Zrinski Discusses County Response to Hampton Hotel Fire and a $400,000 Budget Cut to Area Agency on Aging

On February 20, around 30 people were displaced by a fire at Hotel Hampton in downtown Easton. This was the permanent home of many of those who were victimized by the conflagration. A Wilson Borough firefighter was injured and had to be hospitalized. Northampton County Executive discussed what actions the county took to help during her presentation to county council last week. 

Zrinski stated that officials were able to identify those who lost their homes and provide emergency shelter and services. She added that she was also able to get help from the state but has had difficulty obtaining a long-term housing solution. She thanked Easton City Council member Frank Pintabone for persuading Easton's Methodist Church to provide 30 days of temporary shelter. Some of those displaced lost everything, including birth certificates and social security cards. Human services agencies have worked on getting duplicates. 

She also noted a pop-up block party where local businesses and residents provided food, clothing and emotional support. "It's really nice to see everybody coming together to help and support our community," she said. "We realize we have great neighbors. And if you live in Easton, you know your neighbors are pretty awesome."

Nobody lost their life in the blaze except for one cat, whose nine lives expired. 

Zrinski also addressed several other topics.

Area Agency on Aging. - "We also received noticed that the area agency on aging budget will be cut by almost $400,000, requiring us to figure out how to remediate the shortfall. We're good now through June 30th, and we're making progress on a strategy that will continue to provide senior centers and meals for our seniors, but we might have some challenges ahead."

Digitalization. -  The county is continuing the task of digitalizing records to obviate the need for paper. Zrinski is trying to free up as much space as she can to see if it's possible to avoid an additional building. 

Corrections. - Recruitment and professional development remain high priorities. Potential corrections officers are being interviewed, and new recruits are currently shadowing veteran officers to gain hands on experience. The department is proposing a new written exam for corrections, recruitment, that will cover comprehension, language skills, math, and report writing with the goal of selecting candidates who are well prepared for the demands of the jail.

Corrections is also planning a reentry fair to support short-term inmates, those with sentences of approximately 30 to 60 days by connecting them with community resources to ease their transition back into the community, with a date in April still to be finalized. 

In February 2026, Corrections placed 16 inmates directly into inpatient treatment facilities. This resulted in 209 bed days saved at the jail.The estimated daily savings of these 16 inmates is $39,613.86 daily. Zrinski observed that inpatient tratment better addresses the needs of those individuals.

So that also allows them to better address the needs of those individuals as well.

ICE DETAINERS. - Director DeeAnn Lawrence personally reviewed and attended a 7 a.m. ICE arrival to take into custody 3 released inmates with detainers in order to observe the current process and ensure it is handled appropriately and transparently.

Sheriffs. - recently conducted a physical agility test at Lafayette University. The Sheriff is currently reviewing the weapons screening process. Boomer, a black lab trained to detect explosive devices, will be retiring soon. 

Public Works. - designing a parking plan for county visitors and employees to minimize inconvenience once construction of a new parking deck begins. 

UPDATED: Gracedale's Medicare Fines Climb From $80,550 to $154,330

Medicare may fine a nursing home when there's a serious health or safety violation that remains uncorrected. Gracedale was hit with two such penalties, totaling $80,550, on September 19, 2025. This appears to be related to residents who were just wandering off the premises and then being retrieved by local police. Unfortunately, and for reasons that elude me, that total has increased. 

According to Medicare, those penalties now total $154,330, nearly twice what it had been before. It is unclear to me why they have increased. They appear to be based on the same two transgressions for which Gracedale was fined on September 19, 2025. There was no public discussion of this sudden increase or what prompted it at Thursday night's County Council meeting. 

According to the Department of Health nursing home facility locator, Gracedale had a provisional license on Sunday, but that has since been upgraded to regular status.

During her Executive Report, Tara Zrinski told Council last Thursday that she had visited Gracedale that very day and is grateful for everyone's dedication. "Their team is invaluable as they care for some of the most vulnerable people in that our residents there are just in some of the most challenging conditions," she said.

Zrinski did draw attention to one of the residents, Rodney Schaffer, an accredited firefighter with 23 years at The Bethlehem Steel. "They're not just residents, they had lives before they came to Gracedale, and we want to honor them as well," she observed.

UPDATED 3/9/26, 8:46 AM

and 3:24 PM

Lehigh Tp Police Praise NorCo 911 - "Your Voice Saves Lives"

On February 19, Lehigh Township police responded to a domestic disturbance involving an armed man who had pointed a gun at his wife and threatened to kill her. The situation was resolved without any violence. The suspect was unarmed, the victim was safe and police were unharmed. Police were quick to praise the NorCo 911 dispatcher who handled that call. The dispatcher, who was placed on speakerphone, spoke to the armed male and persuaded him to disarm and step outside with his hands in the air. 

On Facebook, the Lehigh Tp Police Department said this: "This outcome is due in no small part to the professionalism, composure, and life-saving communication of the 911 dispatcher. 911 dispatchers are often the invisible lifeline of emergency response—they gather critical information, guide victims, support officers, and in cases like this, directly prevent violence. Their work happens behind the scenes, but their impact is felt on every call. ... Thank you to our dispatch partners—your voice saves lives."

Executive Tara Zrinski reported to NorCo Council last week that she had visited 911 and gave all dispatchers involved a certificate of appreciation. "I don't think we recognize how important and how difficult the 911 operator's job is," she commented. "They definitely deserve more than a certificate, but they do deserve appreciation."

She also indicated that the county intends to do a "media blitz" to attract more dispatchers. "They do such hard work and we need more of them," she said.

I will have more from Zrinski's detailed report tomorrow concerning the county response to the Hampton Hotel fire in Easton

NorCo Council Introduces Civil Rights Comm'n Ordinance

At their meeting last night, Northampton County Council members Jason Boulette and Jeff Warren agreed to introduce an ordinance (you can see it here) that establishes a county civil rights commission. Typically, Council members wait to discuss the merits of proposed ordinances until there is a public hearing. That will occur on March 19.  

The purpose of the ordinance, as stated in the bill itself, is to "declare [the county's intent] to promote the rights and opportunities of all persons to participate in the social, cultural, recreational, and economic life of the County and to assure equal opportunity for all persons concerning employment, housing, education, health care, and use of public accommodations without regard to actual or perceived race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical marital status, familial status, GED rather than high school diploma, or mental disability, relationship or association with a disabled person, source of income, age, height, weight, veteran status, use of guide or support animals and/or mechanical aids, or domestic or sexual violence victim status."

The Commission envisaged by this ordinance consists of seven members appointed by the Executive, which County Council can confirm or reject. Members will reflect the diversity of protected classes. If the commission finds that a complaint of discrimination is substantiated, it can fine the offender up to $600.

Although Council members themselves will make their arguments two weeks from now, the proposed ordinance had support from several members of the public, including Lehigh Valley Justice Initiative's Joe Welsh. In a previous life, Joe Welsh litigated numerous civil rights discrimination lawsuits. He encouraged the creation of a human relations commission, noting that federal and state agencies that oversee discrimination complaints are completely overwhelmed and can take over a year to investigate and resolve complaints. 

Welsh stated that earlier that evening, "I stood here ... and saw every single member of council, put your hand over your heart, and pledge allegiance to the principle of liberty and justice for all. And that is a fundamental goal and cherished aspiration of the United States of America. And this piece of legislation, you can consider the enabling legislation for that lofty goal."

In other business, Northampton County Council voted 5-3, with one abstention, to support a resolution opposing ICE warehouses in Northampton County. The measure was supported by Council members Ken Kraft, Kelly Keegan, Jeff Warren, Nadeem Qayyum and Jason Boulette. It was opposed by Council members Lori Vargo Heffner, Tom Giovanni and Dave Holland, with Theresa Fadem abstaining.

Warren, who is running for State Representative, said that he and Boulette worked on this resolution for several weeks. He noted that Bucks County recently approved a similar resolution and took umbrage with a claim by Upper Mount Bethel's Charles Baltic that the resolution is unconstitutional.

Council Solicitor Matt Deschler assured County Council that the resolution passes constitutional muster.  

Baltic made that claim during courtesy of the floor and wondered why County Council is getting involved in a federal matter when they should be paying closer attention to county finances. 

Why did Fadem abstain? She is a code enforcement officer in Hellertown. "My role in code enforcement requires that I apply ordinances and applicable state and federal laws fairly, consistently. And without bias. Property owners have established rights under the law. And if a proposed use is permitted under zoning ordinance, and the applicant follows all the required procedures, meets all the safety in building and land development standards, and satisfies all their legal requirements. We don't have the authority to oppose that use based on our personal or our political viewpoints. To do so would be inconsistent with the rule of law and the oath that, at least, I have taken."

Vargo Heffner's problem with the resolution was a passage echoing Executive Tara Zrinski's call "for industry and real estate leaders to decline to sell or lease industrial warehouse facilities to the federal government for the purposes of mass detention." Vargo Heffner added, "We don't have the right to say what people can or cannot sell." Holland shared Vargo Heffner's concern and suggested removing that portion of the resolution, but no one made such a motion. 

Kraft supported the resolution because an ICE purchase of a warehouse would remove the property from the tax rolls. In addition, he complained that most warehouses are "tilt ups" set up in a way that may be large, but has little actual living space in terms of restrooms, showers, etc. 

Giovanni opposed the resolution. "We're trying to be a zoning body and we're not," he said succinctly. 

During this meeting, Executive Tara Zrinski provided yet again an exhaustive report of what is going on in the county, department-by-department. I'll share what she had to say on Monday. 

Government by Litigation in NorCo is Never a Good Idea - Part Two

Yesterday, I told you about a squabble between the Northampton County Council and Executive that spilled over into the courts. Was it about the Executive's failure to follow a county council resolution that provided for retention bonuses at Gracedale? Nah. Did it involve a novel interpretation of the Home Rule Charter or Administrative Code? No. It was instead a petty dispute over audio-visual upgrades to Council's meeting room. They both look silly. Today, I have yet another example of government by litigation. This is a second lawsuit, this time by District Attorney Steve Baratta, concerns the Executive's refusal to allow him to fill a vacant "Senior Deputy" position at a smaller salary than its previous occupant.  The Executive advised that only County Council could approve this hire at a smaller salary than the one originally approved. Why Baratta just didn't go to County Council is a mystery to me. Why the Exec insisted on getting Council approval for a position they already established at a higher wage is another puzzler. Instead, they've been more than willing to govern by litigation.

The procedural history of this simple disagreement makes it sound like the case of the century. Baratta starts with a complaint in Mandamus and a Motion for peremptory judgment. The County responded with a Motion to Strike the Motion for peremptory judgment, and Baratta hit back with preliminary objections, to which the county responded with its own set of preliminary objections. 

Who's on first?

After shoveling his way through all the legal manure, sustaining this and overruling that, President Judge Craig Dally (who got stuck with this case as well as the County Council spat) does conclude that there's a "reasonable expectation that the County Executive will continue to attempt to manage the District Attorney's Career Exempt Employees [nonunion] in clear violation of the Northampton County Home Rule Charter, unless a resolution is promulgated by this Court."

Judge Dally not only dismissed the Executive's attempt to strike the DA's motion for peremptory judgment but has actually scheduled a hearing on that matter for March 18 in a separate order from what you see below. 

The office of District Attorney is a constitutional office and is an independently elected office. In numerous cases filed by former District Attorney (now Judge) John Morganelli, the courts have long recognized that the DA, like the courts, has the right to hire, fire, promote and demote as he sees fit. His only real limitation is the budget approved by County Council. The Executive should never have injected himself into another independently elected office. 

DA v. McClure Decision on Preliminary Objections by BernieOHare

NorCo Council to Consider Establishment of a Human Relations Commission

At tonight's meeting of Northampton County Council, an ordinance establishing a Human Relations Commission will be introduced.  The text will be available tomorrow, at which time two sponsors will be identified. Bethlehem, Allentown and Lehigh County have all established Human Relations Commissions. Most human relations commissions were inspired by the Civil Rights movement in the '60s. 

In other business, Council will consider an "ICE warehouse resolution."

Government by Litigation in NorCo is Never a Good Idea - Part One

Government by litigation is always a bad idea. But late last year, a frustrated Northampton County Council sued former Executive Lamont McClure over unfinished or defective audio and visual upgrades to County Council's meeting room. 

After several requests went unfulfilled, Northampton County Council actually adopted an Ordinance for these upgrades in late 2023. According to the terms of this Ordinance, the upgrades were to be completed by June 2024. Under the Home Rule Charter, the Executive has a duty to enforce and fulfill County Council ordinances. 

Then Exec McClure vetoed the Ordinance, but the only Council member who voted to sustain that veto was then Council member (and now Executive) Tara Zrinski. At that point, the Executive had a duty to enforce and fulfill County Council ordinances. That's what the Home Rule Charter requires. 

Ron Heckman, a former Council member, was participating in meetings remotely and routinely complained that he was unable to hear or see what was happening. When he would speak at meetings, his voice would often cut off, and no one could hear him. It was suggested that he might be responsible himself for his technical difficulties, but he insisted that this was a systemic problem that the Executive branch chose to ignore.

I myself have noticed that the sound quality of meetings has deteriorated, although there are still tooo many Council members who forget to use their mikes. 

Northampton County Council actually adopted an Ordinance for these upgrades in late 2023. According to the terms of this Ordinance, the upgrades were to be completed by June 2024. Then Exec McClure vetoed the Ordinance, but the only Council member who voted to sustain that veto was then Council member (and now Executive) Tara Zrinski.

After Tara Zrinski was sworn in as Exec, I thought County Council and the Exec would reach some sort of agreement over this matter, especially since she campaigned with two of the new faces.  This should have been resolved. Nobody wins when one branch of government sues another. It is a waste of time both for the lawyers involved as well as the courts. 

Unfortunately, for reasons that elude me, the case continued  The County Exec argued that a complaint for Declaratory Judgment is an improper form of action. I personally thought that a Mandamus action is probably more appropriate but am unsure whether the court wished to exalt procedure over substance.

It did.

In a decision filed Monday, which you can read yourself below, President Judge Craig Dally dismissed the lawsuit brought by County Council against the Executive. Because Council was requesting the Executive to do his job, and not just determine rights and obligations, the proper form of action is Mandamus. 

McClure also contended that the County and/or the County Administration should have been named as Defendants. Judge Dally disagreed, noting that the Home Rule Charter specifically provides that it is the Executive's responsibility to enforce County Council ordinances. 

To sum it up, County Council's lawsuit is still alive. It can amend its complaint and seek relief in mandamus and without joining any parties aside from the Executive. I would hope that County Council and the Exec can now resolve this matter without wasting everyone's time. 

Unfortunately, there is another case between the DA's office and the Exec that is even more wacky than this one. I am still trying to figure out all the goofy pleadings filed. There's even a third action that has been in the appellate courts and back a few times over a former improperly fired employee seeking back pay. I'll tell you about them tomorrow. 

Northampton County Council v McClure by BernieOHare