HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes August 13thMinutes for the City of Lansing Charter Commission
Regular Meeting | Tuesday, August 13, 2024, 6:30 PM
Tony Benavides City Council Chambers,
Lansing City Hall, 10th floor, 124 W. Michigan Ave.
Present: Commissioners Adams Simon, Anderson, Bauer, Boyd, Jeffries, Lopez, Qawwee, Washington
Absent: Commissioner Dowd (excused)
Staff Present: City Clerk Swope, 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.
Adopt the Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Qawwee to adopt the agenda.
Motion Carried.
Approval of Minutes
Moved by Commissioner Qawwee to approve the July 30, 2024, meeting minutes as presented.
Motion Carried.
Public Comment
Marshall Clabeaux spoke about establishing a sustainability department in the City in Article 4. He suggested
ways for sustainability to guide the Charter revision.
Officer Reports
Chair
Chair Jeffries reminded the community of the upcoming listening sessions.
Vice-Chair
Vice-Chair Adams Simon informed the public of the Commission’s partnership with CATA for free rides to
the upcoming listening sessions. She yielded to Chioma Lewis, Service Information Marketing Manager for
CATA, who explained how to use the Transit phone app.
Clerk
Clerk Swope acknowledged written communications in the packet and provided a budget update noting the
Commission has $384,020.17 remaining in their account. He also reminded the community of the translated
community meetings postcard, which is available on the Commission’s website.
Old Business
Legal Counsel Deliberation and Selection
Moved by Vice-Chair Adams Simon to adopt the resolution to hire an attorney for the Charter Commission.
Moved by Vice-Chair Adams Simon to amend the resolution to select Cummings, McClorey, Davis, and
Acho (CMDA) as the firm to hire.
Motion Carried.
Motion Carried.
Community Meetings Update
Moved by Commissioner Boyd to approve the expense of $175 for space rental for the Community Meeting.
Motion Carried.
Moved by Commissioner Boyd to adopt the Community Meetings agenda.
Motion Carried.
New Business
Article 4 Overview
The Commissioners discussed Article 4 of the City Charter
Authorization for Chair to Sign Contracts
Moved by Vice-Chair Adams Simon to adopt the resolution for the chair to sign contracts.
Motion Carried.
Public Comment
Bruce Scott spoke about employment access with misdemeanors on record.
Reza Beha spoke about hiring requirements for the Mayor’s staff.
Fred McLaughlin spoke about expanding the Charter for clarity and understanding, including definitions and
references.
Farhan Sheikh-Omar spoke about listening to the community.
Commissioner Remarks
Commissioner Washington spoke about future community meetings.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by Chair Jeffries at 7:39 PM.