Workgroup Members:
Pamela Decker, Stephen A. Dubetz, Linda S. Hayes, Lee Ann Hinkle, Linda Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Kidwell, R. Karl Kircher, Christine McClintic, Mary Ann McGuckin, Robert P. Morrison, Loretta Ostroski, Bertha Ray, Bob Reed, Evelyn Smith, Greg Spino and Judy Wilfong

Mission Statement – Imagine Akron 2025, Municipal Services Committee, is committed to improve customer (citizen) satisfaction by providing cost effective, efficient, and environmentally sound public services.

1. Trash Pick-up and Recycling

Goal: Reduce waste going to landfills by 30% by 2025.

Action: Reduce waste and improve recycling program by:

1. Researching and incorporating the best aspects of successful programs from other cities.
2. Encouraging manufactures to implement less wasteful/excessive packaging through state and national organizations, such as National Conference of Mayors, or others.
3. Recyclable materials to be picked-up as often as trash (every week).
4. Educated/Coordinate public involvement in composting and alternatives to traditional waste disposal.
5. Expand Recycling program to include commercial and governmental entities, as well as schools and churches.

Result: Reduce volume of expensive landfill waste stream, using the savings to off-set the cost of increased recycling.

2. Street Repair

Goal: Extend/double the life of street surfaces by 2025.

Action:

1. Research European and other state-of-the-art roadway systems; implement the findings to improve Akron’s main roads and those that require frequent maintenance.
2. Use thicker pavement courses for new and resurfaced roads.
3. Increases preventive maintc. of streets by increasing quantity of crack sealant applied as well as well s apply additional seal coats.

Result: To double the current life or roadway surfaces, using savings from reduced maintenance expenses to off-set the costs of improved surfaces.

3. Snow Removal

Goal: Improve snow removal on residential streets and in neighborhoods, and reduce salt by increasing use of alternative/organic De-Icers.

Action: City to continue to improve plowing of arterial/main streets, hills, and bridges. Hire-subcontracts with private local companies (small landscapers, etc.) to plow a small number of assigned streets within a neighborhood, or defined district. Complete plowing within each snowfall of 5 inches or greater.

Result: All streets in city plowed, when snow exceeds 5 inches.

4. Animal Control

Goal: Increase and promote pet owner responsibility to reduce number of stray animals roaming throughout the city.

Action:

1. City to own and operate its own animal shelter, with additional personnel to educate, institute and enforce mandatory pet licensing with proof of rabies vaccinations.
2. Increase, education, and expand affordable spay/neuter program to include legislation to require mandatory spay/neuter of adopted pets as well as trapping of stray cats and dogs.
3. Increase cooperation among vets, animal control agencies, and animal welfare organizations.

Result: Reduce number of euthanized dogs and cats throughout city and control spread of disease.