Listen to our one-minute audio summary here.
June 26
Stow City Council unanimously approved hiring two additional firefighters during its June 26 meeting, responding to increasing emergency call volumes that have stretched the department beyond its current capacity.
Fire Department Gets Critical Staffing Boost
Fire Chief Mark Stone and Assistant Chief Lang presented data showing the department handled 2,966 calls year-to-date, with 68% occurring while other units were already responding to emergencies. The current staffing model, based on a 1999 study designed for 5,000 annual calls, is struggling with projected volumes exceeding 6,500 calls next year.
“We are bleeding overtime,” Chief Stone told council members, explaining that three shifts currently operate with uneven staffing – A shift has 16 firefighters while B and C shifts have only 15 each.
The department’s utilization analysis revealed Station 1 operating at 36% capacity – well above the 30% threshold considered sustainable. Stations 2 and 3 are approaching that critical level.
Local Heroes Recognized for Life-Saving Actions
The meeting began with an emotional presentation honoring two women who saved a man’s life outside the Basement restaurant. Mayor John Pribonic presented proclamations to Marissa, who works at Walgreens, and Lisa, general manager of the Basement.
On June 5, Marissa performed CPR on Bob, a 68-year-old man who collapsed in cardiac arrest in the Plaza parking lot. Lisa, who recognized Bob as a regular customer, called 911 and helped coordinate emergency response.
“This is divine intervention,” Bob told the audience, noting that Marissa had left Walgreens, returned for something she forgot, and was leaving again when she spotted him collapsed. “Had she just come out the first time and left, I wouldn’t be here.”
Captain Troy Aker emphasized the critical importance of immediate CPR, saying even highly skilled EMS crews may fall short without quick bystander intervention.
Storm Water Study Reveals Echo Road Flooding Solutions
The Public Improvements Committee heard results from a comprehensive storm water study addressing long-standing flooding issues in the Echo Road area. DLZ consultants Kyle Ringbach and Pete Bower presented findings from their analysis of a drainage area spanning from Darrow Road to Highwood and Maple to Pinehurst.
Key issues identified include:
- Undersized sewers on Highwood Road requiring upgrade to 48-inch pipes
- Open channel capacity problems in Monroe Falls
- Clay soils with poor water absorption causing rapid sheet flow
The consultants recommended a phased approach starting with channel improvements in Monroe Falls, followed by sewer upgrades. Estimated costs include approximately $500,000 for Highwood sewer improvements and $160,000 for drainage relief at problem areas.
Zoning Code Overhaul Advances
The Planning Committee continued reviewing major changes to the city’s zoning code, including:
District Consolidation:
- Commercial districts reduced from eight to three
- Industrial districts consolidated from I1 and I2 to single I district
- New public institutional district for government buildings
Lot Size Reductions:
- R1 residential minimum reduced from 20,000 to 15,000 square feet
- R2 reduced from 16,000 to 10,000 square feet
- R3 reduced from 12,000 to 7,000 square feet
Planning Director Cowan explained that 60% of existing residential lots don’t meet current minimum requirements, calling the changes necessary to align code with reality.
Controversial Uses Debated: The proposed mixed-use overlay between Graham and Kent roads generated discussion about allowing bars, taverns and nightclubs. Councilwoman Kelly Coffee expressed concerns about proximity to residential areas.
Cannabis dispensaries would be conditionally permitted in C3 districts with reduced buffers from schools (500 feet instead of 1,000 feet) but limited to one citywide.
Charter Amendment Process Streamlined
The Committee of the Whole organized the review process for nine proposed charter amendments. Council President Cyle Feldman scheduled a special July 8 meeting to discuss the proposals in three groups:
- Acting mayor, public locations, and submission dates
- Acting finance/law directors and consecutive terms
- Ward numbers, council terms, and ranked choice voting
To ensure proper review, four additional charter amendments received first readings to align the timeline for all proposals.
Financial Matters
The Finance Committee approved:
- A 30-year TIF agreement for the 600 Seasons Business Center project ($16.5 million investment)
- Increased spending authority for Henderson Products snowplow parts
- Expanded contract with Akron Freightliner for truck maintenance
Finance Director Topping announced the resignation of staff member Jamie Twigg, effective July 4.
Wildlife Concerns Raised
During public comment, residents Ron and Donna Novak highlighted increasing wildlife problems caused by nearby construction projects. They’ve encountered skunks, groundhogs, and coyotes, spending nearly $700 for professional skunk removal.
The couple requested the city include wildlife awareness messages on utility bills to discourage residents from feeding animals that attract problem wildlife.
Looking Ahead
The fire department expects to onboard the two new firefighters by early August, with plans to evaluate the impact before requesting three additional positions in 2026. Chief Film also mentioned researching e-bike regulations for city trails following resident complaints about high-speed electric bicycles.
The next council meeting is scheduled for July 10, with only one meeting planned for July due to the Celebrate Stow Week festivities and Independence Day holiday.
Discover more from Northeast Ohio News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
