Stow · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Stow public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Entry-Level Police Officer Examination
The Commission was set to address the civil service examination process for entry-level police officers — the test that determines who lands on the eligibility list for hiring. How it's run shapes who gets a shot at joining the Stow Police Department.
Hudson Drive Extension water line
A 40-year local contractor is trying to open a new business at 3691 Hudson Drive but needs water service. He says city staff and council members have been helping and hopes to open this year.
Four new firefighters to cover retirements
The fire department is losing people to retirement and council just approved hiring four replacements. That keeps staffing and response times where residents expect them.
Ambulance Replacement Purchase (Ordinance 2026-162)
The Fire Department is getting a new ambulance at $298,449, bought without public bidding because it's a sole-source purchase. Delivery takes about 24 months.
Assistant Fire Chief selection and fire department succession
Michael Lang Jr. was confirmed as fire chief and Mark Kozak as assistant chief, succeeding retiring Chief Stone. The mayor swears them in Sept. 17 at 3:30 p.m. at Station One.
Fire equipment funding increase
The fire department needs turnout gear for seven new firefighters joining by year's end. The committee sent a $35,000 budget increase to council the same night.
Electric bicycle and sidewalk rules
Council updated rules for e-bikes and riding on sidewalks, with improved helmet language for young riders.
Emergency generator and preparedness for vulnerable residents
The city wants a backup generator so the senior community center can shelter vulnerable residents during power outages. A diesel quick-disconnect unit could also replace rented event generators; costs range roughly $50,000-$400,000 and the purchase will go to Finance.
Deferral of Ten Firefighter Hires Amid Budget Deficit
The council was scheduled to consider delaying the hiring of ten firefighters because the city projects an operational deficit of more than $3 million for fiscal year 2025/26. No vote was taken because the meeting was canceled, so staffing plans remain unresolved.
Police department staffing flexibility
The city has three police vacancies and now has certified eligibility lists to hire from. The commission learned only 10 of 43 test-takers made the list after written and physical fitness testing.
Blue envelope program implementation
This program gives drivers with disabilities a packet that helps police understand their communication needs during traffic stops. Packets are only available at Summit DD, few people know about it, and only one Stow officer has had the related training — the commission is pushing for wider local availability and police buy-in.
Council President's ICE-related social media posts
Multiple residents demanded censure or resignation of Council President Kyle Herman over posts sharing ICE watch training from his official page; others defended the posts as lawful rights education. One resident asked Stow to follow Akron in passing a resolution opposing ICE operations.
Helping Hands fire relief
The Helping Hands program is helping five Stow families who lost homes to December fires, and community donations keep coming in.
Additional police officer to reach 46 sworn officers
The hire was already in the 2026 budget and aims to keep more officers on the road, improve health and time off under 12-hour shifts, and raise minimum staffing.
Summit County Drug Unit vape shop raids in Stow
Search warrants were served on three Stow vape stores December 17 after complaints about illegal drug sales and sales to juveniles. Drugs, a firearm, and cash were seized; no arrests yet, and charges may follow.