The mayor of San Ramon was back at the dais at this week's City Council meeting following a lengthy absence brought on by a medical emergency earlier this year.

Mayor Dave Hudson returned in person at the San Ramon City Council meeting on Tuesday, taking the reins of the city from Vice Mayor Mark Armstrong who had led the council meetings during Hudson's months-long absence.

"I want to thank Mark Armstrong and the whole council for the job you did while I was off rehabbing," Hudson said at the meeting. "I attended the U.S. Conference of Mayors back in January, and it wasn't all just medical. There (were) a couple good speakers there."

It was Hudson's first time joining the four City Council members since Interim City Manager Steven Spedowfski confirmed Hudson's indefinite absence on Jan. 30, following a medical emergency that came on shortly after his return from a trip to Washington D.C. for the U.S. Conference of Mayors. It was later confirmed that a stroke was the cause of Hudson's leave.

"It was a very good conference other than the obvious, but it's good to be back," Hudson said. "Thank you one and all."

Hudson's return comes at a critical time, as the city continues its General Plan update process, which requires a four out of five vote from both the Planning Commission and the City Council. However, he emphasized that he believed the city had been in capable hands in his absence.

"Four people can make decisions, and you've made some right decisions. You've had the public come in and tell you they're proud of the job you're doing," Hudson said.

In addition to thanking the rest of the City Council, Hudson said he was grateful to Loella Haskew, mayor pro tem of Walnut Creek, for filling in for him at the county level.

"She was extremely helpful when I was trying to get through my first meeting Thursday," Hudson said. "You tend to just sort of jump around when you haven't done this for a while, and she brought me back to look to the left, to stay on target."

Tuesday's meeting was Hudson's second time in attendance this year since his reelection for a second consecutive term as mayor in November, during which he fended off two competitors.

Councilmembers, city staff and members of the public all welcomed Hudson back throughout the meeting, as well as a former contender for his seat in November's election.

"I just wanted to say welcome back," said DSRSD Director Dinesh Govindarao, who challenged Hudson on the mayoral ballot last fall. "I'll keep it short. I know you like it short and sweet. But welcome back. It's nice to see you."