HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Aug 20thMinutes for the City of Lansing Charter Commission
Special Meeting | Tuesday, August 20, 2024, 6:30 PM
Alfreda Schmidt Community Center, Community Room
5825 Wise Rd, Lansing MI 48910
Present: Commissioners Adams Simon, Anderson, Bauer, Boyd, Dowd, Jeffries, Lopez, Qawwee, Washington
Absent: None
Staff Present: Clerk Swope, Deputy Clerk Drever, Deputy Clerk Demerath-Shanti
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Jeffries at 6:48 PM.
Roll Call
Clerk Swope called the roll of the Commission. A quorum was present.
Overview of the Lansing City Charter
Chair Jeffries gave a summary of the Commission’s work so far.
Vice Chair Adams Simon introduced Donna Mullens from the League of Women Voters.
Donna Mullens of the League of Women Voters gave an overview of the City Charter.
Public Comment
Tim Poxson spoke about establishing veteran services and priority hiring in the Charter.
Mike Marriott spoke about the importance of input from young people in Lansing. He also spoke about
restructuring the wards based on population, and Michigan’s access to fresh water.
W Thomas Hamlin spoke about environmental policy and effective governance derived from limited overreach.
Jacques “Jay” West spoke about a City commitment to antiracism, following Resolution 406-22 in Tacoma,
Washington and NYCHRL in New York City.
Fred McLaughlin spoke about expanding the Charter to be more interactive by including more definitions and
references.
Mike Redding spoke about implementing checks on the Board of Water and Light, regarding rate increases.
Alexis Jones asked about City officials and employees living within the City.
Denise King spoke about keeping At-Large positions on City Council.
Commissioner Remarks
Commissioner Washington addressed the City’s previous work on a Human Rights Ordinance.
Commissioner Boyd spoke about the Commission’s goal to align the Charter’s antidiscrimination language with
State law. She thanked the League of Women Voters, the Churchill Downs Neighborhood Association, and
Alfreda Schmidt.
Vice Chair Adams Simon spoke about updating Civil Rights protections and thanked everyone for coming.
Commissioner Bauer thanked the audience and commended their level of engagement.
Commissioner Qawwee talked about veteran access to jobs at the state and federal level.
Commissioner Lopez spoke about connecting with the Junior Board of Education.
Commissioner Dowd thanked the audience and encouraged them to share more comments.
Public Comment
Rita Fox spoke about the complex jurisdictions and districts in Lansing in Eaton County.
Bonnie Milton spoke about the need for increased tree maintenance.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by Chair Jeffries at 7:45 PM.