Vice President of Council (Ward 3)· January 2, 2026 - January 1, 2028
John Baranek
Stow
No biography on file yet.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 26
- Total speaking time
- 50:32
- Avg per meeting
- 1:57
- Segments
- 817
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Top issues during term (20)(Parks Rec)
Growth in Senior Programs and Youth Sports
The commission operates within the city's general fund under Parks and Recreation, with no separate line item.
City mascot selection
Costs will come later with mascot production and event appearances; not yet determined.
Firearms rules in parks (Ordinance 2026-160)
The city hopes to dodge costly litigation and attorney-fee exposure that other Ohio municipalities are facing.
Board Role and Meeting Format
No dedicated budgets for any of the three committees.
Maple Tree Contest
Gift cards for contest winners are the only cost, funded through commission activities.
Fox Den golf shop merchandise budget
A $15,000 increase in authorized spending for the golf course pro shop.
Master Plan for Public Art (Resolution 2026-114)
Not yet determined.
Fishcreek Elementary holiday tree project
The city will cover supplies like cookies, markers, and ornaments for the holiday trees.
Warm Up America blanket project
Kit supplies need to be ordered soon, though costs weren't discussed.
Community film project proposal
Library–Parks Partnership
Library budgets have been cut three years running, so foundation fundraisers like Music Bingo matter more than ever.
Fox Den Golf Course fuel costs
Up to $50,000 for fuel, up from about $33,351 spent year-to-date in 2026.
Inclusive children's event at community center
Costs were mostly not estimated; using city facilities like the Senior Center keeps the first event low or no cost.
Community outreach and marketing strategy
The ordinance itself doesn't spend money, but the amphitheater programmer position is already budgeted and a public information officer hire is planned.
Heather Hills playground opening
About $130,000 budgeted, coming in roughly $30,000 under with the added shade feature still to be priced.
Amphitheater operations funding
Apparent low bids of $4,546,001.96, roughly $100K under the $6 million budget from cell tower funds.
Little free art boxes maintenance
City Center fence replacement
Up to $40,471.20, already budgeted in 2026.
Volunteer connections with Stow nursing homes
No city cost discussed — the program relies on volunteers and existing community groups.
Recreation Assistant appointment
Establishes compensation for a new recreation staff position.
Decisions during term (0)
Recorded while Baranek was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
No decisions found matching Parks Rec.
Voting record (0)(Parks Rec)
No votes found matching Parks Rec.