Caln Township Chester County, Pennsylvania
Board of Commissioners February 13, 2025
7:30 PM Hybrid Workshop Meeting Minutes
Board Members Present: Commissioner Mullin-President (Absent), Joshua B. Young-Vice President, Jane Kennedy-Commissioner, Lorraine Tindaro-Commissioner, and Mark Evans-Commissioner.
Staff Members Present: Don Vymazal-Township Manager and Secretary, Denise Miller-Assistant Township Secretary and Administrative Assistant (via Zoom), Jessica Markovich-Communications and Events Coordinator, Ray Stackhouse-Director of Building and Life Safety, and Police Chief Elias.
Professionals Present – Kristin Camp-Township Solicitor.
The Board of Commissioners’ (BOC) February 13, 2025, agenda was posted on the Township website and at the township building on February 11, 2025. Agendas were made available at the meeting. The 2025 Township Board of Commissioner (BOC) meetings were published in the Daily Local Newspaper, on December 18, 2024.
Call to Order and Salute to the Flag – Commissioner Young called the meeting to order and Salute to the Flag at 7:35 PM.
Citizens by Request – There were none.
1. Township Manager
1.1 Mower Purchase – Mr. Vymazal stated that in 2024, the cost of the township mowing contract had increased. To decrease long term costs, public works staff can obtain Amtrack’s certifications to mow their right of ways. Public works staff will also be able to mow up at the future path around the field at the farmhouse. Mr. Vymazal explained that the Finance Manager stated that the township is able to cover the cost of two commercial mowers, due to the grant money received over the past years.
Commissioner Kennedy stated that the Spackman-Davis Farmland could also be mowed with the new mowers. Mr. Vymazal stated that they can use the mowers there and other areas in the township.
Board consensus was to add the purchase of two mowers to the February 27, 2025, agenda.
1.2 Street Sweeper Truck Rental – Mr. Vymazal stated that the past street sweeper truck rental contract was approximately $20,000.00. It would be approximate $10,000.00, to the Township, if the public works staff rents the equipment and does the work themselves.
1.3 Trailer Sales on Municibid – Mr. Vymazal stated that the Public Works Department would like to put their 1988 and 1998 trailers for sale on Municibid.
1.4 ROBB Consulting Engagement Letter – Commissioner Young moved 1.4 discussion after 1.5 discussion. Commissioner Young stated that the Municipal Group would like to engage ROBB Consulting to give direction in creating a Municipal Authority that is multi-municipal, which would oversee this program. The consultant fee will be divided between the 5 Municipalities annual by the call annual volume.
Commissioner Evans asked when this agreement will go into effect. Mr. Stackhouse replied that their hope is by February 28, 2025. Commissioner Young asked what Municipalities signed the agreement. Mr. Stackhouse replied that Downingtown Borough and East Brandywine signed the agreement.
1.5 EMS Cost Sharing Agreement – Commissioner Young moved 1.5 discussion before 1.5 discussion. Commissioner Young stated that the Municipal Group for Minquas EMS has agreed on the service call volume for the year. This agreement is with Caln Township and five other Municipalities outlining each of their donations to Minquas EMS. It also states the Capital costs based on annual call volume. Mr. Stackhouse stated that capital funds for capital purchases are kept in a secure Caln Township account and can only be released when agreed to.
Commissioner Young stated that the VA Hospital (VA) service calls were deleted from Caln Township service calls because the VA pays 100% of the ambulance fee.
Commissioner Young stated you do not have to pay the balance of the remaining cost of what your insurance does not pay if you are a member of Minquas EMS or other EMS companies. Residents do not have to pay what Medicaid or Medicare does not pay. Commissioner Young and Mr. Stackhouse explained that you would need to call the ambulance company that responded to you and let them know that you are a member of another service provider.
Commissioner Kennedy asked if this contract is different than the contract for advanced life services. Commissioner Young replied that Minquas provides basic and advanced life services. The township donation will be paid from EMS and general funds.
1.6 Township Events – Ms. Markovich stated that Parks and Recreation finalized their 2025 Township Events for 2025. March 15-Riparian Buffer Maintenance Day with a rain date of March 22; March 29-30-Clean Up Weekend; April 11-Participation in Caln Elementary School’s Spring Fair; April 19-Easter Egg Hunt; June 14-First Summer Series Event; June 18-Second Summer Series Event; August 5-National Night Out; September 6-Community Day; October 25-Halloween Party; and 12/7-Township Tree Lighting.
Commissioner Young asked if there are bus trips planned. Ms. Markovich replied that there will be two bus trips to New York. Commissioner Young also asked the bus company’s name. Ms. Markovich replied that they will be using Kraft Transportation.
Commissioner Kennedy recommended a bus trip to Cape May. Ms. Markovich replied that it was discussed and could possibly happen.
1.7 Bondsville Road Apartments CU Extension – Mr. Vymazal stated that the Applicant is requesting an extension until December 29, 2025, which represents the amount of time that the Applicant had discussions with the Township on the proposed “land swap”.
Ms. Camp stated that the Caln Township Stormwater Management Ordinance (SWM Ordinance) was revised by the Applicant’s Engineer in terms of what the Applicant had to update. Ms. Camp also stated that there are conditions that the Applicant needs waivers for.
Ms. Camp asked if she should ask the Applicant to attend the February 27, 2025, Board meeting. Commissioner Young replied that he does not think that the Applicant must attend. Mr. Vymazal stated that Ms. Camp could make the Applicant aware that his conditional use extension request is on the agenda, and he can decide if he would like to attend the meeting.
Ms. Camp stated that there will be an executive meeting after the February 20, 2025, Zoning Task Force meeting to discuss Cohen’s property draft conditional use.
Commissioner Young asked Mr. Vymazal to give an update on Amtrak’s and the Township’s planning for the train going to the Eagles parade. Mr. Vymazal stated that the Thorndale train station will be a key location for transportation to Philadelphia.
Chief Elias stated that the first train will arrive at 4:45 AM and the last train will arrive at 8:25 AM. The returning train will drop off between 3:00 PM and 12:00 PM. Chief Elias also stated that a Ready Chesco message states that you have a risk of getting towed if you park in someone’s parking space.
Mr. Stackhouse stated that staff will provide trash receptacles. Mr. Stackhouse also stated that he contacted Bailey Station HOA regarding parking because they are close to the train station.
Mr. Stackhouse stated that the Firefighters will turn the lights on at 3:00 AM, turn them off after the 8:25 AM train, turn them back on before sunset, and turn them off between 12:00 PM and 12:30 PM.
Mark DeYoung of 20 Beaver Run Road commented on the Eagles Parade train and parking.
2. Resolutions
2.1 Resolution 2025-06 DCNR Partnership Grant – For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal offered Resolution 2025-06 to authorize staff to apply for a DCNR Partnership grant for the construction of the Beaver Creek Trail, with a total cost of approximately $1 million. The largest cost associated with the trail will be crossing the creek. Mr. Vymazal also stated that this grant application is due February 28, 2025, and has a 50% non-state match.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve Resolution 2025-06 authorizing staff to apply for a DCNR Partnership Grant for segment #5 for the Beaver Creek Trail from Lloyd Avenue to the Caln Township line. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 4-0.
2.2 Resolution 2025-07 C.C. Preservation Partnership Grant Program – For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal offered Resolution 2025-07 to authorize staff to apply for a Preservation Partnership Grant from Chester County Parks and Preservation for the Beaver Creek Trail construction. Mr. Vymazal stated that this loan has a match for $250,000.00. Mr. Vymazal also stated that there is also grant due in May 2025 for a DCED grant through Act 13 Greenways Program, which can be used as a match for state funds.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve Resolution 2025-07 authorizing Staff to apply for a Preservation Partnership Grant from Chester County Parks and Preservation to be used for the construction of the Beaver Creek Trail, Segment 5 from Lloyd Avenue to the Caln Township line. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 4-0.
3. Board Minutes to Approve
3.1 January 30, 2025
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve the January 30, 2025, Board minutes. Moved by Commissioner Kennedy and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 3-1 with one abstention.
4. Finance Department
4.1 Check Approval
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve checks 53483 to 53586. Moved by Commissioner Kennedy and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Noel Bernard of 1508 Caln Meetinghouse Road asked what the tax refunds are for. Mr. Vymazal replied that he will verify if the check refunds are for appealed taxes and get back to her. Commissioner Young called for a vote. The vote passed 4-0.
5. Summary by Applicable Board Liaison
5.1 Parks and Recreation – Commissioner Kennedy asked if Lloyd Park could be included in Riparian
Buffer Maintenance Day. Commissioner Young asked if this event is for maintaining the current trees or is it for planting new trees. Ms. Markovich replied that it is for maintenance of the current trees.
5.2 COG – Commissioner Kennedy stated that they discussed old agenda items. Commissioner Kennedy asked if the Township could build their own emergency notification network. Mr. Vymazal replied that there is an opportunity to work through COG with other Municipalities. Mr. Vymazal stated that the Township Building served as a cooling and charging station, during the past windstorm.
Mr. Stackhouse stated that emergency service staff will go door to door for residents who do not receive Ready Chesco or Reverse 911 messages. Mr. Stackhouse also stated that he had a meeting with Ms. Abbey Swan and Ms. Markovich to provide more community engagement through social media and public events.
5.3 Municipal Authority – Mr. Vymazal stated that the Granger Lane/Caln Meetinghouse project is moving forward.
5.2 DARA – N/A
5.3 Fire Board – N/A
5.4 Historical Commission – Commissioner Evans apologized that he was not at the February 13, 2025
meeting because he was sick. Commissioner Evans thanked Lisa Shields and Dawn Coughlan for their service on the Historical Commission. Commissioner Evans stated that the next Historical Commission meeting will be held on February 19, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
5.5 Lincoln Highway – Commissioner Young stated that discussion was held on redevelopment and
naming the two zones on Lincoln Highway. They also discussed data needed to entice larger franchise brands to the Township.
5.6 Ingleside Golf Course – Commissioner Tindaro reviewed Caln Township resident discounts and
the golf course progress. Commissioner Tindaro stated that the golf course is considering a job fair in the spring of 2025. Commissioner Tindaro also stated that the next Golf Committee meeting will is February 24, 2025, at 12:00 PM.
6. Additional Business
6.1 Commissioner Tindaro stated that the snowflake lights are still on the decorative poles for residents to enjoy. Commissioner Tindaro asked to have the lights checked while they are still under warranty. Mr. Vymazal replied that staff will make sure that the new installed improvements on the poles are functioning properly before the snowflakes are removed.
7. Public Comment – There were none.
8. Adjournment
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to adjourn the February 13, 2025, workshop meeting at 8:15 PM. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 4-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Miller
Assist. Township Secretary
Board of Commissioners February 13, 2025
7:30 PM Hybrid Workshop Meeting Minutes
Board Members Present: Commissioner Mullin-President (Absent), Joshua B. Young-Vice President, Jane Kennedy-Commissioner, Lorraine Tindaro-Commissioner, and Mark Evans-Commissioner.
Staff Members Present: Don Vymazal-Township Manager and Secretary, Denise Miller-Assistant Township Secretary and Administrative Assistant (via Zoom), Jessica Markovich-Communications and Events Coordinator, Ray Stackhouse-Director of Building and Life Safety, and Police Chief Elias.
Professionals Present – Kristin Camp-Township Solicitor.
The Board of Commissioners’ (BOC) February 13, 2025, agenda was posted on the Township website and at the township building on February 11, 2025. Agendas were made available at the meeting. The 2025 Township Board of Commissioner (BOC) meetings were published in the Daily Local Newspaper, on December 18, 2024.
Call to Order and Salute to the Flag – Commissioner Young called the meeting to order and Salute to the Flag at 7:35 PM.
Citizens by Request – There were none.
1. Township Manager
1.1 Mower Purchase – Mr. Vymazal stated that in 2024, the cost of the township mowing contract had increased. To decrease long term costs, public works staff can obtain Amtrack’s certifications to mow their right of ways. Public works staff will also be able to mow up at the future path around the field at the farmhouse. Mr. Vymazal explained that the Finance Manager stated that the township is able to cover the cost of two commercial mowers, due to the grant money received over the past years.
Commissioner Kennedy stated that the Spackman-Davis Farmland could also be mowed with the new mowers. Mr. Vymazal stated that they can use the mowers there and other areas in the township.
Board consensus was to add the purchase of two mowers to the February 27, 2025, agenda.
1.2 Street Sweeper Truck Rental – Mr. Vymazal stated that the past street sweeper truck rental contract was approximately $20,000.00. It would be approximate $10,000.00, to the Township, if the public works staff rents the equipment and does the work themselves.
1.3 Trailer Sales on Municibid – Mr. Vymazal stated that the Public Works Department would like to put their 1988 and 1998 trailers for sale on Municibid.
1.4 ROBB Consulting Engagement Letter – Commissioner Young moved 1.4 discussion after 1.5 discussion. Commissioner Young stated that the Municipal Group would like to engage ROBB Consulting to give direction in creating a Municipal Authority that is multi-municipal, which would oversee this program. The consultant fee will be divided between the 5 Municipalities annual by the call annual volume.
Commissioner Evans asked when this agreement will go into effect. Mr. Stackhouse replied that their hope is by February 28, 2025. Commissioner Young asked what Municipalities signed the agreement. Mr. Stackhouse replied that Downingtown Borough and East Brandywine signed the agreement.
1.5 EMS Cost Sharing Agreement – Commissioner Young moved 1.5 discussion before 1.5 discussion. Commissioner Young stated that the Municipal Group for Minquas EMS has agreed on the service call volume for the year. This agreement is with Caln Township and five other Municipalities outlining each of their donations to Minquas EMS. It also states the Capital costs based on annual call volume. Mr. Stackhouse stated that capital funds for capital purchases are kept in a secure Caln Township account and can only be released when agreed to.
Commissioner Young stated that the VA Hospital (VA) service calls were deleted from Caln Township service calls because the VA pays 100% of the ambulance fee.
Commissioner Young stated you do not have to pay the balance of the remaining cost of what your insurance does not pay if you are a member of Minquas EMS or other EMS companies. Residents do not have to pay what Medicaid or Medicare does not pay. Commissioner Young and Mr. Stackhouse explained that you would need to call the ambulance company that responded to you and let them know that you are a member of another service provider.
Commissioner Kennedy asked if this contract is different than the contract for advanced life services. Commissioner Young replied that Minquas provides basic and advanced life services. The township donation will be paid from EMS and general funds.
1.6 Township Events – Ms. Markovich stated that Parks and Recreation finalized their 2025 Township Events for 2025. March 15-Riparian Buffer Maintenance Day with a rain date of March 22; March 29-30-Clean Up Weekend; April 11-Participation in Caln Elementary School’s Spring Fair; April 19-Easter Egg Hunt; June 14-First Summer Series Event; June 18-Second Summer Series Event; August 5-National Night Out; September 6-Community Day; October 25-Halloween Party; and 12/7-Township Tree Lighting.
Commissioner Young asked if there are bus trips planned. Ms. Markovich replied that there will be two bus trips to New York. Commissioner Young also asked the bus company’s name. Ms. Markovich replied that they will be using Kraft Transportation.
Commissioner Kennedy recommended a bus trip to Cape May. Ms. Markovich replied that it was discussed and could possibly happen.
1.7 Bondsville Road Apartments CU Extension – Mr. Vymazal stated that the Applicant is requesting an extension until December 29, 2025, which represents the amount of time that the Applicant had discussions with the Township on the proposed “land swap”.
Ms. Camp stated that the Caln Township Stormwater Management Ordinance (SWM Ordinance) was revised by the Applicant’s Engineer in terms of what the Applicant had to update. Ms. Camp also stated that there are conditions that the Applicant needs waivers for.
Ms. Camp asked if she should ask the Applicant to attend the February 27, 2025, Board meeting. Commissioner Young replied that he does not think that the Applicant must attend. Mr. Vymazal stated that Ms. Camp could make the Applicant aware that his conditional use extension request is on the agenda, and he can decide if he would like to attend the meeting.
Ms. Camp stated that there will be an executive meeting after the February 20, 2025, Zoning Task Force meeting to discuss Cohen’s property draft conditional use.
Commissioner Young asked Mr. Vymazal to give an update on Amtrak’s and the Township’s planning for the train going to the Eagles parade. Mr. Vymazal stated that the Thorndale train station will be a key location for transportation to Philadelphia.
Chief Elias stated that the first train will arrive at 4:45 AM and the last train will arrive at 8:25 AM. The returning train will drop off between 3:00 PM and 12:00 PM. Chief Elias also stated that a Ready Chesco message states that you have a risk of getting towed if you park in someone’s parking space.
Mr. Stackhouse stated that staff will provide trash receptacles. Mr. Stackhouse also stated that he contacted Bailey Station HOA regarding parking because they are close to the train station.
Mr. Stackhouse stated that the Firefighters will turn the lights on at 3:00 AM, turn them off after the 8:25 AM train, turn them back on before sunset, and turn them off between 12:00 PM and 12:30 PM.
Mark DeYoung of 20 Beaver Run Road commented on the Eagles Parade train and parking.
2. Resolutions
2.1 Resolution 2025-06 DCNR Partnership Grant – For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal offered Resolution 2025-06 to authorize staff to apply for a DCNR Partnership grant for the construction of the Beaver Creek Trail, with a total cost of approximately $1 million. The largest cost associated with the trail will be crossing the creek. Mr. Vymazal also stated that this grant application is due February 28, 2025, and has a 50% non-state match.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve Resolution 2025-06 authorizing staff to apply for a DCNR Partnership Grant for segment #5 for the Beaver Creek Trail from Lloyd Avenue to the Caln Township line. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 4-0.
2.2 Resolution 2025-07 C.C. Preservation Partnership Grant Program – For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal offered Resolution 2025-07 to authorize staff to apply for a Preservation Partnership Grant from Chester County Parks and Preservation for the Beaver Creek Trail construction. Mr. Vymazal stated that this loan has a match for $250,000.00. Mr. Vymazal also stated that there is also grant due in May 2025 for a DCED grant through Act 13 Greenways Program, which can be used as a match for state funds.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve Resolution 2025-07 authorizing Staff to apply for a Preservation Partnership Grant from Chester County Parks and Preservation to be used for the construction of the Beaver Creek Trail, Segment 5 from Lloyd Avenue to the Caln Township line. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 4-0.
3. Board Minutes to Approve
3.1 January 30, 2025
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve the January 30, 2025, Board minutes. Moved by Commissioner Kennedy and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 3-1 with one abstention.
4. Finance Department
4.1 Check Approval
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve checks 53483 to 53586. Moved by Commissioner Kennedy and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Noel Bernard of 1508 Caln Meetinghouse Road asked what the tax refunds are for. Mr. Vymazal replied that he will verify if the check refunds are for appealed taxes and get back to her. Commissioner Young called for a vote. The vote passed 4-0.
5. Summary by Applicable Board Liaison
5.1 Parks and Recreation – Commissioner Kennedy asked if Lloyd Park could be included in Riparian
Buffer Maintenance Day. Commissioner Young asked if this event is for maintaining the current trees or is it for planting new trees. Ms. Markovich replied that it is for maintenance of the current trees.
5.2 COG – Commissioner Kennedy stated that they discussed old agenda items. Commissioner Kennedy asked if the Township could build their own emergency notification network. Mr. Vymazal replied that there is an opportunity to work through COG with other Municipalities. Mr. Vymazal stated that the Township Building served as a cooling and charging station, during the past windstorm.
Mr. Stackhouse stated that emergency service staff will go door to door for residents who do not receive Ready Chesco or Reverse 911 messages. Mr. Stackhouse also stated that he had a meeting with Ms. Abbey Swan and Ms. Markovich to provide more community engagement through social media and public events.
5.3 Municipal Authority – Mr. Vymazal stated that the Granger Lane/Caln Meetinghouse project is moving forward.
5.2 DARA – N/A
5.3 Fire Board – N/A
5.4 Historical Commission – Commissioner Evans apologized that he was not at the February 13, 2025
meeting because he was sick. Commissioner Evans thanked Lisa Shields and Dawn Coughlan for their service on the Historical Commission. Commissioner Evans stated that the next Historical Commission meeting will be held on February 19, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
5.5 Lincoln Highway – Commissioner Young stated that discussion was held on redevelopment and
naming the two zones on Lincoln Highway. They also discussed data needed to entice larger franchise brands to the Township.
5.6 Ingleside Golf Course – Commissioner Tindaro reviewed Caln Township resident discounts and
the golf course progress. Commissioner Tindaro stated that the golf course is considering a job fair in the spring of 2025. Commissioner Tindaro also stated that the next Golf Committee meeting will is February 24, 2025, at 12:00 PM.
6. Additional Business
6.1 Commissioner Tindaro stated that the snowflake lights are still on the decorative poles for residents to enjoy. Commissioner Tindaro asked to have the lights checked while they are still under warranty. Mr. Vymazal replied that staff will make sure that the new installed improvements on the poles are functioning properly before the snowflakes are removed.
7. Public Comment – There were none.
8. Adjournment
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to adjourn the February 13, 2025, workshop meeting at 8:15 PM. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 4-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Miller
Assist. Township Secretary
