Brad Ruth, Co-president, opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and Gail Moseley followed with an invocation about service. He welcomed our speaker, Nate Leppo, and Todd Hearty, Mary Parr and Maria Ferrara.
CELEBRATION:
Birthday: Leslee Salhany will celebrate her birthday on Friday.
50/50 DRAWING: Don Coughlin had a winning ticket bur drew the 3 of spades.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Golf Outing: Gail told us that the committee needs $25 gift cards, items to fill 100 goodie bags, (which can be give-aways from your company, such as pens) or other things that you think of, hole sponsors at $100 per sponsor, and of course golfers. Fliers will be out within the next couple of days, so watch your e-mail for those.
Interact Recognition: See the separate e-mail that went out this morning asking people to respond to Dinah Henderson, Interact Advisor, if you plan to attend. The event is Tuesday, May 3 from 6-8 p.m. at Silver Springs Lodge. The Interact seniors will be recognized. Dinah can be reached at st_henderson@smfcsd.org. Responses are needed by tomorrow. A flier about the event is attached to these minutes.
Teammates Art Show: This was a really nice event at the high school. Those who attended really appreciated it.
Buses for Bags: See the flier at the end of these minutes for more information, but Maria Ferrara is willing to be part of a team if Rotary wants to have one. Interact will have a team. This would be a great even for Rotarians to support either on a team or with your attendance.
Bulldog Bags: This month's requests are for macaroni and cheese cups, juice boxes and cash donations for sun screen. Take your donations to the lobby of Stow City Hall by May 11 so that they are ready for distribution.
PROGRAM:
Gail Moseley introduced Nate Leppo, Planning and Development Director from Stow. He is a graduate of Stow High School and The Ohio State University with a degree in Landscape Architecture. He has his Masters Degree in City and Regional Planning. After living in other places, he was glad to come to Stow with his wife and two sons to accept the position here.
He explained that major functions of his department are zoning and economic development. He discussed each of the areas with us. The zoning rules actually effect much of the way we live in our communities as they are based on the separation of industrial, commercial and residential use of our land. These regulations are enforced through a 400- page code. The department operates under a Comprehensive Plan which is due to be updated in 2024.
The economic development area competes with other cities to urge companies to come to Stow. They also focus on business retention and expansion. Through this area Stow can attract and incentivize large businesses through tax breaks coordinated between our law department and the city and state. All of this increases wages, tax revenue and the health of the city.
Recently a deputy planner has been hired for Stow, although Nate feels that more personnel is definitely needed for a city this size. He and the deputy, a very part time zoning enforcement officer,.and an administrative assistant comprise the total department. Positions have been proposed to council and denied. This and an outdated software system create frustration on the part of the public as far as having their issues addressed promptly. The software system is being replaced in the fall and that should help because it will enable more to be done by the public on line, and offer less opportunity for error.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Saturday, April 30, Buses for Bags at the High School (See the attached flier)
Tuesday, May 3, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Dinner celebration to honor the Interact seniors at Silver Springs Lodge
Wednesday, May 4, 7:30 Morning meeting at Bellacinos when Aristea Tzouloufis, of Ronald McDonald House will be our speaker,
Wednesday, May 4, 4:30-6:30 Volunteer time at the Foodbank. Text Mary Dula at 330-715-6358 to let her know you can attend.
Saturday, May 7, Help Interact with the Memorial Gardens at the high school
Wednesday, May 11, 7:30, morning meeting at Bellacinos when we will hear the Stow-Munroe Falls winners of the Four-Way Speech Contest.
Friday, May 13, 7:15 a.m. Board Meeting at City Hall
Saturday, May 14, Heroes Day
Monday, June 6. Our Golf Outing at Silver Lake Country Club
Wednesday evening October 12, Reverse Raffle/Silent Auction
Thursday evening, December 12, Holiday Helping Hands
Submitted by Andrea Denton
