(News)

Council could act tonight on a replacement for the late Councilman Richard Dellapenna and finally fill the city's vacant solicitor position.

Council President Michael Cherepko said Tuesday night that council is considering possible candidates to complete the remainder of Dellapenna's term.

Dellapenna, 68, who intended to retire from council at the end of this year, died May 25 at UPMC McKeesport hospital. A three-term councilman, Dellapenna was a former city firefighter and retired chief of the McKeesport Fire Department.

Under the city's Home Rule Charter, council has 45 days to fill the vacant seat. Members of council must be residents and registered voters in the city.

In last month's primary, Dellapenna's son, Richard J. Dellapenna, received one of four Democratic nominations to city council. Cherepko said Dellapenna's son is among the candidates that will be considered for his father's seat.

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Also tonight, council may finally replace former City Solicitor J. Jason Elash. During a closed personnel session on Tuesday night, Plum-based attorney Bruce Dice met with Mayor Regis McLaughlin and city council.

Afterward, Dice declined to comment on the purpose of the meeting. Dice's firm represents several eastern Allegheny County municipalities, including Monroeville, Plum Borough and Penn Hills.

In one of his first acts after being sworn into office in December, the mayor announced that he would not reappoint Elash, who had served as the city's solicitor for seven years. A four-member council majority, including Cherepko, could not then come to an agreement with McLaughlin on Elash's replacement.

Cherepko confirmed Tuesday that council and McLaughlin have together met with a candidate for the vacant position.

"The mayor has recommended a possible solicitor, and we as council had an opportunity to discuss his recommendation," Cherepko said. "The mayor selects a solicitor, but council wanted the opportunity to interview that individual before making an appointment."