SAXONBURG — Borough council chose experience in filling its vacant seat.

Dave Felsing was appointed Monday to fill the seat vacated by Pam Bauman, who was elected mayor in November.

Felsing lost his re-election bid for council in November. His term ends in 2015.

Council opted for new leadership to herald the new year.

Councilwoman Carol Neubert was appointed the new president. She replaces Bill Gillespie, who voted against his retention as president.

He could not be reached for comment this morning.

Councilwoman Pat Rinebolt, who nominated Gillespie for president, remains vice president.

She was the only board member to vote for Gillespie as president.

Councilman Don Crawford nominated Neubert for president. Only Rinebolt voted against Neubert’s appointment.

Council also named Doug Farney to fill a seat on the Saxonburg Area Authority board that was vacated by Jim Yurisic, who asked to not be reappointed.

Farney is a previous authority board member.