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.
Urgent Care Clinic at 3793 Darrow Road
A former bank building near Darrow and Liberty Road could become a medical office/urgent care facility. The site is already commercial zoning, so the question is whether the urgent care use fits — with findings on traffic, access, parking and neighborhood impact.
Court postage budget increase
Coffey wants to check whether another company could provide courthouse postage before the city locks in another year with Pitney Bowes — the item advanced only as a first reading.
Twinsburg Prosecution Services Contract
Stow will prosecute Munroe Falls' misdemeanor and traffic cases for $15,000 a year over five years, boosting efficiency at Stow Municipal Court.
Law Director's departure and Issue 34
Drew Reilly is leaving for the private sector after 4.5 years, and he used his final report to push a ballot issue: Issue 34 would raise the law director's pay, which he says is lower than other attorneys in his own department. Deputy Steve Hooten steps in as acting law director.
City general insurance renewal (property, casualty, cyber)
The city's insurance premium rose 4% to about $399,000 for 2026-27. This is the last year of the current three-year contract, and the city will seek bids for a new one in 2027.
Growth in Senior Programs and Youth Sports
Membership is at 522 for 2026, growing about 100 per month, and a 172-person survey confirms seniors want the current programs plus line dancing. Staff plan multiple simultaneous programs in different rooms this year.
2027 Employee Health and Benefit Renewals
Stow keeps its partially self-funded health plan through 2027, with MMO handling administration ($170,000 cap) and stop-loss coverage ($630,000 cap) for about 225 employees, plus Guardian life, dental, and vision coverage capped at $68,500.
Indoor sports training facility on Hudson Drive
A new 13,680-square-foot indoor soccer and goalkeeping training facility is coming to an industrial park off Allen Road, run by a Stow resident who already trains 120+ kids a week in Hudson. It will also partner with the Stow Soccer Club youth program.
2026 Annual Staffing Report and 2027 Positions
The city reported 239 full-time-equivalent employees and floated five new or backfill positions for 2027 — including a long-needed second engineering inspector. Council wants more detail on merit raises before the budget moves ahead.
AMP Entertainment District DORA
A designated outdoor refreshment area would let visitors carry alcoholic drinks within the AMP entertainment district — a tool to attract more restaurants. Public hearing October 22 at 5 p.m.
Former bowling alley redevelopment
Council members keep getting asked about the old Stow Kent bowling alley site. Plans are approved and fencing is up, but permitting isn't done and there's no construction start date; the planning director will email members a factsheet to share with residents.
Developer attendance at council meetings
Two developer items were tabled partly because the applicants didn't show up. Riehl called it a 'bad habit'; staff admitted a notification error on one item. Developers asking for city approval may now face more pressure to appear in person.
Library–Parks Partnership
The library and parks department keep building joint programming — silent book clubs in parks, senior tech help on Tuesdays, and shared events. Library budgets are shrinking, but the Friends and Foundation funds all programming, so residents can keep using it free of charge.
Fox Den golf shop merchandise budget
The Fox Den pro shop needed more buying power for TaylorMade golf merchandise to finish the season, with unsold stock returnable for credit next year.
Public Information Officer appointment (Ordinance 2026-164)
Ashley Cook was confirmed as the city's new public information officer, effective immediately as an emergency measure.
Moral claim settlement rejected (Ordinance 2026-159)
A resident is claiming $250,000 for vehicle damage he says was caused by city-related debris. The Board of Control recommended denying the claim, but council is moving to settle for the full amount anyway, with a release of all claims required.
Deer management
Residents keep asking what the city will do about deer. Council may run a community survey and is exploring a ban on feeding deer, with culling and sterilization both on the table for a possible plan next season.