The taking effect of this Charter shall not affect pre-existing rights of the Municipality, or any right or liability or pending suit or prosecution, either on behalf of or against this Municipality or any Officer thereof, nor any contract entered into by the Municipality or for its benefit, nor any franchise granted by the Municipality, nor pending proceedings for the authorization of public improvements or the levy of assessments thereof. Except as a contrary intent appears herein, all acts of the Council of the Municipality in effect on January 1, 1992, shall continue in effect until lawfully amended or repealed.