Read about it here.

Read the city's application here: CoatesvilleWSApplication.pdf

City of Coatesville
Weed & Seed Coordinator
Allen Smith
610-384-0300 ext. 3123

City Manager Harry Walker said at last night's City Council meeting that Donald McKensie, city consultant turned acting finance director somewhere along the line, is no longer with the city. Walker offered no detailed explanation for the exit, except to say McKensie had "completed his task."

The only task McKensie completed that stands out is convince city officials to change accounting software systems (making it the third system for the city in as many years). The city's administration went ahead and made the switch from Caselle software to 4Gov even though City Council never formally approved the switch.

The cost to taxpayers?

Well, the city paid $109,395 over two years to purchase Caselle, which the city now owns. But because McKensie said Caselle was not as user-friendly as 4Gov he had the finance department start using 4Gov, which the city gets to use for free for one year. After that, the city will be charged $150 per month per user, which the city said would equate to less than $1,000 per month.

A couple years ago, then Finance Director Rickie Dean, hired by City Manager Harry Walker, picked out Caselle because he felt the system used by the previous administration wasn't good enough. Then the city fired Dean and hired McKensie who said the system Dean picked wasn't good enough, so he picked out another system. And now McKensie is gone and the city is searching for a new finance director.

So a taxpayer is likely wondering, how much will the next finance director cost them?

View tonight's agenda here: May11Agenda.pdf

Julius "Mike" Canale is expected to be officially sworn in as police chief at Monday's City Council meeting in City Hall. Meeting starts at 7:30 p.m.

City Council may also vote on the sale of "the flats" for $2 million to the Mosaic group. Read about it here.

Read the DLN story here. Then post your reaction.

The regularly scheduled Thursday open house meeting at the Coatesville Savings Bank with District Attorney Joe Carroll will be suspended until May 7th due to conflicts with other meetings. Private meetings are still available on Tuesdays at Carroll's home at 16 North 8th Avenue by appointment. Carroll said he will notify the public if this schedule changes for any reason.

About two years ago, Philadelphia Police Lt. Joel Fitzgerald thought he was going to be Coatesville's next police chief. An appointed search committee decided he was the best candidate. City Manager Harry Walker had city attorneys draft a contract for him.

But at the last minute, Walker reportedly called Fitzgerald and said he decided to go in a different direction. Instead, Walker recommended and City Council approved William Matthews from Maryland, who subsequently was the chief here for the last two years and recently resigned.

Two years ago, Fitzgerald spoke with me about the interview process with Coatesville (which turned out to be a questionable process), during which he expressed great interest in becoming a police chief. After Coatesville's rejection, Fitzgerald continued to search for such a job. And this month he will be named police chief in Missouri City, Texas.

Read about his appointment here.

My goal is to interview every City Council candidate for the 2009 primary election. If you are a candidate who is willing to talk with me about your candidacy I can be reached at the following:

610-430-1178
jmiller@dailylocal.com

What's next for the Coatesville Police Department in terms of leadership is unclear.

Ultimately -- just like two years ago -- City Manager Harry Walker gets to recommend a candidate for police chief to City Council. It's up to council to support or vote down his recommendation.

As of late last week, city officials did not have a plan for replacing William Matthews, who served as chief for the last two years. Technically, his last day is tomorrow. However, some sources say Matthews has already cleared out of the station. His farewell luncheon was held last Friday in Caln.

City Spokeswoman Kristin Geiger said Walker plans to discuss the matter of selecting a new police chief at the next executive session, which would be April 13 just before the next City Council meeting.

However, if the city intends to implement some sort of search/selection/interviewing process City Council has to discuss and determine such plans at a public meeting. State law only allows council to discuss privately specific employees.

Before exiting under turmoil, Matthews suggested that council fill the vacancy with Lt. Julius (Mike) Canale.

Canale expressed interest in the top cop post over two years ago when the city began its search. However the lack of a bachelor's degree and city residency -- requirements outlined by a search committee -- apparently prevented Canale from applying for the job.

Some on City Council, including City Councilman Kurt Schenk, have said Canale is qualified to be the next chief, now that Matthews has groomed him.

Matthews gave his notice to council as early as February. He later announced his resignation at a City Council meeting during which City Council President Martin Eggleston said the city had no planned course of action for selecting a new chief. And that seems to still be the case.

And now Matthews is gone. Canale is acting as chief. And the city lacks a plan to move forward at a time when crime has been escalating and the city is dealing with arsons and armed robberies. Not to mention spring is on its way and those in law enforcement know what that means for crime.

CASD
Democrats
-Jason Cann, region 1
-Joseph E. Dunn, region 2

Republicans
-Jason Cann, region 1
-Joseph E. Dunn, region 2
-Laurie Knecht, region 3 (reelection)
-Bob Knecht, region 3 (reelection)

MODENA BOROUGH MAYOR
Republicans
-Ronald E. McCorkle

Democrats
-none

SOUTH COATESVILLE MAYOR
Republicans
-William C. Jones

Democrats
-James C. Kennedy

CALN TOWNSHIP COMMISSIONER
Republicans
-Chuck Kramer, at-large
-Vincent Rose, at-large

Democrats
-Joshua B. Young, at-large (reelection)
-Lorraine M. Tindaro, at-large

Here are the names for the 2009 Primary Election Ballot, straight from Chester County Voter Services:

COATESVILLE CITY COUNCIL
Democrats
-Ingrid W. Jones, 2nd Ward
-Patsy Ray, 2nd Ward (running for second term)
-Karl Marking, 4th Ward
-Kurt Schenk, 4th Ward (running for second term)
-Joseph A. Hamrick, at-large
-Calvin Culclasure, at-large
-Beverly Phillips, at-large
-Matthew Baker, at-large
-Kenneth Allen, at-large
-Jarrell Brazzle, at-large

Republicans
-Eric Lacerte, 4th Ward
-Joseph J. DiSciullo, at-large
-Winifred Mayo, at-large
-Fran Schnering, at-large

(This year, there are two at-large seats up for election, which are currently filled by Robin Scott and Kareem Johnson. Neither are on the ballot for reelection.)

VALLEY TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR
Republicans
-Arlin W. Yoder, at-large

Democrats
-Angela E. Christen, at-large
-Patrice L. Proctor, at-large

DISTRICT JUDGE -- COATESVILLE
Democrats
-Gregory Hines Sr.

Republicans
-Gregory Hines Sr.
-Gabriel P. Milanese Jr.

DISTRICT JUDGE -- VALLEY
Republicans
-Grover E. Koon (reelection)

Democrats
-Grover E. Koon (reelection)
-Richard A. King Jr.

Read the criminal complaint filed in Valley's district court related to Coatesville firefighter Robert Tracey Jr., who is accused of intentionally setting two city homes on fire last weekend. Tracey_CriminalComplaint.pdf