Powell City Council Regular Meeting – August 18, 2026

The Powell City Council held a regular meeting on August 18, 2026, at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included presentations on electric aggregation and public transit expansion, adoption of several resolutions, and first readings of ordinances related to city finances and infrastructure. Council also heard public comments on the annexation of a parcel near the new OSU Wexner Medical Center and on a proposed $5.7 million note issuance.

Presentations

• Electric Aggregation Update (Genny Costanzo, NOPEC): The opt-out period ended August 12, with 4,044 households eligible. 320 households (8%) opted out, which Costanzo noted as lower than typical. Enrollments began on August 17 and continue through September 8. Residents may still switch to NOPEC’s one- or two-year rate offerings at any time (no termination fees). NOPEC does not yet offer off-peak rates for EV owners, but time-of-use options are under development.
• Delaware County Transit Update (Andy Volenik, Executive Director): Volenik described the current Flex microtransit service (Delaware and Sunbury zones, $2/$1 fares) and the countywide demand-response service. He highlighted a 35% year-over-year ridership increase (projected 225,000 trips in 2026), national recognition by APTA (third in the U.S. among small agencies), and the need for long-term funding. He proposed a November ballot initiative for a 0.2% sales tax to fund seven service expansions over five years, including a Powell–Liberty microtransit zone, commuter express service to Franklin County, same-day demand response countywide, and facility expansion. Volenik stated the goal is to grow from 225,000 to 750,000 annual trips. In response to a council question, he acknowledged the challenge of cross-county connectivity but emphasized first serving Delaware County.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda (monthly reports from the City Manager) was approved unanimously without any items pulled.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On Resolution 2026-45 (annexation): Lesley (address 505 River Leaf) requested that when the parcel near Home Road is annexed, the city extend a trail along Tullymore to provide safe access to the OSU Wexner Medical Center. He noted that existing trail access is inadequate.
• On Ordinance 2026-18 ($5.7 million capital improvement notes): An unnamed man expressed opposition, stating he did not understand how the city could appropriate such funds without a landowner agreement. He was advised to state his position for the record rather than ask questions.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 2026-43 (Cleaning Services Contract): City Manager Charles presented a request to authorize a professional services agreement with ABM Industry Group for daily cleaning at the Municipal Building and Adventure Park Administrative Offices. The contract resulted from an RFP process with mandatory walkthroughs; 20 vendors attended, two finalists were interviewed, and ABM ranked highest (score 68.6). Councilmember Tom Counts noted that the contract lacked auto insurance and a bailey’s endorsement (for theft coverage, typically $100,000) and requested adding a $1 million commercial umbrella. The motion to approve passed with the understanding that staff would work with the law director to address those items.
• Resolution 2026-44 (Lechler Building Project Contingency): Jeff (Finance Director) explained that as the Lechler Building addition project opened up existing structures, three change orders were identified (one no-fee, one for building protection, one for an AEP electric service upgrade), and additional structural issues were found. The resolution authorized the city manager to amend the contract with 2K General Contracting to establish a project contingency of up to $100,000. Jeff indicated that funds not used would be returned and that he would report back on any time extensions.
• Resolution 2026-45 (Annexation Services and Buffers): Staff presented a resolution indicating the services the city would provide to a ±0.7-acre parcel at 3296 Home Road (south of the new OSU Wexner Facility) if annexed from Liberty Township. The resolution is a procedural step before the actual annexation vote. Councilmembers clarified that the property currently has a house but is part of a larger development plan; the petitioner is a developer.
• Ordinance 2026-17 (Supplemental Appropriations): Finance Director presented itemized appropriations, including $1.9 million for the North Depot reconstruction project (reappropriation of prior debt funds), $100,000 for Lechler change orders, $76,000 for demolition of small structures at Bennett Farm (reimbursed by a land bank grant), and funds for the 2027 Powell Festival contract. The ordinance passed under suspension of rules with an emergency clause.
• Ordinance 2026-18 ($5.7 Million Capital Improvement Notes): This ordinance authorizes the issuance of up to $5.7 million in limited-tax general obligation tax-exempt notes for the extension of Scioto Street, a public surface parking area, and associated infrastructure (including a bridge/culvert), plus land acquisition and reimbursement of advanced funds. Councilmember comments noted that the final amount may be reduced based on final estimates. The ordinance went to a second reading after public comment.
• Ordinance 2026-19 (Creation of Debt Fund and Appropriations): This ordinance establishes the Capital Improvement Notes, Series 2026 Fund and modifies appropriations to comply with county and state record-keeping. It also went to a second reading.

Committee Reports

• Development Committee: Next meeting September 1 at 6:30 PM.
• Finance Committee: Met last week; discussed the five-year capital improvements program, including funding for the underpass/tunnel project.
• Operations Committee: Met that evening; heard a request to change the format of the Powell Festival.
• Planning & Zoning Commission: Next meeting September 9 at 6:30 PM (applicant withdrew at the last hour).
• Powell Development Corporation: Next meeting August 25 at noon, followed by a premium session.
• Tree Board: The board took a tour of subdivisions with a snow plow to assess tree canopy and plowing challenges; will develop recommendations for HOA fall meetings and will assist staff with sidewalk/tree complaints.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: Resolution 2026-43 (cleaning contract) adopted unanimously (roll call: all ayes); Resolution 2026-44 (Lechler contingency) adopted unanimously; Resolution 2026-45 (annexation services) adopted unanimously.
• Directive: For Resolution 2026-43, staff must add auto insurance, a bailey’s endorsement, and a $1 million umbrella to the contract before execution.
• Ordinance 2026-17 (supplemental appropriations) adopted under suspension of rules and emergency clause (unanimous roll call).
• Ordinances 2026-18 and 2026-19 moved to second reading (no vote on adoption at this meeting).
• Executive Session: Council entered executive session under ORC 121.22(G)(2), (3), and (8) regarding property purchase, imminent litigation, and economic development negotiations. No action was expected following the session.