Council approves Settlement Judgment Notes (Green v. City of Akron), 4–1

Approval of Settlement Judgment Notes (Green v. City of Akron)

4 yes, 1 no

Tina Boyes (yes), Fran Wilson (yes), Phil Lombardo (yes), Bruce Bolden (no), Linda F. R. Omobien (yes)

Approval of 2026 Budget Amendment to Consent Agenda

5 yes, 0 no

Tina Boyes (yes), Fran Wilson (yes), Phil Lombardo (yes), Bruce Bolden (yes), Linda F. R. Omobien (yes)

Approval of Economic Development Note Issuance

4 yes, 1 no

Bruce Bolden (no), Linda F. R. Omobien (yes), Tina Boyes (yes), Phil Lombardo (yes), Fran Wilson (yes)

Motion for Time on Flock Camera Pause Resolution

4 yes, 0 no

Brad McKitrick (yes), Fran Wilson (yes), Phil Lombardo (yes), Eric D. Garrett, Sr. (yes)

Approval of Salesforce CRM Procurement to Consent Agenda

3 yes, 2 no

Tina Boyes (no), Phil Lombardo (yes), Fran Wilson (yes), Linda F. R. Omobien (yes), Bruce Bolden (no)

Suspension of Rules for South Main Street Assessment Resolution

0 yes, 0 no

Suspension of Rules for Tallmadge Avenue Resurfacing Final Resolution

0 yes, 0 no

Recommendation of Water Treatment Dosing Pumps Purchase to Consent Agenda

0 yes, 0 no

Table Long-Term Drinking Water Strategic Plan Legislation

0 yes, 0 no

Approval of Street Improvement Note Issuance to Consent Agenda

0 yes, 0 no

Approval of Note Refinancing to Consent Agenda

0 yes, 0 no

Approval of Park Improvement Note Issuance to Consent Agenda

0 yes, 0 no

Approval of Public Facility Note Issuance to Consent Agenda

0 yes, 0 no

Way Street Two-Family Conversion

10 Way Street

A proposal to convert an existing single-family home into a two-family residence.

Discussed — no decision yet

Edgewood Avenue Fire Escape & Housing

633 Edgewood Avenue

A petition to retain a fire escape and house six individuals at 633 Edgewood Avenue.

Discussed — no decision yet

Eastland Avenue Vehicle Storage

1167 Eastland Avenue

A conditional use request to maintain and store more than five vehicles on Eastland Avenue.

Discussed — no decision yet

Dr. Bob's Home Pavilion

859 Ardmore Avenue

A petition seeking a conditional use permit to construct a pavilion on Ardmore Avenue.

Discussed — no decision yet

Police Vehicular Pursuit Policy Review

Council members are reviewing a resolution supporting stricter limits on police car chases for low-level or non-violent offenses. The goal is to reduce accidents and protect bystanders and officers.

What it means: General motorists, pedestrians, and neighborhoods vulnerable to pursuit-related accidents.

Municipal Surveillance Technology Oversight

The City Council is considering a resolution that would require the administration to report on its use of cameras, drones, and license plate readers within 30 days. This discussion touches on data privacy, community oversight, and transparency in law enforcement tech.

What it means: Residents concerned about privacy rights and transparency in government surveillance.

Green v. City of Akron Settlement Bond Financing

The city is issuing $4.75 million in bonds to finance a court-approved settlement in a federal lawsuit. Council members questioned the recurring legal payouts and the financial impact on the city.

What it means: Adds $4,750,000 in debt service obligations funded through existing property tax allocations.

Consent Decree Fourth Amendment

Federal authorities recently published notice of a fourth amendment to Akron's long-standing water consent decree, which would save ratepayers $300 million by relying on daily wastewater treatment instead of building an expensive underground storage facility.

What it means: Saves ratepayers approximately $300 million in capital construction costs.

Water Main Breaks and Lead-Free Infrastructure Progress

The city is proposing an 18% increase on the water portion of utility bills starting in 2027 to fund critical water main replacements and infrastructure upgrades. Officials noted that aging pipes are causing a record 500 water main breaks this year, and proactive investment is needed to avoid regulatory enforcement.

What it means: Average residential water bills will increase by about $5 per month, with infrastructure fees rising from $9 to $12.

Flock Surveillance Camera Pause and Oversight

Council members and community advocates debated the continued use of Flock automated license plate reader cameras, prompting a resolution to pause the program until an independent audit is completed. Police officials announced that Akron police have opted out of nationwide searches to address privacy concerns.

What it means: Residents concerned about digital privacy and civil liberties.