Stow City Council committees tackled several key issues during their July 10 meeting, with school safety taking center stage as officials discussed a new approach to funding School Resource Officers.
Mayor John Pribonic supported Police Chief Jeffrey Film’s proposal for a 60/40 cost-sharing agreement with Stow-Munroe Falls City School District. Under the plan, the district would pay 60% of costs while the city covers 40% for two part-time permanent SRO positions.
Chief Film explained the current system isn’t working effectively. Officers currently work as independent contractors paid directly by the school district, which limits their law enforcement authority and makes filling positions difficult.
“The past several years it’s just been a very difficult job for us to fill every day during the school year,” Film told the Roads and Safety Committee. He noted that as side jobs, officers can’t be mandated to work and have limited enforcement powers while on school property.
The new model would create actual city employees who could enforce laws and make arrests on school grounds. Film said several Ohio communities use similar hybrid funding arrangements.
Councilwoman Kelly Coffey supported the proposal, calling it “time-sensitive legislation” with school starting in a month. She noted other communities like Jackson Township and Westlake use similar successful models.
However, Finance Committee Chairman John Baranek expressed concerns about the district’s financial stability and questioned why the schools weren’t represented at the meeting. He worried the city could end up “holding the bag” if the district backs out of funding.
The legislation will receive its first reading at the full council meeting.
Drive-Through Safety Measure Proposed
The Planning Committee advanced legislation requiring bypass lanes for all drive-through facilities in the city. The measure stems from last year’s tragic murder-suicide at a Taco Bell drive-through where 25-year-old Megan Keleman was killed.
Planning Director Zach Cowan explained that bypass lanes are necessary to provide emergency and safety access in case of medical or mechanical issues while stuck in drive-through lines. He noted that without bypass lanes, “once you get in that lane and you’re stuck in between cars, you’re stuck in there.”
“It doesn’t matter how long the food takes, but if your car breaks down, if you’re having a medical emergency, you’re stuck in there,” Cowan said. “It also makes it more difficult for emergency vehicle access to get to” people in need.
The proposed ordinance would require all drive-through facilities to provide a minimum 10-foot bypass lane where vehicles can exit at any point without proceeding through the drive-through lane. Parking and circulation areas adjacent to the drive-through lane could count toward meeting this requirement.
Cowan said requiring bypass lanes is “fairly common” and noted he had worked in other communities like Gahanna and Columbus that require them. The measure would apply to both existing single-lane drive-throughs around the city and future developments.
Mayor Pribonic said the legislation was prompted by the upcoming anniversary of the tragic event and noted it could eventually become a statewide initiative called “Megan’s Way” and potentially go national.
Councilman Jeremy McIntyre expressed full support for the legislation, saying while these aren’t typical circumstances for changing zoning codes, “they’re necessary to prevent these types of things from happening.” He noted that in a medical emergency, other drivers might not realize someone needs help “until that first car moves out of the way.”
Traffic Signal Project Approved
Council approved legislation to seek bids for a new traffic signal at the intersection of Seasons Road and Allen Road. The $350,000 project received a $300,000 transportation improvement district grant, with remaining costs split between Stow and Hudson.
City Engineer Tim Jones said construction would begin this fall with foundations and underground work, completing next spring.
Other Business
The Finance Committee approved SCADA system upgrades for the water department and discussed the 2026-2030 capital improvement plan. Public Service Director Mike Ren said the current system from 2006 isn’t alarming properly during water emergencies.
Several charter amendment proposals received second readings, including measures on acting officials, posting requirements, and council ward changes. These items could appear on November’s ballot.
Council also appointed Angela Rave as deputy finance director and approved various administrative items.
The next council meeting is scheduled for July 24 at Stow City Hall.
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