Akron Council's Weekly Legislative Spotlight! 2025 Issue #29

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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 is winding down and a new school year has begun, Akron is buzzing with fresh energy, renewed focus, and new opportunities for growth. Just as our students return to the classroom, City Council is back from our annual recess, and continuing 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. Make sure you follow us!

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 15, 2025

Ordinance No. 303-2025 amending Ordinance No. 279-2025 for the purpose of amending the list and schedule of special assessments to be levied for the purpose of paying the costs of an Energy Special Improvement District Project related to the acquisition, construction, installation, and improvement of certain public improvements in the City of Akron, Ohio at 237-243 Furnace Street, Akron, Ohio in cooperation with the Akron-Summit County Energy Special Improvement District, Inc., and further approving any revisions to the Cooperative Agreement and Special Assessment Agreement related to that project necessitated by the amendment of the list and schedule of special assessments; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 10, Nays: 0 (Fusco, Garrett, & Omobien absent).

Ordinance No. 304-2025 amending Ordinance No. 280-2025 for the purpose of amending the list and schedule of special assessments to be levied for the purpose of paying the costs of an Energy Special Improvement District Project related to the acquisition, construction, installation, and improvement of certain public improvements in the City of Akron, Ohio at 237-243 Furnace Street, Akron, Ohio in cooperation with the Akron-Summit County Energy Special Improvement District, Inc., and further approving any revisions to the Cooperative Agreement and Special Assessment Agreement related to that project necessitated by the amendment of the list and schedule of special assessments; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 10, Nays: 0 (Fusco, Garrett, & Omobien absent).

Ordinance No. 307-2025 amending Title 13, “General Offenses,” Chapter 135, “Offenses Against Persons,” Article 1, “Generally,” Section 135.06 “Menacing,” of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Akron; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 10, Nays: 0 (Fusco, Garrett, & Omobien absent). This legislation adds healthcare workers to the list of professions established in the Municipal Code that would have an increased penalty if menacing is committed against. Health care representatives addressed the Public Safety Committee to discuss the need for this code change. You can view that meeting here.

Resolution No. 308-2025 approving and confirming the appointments of Mary Dee and Abigail Morgan to the City of Akron Commission on Aging; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 10, Nays: 0 (Fusco, Garrett, & Omobien absent). Learn more about the Commission on Aging here.

Remember...

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

Public Hearing on

former Firestone Headquarters

On Thursday, September 11th, Council held a public hearing on the following legislation:

ORDINANCE authorizing a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish the former Firestone Headquarters at 1200 Firestone Parkway; and declaring an emergency.

The Urban Design and Historic Preservation Commission denied the application at their August 5th meeting. The applicant filed an appeal of the Commission's denial and Council was required to hold a public hearing within 30 days of receiving the appeal per Akron Municipal Code Title 3, Chapter 31.

The Planning & Economic Development Committee took time on the legislation. Code also requires that Council issue a decision, in writing, on the appeal of a Certificate of Appropriateness within fifteen days of the public hearing,

You can watch the full public hearing here.

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Upcoming Open Comment

Public Hearings

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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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.

Committees:

A smaller group of members of Council that meet to consider legislation before it is considered or voted upon by all of Council. Standing committees are established by the Rules of Procedure of Council and have five members each. Special committees are appointed by the President. Committee meetings take place on Monday afternoons.

This brief video explains more.

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