Board of Commissioners January 30, 2025
7:30 PM Hybrid Business Meeting Minutes
Caln Township Board Members: Paul Mullin-President, Joshua B. Young-Vice President, Jane Kennedy-Commissioner (via Zoom), and Lorraine Tindaro-Commissioner, and Commissioner Evans (Absent).
Staff Members Present: Don Vymazal-Township Manager and Secretary, Denise Miller-Assistant Township Secretary and Administrative Assistant, Jessica Markovich-Communications and Events Coordinator, Johnnie Huggins-Public Works Director, Nicole Shannon Manager/Superintendent-Ingleside Golf Course, Ray Stackhouse-Director of Building and Life Safety (via Zoom), Lisa Swan-Finance Director and Township Treasurer, and Police Chief Elias.
Professionals Present: Chief Taylor-Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company, Dereck Dry-Minquas, Ross Bickhart-Gilmore & Associates.
Special Guest: N/A
The Board of Commissioners’ (BOC) January 30, 2025, agenda was posted on the Township website, at the Township building on January 29, 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 January 30, 2025, Board meeting to order at 7:35 PM. Commissioner Mullin then called for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Mullin would like to send thoughts and prayers to the families of those who lost their lives in the plane/helicopter crash over the Potomac River on January 29, 2025.
Citizens to be Heard – There were none.
1. Engineering
1.1 G.O. Carlson Retaining Wall – For Board consideration, Mr. Bickhart offered payment application #1 for Pickering
Landscape Inc. in the amount of $215,100.00.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve Payment Application #1 in the amount of $215,100.00 payable to Pickering Valley Landscape Inc., for the G.O. Carlson Boulevard Retaining Wall Emergency Replacement Project. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Young. The vote passed 3-0.
1.2 Spackman-Davis Farm Roof Replacement Change Order – For Board consideration, Mr. Bickhart stated that the
existing lighting protection system is not in good condition for reuse. To try and fix it to properly work would cost $4,000.00 and for a new lighting protection system would cost $6,000.00. Mr. Bickhart also stated he put an additional 30 days in the contract for the time lost due to the snow and holidays.
Tom Parr of 582 Lloyd Avenue asked if the roof will be completed by the end of February 2025. Mr. Bickhart replied “yes.”
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve change order #1 in the amount of $6,000.00 payable to Detwiler Roofing for the Spackman-Davis Farm Roof Replacement Project. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Young. The vote passed 4-0.
2.0 Resolutions
2.1 Resolution 2025-03 Designating the 2025 Emergency Service Providers
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve Resolution 2025-03 designating the 2025 Emergency Service Providers for Caln Township. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 4-0.
2.2 Resolution 2025-04 Fire Police – Commissioner Mullin asked if all the volunteers have been sworn in. Chief Patrick replied that they all have been sworn in.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve Resolution 2025-04 establishing the Fire Police Officers for Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company for 2025. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 4-0.
2.3 Resolution 2025-05 Remote and Hybrid Public Meetings – For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal stated that this policy has been revised per the Boards recommendations.
Commissioner Mullin asked if the other Boards and Commissions policy will be presented to the Board of Commissioners. Mr. Vymazal replied “yes.”
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve Resolution 2025-05 updating the rules and procedures for the conduct of remote and hybrid public meetings. Moved by Commissioner Kennedy and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 4-0.
3.0 2024 Annual Director Reports
3.1 Minquas EMS – Mr. Dry reported on the 2024 annual EMS totals. Mr. Dry stated that their yearly EMS memberships were mailed in November 2024 for 2025. If you have a membership from Minquas EMS or another ambulance service, it allows residents to not be liable for the remaining balance beyond what their insurance covers. Mr. Dry also stated that your membership covers a full year.
Commissioner Young asked Mr. Dry to elaborate on their ambulance memberships. Mr. Dry replied that the family plan is $110.00 and a couple over the age of sixty-five is $65.00. Your membership acts as a secondary insurance policy, for example, if you are a member and your ambulance bill is $2,000.00 and your insurance pays $1,000.00, then you do not have to pay the remaining $1.000.00.
Commissioner Young asked what happens if your yearly EMS membership invoice is misplaced. Mr. Dry replied that you can obtain another one by calling or stopping by the main fire station on Wallace Avenue in Downingtown.
3.1 Fire Company – Chief Taylor reported on the 2024 annual emergency services. Chief Taylor stated that the Fire
Department does not charge a fee for their services. Their fund drive allows them to train, go to training classes, purchase equipment etc.
Commissioner Young asked if their fund drive donations are tax deductible. Chief Taylor replied that their fund drive donations are tax deductible.
3.2 Public Works – Mr. Huggins reported on the 2024 annual activities and progress for the public works department.
Commissioner Young asked the status of the traffic lights backup batteries. Mr. Huggins replied that he is waiting for a cost estimate from Signal Service. Mr. Huggins stated that the backup lights on Route 30 need replaced.
3.3 Ingleside Golf Course – Ms. Shannon reported on the 2024 annual improvements and golfing statistics. Ms. Shannon stated that the year ended with approximately $723,000.00 in revenue and approximately 20,000 rounds of golf.
3.4 Building & Life Safety – Mr. Stackhouse reported on statics from 2024. Mr. Stackhouse stated that his department issued 920 permits and had an increase in rental applications. Mr. Stackhouse updated the Board on department training and the Emergency Service Firefighters Program.
3.4 Police – Chief Elias reported on public safety. Chief Elias stated that his department was the recipient of $250,000.00 in 2024 and anticipates the same for 2025. All funds were obtained in grants and went towards the purchase of vehicles and equipment. Chief Elias also stated that they recently implemented a no solicitation registry.
Commissioner Tindaro asked if this registry includes political solicitation. Chief Elias replied that it is for goods or services only.
3.7 Community Outreach – Ms. Markovich shared her screen to present the Community Outreach Annual 2024 Director’s video from Abbey Swan. Ms. Swan reported on the 2024 events.
4.0 Township Manager
4.1 Public Works 2026 F650 Crew Cab Chassis with Upfit – For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal presented the purchase of a 2026 F650 Crew Cab Chasses with Upfit which is funded through Section 902 of the Municipal Waste Planning and Recycling Waste Reduction Act 101 Grant at a price of $94,260.00. With the upgrade of the chipper the total is $149,240.00 funded through a grant program that was received funded through the Department of Environmental Education.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the purchase of an F650 Crew Cab Chassis for $149,240.00. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 4-0.
4.2 Scott SCBA – For Board consideration, Mr. Stackhouse stated this equipment is needed because if they are first to
arrive at the scene they have to provide tactical command, which means they have to go inside the building, or they have to operate as part of the fire staff. Mr. Stackhouse also stated that the proposed $18,680,00 is budgeted as part of the 2025 capital purchase budget.
Commissioner Stackhouse and Chief Taylor replied that the apparatus will last for 20 years, and the cylinder will last for 15 years.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the purchase of 2 Scott Self Contained Breathing Apparatus for the Fire Marshal and Deputy Fire Marshal response vehicles, for $18,680.00. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 4-0.
4.3 B&LS Department 2025 Chevy 1500 – For Board consideration, Mr. Stackhouse stated that his department has five
vehicles. Four were passed down to his department and they are not efficient for the work they do. The Fire Marshals will use the 2019 Canyon, and he will use the 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the purchase of a 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 with upfit and emergency communication equipment for $110,000.49. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 4-0.
4.4 B&LS Department 2025 Chevy 3500 – For Board consideration, Mr. Stackhouse stated that this vehicle needed additional safety and electrical upgrades increasing the price by $1,685.00 totaling $89,240.36. Mr. Stackhouse also stated that his department has $280,000.00 in their vehicle account minus the total for his three proposed vehicles. This will leave enough for any contingency cost or replacement needed.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the purchase of a 2025 Chevy Silverado 3500 with upfit and equipment for $87,555.36, plus the additional $1,685.00 totaling $89,240.36. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Young. The vote passed 4-0.
4.5 B&LS Department 2021 Ford Explorer Uplift and Equipment – For Board consideration, Mr. Stackhouse stated that his department received a 2021 Explorer from Chief Elias when he upgraded his vehicle. Deputy Fire Marshal Ryan Lewis will use this vehicle.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the purchase of upfit and equipment for the 2021 Ford Explorer for $7,726.20. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 4-0.
4.6 C. C. Preservation Partnership Grant Program – For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal presented a C.C. Preservation Partnership Grant Program and a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Grant. Both grants are related to the Beaver Creek trail, specifically the extension from the Borough of Downingtown into Lloyd Dog Park. Mr. Vymazal stated that after meeting with the regional staff from (DCNR), they recommended that if you apply for DCNR funding to also apply to the County. There is a 50% match non-state match with DCNR, and the C.C. Preservation Partnership Grant Funding can serve as the match or a portion of the total funding. Mr. Vymazal also stated that Gilmore and Associates’ cost estimate is approximately $1 million.
Mr. Vymazal stated that he will offer two resolutions for the February 13, 2025, meeting if the Board is interested in applying for these grants. The Board authorized Mr. Vymazal to apply for both grants.
Commissioner Mullin asked the length of the trail extension. Mr. Vymazal replied that it is approximately one mile. It will be an expensive component of the larger trail network because of the bridge crossing Beaver Creek. Based on the preliminary cost estimates the bridge will cost $150,000.00.
4.7 DCNR Partnership Grant – Discussed under 4.4 C.C. Preservation Partnership Grant Program.
4.8 CCIU – Chief Elias stated that the police responded to 464 service calls in 2024 compared to 301 in 2023 at the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU). The largest increase was for incidents of violence, elopements, and child investigations. At this point, 2024 service calls were 183 and they are currently 226.
Adam Thomas of 310 Carlyn Road asked for the number of service calls received from Coatesville High School compared to the CCIU. Chief Elias replied that in 2024 there were forty-one service calls, mostly after hours and non-student calls. Mr. Thomas also asked if the State Representatives or Senators are involved in helping with this issue. Mr. Vymazal replied that those discussions are ongoing.
Commissioner Young asked if all the mentioned service calls were responded to by just the police. Chief Elias replied that they also include EMS response.
Commissioner Mullin suggested asking the CCIU principle to attend a Township meeting. Mr. Vymazal replied that Township staff has met with the Executive Director and senior leadership of the county wide facility. Mr. Vymazal stated that he will call and encourage them to attend a future meeting to update the Board with their efforts to improve their situation.
5. Board Minutes to Approve
5.1 January 9, 2025
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve January 9, 2025, Board minutes. Moved by Commissioner Kennedy and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed with one abstention 3-1.
6. Planning Commission Minutes for Receipt Acknowledgement
6.1 December 17, 2024
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion acknowledging Board receipt of the approved December 17, 2024, Planning Commission minutes. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 4-0.
7. Finance Department
7.1 Financial Report – Ms. Swan reported that the 2024 revenues received were 14% over budget and expenses were 5%
Over budget. Overall, a 90% increase for the fund balance.
7.2 Checks
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve checks 53376-53482 and manual check 311. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 4-0.
8. Additional Business
8.1 Valicia Shields Historical Commission Resignation
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to accept Valicia Shields’ resignation from the Historical Commission, as of November 24, 2024. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 4-0.
8.2 Dawn Coughlan Historical Commission Resignation
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to accept Dawn Coughlan’s resignation from the Historical Commission, as of January 14, 2025. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 4-0.
9. Public Comment – There Were none.
10. Adjournment
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to adjourn the January 30, 2025, Board meeting at 8:58 PM. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 4-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Miller
Assist. Township Secretary