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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes July 30thMinutes for the City of Lansing Charter Commission Regular Meeting | Tuesday, July 30, 2024, 6:30 PM Tony Benavides City Council Chambers Lansing City Hall, 10th floor, 124 W. Michigan Ave. Present: Commissioners Adams Simon, Anderson, Bauer, Dowd, Jeffries, Lopez, Qawwee, Washington Absent: Commissioner Boyd (excused) Staff Present: City Clerk Swope, Chief Deputy Clerk Jackson, Deputy Clerk Drever Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chair Jeffries at 6:30 PM. Roll Call Clerk Swope called the roll of the Commission. A quorum was present. Chair Jeffries noted that Commissioner Boyd’s absence is excused. Vice Chair Adams Simon moved to amend the agenda to add the postcard translation. Motion Carried. Public Comment Nicklas Zande spoke about reimagining Council’s power to override vetoes in Article 3 of the Charter, and Council having the first say in appointments across the City. Farhan Sheikh-Omar spoke about Item 6.A, Legal Counsel Deliberation and Selection. Annie Jantz spoke about homelessness in Lansing and standards for shelters. Minutes A. July 16, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes. Moved by Commissioner Qawwee to approve the July 16th Regular Meeting minutes as presented. Motion Carried. B. July 23, 2024, Special Meeting Minutes. Moved by Commissioner Lopez to approve the July 23rd Special Meeting minutes as presented. Motion Carried. Officer Reports A. Chair Chair Jeffries explained there is no conflict of interest regarding his role at MSU. B. Vice-Chair Vice-Chair Adams-Simon reported she is working with CATA to provide free transportation to community meetings. C. Clerk Clerk Swope reported that the postcards are printed and being mailed. He provided an update about streaming to Facebook, which will be available for the Commission in September. Old Business A. Legal Counsel Deliberation and Selection The Commissioners deliberated about the candidates for Legal Counsel. Moved by Commissioner Washington to postpone the voting until further information is provided. Motion Carried. New Business A. Authorization for Chair to sign Legal Counsel Contract No action taken. B. Article 3 Overview The Commissioners discussed and reviewed Article 3 of the City Charter. C. Translation of Postcards Moved by Commissioner Dowd to authorize the purchase of translation services for the digital postcard. Motion Carried. Public Comment Paula Simon spoke about Section 3-303 of the City Charter, informing the public of public hearings for ordinances and about the need for oversight for the Board of Water and Light. Nicklas Zande spoke about time limits for public presentations to City Council, Board of Water and Light oversight, how City Council handles appointments, and the amount of City Council members and wards. Farhan Sheikh-Omar spoke about Charter Commission spending. Commissioner Remarks Commissioner Washington spoke about updating the Charter Commission website. Commissioner Anderson offered suggestions on the Charter Commission website. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned by Chair Jeffries at 7:34 PM.