Akron City Council passes library levy and vape shop moratorium resolutions

The City of Akron Council convened on May 5, 2025, to address several key issues impacting the community. The meeting began with public participation, where a resident raised concerns about the placement of 5G cell towers in residential areas, particularly near schools and parks. The speaker urged the council to reconsider the implications of these installations on public safety and infrastructure.

Following public comments, the council moved to the consent agenda, which was approved unanimously. The first significant item of old business was a favorable report from the Budget and Finance Committee regarding a study to evaluate the staffing of the Akron police force. The council suspended the rules and passed the ordinance with a 13-0 vote.

In new legislation, Councilman Bolden introduced a resolution urging citizens to vote in favor of Issue 18, a capital levy for the Akron Summit County Public Library. This levy, the first since 1997, aims to support essential library services and is projected to cost homeowners approximately $3 per month. The resolution passed with unanimous support.

Councilman Lombardo presented an ordinance allowing the mayor to enter into contracts for planning Akron's bicentennial celebration without the need for public bidding. This item was placed on the consent agenda.

Another significant ordinance, proposed by Councilman Fusco, imposed a 180-day moratorium on new licenses for smoke and vape shops in Akron. This measure aims to assess the public health implications of these businesses, which have been rapidly increasing in number. The council unanimously supported this ordinance as well.

The meeting concluded with additional resolutions and ordinances, including the appointment of Gwen Pettway to the Urban Design and Historic Preservation Commission and an amendment to a development agreement for the City Center Building, which also passed unanimously.

Overall, the council's discussions reflected a commitment to addressing community concerns, enhancing public safety, and supporting local services through strategic legislation. The next steps include further evaluations of the vape shop moratorium and continued support for the library levy as the May election approaches.