By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times

County Commissioners Kathi Cozzone (from left) , Terence Farrell, and Ryan Costello voted Tuesday to retain last year’s leadership structure.

During the first sunshine meeting of 2014, the Chester County Commissioners voted to continue last year’s leadership structure.

With unanimity, Commissioners’ Chairman Ryan Costello was reelected to his post, and Commissioner Kathi Cozzone retained her position as vice chair. Farrell nominated Costello, and Costello nominated Cozzone.

“I’m grateful to my colleagues for reappointing me as chairman of the board for 2014,” said Costello.  “Over the past three years we’ve worked collaboratively, governed effectively, and provided an excellent level of services and programs for the taxpayers and families of Chester County.”

Cozzone also expressed thanks. “It’s been a good professional relationship,” she said, adding that when disagreements occur, they are grounded in mutual respect.

Farrell noted the county’s new row officers, including Clerk of Courts Robin Marcello and Controller Norman MacQueen. “I’d like to welcome you aboard and look forward to working with you…,” he said.

Costello expressed hope that the commissioners would vote on Thursday at their regular meeting to reimburse the Downingtown Senior Center for the legal expenses it will require as it battles to protect its interests during a second outbreak of mold, labeling the centers throughout the county as “an extension of county government.”

The Downingtown center’s problem, which was remediated this past summer, has returned in a common wall that is shared with an out-of-county owner, Costello said. The center owns one condominium and the other party, which owns two, has failed to respond to requests for assistance, Costello said.

Cozzone agreed that “the county assist the Downingtown Senior Center in any way that we can,” explaining that the center provides invaluable resources to senior citizens. Farrell said he also supports the initiative, pointing out that the Downingtown center serves a larger segment of the population than the other county centers, all of which benefit the public.

The Downingtown Senior Center is currently looking for a temporary facility so it can continue its programs, Cozzone added. She said suggestions would be welcomed.