Akron City Council approves emergency ordinances for police testing, bridge work, polygraph and permits cannabis dispensary

Akron City Council on an evening meeting passed a series of emergency ordinances and a resolution, approving contracts to support police recruitment and background checks, authorizing state transportation work on the All American Bridge, granting a dual-use cannabis dispensary permit, and adopting a resolution honoring the University of Akron men’s basketball team.

The measures were acted on under suspension of the rules and carried by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Council members said committees had reported favorably on each item before floor votes.

The most substantive items included ordinances authorizing: (1) a human resources contract with Faust Psychological Services to administer psychological examinations and evaluations for safety personnel; (2) a contract with National Testing Network to conduct entry-level testing for police academy cadets; and (3) a contract with Poly Tech Associates Inc. to provide pre-employment polygraph services for police candidates. Council also approved legislation authorizing the Ohio Department of Transportation and its contractors to carry out improvements on State Route 261 related to the All American Bridge. Separately, the council approved a zoning/permits-related ordinance allowing a dual-use cannabis dispensary at 926 East…