Landlord fees continue to generate acrimony

Both sides accusing each other of inappropriate behavior By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Coatesville City Councilwoman-elect Marie Hess, currently the head of the Parks and Recreation Commission, asks City Council to consider naming a new playground after James R. “Bubble” Lopp, a longtime Public Works employee. Sparks continued to fly in the ongoing dispute between City...

Police-chief’s position vacant again in Coatesville

Medical issues led to resignation, said city manager, who has back-up plan By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Coatesville’s new police chief, Stephen T. Johnson, is resigning for health reasons, said City Manager Kirby Hudson. Less than a month after his swearing-in, Coatesville Police Chief Stephen T. Johnson has announced his resignation, citing health reasons, said City Manager...

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...

City Council focusing on Coatesville’s red ink

Ways to cut costs dominated Monday night’s meeting By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Council members Joseph Hamrick (from left), Jeff LoPrinzi and Jarrell Brazzle listen to explanations for some of the city’s recent expenditures. Money – specifically a scarcity of it – dominated Coatesville City Council’s Monday night meeting. The council voted to re-approve...

Reconsideration plan for police chief falls short

City manager says only two council members submitted letters of support Updated at 2:45 p.m. with quote from Councilman Jeff LoPrinzi By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times An effort to get Maj. John “Jack” W. Laufer III to change his mind about becoming Coatesville’s permanent police chief did not go as planned. A plan to try and salvage a failed vote to hire a new police...