Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes - August 13, 2026

Caln Township 
Chester County, Pennsylvania  
Board of Commissioners  
August 13, 2026 
Board Workshop Meeting Minutes 

1. Call to Order 
   The meeting was called to order at 7:38pm 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; JoEllen McBride – Office and Sustainability Coordinator; Joe Elias – Police Chief; Ray Stackhouse – Building & Life Safety Director (online); Ryan Lewis – Deputy Fire Marshal, Kristen Camp – Solicitor (online) 
    
   Commissioner Young noted that an executive meeting was held to discuss legal matters on August 12th and another to discuss legal and personnel matters before the meeting tonight. 
    
   The Board of Commissioners’ August 13, 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 Cheryl Brundage (3401 Humpton Rd). She expressed concerns about a neighbor parking vehicles in front of her home instead of in their driveway. Mr. Vymazal replied that he would touch base with her to address the issues soon. 
   
   
3. Township Solicitor 
   1. Chapter 155 Zoning Amendment – Conditional Uses (Discussion) 
      Solicitor Camp reviewed the changes to the Zoning Ordinance Chapter 155 Section 181 to reflect what the Municipal Planning Code Section 19 provides regarding the timeframe for approved conditional use applicants to obtain building permits or U&O certificate. If the Commissioners are comfortable with the changes the solicitor will send this to the Planning Commission and County Planning Commission for review and feedback.  
      The Commissioners agreed to send the amendments to the commissions for feedback. 
   2.  Chapter 74 Amendment - Driveways (Discussion) 
      Solicitor Camp reviewed the changes to the Driveways ordinance 74-10 amending the appeals process to go to the Court of Common Pleas instead of the Board of Commissioners and the Property Maintenance ordinance amending the appeals process to go to the district court instead of the Western Chester County Board of Appeals. This would only need to be advertised and can be considered at the next Commissioners meeting. 
      Commissioner Young entertained a motion to advertise ordinance 2026-09. 
      Moved by Commissioner Mullin 
      Second by Commissioner Thomas 
      Vote: unanimous (5-0) 
      
      
4. Township Manager 
   1. Township Property Use Request (Discussion) 
      Mr. Vymazal summarized the request from a resident to hold a charity fundraiser on the Township property in front of the municipal building. He mentioned that this had been done in the past for the Old Caln Historical Society but the Township does not have a policy in place for a request like this. He is looking for the Board’s thoughts on creating a policy and whether they should approve this request. 
      Commissioner Thomas asked about the specific location of the request and Mr. Vymazal replied that it was the area in front of and around the municipal building. 
      Commissioner Thomas asked if there were any differences in insurance requirements about using this space and Mr. Vymazal said they would check with insurance. 
      Mr. Vymazal recommends developing a policy for this type of use. 
      Commissioner Kennedy mentioned that a policy would help for future requests and to make sure safety measures are in place. 
      Mr. Vymazal concurred. 
      Commissioner Mullin commented that it is a good location and is township property so should be open to the public. He agrees with looking into creating a policy. 
      Chief Elias also mentioned that the proper permits would need to be filled out and Mr. Vymazal concurred. 
      Commissioner Young mentioned that they could approve this activity and work on a policy for future requests using township property. 
      Commissioner Kennedy asked if our current policies have limits on what can be brought to these events. 
      Mr. Vymazal replied that some of that is addressed but would like to dedicate locations for activities like this in the future. 
      Commissioner Young said the Board is at consensus to move forward with this application and to come up with a policy for future use of township property. 
      Mr. Vymazal said he would let them know they are approved and will bring a proposal for a policy to the Board at a future meeting. 
   2.  Emergency Responders Public Safety Drone Program (Discussion) 
      Deputy Fire Marshal Lewis reviewed the options for drones that the Township could use for emergency and safety activities. He mentioned that it would benefit the Township to have their own so there isn’t a time delay when requesting use from other Townships. They made a recommendation for the Skydio X10 and showed a video of the drone operating at night.  
      Commissioner Thomas asked if it comes with an additional battery pack and Mr. Lewis responded affirmatively. 
      Commissioner Young recognized resident Thomas Walker who asked about the thermal capabilities of the drone. 
      Commissioner Evans asked if there is mapping capabilities and Mr. Lewis responded affirmatively. 
      Commissioner Mullin asked about the flight time and Mr. Lewis responded 40 minutes. 
      Commissioner Thomas asked about modular addons to the drone and Mr. Lewis listed a number of additions. 
      Commissioner Thomas also asked about the lifetime of the batteries and Mr. Lewis said he would have to check with them. 
      Commissioner Mullin asked if this was for emergency services only and Mr. Lewis said it would a joint drone with the Police and Building and Life Safety.  
      Commissioner Mullin asked about the pixels on the drone and Mr. Lewis replied with the mentioned specs. 
      Chief Elias mentioned that the smaller drones they’ve used have really great resolution and this would be used on pre-approved events.  
      Commissioner Mullin asked if the public would be notified about the use of drones at pre-approved events and Chief Elias said they could be notified. Mr. Stackhouse also said he is working on language for Township events. 
      Commissioner Young asked how this will be paid for and Mr. Vymazal mentioned that there is capital funds for this. 
      
   3.  Handicapped Parking Application – Parker (Discussion/Action Item) 
      This item was removed from the agenda and the resident has been notified of their next steps. 
      
   4. Engagement Letter – Roseann McGrath Consulting (Discussion/Action Item) 
      Mr. Vymazal summarized that the Township would like to work with Roseann McGrath on filling the Director of Finance position. She helped us with the HR audit and she has a lot of experience with identifying qualified candidates. 
      Commissioner Young entertained a motion for the Township Manager to sign the Engagement Letter with Roseann McGrath Consulting. 
      Moved by Commissioner Mullin. 
      Second by Commissioner Kennedy. 
      Vote: unanimous (5-0) 
      
5. Resolutions 
   
   1.  2026-25 Restoring Open Space and Municipal Land Planning Funds (Discussion/Action Item) 
      Mr. Vymazal explained that this resolutions was brought to us by the Brandywine Conservancy regarding open space and park preservation funding at the county level. The Township received funding in the past for Beaver Creek Segment 5 from this fund. The Conservancy is looking to encourage the county to support funding more projects from this fund. 
      Commissioner Young entertained a motion to adopt resolution 2025-25 requesting the Chester County Commissioners restore full funding for land use planning, county farmland, open space and park preservation programs. 
      Moved by Commissioner Evans. 
      Second by Commissioner Thomas. 
      Vote: unanimous (5-0) 
      
6. Board Minutes 
   
   1.  July 30, 2026 (Discussion/Action Item) 
      Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve the Commissioners Meeting minutes from July 30, 2026. 
      Moved by Commissioner Kennedy 
      Second by Commissioner Thomas 
      Vote: unanimous (5-0) 
      
7. Finance Department 
   
   1.  Financial Report (Discussion) 
      A finance report will be distributed to the Board. 
      
   2.  Check List (Action Item) 
      Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve checks 56186 to 56243 and manual check 1118. 
      Moved by Commissioner Mullin 
      Second by Commissioner Kennedy 
      
8. Summary by applicable Board liaison 
   1.  Parks and Recreation Board 
      Commissioner Kennedy summarized recent events: National Night Out, July stream clean up, Coatesville Youth Initiative golf fundraiser and upcoming events: Brandywine Greenway Tour which will highlight some of our current and future parks on August 26, adult art in the park on August 29, Community Day on September 12, and the final summer series event on August 15. The committee also discussed AI panels for visitors with disabilities who access our parks and community gardens in the parks.  
      
   2.  COG 
      Mr. Vymazal shared that the most recent meeting covered getting the UCC back up and running 
      
   3.  Municipal Authority/DARA  
      Commissioner Mullin shared that in the Municipal Authority meeting the Westwood development grounding project started July 20th, they awarded the Raye Road Phase 2 project, signed the sewer capacity reallocation with WingStop, and they gave a notice of intent to award to Garden Spot Electric for the Kings Grant Pump Station Electric upgrade project. For DARA, the future expansion detailed final design is nearly complete. The project bidding and awarding are expected in late 2026, early 2027. 
      
   4.  Fire Board  
      No Fire Board meeting last month. 
      
   5.  Historical Commission  
      Commissioner Evans reported that their next meeting is next week and they will focus on their budget for next year and upcoming projects.  
      
   6.  Lincoln Highway 
      Commissioner Thomas encouraged residents and anyone who uses Lincoln Highway to fill out the survey. They are waiting for results from TMAC and DVPRC surveys and will share those reports with the public. 
      
9. Additional Business 
   Commissioner Young summarized a resident complaint about grass growing out of the sidewalk at North Bailey, north of GO Carlson and GO Carlson west of North Bailey. 
   Commissioner Evans asked if any progress was made about weedwacking around the old pump station and Mr. Vymazal said he would touch base with the Director of Wastewater Operations. Mr. Vymazal also said he would reach out to Downingtown about Lloyd Park pump house land. 
   Commissioner Mullin noticed that the grass is very tall at GO Carlson and Miller Ave. 
   Commissioner Kennedy read some complaints from resident Vivian Reeves. The first is regarding speeding in the Brandywine development. Commissioner Young explained that a traffic study would need to be ordered and that could actually increase the speed since they recommend 80% of the average speed of the cars. Chief Elias clarified that it is run for 7-14 days and it finds what the 85th percentile speed is. Commissioner Evans asked if a speed sign could be put out there. Chief Elias replied that they could put their speed trailers and speed signs out there which would slow traffic down by 25%. Commissioner Evans asked if the trailer could be put out there and Chief Elias replied affirmatively. Resident Walker mentioned that this has been going on for decades though. 
   Commissioner Kennedy also shared that there was tree overgrowth. Mr. Walker clarified that when Public Works came out they mentioned the trees were impeding traffic and would cut it back.  
   Commissioner Kennedy asked if there is an ordinance about putting grass clipping in the street. Mr. Vymazal mentioned that a concern report should be submitted.  
   Commissioner Kennedy shared about leaving trash cans out for longer than a day and Commissioner Young replied that it is code enforcement so they need to be notified. 
   Resident Vivian mentioned that there is a couch out on Toth Avenue that is not at the curb for trash to pick up. Mr. Vymazal mentioned that could be sent to codes also.  
   Commissioner Kennedy mentioned that there is a form for residents to fill out for complaints to bring to our attention. 
   Resident Vivian also asked if there are codes against running a mechanics shop out of a garage and Mr. Vymazal mentioned that the form should be submitted. 
   Mr. Stackhouse also reiterated that they really need to fill out the forms and get them to Codes so they can address the issues.  
   Commissioner Thomas asked if there is an online form for residents. Mr. Vymazal replied that the form is online and fillable.  
   Commissioner Evans thanked residents for bringing these to our attention. 
10. Public Comment 
    Commissioner Young recognized resident Thomas Walker (10-12 Fox Ave). Mr. Walker mentioned that along the bottom of the hill up to the swings in Dawkins park is swamped out. He also brought up the abandoned pump houses off Caln Road that still have an open hole. Mr. Vymazal said he is following up on that. Mr. Walker mentioned that people are dumping furniture at the Family Dollar in the Caln Plaza and Grocery Outlet employees are tossing trash into the dumpsters from the loading dock and the bags are breaking open. He also mentioned a neighbor who leaves grass clippings on the sidewalk and street. He then asked about the property on 15 Fox Avenue. Commissioner Young mentioned that the last time the developer came in they requested too much parking so they were denied. Mr. Walker mentioned that they should have an environmental study done on the area behind that property because the land used to have tanks on it. Commissioner Young mentioned that they have to do an environmental study for any land development approval. Mr. Walker asked Chief Elias about the Spot Shotter. Chief Elias replied that he went to check it out himself and that it was installed without his knowledge. Mr. Walker mentioned that it is far from the high school and wondering why it is in their neighborhood. Chief Elias mentioned that it was part of the study done by the company with the high school. Commissioner Young said we just learned about this and are working on it and will report back once they know more. Mr. Walker mentioned a pond at the backside of the property behind the Trulieve and the car wash. He also asked if there is anything they can do about the motorbikes in the Township at night. Chief Elias said that it has become a big problem even in Coatesville and he encourages residents to call them into the Police. Mr. Walker also thanked the Chief for the traffic patrols. He asked about the temporary speed signs if they were permanent. Chief Elias mentioned they are temporary and run on a charge. Mr. Walker also asked if he should take pictures of tags and report to police if he thinks drug deals are happening and Chief Elias said that would be appropriate. 
    
11. Adjournment 
    Motion by Commissioner Evans 
    Second by Commissioner Kennedy 
    Vote: unanimous (5-0) 

      The meeting adjourned at 9:24pm. 
 
Respectfully submitted, 
JoEllen McBride, PhD 
Office and Sustainability Coordinator