Youngtown taps female police chief in revamp

Youngtown Police Chief Dan Connelly is stepping down from his position to take on a new role in the community.
The town has restructured its governmental departments with the hiring of a new town marshal, public works manager and volunteer coordinator.

Lt. Kimberly Johnson has been appointed to replace Connelly, making her one of the few female police chiefs in the state.
The changes, which take effect July 1, are part of the town's reorganization for cost effectiveness, accountability and efficiency within the government.

"This has been in the works for a couple of months," said Mayor Michael LeVault. "We're looking at revamping and reinventing our town because we want to preserve and improve on what we already have right now."

LeVault said this is the first phase in an ongoing process to update some policies in Youngtown and improve operational capabilities.

Mark Hannah, now the town's code enforcement officer, will become the public works manager, a new position. For a number of years, Jesse Mendez served as public works director, but he resigned recently.

In addition, the public works operations supervisor position is expected to be filled by Town Manager Lloyce Robinson.

Diane Cordova has been appointed the volunteer coordinator.

One of the biggest changes, however, is the appointment of Connelly as town marshal, whose duties include enforcement of all municipal codes in Youngtown.

"It takes the pressure off of the police department a little," Connelly said.

Changes will be made to code enforcement.

"The time residents have to clean up yards and remove their vehicles will be seven days or less, and that's shorter than the 10 days we give them now," Connelly said. "If they have physical infirmities and can't do it themselves, then the town will help out."

Several communities have town marshals, Connelly said, including Queen Creek, Carefree and Fountain Hills.

He said he will help provide security for the town court, staff and council meetings.

Connelly, who'll retire June 30, said he's more excited about the appointment of Johnson.

"I've spent 13 years at this agency and nine years as chief, and I believe that it's time for some new blood and different ideas," he said. "It's been fun, but now it's time for someone else to do the job."

LeVault said the reorganization of the town's staff is just the beginning.

In about a year, they intend to look at the municipal codes.

"It's about improvement on all levels, and that is what we intend to do," he said.