Akron seeks $1 million for sidewalk repairs in Ellet and across the city

Notes:  

• At-Large City Council Member Jeff Fusco started the meeting at 6:03 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Fusco led the meeting on behalf of Ward 6 Council Member Brad McKitrick. It was not clear why McKitrick was not present.

Akron Police academy starts next month

• APD Officer Eric Wagner said the police academy will start next month with a class of 30 to 40 cadets. He encouraged anyone who had previously taken the civil service exam to become a police officer and was not chosen to try again.
• An attendee asked if the police department is at adequate staffing levels. Wagner said no.
• The same attendee mentioned reading a crime report and saw that the level of crime in Akron was about the same as the previous year, but gun violence was down. Wagner attributed it to proactive policing and the police department’s training. He said Akron’s police department is one of the best trained in the country.

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End-of-life documents include wills, power of attorney

• Summit County Probate Court Chief Magistrate Steve Elliott first gave a brief overview of what the probate court handles, which includes marriages, adoptions and probate.
• Before the meeting started, Elliott gave everyone a packet of papers. He discussed all of the handouts:
  • Personal records and important documents (referred to as the yellow sheet because it is printed on yellow paper): A place to write out personal, financial and online information such as your Social Security number, the name and contact information of family members, bank account and online log in information, etc.
  • State of Ohio healthcare power of attorney
  • State of Ohio living will declaration
  • What to do if you have dementia planning document
  • Basic terms and definitions related to probate such as wills, estates, beneficiaries, etc.
• He said that most people want to avoid estates going to probate when someone dies because the process is long (six to nine months on average) and expensive (attorney fees). Filling out the forms in the packet and completing other documents with an attorney, such as a will or a financial power of attorney, can help make the process easier. 
• These forms should be kept in a safe place, such as in a Ziploc bag in the freezer or in a fireproof safe. You should tell the executor of your estate where these papers are located so they can easily find them when needed.

Unify Akron seeks residents for civic assembly

• Dominique Waters spoke as a representative from Unify Akron, which is leading a civic assembly in Akron this spring. The civic assembly will focus on housing and allow Akron residents to share their thoughts and recommendations with the city to shape policy.
• Unify Akron is looking for Akron residents age 18 or older to participate.  Those interested should register for the lottery to participate in the paid opportunity. Waters said that every Akron ward will be represented among the residents selected.

Capital budget updates include sidewalk repairs

• Fusco spoke briefly about updates on the city’s 2026 capital budget, which is currently being reviewed by City Council.
  • Among other investments, he noted $1 million is being budgeted for sidewalk repairs. He said that the city used to be three years behind on sidewalk repairs, but expects to only be six months behind by the end of this year, which he noted is pretty good.

The meeting ended at 7:09 p.m.

Suggested Reading

Who repairs Akron sidewalks? What property owners need to know

by Melanie Mohler and Akron Documenters April 30, 2025