Detroit City Council has scheduled forfeiture hearings next month to begin the process of removing Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick from office because of the scandal stemming from the police whistle-blower lawsuit settlement last year.  Council says it was not aware of a confidentiality agreement linked to the $8.4 million settlement in the case.

The hearings are expected to begin by mid June. 

Special independent attorney to city council, Bill Goodman says the hearings could have concrete consequences for the mayor that result in forfeiture.  The mayor would be represented by attorney who could cross-exam witnesses.  At the end of the process, council could vote to remove him from office.

In addition,  Governor Jennifer Granholm's office says she has started looking into a council request asking her to remove Kilpatrick for misconduct.

In other Council action today, members withdrew two amendments to the city charter aimed at weakening mayoral powers in the hiring of corporation counsel for the city in the wake of the text message scandal.  Instead, Councilman Kwame Kenyatta is calling for more sweeping changes in city government.  He says he would work to set-up a charter revision commission next year to make changes that include having a city manager position.

Also members finalized the budget. WWJ Newsradio 950's Florence Walton reports council has put nearly $4 million in the budget for recycling programs.

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