Stow City Council Prioritizes Safety and Infrastructure, Passes ‘Megan’s Law’

The Stow City Council convened for its regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. on September 11 in the Council Chambers, addressing a wide range of legislative and community matters. The evening was marked by a moment of remembrance for the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and the passage of a significant ordinance aimed at public safety in honor of a local resident.

“Megan’s Law” Passes, Enhancing Drive-Thru Safety

A pivotal moment of the meeting was the unanimous adoption of Ordinance Number 2025-142, which amends certain sections of the Codified Ordinances of Stow (C.O.S.) to include supplementary regulations for drive-thru facilities, specifically requiring bypass lanes. This ordinance, referred to as “Megan’s Law” by Mayor John Pribonic and Council members, was championed by the Kellerman family—Nick, Kelly, and Matt—who were present at the meeting. Councilman Kyle Herman expressed gratitude to the Kellerman family for honoring Megan’s legacy and working to make the community safer, also noting their collaboration with Senator Casey Weinstein to expand this initiative statewide. The Mayor confirmed his intent to sign the ordinance into law that very night.

Community Recognitions

The meeting began with a proclamation for Stow resident Kim Cook, a registered nurse with over 35 years of medical experience, who was honored for her heroic actions in saving her neighbor’s dog, Winston. Kim Cook performed the Heimlich maneuver and CPR on Winston after he choked on a chicken bone, bringing him back to life. Mayor John Pribonic commended Ms. Cook for embodying the spirit of community and acting swiftly to help.

Mayor Pribonic also used his report to acknowledge the Kellerman family’s foundation, Megan’s Rainbow of Hope, which is establishing scholarships and continuing Megan’s mission of caring for others. He also highlighted the success of the 18th annual Stow Summer Sunset Blast and announced upcoming community events such as “Touch a Truck” and the “Frink Fearless Fighters 5K run,” as well as the Stow Homecoming Parade.

Key Legislative Actions and Discussions

Several other significant ordinances and resolutions were addressed:

School Resource Officer (SRO) Positions: Council adopted Ordinance Number 2025-148, creating the permanent part-time position of School Resource Officer with a pay grade of 12. This was followed by the approval of Ordinance Number 2025-149, authorizing a security services contract with the Stow-Munroe Falls City School District for two permanent part-time SROs. Councilwoman Kelly Coffey praised this initiative as a fiscally responsible model for enhancing school safety, aiming to emulate successful programs in other townships. Mark Trine, representing the schools, was thanked for his partnership in this endeavor.

Water Rate Study and Proposed Increase: Discussions around Ordinance Number 2025-182, concerning an increase in water rate fees for City of Stow users, were held but the ordinance remained in the Public Improvements Committee. Finance Director Kelly Toppin noted that a water rate study by Raftelis Financial Consultants, LLC had recommended these changes to ensure the sustainability of water and stormwater funds, which haven’t seen an increase from the city since 2001. Service Director Mr. Wren explained that the increase would help replace aging water lines, address an 89% increase in water line breaks, and meet EPA requirements for a second water tower, estimated to cost $17 to $21 million. Councilman Jeremy McIntire pointed out that meter replacement and the new water tower are inevitable costs, regardless of the rate increase.

Capital Improvement Plan (CIP): Resolution Number 2025-147, which ratifies the approval of the 2026 Capital Improvement Plan, was postponed until October 9 to allow for further discussion and potential adjustments. The plan outlines over $12.4 million in requested funding for FY2026 across various departments, with a multi-year plan totaling over $65 million by FY2030. Councilwoman Kelly Coffey expressed concern over the projected $17 million for 2027.

Enbridge Gas Line Extension for Fox Den Golf Course: Ordinance Number 2025-176 was adopted, authorizing a contract with East Ohio Gas Company dba Enbridge Gas Ohio for a gas line extension to install driving range heaters at Fox Den Golf Course. This aims to eliminate the need for propane and utilize natural gas, potentially extending the golf course’s revenue generation into colder months.

Substance Abuse Counseling Services: Council approved Ordinance Number 2025-177, authorizing an expenditure for a professional services contract with Dr. Samantha Pfeiffer for substance abuse counseling and prevention through Stow Youth Services. Law Director Drew C. Reilly noted this is a renewal contract utilizing opiate settlement funds and Chief Film highlighted the program’s success, having seen 91 students for issues including alcohol, drug abuse, mental health, and vaping education.

Opioid Settlement Funds: Resolution Number 2025-183 was passed, accepting the material terms of the Ohio subdivision settlements with Purdue Pharma L.P. and the Sackler Family, and secondary manufacturers including Alvogen, Amneal, Apotex, Hikma, Indivior, Mylan, Sun, and Zydus. This allows the City of Stow to participate in a new settlement after a previous one was rejected.

Economic Development Initiatives (Haury Enterprises II LLC): Council passed Resolution Number 2025-180 and Ordinance Number 2025-181. The first authorizes a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) tax incentive agreement with Haury Enterprises II LLC for the construction of an 18,000 square foot facility at 4811 Scarlet Lane. The second approves an income tax sharing grant agreement with Haury Enterprises II LLC, providing assistance with their relocation and committing to create at least 100 jobs and $3.1 million in new payroll.

Finance Department Furniture: Ordinance Number 2025-152, authorizing a contract with Independence Business Supply for furniture for the Finance Department, failed in a tie vote. Councilman Jeremy McIntire voted against it, citing the unaddressed issue of moving the Council office back to City Hall as per the city charter. Finance Director Kelly Toppin explained the need for the upgrades due to outdated workstations and the conversion of a back room into a conference room.

Failed Initiatives: Ward Commission and Ranked Choice Voting

Two ordinances proposed by the 2025 Charter Review Commission, both establishing new commissions for further study, did not pass:

Ordinance Number 2025-136, which sought to create a Stow Commission on City Council Wards, failed. The proposed commission would have investigated the necessity of increasing the number of wards, which hasn’t changed since 1958, despite significant city growth. Councilwoman Kelly Coffey and Council President Cyle Feldman expressed concerns about the cost and current adequate representation.

Similarly, Ordinance Number 2025-137, to establish a Stow Commission on Ranked Choice Voting, also failed. This commission aimed to study the usage of ranked choice voting in municipal elections, a concept that garnered significant citizen support during the Charter Review Commission’s work. Councilman Kyle Herman, who co-founded a nonprofit supporting ranked choice voting, advocated for an objective look at the facts.