Caln Township
Chester County, Pennsylvania
Board of Commissioners
May 28, 2026
Board Business Meeting Minutes
Chester County, Pennsylvania
Board of Commissioners
May 28, 2026
Board Business Meeting Minutes
1. Call to Order
Commissioner Young called the meeting to order at 7:30pm and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Commissioners Present: Josh Young – President; Mark Evans – Vice-President; Jane Kennedy – Commissioner; Adam Thomas – Commissioner
Township Staff Present: Don Vymazal – Manager; Abbey Swan – Assistant Manager; Joe Elias – Police Chief; John Grant – Ingleside Operations Manager; Tom Este – Solicitor (for Kristin Camp); Ray Stackhouse – Director Building & Life Safety; Lisa Swan – Finance Director; Johnnie Huggins – Director Public Works
2. Citizens to be Heard
No citizens requested to be heard.
3. Township Solicitor
3.1 Verizon Franchise Agreement (Discussion)
Mr. Este explained that the Cohen Law Group negotiated a franchise agreement on behalf of the Township. It is a 5-year agreement. The Township must schedule and advertise the public hearing on the ordinance to enact the agreement.
Commissioner Evans asked if the hearing could be later than June.
Mr. Este said the hearing could happen in July.
Commissioner Young said they would pick a date and advertise.
3.2 Mainline Health Conditional Use Extension (Discussion / Action Item)
Mr. Este said that Mr. Jennings is here on behalf of the applicant requesting an extension to the current Conditional Use.
Mr. Jennings explained that he submitted an extension request earlier this month. The original approval was approved on June 12, 2025. They are still pursuing the building permit for this location. Preliminary land use development requirements pertaining to some engineering review comments haven’t been satisfied yet. Are requesting an extension pursuant to the ordinance section 155-172i. They are suggesting that a 12-month period is appropriate but do not expect it to take a full year.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to extend the conditional use approval for Mainline Health for a period of 12 months.
Moved: Commissioner Evans
Seconded: Commissioner Kennedy
Vote: 4-0 (unanimous)
4. Director Reports
4.1 Minquas
Mr. Cavanaugh reported 165 calls during this period. Celebrated EMS and Police Week. Thanked the Chief for the swapping of coffee and donuts. Still have open spots for a CPR training in East Brandywine.
Commissioner Thomas asked if CPR training is open to public and if there is a cost. Also asked if there are any later dates
Mr. Cavanaugh replied that it is open to the public and free. He also mentioned that they could schedule later dates.
Ms. Kennedy asked if the CPR is on all ages.
Mr. Cavanaugh replied affirmatively. He also mentioned that they welcomed a new emergency vehicle to their fleet.
Commissioner Thomas asked if they have hit their quota of accidents on the bypass.
Mr. Cavanaugh replied that should be a separate meeting.
4.2 Fire Department
Chief Taylor reported staff milestones. Pulled some data on accidents. 355 incidents which is above normal. Have been dispatched on 62 accidents. April had 10 accidents with 7 occurring on the bypass. Switched reporting systems so need some time to do a comparison to past years and will be ready for May report. Thanked Public Works for help with drainage project.
Commissioner Evans mentioned the large accident that happened further west.
Chief Taylor mentioned that his department did assist.
4.3 Building & Life Safety
Mr. Stackhouse reported that they were on 3 accidents today. Emergency services updates: 3 new firefighters going through training, 3 EMS staff finished their EMT Training. Staff milestones were reported. Fire truck updates: received updated photos of the new graphics. Should be done with mounting in the next two weeks. Hope to have a shindig at the firehouse when it’s in service. Probably in July.
Commissioner Thomas asked about alarm ordinance violation numbers.
Mr. Stackhouse responded that you need to read reports in detail since there are limited type codes. He reported that none were repeat offenders.
4.4 Public Works
Mr. Huggins introduced new foreman Mike Adams. Public works got a few new vehicles last month. They are getting through stormwater projects and will have pictures and reports soon.
Commissioner Young mentioned seeing the street sweeper out.
Mr. Huggins said the new one is working much better than the last one.
Commissioner Young asked how residents know to move their cars.
Mr. Huggins requested that trash cans and cars be moved off the street.
Commissioner Evans asked if they are following trash.
Mr. Huggins replied affirmatively.
4.5 Ingleside Golf Course
Mr. Grant reported that April marked the beginning of golf season in PA and the golf course had a record April. Also supported WCU in a fundraising event and held their first members event in over a decade. Launched their youth training events.
Commissioner Evans asked about well-drilling.
Mr. Grant said they are waiting on the vendor and are 7-8 weeks out. And are fortunate that the rain has helped and they are moving water from a lower pond.
4.6 Community Enhancement
Ms. A. Swan reported they did gearing up for the rest of the year. Shared local government videos focusing on volunteer boards. Thanked the Board for attending the sensory friendly and regular egg hunt. Most popular website pages were shared with Pay My Bills being up. This month the Facebook views broken down by followers and non-followers showed more non-followers viewing content. North Caln Road and Community clean-up went well. Park & Rec attended the last Caln Elementary spring fair. Ms. A. Swan encouraged everyone to grab a 250 celebration yard sign and shared the event passport. Advertised Art in the Park events.
4.7 Police Department
Chief Elias reported staff milestones, 1124 calls for service (up 11% from March), total calls for the year are up 3%.
Commissioner Young asked about the April 2025 and April 2026 comparisons.
Chief Elias explained that his report compared April to March.
Commissioner Evans likes the foot patrols.
5. Finance Department
5.1 Financial Report (Discussion)
Ms. L. Swan reported that they are out of discount period for Real Estate Tax payments. 91% collected and gave kudos to staff for collecting 5000 bills of 5500 sent out. Beginning mid-July to have a budget committee meeting. Staff milestones also reported.
5.2 Check List (Action Item)
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve checks numbered 55832-55878.
Motion: Commissioner Thomas
Second: Commissioner Young
Vote: 4-0 (unanimous)
6. Township Manager
6.1 Barley Sheaf Road Bridge Emergency Repair (Discussion / Action Item)
Mr. Vymazal reported that this issue was identified after the Workshop meeting. Bridge conditions were concerning to Public Works so got the engineer to assess the bridge and received a report. There are significant concerns so the bridge needs emergency repair. Planning to put a weight restriction on the bridge and will put a plan in place to repair over the next 6 months. Will have plans from engineer for June workshop meeting. They are also looking for grant funding once emergency repairs are complete.
Commisioner Evans asked about starting a Bridge Fund.
Mr. Vymazal replied that they got a report from PennDot on a bridge on Seltzer Rd that was in excellent condition. We do our best to inspect the bridges regularly and we have been successful getting grants to cover the repairs so far.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to authorize G&A to develop temporary stabilization repair plans PSA for the Barley Sheaf Road Bridge and submit a PADEP Emergency Permit for the work.
Resident Patrick Taylor commented about flooding near that location recently.
Mr. Vymazal replied that they need to identify the pipe and figure out whose responsibility it is and will look into getting it repaired.
Motion: Commissioner Evans
Seconded: Commissioner Thomas
Vote: 4-0 (unanimous)
6.2 Hazelwood Ave. Guiderail Project (Action Item)
Mr. Vymazal reported that this was discussed at the Workshop meeting and they have a plan in place to repair the guiderail. They need to put it out to bid right.
Commissioner Evans asked if it is in the capital fund.
Mr. Vymazal replied affirmatively.
Ms. Kennedy asked if with Gilmore did the plans.
Mr. Vymazal replied affirmatively.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to authorize the Hazelwood Avenue Guiderail Project to go out to bid, per the scope and cost estimate documents.
Moved: Commissioner Evans
Seconded: Commissioner Thomas
Vote: 4-0 (unanimous)
6.3 Caln Meetinghouse Licenses Agreement (Action Item)
Mr. Vymazal reported that they received word the Chester County Court hearing will be June 15 but this is during a very busy time and close to our events. This agreement would allow the Township to access and clean-up the site before the June 18th event. Once property is conveyed the agreement dissolves.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve the Caln Meetinghouse Licenses Agreement.
Motion: Commissioner Evans
Second: Commissioner Kennedy
Vote: 4-0 (unanimous)
6.4 Vehicle Transfer Request – T2 Ingleside (Action Item)
Mr. Vymazal reported on additional information addressing questions brought up last meeting by commissioners regarding location of the truck and the maintenance costs. The truck will be parked at the maintenance barn. A cost breakdown of repairs over 2-year period was also provided.
Commissioner Young mentioned that this is fine for use around golf course but any significant repairs should be concerning.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve the transfer of the 2011 Ford F-350 Pickup Truck to Ingleside Golf Club.
Moved: Commissioner Evans
Second: Commissioner Thomas
Vote: 4-0 (unanimous)
6.5 Revised Stormwater Agreement – Kia (Action Item)
Mr. Vymazal reported that this agreement is for the Kia leasing office.
Mr. Stackhouse reported that there were some modifications made based on land use.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to authorize the board president to sign the revised stormwater agreement for 2751 East Lincoln Highway.
Motion: Commissioner Kennedy
Second: Commissioner Evans
Vote: 4-0 (unanimous)
6.6 Paving Bid – 2026 Road Program (Action Item)
Mr. Vymazal reported on the much anticipated road program. There are two roadways that are in significant need of repair (Fisherville and N. Bailey) for road surface and stormwater. Township needs to put this out for bid for this much needed repair.
Commissioner Young commented that in the past we’ve gotten lower bids.
Mr. Vymazal mentioned that liquid fuels account from the state has remained pretty flat.
Commissioner Evans asked if this was paid for from liquid fuels funding.
Mr. Vymazal replied that most of it is covered.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to authorize the 2026 Road Program to go out to bid, per the scope and cost estimate documents.
Moved: Commissioner Kennedy
Second: Commissioner Thomas
Vote: 4-0 (unanimous)
7. Resolutions
No resolutions this meeting.
8. Minutes to Approve
8.1 May 14, 2026 (Action Item)
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve the Board Meeting Minutes from May 14, 2026.
Moved: Commissioner Evans
Second: Commissioner Kennedy
Vote: 4-0 (unanimous)
9. Acknowledge Receipt of Planning Commission Minutes
9.1 April 21, 2026 – Meeting canceled
No minutes to consider since meeting was cancelled.
10. Additional Business
Commissioner Young asked about letting PennDOT know about bridge over bypass.
Mr. Vymazal replied that we periodically put calls out to public to submit requests to PennDOT.
Commisioner Young also received another request to put something up at N. Caln Rd and Blackhorse Rd.
Commissioner Kennedy asked about sinkhole on Bondsville Rd.
Mr. Vymazal replied that was a water company issue.
Commissioner Evans mentioned the flooring is being repaired in the Spackman Davis Farm which was funded by the Friends of Spackman Davis Farm. And also encouraged residents to sign up for the Picnic and tours.
Commissioner Kennedy mentioned the sold out bus trip coming up.
11. Public Comment
No public comment.
12. Adjournment
Commision Young entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Moved: Commissioner Evans
Second: Commissioner Thomas
Vote: 4-0 (unanimous)
The meeting was adjourned at 8:33pm.
Respectfully submitted,
JoEllen McBride
Office & Sustainability Coordinator
Commissioner Young called the meeting to order at 7:30pm and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Commissioners Present: Josh Young – President; Mark Evans – Vice-President; Jane Kennedy – Commissioner; Adam Thomas – Commissioner
Township Staff Present: Don Vymazal – Manager; Abbey Swan – Assistant Manager; Joe Elias – Police Chief; John Grant – Ingleside Operations Manager; Tom Este – Solicitor (for Kristin Camp); Ray Stackhouse – Director Building & Life Safety; Lisa Swan – Finance Director; Johnnie Huggins – Director Public Works
2. Citizens to be Heard
No citizens requested to be heard.
3. Township Solicitor
3.1 Verizon Franchise Agreement (Discussion)
Mr. Este explained that the Cohen Law Group negotiated a franchise agreement on behalf of the Township. It is a 5-year agreement. The Township must schedule and advertise the public hearing on the ordinance to enact the agreement.
Commissioner Evans asked if the hearing could be later than June.
Mr. Este said the hearing could happen in July.
Commissioner Young said they would pick a date and advertise.
3.2 Mainline Health Conditional Use Extension (Discussion / Action Item)
Mr. Este said that Mr. Jennings is here on behalf of the applicant requesting an extension to the current Conditional Use.
Mr. Jennings explained that he submitted an extension request earlier this month. The original approval was approved on June 12, 2025. They are still pursuing the building permit for this location. Preliminary land use development requirements pertaining to some engineering review comments haven’t been satisfied yet. Are requesting an extension pursuant to the ordinance section 155-172i. They are suggesting that a 12-month period is appropriate but do not expect it to take a full year.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to extend the conditional use approval for Mainline Health for a period of 12 months.
Moved: Commissioner Evans
Seconded: Commissioner Kennedy
Vote: 4-0 (unanimous)
4. Director Reports
4.1 Minquas
Mr. Cavanaugh reported 165 calls during this period. Celebrated EMS and Police Week. Thanked the Chief for the swapping of coffee and donuts. Still have open spots for a CPR training in East Brandywine.
Commissioner Thomas asked if CPR training is open to public and if there is a cost. Also asked if there are any later dates
Mr. Cavanaugh replied that it is open to the public and free. He also mentioned that they could schedule later dates.
Ms. Kennedy asked if the CPR is on all ages.
Mr. Cavanaugh replied affirmatively. He also mentioned that they welcomed a new emergency vehicle to their fleet.
Commissioner Thomas asked if they have hit their quota of accidents on the bypass.
Mr. Cavanaugh replied that should be a separate meeting.
4.2 Fire Department
Chief Taylor reported staff milestones. Pulled some data on accidents. 355 incidents which is above normal. Have been dispatched on 62 accidents. April had 10 accidents with 7 occurring on the bypass. Switched reporting systems so need some time to do a comparison to past years and will be ready for May report. Thanked Public Works for help with drainage project.
Commissioner Evans mentioned the large accident that happened further west.
Chief Taylor mentioned that his department did assist.
4.3 Building & Life Safety
Mr. Stackhouse reported that they were on 3 accidents today. Emergency services updates: 3 new firefighters going through training, 3 EMS staff finished their EMT Training. Staff milestones were reported. Fire truck updates: received updated photos of the new graphics. Should be done with mounting in the next two weeks. Hope to have a shindig at the firehouse when it’s in service. Probably in July.
Commissioner Thomas asked about alarm ordinance violation numbers.
Mr. Stackhouse responded that you need to read reports in detail since there are limited type codes. He reported that none were repeat offenders.
4.4 Public Works
Mr. Huggins introduced new foreman Mike Adams. Public works got a few new vehicles last month. They are getting through stormwater projects and will have pictures and reports soon.
Commissioner Young mentioned seeing the street sweeper out.
Mr. Huggins said the new one is working much better than the last one.
Commissioner Young asked how residents know to move their cars.
Mr. Huggins requested that trash cans and cars be moved off the street.
Commissioner Evans asked if they are following trash.
Mr. Huggins replied affirmatively.
4.5 Ingleside Golf Course
Mr. Grant reported that April marked the beginning of golf season in PA and the golf course had a record April. Also supported WCU in a fundraising event and held their first members event in over a decade. Launched their youth training events.
Commissioner Evans asked about well-drilling.
Mr. Grant said they are waiting on the vendor and are 7-8 weeks out. And are fortunate that the rain has helped and they are moving water from a lower pond.
4.6 Community Enhancement
Ms. A. Swan reported they did gearing up for the rest of the year. Shared local government videos focusing on volunteer boards. Thanked the Board for attending the sensory friendly and regular egg hunt. Most popular website pages were shared with Pay My Bills being up. This month the Facebook views broken down by followers and non-followers showed more non-followers viewing content. North Caln Road and Community clean-up went well. Park & Rec attended the last Caln Elementary spring fair. Ms. A. Swan encouraged everyone to grab a 250 celebration yard sign and shared the event passport. Advertised Art in the Park events.
4.7 Police Department
Chief Elias reported staff milestones, 1124 calls for service (up 11% from March), total calls for the year are up 3%.
Commissioner Young asked about the April 2025 and April 2026 comparisons.
Chief Elias explained that his report compared April to March.
Commissioner Evans likes the foot patrols.
5. Finance Department
5.1 Financial Report (Discussion)
Ms. L. Swan reported that they are out of discount period for Real Estate Tax payments. 91% collected and gave kudos to staff for collecting 5000 bills of 5500 sent out. Beginning mid-July to have a budget committee meeting. Staff milestones also reported.
5.2 Check List (Action Item)
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve checks numbered 55832-55878.
Motion: Commissioner Thomas
Second: Commissioner Young
Vote: 4-0 (unanimous)
6. Township Manager
6.1 Barley Sheaf Road Bridge Emergency Repair (Discussion / Action Item)
Mr. Vymazal reported that this issue was identified after the Workshop meeting. Bridge conditions were concerning to Public Works so got the engineer to assess the bridge and received a report. There are significant concerns so the bridge needs emergency repair. Planning to put a weight restriction on the bridge and will put a plan in place to repair over the next 6 months. Will have plans from engineer for June workshop meeting. They are also looking for grant funding once emergency repairs are complete.
Commisioner Evans asked about starting a Bridge Fund.
Mr. Vymazal replied that they got a report from PennDot on a bridge on Seltzer Rd that was in excellent condition. We do our best to inspect the bridges regularly and we have been successful getting grants to cover the repairs so far.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to authorize G&A to develop temporary stabilization repair plans PSA for the Barley Sheaf Road Bridge and submit a PADEP Emergency Permit for the work.
Resident Patrick Taylor commented about flooding near that location recently.
Mr. Vymazal replied that they need to identify the pipe and figure out whose responsibility it is and will look into getting it repaired.
Motion: Commissioner Evans
Seconded: Commissioner Thomas
Vote: 4-0 (unanimous)
6.2 Hazelwood Ave. Guiderail Project (Action Item)
Mr. Vymazal reported that this was discussed at the Workshop meeting and they have a plan in place to repair the guiderail. They need to put it out to bid right.
Commissioner Evans asked if it is in the capital fund.
Mr. Vymazal replied affirmatively.
Ms. Kennedy asked if with Gilmore did the plans.
Mr. Vymazal replied affirmatively.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to authorize the Hazelwood Avenue Guiderail Project to go out to bid, per the scope and cost estimate documents.
Moved: Commissioner Evans
Seconded: Commissioner Thomas
Vote: 4-0 (unanimous)
6.3 Caln Meetinghouse Licenses Agreement (Action Item)
Mr. Vymazal reported that they received word the Chester County Court hearing will be June 15 but this is during a very busy time and close to our events. This agreement would allow the Township to access and clean-up the site before the June 18th event. Once property is conveyed the agreement dissolves.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve the Caln Meetinghouse Licenses Agreement.
Motion: Commissioner Evans
Second: Commissioner Kennedy
Vote: 4-0 (unanimous)
6.4 Vehicle Transfer Request – T2 Ingleside (Action Item)
Mr. Vymazal reported on additional information addressing questions brought up last meeting by commissioners regarding location of the truck and the maintenance costs. The truck will be parked at the maintenance barn. A cost breakdown of repairs over 2-year period was also provided.
Commissioner Young mentioned that this is fine for use around golf course but any significant repairs should be concerning.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve the transfer of the 2011 Ford F-350 Pickup Truck to Ingleside Golf Club.
Moved: Commissioner Evans
Second: Commissioner Thomas
Vote: 4-0 (unanimous)
6.5 Revised Stormwater Agreement – Kia (Action Item)
Mr. Vymazal reported that this agreement is for the Kia leasing office.
Mr. Stackhouse reported that there were some modifications made based on land use.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to authorize the board president to sign the revised stormwater agreement for 2751 East Lincoln Highway.
Motion: Commissioner Kennedy
Second: Commissioner Evans
Vote: 4-0 (unanimous)
6.6 Paving Bid – 2026 Road Program (Action Item)
Mr. Vymazal reported on the much anticipated road program. There are two roadways that are in significant need of repair (Fisherville and N. Bailey) for road surface and stormwater. Township needs to put this out for bid for this much needed repair.
Commissioner Young commented that in the past we’ve gotten lower bids.
Mr. Vymazal mentioned that liquid fuels account from the state has remained pretty flat.
Commissioner Evans asked if this was paid for from liquid fuels funding.
Mr. Vymazal replied that most of it is covered.
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to authorize the 2026 Road Program to go out to bid, per the scope and cost estimate documents.
Moved: Commissioner Kennedy
Second: Commissioner Thomas
Vote: 4-0 (unanimous)
7. Resolutions
No resolutions this meeting.
8. Minutes to Approve
8.1 May 14, 2026 (Action Item)
Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve the Board Meeting Minutes from May 14, 2026.
Moved: Commissioner Evans
Second: Commissioner Kennedy
Vote: 4-0 (unanimous)
9. Acknowledge Receipt of Planning Commission Minutes
9.1 April 21, 2026 – Meeting canceled
No minutes to consider since meeting was cancelled.
10. Additional Business
Commissioner Young asked about letting PennDOT know about bridge over bypass.
Mr. Vymazal replied that we periodically put calls out to public to submit requests to PennDOT.
Commisioner Young also received another request to put something up at N. Caln Rd and Blackhorse Rd.
Commissioner Kennedy asked about sinkhole on Bondsville Rd.
Mr. Vymazal replied that was a water company issue.
Commissioner Evans mentioned the flooring is being repaired in the Spackman Davis Farm which was funded by the Friends of Spackman Davis Farm. And also encouraged residents to sign up for the Picnic and tours.
Commissioner Kennedy mentioned the sold out bus trip coming up.
11. Public Comment
No public comment.
12. Adjournment
Commision Young entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Moved: Commissioner Evans
Second: Commissioner Thomas
Vote: 4-0 (unanimous)
The meeting was adjourned at 8:33pm.
Respectfully submitted,
JoEllen McBride
Office & Sustainability Coordinator
