First, an update on Stow’s position related to the new Ohio law allowing fireworks. Local municipalities have the right to “opt out” of the new law and continue a ban on fireworks in their city or pass a law less restrictive than the current Ohio law. At the June 9th Council meeting the Roads and Safety Committee of Council voted against moving legislation on to Council that would opt Stow out of the new law. The new state law that is in place does still limit the days, size, location, and times fireworks are allowable in the state. A good summary of the state law is here: Ohio Consumer Firework Summary
I do not sit on the Roads and Safety Committee, but I agree with the decision to let the state law take effect at this time and then we can evaluate the impact it has and if there is a need for added restrictions in the future. While I understand this is a sensitive topic and there are residents that are very adamant on both sides of it, my decision was based on our current enforcement of fireworks banned. Currently fireworks calls are a low priority, and our police response is based on the call volume at the time. Typically, only a warning issued, and the City had only issued 2 citations in 5 years for fireworks. The new state law also does not override our current noise ordinance regulations that we have in the City. This is a situation that can be re-evaluated in the future if the limited days fireworks are allowed on causes any added issues beyond what we already see related to fireworks.
At our June 9th meeting Council, State Senator Kristina Roegner and a member from the Office of US Representative Dave Joyce were present to recognize the retirement of Officer Tim Reiheld after almost 33 years of services with the City of Stow. Officer Reiheld praised the City of Stow and our police department for our forward thinking and dedication to office training. In turn people present praised Officer Reiheld for his ability to keep his calm under pressure and to diffuse intense situations. I wish Tim nothing but the best in his retirement and that he enjoys his time with his family and friends.
We also received an update on the current road and sidewalk program that has been going on this spring and early summer. The new sidewalk program was extremely successful and the program for this year has been completed early. This program will continue next year and is funded using our lodging tax fee paid by people staying at our local hotels in the City. The road paving program is also in progress and must be completed by early September or the City can assess penalties upon the contractor for delay. This is the earliest our road program has begun in the last several years and I am happy that with passing our budget at the end of 2021 we were able to accomplish this.
Council also approved an architectural firm for a feasibility study related to a potential community center in Stow. This is the first action item coming from the parks master plan that is being finalized at this time. This evaluation will review various aspects of a potential community center, including facility, programs, staffing needs, local market assessment, etc. This evaluation should be complete by fall of 2022.
Council found out in June that our Deputy Law Director, Callie Channel will be leaving the City in July to pursue a new opportunity. Ms. Channel spends a good part of her time collaborating with Council in reviewing legislation and other municipal law matters. I have genuinely enjoyed working with Ms. Channel in her time with the City and I wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors. This led to the appointment of Mr. Drew Reilly to the position of Deputy Law Director. Mr. Reilly is the staff attorney for the Summit County Land Bank and previously served as a Council member in the City of Cuyahoga Falls and Village of Mogadore. I welcome Mr. Reilly to the City of Stow and look forward to working with him.
Finally, Council approved the first step in several necessary for the Route 91 reconstruction project. This is a major project and will include the complete re-construction of Route 91 through the entire distance of the City. This is moving ahead faster than many of the state projects, though it will still take several years to begin, it is good to see it being moved up the priority list based on the current condition of the roadway.
I look forward to seeing everyone at the 4th of July Parade and our next Council meeting will be on July 14, 2022 with Committee meetings starting at 5:30 PM and Council to follow.