Charter commission narrows Board of Water & Light changes, requires GM public meetings and broader rate hearing notice

The Lansing Charter Commission voted this week to amend and adopt several proposed changes to the city charter governing the Board of Water & Light, including a requirement that the utility's general manager hold regular public meetings and expanded notice and meeting rules for rate changes.

The commission approved language requiring the Board of Water & Light general manager or the general manager's designee to hold at least quarterly public meetings to interact with ratepayers and customers. The amendment to allow the manager’s designee passed on a roll-call vote (5–4). The commission then adopted the provision as amended by roll call (result recorded as 5 yeas, 4 nays). Commissioner Washington argued the change was intended to make sure “the people don’t feel as though they’re heard,” and said she had discussed the idea with the general manager before bringing it forward.

Why it matters: The change is intended to increase direct contact between customers and BWL leadership; commissioners and BWL representatives described it as an attempt to reach customers who cannot attend evening board meetings. BWL officials told the commission they plan to hold quarterly…