Last nights council meeting included a few updates and a few legislative items. My notes on each below:
- The Tobacco 21 legislation had the 3rd and final reading last night. After voting the legislation failed 5-1. There were several high school students who attended and spoke in front of council about their opinions on the legislation. I commend these students for coming out and speaking up to have their opinions heard, they all did a wonderful job. I understand there were several in attendance that was for the legislation, however I still feel the legislation was flawed and did not enough to truly address the issue. Overall, vaping seems to be the biggest problem and currently does not have the same type of oversight as tobacco does. The legislation that was presented by the Health Department was not enough of the right “fix” for the problems we have in Stow. We need to evaluate the laws we currently have already relating to this issue and determine if they are working and effective before we make a jump to a regulation that is not even within our own city’s control for enforcement.
- City Council approved a site plan for the Circle K located at the corner of Fishcreek and Stow Rd to tear down and re-build a new gas station. The new gas station will include a much-improved site plan and building. The entrances on both Stow Road and Fishcreek will be moved back from the intersection which will make that intersection a little less hectic. They are expecting to begin work in April and the project should take 4 months to complete.
- Council had a first reading of a proposed charter amendment that would add term limits for Planning Commission members. The idea of term limits is enforced at all elected levels of public office in Stow (Mayor, Finance, Law, and Council) so I believe this would be a positive step to continue to get new residents involved with our city.
- The City also asked and Council approved funding for a social media contractor, The Impact Group, to come in and help the city unify its social media appearance and messaging. This will help not only for citizens but also help for businesses and hopefully to promote additional economic development for current business in Stow and to attract new business.
- The Finance department also presented the 2019 budget. 2018 ended on a positive finical note and the general fund had a surplus for the 4th consecutive year. The overall debt of the city dropped just below the $15M mark which marked 10 years of consistent decline, as it was just over $31 M in 2008. Along with paying down debt the city has also focused improvement funds for both stormwater and roads over the past several years and will continue with related improvements in 2019.
The next City Council Meeting will be March 14, 2019 at 7 PM.