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Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes - July 10th, 2025

7/10/2025

 
Caln Township Chester County, Pennsylvania
Board of Commissioners July 10, 2025
7:30 PM BOCs 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, Police Chief Elias.

Professionals Present: Kristin Camp-Township Solicitor and Lowell Leaman-ARRO P.E.

Special Guest: N/A

The Board of Commissioners’ (BOCs) July 10, 2025, agenda was posted on the Township website and at the Township building on July 9, 2025. Agendas were available for the public, at the meeting. The 2025 Township BOCs meetings were published in the Daily Local Newspaper, on December 18, 2024.

Call to Order and Salute to the Flag – Commissioner Mullin called the July 10, 2025, Board meeting to order at 7:34 PM. Commissioner Mullin then called for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Commissioner Mullin reported an Executive Session held prior to tonight’s Board meeting regarding legal and labor matters.

Citizens by Request – There were none.

1. Solicitor
1.1 415 Bondsville Road-Apartments Project Waiver Discussion & Plan Approval – Ms. Camp explained that Bondsville Road Realty Ventures, LLC., Scott Risbon (Applicant) is requesting Boad consideration to approve their new stormwater waiver requests on the June 6, 2025, Commonwealth Engineers, Inc., letter. The Applicant has to file the revised plan that they believe meets the new stormwater ordinance.

Engineer Vic Kelly explained that a lot of the waivers are follow up after basins were installed and stabilized on site, as part of the 2017 grading permit.

Mr. Kelly explained that the Applicant would like to design the basin based on the actual impervious coverage. Commissioner Young, what would be the difference from the SW Management Ordinance, Section 135-311.A.(2) if the Board did not grant this waiver. Mr. Kelly replied that the Applicant would have to over design for impervious, which is not on the site.

Ms. Camp asked Mr. Kelly if the development is maximized. Mr. Kelly replied “yes.” Three extra overflow parking stalls are listed. Sixty-three parking stalls are required and there are Sixty-six.

Commissioner Mullin asked the length of the pipe under SALDO Section 135-311.C. Mr. Kelly replied that it is 40-45 feet.

Mr. Kelly explained that SWMO 135-311.J.(10) requires concrete or grass. The Applicant is requesting a waiver to use permanent geotextile fabric, which has very strong characteristics and capabilities. The emergency spillway is only needed if all other outlet structures fail and you have a 100-year storm event. Commissioner Evans asked Mr. Kelly for a very detailed description of permanent geotextile stabilization. Mr. Kelly replied that it resembles a synthetic woven fabric that grass will grow through and they do not deteriorate over time, which makes them permanent. Ms. Camp asked Mr. Kelly why their lawyers first letter from December 5, 2024, paragraph G had Sections 135, 305, and 136 combined and then changed the June letter. Mr. Kelly replied that the Township ordinance states that post development infiltration has to match predevelopment infiltration. Discussions were held with their Engineers, and they do not have infiltration now, so they are matching that. Mr. Kelly also replied that there is no infiltration now, it will not infiltrate after development; therefore, they are matching the predevelopment conditions. The waiver request is to enhance that there is no infiltration.

Commissioner Evans explained that in discussions with the Township Planning Commission and the Lincoln Highway Committee he stated, “when you do not have space, you build up.” Mr. Kelly replied that there was a height restriction. If you put parking on the first floor you lose the height or lose the units. Commissioner Evans stated that he has many concerns about this project.

Commissioner Kennedy asked if the Township Engineer has reviewed these waiver requests. Ms. Camp replied that the Township Engineer gave a recommendation on all the requested waivers as well as the Township Planning Commission reviewing them.

Commissioner Evans asked if the Township Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) reviewed these waivers.

Ron Miller of 20 Marshall Circle stated that this property is already a wetland. He is also opposed to waiving the number of requested waivers.

Commissioner Mullin asked the number of original SW waivers. Ms. Camp replied “20”. Ms. Camp explained that when the plan was approved the SW regulations were in the SALDO. Currently they are in the SWMO, Chapter 135, which changes the numbers. Now that it is a new section of the code, the waivers must be approved. Ms. Camp asked Mr. Kelly if there was anything from the design of the stormwater facilities changed as a result of the adoption of the new ordinance. Mr. Kelly replied that the prior ordinance required a 10-year post development storm reduced to a 2-year predevelopment. The new ordinance requires a 2-year post development reduced to a one-year predevelopment that evaluation has changed. The existing basin is the same basin that was designed 10 years ago. Ms. Camp asked are you stating that the design of what they are actually hoping to construct has not changed, but the analysis that you had to do to prove to the Township Engineer that you are meeting the new ordinance, you had to go through that exercise to demonstrate that what you had on the plan meets what is in new Chapter 135. Is this a correct statement? Mr. Kelly replied, “that is correct.”

Ms. Camp explained that the law states that when preliminary land development approval is obtained, the Developer has 5-years protection from changes in the ordinance. Since the plan was not completed in 5 years and the BOC changed zoning and changed the R-4 district to the I-1 district; therefore, the plan is not allowed. The Applicant had to confirm, to the BOCs, what ordinances were adopted from 2013 to when they submitted their plans in 2025 if any stormwater ordinances changed that would affect their plan. The only ordinance that was adopted was Chapter 135. Everything else on the plan is still in effect.

Applicant Scott Risbon explained that it was on the plan to start work in 2020, but COVID-19 delayed their project.

Mark DeYoung (Resident) asked how much money did Hurricane Ida cost Township residents and why the BOCs would allow anything to violate the stormwater ordinance.

Commissioner Evans and Commissioner Mullin replied that EOC stands for Environmental Advisory Council. Commissioner Evans asked if the EOC can review this plan at their next meeting. Commissioner Mullin explained that the EOC meeting is scheduled after the BOC’s next meeting and Mr. Risbon deserves an answer before then. Commissioner Mullin stated that he is ok if the EOC meets before then to review the plan. Commissioner Mullin asked the Applicant if he will allow an extension so the BOCs can have time to make a decision. Mr. Risbon agreed to an extension until July 31, 2025. Mr. Kelly explained that he will present their plans with the waivers included on the plan, hoping that it will be approved.

2. Township Manager
1.2 Codes/Life Safety-Lion BULLSEYE Digital Fire Extinguisher Training System Purchase – The Board agreed to move up 2.2 on the agenda because Chief Elias had to leave on police business.

2.2 For Board consideration, Mr. Stackhouse offered a Digital Fire Extinguisher Training System. Mr. Stackhouse explained that his department has seen a dramatic increase in requests for fire extinguisher training and identified a need for training of municipal staff, fire staff, residents, non-residents, both child and adult day care. Commissioner Kennedy asked why Mr. Stackhouse is not asking for more than one system. Mr. Stackhouse replied that one system is enough for them because they can train 30-40 people in 20 minutes after they watch the training video.

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to authorize the Township Manager to sign a contract with Witmer Public Safety Group, Inc. for the purchase of a Lion BULLSEYE Digital Fire Extinguisher Training System, in the amount of $15,900.80. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 5-0.

2.2 Police Department Conditional Hiring Offer – Chief Elias explained that on the current certified list of applicants remaining from civil service pursuant to the rules they have to go in order. He gave the BOC’s three names in tonight’s Executive Session to replace Officer Hembree. Commissioner Mullin stated that prior to tonight’s meeting there was an Executive Session held to review the Civil Service Commissions Official Eligibility list of the certified police applicants for hiring consideration.

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the Police Department conditional hiring offer to Josue Pifer. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 5-0.

2.3 Ingleside Golf Course Liquor License Expansion – Mr. Vymazal explained that Ingleside Golf Course (Ingleside) provides beer, and their leadership would like the BOCs to consider allowing canned seltzer drinks with about 5% alcohol. These types of drinks require an additional license, and anyone affiliated with selling them have to go through training through the Responsible Alcohol Management Program (RAMP).

Commissioner Mullin asked if this is common practice at other golf courses. Mr. Vymazal replied that he will have an answer at the July 31st meeting. The golf course would have to install signs and have additional security for where the liquor drinks are stored.

John Hasham owner of “The Lounge” is opposed to alcohol sale at Ingleside, also hole #1 is on his property and you cannot sell alcohol on his property. If the Township proceeds with the sale of alcoholic seltzer drinks, he will call the Liquor Control Board. Mr. Hasham stated that there is currently no management of the beer that is sold.

Mr. Hasham stated that he would like to provide food service to Ingleside and for Township events. Commissioner Mullin replied that the Township would like to work with him, and he should contact the Township Manager to set up a meeting. Mr. Hashman mentioned that he was not approached to work with the Township for the recent picnic. Commissioner Evans replied that the majority of the non-profit Friends of Spackman-Davis Farm (Friends) do not live in the Caln. The president of Friends personally paid the caterer of her choice 5,000.00.

Mark DeYoung (Resident) commented on the percentages of alcohol seltzer drinks have.

3. Ordinance/Resolution
3.1 Resolution 2025-17 DCED Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant Submittal – Mr. Vymazal explained that this was formally discussed at a prior public Board meeting when the temporary emergency repair to Caln Meetinghouse Bridge was approved. This grant is in relation to the Spackman-Davis Farm property the Township will submit an application to expand the new bridge to accommodate potential pedestrian movements along the roadway. This resolution is a requirement of the application process reinforcing that the Township would like to apply for this grant.

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve Resolution 2025-17 authorizing the Township to submit an application for the 2025 Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 5-0.

3.2 Proposed Ordinance Modification for Vacant Property – Mr. Stackhouse explained that he almost lost a court case with a business owner of a multi-unit strip mall for failure o file vacant property registration. The business owner’s argument was that the term “building” was not defined. And his entire building individual tenant units are not a building by definition. The court case was defined as the property was vacant based on the Township ordinance, so the individual was found guilty. Mr. Stackhouse proposes to refine the Township ordinance language regarding “building” and a few other language revisions.

4. Board Minutes to Approve
4.1 June 26, 2025

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve June 26, 2025, Board minutes. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Evans. The vote passed 5-0.

5. Finance Department
5.1 Check List Approval

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve checks #54243 to 54290. 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 past and future events. Commissioner Kennedy also reported that there was discussion regarding coordinating with the Fire Department and Ingleside to find an alternative place to hold events when it rains.

6.2 COG – N/A
6.3 Municipal Authority – Commissioner Mullin reported that their 2026 grouting project will be on the west side of Wedgewood development, and their I&I program is saving capacity.

6.4 DARA – Commissioner Mullin reported that they are continuing with the design for the expansion and modernization of the project.

6.5 Fire Board – N/A

6.6 Historical Commission – Commissioner Evans reported that their meeting focused on the SMDF picnic. The Daily Local Newspaper advertised the longest picnic in Chester County.

6.7 Lincoln Highway – N/A

6.8 Ingleside Golf Course – Commissioner Tindaro reported on discounts and current events. Commissioner Tindaro also reported on the hire of Golf Pro Joel Cummings.

7. Additional Business – There was none.

8. Public Comment
John DiSante (Resident) wanted confirmation that he would not get fined or towed if he left his trailer or truck that is over the weight capacity for the road of what Section 155-137 says. Mr. DeSante explained that he would like to leave the truck to give the impression that someone is living on the property. Mr. Stackhouse and Commissioner Mullin explained that since it is not a temporary situation, there is not an issue.

9. Adjournment

Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to adjourn the July 10, 2025, Board meeting at 9:32 PM. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Young. The vote passed 5-0.

Respectfully submitted,

Denise Miller
Assistant Twp. Secretary

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