Powell City Council Meeting – December 2, 2025

The Powell City Council met on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers, 47 Hall Street, Powell, OH. The meeting included a proclamation honoring departing Councilmember Ferzan Ahmed, citizen participation from the Delaware Public Health District, approval of minutes, adoption of four resolutions for infrastructure projects, first readings and emergency adoption of two Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) agreements, adoption of a zoning code amendment to remove the Historic Downtown Advisory Commission, and adoption of an amendment to a pre-annexation agreement. All votes were unanimous unless noted.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes from the November 18, 2025, City Council meeting. (Motion carried unanimously)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Caitlin Morsey, epidemiologist at the Delaware Public Health District (DPHD), announced two programs: a diaper bank offering sizes newborn to 3, pickup Monday–Friday 8:30 AM–4:00 PM; and the "Recycle Right Holiday String Lights" campaign running November 15, 2025 through January 19, 2026, with drop-off locations including the Delaware County District Library Powell.
• Chris Fryheit (address 18 and 22 movements, Olentangy, 2.2 acres) expressed support for the Scioto Street Extension/Northeast Quadrant Parking project (Resolution 2025-49) but stated he had not heard from the city in over four months since submitting a proposal for co-development. He questioned the $732,331 engineering proposal on his land without further communication.
• Sarah Freyheit (7123 Riverside Drive, Powell), third-generation resident and real estate developer, stated she and her father have worked collaboratively with city staff on a site plan that includes a building and parking, but the current engineering proposal deviates from that plan and only represents a surface lot, which they have not agreed to. She asked council to honor the jointly developed site plan and not spend tax dollars on engineering a surface lot on their property without agreement.

Discussion Items

Resolution 2025-46 – Lechler Building Renovation

• Authorized the City Manager to contract with SSOE + SHYFT Design for owner’s representative services for the Lechler Building renovation. The project is estimated at $1.4 million, covering renovation and an addition for service vehicles. The contract was procured through a qualifications-based process; two firms responded, and SSOE SHYFT was ranked highest. Staff emphasized the need for professional oversight to manage cost, schedule, and quality.

Resolution 2025-47 – Adventure Park Culvert/Pedestrian Tunnel Final Design

• Authorized a $257,874 professional services agreement with GPD Group for final design of the Adventure Park culvert/pedestrian tunnel. GPD has been involved since 2022 with site investigation and structural analysis. The design includes drainage improvements, repaving, and potential entry elements. A temporary opening is expected within 2–3 weeks. Design will take approximately 180 days; construction is anticipated in summer 2026.

Resolution 2025-48 – 2026 Street and Path Maintenance Program

• Authorized a multi-year professional services agreement with EMH&T for engineering and inspection services for the 2026 street and path maintenance program. The construction budget is $2.85 million. EMH&T was selected via RFP for a multi-year term (2025–2029). Staff noted that early design work allows more competitive bidding. A list of candidate streets will be available in late January to early February 2026.

Resolution 2025-49 – Scioto Street Extension and Northeast Quadrant Parking Area

• Authorized a $732,331 professional services agreement with American StructurePoint Inc. for engineering design of the Scioto Street extension and the Northeast Quadrant parking lot. The project is split into two phases: Phase 1 (road from Liberty to planned bridge abutment plus public parking lot) to be constructed in 2026; Phase 2 (bridge over Bartholomew Run and connection to Grace Drive) in 2027. American StructurePoint was selected from four proposals; their proposal was within budget and included a strong vision. The design will involve FEMA floodplain and environmental permitting. A bridge type analysis will be presented to council in early/mid-2026.

Ordinance 2025-31 & 2025-32 – CRA Agreements for 147 and 173 W Olentangy

• First readings and emergency adoption of two ordinances authorizing Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) agreements with 147-173 Powell Development LLC for commercial development at 147 and 173 West Olentangy Street.
• Staff recommended 75% tax abatements for 15 years on both projects (developer had requested 100%). Combined investment is ~$8 million, creating 70+ full-time equivalent jobs with $1.95 million in new payroll, generating ~$39,000 in new income taxes and ~$21,600 in lodging excise taxes annually at 70% hotel occupancy. The 16-room boutique hotel is expected to bring $1.9 million in additional downtown spending. The developer committed to maintaining the hotel use for 15 years and offering market-rate rents for commercial spaces.
• Council discussion centered on the timing (incentive request came after construction began, which staff acknowledged as suboptimal but justified due to the catalytic nature of the projects), the need for downtown incentives, and the desire to avoid chain/franchise businesses. Both ordinances passed unanimously after suspension of the rules (required 5 votes due to one councilmember absent).

Ordinance 2025-33 – Downtown Overlay District Amendment

• Amended Section 1143.18 to remove the Historic Downtown Advisory Commission (HDAC) and transfer all historic review authority to the Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z). Based on a historic property survey of 79 buildings (11 previously listed with SHPO), the survey found that only a portion of downtown is eligible for historic designation. HDAC averaged 3.4 cases per year; with the refined historic district, that would drop to 1.9. Staff and council noted the process was cumbersome for applicants and that P&Z, supported by the city’s architectural advisor and updated design guidelines, can handle reviews more efficiently. Councilmember Kurt Ramsey, who serves on P&Z, noted P&Z was initially not excited but recognizes it as necessary given the robust architectural advisor. The ordinance passed unanimously after suspension of the rules.

Ordinance 2025-34 – First Amendment to Pre-Annexation Agreement with Lehner Company, LLC

• Authorized the City Manager to enter into a first amendment increasing the reimbursable incentive cap from $121,280 to $135,280, though the actual increase is approximately $15,000 due to some originally estimated items not being performed. The increase covers expansion of pathway connections on the north side of Rutherford. Passed unanimously after suspension of the rules.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Minutes from November 18, 2025 (unanimous).
• Adopted Resolutions: 2025-46 (Lechler building owner’s rep), 2025-47 (Adventure Park tunnel design), 2025-48 (2026 street/path maintenance), 2025-49 (Scioto Street Extension/NE parking). All unanimously.
• Adopted Ordinances: 2025-31 and 2025-32 (CRA agreements for 147 and 173 W Olentangy, 75%/15-year abatements), 2025-33 (removal of HDAC), 2025-34 (pre-annexation amendment). All passed as emergencies with suspension of rules, unanimously.
• Committee Reports: Development Committee (next meeting Feb 3, 2026); Finance Committee (Feb 10, 2026); Operations Committee (Jan 20, 2026); Planning & Zoning Commission (Dec 10, 2025); Powell Development Corporation (next meeting Jan 27, 2026, approved budget and discussed board transition).
• Executive Session entered for personnel and economic development matters (ORC 121.22(G)(1) and (G)(8)).
• Staff Recognition: City Manager Andy acknowledged staff efforts and thanked departing Councilmember Ferzan Ahmed for his service.