The Powell City Council met on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers, 47 Hall Street, Powell, Ohio. The meeting covered several significant resolutions and ordinances, including adoption of new Downtown Design Guidelines, extension of a temporary moratorium on marijuana businesses, transfer of a 10.68-acre parcel to the Powell Development Corporation, a communications contract for the Village Green Master Plan, a parking agreement, and the issuance of $5.7 million in notes for infrastructure improvements. All items on the agenda were approved, with one council member opposing the communications contract.
Resolution 2026-46 – Downtown Design Guidelines: Planning Director Logan presented the updated design guidelines, a companion to the recently adopted zoning code. The guidelines are organized into eight chapters and replace the 2016 Architectural Guidelines. They emphasize flexibility, historic preservation, and community character through extensive graphics. Council praised the visuals and clarity. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
Resolution 2026-47 – Marijuana Moratorium Extension: Council discussed extending the temporary moratorium on retail cultivation, processing, and dispensing of adult-use and medical marijuana until December 31, 2027, or until the effective date of new zoning regulations. There was debate about conducting a public survey; Council Member Tom Counts cautioned against policy questions in surveys. Council Member Kurt Ramsey noted the moratorium provides time for further options. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
Resolution 2026-48 – Land Transfer to Powell Development Corporation: The city conveyed ±10.68 acres on Home Road to the Powell Community Improvement Corporation (PDC) for economic development. City Manager Andy explained the property was acquired via negotiation with Redwood development. Economic Development Director Sean described potential for a Tech Flex Park with a headquarters, R&D, sales, showroom, and educational facility, projecting $323,000 in annual income tax ($4.85 million over 15 years). Council discussed the flexibility of PDC in bypassing public bidding, seed money for future land acquisitions, and the goal of PDC self-sufficiency. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
Resolution 2026-49 – Strategic Communications Contract: Authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Geben Communication for $70,000 for communications support related to the Village Green Master Plan. The contract runs from September/October 2026 through December 2027. Council Member Tyler Herman raised concerns about insufficient insurance language (missing auto and umbrella coverage). Council Member Leaf Carlson questioned the timing, suggesting waiting until after the Pazuti plan is presented in December. Other members emphasized proactive communication to avoid past confusion. The motion carried with one nay (Carlson).
Resolution 2026-50 – Parking Agreement with Vincent Margello: Authorized a four-year parking lease for approximately 60 public parking spaces at 59 E. Olentangy Street at $115,000 per year. The city and owner will split costs (up to $77,000) for improvements including striping, concrete, and signage. Discussion included salt/snow removal costs (uncapped) and the demolition of an adjacent building. Council Member Herman requested a cap on snow removal reimbursement. Council noted this addresses a top resident priority from community surveys. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
Ordinance 2026-18 – $5.7M Capital Improvement Notes (Second Reading): Authorized the issuance of up to $5,700,000 in limited tax general obligation tax-exempt notes for the Scioto Street extension and associated parking, drainage, and bridge infrastructure (Phase I). Declared an emergency. Adopted unanimously via roll call.
Ordinance 2026-19 – Creation of Debt Fund (Second Reading): Established the Capital Improvement Notes, Series 2026 Fund to segregate proceeds. Declared an emergency. Adopted unanimously.
Ordinance 2026-20 – Street and Path Maintenance Bid Award (First Reading, Emergency): Awarded a contract to Strawser Paving Company, Inc., for $2,996,266.74 for the 2026 Street and Path Maintenance Project. The work includes resurfacing, curb and gutter replacement, sidewalk repairs, and shared-use path maintenance. The budget was $2.85 million; the excess will be covered by a transfer from the shared-use path additions program. Council discussed pavement condition rating methodology, community communication, and requested clearer separation of road vs. path spending. The rules were suspended, and the ordinance was adopted unanimously.
I will call the September 1st Powell City Council meeting to order. Elaine, will you please call the roll? Thank you. Leaf Carlson. Here. Tom Counts. Yeah. Carlos Crawford. Here. Tyler Herman. Here. Father Carr. Here. David Lester. Here. Kurt Ramsey. Here. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flood of the United States of America. And to the republic for which it stands under God, individual with liberty and justice for all. The first item on our agenda is citizen participation. Citizen participation is for any item which is not on the agenda this evening. If you would like to speak under citizen participation, please approach the podium, state your name and address, and you will have three minutes. Hearing none, I will close citizen participation. The next item on the agenda is the approval of the minutes. You should have received the minutes in your council packet. Are there any additions or corrections? What are the wishes of council? Move to adopt. Is there a second? Second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Those opposed, same sign. The minutes are approved. The next item on the agenda is the consent agenda. The only item under the consent agenda tonight is a division of liquor control. Does anyone wish to pull that off of the consent agenda? Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Is there a second? Second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Those opposed, same sign. The consent agenda is approved. The next item on the agenda is resolution 2026-46. A resolution adopting the downtown design guidelines and replacing the 2016 architectural guidelines. Andy? Thank you, Mayor.