HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023 Annual Report
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CHARTER COMMISSION
2023 ANNUAL REPORT
MEMBERSHIP:
The following members served in 2023:
Matt Abel Ben Harris Frost Simula
Kathy Ahlers Bill Hugo Gregory Sloat
Wolid Ahmed Clifford Johnson Steve Smith
Ramona Anderson Veronica Johnson Susan Wiseman
Larry Betzold Carolyn Laine Nick Zeimet
During 2023, Commissioner Tyler Eubank, Steve Smith, and Clifford Johnson resigned. Commissioner
Gregory Sloat was reappointed. Commissioner Wolid Ahmed was appointed in March, and
Commissioner Marsha Stroik was appointed in November for 2024.
Councilmember Rachel James served as the Council Liaison.
OFFICERS:
The following members served as officers for the Charter Commission in 2023:
President: Carolyn Laine Vice-President: Veronica Johnson Secretary: Frost Simula
MEETINGS:
The Charter Commission held three meetings in 2023: January 19, April 20, and October 19.
ISSUES DISCUSSED:
The Commission discussed the following issues in 2023:
Question regarding Chapter 5, Section 47, Recall Elections
The City Attorney provided an email answer to a member’s question regarding who can sign a petition
for recall; there is no reference in the Charter’s Recall section to “registered” voters. Attorney Jim Hoeft
gave his rationale for considering the word “electors” as synonymous with “registered voters.”
Hearings were held on changes to the mayor’s role
A motion was made to remove management of the police department from the mayor’s role and to
change the mayor’s term from 2 years to 4 years. Motion failed.
A motion was made to only remove management of the police department from the mayor’s role. This
motion also failed.
______________________________
Carolyn Laine, Commission President
(approved January 18, 2024)