Stow · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Stow public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Lateral Transfer Police Officer Process
The Commission was set to take up the lateral transfer process, which lets experienced officers from other departments join Stow's force without going through the full entry-level exam. It's a tool departments use to fill vacancies faster.
Drive-thru Safety Regulations
Stow just became the fifth Ohio city to require drive-thru escape lanes after state lawmakers dragged their feet following a tragic 2024 shooting. This new rule forces fast-food spots and banks with drive-thrus to give drivers a way out if things go south.
E-bike safety rules
Stow has logged nearly 10 car-versus-e-bike crashes this year, none serious. The city already has age and helmet rules; speed on the county-run Bike and Hike Trail is out of the city's hands. Safety education materials may be shared at community events.
School Resource Officers
The part-time SRO position remains unfilled after a year of failed searches; the lack of health care benefits for part-timers is the main deterrent, and three candidates will be interviewed next week.
Emergency backup generator for senior center
A new generator keeps the community/senior center running during outages, paired with a September 25 event and a Rotary welfare-check program for vulnerable seniors.
Fireworks complaints and enforcement
Baranek reported heavy neighborhood smoke and even aerial fireworks over Route 91 on July 4th. Police and fire will weigh in on how the current ordinance is working; enforcement will focus on genuinely dangerous situations.
Resident's zoning and drainage inspection dispute
A Benwood Drive resident told council he's spent a month trying to get the city to inspect zoning and drainage problems on his property, and only got a response after filing a public records request. He wants a consistent, functional process for rule-following residents.
Indigent burial provisions (Ordinance 2026-113)
State law forces Stow to bury indigent residents who die here, and the city can no longer cap what it pays funeral homes at $700–$800. Expect higher city costs — the state reimbursement fund ran dry five months into the fiscal year — and the city will likely steer toward cremation.
Fire promotional exam question disputes
Candidates on the fire promotional exam protested two test questions. The Commission ruled both questions were flawed and accepted multiple answers, so no candidate is penalized for the ambiguity.
Senior outreach and public information gaps
Commissioners raised the issue of seniors who can no longer attend the center, including shut-ins and those in assisted living, and proposed a roundtable with facility activities directors. Specific goals remain to be set at the next meeting.
Scams targeting seniors
Members swapped stories of fake traffic citations, Geek Squad bills, and BJ's membership scams hitting seniors. The library offers informal scam education, and Law Director Drew Reilly has done scam-prevention programs at the senior center.
Avery's Law — rewritten dangerous dog ordinance
Council replaced the old dangerous/vicious dog law with new nuisance, dangerous, and vicious dog provisions on an emergency basis.
Update to Stow's dangerous and nuisance dog law (Avery's Law)
Council tightened rules on dogs running at large, cruelty to companion animals, and animal noises — a response to resident complaints about barking and roosters. Enforcement will fall mainly to police, who must meet high legal thresholds before citing.
Tree limbs blocking traffic signs and sightlines
A school bus driver flagged overgrown limbs hiding traffic signs on Graham Road West and blocking sightlines near the Fishcreek senior center. The city has three tree-trimming crews working now, in the last year of a private contractor deal.
Business operating without certificate of occupancy at 3310 Kent Road
A tenant business on Kent Road has been open about a year without the certificate of occupancy the city requires, meaning building and fire inspections never signed off on the space. The city is giving the operator a two-week window to complete the application before fines start.
New magistrate for Stow Municipal Court judge's side
Judge Zibritosky is entitled to her own magistrate under state law, and the city didn't budget for it. The $80,000 amendment covers Stow's 60% share; Summit County pays the rest.
Property maintenance violation at 4284 Elmhurst Drive
A home's front porch has been piled with junk, trash and stored materials since January despite three city notices. The owners didn't show for the hearing, so the board ordered a seven-day cleanup with fines of up to $150 per week if they ignore it.
Police Vehicle Fleet Replacement
Four new police cruisers — three Durango Pursuits and one Explorer Interceptor — will replace aging units at about $221,857 total.
Volunteer visits to disabled nursing home residents
A Summit DD coordinator wants volunteers to visit disabled nursing home residents who've lost transportation to their day programs and are getting no enrichment. The commission will hear her proposal in February.