Zrinski Keeps NorCo Council Informed About Specific Departments

At last week's meeting of NorCo Council, Executive Tara Zrinski continued the trend she started of delivering detailed reports about what specifically is happening in various departments. I already advised you what she had to say about the election as well as her responses to questions about the parking deck replacement. Here's a summary of what she had to say. 

Parking Deck. - Zrinski, who walked the Washington Street hill last week, acknowledged, "It wasn't easy." I've previously told you about a contract for a lease at Shiloh Baptist Church on Easton's south side and shuttle service to and from the courthouse. I've also told you that the county is negotiating a lease for additional parking at St. Anthony. In addition to what she reported last week, she told me yesterday that the county was in discussions for parking with Easton, but "the closest parking garage would be totally cost prohibitive, costing thousands of dollars per employee, per month. A gravel lot on Lehigh Drive was proposed, but the City was unable to guarantee 150 spots. 

Human Relations Comm'n. - Members have been selected and nominations will be presented at the next County Council Personnel Committee meeting. 

Gracedale. - Zrinski will present her "continuum of care" concept at the next Human Services committee meeting. 

GLP-1. - This latest weight loss medication has increased health care costs to the county by $1 million. 

Hotel Tax Grant applications. - will open 7/10 for eligible applicants. 

Human Services. - has reduced out-of-home juvenile placements to 156, which is half what it was 5 years ago. Instead, diversionary services are prioritized. "It's kind of nice to "make sure that children are staying within their family, and that they're getting the help that they need to keep that family intact."

Parks Department. - has planted over 800 trees. Renovations are near completion at Wy Hit Tuk Park in Williams Tp. 

Corrections. - Has been placing inmates in crisis in inpatient facilities that focus on treatment, which has saved the county $500,000 this year. 

Fiscal Affairs Director. - Will be announced in late June

State of the County Address. - Zrinski's first "State of the County" address will be on June 24, 4:30 pm at the National Industrial Museum of History.