Akron City Council

        Weekly Legislative Spotlight

Legislative Highlights From Monday, June 12, 2023

Council held a public hearing on an Ordinance authorizing a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish the Beacon Journal building at 44 E. Exchange Street, and declaring an emergency. The Planning and Economic Development Committee made an Adverse Report. Vote on the Adverse Report: Ayes: 13, Nays: 0 and the Ordinance was Filed.

RESOLUTION NO. 169-2023 expressing opposition to and urging Akron citizens to vote “No” on Ohio Issue 1, a ballot initiative which, if approved, would imbed a “minority rule” in Ohio’s Constitution by requiring a sixty percent super-majority to pass citizen-led constitutional amendments; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 13, Nays: 0. Currently, citizen-led constitutional amendments require a simple majority vote of 50% plus one. Voting "No" on Issue 1 will protect the sacred principle of "one person one vote" and preserve the majority rule required for constitutional amendments in Ohio. For information on the Special Election, please visit the Summit County Board of Elections.

ORDINANCE NO. 174-2023 authorizing the Mayor or his designee, after publicly advertising for bids, to enter into a contract or contracts to resurface various courts for basketball, pickleball, and tennis including those located at Kerr Park and Morgan Park; authorizing the expenditure of funds; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 13, Nays: 0. Resurfacing is necessary to provide player safety, recreating a smooth surface, even ball bounce, eliminate cracks, and increase participation. The City of Akron Recreation & Parks division offers quality-of-life activities for our area residents. You can check out the Recreation & Parks Division website for more information.

Remember...

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

Defeat The General Assembly’s Amendment to End Majority Rule & Empower Special Interests

Ohio lawmakers set an August election for a vote on a proposal to amend the Ohio constitution to require a 60% vote for passage of amendments instead of the simple majority we have had for more than 100 years. We urge voters to oppose the amendment, which destroys the principle of “one person one vote” and empowers special interests over people. 

Check out the calendar on

Council's website for

upcoming Ward Meetings!

The Akron Public Art Commission

Seeking 4 New Commissioners!

The Public Art Commission was established in 2020 to oversee the budget, strategy, collection, and administration of the Plan for Public Art. The Commission is dedicated to celebrating the cultural vitality of the people of Akron and promoting economic vibrancy throughout Akron through the integration of high-quality artwork in public places.

The Commission is made up of nine volunteer members, all appointed by the Mayor and approved by Akron City Council. The Commission currently meets virtually once a month. There are occasionally some in-person events commissioners are expected to attend. 

They are accepting applications now through noon on Friday, June 23, 2023. Chosen applicants will be expected to serve a 2 or 3 year term.

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