Election Day Spotlight Shines on Council—But Local Change Often Starts With East Lansing’s Volunteer Commissions

All eyes will be on the outcome of today’s election, where two new members will be selected to serve on the East Lansing City Council. But there’s a lot more to local government than just the five-member legislative body. 

East Lansing has many city commissions that play an important advisory role. While almost all final decisions are made by council, many ideas originate from city commissions, and proposed ordinances and projects are thoroughly analyzed by commissions before making their way to City Council. 

Commissioners are volunteers and slots are dedicated to East Lansing residents, with a few exceptions. There are several city commissions with vacancies currently, including the Commission on the Environment, East Lansing Independent Oversight Commission, Historic District Commission, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and University Student Commission. 

East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission

The East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission (ELIPOC) was created in 2021. Eleven members serve on this commission with staggered terms, and currently there’s one vacancy. They usually meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. 

ELIPOC reviews ELPD policies and recommends changes. The commission is designed to increase police accountability and transparency.

Commission Chair Ernest Conerly was compelled to serve because he wanted to help bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community. He spends on average of 10 to 15 hours monthly on the work, which includes meetings, subcommittee work, reviewing materials and engaging with the community. 

“I have always believed that real change happens when people are willing to show up, speak up, and stay engaged even when it is hard,” Conerly said. 

There have been recent changes made by the city that limit ELIPOC’s powers. At the Oct. 24 City Council meeting, council passed amendments to the ordinance governing ELIPOC that restrict the commission’s ability to investigate incidents and limit transparency. 

Conerly said that the commission’s work goes beyond meetings and it’s not for the faint of heart. 

“It is emotional, challenging, and requires a willingness to lean into uncomfortable conversations,” Conerly said. “But if you care deeply about justice, accountability, and community trust, it is also incredibly meaningful. You have to be ready to stand firm when it is easier to stay quiet.”

Commission on the Environment

There are nine members on the Commission on the Environment who serve three-year terms. There are two vacancies, and meetings are usually held on the third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. 

The commission is responsible for considering a wide range of environmental issues and protections. Serving on this commission means having a hand in recommending legislative and policy changes. 

The commission’s council liaison, Councilmember Erik Altmann, encourages people to apply if they want to see a particular policy change concerning environmental issues. 

“If you enjoy talking about environmental topics with like-minded individuals, that’s a good place to do it,” Altmann said. 

Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission has seven members who serve three-year terms. They meet usually on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. There is currently one vacancy on the commission.  

The commission reviews and recommends changes about the city’s master plan, and parks and recreation operating budget and fee schedule. It also reviews proposals concerning parks and recreation.

Commission Chair Sarah Reckhow has lived in East Lansing since 2007, and her appreciation for the city’s parks and activities has grown during that time. 

“I’ve been someone who’s used the recreation and parks, but especially now that I have two kids,” Reckhow said. “It’s another layer of how the amenities and programs can become a really big part of your life.” 

Reckhow’s experience working alongside the other commissioners and city staff has been fruitful. She’s even gained firsthand experience in trying different activities offered by the city, such as ceramics.

“I think the staff does a really nice job of making sure the commission members really learn about all the different programs,” Reckhow said. “By serving on the commission, you learn a ton about the work that goes on, staffing involved and what it costs.” 

She spends about five to six hours each month on commission-related work since becoming chair. Serving as chair requires additional time associated with the agenda and checking in with the director of the department and staff.

Sometimes commissioners spend more time on their duties, especially if they are representing the commission in a study committee or working with the Community Development Advisory Committee to make recommendations about how block grants should be used. 

“We have a really collegial commission… I think what we’re about is stewardship, like how do we maintain the operations of these facilities and programs to the very best that they can be, in the face of a lot of external challenges that come about,” Reckhow said.

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission is made up of seven members who serve three-year terms. It currently has two vacancies, one for a registered architect and another who is preferred to live in one of East Lansing’s designated historic districts. 

This commission follows the city’s historic preservation code and is tasked with reviewing proposed changes to the exterior of buildings within historic districts in East Lansing. The commission also helps spread information about preservation practices.

Commission Chair Molly Szpunar decided to serve on the commission because she loves the city and its diverse neighborhoods. 

“I think the houses that are from different time periods are really important to our history, and it’s important that we work to maintain, preserve, and celebrate that history,” Szpunar said. 

As chair, she puts a little more time into the commission, averaging four to five hours monthly. Her experience serving has been extremely positive and has allowed her to meet more people across the community. 

A success the commission recently achieved is updating the historic district brochure, so any individual who moves into a house in an East Lansing historic district will receive information on what that entails, Szpunar said. 

“I think the brochure is really accessible and has a lot of quick information that’s easy to digest,” she said. 

Recently, the commission was awarded a $25,000 grant from the State Historic Preservation Office to create a resource guide that will include practical resources such as maintenance tips, renovation best practices, East Lansing’s architectural styles and will identify local preservation standards. 

“I think it’s going to be a really terrific resource that’s going to be put together probably within the next 12 months,” Szpunar said. 

Szpunar recommends those interested in serving on the commission review the commission’s website, guidance documents and the city’s historic preservation code.

University Student Commission

The University Student Commission is made up of 11 individuals who serve one-year terms. Commissioners are members of recognized student organizations and other members of the student body. They meet 10 times each year. There are two vacancies, one reserved for a member of the Residence Halls Association, according to the city’s website.

The commission is tasked with proposing programs and policies related to strengthening the relationship between students and the city, and maintaining communication between the two.

Its most recent meeting on Oct. 28 delved into ASMSU hosting a city council candidate forum, planning a backpack event for people facing housing insecurity and inviting city employees to discuss a variety of topics like safety in the downtown area.