Nesquehoning will see a change of faces when council reorganizes on Jan. 2.

During the last meeting of the year on Wednesday, the board said its thanks and farewell to councilwomen Abbie Guardiani and Fran Heaney; as well as Councilman Louie Paul. The three did not seek another term on the board this election.

Guardiani said it was an honor to be appointed to the board and she learned a lot during her time as councilwoman.

Heaney stressed that Guardiani is a role model citizen, seeing a problem and instead of complaining, took the steps to make a difference in her community.

Guardiani’s time with Nesquehoning began with a blighted property behind her house that was unsafe because of a fire. She stepped up and filled a vacancy on the board and has since made strides in the fight against blight.

Not only did she make a difference in the borough, council pointed out, she also was a driving force in urging Carbon County to implement a $15 fee on deeds recorded that can be used for blight in the municipalities.

Heaney, like Guardiani, was appointed to the board to fill a vacancy.

She thanked her colleagues for their confidence that she could help move the borough in the right direction.

Her choice not to seek an elected term was due to working full-time and seeing how much time it takes to serve on council.

Heaney said that maybe, once she decides to retire, she will consider returning.

Paul, who served on council several times, was quiet, noting that this was his final run as councilman.

Council wished the three well and thanked them for their service to Nesquehoning.

In related council matters, council President David Hawk read a letter from Paul Kattner, an incoming councilman. Kattner, who won both two-year and four-year seats on the board, opted to relinquish the two-year term.

Kattner will be sworn in with newcomer Sue Smith, who won a seat in a write-in campaign; as well as returning council members Bruce Nalesnik and Lois Kuba.

However, this now leaves a vacancy on next year’s borough council.

Hawk said that anyone interested in serving on council for the two-year term can send a letter of interest to the borough office.

If letters are received before the reorganizational meeting at 6 p.m. on Jan. 2, then council will act to complete its board.

If not, then it has 30 days from Jan. 1 to fill the vacancy.