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

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.