Akron Council's Weekly Legislative Spotlight! 2023 Issue #15

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Akron City Council

Weekly Legislative Spotlight

From the Desk of the Council President

Hello Joan,

Once again, we would like to welcome our new subscribers. We are so excited that you have decided to join us! To our regular subscribers, thank you for continuing to read Council's Legislative Spotlight.

We share highlights from Council's legislative agenda from the previous Monday's Committee and Council meetings each week. Definitions and information about commonly used terms and council-related facts are also featured.

Please stay connected and abreast of the legislative agenda of Akron City Council.

The information shared in each week's Legislative Spotlight will continue to educate, empower and liberate you to become increasingly engaged with your City Council in making Akron a better place for all its residents.

Sincerely,

Margo Sommerville

Council President

Ward 3 Council Member

Legislative Highlights From Monday, May 1, 2023

ORDINANCE NO. 118-2023 authorizing the Mayor and/or his designee(s) to apply for, to accept if awarded, and to enter into an agreement with the State of Ohio, Department of Education, for After School Program grants for the 2023-2024 school year; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 13, Nays: 0

RESOLUTION NO. 119-2023 declaring the month of May 2023 Mental Health Awareness Month in the City of Akron, to raise awareness about mental health in the local community and to recognize and celebrate the many individuals, families, agencies, and community partners that contribute to mental health services; and declaring an emergency. Check out the ADM Board Website for resources. Vote: Ayes: 13, Nays: 0

There will be an open comment public hearing May 8th on the following:

Ordinance approving the 2023 Consolidated Annual Action Plan including applications and certifications for the Community Development Block Grant (“Community Development”), the HOME Investment Partnership (“HOME”), and Emergency Solutions Grant (“ESG”) Programs; authorizing the Director of Planning and Urban Development to enter into all necessary contracts for the operation and term of the Programs; and declaring an emergency.

The City of Akron is seeking citizen input regarding community needs. The City of Akron is working to develop the 2023 Annual Action Plan. The Annual Action Plan identifies goals and the budget for activities funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) utilizing Community Block Grant funds, HOME Investment Partnership funds, and Emergency Solutions Grant Program funds.

This funding has historically been used to support homelessness outreach and support, affordable housing, economic development initiatives, social services, parks and open spaces, and public improvements. You can attend the open comment public hearing on May 8 or take this survey!

Remember...

You can see all the legislation discussed during the meeting at: https://onlinedocs.akronohio.gov/OnBaseAgendaOnline/

View additional employment opportunities with the City of Akron here.

Akron Safe Pledge Program

Akron City Council has launched the Akron Safe Pledge Program to provide funding for creating a safe dining experience during a rise in COVID-19 cases this season.

For more information on how to apply, visit:

Akron City Council Announces $250,000 Akron Safe Pledge Program | Akron City Council.

Suspension of the Rules:

Allows Council, upon a two-thirds vote, to temporarily suspend or set aside the Rules of Procedure for Council. This motion is most commonly used to pass legislation as an emergency.

Declaring an Emergency:

Allows Council to dispense with the requirement that a piece of legislation be read at three separate Council meetings, and allows the legislation to go into effect earlier than 30 days from passage of the legislation.

You can view the Rules of Procedure for Akron City Council here.

Upcoming Open Comment Public Hearings

Notices are posted on our website at least 15 days prior to the meeting date. These notices are also advertised in the Akron Beacon Journal at least 15 days prior to the meeting date.

If the Ordinance is a Conditional Use (Zoning measure), a notice is also mailed to the owners and residents of property within, contiguous to, and directly across the street from the property involved in the Ordinance (per Charter Section 34).

You do not need to fill out any forms to participate. You may attend in person in Council Chambers or remotely via videoconference. Those wishing to attend remotely need to notify the Clerk of Council as outlined in the meeting notice in order to receive the information to join remotely.

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Akron City Council

Margo Sommerville, President

166 S. High Street, 3rd Floor

Akron, OH 44308

www.akroncitycouncil.org

(330) 375 - 2256