Board of Commissioners June 12, 2025
7:30 PM Hybrid Workshop Minutes
Caln Township Board Members: Paul Mullin-President, Joshua B. Young-Vice President (Zoom), 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, and Nicole Shannon-Ingleside Golf Superintendent.
Professionals Present: N/A
Special Guest: Kristin Camp-Township Solicitor.
The Board of Commissioners’ (BOCs) June 12, 2025, agenda was posted on the Township website, at the Township building on June 11, 2025, and agendas were made 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 June 12, 2025, Board meeting to order at 7:34 PM. Commissioner Mullin then called for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Presentation: Downingtown Library – Representing the Downingtown Library Jasmine Smith explained their children and adult programs for 2025 and how they have to expand their building to accommodate the number of users and to have two programs per day. Commissioner Young stated that he is a member of the libraries Board of Directors. Commissioner Young asked Ms. Smith to further explain how they fundraise. Ms. Smith replied that 1/3 is from their annual fundraising, 1/3 is from the state and county combined, and 1/3 is from Municipalities. Commissioner Mullin stated that libraries are a staple for all communities.
A Caln Resident asked if you could return a book to another library location other than where you checked it out. Ms. Smith replied that Downingtown Library is a member of the Chester County system, which includes eight libraries; therefore, you can check a book out in Downingtown and return it to one of the other 7 libraries.
(Caln Resident) asked if there is a link on the library’s website, where you could access genealogy. Ms. Smith replied that when it comes to the library database resources, most can be accessed from home; however, ancestry can only be accessed from inside the library. There is another database through Pennsylvania that is for genealogy that can be accessed anywhere.
Commissioner Kennedy commented on the size of their library. Ms. Smith replied that currently the library is 7,000 SF. They plan to expand their library within the next five years. The Board commended Ms. Smith on her work at the library and their success in serving communities.
Commissioner Mullin stated that there was an Executive Session on June 12th at 6:45 PM regarding legal and property matters. There was also an Executive Session prior to tonight’s meeting, regarding legal and personal matters. Leslie Edwards was interviewed at that session to interview for the open position on the EAC.
Citizens by Request – There were none.
1. Solicitor
1.1 Conditional Use Order for Main Line Health Project – For Board consideration, Ms. Camp offered a Decision and Order for the Main Line Health (MLH) Project located at 5030 Horseshoe Pike. MLH is the equitable owner of a portion of property approximately 14.5 acres and part of 5030 Horseshoe Pike. The Applicant would like to develop approximately 145,000 square foot three-story medical center. The approval of the proposed Conditional Use (CU) is to allow the property to be developed for the Medical Center substantially in conformance with their revised plan. The revised plan was presented at the second CU hearing, which shows the extension of G.O. Carlson Boulevard. This plan will be further revised to comply with the conditions of approval and to obtain subdivision and land development approval. Ms. Camp summarized the conditions for the BOCs and those in attendance.
Commissioner Young asked Ms. Camp to elaborate on what CU is. Ms. Camp replied that CU is where the Township ordinance allows a medical center in the R-2 district provided you get CU approval from the BOCs.
Michelle (Caln Resident) asked if MLH is a for profit facility. Ms. Camp replied that most of their facilities are non-profit; however, there may be services that they partner with that are a profit entity making their facility subject to real estate tax.
The BOC’s thanked residents for being involved and encouraged them to stay involved through the process. Commissioner Mulin also thanked MLH for working with the Township to get to this point. The main point stated at the CU Hearings was traffic.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the Conditional Use subject to all conditions summarized by Ms. Camp and set forth in the June 4, 2025, Decision and Order that was circulated to the BOCs. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 5-0.
2. Township Manager
2.1 2025 Road Program Bid Award – For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal offered low bidder Heidelberg Materials as recommended by Mr. Bickhart, who has received and reviewed all documents as set forth by the Township. Mr. Vymazal stated $349,702.50 is to be paid from the Liquid Fuels Fund, which also can be used towards equipment and stormwater in certain situations. The cost is approximately $200,000.00 lower than the proposed estimate and the cost savings can go towards other improvements throughout the Township.
Commissioner Young asked Mr. Vymazal if there is an escalator clause for the cost of asphalt should the price increase.
Mr. Vymazal replied that it was included in the contingency.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to authorize the Township Manager to sign Gilmore & Associates’ June 4th recommendation letter to award the 2025 Road Program contract awarded Heidelberg Materials, in the amount of $349,702.50. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 4-0.
2.2 Hazelwood Avenue Guide Rail & Storm Drainage Replacement Project PSA – For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal offered Gilmore & Associates (Gilmore) PSA for the Hazelwood Avenue Guide Rail and Storm Drainage Replacement Project. Mr. Vymazal explained that there is stormwater erosion and deterioration of the road that undermined the shoulder and the guardrail foundation, which was identified by Public Works Director, Johnnie Huggins. Mr. Bickhart from Gilmore was immediately contacted and was asked to do an evaluation, which determined that the area needs significant repair.
Commissioner Mullin asked if there was a waterway under the road. Mr. Vymazal replied that there is a stream between the road and Amtrak’s line and a significant number of trees have fallen in that area. Commissioner Mullin also asked if there will be road closure during this repair. Mr. Vymazal explained that the Township tries to limit the amount of impact to residents utilizing the roadways during construction on Township roadways.
Commissioner Kennedy asked if this was caused by storm erosion. Mr. Vymazal replied that the Township could not say for sure; however, it appears that the erosion was caused by stormwater.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to authorize the Township Manager to sign Gilmore & Associates PSA for the Hazelwood Avenue Guide Rail Repair and Storm Sewer Replacement Project, in the amount of $44,400.00. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Young. The vote passed 5-0.
2.3 ARLE Grant Fund PSA and Resolution 2025-16 – Mr. Vymazal explained that the Township was not successful in 2024 accessing a $1.5 million grant for Lincoln Highway safety improvements involving pedestrian and bicycle movement and streetlights. Unfortunately, there have been approximately five pedestrians and individuals on bicycles hurt by vehicles.
This grant application will be $1 million approximately $500,000.00 less than $1.5 million. At the same time the Township applied and was awarded $450,000.00 from the Commonwealth Finance Authority for the same project. This grant is funded from the red-light ticketing program.
For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal offered Resolution 2025-16 authorizing the Township to engage Gilmore & Associates to assist the Township with the 2025 Automated Red-Light Transportation Grant and to approve the Township Manager to sign.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve Resolution 2025-16 authorizing the Township Manager to submit an application for the 2025 Automated Red-Light Transportation Grant for Lincoln Highway. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 5-0.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to authorize the Township Manager to sign Gilmore & Associates, Inc. PSA to engage Gilmore to assist the Township with the 2025 ARLE Grant, in a “not to exceed” amount of $2,000.00. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 5-0.
2.4 Debra Town EAC Appointment Term 2025-2026
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to appoint Debra Town to the EAC for the 2025-2026 term. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 5-0.
2.5 Leslie Edwards EAC Appointment Term 2025-2026
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to appoint Leslie Edwards to the EAC for the 2025-2026 term. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro The vote passed 5-0.
2.6 Ingleside Golf Maintenance Cart Request – For Board consideration Mr. Vymazal and Ms. Shannon presented four vehicles needed for the golf course to do their jobs properly. Commissioner Evans asked Mr. Vymazal if the Board could approve the four vehicles even though the agenda has these as discussion items. Mr. Vymazal replied they can be approved since they are all approved 2025 budget items.
Caln Resident Debra Town asked Ms. Shannon if she compared electric vehicles versus gas vehicles. Ms. Shannon replied that she has.
2.7 Ingleside Golf Range Picker Request – One motion was made for all the requested golf equipment.
2.8 Ingleside Golf Beverage Cart Request – One motion was made for all the requested golf equipment.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the purchase of two new 2024 Gas Utility Maintenance Vehicles in the amount of $18,790.00, one Range Cart in the amount of $12,495.00, and a Beverage Cart in the amount of $21,750.00 totaling $53,035.00. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 5-0.
2.9 Spackman-Davis Farm Update and Improvements – Mr. Vymazal stated that the Public Works Department, Parks and Recreation, and volunteers removed all the overgrown invasive plants and ivy on the side of the garage. Mr. Vymazal also stated that humidifiers were put in the farmhouse basement to help control the humidity. Ms. Swan shared her screen showing the improvements made.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to authorize Friends of Spackman-Davis Farm to proceed with their memory brick fundraiser. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 5-0.
2.9 Kings Highway Park Strategic Task Force – Mr. Vymazal explained that there is a 2007 Kings Highway Park Master Plan. There are grant funds available that the Township could apply for to make improvements. Mr. Vymazal stated that he would like to form a Kings Highway Park Strategic Task Force, dedicated to updating the master plan. Contact the Township to apply.
Commissioner Mullin stated that when Commissioner Kennedy, Commissioner Evans, and himself were elected, Kings Highway Park was something they wanted to work on in their terms. Commissioner Mullin stated to contact Ms. Swan or Mr. Vymazal if you are interested in joining the task force. Commissioner Mullin explained that Mr. Bickhart worked on West Whiteland’s Park Plan. Commissioner Mullin asked Mr. Vymazal to contact Mr. Bickhart and request a PSA draft of what Gilmore’s involvement would be and what the cost would be.
Friends of Spackman-Davis Farm Memory Brick Fundraiser – Mr. Vymazal explained that Contractors discovered that the back chimney needs significant repair to remain. It was decided to remove the back chimney due to the cost of repair. Mr. Vymazal also explained that the removed bricks will be sold as memory bricks for engraving. They then will be incorporated on the property, in a location to be determined. Mr. Vymazal explained that he brought this fundraiser to the BOCs to get their approval because it is a town sale property and part of the farmhouse. Before the Township allows nonprofit, even though it is a partner nonprofit, to utilize and make revenue from the bricks from Township property.
(Caln Resident) suggested using the bricks for a gazabo floor. Commissioner Evans explained that their original plan is to use the bricks for a path leading to the Meadow Garden. Commissioner Kennedy suggested a welcome sign at the beginning of the driveway. Commissioner Mullin asked if the bricks are safe to use. Commissioner Evans replied “yes.”
Debra Town (Caln Resident) – asked if the farmhouse is inhabitable. Commissioner Evans replied that it is not; however, it is in good shape considering it was built in 1757, and no one has lived there for approximately twenty years. Ms. Town also asked if there is a barn on the property. Commissioner Evans replied that it has a bank barn, which is the largest in Chester County. Ms. Town suggested a wedding venue for this location.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to authorize the Friends of Spackman-Davis Farm to proceed with their memory brick fundraiser. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 5-0.
2.12 PECO Green Region Grant Meadow Park and Phase 3 – Ms. Swan explained that the Township was awarded a grant to finish seeding the remaining five acres of the Meadow Garden. A gazebo, benches, picnic tables, and trash cans will be added. Ms. Swan further explained that there possibly will be a ribbon cutting ceremony in July.
Commissioner Mullin suggested parking spaces and signage installed that lead down the path to Meadow Garden.
Commissioner Kennedy asked Ms. Swan if she would add a library station at the Meadow Garden. Ms. Swan replied that she will.
3. Board Minutes to Approve
3.1 May 8, 2025 – Commissioner Mullin stated that the May 8, 2025, Board minutes will be tabled for approval consideration at the June 26th meeting.
3.2 May 29, 2025
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve May 29, 2025, Board minutes. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 5-0.
4. Finance Department
4.1 Check List Approval
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the checks 54105 to 54175. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 5-0.
5. Summary by Applicable Board Liaison
5.1 Parks and Recreation – Commissioner Kennedy reported on the success of past events and reviewed current events. Commissioner Kennedy reported that they discussed how to collaborate with the Boards and Commissions for the PA250 Celebration and revising the pavilion rental agreement on what can and cannot be done during pavilion rental events.
5.2 COG – Commissioner Kennedy stated that their meeting was cancelled.
5.3 Municipal Authority – Commissioner Mullin stated that the 2025 grouting project in the Colonial Gardens has been completed, Resolution 2025-6-CTMA for the Chester County Sports Arena sewer line project has been completed, and the Township now owns. Commissioner Mullin also stated that a notice of intent was awarded to the lowest bidder for the Caln Meetinghouse/Granger Lane project.
5.3 DARA – Commissioner Mullin reported that the expansion project was discussed.
5.5 Fire Board – Commissioner Mullin reported that they discussed updates on the Township agreement. Commissioner Mullin also reported that the reporting requirements will be changed and the Director of Building and Life Safety, Mr. Stackhouse, will be responsible for informing the Township Manager and the BOCs
5.6 Historical Commission – Commissioner Evans reported that the June 28 picnic was discussed. Commissioner Evans also reported that Cathy Callaghan has received tentative addition to the National Register of Historic Places for the Mendenhall House.
5.7 Lincoln Highway – Commissioner Young reported they discussed the ARLE Grant for Lincoln Highway.
5.8 Ingleside Golf Course – Commissioner Tindaro reported memberships, discounts. Commissioner Tindaro also reported the next golf course meeting will be held on June 30th at noon.
6. Additional Business – There were none.
7. Public Comment – Representing the Coatesville Library, Pete Maio, reported that the Coatesville Library had a mayor flood in 2005. Mr. Maio also reported that the library was recognized by the Chester County Library System for the most diverse programs of all the libraries.
8. Adjournment
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to adjourn the June 12, 2025, Board of Commissioners meeting at 9:30 PM. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 5-0.