Thomas resigns seat on Monessen council

She cited personal reasons and health considerations for stepping down after serving for eight years.

Monessen City Council’s meeting turned somber on Thursday as longtime Councilwoman Lois Thomas announced her resignation.

Thomas said the move would take effect immediately after the meeting. Thomas said she had no grievances about being part of Monessen’s council, adding that it was a great experience to serve her community.

“It’s been a privilege and honor,” Thomas said. “I love serving the city and helping to solve issues and bring people together. That was nothing I ever thought I would do. I think this is like my eighth year, and I’ve loved every minute of it.

“I love the city of Monessen and I love the residents. I love the work that goes into it and the progress the city has made, but there’s so much more progress that needs to be made. But I see so many possibilities.”

A panel of Westmoreland County judges appointed Thomas to council in 2018 to fill a vacant seat, and she has served ever since.

Thomas cited personal reasons for resigning and wished the best for council and the city.

“It was just more like a personal thing; I’m just at that time in my life, had a grandbaby, I’m 65 years old,” Thomas said. “I’ve always been an ordained minister. I pastored two churches, but now I’m an associate pastor. So that’s more responsibilities. Plus I also had two surgeries over the past six months, so just focusing on my health and life itself.”

Thomas was the director of streets and public improvements, and during her resignation speech, she emphasized how much work that department does for the city.

“I just also want to thank the Streets Department, just for being such a wonderful crew, I’ve never had any arguments with them,” she said. “Anytime I had a question or asked something of them, they were just ready to do it. We are blessed to have the Streets Department and the Parks Department that we have. They work so hard, endlessly, and hardly ever get the recognition that they deserve.”

Despite her resignation, Thomas said she will still be around to occasionally lend a helping hand to the city.

Monessen Solicitor Joseph Dalfonso said council has 30 days to appoint someone to the vacant spot. If a replacement isn’t found within that time, the Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas will work to fill the vacancy.

In other business:

• Councilwoman Karen Cosner reminded residents that the Mon-Yough River Valley Rotary Club will be hosting an electronic recycling event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 11 at Monessen’s Mihalich River Launch Park.

• The Westmoreland Food Bank and Highmark Wholecare will sponsor a drive-thru food distribution from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. April 13 at 1 Wendell Ramey Lane.

• Council approved offering the city clerk position to Terry Taylor at the annual rate of $57,000, pending standard employment and background checks.