Councilman Garrett introduced a resolution recognizing U.S. Army veteran Lawrence Williams and proposing designated parking spaces for veterans at community centers across Akron.

"This resolution seeks to establish designated parking spaces at the community centers with over 9,000 veterans in this Akron area," Garrett said, asking for suspension of the rules to advance the item. He said the plan would begin with a small pilot of five spaces (the transcript cites Patterson Park as one initial location) and rely on an honor system rather than metered spots.

Council members welcomed the idea but asked for more detail. Councilwoman Connor said the proposal felt like two distinct items—recognizing Mr. Williams and implementing reserved parking—and asked how veterans would be identified (placard, plate or another identifier). Garrett said the intent was honorific, not punitive, and that many veterans already display identifying placards or plates; he said the pilot was chosen to avoid overwhelming traffic staff and that the long-term goal would be to have a veteran space in each ward.

Councilman Hannah objected to initial park selection that he said left out Ward 5 and urged that the rollout be equitable across wards. Council members suggested separating the ceremonial recognition (the acknowledgment of Lawrence Williams and his advocacy for veterans) from operational parking measures so staff could finalize locations and enforcement.

Clerk Pepiano said a substitute could be prepared and provided to the clerk's office prior to the evening meeting; the committee moved to refer the piece so staff could prepare a revised document. The committee indicated unanimous support for advancing the recognition portion while allowing more time to refine parking details.

The committee did not finalize parking locations, placard criteria or enforcement mechanisms during the meeting; those operational details were deferred to staff and a future substitute ordinance.