Caln Township Chester County, Pennsylvania
Board of Commissioners October 10, 2024
7:30 PM Hybrid Workshop Meeting Minutes
Board Members Present: Commissioner Mullin-President, 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, Abbey (A.) Swan-Director of Community Enhancement, and Lisa (L.) Swan-Treasurer and Director of Finance.
Professionals Present – Chris Herr from Mallie LLP., Ross Bickhart of Gilmore & Associates, and Jasmine Smith-Downingtown Library Director.
The Board of Commissioners’ (BOC) October 10, 2024, agenda was posted on the Township website, at the township building on October 9, 2024, and agendas were made available for the meeting. The 2024 Township BOC meetings were published in the Daily Local Newspaper, on December 27, 2023.
Call to Order and Salute to the Flag – Commissioner Mullin called the meeting to order and Salute to the Flag at 7:31 PM.
Citizens by Request – There were none.
Presentation: Mallie 2023 Township Draft Audit and Initial Results – Mr. Herr presented the 2023 Township audit with an unmodified opinion on all funds and no instances of noncompliance material to the financial statements of the Township were disclosed during the audit. Mr. Herr stated that the auditors’ report of compliance for the major award programs for the district expresses an adverse opinion.
Commissioner Kennedy asked if FEMA funds are reflected in this audit. Commissioner Young replied that the Township has not received FEMA funding; however, they did receive PEMA funds.
Mark DeYoung of 20 Beaver Run Road asked for the status of Township FEMA funding. Mr. Vymazal replied that FEMA provided a preliminary estimate of what they would be providing to the Township. Mr. Stackhouse is currently negotiating with FEMA to get additional funding because their estimate was low. Mr. DeYoung asked if a presentation can be on the agenda when FEMA’s funding is received. Mr. Vymazal replied that it will be.
Presentation: Downingtown Library Budget and Update – Jasmine Smith reviewed programs Municipal support money goes towards. Ms. Smith stated that their current budget request is $3.00 per capita, and she would like to request an increase to hire a staff member and have more quality programs.
Presentation: Old Caln Historical Society Budget – Dawn Coughlan of 4019 Edges Mill Road representing the Old Caln Historical Society (OCHS). Ms. Coughlan review what the OCHS does for Caln.
Commissioner Mullin and Commissioner Evans encouraged residents to visit the OCHS and to attend their programs.
Presentation: Sustainability Task Force – JoEllen McBride representing the Sustainability Task Force (STF) gave a progress update. Ms. McBride stated that the STF’s objective is to creatin a report to detail sustainability-related recommendations for the Board of Commissioners. Ms. McBride also stated that they are focused on water management, waste management, transportation, energy, biodiversity, and conservation.
1. Township Manager
1.1 November Meeting – For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal offered November meeting date changes.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to cancel the November 14 and 28 Board meetings and schedule a meeting for November 12. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Evans. The vote passed 5-0.
1.2 December Meeting – For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal offered December date changes. Mr. Vymazal
stated that the workshop and business meetings will be held on December 12.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to cancel the December 26 board business meeting. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Evans. The vote passed 5-0.
Commissioner Mullin stated that the budget will be on the November 12 agenda.
1.3 Spackman-Davis Farmhouse – Mr. Bickhart stated that a meeting was held with Gilmore and Associates,
Township Staff, and Detwiler Roofing. Detwiler Roofing described that the underside of the porch structure on the south side of the farmhouse, the lumber beams that are holding the porch up, the decorative posts, and the decorative woodwork at the top under the ceiling can be saved. Mr. Bickhart also stated that the railings will be wood similar to the prior ones.
Commissioner Evans asked what the color of the roof is going to be. Mr. Bickhart replied, “Edged Bronze.”
1.4 Blue Beards for Charity – Mr. Vymazal stated that Caln Township Police Department will be participating.
in an annual charity event throughout October, November, and December where officers are permitted to grow beards and donate to “A Childs Light,” “Chester County Crime Victims,” “Sambuco Children Education Fund,” and the “West Chester Food Cupboard.”
A member of the audience asked if the public could donate to this charity. Mr. Vymazal replied this will be on social media and the township website on how to donate.
2. Board Minutes to Approve
2.1 September 26, 2024 -
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the September 26, 2024, minutes. Moved by Commissioner Kennedy and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Commissioner Young and Commissioner Evans abstained because they were not in attendance. The vote passed 3-0.
3. Finance Department
3.1 Check Approval 52818 to 52882
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve checks 52818 to 52882. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro The vote passed 5-0.
4. Summary by Applicable Board Liaison
4.1 Parks and Recreation – Commissioner Kennedy stated that there will be a cleanup event at the
VA Medical Center meeting in parking lot G on November 2, a Halloween Party on October 26 at 1:00 PM, and a tree lighting event on December 8. Ms. A. Swan stated that there will be one bus going to New York on December 14.
4.2 COG – Commissioner Kennedy stated that their meeting was held on September 25 at the Chester
County Training Campus to hear experts in planning and zoning.
4.3 Municipal Authority – Commissioner Mullin stated that an encroachment agreement to allow the
property owners on the 1500 block of Reed Street to install a fence in the sanitary sewer easement was approved and Representatives from the Municipal Authority hosted two meetings on September 16 with property owners of Caln Meeting House and Granger Lane to update them on the sewer extension project. Phase 1 portion of the Raye Road emergency stabilization project was completed on September 24. This project consisted of an emergency stabilization of the existing main by concrete encasing the main in two locations and armoring the street banks with rip rap.
4.4 DARA – Commissioner Mullin stated that DARA met with West Whiteland and Uwchlan Townships in
September regarding their flow projections and DARA’s future expansion. Both Townships showed interest in moving forward with this project.
4.5 Fire Board – Commissioner Mullin stated that their September meeting was cancelled. Commissioner
Mullin stated that the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company will have an open house on October 13 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
4.6 Historical Commission – Commissioner Evans stated that their September meeting was cancelled. Their
next meeting will be held on October 16 at 7:00 PM. Commissioner Evans also stated that the schoolhouse tours will resume in 2025.
4.7 Lincoln Highway – Commissioner Young stated they discussed the Cohen Property plans, Tobacco
Store/Smoke Shop ordinance, zoning task force, and the sign ordinance.
4.8 Ingleside Golf Course – Commissioner Tindaro stated that the September revenue was $74,000.00 with 2,100 rounds of golf. They also continue to interview for golf pro and staff members.
5. Additional Business – There was none.
6. Public Comment – There were none.
7. Adjournment
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to adjourn the Board workshop meeting at 8:52 PM. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Evans. The vote passed 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Miller
Assist. Township Secretary
Board of Commissioners October 10, 2024
7:30 PM Hybrid Workshop Meeting Minutes
Board Members Present: Commissioner Mullin-President, 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, Abbey (A.) Swan-Director of Community Enhancement, and Lisa (L.) Swan-Treasurer and Director of Finance.
Professionals Present – Chris Herr from Mallie LLP., Ross Bickhart of Gilmore & Associates, and Jasmine Smith-Downingtown Library Director.
The Board of Commissioners’ (BOC) October 10, 2024, agenda was posted on the Township website, at the township building on October 9, 2024, and agendas were made available for the meeting. The 2024 Township BOC meetings were published in the Daily Local Newspaper, on December 27, 2023.
Call to Order and Salute to the Flag – Commissioner Mullin called the meeting to order and Salute to the Flag at 7:31 PM.
Citizens by Request – There were none.
Presentation: Mallie 2023 Township Draft Audit and Initial Results – Mr. Herr presented the 2023 Township audit with an unmodified opinion on all funds and no instances of noncompliance material to the financial statements of the Township were disclosed during the audit. Mr. Herr stated that the auditors’ report of compliance for the major award programs for the district expresses an adverse opinion.
Commissioner Kennedy asked if FEMA funds are reflected in this audit. Commissioner Young replied that the Township has not received FEMA funding; however, they did receive PEMA funds.
Mark DeYoung of 20 Beaver Run Road asked for the status of Township FEMA funding. Mr. Vymazal replied that FEMA provided a preliminary estimate of what they would be providing to the Township. Mr. Stackhouse is currently negotiating with FEMA to get additional funding because their estimate was low. Mr. DeYoung asked if a presentation can be on the agenda when FEMA’s funding is received. Mr. Vymazal replied that it will be.
Presentation: Downingtown Library Budget and Update – Jasmine Smith reviewed programs Municipal support money goes towards. Ms. Smith stated that their current budget request is $3.00 per capita, and she would like to request an increase to hire a staff member and have more quality programs.
Presentation: Old Caln Historical Society Budget – Dawn Coughlan of 4019 Edges Mill Road representing the Old Caln Historical Society (OCHS). Ms. Coughlan review what the OCHS does for Caln.
Commissioner Mullin and Commissioner Evans encouraged residents to visit the OCHS and to attend their programs.
Presentation: Sustainability Task Force – JoEllen McBride representing the Sustainability Task Force (STF) gave a progress update. Ms. McBride stated that the STF’s objective is to creatin a report to detail sustainability-related recommendations for the Board of Commissioners. Ms. McBride also stated that they are focused on water management, waste management, transportation, energy, biodiversity, and conservation.
1. Township Manager
1.1 November Meeting – For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal offered November meeting date changes.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to cancel the November 14 and 28 Board meetings and schedule a meeting for November 12. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Evans. The vote passed 5-0.
1.2 December Meeting – For Board consideration, Mr. Vymazal offered December date changes. Mr. Vymazal
stated that the workshop and business meetings will be held on December 12.
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to cancel the December 26 board business meeting. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Evans. The vote passed 5-0.
Commissioner Mullin stated that the budget will be on the November 12 agenda.
1.3 Spackman-Davis Farmhouse – Mr. Bickhart stated that a meeting was held with Gilmore and Associates,
Township Staff, and Detwiler Roofing. Detwiler Roofing described that the underside of the porch structure on the south side of the farmhouse, the lumber beams that are holding the porch up, the decorative posts, and the decorative woodwork at the top under the ceiling can be saved. Mr. Bickhart also stated that the railings will be wood similar to the prior ones.
Commissioner Evans asked what the color of the roof is going to be. Mr. Bickhart replied, “Edged Bronze.”
1.4 Blue Beards for Charity – Mr. Vymazal stated that Caln Township Police Department will be participating.
in an annual charity event throughout October, November, and December where officers are permitted to grow beards and donate to “A Childs Light,” “Chester County Crime Victims,” “Sambuco Children Education Fund,” and the “West Chester Food Cupboard.”
A member of the audience asked if the public could donate to this charity. Mr. Vymazal replied this will be on social media and the township website on how to donate.
2. Board Minutes to Approve
2.1 September 26, 2024 -
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve the September 26, 2024, minutes. Moved by Commissioner Kennedy and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. Commissioner Young and Commissioner Evans abstained because they were not in attendance. The vote passed 3-0.
3. Finance Department
3.1 Check Approval 52818 to 52882
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to approve checks 52818 to 52882. Moved by Commissioner Young and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro The vote passed 5-0.
4. Summary by Applicable Board Liaison
4.1 Parks and Recreation – Commissioner Kennedy stated that there will be a cleanup event at the
VA Medical Center meeting in parking lot G on November 2, a Halloween Party on October 26 at 1:00 PM, and a tree lighting event on December 8. Ms. A. Swan stated that there will be one bus going to New York on December 14.
4.2 COG – Commissioner Kennedy stated that their meeting was held on September 25 at the Chester
County Training Campus to hear experts in planning and zoning.
4.3 Municipal Authority – Commissioner Mullin stated that an encroachment agreement to allow the
property owners on the 1500 block of Reed Street to install a fence in the sanitary sewer easement was approved and Representatives from the Municipal Authority hosted two meetings on September 16 with property owners of Caln Meeting House and Granger Lane to update them on the sewer extension project. Phase 1 portion of the Raye Road emergency stabilization project was completed on September 24. This project consisted of an emergency stabilization of the existing main by concrete encasing the main in two locations and armoring the street banks with rip rap.
4.4 DARA – Commissioner Mullin stated that DARA met with West Whiteland and Uwchlan Townships in
September regarding their flow projections and DARA’s future expansion. Both Townships showed interest in moving forward with this project.
4.5 Fire Board – Commissioner Mullin stated that their September meeting was cancelled. Commissioner
Mullin stated that the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company will have an open house on October 13 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
4.6 Historical Commission – Commissioner Evans stated that their September meeting was cancelled. Their
next meeting will be held on October 16 at 7:00 PM. Commissioner Evans also stated that the schoolhouse tours will resume in 2025.
4.7 Lincoln Highway – Commissioner Young stated they discussed the Cohen Property plans, Tobacco
Store/Smoke Shop ordinance, zoning task force, and the sign ordinance.
4.8 Ingleside Golf Course – Commissioner Tindaro stated that the September revenue was $74,000.00 with 2,100 rounds of golf. They also continue to interview for golf pro and staff members.
5. Additional Business – There was none.
6. Public Comment – There were none.
7. Adjournment
Commissioner Mullin entertained a motion to adjourn the Board workshop meeting at 8:52 PM. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Evans. The vote passed 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Miller
Assist. Township Secretary
| commissioners_minutes_10.10.2024.pdf |
