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Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes - April 10th, 2024

4/10/2025

 
Caln Township Chester County, Pennsylvania
Board of Commissioners April 10, 2025
7:30 PM Hybrid Workshop 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, Ray Stackhouse-Director of Building and Life Safety, Lisa Swan-Director of Finance and Treasurer (Zoom), and Police Chief Elias.

Professionals Present: Ross Bickhart-Gilmore & Associates.

Special Guest: Members of the Sustainability Task Force

The Board of Commissioners’ (BOC) April 10, 2025, agenda was posted on the Township website, at the Township building on April 9, 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 10, 2025, Board meeting to
order at 7:36 PM. Commissioner Mullin then called for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Commissioner Mullin stated that there was an Executive Session prior to tonight’s Board meeting regarding legal matters.

Citizens by Request – There were none.

1. Engineering
1.1 2025 Road Program Scope & Cost Estimate – Mr. Bickhart explained the scope and cost estimate for the 2025 Road Program Project. Mr. Bickhart stated that he will send this project to PennDOT for their approve if the Board approves.
Commissioner Mullin asked if Mr. Bickhart knows if there are any road projects that will happen after the Road Program has been completed. Mr. Bickhart explained that he does not expect a water project after the roads are paved. Mr. Bickhart stated that he will coordinate with Township Staff to confirm that they have found no projects after this project is completed. Mr. Vymazal explained that staff will verify with utility providers to explain what a road program is, so they are aware of what the project consists of. Staff can coordinate with the utility companies if they are planning to do road work.

2. Township Manager
2.1 ROBB Consulting-Engagement of Consulting Services – Mr. Stackhouse explained that 5 surrounding municipalities are working together to help Minquas determine a long-term strategy, evaluate the service, evaluate how municipalities are funding the service, and develop a 3-year strategy for EMS long term service success. Mr. Stackhouse stated that the 5 Municipalities signed a funding agreement to pay for their share. Caln Township was nominated to coordinate this effort.

Commissioner Young explained that the sub-committee consisting of Mr. Stackhouse, Jack Law from the Borough of Downingtown, and Michael O’Brian of East Caln Township does the work.

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve an Engagement of Consulting Services Agreement with ROBB Consulting, LLC to perform consulting services to conduct an assessment of the existing EMS system and develop a 3-year strategy plan for the long-term success of the EMS system, as outlined in the March 24, 2025, Agreement. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Evans. The vote passed 5-0.

2.2 Spackman-Davis Farmhouse Roof Payment Application #1 – For Board consideration, Mr. Bickhart offered payment #1, in the amount of $168,980.40 payable to Detwiler Roofing Inc.

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve Payment #1 to Detwiler Roofing, Inc. for the Spackman-Davis Farmhouse Roof Project, in the amount of $168,980.40. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 5-0.

2.3 Friends of Spackman-Davis Farm MOU – For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal explained the proposed Memorandum of Understanding between Caln Township and the Friends of Spackman-Davis Farm, as a newly formed non-profit group organized and focused on raising funds to support the efforts of the Township to restore the farm, which is located on Township property. Mr. Vymazal stated that the term of this agreement is the date of adoption to December 31, 2025.

Commissioner Evans stated that the Friends of Spackman-Davis Farm has raised $8,500.00 to spend on repairs.
Commissioner Kennedy would like to review other municipalities agreements that were used as samples
Mr. Vymazal replied that he will send them to the Board.

Commissioner Young asked if the Township could ask for larger donations and provide matching funds for grants for the Friends of Spackman-Davis Farm. Mr. Vymazal replied that it is encouraged to do so.

Commissioner Mullin stated that the to-do list needs to be revisited. Commissioner Evans replied that the Historical Commission has a list in order of necessity of what needs to be accomplished. Commissioner Evans stated that he will send it to the Board.

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the Friends of Spackman-Davis Farm MOU. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 5-0.

2.3 Sustainability Task Force Report – Members of the Sustainability Task Force; JoEllen McBride, Mike
Irwin and Lindsey Beacher gave a presentation on the proposed Township Sustainability Report. They each individually explained the 7 goals for the Township and what they are. Establish a sustainability community program, manage stormwater, promote and conserve biodiversity, improve waste management, use and develop land wisely, enhance green transportation alternatives, and optimize green energy use. Ms. Beacher explained that establishing a Municipal Environment Advisory Council (EAC) would institutionalize the work of the task force, creating a dedicated advisory board to support the BOC and staff, and open doors to vital state and county level resources. It would also encourage deeper public engagement and guide long term decision making around land use, open space, stormwater, and climate adaptation.

Ms. Beacher stated that the task force would like to form an EAC. This would allow them to build off those action items that are in the plan and connect with other EAC’s in the county and connect to county resources. Commissioner Evans asked what has to happen to form an EAC. Ms. Beacher explained that EAC’s are voluntary, and resident led. Commissioner Mullin asked if the Sustainability Task Force will be on the EAC. Ms. Beacher replied that she will be on the EAC as well as most of the task force members.

Commissioner Young thanked the task force for all their hard work on this report. Commissioner Young asked if this report is on the Township website. Ms. A. Swan replied that there is a PDF and sway version. Ms. A. Swan stated that she would like to create calntownship.org/sustainability for all pertaining information.

Commissioner Mullin asked what the task forces priority in this report is. Ms. Beacher explained that within the PDF there is a spreadsheet that lists the priorities of each action item. Ms. A. Swan stated that the priority is to form an EAC and identify where to start during the first meeting. Mr. Vymazal stated once the Sustainability Report has been adopted then they can adopt an EAC.
Board consensus was to add consideration of forming an EAC to the April 24, 2025, Board agenda.

2.4 Public Works Skid Steer – Ms. A. Swan shared her screen showing the skid steer. Mr. Vymazal stated
that this equipment was budgeted in 2025 for approximately $100,000.00 to be paid from Capital Fund 34.

Commissioner Young asked if the skid steer comes with the attachments seen on the video. Mr. Vymazal replied that it does not come with the attachments seen in the video. Commissioner Young asked if it comes with a bucket. Mr. Vymazal replied “yes.”

Board consensus was to add consideration for approval of a skid steer to the April 24, 2025, Board agenda.

3. Resolutions
3.1 Resolution 2025-10 – PA 811 Safe Digging Month
Commissioner Evans read Resolution 2025-10.

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve Resolution 2025-10 recognizing April 2025 as “Pennsylvania 811 Safe Digging Month”. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Evans. The vote passed 5-0.

3.2 Resolution 2025-11 – PEMA Designation of Agent – Mr. Stackhouse explained that the PEMA agent needs updated to the new Township Manager. He explained that this grant is specifically for COVID-19 supplies for staff.

Commissioner Evans asked the total amount of funds reimbursed to the Township. Mr. Stackhouse replied that approximately $75,000.00 was spent and approximately $60,000.00 was reimbursed to the Township.

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve Resolution 2025-11 to establish Don Vymazal as the new Designation of Agent to closeout small projects PW 96 and 627. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 5-0.


4. Board Minutes to Approve
4.1 March 27, 2025

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the March 27, 2025, Board of Commissioners Minutes. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 5-0.

5. Finance Department
5.1 Check Approval

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve checks 53807 to 53872. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 5-0.

6. Summary by Applicable Board Liaison
6.1 Parks and Recreation – Commissioner Kennedy reported on several past events and several 2025 schedule events such as the Easter Egg Hunt on April 19th, the New York bus trip on May 31st, and the Little League Spring Opening Day on April 12th. Mr. Vymazal stated that he was informed that the Little League Spring Opening Day may be cancelled, due to rain.

6.2 COG – Commissioner Kennedy reported that bonds were discussed and what Municipalities would need to do in a financial situation.

6.3 Municipal Authority – Commissioner Mullin reported that the Caln Meetinghouse Project unofficial bid tabulation will be opened on March 13th. They are requesting a PA Small Water Program grant for $291,220.00 from the CFA and they adopted Resolution 2025-5-CTMA accepting deed of dedication of an 8-inch sanitary sewer line and associated manholes.

6.4 DARA – Commissioner Mullin reported that DARA continues to work on their expansion.

6.5 Fire Board – N/A

6.6 Historical Commission – Commissioner Evans reported that Ms. A. Swan was appointed as the Historical Commission secretary. They discussed applying for the semiquincentennial grant for the 2026 celebration. They invited the Friends of Spackman Farm and the Historical Society to join the grant application.

6.7 Lincoln Highway – Commissioner Young reported discussion on the design standards for the final zoning and stormwater. They will also request an additional 5 years for LERTA from the Coatesville Area School District. In attendance was a small business owner who is seeking information on providing a restaurant on Lincoln Highway.

6.8 Ingleside Golf Course – Commissioner Tindaro reported on the new arrival of merchandise in their Pro Shop, membership advantages, and continued golf course improvements. The next golf meeting will be held on April 29th at noon.

Commissioner Young stated that several residents told him that the golf course looks nicer without so many bunkers. Commissioner Young also stated that the G.O. Carlson and North Bailey Road sign needs attention. Mr. Vymazal replied that the sign area is the first location on their spring landscape project. Commissioner Mullin asked Mr. Vymazal to see if the sign needs to be repainted. Mr. Vymazal replied that he will have staff check the sign.

Commissioner Mullin commented on the golf course advertising sign on Route 30 bypass.

7. Additional Business
7.1 On behalf of the Civil Service Commission Members, Chair George March publicly thanked Chief Elias and Mr. Stackhouse for their help and assistance as they work through this process. Mr. March stated that their official public meeting of the Civil Service Commission was held on April 9th, during which time they adopted the official eligibility list for police officers and firefighters’ applicants. Those lists are now in the process of being the individual named on those lists. For instance, there were 15 police department applicants and 13 firefighter applications for positions. Individuals named on those lists are now being subject to background investigations. Full background investigation for police applications, limited background investigations for firefighter applicants and polygraph examinations for police officer applicants, as well. Depending upon the outcome of those two processes, the polygraph, and the background investigations and if the individuals successfully meet all the statutory or judicial requirements for those positions they will remain on the list, so the information is for your information. Those 2 lists have been adopted, so they are the official eligibility list, and they are ready to be referred to when the Commissioners would ask for certification of names from those lists when they need to consider those names for decisions about hiring.

8. Public Comment
8.1 John Hasham stated that he is reformatting and rebranding 300 North Bailey Road as the Buchanan Mansion. There will be the lounge at Buchanan Mansion, Dragonfly Catering, a coffee company, and a dessert pastry chef. Mr. Hasham also stated that he can add an assortment of food service items under the existing use.

Mr. Hasham offered maintenance funds if the Township would install placard signs on the Township G.O. Carlson and 340 and the G.O. Carlson and North Bailey Road signs.

Mr. Hasham would like to know why his business and other businesses in the Township need a permit to have an event on their own property, specifically a car meet on his property. Commissioner Mullin replied that it is because he is an established business, and a car meet is a public gathering dealing with Township services.

Commissioner Evans explained that a permit was secured in 2024 when the Historic Commission had a picnic on the Spackman-Davis Farm property because it was a gathering.

Mr. Vymazal explained that the permit is for communication, coordination, having a balance between successful businesses, and creating a safe and welcoming community for residents to live in.

Commissioner Evans stated that the BOC previously has and continues to work to make things better financially for business to come into Caln Township.

Mr. Vymazal asked Mr. Hasham to schedule a meeting, so staff can discuss exactly what he is envisioning and see what is required to do so.

9. Adjournment
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to adjourn the April 10, 2025, Board of Commissioners meeting at 9:15 PM. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 5-0.


Respectfully Submitted,
Denise Miller
Assist. Township Secretary

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