By MARIEKE ANDRONACHE

Special to The Press

Following Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley’s report, “The Cost of Misdiagnosis,” and allegations from numerous families about practices of a now reassigned Lehigh Valley Health Network pediatrician, county commissioners received a report from legal counsel on what they may or may not do.

“The board has work to do,” Chairman Geoff Brace said at the start of the Oct. 11 meeting. “We need to consider our legal and moral obligations now that we know our authority and the limits of our authorities.

“We are able to start doing the work.”

Commissioner Bob Elbich, chairman of the human services committee, confirmed the group will be convened for “further discussion” on Pinsley’s findings and the stories brought to their attention from affected families.

“Up to this point, there’s been statements made that the board is not doing anything,” Elbich said. “Those are not accurate statements.”

Elbich spoke of personally spending hours per week doing research into what has been brought to light, and what has been alleged by families.

He also explained the importance of waiting for clear directions from the legal side.

A special human service committee meeting was confirmed for 6-8 p.m. Oct. 18.

Pinsley spoke to the board about hiring a neutral third party to examine the findings of his report.

He recommended Joseph P. Ryan of University of Michigan’s School of Social Work, as well as having The Child Welfare Policy and Practice Group, Montgomery, Ala., being considered.

He has seen cost estimates of $250,000, and would like Elbich, Human Services and Child and Youth Services consider its merits.

Pinsley also requested the board to delay a vote on the appointment of a new Child and Youth Services director until after Human Services convenes for its meeting.

The board proceeded to vote unanimously to appoint Heather Reed as the new director.

Toward the end of the meeting, the tension between the controller and commissioners developed into a heated debate on the 2024 county budget, specifically on an amendment which would grant the controller’s office additional funds of $10,000 for legal services.

For nearly an hour, Pinsley and the board debated these additional funds, as well as Pinsley’s request for an independent solicitor.

“As the controller, I don’t necessarily have to take the advice of counsel anyway,” Pinsley said. “I can ignore it if I choose. That’s not what we are saying.

“The problem was there became an issue where we needed outside counsel specifically because the solicitor was representing CYS, representing the administration, representing us and others.

“Where I could no longer trust who was being talked to. Where is the information going? What is being said?

“So, at that point, I asked the solicitor if we could go to an outside solicitor, and he gave us the either or answer.

“So if you are concerned about a second opinion, that’s not the issue. The issue is that we have now decided, and it is our right to decide, that we’ve chosen to use an outside solicitor.”

At one point, Pinsley went head-to-head with Commissioner Ron Beitler.

“If you don’t want to give me money because you don’t like me, well that’s OK Mr. Beitler,” Pinsley said.

Beitler interrupted him.

“It’s more that you are ineffective,” Beitler said.

Pinsley responded.

“Well, seems like I brought a lot of money savings to the county,” Pinsley said. What you are concerned about is that I’m bringing it to light, which is what my job is. I’m a watchdog.

“I don’t actually have to work with any of you. All I have to do is bring stuff to light, and it’s your guys’ job to do something with it.”

First reading of the bill and its amendment, which would provide Pinsley with the additional $10,000, passed 5-3.

Commissioners Beitler, Jeffrey Dutt and Antonio Pineda voted against it.

Second and final reading is scheduled for Oct. 25.