City Councilwoman Barbara Marshall, one of the few women to serve as leader of the Council, stepped down as its chairwoman Wednesday as she recovers from intensive chemotherapy for colon cancer.

Marshall, 64, has made few public statements regarding her health after being diagnosed earlier this year for the third time with cancer. Messages left for her through her staff were not returned yesterday.

City Councilman Todd Apo will replace Marshall as head of the nine-member board until at least January, when there will be a mandatory reorganization of the City Council with another mayoral inauguration.

“;I've always felt a little personally guilty that she's continued to take on so much of a role while she faces this difficult time,”; said Apo, who served as vice chairman of the City Council under Marshall. “;We hope she can now take additional time to get better.”;

This has been a difficult year for Marshall. In April her mother died. Shortly afterward, Marshall was diagnosed with cancer and began chemotherapy.

As a result, she has missed several City Council meetings, some of which involved crucial key votes, including on the technology for the city's $5 billion rail transit system.

Still, Marshall overwhelmingly won re-election in September with 84 percent of the vote.

“;This is purely a Council decision, and I'll work with whoever is the chair,”; said Mayor Mufi Hannemann. “;I want to make sure that she gets as healthy as possible so she can resume her duties. It saddens me that she's been struggling with this. I pray that she gets to a good place.”;

Councilman Nestor Garcia, who took on the role as vice chairman, said talks to replace Marshall began after her re-election. But the actual measure to replace her happened quickly and quietly on Wednesday afternoon without any public notice.

“;I never expected it to happen (Wednesday),”; Apo said. “;I've talked with Barbara. We just want to make sure that we're in a position to get lined up for next year as well.”;

The leader of the Council plays a key role in shaping the dynamics of the discordant group by naming the chairmen of the committees. The chairman also holds the sole power to place bills and resolutions on the agenda.

Apo said he intends to stay on as chairman when the City Council votes again in January on its organization. However, it is possible that other councilmembers might vie for the top spot.

In the meantime there will likely be lots of closed-door discussions to determine the leadership of the City Council. Apo will need to find his replacement as chairman of the powerful Budget Committee. Other top committees that wield a lot of power include the Zoning Committee and Transportation and Public Works.