126596168_web1_Kingston-fire-1-02182021

Hydrants inspected near fatal Kingston fire scene

Judge weighs bail for woman who used meth before stillbirth

Exeter Borough Council unanimously voted in a special noon meeting Monday to remove Kendra Radle’s assistant treasurer duty from her borough co-manager position so it won’t conflict with Radle’s Luzerne County Council post.

Borough officials acted swiftly in response to county Councilman Stephen J. Urban’s assertion last week that the state’s county code bars Radle from serving on county council while holding the assistant treasurer title.

Borough Solicitor Raymond A. Hassey said Monday he performed preliminary research and agrees the state code’s language deems the two positions “incompatible offices.” There are “counter legal arguments” that the county’s home rule charter may supersede the state provision, but Hassey said it is not in the borough’s best interest to invest resources further exploring legal analysis or engaging in conflict over the matter.

Removing the assistant treasurer title from Radle’s position will resolve the issue and prevent a situation where Radle will be forced to choose between her borough position and council post, Hassey said.

Council appointed Radle as assistant treasurer on Feb. 5, with no additional compensation, but she has not handled any cash, checks or duties in that role, Hassey has said.

As part of a manager transition plan, Radle was hired as borough co-manager in January. Debra Serbin is also in a borough manager position but plans to retire later this year, according to meeting minutes and Hassey.

Serbin also is treasurer. Hassey said it will be “very easy on the borough end” to assign treasurer work to someone else when Serbin leaves.

Hassey reiterated Monday that Radle still has numerous other duties as manager.

County council is expected to discuss the matter during its meeting Tuesday.

County Chief Solicitor Romilda Crocamo said the county office of law will present its legal analysis of the situation.

Radle has said she did not perform any assistant treasurer duties and supported the removal of that duty from her position to “avoid any impropriety or appearance of impropriety.”

Several regular county meeting attendees asked questions during Monday’s virtual borough meeting about the borough manager job selection process and whether the position was advertised. Borough officials declined to respond, saying the inquiries were outside the focus of the special meeting.

Exeter Council votes to amend Radle’s duties