Delmont councilman plans to resign after accepting active-duty assignment

Before Delmont Councilman Bill Marx found a calling in government service, he found one in military duty.

Marx, a 17-year veteran of the Marine Corps and U.S. Army Reserve CID Agent, announced his intention to resign from council. He has accepted active-duty orders to serve on staff in a military police battalion.

“I can’t continue to serve on council while on active duty,” Marx said Tuesday. “They’re looking for volunteers and I have the required training and background.”

Delmont solicitor Dan Hewitt advised Marx to draft a letter of resignation to submit at council’s Oct. 12 meeting. Once the letter is accepted, council then has 30 days to appoint a new member. Hewitt said that would afford them the opportunity to appoint one of the candidates standing in the fall municipal elections, set for Nov. 2.

There are five candidates on the ballot competing for four open council seats. Along with incumbent Republicans Andrew Shissler, Stan Cheyne and Pamela Simpson, Republican Jeff Cunningham and Democrat Kevin Bortz are also running.

Marx, a former military police officer, was the sole candidate on the ballot running for a six-year term as constable.

“It’s been great working with everyone here on council, and serving everyone here in the borough,” Marx said.

Hauling contract

The borough also entered into a new five-year contract with low hauling bidder Republic Services, the same company currently servicing trash and recycling.

The new contract will mean the same rates for customers in its first year, $61.89 with a discount available to seniors. Councilman Dennis Urban said the rate will rise to about $70 by the final year of the contract.

Recycling will continue to take place bi-weekly.

Gaga ball at Newhouse

Council granted approval for Councilman Stan Cheyn to construct a small Gaga ball court at Newhouse Park, in addition to planting some replacement border trees along the park’s border.

Gaga ball has been dubbed a kinder, gentler version of dodgeball, played in a small octagonal area. It originated in Israel in the 1970s, according to the website for The Gagasphere, a New Jersey facility dedicated to the sport.

As part of their new intermediate elementary, Franklin Regional officials have installed two Gaga ball areas on the school’s playground.

“The students love them, I hear,” FR Communications Director Tina Gillen said.

Cheyne said he would build the court at his own cost, and added that the trees, Leyland cypresses, are currently in a makeshift nursery in his backyard.

“This will cost the borough zero dollars,” he said.

Police donation

Jeff Hartung of Delmont, organizer of the “Let’s Roll America” event held Sept. 12 at Delmont’s Shields Farm, presented a check for $500 to borough Police Chief T.J. Klobucar.

The weekend revival and rally was held as a fundraiser for the “Remember Me” Rose Garden near the Flight 93 National Memorial in Stoystown.

Klobucar and the Delmont police are in the process of finishing a brand-new police station in the space formerly occupied by the borough library and have been accepting donations to help offset the cost.