Blawnox officials are seeking to replace Councilwoman Meghan Kennedy, who has resigned.

Her colleagues on council accepted her resignation 5-0 on April 10. Council President Deborah Laskey was absent.

Kennedy was appointed to council in 2016 and has since served as the borough’s finance expert. She was chair of council’s finance committee and was a part of its property and planning and strategic planning committees.

“She was a godsend for us,” Mayor Anthony Gross said.

Kennedy was the top vote-getter out of four candidates for four four-year seats in 2021. Her term was set to expire at the end of next year.

Whoever is appointed to fill the vacancy would have to run in the November 2025 election to retain the seat.

Borough officials said Kennedy resigned because she no longer had enough time to dedicate to her elected post and has to travel for work.

Council Vice President Randall Stoddard commended Kennedy for her service.

“She’s a numbers whiz and was very much appreciated here,” Stoddard said. “As far as the budget numbers and everything else, she understands all that probably better than any of us and was always helpful in that respect. Hate to lose her. She accepted a new position since she was elected and was unable to be here.”

Borough Solicitor Sam Dalfonso said council has 30 days to appoint someone. If a majority of council is unable to agree on a candidate, the borough’s vacancy board would have 15 days to seat someone. After that, a resident could petition the Allegheny County Courts to appoint someone.

Borough Manager Kathy Ulanowicz said two people already have shown interest, and she expects the seat to be filled by the May 8 meeting.

Letters of interest can be submitted to the borough office, 376 Freeport Road.

This is the second council resignation in as many months.

Mark Lombardi was appointed in March to fill the vacancy made by former councilman John Simmons, who resigned and moved to his hometown of O’Hara.

Lombardi, 37, will serve for two years and will have to run for what will become a two-year seat next November.

Save the dates

Borough officials announced several dates of upcoming events and the need for participants.

• Volunteers are needed for an Earth Day cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon April 20.

People will meet at the borough building and receive bags, vests and light refreshments before being sent to various sites.

Those who want to use brooms and shovels will have to bring them from home.

• Veterans, community groups and people with antique cars are asked to participate in the borough’s Memorial Day parade starting at 11 a.m. May 27.

To sign up at for either event, call borough Manager Kathy Ulanowicz at 412-828-4141.

• Officials also are planning a daylong celebration at Blawnox Community Park for the borough’s centennial Sept. 20, 2025.

Details are still being finalized.

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