Ward 8 councilman James Hardy started the meeting at 9:01 PM with 20 people present Hardy acknowledged the Ring Doorbell camera giveaway which happened before the meeting

Sean Vollman (Deputy Director of Economic Development) said that the city was approached with a proposal from "SciFi" which will provide fiber to Akron. This 200$ million project is paid fully by the company and the city will only give them use of right of way.

He said the city will pick which neighborhoods receive service first to ensure equity and that this would provide more service options for Akron customers and that there will be a reduced cost program for at least 10% of residents. This company will be called Akron Fiber

He also said that they will be building 3 small brick hubs on city owned Akron and 100 smaller hubs around the city. Fiber will be laid underground in devil strips and then the fiber (upon resident request) will be trenches the home and a box and modem will be installed.

He also said that the system will allow for street cameras, pavement sensors, and traffic signal controls which will create a "smart city" which will improve city services. He cited that snowplows could get a green light while plowing and not be interrupted.

He also ensured that when fiber is installed there will be very few disruptions from construction and that existing service won't be interrupted.

A resident asked where the company is making money from. Sean said that the company has a 30 year renewable contract and that the company will make Money from fees from providers Ludle said that the company will make their own repairs like any other utility.

A resident asked how construction in the devil strip will be communicated with residents Ludle and Vollman said that the city will notify residents of construction and the company holds public engagements which Vollman expressed was a reason for why the proposal was chosen.

A resident asked what the advantage is if you already have Internet. Chris said that there will be choices for service providers and that you can receive fiber if you sign up A resident asked if the program is state prohibited Hardy said it is not due to local lobbying.

Vollman said the permits will be processed faster because the company is paying the salaries for new processors. A resident asked how long comsteucton will take. Ludle said that it will take 3-4 years.

Ludle said that this city will be spending $12 million removing 1500 lead service pipes. Half the fund is from an EPA grant and the other half will be from a 0% loan to the city. He said that all Ward 8 resurfacing 2023 carryovers are complete and 2024 will be starting in Aug.

He also said that a small minority business from Firestone Park will be repairing tree damaged sidewalks. He said that Akron will be appealing the federal case in the fall after losing a district appeal to not build the final phase of Akron Waterways Renewed.

Ludle said the Ohio EPA is with Akron and Akron has proposal other projects to replace aging septic systems in Lake more and Peninsula. Ludle said that the Northside Interceptor tunnel will have a burrowing machine soon coming into the Cleveland Harbor.

He also said that sediment removal is managed by fed and is happening in 6 months. He said that the city will manage dam removal in a couple years.

A police officer said that the aring Doorbells will help solve crime citing a recent shooting at Thurmont and Hawkins where witnesses claimed that there was an argument between the victim and suspect. He also said that APD is hiring and the academy does pay.

Ludle said that the city is in need of mechanics for city vehicles especially ahead of leaf removal in the Fall. Hardy said that a new Aldi's will be moving into where Pat Catans was near Wallhaven.

Hardy said that the owners of the half demolished building of Frank have come to an agreement and the building will be repaired. He said a new pizza shop will be going in where Pavonas was in Pilgrim Square. He also said that Sterling will be opening in liberty commons soon.

Hardy said that the Valley smoke shop has been unresponsive to resident concerns and that he is talking with the Law Dept. to find a way to prent further proliferation. Vollman said that due to state restrictions the city can't restrict except through zoning.

He also acknowledged the speeding issue and that speed tables have been installed A resident said that the White Pond developer is doing unpermitted construction which lacks fire safety and might damage utilities. Ludle said he will look into the issue.

A resident said they were concerned about traffic near white pond. Hardy said that ODOT is refusing to look at White Pond and that expansion of the nearby interchange is necessary to keep up with traffic.

The meeting ended at 10:11 PM . The next Ward 8 meeting will be June 29th at 9:00 AM at the Brayden Acme. For more coverage check out akron.documenter.org

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