Jeff Film, our host, planned to hike with his wife and daughter to reconnect and relax, recognizing that in times of stress it is easy to forget or even ignore those closest to us.  He also said he considers the dedication of Rotarians phenomenal in this community.  Jeff, thank you for making the world a happier place!

 

To be sure, Jeff encouraged everyone to get out and vote.  

 

For today's program, Stow Fire Chief, Mark Stone, Mayor John Pribonic and Stow Police Chief, Jeff Film, explained Issue 23, which is on the ballot November 3, 2020. 

 

The safety of residents in our communities is a top priority for first responders.  For many years consideration of a regional dispatch center has been discussed. The new center will include, Stow, Cuyahoga Falls, Munroe Falls, Tallmadge, and Mogadore.  There are already several ways that communities share in services that enhance multiple communities.  Metro SWAT, Dive Rescue, the 911 System, the Dispatch CAD System, Metro Crash Team and the Citizens' Police Academy are examples of the ways various entities work cooperatively.  

 

We have a good center already, according to Chief Film, but it can be better and more efficient.  We can share human resources, fiscal resources and technological resources which should result in greater efficiencies for each of these areas for Stow.  The center would allow for 8-12 dispatchers per shift, an increase from the current 2-3 scheduled each shift at the Stow dispatch center.  Since it is not unusual to receive multiple calls about the same matter, more staff could lead to faster response times for residents.  Shared operating costs would be of benefit to everyone and the newer technology could lead to a seamless transfer of mutual assistance between jurisdictions when necessary.  

 

The new center will be located at the old Weaver School site at Route 91 and Howe Road in Tallmadge.  There will be dispatch rooms, a training facility and a radio room.  The various municipalities would share the expenses of the center (a reduction for most of the member communities' budgets), therefore avoiding the need for an additional tax, according to Mayor Pribonic.