Stow · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Stow public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Deer management
Residents — and council members themselves — report deer numbers exploding. Options like sterilization plus culling cost tens of thousands, take five to six years, and are limited to city property. No plan was scheduled.
EV fast-charging gap in Stow
Stow has just six Level 2 charging stations with 14 stalls, far behind Akron and Kent. The commission is studying whether residents in apartments and condos without home charging are being underserved — and whether zoning should require new development to be charging-ready.
Recycling costs and education
Stow pays over $7,000 per month for cardboard recycling, and contamination (food and random items in bins) is a big problem. Members agreed recycling education is perpetual and communities should know where their recyclables actually go.
Accessible Ohio partnership opportunity
Members want to offer free disability-awareness and barrier simulation training to local businesses, possibly through the Chamber of Commerce, and position the commission as a citywide resource for accessibility concerns.
Fall tree planting and replanting challenges
Residents have been asking why they're charged for trees under the city's planting program. The commission noted the $150 fee was meant as a supplemental option for specific yard requests, not the core program, and residents with complaints are encouraged to raise it with their council representative.
Solar scam warnings and group solar buying
After reports of a solar company signing up a 90-plus-year-old neighbor, the commission drafted a scam-warning newsletter article and approved a Solar 101 session in October, connecting residents to a vetted group-buying program with a November 18 deadline.
Materials management and vendor solicitations
A new ordinance defines the "lowest responsive and responsible bidder" with 20 evaluation factors, including city income tax registration. Supporters say it raises standards; Coffey worries it could shrink the contractor pool and raise project costs.
Free tree canopy assessment
The Environmental Commission's secretary flagged a free urban canopy assessment from Power Clean Ohio. The commission wants more details before agreeing, and will invite a representative to the next meeting.
Walk-and-talk with council and stakeholders
The commission plans an annual neighborhood walk with council members to discuss street trees — pruning and sidewalks likely top topics — targeting September 17 or October 1.
Cost Share Program participation lagging
The commission showed how GIS data reveals the history of the $125 cost-share program, which splits street tree costs with homeowners — data members said should be shown to council.
EarthFest tree giveaway effectiveness
The city will hand out 100 white oak trees at EarthFest on April 25 and roughly 300 seedlings to Fishcreek Elementary students on April 26 — free trees for residents and kids.
Updated Tree Management Plan adopted
The commission finalized its updated plan guiding city tree maintenance and canopy growth. It trimmed the document from 15 pages to 11 and will refresh statistics annually.