Charter review committee recommends preamble, a new transparency chapter and edits; council asks for legal memo

The East Lansing Charter Review Committee presented its final recommendations Tuesday, proposing 23 revisions to the city charter, including a preamble that lays out community values and a new chapter aimed at increasing transparency in financial reporting and public records.

Why it matters: The committee said language describing the city's values and clearer transparency provisions will help citizens find key governance information in one place and ensure financial reporting and procurement decisions are more visible. The committee recommended gender-neutral language and suggested that some related policy items could also be handled by ordinance.

Committee presentation: Chair and vice chair members introduced the 23 resolutions and explained that the group had met since August 2024 and finished its work on schedule. The packet includes specific draft text and a transmittal letter explaining the recommendations.

Council action: Council requested that the city attorney prepare an opinion — to be provided no later than the first council meeting in December — on the process and procedure for pursuing charter provisions so the incoming council and city manager can take appropriate next steps. The city attorney confirmed staff will prepare a review report as requested.

Next steps and calendar: Committee members and council members emphasized that further refinement is expected and that any charter amendments would be placed on a future ballot; councilmembers noted they will have further debate and public input before any measure is finalized.

Ending note: The committee recommended changes intended to modernize charter language and improve public-facing transparency; council requested legal guidance and a city attorney review report to help craft next steps toward possible ballot proposals.