Zack Cowan

The new business section focused on reviewing and certifying eligibility lists for various civil service actions. The Commission terminated the existing police officer eligibility list certified on 8/7/2024 and certified a new police officer entrance examination list. They also terminated the police sergeant promotional examination list certified on 4/5/2024 and certified a new list. Furthermore, the police officer lateral transfer list was certified. For future needs, the Commission approved the use of two testing agencies, Ryan-Ramsey HR Solutions and the Ohio Fire Chiefs' Association, for the upcoming Fire Captain promotional examination scheduled for later in the summer.

The Planning Commission meeting commenced with the election of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, resulting in Jeff Wagner being elected Chair and Daniel Bacik as Vice Chairperson. A new member, Ryan Prescott, was sworn into the Planning Commission. During New Business, the Commission unanimously approved a sign variance request (P.C. 2026-001) for a directional sign at 1201 Graham Road, allowing a height exceeding the maximum permitted limit, with conditions related to staking and right-of-way verification, and noted the Fire Department's recommendation for site identification. The body also noted that the new zoning code will become effective on February 9, with related amendments to be discussed in March.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting included several key actions and readings of ordinances and resolutions. Discussions and actions involved approving minutes from previous meetings (December 5, 2024, and January 2, 2025, Organizational Meeting). Third readings included an ordinance to allow for garden fences and a resolution to file grant applications for the Mud Brook Wetlands Preserve Project. Second readings covered an ordinance to create regulations for adult-use cannabis and a resolution establishing protocols upon the passing of an elected official. First readings addressed numerous ordinances authorizing contracts for various services and purchases, including natural gas, postage, maintenance equipment for Fox Den Golf Course, storm water management design services, a dump truck, and heart monitors for the Fire Department. Other first readings covered fund transfers, changes to department names, and approvals for site plans and lot splits.

The agenda for this meeting includes several key legislative items presented for readings. Third reading items include an ordinance amending personnel policies and adjusting payroll, an annual appropriation ordinance for the 2025 expenses, and an ordinance regarding tax exemption for property improvements. First readings cover ordinances related to service payments, contracting for Trimble X9 Scanner Kit purchase for the Crash Response Team, a professional services contract for a water and stormwater rate study, updates to codified ordinances, continuation of the partially self-funded insurance program, stop/loss and administrative services contracts with Medical Mutual of Ohio, renewal of life/vision/dental insurance coverage, and increasing expenditures for concession products at Fox Den Golf Course. New business also includes ordinances regarding pipe lining for stormwater improvements, ratifying the 2025 Capital Improvement Plan, amending fence regulations for garden fences, filing grant applications for the Mud Brook Wetlands Preserve project, approving an employment contract for the Assistant General Manager at Fox Den Golf Course, allocating supplemental overtime funds for the Fire Department, purchasing a Dodge Charger for the Police Department, maintenance on the water tank, design for a city amphitheater, network cabling upgrades at the Safety Center, general insurance coverage, and contracting for cleaning services at Safety & Service Buildings. Resolutions address a signage variance and granting a conditional zoning certificate for an accessory building and a model home.

The Committee of the Whole meeting agenda included several items for consideration. These involved amending ordinances related to the Appeal to Board of Zoning and Building Appeals (Chapter 1311.11 C.O.S.) and the establishment and membership of the Urban Forestry Commission (Chapter 171.02 C.O.S.). A resolution was also scheduled for empowerment of the Commission on Inclusion to develop an Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan and declare an emergency. Furthermore, there was a motion regarding a Liquor License for Gavetta Inc. DBA Cafe in Stow. The agenda also reserved time for an Executive Session to discuss pending litigation and a Public Comment Period.