Stow · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Stow public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Municipal electrification feasibility study
A council-suggested goal: exploring whether city staff vehicles should be electric or hybrid, starting with a pilot program rather than a full fleet replacement.
Water rate increase (Ordinance 2026-137)
Water rates haven't gone up since 2011, and the city faces aging lines, 98 main breaks last year, and budget deficits. The committee sent a four-year, 38-cent increase to council — expect bills to rise gradually rather than all at once.
Greenhouse gas inventory data delays
Consultants have the GIS data for the tree-canopy assessment and will compare findings with Stow's 2013 study. Meanwhile, city departments are being asked to supply data for the first greenhouse gas inventory.
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.
Possible conservation projects with Western Reserve Conservancy
The city has started very early talks with the Western Reserve Conservancy about future conservation projects. Nothing is decided yet, but the planning director promised updates if talks move forward.
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.
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.
Food waste reduction and composting
After skipping the $75,000 Food Waste Fighters grant over budget-timeline concerns, the city is still moving on food waste with a free October 29 education event covering composting, food rescue, and waste reduction.
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.
Rooftop solar at city buildings
Ordinance 2026-127, which would put $100,000 in each of the 2026 and 2027 capital budgets toward rooftop solar, comes back for a second council reading this week. Unexpected building repairs could complicate its passage.
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.
Oak tree slime flux education
Commissioner Tom Klingler explained slime flux — a bacterial oozing on oaks that smells so strong it can be mistaken for a gas leak. His advice: leave it alone; the tree usually heals itself.
Mulching door-hanger campaign
Members are distributing door hangers that show correct mulching so residents can help neighbors avoid tree-damaging 'mulch volcanoes.'
Community energy pilot program (HB303)
Stow is officially urging state lawmakers to pass a community energy pilot that would let residents — including apartment dwellers and people with shaded lots — subscribe to local solar projects and cut electric bills 5–20%. Local electric costs have spiked hard, with supply charges up 83% since 2025.
Electric vehicle community outreach
The commission is working with Clean Fuels Ohio to host an EV ice cream social in mid-to-late July and possibly an EV 101 session at the library this fall.
Leaded aviation fuel at Stow Municipal Airport
Staff built a map showing areas within 500–1000 meters of the airport runways as having high lead-emission potential. Ohio EPA doesn't require runoff monitoring, so the commission is creating a resident guide for testing soil and will offer loaner soil probes.
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.