Akron Council's Weekly Legislative Spotlight! 2025 Issue #28

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From the Desk of the Council President

Greetings!

Welcome to This Week’s Edition of the Council’s Legislative Spotlight!

To our new subscribers—welcome! We’re thrilled to have you join our growing community of engaged Akronites. And to our loyal readers—thank you for your continued support and your commitment to staying informed about how local government shapes our everyday lives.

As summer winds down and a new school year begins, Akron is buzzing with fresh energy, renewed focus, and new opportunities for growth. Just as our students return to the classroom, City Council is returning from our annual recess, ready to continue the work of shaping policy and addressing the issues that matter most to you, our residents.

This season of transition is also a season of possibility. From neighborhood revitalization projects to economic development, from public safety initiatives to education and youth programming, the conversations happening in Council chambers connect directly to the daily lives of Akron families. Now more than ever, your engagement ensures that these decisions reflect the priorities and values of our community.

We’re also excited to share another way to stay connected—Akron City Council has officially launched its new Facebook page! This platform will serve as a hub for legislative updates, community spotlights, and important announcements, making it easier for you to follow and engage with the work of your Council in real time.

Each edition of the Legislative Spotlight will continue to highlight the issues that impact us locally. Here’s what you can expect every week:

Legislative Updates: A breakdown of what your City Council covered during Monday’s meeting—key decisions, discussions, and what they mean for you.
Terminology Explained: We simplify complex terms so you always know what’s really being said.
Council Facts: Learn how Council works, who represents you, and how you can make your voice heard.
Community Events: From Bicentennial celebrations to neighborhood gatherings, we spotlight ways to connect, contribute, and celebrate Akron.

As we honor Akron’s rich past and step boldly into its future, we remain committed to transparency, accountability, and collaboration. Together, let’s make this season a time of learning, civic pride, and deeper community connection.

Share the Spotlight! Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to subscribe. An informed Akron is a stronger Akron—and it starts with each of us.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s move forward with focus and purpose, together.

Sincerely,

Margo Sommerville

Council President

Ward 3 Council Member

Legislative Highlights From Monday, September 8, 2025

Ordinance No. 294-2025 amending and/or supplementing Title 3, “Administration,” Chapter 31, “Departments, Boards, and Commissions,” Article 2, “Urban Design and Historic Preservation,” Section 31.395, “Alterations, demolitions, and environmental changes” of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Akron; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 13, Nays: 0. This updates the Municipal Code with language approved by the Akron Urban Design and Historic Preservation Commission at its July 1, 2025 meeting.

Ordinance No. 300-2025 authorizing the Mayor, or his designee, to file applications and to enter into agreements for funding of certain capital improvements under the Ohio Public Works Commission’s Local Transportation Improvement Program and the State Capital Improvements Program; committing City funds for the local share of these improvements; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 13, Nays: 0. The Local Transportation Improvement Program and State Capital Improvements Program both provide financial assistance to political subdivisions for capital improvements to public infrastructure. The requests for funding include Concrete Street Program 2026, Wendling Drive et al, S. Main Street Phase 3, and Water Main Replacement Program 2026.

Ordinance No. 301-2025 authorizing the Mayor, or his designee, to enter into a contract or contracts with Bound Tree Medical, LLC for the purchase of a high-fidelity simulation mannequin; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 13, Nays: 0. This will provide enhanced training for members of the Akron Fire Department and other agencies.

The following legislation was introduced to the Public Service Committee:

ORDINANCE amending and/or supplementing Title 5, “Public Works,” Chapter 50, “Sewers,” Article 2, “Sewer Charges,” Sections 50.20, “Definitions,” 50.21 “Levy of charges,” 50.22 “Sewer service charges,” and 50.23 “Charges outside the City” of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Akron; and declaring an emergency. The Committee took Time. You can view the full presentation to the Committee here and read the City's Press Release here.

Remember...

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

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Check out the calendar on

Council's website for

upcoming Ward Meetings!

Your Council Representative

Is Available to Serve You!

There are several ways to reach your Ward Representative:

View their information on the Council's website .
Attend their ward meeting .
Call or email them.

Upcoming Open Comment

Public Hearings

September 11, 2025

1:30 p.m. Special Meeting

Ordinance authorizing a certificate of appropriateness to demolish the former Firestone Headquarters at 1200 Firestone Parkway. (UD-2025-02-HP)

September 29, 2025

5:00 p.m. Special Meeting

Ordinance authorizing a Conditional Use to place freestanding signs within the setback at 676 S. Broadway Street; and declaring an emergency. (PC-2025-35-CU)

Ordinance authorizing a Conditional Use to establish a dual-use marijuana dispensary at 2010 E. Waterloo Road; and declaring an emergency. (PC-2025-36-CU)

Ordinance authorizing a Conditional Use to construct an oversized garage at 711 N. Portage Path (PC-2025-42-CU)

Ordinance amending/supplementing Title 15, “Land Usage,” Chapter 153, “Zoning Code,” Article 1 “General Provisions,” Section 153.140 “Definitions,” Article 3 “Classification of Uses,” and Article 5 ”Accessory Uses in Residence Districts” by adding definitions and development requirements on smoke shops and Article 14 “Conditional Uses,” Section 153.464 “Uses permitted as conditional uses” by eliminating vape shops; and declaring an emergency. (PC-2025-28-T)

Notices are posted on our website.

Suppose the Ordinance is a Conditional Use (Zoning measure). In that case, 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). These notices are also published in the Akron Beacon Journal.

You do not need to fill out any forms to participate. You can 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, to receive the information to join remotely.

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If you have a specific city issue that you'd like to see resolved (a pothole, water leak, tree down, missed trash collection, etc.), you can enter it in the online system, call 311, or download

the "MyAkron311" app.

The app is available for free on all Apple or Android devices in the app store.

After downloading, residents can create a profile, enter a service request, look up timely city information, and set up notifications specific to their address such as trash/recycling collection reminders.

Public Comment Period

A public comment period is held at each regularly scheduled Council meeting, where up to ten (10) members of the public may address Council on matters within Council's authority. No member of the public shall be permitted to address Council during the public comment period more than once every 30 days.

Those who wish to participate in the public comment period of a regular Council meeting need to submit a public comment form by 4:00 p.m. on the date of the meeting.

The sign-up form is available here.

This brief video demonstrates how to fill out the form.

For those that do not have a mobile device/computer to utilize, or need additional assistance, Council staff is available to help.

Signing up is a requirement of Council Rules, similar to other bodies.

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. View the video below for more information.

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