[{"_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",6587006,"mediaKeyId","5744797-7fcb95ccbdf1ee831e9f897c049027f3","parentId",5744797,"title","Residents and civil-rights groups urge council to reject changes to police oversight ordinance","audioSeconds",1437,"startMs",202000,"endMs",1639000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5744797-7fcb95ccbdf1ee831e9f897c049027f3&start=202&end=1639","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5744797-7fcb95ccbdf1ee831e9f897c049027f3/thumbnail_202000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6587006/East-Lansing/Ingham-County/Michigan/Residents-and-civil-rights-groups-urge-council-to-reject-changes-to-police-oversight-ordinance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6587006-0134ee1d7ab661155ac6b7528f29c6d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159314&Signature=nbfTTPa8KPj6xKHjIiN9S754SDgAIOqml7F6ydRa6mqmecXea-RvKhKiZ7JzrFdZjLrnhFnwxyjQjzzJORS~nC4H3wE8Hg95Wo3RpIztp-Jgt3YONKa~-RyIU6p2Zw7buFgwliRxuuyFAZSK04CGPoomeB6jqXkJy41e-KOi9UCGEtLxZoYE9aqyzQmseJdoABxw3~fJgFi~nBFwxWECAxZ~8tFMqXjvku93Kq79n9JBvxTHS0rdHkBgnE0z7O4TPumzhF-dIsMUL6GLshH5gQsBiUJGEB37WN-ezrpfepUtx0G2J~aF-vzQHKIx7dAEedfw~3HNCDvrMP~pUEoKlA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","East Lansing, Michigan","date","2025-09-09T12:34:49Z","article","A proposal to amend the city ordinance that governs the East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission drew extended public comment on Sept. 9, with speakers urging the City Council to reject changes they said would undermine independent review of police conduct.

Speakers including Matthew Bowden, a member of the East Lansing Human Rights Commission speaking as a resident, said the proposed revisions to Division 12, Section 2 (Ordinance 15‑33) would “prevent LIPOC from holding investigations and hiring independent investigators,” limit commissioners’ public remarks, allow police‑union agreements to supersede the ordinance and permit the police department to redact officer names from reports. Bowden said those provisions would “strip the independent police oversight commission ... of any power to perform the mission for which it was created.”

Harold Pope, president of NAACP Lansing (Tri‑County), told council the changes would reduce the commission “to a non‑functioning commission without purpose,” and described the commission as “the key to transparency.” Multiple speakers cited recent August incidents and asked for access to body‑camera footage and demographic arrest data.

Council member Watson attempted to amend the evening’s business agenda to add a staff document comparing the proposed changes and to move the second reading of Ordinance 15‑33 to Oct. 21 so the East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission (LIPOC) could review materials and submit feedback. Council took a roll‑call vote on the motion to amend; Council member Altman voted no while Council members Meadows and Watson and Mayor Pro Tem Singh and Mayor Brookover voted yes. The mayor stated that unanimous consent was required to change the agenda at that point and the motion to amend failed.

Council discussion during and after public comment emphasized both support for police officers’ work and the need for transparency and accountability. Council member Watson said residents have reported demeaning language and threats from officers in some encounters and pressed for “access to footage” so the public could see events directly. Council member Meadows said the changes to the ordinance “will be discussed completely” and noted the council could again move to delay consideration at its Sept. 23 meeting.

The transcript and speakers repeatedly requested that the public be given the materials and time needed for meaningful input on ordinance revisions. For now, the council did not take final action on Ordinance 15‑33 on Sept. 9; the second reading remained scheduled under the existing agenda timetable.

Ending

Council members and staff signaled additional public process will follow: the mayor and council noted LIPOC will continue to meet and council said there will be public discussion on the ordinance at future meetings. No final amendment to Ordinance 15‑33 was adopted at the Sept. 9 meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular Council - 09 Sep 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A proposal to amend the city ordinance that governs the East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission drew extended public comment on Sept. 9, with speakers urging the City Council to reject changes they said would undermine independent review of police conduct.","taxTitle","East Lansing, Ingham County, Michigan","taxId",55176,"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},6586991,"Council terminates Keller Thoma labor contract and approves interim agreement with Ogletree Deakins after staffing departures",602,5842000,6444000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5744797-7fcb95ccbdf1ee831e9f897c049027f3&start=5842&end=6444","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5744797-7fcb95ccbdf1ee831e9f897c049027f3/thumbnail_5842000.jpg","/articles/6586991/East-Lansing/Ingham-County/Michigan/Council-terminates-Keller-Thoma-labor-contract-and-approves-interim-agreement-with-Ogletree-Deakins-after-staffing-departures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586991-a82f98870512b9cff5b37159d75f6756/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159314&Signature=czHcS77pguXNeMekod~bvc1mVDgCwQUiP0L-GkcGGVBk0ynRPUC2wfrRuTBHNbe-8f6lDQuwSGjj785D0jS4lRCz6kPqwbHpozCelBnxsKIUZ647haoU9i3ZFKxFekKYMlX5VQnuFJ7-vRgPWTkGxfOzFHHK92IJWfdcKzsn38yxVylpa63wu50i0pn~dOUX9ovWbE466YtaG6pDV5UeoJe2dtFLbDT7iwb1snoV1fGQ10TreiIljMHcigHSj~Q-ovU5~89vtT8a3c3sLe~4XyzvYfGb76lOsQ6utejjPjxvXawmltrjGTzi9xQKk39-GXCXfDQPw8v3jsH71JuRvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council on Sept. 9 authorized notice of termination to Keller Thoma PC for labor and employment legal services after the firm’s labor attorneys departed, and agreed to retain Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PLLC on an interim basis through June 30, 2026.

City staff reported that several labor attorneys who handled the city’s labor matters at Keller Thoma — including Gary Sashital, Greg Schultz and Elizabeth Young — left the firm and reconstituted their prior practice. Because there would be no remaining labor counsel at Keller Thoma able to fulfill the contract, staff recommended terminating the existing agreement and engaging Ogletree to continue representation.

Council approved the termination notice unanimously and then voted 4‑1 to approve the Ogletree agreement. Council member Watson voted no. During the discussion, council members debated procurement options and said an RFP could be issued to solicit proposals for longer‑term labor counsel; staff suggested starting an RFP process after the start of 2026 so proposals would be in place when the interim agreement ends. Council member Altman and others emphasized continuity and the risks of labor negotiations going poorly if counsel were not in place.

The interim Ogletree contract was authorized to run through June 30, 2026, to allow continuity during upcoming labor cycles (including police and fire negotiations referenced for 2026). Council asked staff to consider an RFP and to return with timeline options to the council before the interim contract expires.

Ending

Council terminated Keller Thoma’s contract because the firm no longer had labor attorneys available to perform the work, and it approved an interim agreement with Ogletree to maintain labor and employment legal services while the city prepares a longer‑term procurement process.","After the city’s contracted labor attorneys left Keller Thoma to reconstitute their prior firm, council voted to terminate the Keller Thoma agreement and approved a time‑limited contract with Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart for labor and employment matters through June 30, 2026; vote was 4‑1.",{"_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},6586996,"Council approves sidewalk, pool HVAC and elevator contracts; Hanna pool repair work to include corrosion mitigation",200,5396000,5596000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5744797-7fcb95ccbdf1ee831e9f897c049027f3&start=5396&end=5596","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5744797-7fcb95ccbdf1ee831e9f897c049027f3/thumbnail_5396000.jpg","/articles/6586996/East-Lansing/Ingham-County/Michigan/Council-approves-sidewalk-pool-HVAC-and-elevator-contracts-Hanna-pool-repair-work-to-include-corrosion-mitigation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586996-d060c811bf13631739cc146d14d7eccd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159314&Signature=d2y6DzZNWS2-OcBCXLzFz9nd7Ykon~LQ4poz9h3z20DDsqgtL5u5LhwNQ0flbxMNvk7X~4HyckWlzS-ApfLbd3g9PyaR4Fi0YK2kH11AkiHZ~pUGuVDR0-wWQfnNjE839O1AtKb8mVsDQjA2kj6WoojNsG~oCxNvVL~asSwAGjwNw~Va3RQyyvZZxYxXIySRbZqg5QZSrv4lYPzpSNeC0DsGywJJNPEiWu9TEjQBFVMCTz4SwL0NKl8KLc5RR8umEOo~GA1SCiNMboPfA0BWaAxmoLKyxa0wlsIbvGel9Ily2hnnG0wMPV4Bx3w4cle5UT7jHD7WHt5PmSvpbzDHTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The East Lansing City Council on Sept. 9 approved a series of infrastructure contracts and change orders intended to address safety and facility maintenance.

The council authorized a contract with Lopez Construction for the 2025 hazardous sidewalk project in the amount of $273,279, with a 15% contingency for a total authorized amount not to exceed $314,271. Ron Lakas, director of Public Works, said the project — funded through the sidewalk division of the general fund — includes sidewalk replacement and related driveway, curb and ADA ramp work; property owners will pay about $130,000 of the total cost.

The council ratified change order No. 13 to the Hanna Community Center pool HVAC replacement contract with Nielsen Commercial Construction for $39,073.31. Justin Durinke, interim director of Parks, Recreation and Arts, said workers discovered significant corrosion to steel beams once walls were opened; the project used emergency purchasing procedures to address structural issues. Staff said the replacement includes installation of a dehumidification unit to reduce future corrosion and that exposed replacement steel will be epoxy‑coated.

Council also approved a $125,661.59 contract with TK Elevator Corporation to replace the control unit and related operating mechanics on the Hannah Community Center lobby elevator to comply with upcoming state code updates. Staff said the elevator modernization is included in the FY26 budget and follows recent modernization of the city‑hall elevator.

Voting and next steps

All three measures passed by voice or unanimous vote. Staff said the Hanna pool remains closed during construction and they tentatively expected reopening in September, pending no further surprises. Directors described additional protective coatings and structural repairs intended to extend the useful life of pool facility components.","The City Council authorized a $273,279 contract (plus 15% contingency) for the 2025 hazardous sidewalk project, ratified a $39,073 change order for Hanna Community Center pool HVAC repairs, and approved a $125,661 elevator modernization contract; staff described corrosion and dehumidification measures for the pool project.",{"_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},6587001,"Business owners, residents and council weigh downtown safety after chaotic weekend events",445,747000,1192000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5744797-7fcb95ccbdf1ee831e9f897c049027f3&start=747&end=1192","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5744797-7fcb95ccbdf1ee831e9f897c049027f3/thumbnail_747000.jpg","/articles/6587001/East-Lansing/Ingham-County/Michigan/Business-owners-residents-and-council-weigh-downtown-safety-after-chaotic-weekend-events","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6587001-637a7462214a69c1c203c39aa7385755/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159314&Signature=cLcdv3CWWUeul8a62PtPSTtZt~hMIkr~5loipAejgCPtQB~~x34qhoWDMfUCt169sRQT1Kz3VvNVMAuLG51owfp7Tg65SRS4QK0BUbkENpXJSvItaFahpI4AmSVP1emdyy7rcQXluzhr7FIyg4RtZudlDC-2C2SnuSiEa5OwpSsIqc4tm9BSD7ZD88UM6Xy6dqKLFCbyOKVflfAqlT4GEInCkrxqTrhON4YxcNuok2fx2R4r0OuA7MABw0Z2C4bj3H7kYYo8slk0mBhNVXL6tjwv2qlCX0T33~cS8bk~QsGsxjAu2iSEM0nmnEUL2pF4WjjF4Vs3rrSQ8go41X4QuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple downtown business owners and residents told the City Council on Sept. 9 they have seen an increase in loitering, fights and safety problems in the downtown business district, particularly late at night, and urged action to restore safety and customer confidence.

Business owners described customers avoiding downtown and employees quitting because of harassment and threats. Ali Hader, who identified himself as a downtown business owner, said his establishment has been there roughly 30 years and reported “loitering and encampments” that have harmed customer traffic; he urged council to “bring back a narrowly tailored loitering ordinance” and to expand the city’s camping ordinance to cover the downtown sidewalk business district.

Other downtown speakers, including Paul Vlahakis (owner of multiple downtown businesses) and John Vlahakis (manager at a downtown bar/restaurant), said officers have responded rapidly in violent incidents and credited police with preventing further injury. John Vlahakis described multiple instances of stabbings and fights in public plazas and said police “had him locked down” and deployed less‑lethal force to prevent further harm.

Several speakers and council members referred to incidents during “welcome week” that generated social‑media footage. Council member Watson said she learned about some incidents through TikTok and urged greater transparency, including access to body‑worn camera footage: “Either you did something wrong or you did something right. ... Can we look at it with our own eyes too?” Council member Meadows said the council should set up a discussion‑only meeting to consider a range of responses, and Council member Aultman described technical steps (traffic calming, enforcement options, and an ordinance restricting modified mufflers) that could be pursued.

City manager and staff remarks said the city is pursuing both short‑term enforcement and longer‑term process work: staff recognized a staffing and resourcing dimension to downtown calls and said traffic‑control and safety‑planning items will be brought to the Transportation Commission and that regional partners (MDOT) may be invited to future meetings. The city manager also announced staff efforts on traffic calming in specific neighborhoods and invited patience as staff manage a high volume of public email.

Ending

Council members asked for a focused discussion on downtown safety and options; several said they would schedule a discussion‑only agenda item to explore coordinated responses with police, business owners and regional partners.","Multiple downtown business owners, residents and the council discussed a rise in late‑night violence and nuisance activity around downtown East Lansing and called for a mix of enforcement, operational changes and transparency on police response; council and staff suggested a future discussion‑only meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents and civil-rights groups urge council to reject changes to police oversight ordinance

Council terminates Keller Thoma labor contract and approves interim agreement with Ogletree Deakins after staffing departures

Council approves sidewalk, pool HVAC and elevator contracts; Hanna pool repair work to include corrosion mitigation

Business owners, residents and council weigh downtown safety after chaotic weekend events