Stow · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Stow public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Water meter replacement and OPWC funding
Stow wants to replace its aging water meters citywide with a connected smart-meter system, funded by a $4.1 million, 0% OPWC loan. Old meters that don't send readings mean lost water revenue. Residents raised privacy and radiation concerns, but no opt-out is planned.
Summit County Pump Station No. 19 replacement (Wyoga Lake)
A 61-year-old sewer pump station near Wyoga Lake failed in 2023 and has been limping along on salvaged parts while the county's replacement project has dragged since 2015. Residents fear a second failure could send sewage into homes, the lake, and downstream into the Cuyahoga River. The county now says construction could start in mid-2027.
Akron-Silver Lake water agreement
Stow agreed to let Silver Lake's Akron-supplied water flow through Stow's lines. In exchange, Akron credits Stow 110% of the water Silver Lake uses — a small win for Stow's water books.
Tree-related power outages
Willowdale, Crestdale, Marsh Road, and Roses Run keep losing power from trees on lines. FirstEnergy is responsive; council members will compile resident reports for quarterly meetings with the utility.
Stormwater detention study
The city wants to know if two parcels it owns — on Hibbard Drive and Maplewood — can be turned into detention basins to reduce downstream flooding. E.L. Robinson Engineering would study it for up to $56,472 from the storm water fund.
THM removal system contract at City Center water tower
Council approved year five of a contract to keep removing trihalomethanes (disinfection byproducts) from Stow's water.