Board of Commissioners December 11, 2025
7:30 PM Business Meeting Minutes
Caln Township Board Members: Joshua Young-President, Mark Evans-Vice President, Jane Kennedy-Commissioner, Paul Mullin-Commissioner, and Adam Thomas-Commissioner.
Staff Members Present: Don Vymazal-Township Manager/Secretary, Denise Miller-Assistant Township Secretary/
Administrative Assistant, Abbey Swan-Community Enforcement, Ray Stackhouse-Director of Building and Life Safety, and Police Chief Elias.
Professionals: Ross Bickhart-Gilmore & Associates, Kristin Camp-Township Solicitor, Derek Dry-Minquas Fire Company.
The Board of Commissioners’ (BOC) December 11, 2025, agenda as posted on the Township website, and at the Township Building on December 10, 2025. Agendas were made available to the public at the meeting. The 2025 Township meeting schedule was published in the Daily Local Newspaper, on December 18, 2025.
Commissioner Young called December 11, 2025, meeting to order and the Salute to the Flag.
Commissioner Young conducts the meeting until the Board President arrives.
Commissioner Young informed the public that there was an Executive Session held prior to tonight’s meeting regarding tow
Citizens to be Heard – None.
2026 Budget Hearing – Mr. Vymazal explained that the 2026 budget was advertised after the November 13, 2025, meeting. For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal presented ordinance 2025-04, 2025-05, and 2025-06.
1. Ordinances
1.1 Ordinance 2025-04 Setting of the Township Taxes Mark Fox of 253 Thornridge Drive stated that a 13% tax increase is an approximate 86% tax increase over 10 ten years and that is too high. Commissioner Young explained that when the budget process was started, the Township had an approximate $1.9 million deficit. Commissioner Young explained why the Township had to raise taxes. Mr. Fox would like to know what the Townships' golf course profits are.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to adopt Ordinance 2025-04 setting of the Township Taxes. Moved by Commissioner Kennedy and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 4-0.
1.2 Ordinance 2025-05 2026 Municipal Budget Commissioner Young entertained a motion to adopt Ordinance 2025-05 approving the 2026 Municipal Budget. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 4-0.
2. Township Solicitor
2.1 4423 RW Associates, LLC – Colonial Hyundai Sidewalk Easement Agreement – For Board consideration, Ms. Camp offered a Sidewalk Easement Agreement for Colonial Hyundai.
Commissioner Evans stated that he would like to ask the Applicant for additional items including the decorative light poles. Commissioner Young and Ms. Camp both stated that the BOC could still ask the Applicant. Ms. Camp stated that she will contact the Board for their other items to ask the Applicant.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve a Sidewalk Easement Agreement with 4423 RW Associates, LLC for Colonial Hyundai. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 4-0.
2.2 Motion of the BOC - Cohen Land Development 07/25/2025 Resubmission Review – For Board consideration Ms. Camp offered a motion for part of Colonial Hyundai public sidewalk, which is in Caln Township.
Appearing on behalf of the Applicant was Brian Nagle of MacElree Harvey LTD. Mr. Nagle explained that they have submitted a plan review to PennDOT without curbing. PennDOT did not request that curbing be installed as part of their review letter. The proposed design is to match the existing features and conditions and let the runoff from the roadway continue to drain off the roadway naturally into the grass.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve a Motion of the Board for Preliminary Subdivision and Land Development Application of H. Michael Cohen 4109 Lincoln Highway. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 5-0.
2.3 Arbor Hills Associates Application Amendment – Ms. Camp explained that Arbor Hills Associates requested to be rescheduled to the January 29, 2026, Board meeting. The Board approved.
Mr. Bibiosi from Bowman Consulting Group explained that he was hired as the Traffic Engineer for this project. They are obtaining a Highway Occupancy Permit for the improvements along the frontage and side access. PennDOT did not request that curbing be installed as part of their review letter. Mr. Bibiosi also explained that a submitted a plan review to PennDOT without curbing. Mr. Nagle explained that he submitted a waiver letter requesting a waiver from Section 137.42 for curbs and side access. Mr. Nagle also submitted a plan review to PennDOT without curbing. PennDOT did not request that curbing be installed as part of the review letter.
Commissioner Young asked Ms. Camp if the Township Traffic Engineer supports the requested no curbing waiver. Ms. Camp replied that his November 11, 2025, review letter paragraph 7 reads “with the addition of sidewalk along Lincoln Highway. It is recommended that curbing be installed along the site frontage”. This can be further discussed with PennDOT. Ms. Camp asked Mr. Nagle if the curb would add some level of safety to the people on the sidewalk. Commissioner Evans stated that this is why the Township is interested in “Vision Zero” and “Multimodal”. Commissioner Kennedy asked how many feet would a curb would be. Mr. Nagle replied, “600 feet.” Commissioner Mullin asked Mr. Nagle how stormwater would be handled with the reduction of the stormwater pipes. Mr. Nagle replied that it was preliminary designed with 3 inlets with 300 feet of pipe that would discharge into the side and into the swale that runs perpendicular to the western limit of the property.
Mr. Nagle explained that the inlets must be set back, or a modified design required to avoid the underground utilities that run under the shoulder if you install the underground pipe. Commissioner Mullin as if there is gas or electricity. Mr. Nagle replied that there are sewer and water lines running underneath the shoulder and a water line outside the sewer. Ms. Camp said the motion is worded that curbing is not required. Commissioner Mullin asked if the Board operation maintenance agreement, which requires the Developer to sign, record, and then shift that responsibility to the Developer. Commissioner Evans explained that discussion was held regarding no curbs at the last Planning Commission. There was something said about water that would flow down from the slope directly towards a home. Mr. Gibbons explained that currently with the flow condition getting the SW off the road and into the site. There are facilities designed in the development to manage that SW as is. Whereas if they curb and pipe it, they are now point sourcing it to the end of where the townhomes are to the west and into a swale that runs back. Lowell said that PennDOT considers a high-speed road to be 50 MPH posted or higher, posted.
Resident Dan Hagens of 217 Park Drive is concerned with water flow towards Park Drive. Mr. Hagens stated that the Planning Commission minutes suggest that they support the requested waiver.
2.4 Draft Forestry Ordinance Amendments – Ms. Camp asked for Board authorization to proceed with the appropriate procedure for the Forestry Regulations Proposed Ordinance. All Board members are in favor of Ms. Camp to move the ordinance process forward.
3. Engineer
3.1 Year End Summary and Look Ahead – Mr. Bickhart gave a 2025 year-end presentation and a presentation on 2026 projects.
3.2 2025 Road Program – For Board consideration, Mr. Bickhart offered payment application #2 payable to Heidelberg Materials in the amount of $93,779.70.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve Payment Application #2 payable to Heidelberg Materials in the amount of $93,779.70, contingent upon receipt of acceptable contract closeout document. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 5.0.
3.3 2026 Road Program Proposal – For Board consideration, Mr. Birkhart offered PSA 2501255 in the amount of $62,800 for their services in the 2026 road program.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve PSA 2501255 to continue their annual road maintenance and paving program, payable to Gilmore & Assoc. according to their yearly fee schedule, in the year work was performed. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Evans. The vote passed 5-0.
4. Director Reports October and November 2025
4.1 Minquas EMS - On behalf of Derek Dry, Mr. Stackhouse reported 443 calls, 212 ALS calls, and 231 BLS calls. 259 were transported. Also, there was a CPR instructor course with 20 attendees with 5 Township Firefighters. There was a second course for community members.
4.2 Fire Department – Chief Taylor reported 443 calls in November. Commissioner Evans asked if the bypass was any better. Chief Taylor stated that the bypass was not any better, so they had to start shutting down the road for their safety.
4.3 Building and Life Safety - Mr. Stackhouse reported on permits and developments. A water hydrant was installed in Municipal Park.
A resident asked about the leaf collection schedule. Ms. Swan explained that there are 2 different programs
4.4 Ingleside Golf Course – Ms. Shannon reported that there were 169 rounds in October and increased by 2% in November. They also planted 13 trees.
4.5 Public Works Department – On behalf of Mr. Huggins, Mr. Vymazal asked the Board if they have any questions on the submitted public works packet. Mr. Vymazal stated that the leaf program is ongoing, and a water hydrant was installed at the Municipal Park.
4.6 Community Enhancement – Ms. Swan reported on their recent events and upcoming events. Ms. Swan recognized all the volunteers. She also stated that the EAC was awarded the CCATO award.
4.7 Police Department – Chief Elias reported 11,000 service calls in November. Chief Elias stated that the police department was awarded their 6th national award.
5. Finance Department
5.1 Finance Report – On behalf of Ms. Swan, Mr. Vymazal reported that he will answer any questions about the finance report.
5. 2 Check Approval Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve checks 54966-55106. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 5-0.
6. Township Manager
6.1 Land Development Review/RPR Services Proposal – For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal offered a service agreement with Gilmore and Associates. They would be beneficial to the Township to hire them to do land development in the Township.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to appoint Gilmore and Associates to handle the Township’s Land Development. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 5-0.
6.2 Thorndale Fire Company Agreement – For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal offered an agreement with the Thorndale Fire Company. Mr. Vymazal stated that he made sure that the agreement for today’s practices.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the updated 2006 Cooperative Agreement between Caln Township and the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 5-0.
6.3 2026 Township Meeting Dates for Advertisement – For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal offered the 2026 Township meeting dates for advertisement.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the Township’s 2026 meeting dates. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 5-0.
6.4 2026 Staff Holiday Dates – For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal offered the Township holiday dates.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the 2026 staff holiday dates. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 5-0.
6.5 Conditional Hiring Offer Approval for the Position of Deputy Police Chief – Chief Elias explained that the Deputy Chiefs position has been vacant. In August 2025, the Township contracted with the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association to conduct an executive search and a selection process. Candidates from 6 different states were received, and resumes were vetted and multiple rounds of interviews. An exceptional local candidate was found. Brian Barber retired as a lieutenant with the Pennsylvania State Police.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to offer a conditional hiring offer of approval for the position of Deputy Police Chief to Brian Barber. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Young. The vote passed 5-0.
6.6 Caln Township and Caln Township Police Officers Association Agreement - For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal offer the Caln Township Police Officers Association Agreement.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve Caln Township Police Officers Association Agreement. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Young. The vote passed 5-0.
6.7 Friends of Spackman Davis Farm Updated MOU – For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal offered a motion to approve an MOU with the Friends of Spackman-Davis Farm from 2026 to 2027.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve an MOU with the Friends of Spackman-Davis Farm from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 5-0.
6.8 2026 Spackman Davis Farm Agricultural Use Lease Agreement – For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal offered a lease agreement with Leonard Smoker for the Agricultural use at 3401 Kings Highway.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve a 2026 lease agreement with Leonard Smoker for the Spackman-Davis Farm for Agricultural Use at 3401 Kings Highway. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Young. The vote passed 5-0.
6.9 Board and Commissions Vacancies – The Board discussed the Board and Commissions vacancies and tabled further discussion/appointment at the next meeting.
7. Board Minutes to Approve
7.1 October 30, 2025 Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve October 30, 2025, BOC’s minutes. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Young. The vote passed 5-0.
7.2 November 13, 2025 Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve November 13, 2025, BOC’s minutes. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 5-0.
8. Planning Commission Minutes Acknowledged
8.1 October 21, 2025
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion acknowledging receipt of October 21, 2502, Planning Commission Minutes, on behalf of the BOCs. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Young. The vote passed 5-0.
9. Additional Business – Commissioner Evans recommended visiting Spackman-Davis Farm to see the lights and decorations.
Commissioner Mullin stated that he is resigning as the Board President. Mr. Mullin thanked his colleagues and the public for their support.
10. Public Comment - None.
Adjournment Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to adjourn the December 11, 2025, Board meeting. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Young. The vote passed 5-0.
Submitted by,
Denise Miller
Assist. Twp. Secretary