Akron council suspends rules, approves emergency contract with Cadenza LLC for city networking equipment

Akron City Council on Thursday voted 11-0 to suspend the rules and adopt an emergency ordinance allowing the mayor or his designee to enter into a contract with Cadenza LLC for networking equipment for the city and the Akron Water Supply.

The measure, offered by Councilman Lombardo, carried after the council accepted the committee's favorable report and voted to suspend the rules to expedite the purchase. Councilman Lombardo said the item reflects a technology upgrade: "this is just nothing but well, it's something but, new technology and that's why this, new software needs to be installed. New network," and requested suspension of the rules before the vote.

The emergency designation means the contract can proceed without the normal waiting period for additional readings; council voted verbally in favor with no recorded objections. The ordinance passed 11 to 0. The text before council authorizes the mayor or his designee to enter into contracts without publicly advertising for bids with Cadenza LLC for the purchase of networking equipment for the City of Akron and the Akron Water Supply and declares an emergency.

City leaders did not provide further funding breakdowns or contract value during the meeting. No amendments or conditions were recorded on the council floor.

The ordinance is intended to support upgraded network infrastructure for municipal operations and the Akron Water Supply; the council did not specify implementation timing during the meeting.