Powell City Council Regular Meeting: August 19, 2025

The Powell City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers at 47 Hall Street. The agenda included two major presentations—the 2025 Community Attitude Survey and the Phase I Summary of the Village Green Master Plan—followed by approval of minutes, consent agenda, two resolutions, and a supplemental appropriation ordinance. Council also went into executive session for litigation and economic development discussions.

Consent Calendar

• Approved monthly reports from Public Service/Engineering, Finance, Community Engagement, Building, Police, Planning & Zoning, Human Resources, and Economic Development.
• Accepted two notices of liquor license transfers: CSD Powell RG LLC (50 E. Olentangy St.) and Fork & Flame LLC (258 W. Olentangy St.).
• Adopted by voice vote with no items removed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Janine Ashton (90 Walls End Court) spoke about speeding on Liberty Road, describing a near head-on collision when a driver passed her. She urged enforcement of the 25 mph limit. She also questioned the statistical validity of the Community Attitude Survey, noting only 421 respondents from an estimated population of 14,500 (less than 3%). She asked for an explanation of the survey methodology.

Discussion Items

Community Attitude Survey Presentation

• Presenter: Dr. Martin D. Saperstein, Saperstein Associates.
• Methodology: 421 residents surveyed via telephone and online from April 23 to May 2, 2025. Margin of error ≤ ±5 percentage points (95% confidence). Data weighted to match U.S. Census demographics. Dr. Saperstein explained that sampling error depends on sample size, not population size, and that 400 responses are standard for such surveys.
• Key Findings:
  • 44% of residents consider Powell an exceptional place to live; 94% rate it at least better than average (consistent since 2008).
  • 77% believe the city is heading in the right direction.
  • Safety has replaced small-town atmosphere as the most appealing attribute (31% vs. 18%).
  • Police Department rated excellent by 64% and good by most others.
  • Satisfaction with city services (events, snow removal, parks) remains high, but managing traffic is the top concern (37% unaided mention).
  • Only 1 in 5 residents are very satisfied with traffic management.
  • 8 out of 10 residents have attended at least one downtown event in the past year.
• Council Comments: Councilmember noted the survey provides essential, unbiased community feedback and helps prioritize spending, especially on traffic improvements like Souter Street and Depot Street projects.

Village Green Master Plan Phase I Summary

• Presenters: Sophia (project lead), Brian Bernstein (Realm Collaborative), Rick Stein (Urban Decision Group), John Grimm and Sean Gillen (OHM Advisors).
• Community Engagement: 10-month phase included a survey with ~700 responses (29 questions), 27 stakeholder events (open house, high school engagement, Powell Fest), and a visual gallery.
• Market Study (Rick Stein):
  • Central trade area has high disposable income but retail dollars leak outside city limits.
  • Tourism and regional travelers account for an estimated $29 million in non-grocery economic impact annually.
  • Recommendation: focus on tourism-facing development (e.g., entertainment) to capture more outside spending.
• Traffic Analysis (John Grimm):
  • Studied 12 intersections along Powell and Liberty roads; background traffic growth projected for 2030 (opening year) and 2050 (design year).
  • Traffic counts taken late May to reflect near-peak conditions including zoo traffic.
  • Future phases will identify mitigation measures for both background congestion and Village Green impacts.
• Utilities Assessment (Sean Gillen):
  • Existing water, sewer, gas, power, and fiber optic utilities are generally adequate, but water and sewer upgrades may be needed. Inflow/infiltration issues in sanitary sewers require coordination with Delaware County.
• Next Steps: Phase II scope will be presented at the September 2 council meeting, focusing on programming, vision planning, and continued community engagement. Council will vote on whether to proceed.
• Council Discussion: Councilmember stated that staying status quo may not be viable given resident feedback; downtown is a “gem” that needs polish and more vibrancy.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: Minutes from the July 29, 2025 special meeting and August 5, 2025 regular meeting were approved by voice vote.
• Consent Agenda Adopted: Unanimously by voice vote.
• Resolution 2025-27 Adopted: Authorizes the City Manager to enter an agreement with CSX Transportation for improvement of the at-grade crossing at Seldom Seen Road. Appropriation of $238,000 from the CIP. Discussion noted that the existing pedestrian crossing on the east side will remain unchanged; council member requested investigation of additional safety measures. Vote: unanimous.
• Resolution 2025-28 Adopted: Authorizes a professional services agreement with OpenGov for a development permitting software system. The $95,000 appropriation is included in the supplemental ordinance. The software will modernize and streamline permit processing, with potential future modules. Vote: unanimous.
• Ordinance 2025-20 Adopted: Modifies appropriations for calendar year 2025, including the $95,000 for OpenGov software and other adjustments. Suspension of rules and emergency clause passed by roll call (7-0). Vote on adoption: unanimous roll call.
• Executive Session: Council moved into executive session under Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22(G)(3) (pending litigation) and (G)(8) (economic development assistance). No action taken in open session.
• Next Meetings: Development Committee – Sept. 2; Finance Committee – Sept. 9; Operations Committee – Sept. 16; Planning & Zoning – Sept. 10; Powell Development Corporation – Aug. 26. City calendar distributed.