Former Zelienople Councilwoman Mary Hess was recognized for her 16 years of service during a meeting on Monday, Jan. 12. Hunter Muro/Butler Eagle

ZELIENOPLE — Mary Hess wasn’t expecting any type of recognition when she stepped down from Zelienople council last September.

But many of her former colleagues had other ideas during their meeting on Monday, Jan. 12.

“They asked, ‘Can you come in on Monday,’” Hess said. “That’s all I knew.”

Longtime Mayor Thomas Oliverio offered his praise and presented Hess with an engraved Stuart Austin desk clock honoring her for 16 years of dedicated service to the borough.

“It’s just a wonderful thing. What a great board,” said Hess, who resigned in the midst of her latest four-year term. “This is just such a great honor.”

Hess served as council president for three years, chaired the borough’s human resources and main street committees and was involved in an ongoing effort with the state Department of Transportation to redirect traffic away from Zelienople.

She was also a founding member of Zelienople Revitalization, an initiative that was focused on improving the borough’s Main Street and its storefronts.

After receiving the token of appreciation, Hess, who still resides in Zelienople, thanked council and said she was excited to see them continue to lead the borough forward.

“I can’t wait to see what you do in the next couple of years,” she said, “but thank you.”

Last week, Hess also submitted her letter of resignation as Lancaster Township manager, a role she has held since October 2023.

In other business, council members unanimously reappointed Doug Foyle and Michael English to the board of the Zelienople Area Public Library. They also reappointed Wayne Frankenstein to the borough’s zoning hearing board.

Meanwhile, Southwest Butler Stormwater Authority executive director Bonnie Forsythe was unanimously appointed the emergency management coordinator for the Southwestern Butler Council of Governments.