Spring City Borough Council appointed Dylan Hutchinson to fill a vacant seat during a special meeting on Monday, March 16, following a public interview process and roll call vote.
Hutchinson was approved by a 4-2 vote, filling the position left by the resignation of former Councilor John McGuire. Under state law, council was required to make the appointment within 30 days. The appointee will serve until the next municipal election cycle in 2027.
The decision followed a structured process in which candidates addressed council and answered questions before a formal motion and vote.
Candidates Outline Qualifications and Priorities
Multiple residents submitted letters of interest for the position. One candidate was deemed ineligible due to residency requirements, and another withdrew prior to the meeting.
Four candidates — Lisa Chiaro, Christopher Book, former Councilor Paul Kern, and Hutchinson — addressed council, highlighting their backgrounds and perspectives on borough issues. Another applicant, Gina Aiello, did not attend.
Hutchinson, a two-year borough resident, emphasized civic engagement and accessibility as central priorities. He proposed expanding outreach beyond council meetings, suggesting more informal gatherings in community spaces such as local businesses, the library, and Brown Street Park.
He also discussed improving walkability and environmental quality in the borough, including ideas such as street tree programs and beautification efforts. Hutchinson pointed to his experience managing a community garden in Phoenixville and his certification as a Chester County Master Gardener.
In addition, he highlighted his professional background as a cloud engineer, including experience in data recovery and cybersecurity, noting the importance of protecting municipal systems.
Hutchinson also cited past experience as a volunteer firefighter, EMT, and grant writer supporting nonprofit organizations.