City Council Member John Chelminiak returned to the dais Monday – via telephone – 31 days after surviving a black bear attack.

Chelminiak’s first meeting was a big one, with discussions of the 2011-12 budget and the C9T tunnel funding as part of the Eastlink light-rail project on the agenda.

The council was excited to have Chelminiak back and involved in the decision making process.

“Glad to hear you’re back with us,” Mayor Don Davidson told the returning council member as the meeting began.

“It’s good to be back,” Chelminiak responded.

Chelminiak was excused from all meetings up to Oct. 25, with the possibility of an extension, but throughout his recovery process he has expressed his desire to return to work.

He said at the beginning of the meeting that he hoped to be with his fellow council members in person for several meetings, beginning Nov. 1.

“I’m still looking a little funny and a little ragged, but I hope to be there in person on and off,” he said. “It just depends on doctor’s orders. I have a couple of procedures left over the next three to six weeks.”

Chelminiak suffered severe wounds to his head and upper body during the altercation with a black bear near his home on Lake Wenatchee. He had to have his eye removed because of the damage and underwent numerous surgeries. He left the hospital on Oct. 12, and has happily jumped right back into his work.

Chelminiak returned in time to participate in many of the budget meetings that remain before the document is adopted in December. Mayor Davidson is glad to have Chelminiak back to help solve the budget issues at City Hall.

“I felt you were going to be back by the end of the budget process,” he said. “There’s a lot to do with that. I’m glad you’re back with us and can watch us along and also participate.”