SECTION 12.02 EFFECT OF CHARTER ON EXISTING LAWS AND RIGHTS.
   The adoption of this Charter shall not affect any pre-existing rights of the Municipality, nor any right or liability or pending suit or prosecution, either on behalf of or against the Municipality or any officer thereof, nor any franchise granted by the Municipality, nor pending proceedings for the authorization of public improvements or the levy of assessments therefor. Except as a contrary intent appears herein, all acts of the Council of the Municipality, including ordinances and resolutions in effect at the date this Charter becomes effective, shall continue in effect until lawfully amended or repealed.
   No action or proceeding pending against the Municipality or an officer thereof shall be abated or affected by the adoption of this Charter, but all such actions or proceedings shall be prosecuted or defended under the laws in effect at the time of the filing thereof.