Mayor outlines waterline grant application, sewer and paving projects, and community programs

In his March 4, 2026 report, the mayor reviewed several infrastructure and community-project items the city is pursuing and updating.

He noted that March 5 is the city’s 20th birthday and thanked communications staff for signage and refreshments. The mayor said the Ohio EPA opened the waterline extension grant window on Feb. 27 and that the city had prepared materials, letters of support and was positioned to apply. He also reported that contractor Lockhart had begun sewer work along State Route 93 and engineers advised the schedule remains on track despite weather delays; the mayor said ODOT agreed to adjust paving timing to avoid repaving twice.

Other updates included receipt of bids for Cleveland Avenue phase three paving (the city will review bids and bring related resolutions to the March 18 meeting), planning for Swiss Room Field restroom installation now that the ground is thawing, and support for a State Park boathouse project and Summit County Sheriff docking operations. The mayor said the Polar Bear Jump fundraiser raised about $200,000 for the Akron Food Bank. He asked department heads to prepare brief "state of the department" presentations for a future council meeting and noted engineers are coordinating details and funding for a walking-path tied to the Sizzler sewer project; staff expect more information in about 30 days.

The mayor also publicized community programming: the New Franklin Police Department and Manchester Local Schools will hold Safety City Aug. 10–14, 2026; businesses or residents can sponsor pedal cars at $350 each.

No binding decisions or new appropriations were recorded in the mayor’s report; most items were updates and requests for follow-up to staff.