Board of Commissioners Minutes 08/08/2024

​​Caln Township Chester County, Pennsylvania
Board of Commissioners August 8, 2024
7:30 PM Hybrid Workshop Meeting Minutes
 
Board Members Present: Joshua B. Young-Vice President, Jane Kennedy-Commissioner (Zoom), Lorraine Tindaro-Commissioner, and Mark Evans-Commissioner.
 
Staff Members Present: Don Vymazal-Township Manager and Secretary, Abbey Swan-Director of Community Enhancement, Lisa Swan-Director of Finance and Township Treasurer, and Scot Gill-Director of Wastewater.
 
Professionals Present: N/A
 
Special Guest: N/A
 
The Board of Commissioners’ (BOC) August 8, 2024, agenda was posted on the Township website, at the Township building on August 7, 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.
 
Commissioner Young called the meeting to order and Salute to the Flag at 7:36 PM.
 
Citizens to be Heard – There were none.
 

1. Township Manager
2. PECO Infrastructure Improvements – Mr. Vymazal stated that he contacted PECO to inquire what            

improvements could be made to areas of the township experiencing frequent power outages. PECO stated that they have plans to improve removal of trees that are impacting wires, infrastructure upgrades such as stronger wires and connection points, and updating poles in Caln Township (Caln). Mr. Vymazal also stated that Carver Court lost electricity for a significant amount of time. He would like to open a discussion for Board recommendations on other areas in the Township to prioritize. Commissioner Young stated that Barley Sheaf Road and the area near Ingleside Golf Course (golf course) frequently lose electricity.
 
Deborah McDonaugh of 2617 East Kings Highway stated that she frequently loses electricity. In the last rainstorm she lost approximately $20,000.00 in household items as well as her electric meter. Ms. McDonaugh also stated that she will provide the Township with her independent inspection report for her lost items.                   Mr. Vymazal stated that he will provide her report to PECO as a concern area.
 

1. Thorndale Streetlight Improvements – Ms. Swan stated that she put an informal poll on Facebook and

received 406 votes for the silhouette snowflake. Commissioner Tindaro recommended alternating a snowflake with a candy cane. Commissioner Young, Commissioner Evans, and Commissioner Kennedy voted for the silhouette snowflake. Ms. Swan stated that she will check the availability of the snowflakes.
 

1. Draft Beaver Creek Stream Gage – Mr. Vymazal stated that the county is interested in installing a stream

gage in Beaver Creek around Lloyd Park. This gage would measure the water level of Beaver Creek and provide advanced warning of potential flooding. The data will be accessible online and linked from the Township website. The county is installing gages in a variety of waterways to get a better overview of current and future flooding conditions.
Commissioner Evans stated that the United States Geological Survey (USGS) will pay $7,200.00 annually before the county pays their 50% and before Downingtown’s portion. Mr. Vymazal stated the Township cost would be approximately $2,000.00 per year.
 
Commissioner Kennedy asked if Caln would be the first Township to install the gage. Mr. Vymazal replied that a variety of Townships are included in this network.
 
Adam Thomas of 310 Carlyn Court and the Township Planning Commission asked if the county would install a gage up-stream so the area where he lives would have advanced flood warning. Mr. Vymazal replied that the county is targeting Lloyd Park because it would give the most advanced warning. Ms. Swan showed the existing gages on the TV screen.
 

1. VPP Rolling Mini Grant – Mr. Vymazal stated that the Township is currently receiving support through the

County’s Vision Partnership Program (VPP) for the zoning ordinance update project. In addition to the larger VPP program, the county is establishing mini grants for small, faster projects. Mr. Vymazal also stated that he would like to apply for the first round for $10,000.00 with a 40% match. Commissioner Young asked if the Spackman-Davis Farm Park would be eligible. Mr. Vymazal replied that this should fall within the program eligibility criteria. Commissioner Evans asked if the trail segment on the other side of the SEPTA railroad is eligible. Ms. Swan replied that this is a county project that ends at Hazelwood Avenue. Mr. Vymazal replied that improving connectivity within the Township could potentially be a good project. Commissioner Young asked if the Beaver Creek trail segments are eligible. Mr. Vymazal replied that they are too big. Commissioner Kennedy asked if township sign projects are eligible. Ms. Swan replied that these are for planning projects; however, staff is discussing small grants that are available for updating and adding signage to different projects. Commissioner Kennedy asked if the golf course has any projects they would like to do. Commissioner Tindaro stated that there are several projects at the golf course that they are considering. Mr. Vymazal replied that from a feasibility standpoint there are several projects that would qualify. Mr. Vymazal stated that he will present these projects to the county and see if there are more favorable projects and report back to the Board.
 

1. Trash Contract – Mr. Vymazal referenced a memo in the Board packets outlining the current terms of the

contract. Mr. Gill is updating the RFP with the anticipation of putting it out to bid in early September 2024 and placing this on the August 29 business agenda for consideration to advertise.
 
Commissioner Young asked if the recycling cost will remain the same. Mr. Gill replied that some of the haulers elect to take the recyclables back to their facility, which is a shorter run for them, so the contract is bid with two different base bids. Base bid one is the current program where the Township picks the recycling facility. Base bid two gives the hauler the option to retain the recyclables and take them to their facility and collect the revenue. Commissioner Kennedy asked if the hauling cost is increasing. Commissioner Young replied that it is unknown until the bids come in.
 

1. Board Minutes to Approve
2. July 25, 2024

Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve the July 25, 2024, Board minutes. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 4-0.
 
 
 
 
 Finance Department

1. Check Approval

Commissioner Young entertained a motion to approve checks 52467 to 52546. Moved by Commissioner Tindaro and seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. The vote passed 4-0.
 

1. Summary by Applicable Liaison
2. Parks and Recreation

Commissioner Kennedy stated that there are several vendor spots available for September 7th Community Day, National Night Out has been rescheduled for August 12th at 6:00 PM, and Embreville Road Clean Up Day will be held on September 14th.
 
Commissioner Evans asked if it has been discussed to have Thorndale businesses have their own holiday lighting contest. Ms. Swan replied that it will be discussed at their October 7th meeting.
 

1. COG

Commissioner Kennedy stated that there were no new items on the agenda; however, the previous items were discussed.
 

1. Municipal Authority

N/A
 

1. DARA

Mr. Vymazal stated that improvements and upgrades to the pump station were discussed. Partnership members are continuing to discuss timelines, population, and capacity.
 

1. Fire Board

N/A
 

1. Historical Commission

Commissioner Evans stated that they discussed the America250PA picnic held on July 29th at the Spackman-Davis Farm location and how to get interpretive sites. Commissioner Evans also stated that their efforts are focused on getting the Edges Mill area on the Historic Register.
 

1. Lincoln Highway

Commissioner Young stated that the ARLE, Multimodal, and the Rolling Mini Grants were discussed.
 

1. Ingleside Golf Course

Commissioner Tindaro stated that they are interviewing for a golf pro position and accepting applications for the pro-shop. They discussed planning events and fundraisers for 2025. Commissioner Tindaro also stated that the SPCA received a significant number of donations for their cruelty to animals’ department. To donate call the golf course Manager, Ms. Shannon, at 610-384-9128.
 

1. Additional Business

Mr. Vymazal noted that Mr. Stackhouse is monitoring the storm, and he reported that there are several roads closed in the Township: 11th and Foundry Street, South Caln Road, Olive Street, and South Bailey Road, and Hazelwood Avenue. Mr. Vymazal stated that the generators and barricades were out in advance of the storm.
Commissioner Kennedy stated that she was unable to attend the meeting in person because Carver Court was flooded.
 
Commissioner Young asked Mr. Vymazal if the Township could acquire Red Raider Road. Mr. Vymazal replied that staff will research available options to improve safety conditions for Township residents.
 
Tony DiSario of 251 Loomis Avenue stated that Loomis Avenue has flooded since 1950 and is flooded again.      Mr. Vymazal stated that the Township will provide the Stormwater Assessment report shortly. This report will analyze the areas in the Township that need the most significant improvements.
 

1. Public Comment

There were none.
 

1. Adjournment

Commissioner Young entertained a motion to adjourn the August 8, 2024, workshop meeting at 8:30 PM. Moved by Commissioner Evans and seconded by Commissioner Tindaro. The vote passed 4-0.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
 
 
 
Denise Miller,
Assist. Twp. Secretary

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