Change was the theme at Monday’s City Council meeting, where the four members who won’t be returning to the council as well as four other elected officials not returning to their positions were presented citations by City Council President Donna Travis and Mayor Scott Avedisian.

There was more to it than citations. Council members chimed in with congratulatory remarks, as did Scott Small, president of the Municipal Employees Union.

For a while at least, the council was one cheery family. Hugs were exchanged as those leaving office were individually greeted by those returning to the council, the mayor and council members-elect.

Ward 1 Councilman Steven A. Colantuono was recognized for his “loyal and dedicated service for the past eight years.’

Avedisian noted that Colantuono was the sole Republican member of the council. Reading from the citation, Avedisian said, “In addition to his responsibilities as a city councilman and career as an attorney, Steven has always had a strong and dedicated commitment to the children in our state’s foster care system. Along with his wife, Maya, they have cared for more than ten foster children along with their own biological and adopted children. Steven’s ability to balance his professional aspirations, active community involvement and civic duties with his unwavering commitment to his wife and children is truly commendable.”

Colantuono chose not to seek re-election and is being succeeded on the council by Richard Corley.

Also choosing not to seek re-election, Ward 2 Councilman Thomas “TC” Chadronet was recognized for his “strong and unwavering dedication to the long-term growth and well-being of the City of Warwick.”

“In addition to his responsibilities as councilman, TC also held seats on the Planning and Zoning Boards for many years. He was also an active member of the Democratic Ward Committee. His vast knowledge of the city and local politics continually helped drive productive conversations,” Avedisian read from the citation.

Jeremy Rix will be sworn in as the Ward 2 councilman on Jan. 3.

Kathleen Usler, City Councilwoman Ward 7, who also didn’t run for re-election, was recognized for her dedication to the city and in particular its students and schools. Her quick wit and sense of humor were also on the list.

“Her peers often talk about how she was always able to make them smile and laugh even during some of the most contentious council meetings. Kathleen possesses an uncanny ability to bring about a reprieve through humor when it is needed most,” reads the citation. Steve McAllister is replacing her on the council.

Ward 3 Councilwoman Camille Vella-Wilkinson, who chose not to seek a fourth council term but rather ran for the 21st Representative District, was recognized for her role as chair of the finance committee and commitment to veterans and active military personnel.

“A Navy veteran herself, Camille has continually brought insight and awareness to the needs of both the active and retired military community through her involvement with the Warwick Veteran Services Organization, RI Military Organization and Warwick AARP Community Group,” reads the citation. Vella-Wilkinson went on to win House Representative District 21. Timothy Howe will succeed her on the council.

Of those not returning to office, Representative Eileen S. Naughton was the only one not to make the recognition ceremony. Naughton served for 24 years and her citation records the many House committees she served on during her tenure.

“Over the course of more than two decades, Eileen was known for her staunch advocacy for the elderly, disabled, caregivers and Rhode Island students. She also played an integral role in passing two pieces of legislation. “The Family Caregivers Support Act of 2013” and the 2013 bill requiring notification to parents or guardians if their child is identified as performing “significantly below proficient” on any state assessment,” reads the citation.

Rhode Island State Representative Joseph A. Trillo, who did not seek re-election, served for 16 years. Trillo was recognized as having served as chair of both the Joint Commission on Capitol Security and the House Oversight Commission on Fire Safety.

“Over the course of his many years in public service, Joe’s political career also reached a national level, when he served as a National Republican Committeeman. During the 2016 presidential election, president-elect Donald Trump named Joe as Rhode Island’s Honorary Chairman,” reads the citation. He is being succeeded by Evan Shanley.

Senator William “Bill” A. Walaska was recognized for his 22 years of service and commitment to future job growth and economic development as well as to public safety and improving quality of life for all Rhode Islanders.

“For more than two decades, Bill has served the community with the highest level of integrity. Serving on the Senate Committee on Commerce [Vice Chair] and the Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture. He has demonstrated a keen interest and unwavering dedication to the long-term fiscal growth of the Ocean State.” Janine Calkin is succeeding him.

At-large school committee member Jennifer Townsend Ahearn chose not to seek re-election after serving four years. She served as committee chair for one year.

“With strong leadership abilities and a keen awareness of student and faculty needs, Jennifer spent much of her time advocating in the best interests of the students and teachers,” reads the citation. “Her top priorities while on the School Committee were upholding exceptional instruction from faculty members, encouraging collaborative teaching partnerships, the incorporation of more STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering Arts and Math] activities and the overall accountability of faculty and staff,” it says.

Winning one of two at-large seats on the committee is David Testa. Incumbent Karen Bachus won re-election to the other at-large seat.