HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Juy 2ndCity of Lansing Charter Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes for July 2, 2024
Present: Commissioners Adams Simon, Anderson, Bauer, Boyd, Dowd, Jeffries, Lopez, Qawwee, Washington
Staff Present: Deputy Clerks Lemaster, Drever
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Jeffries at 6:30 PM.
Roll Call
Deputy Clerk Lemaster called the roll of the commission. A quorum was present.
Adopt the Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Washington to adopt the agenda as presented.
Motion Carried.
Public Comment
Randy Dykhuis spoke about strategies for public engagement.
Norma Bauer spoke about the National Civic League recommendation for a city manager and the makeup of
wards.
Valentina Hoskins spoke about receiving help for an ordinance violation.
Frederick McLoughlin spoke about the role of the City in economic development.
Don Dean spoke about listening to the public.
Approval of Minutes
Moved by Commissioner Bauer to approve the minutes.
Motion Carried.
Officer Reports
Chair
No report
Vice-Chair
Adams Simon spoke about strategies to revise the charter.
Clerk
Deputy Clerk Lemaster provided the budget update: The Commission has spent $94,308.09 as of June 30th.
Unfinished Business
Community Meetings
The Commission discussed the update on Community Meetings.
Postcard
Moved by Vice-Chair Adams Simon to take the postcard design off the table.
Motion Carried.
Moved by Commissioner Qawwee to amend the postcard to include the proposed language from Vice Chair
Adams Simon.
Moved by Commissioner Anderson to amend the motion to clarify the placement of the proposed from
Vice-Chair Adams Simon to before the sentence “We want to hear from you!”
Motion Carried.
Motion Carried.
Moved by Commissioner Qawwee to spend $20,000 on saturation mailing for the postcard.
Motion Carried 8-1.
Moved by Commissioner Lopez to approve the Comment Submission Form for publication.
Motion Carried.
Facebook Page
Moved by Commissioner Boyd to spend the cost to stream to Facebook, $1200 for equipment and $500/6
months for a subscription.
Motion Carried.
Returned Legal Counsel RFP
Moved by Commissioner Qawwee to set a special meeting at 5pm July 23rd to interview the legal counsel.
Motion Carried.
New Business
Rules Amendment for Public Comment
Moved by Commissioner Boyd to adopt the amendment.
Moved by Commissioner Anderson to amend the proposed rule amendment to increase the second
Public Comment period from 2 minutes to 3 minutes.
Motion Carried
Motion Carried.
Commissioners Anderson and Dowd requested research into configuring virtual public participation.
Rules Amendment for Attendance Expectations
Moved by Commissioner Anderson to adopt the rules amendment.
Moved by Vice-Chair Adams Simon to table until Charter Commission legal counsel can review the
amendment.
Motion Carried.
Article I Overview and Priorities
The Commissioners discussed sections of Article I of the City Charter that will need detailed review and
revisions.
Commissioner Remarks
Commissioner Dowd spoke about interest in having a virtual public participation option.
Public Comment
Paula Simon spoke about public engagement.
Nicklas Zande spoke about updates to the City Charter regarding the makeup of City Council and elected
positions.
Don Dean spoke re-addressed earlier comments about public comment times.
Fred McLaughlin spoke about zoning and development.
Mike Lynn spoke about experiences around the City.
Erica Lynn spoke about accessibility and strategies for public engagement.
Ryan Kost addressed a letter to the Commission about public engagement and expanding public comment to
five minutes.
Norma Bauer spoke about the Commission’s website.
Jay West spoke about the importance of diverse and qualified City leaders and the upcoming Community
Meeting on August 20th.
Adjournment
Chair Jeffries adjourned the meeting at 8:13 PM