HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022 ANNUAL REPORT CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CHARTER COMMISSIONCITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CHARTER COMMISSION
2022 ANNUAL REPORT
MEMBERSHIP:
The following members served in 2022:
Matt Abel Bill Hugo Steve Smith
Kathy Ahlers Clifford Johnson Frost Simula
Ramona Anderson Veronica Johnson* Susan Wiseman
Larry Betzold* Carolyn Laine Nick Zeimet
Tyler Eubank Joe Schluender**
Ben Harris Gregory Sloat
* Commissioner Larry Betzold was appointed in April 2022, and Veronica Johnson was appointed in September 2022.
**Commissioner Joe Schluender resigned following the April 2022 meeting.
At the end of 2022, there were 15 Commissioners.
OFFICERS:
The following members served as officers for the Charter Commission in 2022:
President: Steve Smith
Vice President: Carolyn Laine
Secretary: Frost Simula
MEETINGS:
The Charter Commission held three meetings in 2022: April 21, July 21, and October 20.
ISSUES DISCUSSED:
The Commission discussed the following issue in 2022:
Council Vacancies:
At the April 2022 meeting, the Charter Commission continued the 2020 and 2021 discussion of using special elections to
fill City Council vacancies as well as keeping an appointment process but modifying it. During the discussion Commission
Vice President Laine made a motion for a first hearing of language shortening the appointment process from 105 days to
45 days. In addition to shortening the appointment process, language was added that if the council failed to make the
appointment in the 45-day time period the mayor must appoint a person from the remaining applicants to fill the
vacancy within 15 days.
The Charter Commission held a second hearing on this amendment at the July 2022 meeting and the amendment was
approved as written. Ordinance 1681, Amending Chapter 2 Section 9 went to the City Council for a first hearing on
September 12, 2022. It failed to have a second reading set.
At the October 2022 Charter Commission meeting, the Commission discussed options for moving forward with the
amendment. The Commission decided to table the amendment to a later time.
Respectfully Submitted,
___________________________________
Sara Ion, City Clerk/Recording Secretary