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Akron explains the difference between ordinances and resolutions and how to find passed legislation
Summary
A City of Akron staff member explains that council acts through ordinances (formal acts, e.g., contracts or code amendments) or resolutions (formal expressions of opinion), describes committee assignment and voting, and points the public to the city's online viewer and YouTube how-to video.
A City of Akron staff member explained that legislation before the Akron City Council takes two forms: ordinances, which are formal acts of council, and resolutions, which are formal expressions of council's opinion or will.
The staff member cited Akron City Charter section 34, saying "legislation is an official act of council that takes the form of either an ordinance or a resolution," and asked, "you may be wondering 'what's the difference?'" The presenter said an ordinance can authorize the director of public service to enter into a contract for a construction project, approve a conditional-use request, or amend the Akron municipal code. "A resolution is a formal expression of the opinion or will of council," the staff member added, giving examples such as congratulating a local high school or supporting or opposing a bill pending before the Ohio General Assembly.
According to the presenter, both ordinances and resolutions are assigned to a committee and are voted on by council. The staff member directed viewers who want to review passed legislation to use the city's online public access viewer on the city website and noted there is a demonstration video on the city's YouTube channel that shows how to search the portal.
The presentation was instructional and did not include motions or votes; it aimed to clarify how council actions are classified and where the public can find official records.
