What happened at Thursday's City Council meeting

My notes from last night’s council meeting are posted below:

–The water line replacement by Tip Top Restaurant is 99% complete. The Marsh Road project just started, and it will cause traffic delays in that area through the end of May, at least.

–Finance Director John Baranek shared a letter he received from a resident. … One of the employees in Stow’s income tax department informed a resident that he had overpaid the city by about $75. The resident was so pleased with the employee’s demeanor and honesty that he donated the $75 back to the city. … I’ve had similar experiences with our income tax folks. They’re good to work with. Hats off to them in this “busy season.”

–City council approved the installation of a wireless Internet network at city hall, the safety building, and the service building. The price tag will be about $25,000, but it will assist in all sorts of day-to-day activity for employees. That infrastructure, of course, also is critical for the implementation of the Transparency and Government Savings Act.

–Council also approved the purchase of four new police cruisers at a total cost of just over $100,000. … Stow has made great strides in the past few years in improving our police cruiser fleet. When I joined council, the fleet was very, very old and required constant maintenance. If you remember, one cruiser broke down while chasing the stolen dump truck. We will likely purchase two more cruisers next year, which will allow us to enter into a reasonable rotation pattern.

–City council will meet next for committees on Monday, April 8, when we will again discuss the Transparency and Government Savings Act. Until then, I wish you a happy Easter — which is probably my favorite holiday. Not because of the chocolate and bunnies, but because it is a celebration of the greatest event in the history of the world.