Saying it was a privilege to serve on the governing body, Surf City Councilman James Russell tendered his resignation at the council’s regular monthly meeting last week.

“We are very fortunate to have had you for 20 years,” Mayor Francis Hodgson told Russell. “We’re going to miss you.”

Russell made the announcement Jan. 3 after he delivered his monthly committee report on the state of public property and lifeguards. He will serve until Feb. 1.

Hodgson said the Republican club will recommend an individual to fill the seat vacated by Russell, and it “will take…