"County Council working to raise awareness of stormwater issues" - Akron.com

Oct 07, 2021

By: Maria Lindsay | Original Source

DOWNTOWN AKRON, OH — In recognition of the impact stormwater has on infrastructure and the environment, Summit County Council passed on first reading during its Oct. 4 meeting a resolution declaring Oct. 17-23 as Stormwater Awareness Week.

According to the legislation, stormwater can impact water quality and quantity, and controlling the causes and consequences of polluted stormwater runoff and flooding requires actions that work most effectively when everyone does their part.The legislation also states the county is working collaboratively with partners to better manage stormwater and also is studying the use of federal American Rescue Plan funds to make investments in stormwater and infrastructure that will address and control problems.

Summit County Engineer’s Office spokesperson Heidi Swindell stated during the meeting that information on how people can help to control stormwater is posted at www.ohiostormwaterweek.org. These tips include planting native plants and trees; properly disposing of chemicals and hazardous waste; keeping storm drains clear of debris, such as leaves and litter; picking up pet waste; and cleaning up streams and riverbeds.
The Engineer’s Office also is creating a webpage with other information to be posted at www.summitengineer.net.

Council also passed on first reading a resolution declaring Oct. 3-9 as Mental Illness Awareness Week in Summit County and a resolution clarifying the term “public official” to mean an elected official for members of the Nonpartisan Independent Council Fair District Commission.

New legislation introduced at the meeting included:
• a contract with Aramark Correctional Services LLC to provide food services at the Summit County Jail for one year at a cost of $874,301;

• a HOME Investment Partnership Program contract of $300,000 with Grace House to construct a six-bedroom home that will provide hospice services for indigent people in Summit County. [For more about the facility, see “Grace House fundraising for hospice home” in the Feb. 18, 2021, West Side Leader or search for it at www.akron.com];

• a HOME Investment Partnership Program contract of $300,000 with East Akron Neighborhood Development Corp. to construct a 50-unit apartment complex for the I Promise Housing Development; and

• the purchase of seven 2022 Ford Explorer Interceptor police vehicles from Ganley Ford Inc. for $237,107.

Council will not meet next Monday due to the Oct. 11 federal Columbus Day holiday. Council will next gather Oct. 18 for committee meetings at 4:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, located on the seventh floor of the Ohio Building at 175 S. Main St. The meeting also will be livestreamed via Council’s Facebook page.