All contracts entered into and obligations incurred by the Municipality or for its benefit prior to the taking effect of this Charter shall continue in full force and effect. No action or proceeding, civil or criminal, pending in any court at the time this Charter takes effect, brought by or against the Municipality or any office, agency, or officer thereof, shall be abated or affected by this Charter, but all such actions shall be prosecuted or defended under the laws in effect when they were filed.