Cash strapped Coatesville is looking to bring back the meter maid and increase parking fees up to a dollar per hour for its parking lots

Monday night council discussed publicly the need for energizing its parking enforcement, all part of the new council's pledge to be more transparent on how it does business.

City Manager Harry Walker, placed on administrative leave by the new council, eliminated the meter maid position as a cost-saving matter.

Interim City Manager Kirby Hudson told council meter boxes were the favorite for the parking lots. Each box would cost $13,000, including installation. Three boxes would be required. The meter boxes, said Kirby, would allow for credit card payment. "We could hook them directly into the (City Hall) computers," he said.

Council Member Karl Marking, however, was concerned about charing a dollar an hour for parking. "Charging people a dollar an hour will be a disincentive for people to come into Coatesville," he said.

Police Chief Julius Canale said the parking strategy was for discussion purposes. "We're not going to put it into force now," he said.