Note to readers:

The following item is a written record of the Ward 7 council meeting from April 22, 2026, compiled by Akron Documenter Joy Butch. It is not a reported story.

Documenters are residents who are trained to observe and document local government meetings. Their notes are edited before publication for clarity and accuracy — unless quotation marks are used, all text is paraphrased.

If you believe anything in these notes is inaccurate, please email us at documenters@signalakron.org with "Correction Request" in the subject line.

Summary

  • Local investments and community engagement efforts are underway, including a potential $150,000 investment from the Akron Parks Collaborative as well as multiple home repair programs available to Summit County residents.
  • Ward 7 City Council Member Donnie Kammer provided updates on key city issues, including preservation efforts for the Firestone clock tower, another delay for the former Firestone Park IGA building 1028 Hammel St. and his opposition to the current operating budget.  
  • Akron Public Schools’ Superintendent Mary Outley highlighted increased safety measures for students within the schools as well as the implementation of the Safe Passages program, which focuses on neighborhood safety concerns for students who walk to and from school.
  • APS is working on initiatives, including the Science of Reading and Jumpstart Kindergarten, to increase its early literacy rating.

Follow-up questions

  • Where can someone find more information on services offered to the public through APS trade classes, such as its automotive program?
  • Are there still opportunities for residents to get involved in the decision-making of the Akron Parks Collaborative project or the clock tower preservation?
  • How can community members get involved in Akron Public School initiatives to aid in literacy and safety efforts?

Notes 

Conversation with a Councilman: Ward 7
Start time: 5:20 p.m.
End time: 6:02 p.m.
Attendance: 28

Heintz-Hillcrest Park a finalist for $150,000 improvement grant

  • The Akron Parks Collaborative plans to invest $150,000 in an Akron park in 2026.
  • Ward 7 City Council Member Donnie Kammer said two finalists are being considered, including Heintz- Hillcrest Park, 1780 Highview Ave. in Firestone Park. He and others at the meeting were unsure of the second finalist.
  • In an email to Ward 7 residents this week, Kammer said that this park was one of three finalists in 2025 but wasn’t ultimately selected. (The 2025 winners were Waters Park in North Hill and Karona Park in the Merriman Valley.)
  • It’s unclear when the winning park will be announced, but in past years the announcement came in mid June.

Kammer’s updates

  • The City of Akron is still working with the State of Ohio to preserve the historic Firestone clock tower.
  • Property owners of the former Firestone Park IGA building, 1028 Hammel St. have filed for another extension. “If you ever drive by there, it’s ugly looking,” Kammer told residents, who asked several questions about the process. Kammer said he just found out today about the appeal. He said it’s in the Ninth District Court of Appeals.
  • Kammer was not present for the most recent council vote regarding the process to select an at‑large council member, but he said he would have supported Ward 1 Council Member Fran Wilson’s proposal to add public comment to the process.
  • He voted against the city’s operating budget.
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Upcoming Ward 7 speakers and events

  • Next month: Two judges are scheduled to attend
  • June: Akron Service Director Chris Ludle
  • May 12: Coffee with a Councilman (Kammer’s quarterly meetings with members of the public) 

Ward 7 community meeting

Start time: 6:02 p.m.
End time: 7:18 p.m.
Attendance: 35

Summit County home repair programs

An official with the Summit County Community and Economic Development Department shared the following information:

Minor home repairs programs

  • Income‑based program (pending updated HUD income guidelines).
  • Free assistance available for:
    • Furnace replacement
    • Grab bars and other senior home modifications
    • ADA‑compliant fixtures (toilets, walk‑in showers, handrails)
  • Does not cover window replacement.
  • Requires a whole‑house inspection.

Home weatherization program

  • Does not cover windows.
  • Requires a whole‑house inspection.

Lead abatement program

  • Any home built before 1978 where children under 6 years old reside (or visit the home more than 60 hours per year) will qualify.
  • Work to remove or encapsulate the lead. The scanner can read through multiple layers of paint

All programs are income-based and are awaiting updated income guidelines from HUD. 

Learn more here, including how to apply.

Signal background

Akron Public Schools update

Superintendent Mary Outley shared the following information:

District values and safety initiatives

  • Focus on a culture of safety and belonging.
  • Safety measures include:
    • Metal detectors
    • Bag scanners
    • Safety team members patrolling before and after school (currently have three to four vehicles)
    • School resource officers (SROs)

🗓️ New events calendar! From block parties to concerts and kids’ activities, find fun around Akron and Summit County all year long. Dive into the calendar and start planning.

Academic achievement

Safe Passages program

  • Funded by a grant from the GAR Foundation.
  • Pilot program is currently operating in the Buchtel Cluster.
  • Designated community volunteers will walk routes alongside students traveling to and from school.

Facilities and state legislation

Akron Documenters trains and pays residents to document local government meetings with notes and live-tweet threads. We then make those meeting summaries available as a new public record.