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Former Luzerne County Councilman Rick Morelli said he has submitted his application to fill Eugene Kelleher’s vacant council seat.
Council must pick another Republican to serve the rest of Kelleher’s term through Jan. 6. Applications are due Aug. 2, and an appointment may be made Aug. 13.
Morelli, 48, of Sugarloaf Township, was on the commission that drafted the county’s home rule charter and served on council from 2012 through 2015. Since leaving council, Morelli said his time outside of working in software sales has been focused on his son, Jack, and coaching youth baseball and basketball.
In his application letter, Morelli said he takes pride in his work helping to form the home rule government and cares about its success.
“It would be a honor and privilege to once again help serve the people of this county along with working with a good group of council members that are currently in place,” he wrote.
Council decisions
Council unanimously voted last week to approve an intergovernmental agreement with Butler Township for the municipality to assume ownership of county-owned roads after they are paved — part of an ongoing effort to reduce the county’s infrastructure inventory.
A resolution of support also was approved for Geisinger’s plan to borrow up to $1 billion to fund new health care facilities and equipment and possibly replace existing debt if interest rates are favorable. Counties providing endorsements are not liable for any bond repayments or costs, officials said.
Arts suggestion
Local arts supporter Howard Grossman asked council last week to create an advisory board to help promote arts and cultural activities.
He made a similar request a year ago, saying many counties in the state have county-level efforts aimed at the arts to improve quality of life and support downtown revitalization.
Grossman stressed the board would not require county funding, although creation of a board could unlock access to other outside revenue opportunities.
County finances
Preparations for the county’s 2020 budget will begin in August, county Manager C. David Pedri told council. Several council members have predicted a tax hike will be proposed.
The administration must submit the budget by Oct. 15.
Pedri also told council he is confident the 2018 audit will be finished by July 31.
“Early projections show a surplus for 2018, but I don’t want to speculate,” he said.
For the second year in a row, the county missed the June 30 home rule audit deadline largely due to a lack of verification on $5.4 million in transfers to and from outside county agencies. Pedri said supporting data involving these transfers has been compiled.
River Common
Councilman Harry Haas stepped up his assessment of the River Common last week, saying the grounds at the county-owned recreational area along the Susquehanna River in Wilkes-Barre look “supreme.”
Haas suggested a future proclamation honoring employees for their work sprucing up the amenity. He had expressed concerns about the appearance of the park a year ago.