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CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CHARTER COMMISSION
2025 ANNUAL REPORT
MEMBERSHIP:
The following members served in 2025:
Matt Abel Ben Harris Julie Rose
Kathy Ahlers Bill Hugo Frost Simula
Wolid Ahmed Leo James Gregory Sloat
Larry Betzold Veronica Johnson Marsha Stroik
Christine Brown Carolyn Laine Susan Wiseman
During 2025, Ben Harris was reappointed in March; there were no other changes in membership.
Councilmember Justice Spriggs served as the Council Liaison.
OFFICERS:
The following members served as officers for the Charter Commission in 2025:
President: Carolyn Laine Vice-President: Larry Betzold Secretary: Frost Simula
MEETINGS:
The Charter Commission held four meetings in 2025: January 16, April 10, July 17, and October 16.
ISSUES DISCUSSED:
The Commission discussed the following issues in 2025:
Changes to the Charter regarding Recall Elections and related issues
Dates and timing for elections were changed to reflect state statues by stating: “at the soonest
date that conforms with state law.” Identifying petition signatures was clarified by adding on
“active status” in the SVRS. The election to replace a recalled officer was separated from the recall
election; instead, the filling of a vacancy should the officer be recalled will be filled “according to
the existing process,” which is by council appointment if under two years remain in the term. The
second hearing of all of the work on this area, as one motion, was unanimous.
First hearing on Mayoral Duties
Motion passed to change the duties of the mayor to remove the mayor’s “appointment, control,
and direction of all police officers” and instead add that to the City Manager’s powers and duties to
control and direct the administration of the city’s affairs.
______________________________
Carolyn Laine, Commission President
(approved January 15, 2026)