9, 2026 meeting minutes. 
       Moved: Commissioner Mullin 
       Second: Commissioner Thomas 
       Vote: unanimous (5-0) 
       
11. Additional Business – no additional business 
12. Public Comment 
    Resident Thomas Walker (10-12 Fox Avenue) was recognized and noted some safety concerns with the pump houses on North Caln Road past Caln Plaza. 
    Commissioner Young stated that they would work with the Director of Wastewater Operations to look into the structures. 
    Mr. Walker also shared that a young resident was injured at Dawkins park in April on one of the play structures.  
    Mr. Vymazal mentioned that we will do an inspection of the park as part of safety committee. 
    Mr. Walker also mentioned flooding, a dilapidated sign, and trees growing over the basketball backboard. He also commented on a police car that made an illegal U-turn and parked without hazards on the shoulder. 
    Chief Elias mentioned that the officers all have body cams and in-car cameras.  
    Commissioner Young mentioned that if it happens again to note the date and time. 
    Mr. Walker mentioned the speeding through Brandywine Homes. 
    Chief Elias said he will mention this to the traffic unit. 
    Mr. Walker asked about Shot Spotters being installed in the Township. 
    Chief Elias mentioned they should only be installed at the High School. 
    Mr. Walker mentioned that there are some installed near his neighborhood on Fox because police responded to them. He is concerned because they are under lawsuit by the ACLU. 
    Chief Elias asked if the device is visible. 
    Mr. Walker said it is visible on the second or third telephone pole and wondered why they are in the neighborhood. They responded in November 2025, 2 Coatesville and 4 Caln officers to his residence. 
    Resident George March was recognized. He asked about the Leasing Agreement for the Old Caln Meetinghouse. 
    Mr. Vymazal said they have a draft from the solicitor and are ready to work with the Old Caln Historical Society on it. And would like to meet next week with them. 
    Resident Anne Lehman was recognized and had concerns about power surges in her area. 
    Commissioner Young said that it is a PECO issue and that more neighbors who fill out the form or contact our office helps us when we encourage them to do something. The Township has a direct line to someone at PECO who works with municipalities.  
    Ms. Lehman mentioned that tree cutting was stopped and more trees need to be cut.  
    Commissioner Young encouraged Ms. Lehman to fill out the forms that will be put on our website. 
    Mr. March mentioned the trees near the Meetinghouse are entwined with the power lines. 
    Mr. Vymazal said they would check it out. 
    Commissioner Kennedy asked who is in charge of events in Dawkins park. A resident Vivian Reeves brought up a concern that events are happening at all hours of the day.  
    Ms. Reeves mentioned that she called the Township to report people in the park after 9pm and asked if a police officer could drive through and check.
    Ms. Swan mentioned that there is a volunteer board for the parks and public works does maintenance. We also do not rent out the pavilions because there is no where to park. 
13. Adjournment 
    Moved: Commissioner Evans 
    Second: Commissioner Thomas 
    Vote: unanimous (5-0) 
    The meeting adjourned at 9:28pm. 

Respectfully submitted, 
JoEllen McBride, PhD 
Office and Sustainability Coordinator