Board of Commissioners Business Meeting Minutes - August 27, 2026

Caln Township
Chester County, Pennsylvania 
Board of Commissioners 
August 27, 2026
Board Business Meeting Minutes

1. Call to Order
   The meeting was called to order at 7:35pm and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
   
   Commissioners present: Joshua Young – President, Jane Kennedy – Commissioner, Paul Mullin – Commissioner, Adam Thomas – Commissioner
   Commissioners absent: Mark Evans – Vice-President
   
   Township staff present: Don Vymazal – Manager, Abbey Swan – Assistant Manager, Jen Schwed - , Johnnie Huggis – Director of Public Works, Nicole Shannon – Director of Ingleside Golf Course, Ray Stackhouse – Director of Building & Life Safety, Kristin Camp – Solicitor
   
   Guests: Erin von Hacht – Gilmore Engineer
   
   Commissioner Young noted that there was an executive meeting held prior to the meeting to discuss legal matters.
   
   The Board of Commissioners’ August 27, 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
   Commissioner Young recognized resident Suzanne Mitchell (205 Andrew Rd) who wanted to confirm that her HOA had scheduled a site inspection with the Township to inspect the trees behind her property. Mr. Vymazal provided his card and asked her to reach out to follow-up.
   
   Commissioner Young recognized resident Sean Donnelly (144 Lilac Ct) who mentioned an issue with a neighbor whose dog barks excessively. Mr. Stackhouse encouraged him to call the police non-emergency number when it is happening and that the police help their office with enforcement. Ms. Camp also mentioned that Mr. Donnelly has private citizen rights so should document the occurrences. Mr. Donnelly also requested that something be done about the speeding on Moore Rd and Commissioner Young replied that we now have a dedicated traffic unit and would let Chief Elias know to add that road to the list.
   
   
3. Presentation – No presentations
   
   
4. Township Solicitor
   1.  Driveways and Property Maintenance Amendments (Discussion/Action Item)
      Ms. Camp summarized the amendments discussed last meeting and confirmed that tonight's meeting was advertised in the Daily Local and a copy sent to their law library for public review.
      Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve Ordinance 2026-09 amending Driveways section 74-10 and Property Maintenance section 120-2 of the Caln Township Code.
      Moved: Commissioner Kennedy
      Second: Commissioner Thomas
      Vote: unanimous (4-0)
   2.  Revised Final Land Development 4533 W. Lincoln Highway (Discussion/Action Item)
      Ms. Camp explained that there were some differences between the plan that was submitted and the final construction of this property so they have a formal request to modify the final plan approval. Ms. Camp outlined the modifications to parking spaces, lights, and impervious surfaces. This was reviewed by the Township Engineer and the Planning Commission.
      Commissioner Mullin noted that it is a beautiful facility and a great addition to the Township.
      Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve the amended final subdivision and land development plan for 4533 W. Lincoln Highway owned by JLLR, LLC.
      Moved by Commissioner Mullin
      Second by Commissioner Thomas
      Vote: unanimous (4-0)
5. Township Engineer
   1.  Barley Sheaf Road Bridge Repair (Discussion/Action Item)
      Ms. Von Hacht reviewed the bids and recommended awarding the contract to McCarthy Masonry & Concrete, Inc.
      Commissioner Young asked if the bid included the alternate one as well and Ms. Von Hacht replied affirmatively.
      Commissioner Young asked what the timeframe is on the repair and Ms. Von Hacht replied that it should be finished by end of November.
      Commissioner Mullin asked if this was a temporary repair and if so how long would it last. Ms. Von Hacht said it is temporary and they recommend starting the process to rebuild the bridge. Mr. Vymazal responded that they will begin the process of looking for grants to replace the bridge.
      Commissioner Young entertained a motion to award the Barley Sheaf Road Bridge Emergency Repair contract to McCarthy Masonry & Concrete, Inc. in the amount of $78,085.00.
      Moved by Commissioner Kennedy
      Second by Commissioner Thomas
      Vote: unanimous (4-0)
6. Director Reports
   1.  Minquas
      Assistant Chief Michael Sarro shared that they are almost at full staff, have expanded their community education, and have two new trucks. He also mentioned the department’s concerns about the overuse of 302 (involuntary commitments) and the safety of the staff.
      Commissioner Thomas asked if the facility in West Chester is open and Mr. Sarro responded it is but patients can only go there after being discharged from the hospital.
   2.  Fire Department
      Chief Taylor shared employee milestones, Route 30 Bypass accident response rates, and thanked Chief Elias and his team for NNO.
   3.  Building & Life Safety
      Mr. Stackhouse recognized staff member Aaron Hooper for the professionalism, courtesy, and compassion he consistently shows our community. He then shared employee training stats and community outreach efforts.
   4.  Public Works
      Mr. Huggins shared storm clean up summaries, stormwater maintenance, and repainting of traffic lines in Carver Court to address speeding in the area. He also shared a picture of the Kubota tractor they purchased to help with plowing and maintenance.
   5.  Ingleside Golf Course
      Ms. Shannon shared that storms had reduced the number of golfers on the course but they still hit their milestones for the month. She also summarized the events held at the golf course and staffing. The storms have made it difficult for the new well to be installed and the meadow planting was delayed due to the contractor changing.
   6.  Community Enhancement
      Ms. Swan summarized the events held in July: Art in the Park, Summer Series, and planning for NNO. She also mentioned that Community Day planning is coming along well.
      Commissioner Mullin asked if she needs volunteers and Ms. Swan said she has plenty but she will never turn down more.
   7.  Police Department
      Commissioner Young recognized staff milestones in Chief Elias’ absence.
7. Finance Department
   1.  Financial Report (Discussion)
      Commissioner Young asked about including the debt obligation in the report and Ms. Schwed responded that they are still working on getting access to include it in the report.
   2.  Check List (Action Item)
      Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve checks numbered 46244 to 56307 and manual check number 1120.
      Moved by Commissioner Mullin
      Second by Commissioner Thomas
      Vote: unanimous (4-0)
      
8. Township Manager
   1.  MOU CASD and Caln PD (Discussion/Action Item)
      Mr. Vymazal summarized that this MOU is similar to one signed two years ago
      Commissioner Young entertained a motion for Chief Elias to sign the MOU with Coatesville Area School District.
      Moved by Commissioner Kennedy
      Second by Commissioner Mullin
      Vote: unanimous (4-0)
   2.  Emergency Responders Public Safety Drone Program (Discussion/Action Item)
      Mr. Stackhouse summarized the importance of obtaining a drone for use by emergency responders.
      Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve the purchase of one Skydio X10 drone platform in the amount of $23,183.51 and authorize the Director of Building and Life Safety to execute any required purchase documents and take all necessary administrative actions to complete the purchase.
      Moved by Commissioner Thomas
      Second by Commissioner Kennedy
      Vote: unanimous (4-0)
   3.  PLGIT Change of Contact (Discussion/Action Item)
      Mr. Vymazal explained that in order to access the PLGIT account they need to submit a change of contact form. The form requires appending the meeting minutes with the motion approving the change of contact.
      Commissioner Young entertained a motion for the Township Manager to sign the PLGIT Change of Contact form.
      Moved by Commissioner Mullin
      Second by Commissioner Kennedy
      Vote: unanimous (4-0)
   4.  Police Pension Tax Payment (Discussion/Action Item)
      Mr. Vymazal explained that there is an outstanding tax obligation that needs to be paid.
      Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve the Police Pension Tax Payment of $27,781.58.
      Moved by Commissioner Kennedy
      Second by Commissioner Thomas
      Vote: unanimous (4-0)
   5.  Approve moving November and December meetings (Discussion/Action Item)
      Mr. Vymazal explained that there seem to be no conflicts with moving the November and December meeting dates. The Township will advertise the new dates and post accordingly.
      Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve moving the November 12th meeting to November 19th and the December 10th meeting to December 17th.
      Moved by Commissioner Mullin
      Second by Commissioner Thomas
      Vote: unanimous (4-0)
9. Resolutions - No resolutions
10. Minutes to Approve
    1. August 13, 2026 (Discussion/Action Item)
       Commissioner Thomas asked for an update on the concerns about the Family Dollar brought up by Mr. Walker and the concerns from Ms. Vivian about the mechanic working out of his garage. Mr. Stackhouse responded that they reached out to Family Dollar and it has been taken care of and that they have issued a number of violations in the neighborhood this past month so are actively working on them.
       Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve the August 13, 2026 Commissioner’s Meeting Minutes.
       Moved by Commissioner Thomas
       Second by Commissioner Kennedy
       Vote: unanimous (4-0)
11. Additional Business – No additional business
12. Public Comment
    Commissioner Young recognized resident George Marsh (Caln Meetinghouse Rd). He thanked Ms. Swan and Mr. Vymazal for all their help with Old Caln Historical Society record management and allowing them to continue to use the Meetinghouse for their meeting space.
13. Adjournment
    Commissioner Young entertained a motion to adjourn.
    Moved by everyone.
    Second by everyone.
    Vote: unanimous (4-0)
    The meeting adjourned at 8:42pm.

 Respectfully submitted,
JoEllen McBride, PhD
Office & Sustainability Coordinator