Akron Council's Weekly Legislative Spotlight! 2025 Issue #35

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From the Desk of

Akron City Council President

Greetings!

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

Hello, friends, neighbors, and engaged citizens,

I'm thrilled to welcome you to this week's edition of the Legislative Spotlight! This isn't just another email; it's your go-to guide for everything happening in your city's government.

Why the Spotlight Matters

Our core purpose is to keep you informed, educated, and civically engaged. Each week, we shine a light on:

Legislative Updates: The latest news and actions taken by your City Council.
Council Business: We'll break down the terminology and process of how council business is conducted, so you always understand what's happening.
Akron Facts & Events: Fun facts about our city and a look at upcoming community events where you can get involved.

We believe that an informed resident is an empowered resident!

Stay Engaged, Be Proud, and Share the News!

We encourage you to take pride in being actively involved in the legislative affairs of the City of Akron. This is your city, and your voice matters!

To stay connected in real-time and join the conversation, please subscribe to our Facebook page and help us grow our community of engaged citizens by sharing this Spotlight with your neighbors!

A Call to Care and Action

This week, we also want to communicate our deep concern for our neighbors struggling in the midst of the ongoing federal shutdown. We know that when one part of our community is hurting, we all feel the strain. There is so much vital work to be done, but we know that together, we can make sure that everybody is taken care of.

Thank you for being part of this important conversation. Let's dive into the work!

Sincerely,

Margo Sommerville

Council President

Ward 3 Council Member

Legislative Highlights From Monday, November 3, 2025

Ordinance No. 362-2025 approving funding necessary to implement the agreement between the Fraternal Order of Police Akron Lodge #7 bargaining unit and the City of Akron in furtherance of Mayor Malik’s commitment to prioritizing public safety within the City of Akron; approving funding and collection necessary for adjustments in health care benefits for the Fraternal Order of Police Akron Lodge #7 bargaining unit, all while economically utilizing taxpayer dollars to provide quality services to Akron’s citizens; and declaring an emergency. (Substitute Offered as an Amendment) Vote: Ayes: 12, Nays: 1 (Garrett). This legislation was originally introduced at the October 27th meeting. The Budget & Finance Committee took time. The Substitute Offered as an Amendment was introduced on November 3rd. The amended legislation removed the non-bargaining, management, and unclassified job classes. Legislation regarding these job classes is anticipated to be introduced soon. President Pro Tem Brad McKitrick explained, which you can watch here.

Ordinance No. 363-2025 authorizing the Mayor, or his designee, to provide funds in an amount not to exceed $100,000.00 to the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank to assist those impacted by the disruption of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 13, Nays: 0. Over 51,000 Akron area residents rely upon federal aid to feed themselves and their families each month. The City of Akron is committed to ensuring its residents have access to vital food assistance during the lapse in SNAP benefits and supports the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank in its efforts to provide supplemental food assistance while SNAP benefits remain disrupted. In the event that federal funding resumes for SNAP benefits promptly, the Mayor or his designee may adjust the funding allocation.

Resolution No. 364-2025 approving and confirming the appointments of Dr. Teresa Albanese, Clarissa Holly Calhoun, and Gaynell Stiff to the City of Akron Commission on Aging; and declaring an emergency. Vote: Ayes: 13, Nays: 0. You can 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/

Check out the calendar on

Council's website for

upcoming Ward Meetings!

Leaf Pick Up

Beginning in November, the City of Akron will start its annual leaf removal program. Signs will be posted in your neighborhood by ward with the day of the week we will start leaf collection.

Learn more here.

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

November 17, 2025

5:00 p.m. Special Meeting

Ordinance authorizing a Conditional Use to construct a K-8 elementary and middle school at 2126 13th Street, SW.

Ordinance authorizing a Conditional Use to construct a gas station/convenience store at 786 Brittain Road.

Ordinance authorizing a Conditional Use to construct an oversized garage at 1239 Country Club Road.

Ordinance authorizing a Conditional Use to retain a projecting sign over the right-of-way at 195 S. Main Street.

Ordinance authorizing a Conditional Use to construct an oversized garage at 1432 Fawler Avenue.

Ordinance authorizing a Conditional Use to rebuild a Taco Bell restaurant at 414 E. Exchange Street.

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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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.