Committee approves appointments to BWL and LEFA; Christopher Harkins and Shelby Frere named

The Lansing Committee of the Whole on Jan. 27 approved two appointment resolutions and forwarded them for final processing.

Christopher Harkins introduced himself to the committee and described a background in state and higher-education budgeting and finance, including service as Michigan's former budget director and current work at Michigan State University. Harkins said he has overseen large budgets and internal financial functions and emphasized interest in municipal governance and oversight for the Board of Water & Light (BWL).

Vice President Carter moved to appoint Harkins as an at-large member of the Board of Water & Light for a term expiring June 30, 2028. The committee vote was recorded as passing (tally reported in the meeting: 7 yes, 1 no). The committee noted the candidate will be presented at council later that evening for any final swearing-in or confirmation procedures.

Shelby Frere appeared and gave a brief biography, noting roughly 20 years in finance and operations across schools, cities and the state treasury. Vice President Carter moved to appoint Frere as an at-large member of the Lansing Entertainment & Public Facilities Authority (LEFA) Board of Commissioners for a term to expire June 30, 2025. The committee vote passed with a tally reported as 6 yes, 2 no. Councilmembers asked whether appointees would attend constituent meetings; both candidates agreed to do so.

The committee record shows both motions carried at the Committee of the Whole and that each appointee will be placed on the full council agenda for subsequent action and (if confirmed) swearing-in.