Coatesville’s new police chief eager to get started

He will begin new post day after he retires from state police By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times The Coatesville Police Department has been without a permanent leader since former Chief Julius M. Canale retired last spring. Buoyed by “unilateral support” of the entire City Council, Coatesville’s new police chief says he doesn’t want to waste any time in getting started. State...

For 2nd time in 2 months, Coatesville hires police chief

Unanimous vote preceded by tally to accept resignation of predecessor  By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times David C. Collins (left) was reelected City Council president, and Joseph Hamrick was reelected vice-president during the City of Coatesville’s reorganization meeting. Coatesville’s reorganization meeting included a unanimous vote to hire State Police Major John “Jack”...

Revolving door continues in Coatesville Police Dept.

After ending impasse with officer on leave, city expected to vote Monday on new chief By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Coatesville City Council is expected to vote Monday to replace Police Chief Stephen T. Johnson, who resigned for health reasons. In a continuing effort to resolve problems with morale and litigation in its police department, Coatesville City Council is expected to...

City’s 2013 budget proposal addresses $1.4 million deficit

Gap would be closed with tax hike, spending cuts, trust fund withdrawal By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Coatesville Finance Director John Marcarelli (left) presented an overview of the proposed 2013 budget as the city’s codes director, Damalier Molina, listened. Coatesville City Council got its first look at the 2013 proposed budget Monday night, a draft that elicited a less-than-enthusiastic...

Police-chief search group set to interview candidate

Coatesville’s interim police chief expresses interest in keeping job By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Coatesville Interim Police Chief James Bell said he plans to seek the permanent position. A meeting between Coatesville’s police-chief search committee and a top candidate will be held next week, City Manager Kirby A. Hudson said Monday night. Speaking after the City Council...

Coatesville unable to make its next payroll

City Council to vote Monday night for  4th time on trust-fund bailout By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times City Council members C. Arvilla Hunt (from left), David C. Collins, and Joseph Hamrick discuss the city’s dwindling finances at a recent meeting. Reviewing Coatesville’s dire financial straits may cause people to feel better about their own income, unless, of course, they...

Third vote to tap Coatesville trust fund fails

Finance director says $2.25 million needed to avert crisis By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Despite the threat of City Hall furloughs, City Council failed to pass an ordinance to withdraw more than $2 million from the city’s trust fund. For the third time in less than a month, Coatesville City Council failed to garner enough votes tonight to transfer more than $2 million from...

City’s police leadership, worsening finances in limbo

Council failed to get enough votes to hire permanent chief – or withdraw reserve funds By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times With his brother, Gary Hudson (from right), holding the bible, Kirby Hudson is sworn in as Coatesville manager by Magisterial District Judge Grover E. Koon. After nearly three hours, Coatesville City Council addressed the agenda items most responsible for...

Speeches on transparency can’t mask fiscal woes

Council members continue to pledge reform while police, financial crises roil By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times “The 2012 Police Department budget cuts have been bungled, or worse, thus placing police officers and citizens at increased risk and causing Coatesville’s police officers to declare their lack of confidence in City Council to keep Coatesville safe.” That’s a quote...

Coatesville celebrates long-awaited Riverwalk

Water feature anchors a scenic, half-mile trail along Brandywine By Kathleen Brady Shea Managing Editor, CoatesvilleTimes.com Former City Council member Patsy Ray (from left) chats with County Commissioners Kathi Cozzone and Terence Farrell and City Council President Ed Simpson. The path toward revitalization brightened substantially this morning in Coatesville. First, the sun appeared after a spate...