[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6097686,"mediaKeyId","2827640-1c802943fcfb363030532d35bd824dd3","parentId",2827640,"title","Resident opposes North Main safety improvements, citing congestion and spillover to neighborhoods","audioSeconds",140,"startMs",506000,"endMs",646000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2827640-1c802943fcfb363030532d35bd824dd3&start=506&end=646","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2827640-1c802943fcfb363030532d35bd824dd3/thumbnail_506000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6097686/Akron/Summit-County/Ohio/Resident-opposes-North-Main-safety-improvements-citing-congestion-and-spillover-to-neighborhoods","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6097686-f8fd352bd8639c36bbfff7a498af4fd6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204061&Signature=UtBMTE9QvUYZZG7H27yV9OOt7KEsNKFV8Fl~nXk96EidZldulc9Dv436SxVYKngwt3bY9pPlknPLPLJeEUXIIkTP3-7Y30h4VFc2-AJ8e6chmr8OYBVM6JpR2mSNAoao451Ax~xqkKn6tsLk5yCA82Y1VuT4EmPG7AIezfmIx2BIdTodxHKVvfZfgSf4eTsogFtCgb3mz1~EEHCAEAxzC~YjGBrPZV8OnrRaAlY4k6N3z8ZE7Y68lIdScGezHY1JHmcFE1xeqiSSKfuxcDBuCpCHvy6P3lz1YUlNO~NS~kMpn4opAIaDeHPsgkWiQVXg3C6~aYelRAR2pToKjRwhoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Akron, OH ","date","2025-03-31T20:17:49Z","article","Dale Harding, a Ward 2 resident, told Akron City Council he opposed the North Main Safety Improvements Project after attending city presentations and speaking with neighbors. Harding said the reconfigured roadway has created backups on Talmadge Avenue and caused drivers to speed on side streets to avoid congestion.

“I have seen traffic backed up from North Main Street all the way back to Route 8 at certain points of the day,” Harding said. He described incidents of drivers using the center turn lane to speed past congestion and then attempting to merge back in near Main Street, and neighbors reporting increased speeding on residential streets such as York Street, which Harding described as a “more residential area” with children.

Harding said the project, as designed, “creates more congestion, unsafe driving” and encouraged council to vote in opposition for the benefit of the city, not only Ward 2. He also warned the Route 8 bridge construction could increase diversion traffic onto Talmadge Avenue.

Why it matters: The comment raises concerns about local traffic patterns and pedestrian safety near the project area; it was presented as public comment and no formal council action on the project was recorded at the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Akron Council Meeting - 3.31.25","oneSentenceSummary","A Ward 2 resident urged council to oppose the North Main Safety Improvements Project, saying changes have increased congestion on Talmadge Avenue and prompted drivers to use residential side streets to avoid backups.","taxTitle","Akron, Summit County, Ohio","taxId",2666,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6097690,"Resident urges ordinance to ban water-pellet guns and trespass to protect wildlife on city-owned land; council asks administration to investigate",2540,1096000,3636000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2827640-1c802943fcfb363030532d35bd824dd3&start=1096&end=3636","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2827640-1c802943fcfb363030532d35bd824dd3/thumbnail_1096000.jpg","/articles/6097690/Akron/Summit-County/Ohio/Resident-urges-ordinance-to-ban-water-pellet-guns-and-trespass-to-protect-wildlife-on-city-owned-land-council-asks-administration-to-investigate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6097690-7df5035a364884eb885909c0c8e6ead8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204061&Signature=aAqE~6tsyuGCp6bvXIYXvuRpEUdL9~PMf~b1gtMkG-ZF2zUxn86OMPWe0W3RvnKLDClz3EXr7BhpU0uQyMP6rg1UNl9PGIIwW2lvLNX2DnywivgVEI-W7FWaNQRLHlQRxw0a15w7-VUFkJT1gsqmbRcxhF3K60ehL4fE4xzpNDc~nrXdMeebJNiLzeBDFZkZN1zNCD9XUVYHDMSf4AumAHUg2j9HLhW4kjqxJ5v2xXrfHIaGiQjGhUZ888zd0970vDOSfokLPu91W2BnCFgcVGp5V8ygQIAuhVtwQrPOrw8tqSgK6QP7nKrfbV2gbePu1R1ElWT1UZQT6EImBNubJw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A resident identifying himself as Reuben described repeated instances in which neighbors used a water-pellet gun to shoot at wild turkeys on city-owned woods near Soarin Avenue and urged Akron City Council to pass laws criminalizing use of water-pellet guns against animals and to address trespassing on public land.

Reuben told council the pellet gun was painted to look like a toy but can fire projectiles with enough force to cause bruising, eye injury or cuts. He said Akron Police Department responded to a recent call but that APD determined the resident’s use of the water-pellet gun was difficult to prosecute on public land and that the department did not fully investigate an instance in which a pistol was fired in the woods.

Councilman Kammer later noted the comment during committee reports and asked the administration to examine the situation and coordinate with council members, saying he had “never heard of” such a use of water-pellet guns on city property and asked the administration to “take a look at that and get with us as council.”

Why it matters: The complaint raises questions about enforcement on city-owned land, the adequacy of existing trespass and wildlife-protection ordinances, and public safety when a weapon-like device is used near residential areas and public facilities.

Next steps: Council requested that administration review legal and enforcement options and report back; no ordinance was introduced during the meeting.","A resident asked council to criminalize use of water-pellet guns against animals and restrict trespass on city-owned woods after persistent harassment of wild turkeys; Councilman Kammer asked administration to review enforcement and legal options.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6097694,"Residents demand accountability after 15-year-old Jasmine Tucker was shot; callers urge firing and charges for officer Davon Fields",755,668000,1423000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2827640-1c802943fcfb363030532d35bd824dd3&start=668&end=1423","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2827640-1c802943fcfb363030532d35bd824dd3/thumbnail_668000.jpg","/articles/6097694/Akron/Summit-County/Ohio/Residents-demand-accountability-after-15-year-old-Jasmine-Tucker-was-shot-callers-urge-firing-and-charges-for-officer-Davon-Fields","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6097694-702fa3c6b27634d24ff87b8dd0e66a48/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204061&Signature=Qki~q3jum8AA9YnG~9KxFZfDhbJpqkfMG7iybZdS07Y2848PD9OjMXIpEtlCE86LugYnmLnggcAUDPf8T73KlovA4GXWs1N4LaBnYsz2vK5DM5lLspHbJ9Nf9~jKk1HL04Pgx2VjmNs3~ZhnmCTwPGADAk2xm-2NZO5WQOPTRb2FvQJeEcGrrlX~Lt4UfLmzDuvxj29R1I-YmLZpIDck~STBgOR9MypnxPWEf7pYpsltdPhRes4lAQqvyfe-gmNsx5vfzhmF~FyWqvFAhmKJue0lRRkVQOO~KiDY9q71JdA2rtsNIqiJFMfTTKjug3ljG0BcgH9Bz6BS7HPCOkbGwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents used the public-comment period to demand accountability in the officer-involved shooting that killed 15-year-old Jasmine Tucker on Thanksgiving night.

Britney Davis, speaking at the podium, said it had been 128 days since the city lost Jasmine and questioned why the officer involved remained on paid administrative leave. “Jasmine was not a threat,” Davis said, and added that body-camera footage seen by the public does not, in her view, justify the fatal shooting. “Not only does Davon Fields need to be fired, he needs to be held accountable for his actions of killing Jasmine because this was murder,” she said.

Bettina Gibson also addressed council, asserting that Officer Davon Fields “shot Jasmine before they even discovered he had a weapon” and saying Fields “needs to be charged, arrested, indicted, and convicted.” Gibson criticized training that allows officers to carry personal rifles and said such equipment combined with brief training is a problem.

Council leaders acknowledged the speakers and said they were awaiting the official ruling in the case; Councilwoman Amobian said the council and the family were “awaiting the official, ruling.” No formal motions or votes on police discipline or policy changes were taken at the meeting; the transcript records public appeals for accountability and calls for administrative action by the mayor and police department.","Multiple public commenters addressed council about the November shooting death of 15-year-old Jasmine Tucker, calling for the firing and prosecution of Officer Davon Fields and raising concerns about officer conduct, training and use of personal rifles.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6097699,"Council approves FY2025 appropriations adjustments; boosters for after-school programming, recycling, mowing and police oversight get funding",83,1665000,1748000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2827640-1c802943fcfb363030532d35bd824dd3&start=1665&end=1748","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2827640-1c802943fcfb363030532d35bd824dd3/thumbnail_1665000.jpg","/articles/6097699/Akron/Summit-County/Ohio/Council-approves-FY2025-appropriations-adjustments-boosters-for-after-school-programming-recycling-mowing-and-police-oversight-get-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6097699-dad20a40d735adae7e553ca863ddee76/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204061&Signature=h4-jmxO4lnK4VIpu0em6aOVWLw0NDV4-qMYTvKyIzvRHNeU5MVfS8wNJutZbyujgngDVrL29QEHumnYOoxepSByEPySF3rzrbBXaCRLM3Pd8flVjYIsJQi6LhWre1oTjWaodTa4yi12haMwfuhkusfal~MYnbYdhi6D80x-hfcoIh9tuHQHgYZa4EBMnOrcM1jyPw0rebM5fZAZ4N5aSTRGkKlrNPVxFLJfNdgRG4UiElZM-Gb8ZMC~kD19b5NUB8L4ibHuOPxEUxeX-F3~ynvrudwY6PE5KoVCxPx8YqTF0SV0SSAnkwcjmeqKp181unUN4hXM1kWBO0Z-D1ACaVw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Akron City Council on March 31 voted to adopt appropriation adjustments and several accompanying ordinances for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2025, suspending rules and declaring emergency status for the measures.

The council approved an ordinance described at the meeting as “Appropriation for the current expenses, other expenditures, and the capital outlays of the city of Akron for the fiscal year ending 12/31/2025 and declaring an emergency.” Council members recorded a unanimous vote: “This ordinance passes 13 to 0.” Council leaders said the ordinance incorporated targeted increases requested by council, including funding directed at Keep Akron Beautiful and after-school programming.

Council members discussed specific line items during debate. One council member described a $100,000 increase to the city’s trash-pickup/cleanup contract to cover additional tonnage and to extend operations beyond the summer months; the same speaker said previous levels of city funding had left the program dependent on donors and volunteers by August. Council members also noted a $45,000 allocation to support the Akron Citizens Police Oversight Board’s request for data-analysis assistance.

Separately, the ordinance authorizing the mayor or designee to contract with the Akron Public School District to provide Akron After School Community Learning Center services reflected a $50,000 increase in the attached UCR (budget justification). The council approved that ordinance 12 to 0 with one abstention. During discussion the sponsor cited attendance increases — the UCR referenced a 31% or 40% increase in program participation in recent comparisons and argued the city’s investment would support continued growth.

The consent agenda and the minutes from the prior meeting were approved earlier in the evening; the consent agenda passed 13 to 0 and the minutes were approved by a 13 to 0 vote.

Votes at a glance:
- Approval of minutes from previously held meeting — passes 13 to 0.
- Consent agenda (multiple items placed on consent) — passes 13 to 0.
- Ordinance: FY2025 appropriations adjustments and emergency declaration — passes 13 to 0.
- Ordinance: Contract with Akron Public School District for Community Learning Center (Akron After School) — passes 12 to 0 with 1 abstention.
- Resolution thanking Michelle Bernowski for service — passes 13 to 0.

Why it matters: The appropriations adjustments channel city dollars into visible services — parks/cleanup, after-school enrichment and support for the newly created police oversight office — and reflect council priorities discussed during budget committee meetings.

What the ordinance does not yet specify: The ordinances were passed under emergency declarations at the meeting; the transcript records the vote outcomes and broad dollar movements discussed in public remarks but does not include line-by-line appropriation language in the spoken record.","Akron City Council passed emergency appropriations and related ordinances including an increase for after-school programming, funding for recycling and street-cleaning efforts, and money for the police oversight office’s data analysis; several consent items were also approved.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6097704,"Akron oversight board asks to observe interviews for new appointees; council debates precedent and confidentiality",2899,333000,3232000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2827640-1c802943fcfb363030532d35bd824dd3&start=333&end=3232","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2827640-1c802943fcfb363030532d35bd824dd3/thumbnail_333000.jpg","/articles/6097704/Akron/Summit-County/Ohio/Akron-oversight-board-asks-to-observe-interviews-for-new-appointees-council-debates-precedent-and-confidentiality","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6097704-9dfcb80185ef119da1ca54c9b98469ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204061&Signature=ZIgPbm9h-PEp9WjnrNf9aoAJeckdKsE70Y2MjiphtMlinhl7BA2KKaYwURreUfysKWs-iX4fL-G61GX81thK5MFxgxDUlZbgy~yCgOox5djvULO2RLJ6xGpcdBfsom8cBoxiHdSWCgjxT72Q-s9wVA6nBZTX-Gcio0WwJWsiAwo6Sf2rZv2l55HW-OQqMIrIKzRqEOQmkvTyYE0~1zs1O0d1TrCg3QHVstM3e7738LEHhkRS40UokSUS9eatRnsdWe~~U~1wrEku7wB0mCiY7a0ZbnPOz-U2clMhaX1Hx1ZBB4GGPdoxc9MStnG5nLqOyEAdfinHVRybEsUBTp0AXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kemp Boyd, speaking on behalf of the Akron Citizens Police Oversight Board, asked Akron City Council to allow the board to sit in on interviews of candidates for future board appointments, citing transparency and the voter-approved origin of the board. “By allowing our board to participate in interviewing future appointees, you ensure that those selected are aligned with the board’s mission,” Boyd said.

The request prompted discussion among council members about precedent and personnel privacy. Councilwoman Amobian said she supported allowing board members to “observe the process and be there to answer questions” and argued board members are not equivalent to ordinary personnel hires because their roles are public. “I don’t see where the concern would be for them to sit in on the process and observe,” she said.

Councilman Fusco and others warned that letting a board’s members sit in on interviews could set a precedent and raise legal and confidentiality issues tied to personnel processes. Fusco said personnel hiring can involve sensitive information and noted Ohio rules that often limit discussions about personnel to executive session. Councilman McKittrick also described potential legal exposure if interview observers were permitted and candidates later objected.

Councilman Kammer asked that the council consider the request carefully and consult the law department; he described the issue as one that could require legal review. No motion or vote to change the interview process was made during the meeting.

Why it matters: Issue 10, the ballot measure that created the Akron Citizens Police Oversight Board, passed with strong voter support, and the board’s request touches on how the city balances voter intent, transparency, and the confidentiality of personnel processes. Boyd emphasized that Issue 10 passed with broad support, noting it “passed by 62% of the vote.”

Next steps and follow-up: Council members said they would consider the legal and procedural implications; the transcript records requests for further review but no formal direction to staff or ordinance changes during this meeting.","Members of the Akron Citizens Police Oversight Board and residents asked council to allow board members to observe interviews for future appointees to the board; council members debated legal and personnel confidentiality concerns and asked for more information before changing process.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident opposes North Main safety improvements, citing congestion and spillover to neighborhoods

Resident urges ordinance to ban water-pellet guns and trespass to protect wildlife on city-owned land; council asks administration to investigate

Residents demand accountability after 15-year-old Jasmine Tucker was shot; callers urge firing and charges for officer Davon Fields

Council approves FY2025 appropriations adjustments; boosters for after-school programming, recycling, mowing and police oversight get funding

Akron oversight board asks to observe interviews for new appointees; council debates precedent and confidentiality