Charter Commission

City of Lansing Charter Commission Regular Meeting Agenda Tony Benavides Lansing City Council Chambers Lansing City Hall, 10th floor 124 W. Michigan Avenue May 13, 2025 at 6:30 PM 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Adopt the Agenda 4. Approval of Minutes A. May 6, 2025 Minutes 5. Public Comment A. People wishing to share public comment virtually may do so. The deadline to register to comment this way is 6PM, 30 minutes before the start of the meeting. Sign up at this link: https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/74fc86bf-2220- 4093-b74c-3bae908329ed@87509dee-095b-4ff8-ba5a-0035cdfc715d People sharing public comment in person at the meeting may sign up when they arrive to the meeting. 6. Officer Reports A. Chair B. Vice-Chair C. Clerk 7. Presentation A. Amanda Castillo, Proposed Ethical Investment Clause Co-author B. Crystal Thomas, City Treasurer 8. New Business A. Article 7: Taxation and Finance 9. Public Comment 10. Commissioner Remarks 11. Adjournment Persons with disabilities who need an accommodation to fully participate in this meeting should contact the City Clerk’s Office at (517) 483-4131 (TTY 711). 24 hour notice may be needed for certain accommodations. An attempt will be made to grant all reasonable accommodation request. Page 1 of 25  Minutes for the City of Lansing Charter Commission Regular Meeting | Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 6:30 PM Tony Benavides City Council Chambers, Lansing City Hall, 10th floor, 124 W. Michigan Ave. Present: Commissioners Adams Simon, Bauer, Boyd, Dowd, Jeffries, Qawwee, Washington Absent: Commissioners Anderson (excused), Lopez (excused) Staff Present: City Clerk Swope, Chief Deputy Clerk Jackson, Attorney Rewa Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chair Jeffries at 6:30 PM. Roll Call Clerk Swope called the roll of the Commission. A quorum was present. Adopt the Agenda Moved by Commissioner Boyd to adopt the agenda as presented. Motion carried. Approval of Minutes Moved by Commissioner Dowd to adopt the April 29, 2025, minutes as presented. Motion carried. Public Comment Fred McLaughlin spoke about the importance of Boards and Commissions. Amanda Castillo spoke about the proposed ethical investment clause. Officer Reports Chair Chair Jeffries reminded everyone that next week the Commission will work on Article 7: Taxation and Finance. This work will feature a presentation from Crystal Thomas, the City Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. Vice-Chair No report. Clerk No Report. New Business A. Article 8: Regulatory Powers and Contracts 8-101.1 and .2 were adopted as presented unanimously. 8-102 was adopted as presented unanimously. Page 2 of 25 Old Business A. Article 3: Legislative Branch Attorney Rewa overviewed the May 2 legal opinion that addresses 3-206 and 3-207 on Investigations and Rights and Responsibilities of Council Members. Commissioners discussed the repealing some of the language they previously adopted in these provisions. No action taken. B. Article 4: Executive Branch Attorney Rewa overviewed the March 28 legal opinion that addresses sustainability. Commissioner Washington expressed she is not in favor of creating a new board. Commissioner Qawwee suggested that creating a sustainability board was to protect funding for sustainability efforts. Moved by Commissioner Dowd to amend 4-308.2 to read “The Department of Public Service shall be in charge of those agencies and programs responsible for the provision of construction, engineering, maintenance, sewage and waste disposal services and facilities, and traffic, and sustainability, including environmental affairs activities and environmental justice within the City.” Motion carried 6-1, with Commissioner Qawwee voting against. C. Article 5: Boards and Commissions Moved by Commissioner Bauer to adopt the proposed Sustainability and Environmental Affairs Board language as Article 5 Chapter 7. Commissioners discussed the impacts of adding this board to the Charter. Motion failed, by the following roll call vote: YEAS (2): Commissioners Qawwee, Bauer NAYS (4): Commissioners Washington, Boyd, Dowd, Jeffries ABSTAIN (1): Commissioner Adams Simon Vice-Chair Adams Simon abstained because she is reviewing information and has not formed her position. D. Article 6: City Employees Attorney Rewa overviewed the May 2 legal opinion that addresses Article 6: City Employees. The goal was to update the non-discrimination language to bring it up to date. Moved by Vice-Chair Adams Simon to adopt the proposed language for 6-301: Non-discrimination. Motion carried. 6-301 now reads “No City employee or applicant for employment shall be discriminated against because of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, height, weight, marital status, physical or mental disability, family status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding a child or expressing human milk, veteran status, medical condition including genetic characteristics, HIV status, source of income, ancestry, student status, housing status, political affiliation or belief, service in armed forces in sovereign nations, linguistic characteristics such as accent or limited English, English proficiency, or other characteristic as defined by law, or any other basis Page 3 of 25  prohibited by law, including any additional protections identified by law. Notwithstanding the above, nothing in this section prohibits consideration of a bona occupational qualification as defined by law. It is permissible to give preferential treatment in hiring to veterans and their relatives as required by federal or state law.” New Business A. Article 8: Regulatory Powers and Contracts 8-201.1 was adopted as presented unanimously. 8-302 was adopted as presented unanimously. 8-303.2 was adopted as presented unanimously. 8-401.2 was adopted as presented unanimously. 8-402.1 and .2 were adopted as presented unanimously. 8-403.1, .4, .5, and .6 were adopted as presented unanimously. Moved by Vice-Chair Adams Simon to strike 8-501: Marijuana. Commissioners discussed the impacts of amending or striking this provision. Moved by Commissioner Qawwee to table the decision on 8-501: Marijuana. Motion failed by the following roll call vote: YEAS (3): Commissioners Qawwee, Boyd, Jeffries NAYS (4): Commissioners Washington, Adams Simon, Bauer, Dowd. Motion carried 5-2. Public Comment No comments were made. Commissioner Remarks Commissioner Washington reminded commissioners to turn off their microphones during recess. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned by Chair Jeffries at 7:42 PM. Page 4 of 25 Lansing City Charter Commission Comment Submission Form 05/05/2025 9:49 AM (EDT) Lansing City Charter Commission Comment Submission Form First Name Brad Last Name Richman (Optional) Contact information is optional, but providing it will make it easier for potential follow up. Lansing City Charter Commission Comment Submission Form Comment Please see the attached letter submitted on behalf of the City's employee labor unions. It has also been provided to the Commission Chair and the copied individuals by USPS First Class mail. (Optional) Additional materials to be sent with your comment Charter Commission Proposed Amendments - FINAL - 05-02-25.pdf (Optional) If your message relates ARTICLE 3 – LEGISLATIVE BRANCH to a specific article(s) in the Charter please select it here: Page 5 of 25 Page 6 of 25 Page 7 of 25 Page 8 of 25 Page 9 of 25 Page 10 of 25 Lansing City Charter Commission Comment Submission Form 05/05/2025 1:59 PM (EDT) Lansing City Charter Commission Comment Submission Form First Name DESHON Last Name Leek (Optional) Contact information is optional, but providing it will make it easier for potential follow up. Email dleek.mbtc@gmail.com Phone 517-388-8173 Lansing City Charter Commission Comment Submission Form Topic City Charter Article 8-401.1 Comment As representative of the Greater Lansing Building Trades Council, we urge you to recommend amending the City Charter Article 8-401.1 to remove the “lowest responsible bidder” requirement for awarding city contracts and replace it with language that allows the city to award contracts based on "best value to the city." Page 11 of 25 Page 12 of 25 May 6, 2025 Lansing Charter Commission​ City Hall​ 124 W Michigan Ave​ Lansing, MI 48933 Dear Members of the Lansing Charter Commission, I am writing to advocate for an expansion of the Lansing City Council from the current seven members proposed to nine. This proposal is grounded in principles of equitable representation, responsiveness, and the practical realities of urban governance. Rationale for Expansion Lansing's population is approximately 112,000, with each council ward member currently representing roughly 28,000 residents and four at-large representing 112,000 each. While this ratio might seem adequate, it is essential to consider the nuances of effective representation. Larger councils can offer more localized attention, better reflect the city's diversity, and enhance constituent engagement. Comparative Analysis with Similar Cities Examining cities of comparable size or smaller to Lansing reveals a trend toward larger councils: ●​ Flint, MI: With a population of about 79,000, Flint has a nine-member city council, resulting in approximately 8,777 residents per council member. All wards ●​ St. Robert, MO: Serving a population of 5,000, St. Robert has an eight-member council which means roughly 625 residents per member. All wards ●​ Waukegan,IL: With a population of 112,000, Waukegan maintains a nine-member council, equating to about 12,444 residents per member. All wards ●​ Springfield, IL: With a population of 112,000, Springfield maintains a ten-member council, equating to about 11,200 residents per member. All wards ●​ Fayetteville, AR: With a population of about 112,000, Fayetteville has an eight-member city council, resulting in approximately 14,000 residents per council member. All wards ​ These examples demonstrate that councils with more members can manage larger populations more effectively, ensuring that each resident's voice is heard and considered. Benefits of a Larger Council Page 13 of 25  1.​ Enhanced Representation: A nine-member council would allow for more diverse perspectives, better reflecting the city's demographic composition. This inclusivity can lead to policies that more accurately address the needs of all communities.​ 2.​ Improved Responsiveness: With more council members, constituents may find it easier to connect with their representatives, leading to quicker responses and more personalized attention to concerns.​ 3.​ Balanced Workload: An expanded council can distribute responsibilities more evenly, preventing burnout and ensuring that council members can dedicate adequate time and resources to their duties.​ 4.​ Increased Accountability: More council members can lead to more robust discussions and debates, fostering greater transparency and accountability in city governance. Benefits of Ward-Only Councils ●​ Localized Representation: Residents have a direct link to their council representative, facilitating more personalized attention to community issues.​ ●​ Increased Accountability: Council members are directly accountable to the residents of their specific wards, leading to more responsive governance.​ ●​ Enhanced Civic Engagement: Ward systems can encourage higher voter turnout and community involvement, as residents feel their vote has a more direct impact.​ ●​ Balanced Decision-Making: With multiple representatives, decisions are more likely to reflect the diverse needs and interests of the entire city. ​ Conclusion Expanding the Lansing City Council to nine members is a proactive step toward enhancing democratic representation and governance. By aligning with practices observed in similar cities, Lansing can ensure that its council is better equipped to serve its residents effectively. Thank you for considering this proposal. I am confident that this change will contribute positively to the future of our city. Sincerely, Page 14 of 25 Ryan Kost​ President​ Lansing City Council Page 15 of 25 1 ARTICLE 7 – TAXATION AND FINANCE 2 Chapter 1. BUDGET 3 7-101 Submission Of Budget 4 On or before the fourth Monday in March of each year, the Mayor shall submit to the City Council a 5 proposal for the annual estimate of all City revenues and annual appropriation of expenditures for all 6 City agencies except the Board of Water and Light, for the next fiscal year beginning on July first. 7 7-102 Council Budget Priorities 8 The City Council shall adopt a statement of City-wide budget Policies and priorities each year and 9 shall transmit it to the Mayor no later than October 1. 10 7-103 Budget Message 11 .1 The Mayor shall submit with the Budget a message containing the necessary information for 12 understanding the budget. 13 .2 The message shall explain how the proposal addresses the priorities proposed by the City Council 14 .3 The budget message shall contain detailed estimates with supporting explanations of proposed 15 expenditures of each agency of the City except the Board of Water and Light. All such estimates ,shall 16 show the actual appropriations and expenditures for corresponding items for the last preceding fiscal 17 year, in full, and appropriations for the current fiscal year together with the expenditures for the 18 current fiscal year to January 1 and estimated expenditures for the balance of the current fiscal year. 19 .4 The budget message shall state the bonded and other indebtedness of the City, showing the bond 20 redemption and interest requirements of the debt authorized and unissued, and the condition of the 21 sinking funds if any. 22 .5 The budget message shall contain detailed estimates of all anticipated revenues of the City from 23 sources other than taxes with a comparative statement of the amounts estimated for and actually 24 received from each of the same or similar sources for the last preceding fiscal year, in full, for the 25 current fiscal year to January 1, and estimated revenues for the balance of the current fiscal year. 26 .6 The budget message shall state the estimated accumulated cash and unencumbered balance, or 27 deficits, at the end of the current fiscal year. 28 .7 The budget message shall contain an estimate of the amount of money to be raised from current 29 and delinquent taxes and the amount to be raised from bond issues, which together with available 30 unappropriated surplus and revenues, from other sources, will be necessary to meet the proposed 31 expenditures. 32 7-104 Budget Hearing 33 .1 The budget of the Mayor, together with all supporting schedules, information and messages, shall 34 be a public record and shall be reviewed by the Council as a committee of the whole. 35 .2 A public hearing on the annual appropriations shall be held in the manner provided by law and at 36 such additional times as the Council shall direct. Page 16 of 25 1 7-105 Adoption Of Budget Resolution 2 .1 Not later than the third Monday in May of each year, the Council shall, by resolution, adopt a 3 budget for the ensuing fiscal year and make an appropriation of the money needed therefore. 4 .2 The resolution shall designate the sum to be raised by taxation for the general purpose of the City 5 and for the payments of principal and interest on its indebtedness. The adoption of the budget 6 resolution shall constitute appropriations of the amounts specified from the funds indicated and a levy 7 for the property tax specified. 8 7-106 Item Veto 9 .1 The Mayor may veto any item which has the effect of appropriating money contained in any action 10 of the City Council. 11 .2 The veto procedure in Section 3-305 of this Charter shall control when an item veto has been 12 exercised. 13 7-107 Effect Of Appropriation 14 .1 No money shall be drawn from the Treasury of the City except in accordance with an appropriation 15 for that purpose or except as provided in this section. 16 .2 This section does not apply to funds in the account of the Board of Water and Light. 17 .3 Whenever an agency of the City reports to the Finance Director that the funds appropriated for a 18 particular purpose will be exhausted before the close of the fiscal year, and the agency has an 19 unencumbered appropriation balance, the Mayor may authorize additional spending for that purpose 20 within the total appropriation for the agency, but the additional expenditure may not exceed 15 21 percent of the Council’s appropriation being added to or $5,000.00, whichever is less. The Finance 22 Director shall report the transfer to the City Clerk for transmission to the City Council at the next 23 regular meeting of the City Council. 24 .4 The appropriation of money for any purpose does not constitute a mandate to spend the money. 25 Each remaining unencumbered appropriation balance at the end of each fiscal year shall revert to the 26 general fund. 27 7-108 Supplemental Appropriations 28 .1 At any time during the fiscal year, the City Council may consider appropriations which modify the 29 previously adopted annual appropriation to: 30 (a) transfer an unencumbered balance in whole or in part from any account or; 31 (b) provide for the expenditures of revenues in excess of those in the budget or; 32 (c) meet a public emergency affecting life, health, property or the public peace, which may require 33 emergency appropriations as provided by law. 34 .2 Supplemental appropriations shall be adopted by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Council 35 members serving and the Finance Director shall give notice of such appropriations to all affected 36 agencies within one week after Council action. 37 7-109 Capital Improvements Plan 38 .1 The Capital Improvements Plan shall be prepared by the Planning Department in accordance with 39 applicable State law. Page 17 of 25 1 .2 The Mayor shall prepare within four months and the City Council shall adopt within six months of 2 the effective date of this Charter, an ordinance that specifies a detailed planning and budgeting 3 process for the Capital Improvements Plan. 4 .3 The Planning Board Commission through the Economic Development and Planning Department 5 and other City departments, agencies and boards shall annually review and submit to the Mayor and 6 City Council a Capital Improvements Plan for the ensuing six years. 7 .4 The City Council shall conduct a Public Hearing on the Capital Improvements Plan concurrent with 8 the Public Hearing on the Annual City Budget. 9 7-110 Control Of Expenditures 10 During the months of October, January and April in each fiscal year, the Director of Finance shall 11 submit to the Mayor and City Council data showing the relationship between the estimated and actual 12 revenues and expenditures to date. If it shall appear that the revenues are less than anticipated, the 13 City Council may, by resolution, reduce appropriations, except amounts required for debts and 14 interest charges, to such a degree as may be necessary to keep expenditures within the revenues. 15 7-111 Uniform System Of Accounts 16 The system of accounts of the City shall conform to such uniform system as may be required by law. 17 Chapter 2. TAXATION 18 7-201 Power To Tax; Tax Limit 19 .1 The City shall have the power to assess taxes and to levy and collect rents, tolls and excises. The 20 annual general ad valorem tax levy for municipal purposes shall not exceed 2 percent of the 21 assessed value of all real and personal property in the City. 22 .2 Within three days after the Council has made the appropriations for the ensuing year, the Clerk 23 shall certify to the Assessor the total amount which the Council determines shall be raised by general 24 ad valorem tax. 25 7-202 Subjects Of Taxation 26 .1 The subjects of ad valorem taxation for municipal purposes shall be the same as for the state, 27 county, and school purposes under the general law. 28 7-203 Exemptions 29 The power of taxation shall never be surrendered or suspended by any grant or contract to which the 30 City shall be a party. No exemptions from taxation shall be allowed, except such as are expressly 31 required or permitted by State Law. 32 7-204 Duties Of The City Assessor 33 .1 The City Assessor shall assess all real and personal property in the City of Lansing in the manner 34 provided by State law. 35 .2 The Assessor shall prepare and certify the current assessment roll to the Board of Review on or 36 before the date provided by ordinance. Page 18 of 25  1 .3 The Assessor shall prepare and extend all tax rolls and deliver them to the Treasurer on or before 2 the date provided by ordinance and in the manner provided by State law. 3 .4 At least one week prior to the Assessor’s certification of the assessment roll, the Assessor shall 4 complete a tentative assessment roll for public inspection and give notice to the owner as shown on 5 the assessment roll, by first class mail, of any changes in the assessed value of any property as 6 compared with the previous year or the addition of any property to the roll. The notice shall advise the 7 property owner that the change in valuation or addition of property may be discussed at the office of 8 the Assessor prior to the meeting of the Board of Review. The failure to give notice shall not invalidate 9 any assessment roll or assessment thereon. 10 .5 The Assessor may change the assessment roll during the period of public inspection before 11 certification but only as a result of information obtained after completion of the tentative roll as a result 12 of an inquiry or otherwise. 13 .6 Notice of the time and place of the meetings of the Board of Review shall be published by the 14 Assessor not less than one week prior to the first meeting thereof. 15 7-205 Board Of Review 16 .1 A Board of Review for property tax assessment is created. 17 .2 The Mayor shall appoint, subject to Council confirmation, five members serving staggered terms of 18 three years each. In order to increase the membership of the Board of Review created under the 19 previous Charter to five public members, one member shall I be appointed to a term of at least two 20 years expiring July 1, 1981, and one member shall be appointed to a term of at least one year 21 expiring on July 1, 1980. Public members serving terms of three years at the time of the adoption of 22 this Charter shall continue until the expiration of their term. 23 .3 The members of the Board of Review shall be appointed on the basis of their knowledge and 24 experience in property valuation. 25 .4 No member of the Board of Review shall hold any other public office or public employment in any 26 local unit of government supported by Lansing property taxes in whole or in part. All members of the 27 Board of Review shall be residents of the City. 28 .5 Unless otherwise provided by ordinance, the Board of Review shall convene on the second 29 Monday in March and sit for at least five calendar days. 30 .6 The Board of Review shall have such powers and duties as may be provided by law. The Board of 31 Review shall adopt rules for its Conduct of business. 32 .7 The Board of Review shall adopt rules for its conduct of business. 33 7-206 Taxes Become Lien 34 .1 City property taxes shall become a debt due by the persons liable for them on the tax day as 35 provided by State law. The debt shall become payable and a lien upon the property on July 1 next 36 following, or as provided by State law. 37 .2 All personal taxes shall be a first lien, prior, superior, and paramount on all personal property of 38 such persons as assessed. Such lien shall take precedence over all other claims, encumbrances, and 39 liens, to the extent provided by statute, and shall continue until such taxes, interest, and charges are 40 paid. 41 .3 Personal Tax Lien and due dates may be accelerated by Jeopardy Assessment, as provided by 42 State law. Page 19 of 25 1 7-207 State, City, County, School And Community College Taxes 2 State, city, county, school and community college taxes shall be levied, collected and returned, as 3 provided by ordinance, in conformity with State law. 4 7-208 Collection Of Taxes 5 .1 The Council shall provide, by ordinance, for the method of payment of taxes and charges and for 6 fees, penalties, and interest, or any of them, for the late payment or non-payment of same. 7 .2 The ordinance herein required shall not be amended in such manner or at such time as to change 8 the provisions thereof relative to any city tax collection commencing on the first day of July in the 9 calendar year in which such ordinance is amended. 10 .3 There shall be no fee, penalty, or interest charged during the first thirty-one days of the collection 11 period, and the total fees, penalties, and interest charged before March 1 of the following year shall 12 not exceed eight percent of such taxes and penalties. Such fees, penalties, and interest shall 13 constitute a charge and shall be a lien against the property to which the taxes themselves apply, 14 collectable in the same manner as the taxes to which they are added. 15 .4 If any person shall neglect or refuse to pay any tax on personal property assessed, the Treasurer 16 shall collect the same as provided and required by State statute. 17 7-209 Delinquent Tax Collection Procedure 18 .1 The City may provide by ordinance for the enforcement and collection of delinquent taxes. 19 .2 The ordinance shall make provision for notice, disposition, judgment, a period of redemption and 20 the purchase of the City’s interest by the owner of an interest in the property. 21 .3 If no ordinance is in effect regulating the enforcement and collection of delinquent taxes, such 22 taxes shall be returned to the County Treasurer pursuant to the general tax laws. 23 .4 Except as otherwise provide by this Charter or ordinance, the rights, duties, powers, immunities 24 and procedures established by the general laws shall apply in the collection and enforcement of City 25 property taxes. 26 Chapter 3. BORROWING 27 7-301 General Borrowing Power 28 .1 The City may borrow money for any purpose within the scope of its powers, may issue bonds or 29 other evidence of indebtedness, and may, when permitted by law, pledge the full faith and credit of 30 the City for the payment of those obligations. 31 .2 The enumeration of specific kinds of bonds or other borrowing in this Charter shall not be deemed 32 to exclude other kinds of bonds or other borrowing permitted by State law. 33 7-302 Limitations On Borrowing 34 .1 The net bonded indebtedness for general obligations of the City shall not exceed 10 percent of the 35 assessed value of all the real and personal property in the City. 36 .2 No obligation shall be sold to obtain funds for any purpose or purposes other than that for which 37 those obligations were specifically authorized. 38 .3 If any bonds are not sold within three years after authorization, the authorization shall be null and 39 void. Page 20 of 25 1 7-303 Use Of Borrowed Funds 2 .1 Each obligation shall contain on its face a statement of the purpose for which it is issued. 3 .2 All proceeds from the issue of an obligation shall be expended for the purpose for which the 4 obligation was issued until the purpose has been accomplished, and then for the retirement of other 5 obligations of the City. 6 .3 The Council may authorize the remaining unexpended and unencumbered proceeds for use in any 7 manner permitted by State law. 8 7-304 Execution Of Obligations 9 All obligations issued by the City shall be executed with the signature of the Mayor and the City Clerk, 10 unless otherwise provided by ordinance, and shall bear the Seal of the City. Interest coupons may be 11 executed with the facsimile signatures of the Mayor and the City Clerk. 12 7-305 Special Assessment Bonds 13 .1 The Council shall, subject to the general laws of the State, have authority to borrow money in 14 anticipation of the payment of special assessments made for the purpose of defraying the cost of any 15 public improvement, or in anticipation of the payment of any combination of such special 16 assessments, and to issue bonds therefore. 17 .2 Such special assessment bonds may be an obligation of the special assessment district or districts 18 or may be both an obligation of the special assessment district or districts and a general obligation of 19 the City. 20 .3 All collections on each special assessment roll or combination of rolls shall be set apart in a 21 separate fund for the payment of the principal and interest of the bonds issued in anticipation of the 22 payment of such special assessments, and shall be used for no other purpose. 23 Chapter 4. SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS 24 7-401 Power To Assess 25 .1 The City Council shall have the power to make public improvements within the City and, as to 26 public improvements which are of such a nature as to benefit especially any property or properties 27 within a district, the Council shall have the power to determine, by resolution, that the whole or any 28 part of the expense of any public improvement shall be defrayed by special assessment upon the 29 property in districts especially benefited, in proportion to the benefits derived or to be derived. 30 .2 If, prior to the adoption of a resolution finally authorizing the making of a public improvement to be 31 financed by special assessment, written objections to the proposed improvement have been filed by 32 the owners of property in the district, which according to estimates will be required to bear more than 33 50 percent of the amount of such special assessments, no resolution finally determining to proceed 34 with such improvement shall be adopted, except by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Council 35 Members serving. 36 7-402 Procedure Ordinance 37 The Council shall prescribe, by ordinance, the complete special assessment procedure governing the 38 initiation of projects, preparation of plans and cost estimates, creation of special assessment districts, 39 notices and hearings, making and confirming of special assessment rolls, correction of errors in such Page 21 of 25 1 rolls, the number of installments in which special assessments may be paid, collection of special 2 assessments, refunds, and any other matters concerning the making and financing of improvements 3 by the special assessment method. 4 7-403 Additional Assessments 5 .1 Additional pro rata assessments may be made when any special assessment roll proves 6 insufficient to pay for the improvement for which it was levied and the incidental expenses thereof or 7 to pay the principal and interest on bonds issued in anticipation of such assessment rolls. 8 .2 Additional pro rata assessment shall not exceed 25 percent of the assessment as originally 9 confirmed unless confirmed by vote of the City Council at a meeting for which notice has been given 10 in the same manner as the original special assessment. 11 7-404 Contest Of Assessments 12 .1 Any person owning property specially assessed shall have 60 days from the mailing of a notice of 13 confirmation of the special assessment roll to notify the City Clerk in writing of any claimed illegality in 14 the special assessment process. The City shall presume that any person who neglects or refuses to 15 assert a claim within the 60 day period has withheld his or her claim for the purpose of unjustly 16 obtaining a special benefit to the property to the detriment of the general taxpayers of the City. 17 .2 If the City Attorney submits a written opinion finding the special assessment roll illegal, in whole or 18 in part, the City Council may revoke its confirmation, correct the illegality, if possible, and reconfirm it. 19 No property shall be assessed more than was imposed upon the original confirmation without further 20 notice and hearing. 21 7-405 Lien And Collection Of Special Assessments 22 .1 Upon the confirmation of each special assessment roll, the special assessments thereon shall 23 become a debt to the City from the persons to whom they are assessed and" until paid shall be a lien 24 upon the property assessed, for the amount of such assessments and all interest and charges 25 thereon. Such lien shall be of the same character and effect as created by this Charter for City taxes. 26 .2 The Council may provide by ordinance for fees, penalties, and interest for the late payment or non 27 payment of special assessments, which fees, penalties, and interest shall be a lien and shall be 28 collectable as are similar charges upon City taxes. The Council may provide that delinquent special 29 assessments be placed upon the tax roll, together with any accrued fees, penalties, and interest 30 thereon, to be collected in all respects as are City taxes on such roll, or may make other provisions 31 for the lien created by such special assessments. 32 7-406 Postponement Of Payments 33 The Council may provide that persons who, in the opinion of the Assessor and Council, by reason of- 34 poverty, are unable to contribute toward the cost of the making of a public improvement may execute 35 to the City an instrument creating a lien for the benefit of the City on all or any part of the real property 36 owned by them and benefitted by any public improvement, which lien will mature and be effective 37 from and after the execution of such instrument and shall be enforceable in the event that title to such 38 property is thereafter transferred in any manner whatsoever. The Council shall establish the 39 procedure for making this section effective by ordinance. Page 22 of 25 1 7-407 Special Assessment Accounts 2 Monies raised by special assessment for any public improvement shall be credited to a special 3 assessment account and shall be used to pay for the costs of the improvement for which the 4 assessment was levied and of expenses incidental thereto, to repay any principal or interest on 5 money borrowed therefore, and to refund excessive assessments. 6 7-408 All Property Liable For Special Assessment 7 All real property, including such as is exempt from taxation by law or exempted by the Board of 8 Review, and with or without valuation placed thereon, shall be liable for the cost of public 9 improvements benefiting such property, unless exempted there from by law, the same as other 10 property, as provided in Section 7-402, and such special assessments shall be levied, collected, and 11 returned, and the said premises may be sold or forfeited in the same manner as for nonpayment of 12 City taxes. Page 23 of 25  City of Lansing Charter Revision Proposal Ethical Investment Clause (Proposed revision to: ARTICLE 7 - TAXATION AND FINANCE) Chapter 5. ETHICAL INVESTMENT The City of Lansing shall not, directly or indirectly, through subsidiary or otherwise engage in investments in or procurements from industries, entities, or ventures that are dangerous to human life, complicit in human rights abuses, or contribute to the destruction of natural resources, including, but not limited to: (A) Investments in or procurements from industries, entities, or ventures that manufacture weapons, military technology systems, or surveillance technology. (B) Investments in or procurements from private prisons and detention centers, including the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). (C) Investments in or procurements from industries, entities, or ventures whose products or byproducts are destructive to the natural environment and human health, such as fossil fuels, carcinogens, and pipelines. (D) Investments in or procurements from entities or ventures associated with any nation-state engaged in the maintenance of illegal occupation, annexation, or apartheid as determined by the International Criminal Court of Justice (ICJ) or the International Criminal Court (ICC). (E) Investments in or procurements from industries, entities, or ventures that are complicit in human rights abuses including violations of civil and labor rights. Where possible, the City of Lansing shall make investments locally to directly uplift the Lansing community, including: (A) Investments in entities or ventures that uphold racial, ethnic, gender, disability, and sexual equality, equity, and justice. (B) Investments in entities or ventures that provide clean, safe, and sustainable renewable energy. (C) Investments that strengthen local relationships with Tribal communities through the return of national public lands to Indigenous/Tribal stewardship. (D) Investments in entities or ventures that meet or exceed the national or local fair wage standards (whichever is higher) and uphold the rights of people to elect to join or form trade unions and bargain collectively. In order to abide by the above provisions, the City must: (A) Establish a Sustainable and Ethical Preferred Procurement Policy establishing policy and procedures for acquiring and maintaining investments with responsibility to minimize negative impacts on human life and the environment in accordance with the City Charter. (B) Form an Ethical Investment Review Board for assessment that all investments are in accordance with the City Charter and the Sustainable and Ethical Preferred Procurement Policy. (1) The Ethical Investment Review Board will conduct an annual review of all city Page 24 of 25  investments past and present to ensure investment policies abide by the City Charter. (2) The members of the Board shall be residents of the City and hold no other public office or public employment in any local unit of government. (3) The Ethical Investment Review Board shall have the power to assess and recommend divestiture of all shares, bonds, contracts, or other such investments and procurements in the entities involved in unethical social or environmental harms as described in the above provisions. (C) Develop a permanent public mechanism for regularly communicating to the Ethical Investment Review Board the views and recommendations of the Lansing community regarding the city's investments, contracts, and policies. (D) Ensure that disclosure of City of Lansing investments, contracts, and other such procurements are made publicly accessible and transparent to Lansing residents. 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