An emotional night of change highlighted the Cullman City Council meeting as David Moss Jr. took a seat on the governing body while former council President Garlan Gudger was honored for 14 years of service.

Family and friends of the two leaders attended the Monday meeting, which saw a unanimous approval of Moss coming onboard the council and Gudger expressing his appreciation for his colleagues and the city he has served. Gudger is moving to the Alabama Senate, representing District 4, after winning the Republican Primary and having no opposition from the Democratic ticket.

“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to serve on the City Council. Someone had asked if I would be interested in serving, and it’s an honor to join with this group and continue working on all the good things that have happened in Cullman,” said Moss, whose grandfather, the late Grady Moss, and father, David Moss Sr., who attended the meeting, established Moss Service Funeral Home.

Moss is a sales manager for Oriental Weavers of Dalton, Georgia, which distributes products across the nation.

Gudger served 10 of his 14 years on the council as president. During his tenure the city has enjoyed unprecedented industrial and retail growth, particularly since the 2011 tornado outbreak.

“Thank you, everyone, for your support through these years,” Gudger said as he was presented a plaque for distinguished service and his gavel and plaque from City Council President Jenny Folsom.

Council member Clint Hollingsworth also spoke, praising Gudger’s leadership and friendship through the years.

“I know you never want to take credit for it, but you always met with everybody and you were a leader as the city was growing,” Hollingsworth said. “And the first call I got was from you when I had lymphoma.”

The council also:

• approved a request from Jackie Cook Porter for a special event permit to hold a Christmas Open House at 201 First Avenue SW (Finders Keepers) on Nov. 10, from 3-9 p.m.
• approved a second reading of the ordinance to approved the 2019 Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday.
• approved a resolution to enter into a mutual aid agreement with the Cullman County sheriff.
• approved the hiring of Erica York as city engineer.
• approved Ordinance 2019-05 to set the salary for the mayor beginning Nov. 2, 2020.
• approved first reading of Ordinance 2019-06 to vacate and surplus 3.97 acres located southeast of Deer Trace subdivision.
• appointed Clint Hollingsworth to the Utilities Borard of the City of Cullman.
• appointed Todd Floyd to the Wellstone Inc. Board of Directors.
• appointed Mike Voss to the City of Cullman Housing Authority.