Powell Operations Committee Meeting – April 21, 2026

The Powell Operations Committee met on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting included the administration of the oath of office to new committee member Amy Gestosani, approval of previous minutes, a detailed review of city leash laws and the role of the Delaware County Dog Warden, and a discussion on expanding the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) hours. Other business included a preliminary conversation on deer population management.

Consent Calendar

• Amy Gestosani was sworn in as the new Citizen Representative after taking the oath of office administered by Chairman Leif Carlson.
• The minutes of the Operations Committee meeting held on March 17, 2026 were approved by a vote of 4-0 (motion by Councilmember David Lester, seconded by Matthew Harvey).

Discussion Items

• City of Powell Leash Laws and Role of Delaware County Dog Warden – Police Chief Ron Sallows and Delaware County Chief Dog Warden Mitchell Garrett presented an overview of city codes (505.01 and 955.05), state law definitions (nuisance, dangerous, vicious dogs), and recent changes under Avery’s Law (HB 247, effective March 18, 2026). Chief Sallows explained that the general city code is a control law (not a strict leash law), but in parks dogs must be physically leashed. Procedures for loose dog and dog bite calls were reviewed. Mitchell Garrett noted his office (four employees covering all of Delaware County) works closely with Powell Police, and that most dogs involved in incidents are classified as nuisance dogs. No code changes were recommended, but improved public education and signage in parks were suggested. Committee member Matt Harvey recommended distributing educational materials via social media.
• DORA Review and Recommendation to Expand Operating Days and Hours – City Manager Andrew White provided history: the DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) was originally event-based, changed to permanent during COVID, and the city now acts as the applicant for the entire 175-acre area (current footprint 136.3 acres). Economic Development Administrator Sean Hughes presented the five-year review, noting that Powell had over 900,000 downtown visitors in 2025 and minimal police issues. Staff recommended expanding DORA operations from the current Thursday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. to Monday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–midnight, citing business demand and alignment with surrounding communities (Delaware, Westerville, Dublin). Police Chief Ron Sallows expressed support, stating only a few minor issues had occurred and the department would continue an education-first approach. Discussion included noise concerns (some past issues near Nocterra were resolved with barriers and music restrictions) and the need for improved pedestrian infrastructure (planned North Depot reconstruction). No change to the DORA boundary was proposed.

Other Business

• City Manager Andrew White raised the issue of increasing deer populations near population centers. He mentioned initial conversations with the City of Worthington about their mitigation program and the potential to conduct a population survey. He invited committee members to suggest future agenda items.

Key Outcomes

• The committee approved the minutes of the March 17, 2026 meeting (4-0).
• No formal votes were taken on leash law changes or DORA expansion; these items were informational discussions intended for future City Council action.
• Chairman Leif Carlson encouraged new members to propose agenda items for future meetings.
• The meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m. by motion (David Lester, seconded Matthew Harvey), passed 4-0.