HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017 Charter Commission Annual ReportCITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CHARTER COMMISSION
2017ANNUAL REPORT
MEMBERSHIP:
The following members served in 2016:
Matthew Abel Rob Fiorendino Carolyn Laine Frost Simula
Ramona Anderson James Guy Michael Patiuk Stephen Smith
Lee Bak (resigned) Roger Johnson Eric Penniston Tim Utz (resigned)
Jeff Diehm (resigned) Tom Kaiser Gregory Sloat Susan Wiseman
During 2017, Commissioners Bak, Diehm and Utz resigned. Commissioner Kaiser was appointed. Commissioners
Laine, Guy, Abel, Anderson and Simula were reappointed. At the October meeting, membership was at thirteen
members. In December, two commissioners were appointed by Judge Douglas Meslow, they will be sworn in prior
to the January 18, 2018 meeting.
Councilmember Connie Buesgens served as the Council Liaison for 2017.
OFFICERS:
The following members served as officers for the Charter Commission in 2017:
President: Steve Smith Vice President: Matt Abel Secretary: Eric Penniston
MEETINGS:
The Charter Commission held four meetings in 2017; January 19, April 20, July 20 and October 26.
ISSUES DISCUSSED:
The Commission discussed the following issues in 2017:
Review of Chapter 2, Section 9, Vacancies on the Council
This item was first discussed at the January meeting, and again at the April meeting. Concerns included the overall
length of the process, the lack of a detailed plan, and a process to address consistent tie votes. President Smith
requested members submit any suggestions to him for further consideration, indicating discussions would continue
at the January 2018 meeting.
Discussion of a joint meeting between the City Council and the Charter Commission
This was considered at the April meeting, at the request of Mayor Schmitt. It was determined such a meeting could
compromise the independence of the Charter. Councilmember Buesgens stated she would continue to serve as a
liaison between the City Council and the Charter Commission.
Review of Chapter 2-Section 7; Elective offices
The commission considered language that would change the Mayor’s term from two years to four years. The first
reading was approved at the July meeting, the second reading approved at the October meeting. The item was sent
to the council for consideration at their December meeting; the Council tabled the item.
Review of Chapter 2-Sections 10 (The Mayor) and 53 (Powers and Duties of the City Manager)
The commission considered language that would change the management of the Police Department from the
Mayor to the City Manager. The item was first considered at the July meeting, and a first reading was approved. At
the October meeting, the item was amended, and a first reading was approved.
Respectfully Submitted,
___________________________________
Katie Bruno, City Clerk/Recording Secretary