[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6389465,"mediaKeyId","2113308-cedcdb953f5144b067267f0eb366fbdb","parentId",2113308,"title","Charter commission adopts several procedural edits, aligns special-election timing with state law","audioSeconds",4049,"startMs",2881000,"endMs",6930000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2113308-cedcdb953f5144b067267f0eb366fbdb&start=2881&end=6930","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2113308-cedcdb953f5144b067267f0eb366fbdb/thumbnail_2881000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6389465/Lansing-City/Ingham-County/Michigan/Charter-commission-adopts-several-procedural-edits-aligns-special-election-timing-with-state-law","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6389465-fdea657cd5c9b9aadb438dd6a046699e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186497&Signature=RKMOo-C~q6z~QoJvm9bzlCwdPftuMzQwS3JGBYXI6iSdd-B9h4W7AFXiabyR23~-kn6s0Ja3Td-KQlggqnnO6XlK-jLDklVtwSve2yZP4taM2y35apLObuRSOEfgBDH294S4L4DCHMYNkUqRIgtmJwMJs3WcnkKvxpCfo-uLo8xXIYON5q7J7vlC6-gcYxXZdZq4f8AozUGs4Xp8zyIgKrkHSVupFeo2gs9C8E2BFUmzlj7MzQL~ZEGUig8G5lNWGV0Ous-BOmw0rretSM~eAfPKg6SMiGPUrKKMsVGGH45z7F2OM32-0UlnRnOGZXFvbZm~tRHp8YKrUsmHVCm7vw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Lansing, Michigan","date","2025-01-07T00:00:00Z","article","The Lansing Charter Commission advanced a package of procedural charter edits and formalized several votes on Jan. 7.

Key outcomes

- \"Default to the city\" definition: The commission voted to add a definition of \"default to the city\" to the charter (Article 1 / cross-referenced in Article 2). The inserted language defines default to include failure to pay monetary obligations to the city (taxes, fees, fines) and permits the city clerk to send written notice with a 30-day cure period. The motion to add the definition passed unanimously.

- Special elections: The commission amended Section 2-406 to align with Michigan election law. The body adopted language requiring that special elections be called by council at least 90 days before the election or longer as state law requires, and changed the timing for a required special primary from 25 days to 45 days to match state rules. Both motions passed unanimously.

- Quorum, recess/adjourn: The commission voted to define quorum as a majority of the number of council members established by the charter (an \"all seats\" formulation) rather than a majority of serving members. The motion also added language allowing a smaller number to \"recess or adjourn\" the meeting if a quorum is lost. That motion passed with two members recorded as opposed.

- Meeting-notice verification (special meetings): The commission adopted revised language for 3-202.2 requiring the clerk to publish public notice at least 18 hours before a special meeting and to verify personal notice to each council member; the motion passed unanimously.

- Investigations: The commission added language clarifying that the city council may authorize \"any person or committee\" to investigate the affairs of the city and to present findings to the council; the commission adopted the additions after debate. Commissioner Boyd recorded a no vote on the subsections when taken individually; the amendments otherwise passed.

- Effective date of ordinances: The commission changed the standard ordinance effective date timeline from 30 days to 14 days (with options for longer if state law requires or an ordinance specifies). Commissioners discussed the interaction with veto timelines and state statutes; the change was adopted unanimously.

What the votes mean

Commissioners said the changes are mainly procedural, intended to bring the draft charter into alignment with state election law, clarify council powers and processes for investigations and meetings, and increase transparency on notice and audit duties. The commission did not finalize removal/forfeiture language in Article 2; members requested further drafting to define \"cause\" and the process and to consider timelines for hearings.

Record of motions and outcomes (summary)

- Adopt definition \"default to the city\" (Article 1 insertion): adopted unanimously (9-0).
- Amend 2-406.1 (special-election notice to 90 days): adopted unanimously (9-0).
- Amend 2-406.2 (primary timing to 45 days): adopted unanimously (9-0).
- Adopt quorum/all-seats + recess/adjourn language: adopted (7 yes / 2 no).
- Adopt 3-202.2 (special-meeting notice and verification): adopted unanimously (9-0).
- Adopt investigation-authority insertion (3-206 subsections): adopted; Commissioner Boyd recorded no votes on the subsections (8 yes / 1 no in recorded roll calls).
- Amend effective date of ordinances to allow 14-day standard: adopted unanimously (9-0).

The chair said the commission will return with reworked forfeiture/removal language and will consider additional meetings to meet quality-review deadlines ahead of the governor/attorney-general review required for a possible November ballot.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","January 7th, 2025 Lansing Charter Commission","oneSentenceSummary","The Lansing Charter Commission approved multiple procedural charter edits on Jan. 7, aligning special-election deadlines with Michigan law, clarifying meeting notice and investigation authority, and adding a definition for \"default to the city.\"","taxTitle","Lansing City, Ingham County, Michigan","taxId",5771,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6389470,"Council member outlines internal audit plan, urges stronger auditor staffing and independence",1699,3006000,4705000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2113308-cedcdb953f5144b067267f0eb366fbdb&start=3006&end=4705","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2113308-cedcdb953f5144b067267f0eb366fbdb/thumbnail_3006000.jpg","/articles/6389470/Lansing-City/Ingham-County/Michigan/Council-member-outlines-internal-audit-plan-urges-stronger-auditor-staffing-and-independence","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6389470-52e2af109078b8fa4fa476da70751564/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186497&Signature=QkBBIwuxVVr4G6xPDPoOW9Z59-hTCjnWarOvbOPtWfNWU9l7oSocO2sqG0C~Ocg~Gxyx649ZJ~FZK8r2TrKQAc6MncBEv7EpsQGz6N-bGKBhljviEWRlnl9gQ2LUPZ3noF8puJ6I3JLRVlCpiTp0KksoUOITSz4J56fETbdSx-Pxg4BjcklH0PjEzAb8NVzZqynrxGm8zoPcZGxlpmNslXIB92EBk9-BVgB6zBX~oJ7RW4A6tieW1AatPJT-ydzDw4ZI3MktNh~uADVWXATrtDSUD5mTrCBtPI2HJQo2~SJoYNvLIDPHUY~RiEFqC0-xlZi6YJobaiBvK5ajoCW3nw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council Member Peter Spadafore, chair of the Lansing City Council's audit ad hoc committee, told the Charter Commission the council has worked with the city's internal auditor to create a formal audit calendar and to re-establish internal-audit priorities.

Spadafore said the ad hoc group met Oct. 7, Oct. 28, Nov. 18 and Dec. 9 and developed a plan that focuses initially on departments with the largest financial transactions. He said six monthly audit check-ins are scheduled for the remainder of the fiscal year (Jan. 27; Feb. 24; Mar. 24; Apr. 21; May 19; June 23) and that the current internal-audit work plan should conclude in May or June before a new plan begins.

Spadafore and several commissioners told the commission that a single internal auditor creates continuity and staffing risks. Commissioner Jodi Washington said 1 auditor is not enough; Spadafore said the role is isolating and the auditor has difficulty \"checking his or her work\" without additional staff. Spadafore recommended that the charter more clearly spell out the auditor's duties, emphasize independence from the departments audited and consider minimum staffing levels in the city budget or charter.

Council members and commissioners discussed differences between internal and external audits. Spadafore said external audits are performed by independent firms (he referenced competitive procurement for external auditors) and that external audits review the results of internal audit work. Commissioners asked whether quasi-independent entities (the Board of Water and Light, housing commission) are included; Spadafore said BWL is externally audited and that separate internal-audit arrangements can exist for those entities. Spadafore and commissioners agreed that clarifying the internal auditor's duties and evaluating staffing levels should be a near-term priority for the commission and council.","Council Member Peter Spadafore told the Charter Commission the Council's audit ad hoc committee has developed a multi-month internal audit plan and said one full-time auditor is inadequate; he recommended the charter emphasize auditor independence and minimum staffing.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6389473,"Former Mayor Hollister urges charter preamble and a mayor-led strategic plan for Lansing",2116,804000,2920000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2113308-cedcdb953f5144b067267f0eb366fbdb&start=804&end=2920","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2113308-cedcdb953f5144b067267f0eb366fbdb/thumbnail_804000.jpg","/articles/6389473/Lansing-City/Ingham-County/Michigan/Former-Mayor-Hollister-urges-charter-preamble-and-a-mayor-led-strategic-plan-for-Lansing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6389473-686bb67d5064bb213e7dce6e74b78c63/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186497&Signature=jpRdly1Ef7VEbJ~yFNQk1ENOsNHZ7yEsRnfcEcsIf7ovk3UgEd5aqwzOkv5AIIPEadvoCqg0zMjKy00wfifBPdYeiY8bAZUjU4q3qicW1vnPjiJGMhVYDHD7u6fTQ2-PTXfvUOsSExC8xAxvR6w2JYNbwr8H-HfreVJ0VBHwojtWmSVrOkOL57WAH6zO~voYg6QNn42cLexJCek843HbE72Mh6xCfo4KAyscWaCGGCm4fb4ZK5VkFlJ6v~~2b1g-Z63ZrbCIqy88zJU6knb-HTRLjX8aJlSO-ugvgxdGVO05i5eC2ooH~AREPL2FdGXRgxp3hCknsT1K36oKUM~Z0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dave Hollister, former mayor of Lansing, addressed the Charter Commission by video and urged the body to add a preamble that states the city's values and to require the mayor to collaboratively develop a comprehensive strategic plan.

Hollister said his recommendations draw on \"50 years of public service\" and on advice from longtime colleagues. He argued a preamble could enshrine values such as inclusiveness, transparency, public participation and environmental stewardship. He proposed a three-year strategic plan (with the first year devoted to development) that would set measurable goals, be updated regularly, and be published for public accountability via the mayor's annual statements and the city website.

During a 45-minute-plus exchange with commissioners, Hollister described past regional deals and partnerships (he cited General Motors and other regional economic initiatives) as examples of the value of long-term strategic planning and regional collaboration. Commissioners asked about implementation details: how a mayoral plan would relate to a four-year mayoral term, how the plan would be shared regionally, and whether the commission should create a department of sustainability. Hollister suggested the plan should align with regional partners, the airport, the county, and school boards and praised closer collaboration with Michigan State University.

The commission received Hollister's memorandum and a proposed preamble for review and discussion. The chair said the commission would study the text and consider whether to place the proposed preamble in Article 4, Section 4-102 of the charter at a later meeting.","Former Mayor Dave Hollister told the Lansing Charter Commission he recommends adding a preamble to the city charter and requiring the mayor to lead a collaborative, three-year strategic plan to guide policy and regional collaboration.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6389478,"Residents urge more wards, fewer at-large seats during Lansing Charter Commission public comment",461,104000,565000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2113308-cedcdb953f5144b067267f0eb366fbdb&start=104&end=565","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2113308-cedcdb953f5144b067267f0eb366fbdb/thumbnail_104000.jpg","/articles/6389478/Lansing-City/Ingham-County/Michigan/Residents-urge-more-wards-fewer-at-large-seats-during-Lansing-Charter-Commission-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6389478-bb42b3d8ebb892cfc46a15358f6680d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186497&Signature=S6I-inlQ-69KzWToT1a2QnIpHKHWeUEd6zxr2TBgsC33DE~EmsHVmKg58sO~THpZ~7Dk8aecV2RlZnIBaOx6Ntuc~7~V8qrp1NypmruxG~OadQ1vZOIT8ckNgI6AsSRz20MbfmkOb5rll~XCyj~9dnq9uBRy43zjzMzGqRWTgAtu3TIKELumtz8U~pxU17ffbDj-UJNMf8ADATrv67uB05nUrY2LtuN-0eSLuQI5T4neM5gz2Y3pylc2AJpRcij8q4i1YKQG26dEddpyKBilPQCmXXUKnifl1yfoD9iBTvbdEqUi~xkapKfUx3yo4gOFK9quwpjm7y9hKl9Xr1Yhag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Nicholas Zandy, president of the Old Everett Neighborhood Association, told the Lansing Charter Commission on Jan. 7 that Lansing's current ward map and the number of at-large seats concentrate power and leave underprivileged neighborhoods underrepresented. \"I don't think four wards are nearly enough,\" Zandy said, urging the commission to consider nine wards or, at minimum, seven wards with fewer at-large seats.

He described Colonial Village and Old Everett as closely knit neighborhoods that have been split between wards and said Old Everett should not be paired with Forest View. Heath Lowry, who identified himself as a West Side resident in the 4th Ward and a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals, repeated a call to expand wards and reduce at-large representation, saying at-large seats can concentrate interests and money rather than populations.

Leslie Arnell, a resident who spoke near the end of the public comment period, endorsed the earlier remarks and raised separate concerns about staff conduct and responses to constituent requests. Arnell criticized replies she received from a staff email account, said complaints about long-running trash-code issues in her neighborhood remain unresolved and urged commissioners to treat public comment respectfully.

The comments were delivered during the meeting's public comment segment. Commissioners did not take immediate votes tied to the public comments; the remarks were entered into the record for the commission's consideration as it examines charter language tied to wards and council composition.

Residents who asked to speak were limited to three minutes under the commission's public-comment procedures. The speakers suggested specific options: full ward-only representation with nine wards, or a compromise of seven wards and two at-large seats; they also asked the commission to remove or reduce the proportion of at-large seats that, in their view, skew representation.","Three residents told the Lansing Charter Commission that the city's current four-ward, substantial at-large model underrepresents neighborhoods; speakers advocated for more wards (seven to nine) and elimination or reduction of at-large council seats.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Charter commission adopts several procedural edits, aligns special-election timing with state law

Council member outlines internal audit plan, urges stronger auditor staffing and independence

Former Mayor Hollister urges charter preamble and a mayor-led strategic plan for Lansing

Residents urge more wards, fewer at-large seats during Lansing Charter Commission public comment