Urban Forestry came in and gave their annual presentation about the current state of our urban forestry projects within the City. This includes information about the annual residential tree program and the annual grant for the Department of Forestry that has allowed our City to replace trees through the City, both residential and city owned areas.
Council also approved several upcoming projects related to the State Routes and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) maintained roads in our City. This type of funding is 80% funded by the state and 20% funded by the City of Stow. These type of projects allow the City to spend the majority of our annual road budget maintaining our local roads. These projects will be overseen by ODOT and their funding depends on the State financial calendars.
- State Route 59—This has two upcoming projects. The first will be repaving of 59 to take place in Fall 2023 or Spring 2024. Stow was able to also complete waterline upgrades on 59 prior to this repaving project. The second grant for 59 includes replacements of the signals along 59 and it will take place in 2026.
- State Route 91—this project will include the complete reconstruction of State Route 91 through the entire City of Stow. This is a huge undertaking and estimated to be roughly $8,000,000. Design for this project is beginning now with actual construction Fall 2025 or Spring 2026.
- Graham Road—There are two upcoming projects on Graham Road as well. The first will begin Summer 2023 and will be the re-design of the intersection of Graham and Fishcreek for safety improvements for both pedestrians and car traffic. The second will be the repaving of Graham Road from 91 east to the Kent city line. In addition to the repaving that is estimated in 2027, the City is also looking at other safety improvements that can be made through that section of Graham Road prior to repaving project.
Council also confirmed the appointment of Jeffrey Wagner to the Ward 2 Planning Commission open seat. Mr. Wagner is a past School Board President and Member along with being involved in various community organizations. Mr. Wagner is looking forward to serving and this also ensures Planning Commission has 5 full members seated on the board with several important agenda items in the next several months. Congrats Mr. Wagner!
Council received notification from the Ohio Liquor Control Board that another local restaurant, The Basement, which operations in Cuyahoga Falls has applied to transfer the liquor license previously granted to Beef O’Brady’s to their business. Hopefully this means that they are looking to expand to an additional location in Stow and filling a current business vacancy we have.
Council also approved the hiring of one police officer from our current civil service list after Chief Film received notice that Lt. Titus plans to retire this spring. This will also have several upcoming promotions from civil service lists already in place.
Council will next meet on Thursday February 23rd with Committee meetings at 5:30 PM and Council starting after the conclusion of the committee meetings.