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Falls Council introduces new ordinances



CUYAHOGA FALLS — Cuyahoga Falls City Council had first readings on six new ordinances Jan. 23.
The ordinances, which will be reviewed at the next council meeting, include:
• contracts with Storm 7 Labs LLC for replacement of the city’s primary network switch; Smart Energy Water for service and support for the Electric Division electronic work order system; and for the improvement of Portage Trail Extension West, from State Road to Northampton Road; and the construction of the new Electric Division building and warehouse at 222 Cochran Road; and
• amending an existing ordinance to incorporate the position and pay grade classification for the nonbargaining position of electric general foreperson.
Following the business portion of the meeting, council heard a presentation from Elaine Tso, CEO of Asian Services In Action Inc. (ASIA Inc.).
Tso stated the nonprofit agency, founded in 1995, serves over 58,000 Asian-Americans and others, offering supportive services often geared toward helping recently-arrived refugees and immigrants adjust to American life and customs.
Tso emphasized “the language barrier is very real and very challenging” as these refugees and immigrants seek to get established, find work, raise their families and purchase their own homes. She noted Akron is one of the top 20 “Welcoming Cities” in the nation, which is a major factor in the large number of people seeking services from her agency. She added services provided by ASIA Inc. are expanding as the agency works to empower new American families to become self-sufficient.
Tso told city officials they can help in concrete ways such as providing smoke detectors and emergency contact information forms, as well as partnering with Summit County to help with projects such as workforce development for ASIA Inc. clients.
Council next meets Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Natatorium, 2345 Fourth St. Audio recordings of council meetings are available at www.cityofcf.org.