Public Meetings - Powell, Ohio

The Powell City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The agenda included presentations from the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Liberty Township Fire Department, citizen participation from the Delaware Public Health District, approval of the October 6 minutes and September staff report, adoption of Resolution 2026-58, committee and city manager reports, and a vote to enter executive session. Presentations - Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities – Chase Waits, Director of Communications and Community Engagement, presented the agency's 2026 levy request. He explained that county boards were established in Ohio law in 1967, that the agency serves 2,401 people and families in Delaware County, and that local property taxes fund roughly 90% of its operations. Of those served, 67% are school-age and younger; Waits noted the population is aging and service needs will increase as people leave school and family supports. The current 2.0-mill levy, first passed in 2011, expired December 31, 2025, and collections end this December. The board is asking voters to approve a replacement 1.8-mill levy costing $63 per year per $100,000 of home value, an estimated increase of $2.35 per month per $100,000. Waits said the Medicaid waiver match has grown from about $4 million in 2015 to $16–17 million now, and local levy match dollars draw down about $85 million in services annually. If the levy fails, the agency would eliminate its early intervention program, family support services, and advocacy/accessibility grants; reduce staffing by 40%; and be unable to reduce its current 200-person Medicaid waiver waiting list. Waits emphasized that no other agency provides these supports and that the request is for sustaining, not expanding, current services. Council members thanked the presenters, and one council member noted that their son receives services from the agency and called the work very important. - Liberty Township Fire Department 3rd Quarter Report – Battalion Chief Ryan Half presented in place of Chief James Reardon. He reported that fire runs are up roughly 7%, with almost 1,100 runs in the third quarter, making it the department's busiest quarter ever. The department responded to five building fires in the quarter, including mutual aid calls. Station 322's remodel is winding down its design phase, with construction expected to begin spring 2027; the living quarters, about 24–25 years old, will be modernized. Two new firefighters were sworn in to replace two retired senior firefighters. A new Community Care and Risk Reduction Specialist position began in July and is already reducing repeat calls by following up with seniors after hospital stays. In response to council questions, Half said the most frequent addresses are large senior-living complexes, Thursday is consistently their busiest day, and the department has not seen e-bike-related motor vehicle accidents, though occasional minor incidents and resident complaints have occurred. Public Comments & Testimony - Jenny McAdams, representing the Delaware Public Health District, gave updates: the award-winning Recycle Right String Lights program will begin November 15 with seven or eight drop-off sites; two fall flu clinic locations remain on October 26 at the public library district and Limerick Township Town Hall; workplaces may request on-site flu clinics; free firearm safety lock boxes are available; and the district is seeking participants for its Community Health Improvement Plan following release of the community health assessment. No other public comments were offered. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the October 6, 2026 City Council meeting were approved by voice vote. - The consent agenda, consisting of the September Monthly Staff Report, was approved by voice vote. Discussion Items - Resolution 2026-58 – A resolution accepting the amounts and rates determined by the Budget Commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies, certifying them to the county auditor. Staff member Andy presented the resolution as a routine statutory item that establishes the city's foundational revenue for the 2027 budget. He noted that the certified values for 2026 had not yet been received by the Budget Commission, so the numbers may be conservative and may need to be revisited if actual values are higher. Public comment was opened and closed with no comments. Council adopted Resolution 2026-58 by voice vote. - Committee Reports – Council heard upcoming meeting dates: Development Committee on November 4, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.; Finance Committee on November 10 at 7:00 p.m.; Operations Committee on November 17 at 6:30 p.m.; Planning & Zoning Commission on October 28 at 6:30 p.m.; Powell Development Corporation on October 27 at noon; and Tree Board date to be determined. The Finance Committee reported spending two hours reviewing the budget; overall expenditures would increase less than 1%, with a general fund spend-down of several million dollars tied to the capital program. The Operations Committee discussed e-bike ordinance options and the cost of replacing street signs. - City Manager's Report and Police Follow-up – The city manager noted the budget includes a first appropriation of $100,000 for tree maintenance, and the Tree Board will present policy considerations to HOAs on October 22. A Village Green plan update is scheduled for November 12 at 8:00 p.m. at City Hall, with increased community communication planned. He reported visible progress on downtown improvements, the new parking facility, and the Leckler area. The police chief reported on follow-up to two resident traffic complaints from the previous meeting: a speed-monitoring traffic data device was installed on Presidential Parkway, data will be available later in the week, and a recent crash into a house was caused by a medical condition, not speed. On South Liberty Street, the department found earlier similar complaints, contacted the schools involved, and had not received recent school-bus violation reports. The department has a second device deployed and advised a resident on requesting a light-up speed sign through the appropriate process. - E-bike Legislation Discussion – In response to a council question, staff said townships are statutory creatures with limited authority and likely defer to state traffic law on e-bikes. A council member added that the Delaware County e-bike task force includes township police chiefs, and State Representative Brian Lorenz is discussing state-level coordination. Executive Session - Council voted unanimously by roll call to enter executive session under Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22(G)(2) for property purchase, (G)(3) for attorney consultation concerning imminent court action, and (G)(8) for confidential economic development information. Staff requested no additional council action after the session. Key Outcomes - Minutes of October 6, 2026 were approved. - The September Monthly Staff Report was approved on the consent agenda. - Resolution 2026-58 was adopted by voice vote. - Executive session was authorized by unanimous roll call vote. - The next regular City Council meeting was scheduled for November 4, 2026 at 7:30 p.m., changed from November 3 due to the General Election.

The Powell Operations Committee met on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers, 47 Hall Street, Powell, OH. Chair Carlson presided; members Crawford, Harvey, and Lester were present. The committee approved the September minutes, heard a consultant-led citywide sign inventory update, and held a working-session discussion on e-bikes and micromobility without adopting final legislation. Consent Calendar - The committee approved the minutes from the September 15, 2026 Operations Committee meeting by consensus, with no amendments. Public Comments & Testimony - No formal public comments were heard. The chair cited time constraints, asked residents to send comments to Andy or the Chief, and noted that a future council review would create another public comment opportunity. Discussion Items Private to Public Sign Inventory - City staff member Charles and Doug Bender of EP Ferris presented a citywide sign inventory. The project began after subdivisions such as The Chase and Greenshire asked the city to consider taking over their signs. - Using a Gamma 922 retroreflectometer on loan through ODOT LTAP, EP Ferris measured sign backing and legend reflectivity, took photos, and built a GIS database with geolocation and condition ratings. Signs mounted on signal supports were not evaluated. - Of 3,133 ground-mounted signs inventoried, 1,835 were compliant, 286 were non-compliant, and 859 street-name signs were not classified for compliance because many were wood, decorative, or otherwise nonstandard and did not produce reflectivity readings. Among non-compliant signs, 96 needed replacement and 23 were listed for repair; many signs and just over 2,000 supports were otherwise in good condition or only needed monitoring. - EP Ferris recommended a systematic replacement plan, prioritizing regulatory signs, then warning signs, then guide signs, rather than replacing every non-compliant sign immediately. - Committee members raised questions about replacement costs versus creating an in-house sign shop, storage capacity for different sign types, HOA cost-sharing, and preserving vintage or decorative signs. Staff said those policy questions are still unresolved and a new sign policy will come back in 2027. E-Bikes/Micromobility Discussion - Police department staff presented a working session on e-bikes, powered scooters, electric skateboards, hoverboards, and similar devices, asking for direction on device definitions, permitted locations, equipment and conduct rules, parental responsibility, and enforcement. - A community survey conducted in August 2026 received 306 responses, 233 from verified residents. The chief reported that 97.4% expressed moderate concern and a little over 78% expressed significant concern; leading concerns were unsafe operation, pedestrian safety, and lack of safety equipment. Half of respondents favored restrictions, 24.1% favored another form of action, and education and signage alone drew smaller shares. The chief cautioned that the survey was voluntary and not a statistically valid poll. - The chief showed a dashcam video of a late-September crash near Rutherford Road and Trail Lake Drive involving a 13-year-old rider. The device was a 1,200-watt electric motorcycle, above Ohio's 750-watt class 3 e-bike limit; the rider was cited for failing to yield. The chief noted that bicycle riders are not pedestrians and do not have the same crosswalk privileges, illustrating gaps between how devices are marketed, their legal classification, and riders' understanding of traffic rules. - Staff reviewed approaches from New Albany, Columbus, Dublin, Delaware, and Upper Arlington, including class-based rules, street speed thresholds, sidewalk restrictions, shared-use path speed caps, helmet ages, parental responsibility, registration and safety classes, and impoundment tools. Staff recommended a Powell-specific framework combining state e-bike classes with a local micromobility definition, location-based access rules, pedestrian-priority conduct standards, safety and helmet requirements, parental responsibility, and graduated enforcement. - Committee members expressed support for a comprehensive ordinance covering all micromobility devices rather than e-bikes alone, and agreed that helmets should be required for riders under 18. They did not finalize sidewalk, shared-use path speed, enforcement, or parental-responsibility details, and asked staff to prepare draft language. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved by consensus. - The sign inventory data will be used to build a prioritized work plan and cost estimate; a new sign policy is expected to return to the committee in 2027. - No e-bike/micromobility ordinance was adopted. Staff will prepare a comprehensive draft ordinance and implementation estimate for a future Operations Committee meeting, likely on the November agenda, with additional public input to be sought. - The committee noted November may be the final Operations Committee meeting of the year, possibly with no December meeting, and that November's agenda may include sign-related provisions and the draft micromobility ordinance.

On Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM, the Powell Finance Committee met in Council Chambers to review the monthly financial report for September and conduct a detailed review of the proposed 2027 operating budget. The meeting featured presentations from staff on three new full-time position requests (Economic Development Coordinator, IT Systems Coordinator, and Administrative Police Sergeant), budget trends, and departmental spending plans. No public comments were recorded. The committee discussed key financial assumptions, capital plans, and fund transfers, and directed staff to prepare a final draft for City Council presentation in November. Discussion Items - Monthly Financial Report - September: Staff presented the September financials, noting that police accounts represent approximately 44% of operating payroll, a common figure for a growing community. The report highlighted a 5.8% increase in estimated personnel costs (including three new FTEs, a 4% merit increase, and an 18% healthcare cost increase) and a total proposed 2027 expenditure of approximately $43 million, a 0.6% increase over the adopted 2026 budget. - 2027 Proposed Operating Budget Overview: The total 2027 proposed expenditures are $43 million, a 0.6% increase. Personnel expenses total $11.7 million for 63 full-time and 3 part-time positions. Transfers account for 26% of the budget, largely going to capital and debt repayment. The committee discussed the impact of new positions on the city's tax increment financing (TIF) districts, noting that the Seldom Seen TIF revenue grew from $192,000–$210,000 six years ago to over $600,000 projected next year. - New Position Requests: - Economic Development Coordinator: Sean Sampson presented the position, citing significant growth in project volume (from 356 projects in 2024 to a projected 550 in 2026) and business attraction (11 new businesses in 2024 to 45–50 projected in 2026). The position would focus on downtown programming, marketing, and business retention. Staff noted that a portion of the cost could be offset by reallocating funds from outside groups, and that failing to fill the position would miss future revenue from TIF districts and payroll growth. - IT Systems Coordinator: Samantha introduced the position to provide dedicated internal IT support, improving help-desk response times. The position would be largely funded by not renewing a $72,000 annual contract with Doug McCullough. Salary is estimated at $75,000–$90,000. Committee members discussed the balance between in-house expertise and outsourcing, with some advocating for a more comprehensive IT role over time. - Administrative Police Sergeant: Chief Ron presented the request based on the 2023 CPSM assessment. The sergeant would maintain accreditation, policy management, and training coordination, allowing patrol sergeants to stay in the field. The position supports succession planning and organizational stability. The police department's overtime consumption has decreased significantly under the 12-hour shift model (returned $51,500 of $200,000 budget in 2025, and year-to-date 2026 is $131,000 out of $200,000). - Department Budget Detail: - Administration: $5 million budget (9% increase). Includes funding for an ADA website audit, document scanning, a 2027 community attitude survey ($15,000), a compensation study, police wellness exams, and the Village Green communication contract. IT position is new; external IT contract is reduced. - Parks, Public Service & Engineering: 2.8% increase. Notable items: $100,000 for turf field maintenance at Library Park and Seldom Seen Park; $22,000 splash pad maintenance; $100,000 for Murphy Park parking lot repairs; increased snow/ice removal for bike paths; bridge inspections; new office furniture for Adventure Park staff. - Community Development: 5.4% decrease due to reclassification and removal of a vacant building inspector position. Includes $200,000 for a comprehensive plan update (major every 10 years, expected to begin in 2027 and carry into 2028). Economic Development Coordinator position added. - Police Department: 8.8% increase including the new administrative sergeant and $19,000 for a drone and 12 new AEDs. Collective bargaining negotiations are ongoing; union wage requests are significantly above comparables. - Special Revenue Funds, Capital Funds, Debt Service, and Transfers: - Special revenue funds show a 4% decrease. Parks and recreation programming budget is down 1.6%. - Capital funds drop 21% in spending. The Downtown TIF fund includes a new parking lease payment (four years). A $100,00 drainage repair budget was discussed; the committee expressed concern about stormwater funding adequacy. - Debt service: Series 2019, 2025, and 2026 bonds will be outstanding. The Liberty CIFA debt will be paid off by end of 2026. A new debt issuance interest payment is budgeted for 2027. - General fund transfers increased to maintain a restricted reserve at 15–20% of personnel and operating budget. Key Outcomes - Staff will make several adjustments for the November council presentation, including adding a tree board line item and updating interest budget for new debt (approximately $15,000). - The committee did not take a formal vote but recommended the budget be advanced to City Council with the noted changes. - The next Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM. - Meeting adjourned after approximately 1.5 hours of discussion.

The Powell Tree Board met on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Council Chambers to prepare for the upcoming annual HOA meeting. The primary focus was a draft Street Tree Pruning Policy aimed at improving safety and municipal access. The board discussed the policy's scope, responsibilities, enforcement, and next steps, including presentation to HOA presidents and eventual city council approval. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the September 14, 2026, Tree Board meeting were unanimously approved with no concerns raised. Discussion Items - Street Tree Pruning Policy Draft: City staff member Jeff presented the draft policy, emphasizing safety and unobstructed municipal access as the primary drivers. Key elements included: - Public Right-of-Way Trees: The city would assume responsibility for safety trimming at no cost to abutting property owners, with no private pruning allowed without city authority. - Private Property Trees: Owners remain responsible, with a 14-day notice and compliance process for safety issues. No city cost recovery is built into the policy. - Clearance Requirements: The draft sets 15-foot vertical and 8-foot lateral clearance standards, consistent with neighboring communities. - Seasonal Lighting: A proposed discouragement of holiday lights on public right-of-way trees, with discussion shifting to a time-frame approach (November 1 to January 31) rather than an outright ban, to reduce conflicts with emergency pruning and snow removal. - Definitions: The policy aims to use existing ordinance definitions where possible, with clarifications needed for terms like "right-of-way" and "tree preservation zone." - HOA Governing Documents: HOAs would be given a 90-day grace period to update their covenants to align with the policy. - Budget and Staffing Concerns: Several board members (Keith, Elliot, Andy) raised concerns about the city's capacity to take on new responsibilities without adequate funding and staffing. Jeff noted that staff are discussing a tree inventory and potential contract services for initial catch-up pruning. The finance committee meeting scheduled for the following day (October 13) will consider a budget line item for tree maintenance. - Communication and Outreach: Andy proposed a communications plan to inform the public and HOA presidents before the October 22 annual HOA meeting. The board agreed that a direct line of contact with HOAs would improve notification of upcoming work. - HOA Meeting Role: Jeff will moderate the annual HOA meeting on October 22, presenting the policy and facilitating discussion. Tree Board members are invited to attend as observers; Lance volunteered to represent the board if needed. Key Outcomes - Consensus on Policy Direction: The board affirmed that the draft policy is on the right track. Jeff requested written feedback from board members by Thursday, October 15, to incorporate revisions before the HOA presentation. - Path Forward: After collecting feedback, the policy will be presented to HOA presidents on October 22 for input, then brought to city council for formal approval. Council approval may occur late 2026 or early 2027 due to budget priorities. - Formal Statement on Budget: The board discussed making a formal statement at the October 13 finance committee meeting to request inclusion of tree maintenance funding in the 2027 fiscal year budget. - No Additional Meeting: The board decided not to hold a separate meeting before the HOA presentation, relying on email feedback to refine the policy.

The Powell City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers. Key actions included declaring a referendum petition against the new zoning code invalid due to insufficient signatures, authorizing a maintenance contract for Arbor Ridge Park tennis courts, and approving the first phase of fence replacement at Bennett Farm as an emergency measure. The meeting also featured a proclamation for Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month and citizen concerns about traffic safety. Presentations & Proclamations - Pediatric Cancer Awareness Proclamation: Mayor Heather Carr presented a proclamation recognizing Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month to the family of Alex Schreiner. Heather Schreiner, Alex's mother, shared their family's journey with pediatric cancer, noting that only 4% of federal funding supports pediatric cancer research and that Alex's medulloblastoma has the worst subtype with the lowest survival rate. She announced the establishment of The 2816 Foundation to assist families regardless of income. The family emphasized the need for community support. Consent Calendar - Approval of the minutes from the September 15, 2026 City Council meeting was moved and seconded, and adopted unanimously without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Marilyn Reap (Presidential Parkway) reported speeding and failure to stop at stop signs on her street, leading to a car hitting her home a year ago. She requested traffic calming measures such as speed bumps, a turning arrow at Sawmill and Presidential Parkway, and better street lighting. - Kim Withkowski (South Liberty Street) complained about speeding, vehicles passing stopped school buses, and lack of enforcement. She expressed frustration over spending priorities, citing empty shops and repairs needed for the splash pad and amphitheater. She referenced a petition with many signatures opposing the new zoning code, urging council to listen to residents. Discussion Items - Resolution 2026-56 – Referendum Petition Invalidity: City Manager Andy and Law Director explained the process. The referendum petition to repeal Ordinance 2026-14 (new zoning code) required 409 valid signatures. The Board of Elections verified 397 signatures, falling short. Council had no discretion; the charter required a resolution determining the petition insufficient and invalid. After confirming no discretion, council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution, making the new zoning code immediately effective. - Resolution 2026-57 – Arbor Ridge Tennis Court Maintenance: Parks Director Charles reported that the 20-year-old tennis courts have major distresses and are unsafe. A professional services agreement with Schubert Tennis LLC (same firm that repaired pickleball courts) for maintenance was recommended. The base repairs would start soon, with topical treatment weather-dependent. Council adopted the resolution unanimously. - Ordinance 2026-22 – Bennett Farm Fence Replacement (Phase 1): The ordinance authorized a bid award of $107,580 to 76 Fence Columbus Northwest for fence removal and replacement along the southern perimeter of Bennett Farm. The budget was $225,000. The fence will be 6x8 cedar dog-ear privacy fencing to keep wildlife out, replacing deteriorating treated wood. Phase 1 is part of a three-phase project. Council suspended the rules and passed the ordinance as an emergency, allowing mobilization as early as the next day. The vote on suspension was 6-1 (Councilman Carlson opposed), and adoption was unanimous (7-0). Committee Reports & City Manager's Report - Development Committee: Next meeting November 4 (date change due to election). Received update on downtown parking, doubling public spaces. - Finance Committee: Meeting October 13 at 6:00 PM (time change) to review budget. - Operations Committee: Meeting October 20 at 6:30 PM. - Powell Development Corporation: Met last week, board retreat completed. Next meeting October 27 at noon. - Tree Board: Next meeting October 12 at 2:00 PM. - Next City Council Meeting: November 4, 2026 (Wednesday) due to General Election. - City Manager's Report: Update on Bennett Farm barn disassembly (wood in good condition), ground preparation for new bike path, paving projects (Murphy Parkway, bike paths, North Liberty concrete repair), pedestrian bridge restoration (cost $9,000-$10,000), and traffic enforcement statistics (106 traffic stops, 35 citations in August 2026). Staff will address resident safety concerns with targeted patrols. - Council Member Comments: Discussion on naming of the restored pedestrian bridge, possibly involving local school mascots (Warriors and Wildcats) and HOAs. Recognition of "Passport to PAL" event organizers. Executive Session Council moved into executive session under ORC 121.22(G)(2), (G)(3), and (G)(8) to discuss property purchase, attorney conference on imminent court action, and confidential economic development information. No action was anticipated afterward. Key Outcomes - Resolution 2026-56 adopted (7-0) declaring the referendum petition to repeal the new zoning code insufficient and invalid; the new zoning code took immediate effect. - Resolution 2026-57 adopted (7-0) authorizing a professional services agreement with Schubert Tennis LLC for Arbor Ridge Park tennis court maintenance. - Ordinance 2026-22 adopted as an emergency (7-0 after suspension of rules) awarding a $107,580 contract for Bennett Farm fence replacement Phase 1; work to begin shortly. - Citizen traffic concerns will be followed up with targeted enforcement and possible traffic calming studies. - The pedestrian bridge naming will be explored with schools and HOAs, with a report expected at the next council meeting.

The Development Committee of Powell, Ohio, met on October 6, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. The primary agenda item was an update on downtown parking initiatives, including a new public-private partnership adding approximately 200 spaces and progress on converting private lots to public use. The committee approved the minutes from the previous meeting and discussed next steps for monitoring parking utilization. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the Development Committee meeting held on September 1, 2026, were approved unanimously by a voice vote (motion by an unnamed member, seconded). No additions or corrections were noted. Discussion Items - Downtown Parking Update: Staff (Andy, pinch-hitting for Jeff) presented an update on parking efforts spanning 12 years. Key points included: - Historical context: Most downtown land was surface parking; 12 years ago the first agreements began. A parking classification issue had caused private property owners to tow patrons using private spaces. - Peak demand: On August 8, 2025, between 7-8 PM, the peak hour, nearly 200 spaces were available but classified as private. This spurred action instead of a proposed 300-space parking structure costing an estimated $16 million. - Recent gains: Council approved Ordinance 2026-50, reclassifying about half of the lot at Local Routes, adding 50 spaces; an adjacent private lot added 4 spaces. These combined with other efforts (North Depot Street connection, grant for 100 spaces at Adventure Park, 3 spaces at Colbatch property, 26 at South Liberty, and 100 seasonal spaces at Faith Life Church) brought the total public spaces from 241 to approximately 450. - Agreement terms: The new lot (former Stogies site) operates under a 4-year term with an annual payment of $115,000 payable quarterly. The city contributed to construction costs. The lot will be clearly marked with blue signs, segregated from private spaces by landscaped planters, and includes improved sight lines and dedicated entrances. - Technology integration: Public lots have been added to Google Maps and Waze for easy navigation. Wayfinding signs and pedestrian maps are installed, and rapid flashing beacons on Old Tangy improve pedestrian safety. - Discussion: A committee member asked about sign placement (on a pole, consistent with other city signs). Another member inquired about real-time occupancy signs (e.g., “full” indicators) – staff noted it is not in place but could be explored. Visibility of the lot from Old Tangy was discussed; the removal of the Stogies building has greatly improved sight lines. Lighting remains a consideration for southern areas of the lot. - Committee Feedback: A council member (presumably the mayor or vice mayor) expressed strong support, noting that parking became the top issue around 2022 as downtown traffic grew. They praised staff and Vince for rapidly adding spaces without a costly structure, and emphasized that available parking is essential for downtown marketing. They encouraged continued efforts. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved unanimously. - Parking update received with direction to track usage over the fall and winter. Staff will monitor utilization and bring back data to the committee. The committee supports continuing private-public partnerships as a cost-effective alternative to a parking structure. - Next steps: Finalize construction and install signs in the coming weeks, complete the parking report, and track occupancy. The committee requested periodic evaluation (e.g., quarterly) of lot usage.

The Powell Development Corporation (PDC) held its second planning retreat session on September 22, 2026, from 1:00 PM in Council Chambers. The retreat focused on refining committee goals, establishing a foundational mission and vision, and outlining strategies for downtown revitalization, business retention, entrepreneurship, and real estate development. Key discussions centered on aligning PDC activities with city council's objective to enhance quality of life without raising taxes, structuring the downtown committee under a Heritage Ohio model, and fostering collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce, Delaware County, and educational institutions like Ohio Wesleyan University. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were presented. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were provided. Discussion Items - Mission and Vision Statement: The board discussed the need for a formal mission and vision statement to guide PDC goals. A draft vision was proposed: "To create a growing center of employment in the city of Powell needed to support and enhance quality of life for its residents." Members emphasized aligning with city council's goal of raising service standards without raising taxes. A small group (Steve, Megan, and others) was suggested to refine the statement for the next meeting. - Downtown Committee Goals: Sean Keller (absent, but via prior input) outlined a proposed structure modeled on Heritage Ohio's Main Street program. The committee would have subcommittees for events, property owners, and marketing/communication, with a part-time or full-time executive director hired under PDC. Goals included improving structure, connectivity (to businesses and residents), and advocacy. Members stressed the need for a cohesive downtown identity and wayfinding. - Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Committee Goals: The Chamber of Commerce is the current BRE partner. Discussion focused on clarifying roles: the Chamber should handle daily business support and visits, while PDC handles projects requiring resources. A formal agreement with the Chamber was suggested to outline responsibilities, including ensuring the Chamber serves all businesses, not just members. Collaboration with Delaware County Finance Authority and One Columbus was noted. - Entrepreneurialism Committee Goals: The entrepreneurial center at Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) is the key resource. The committee plans to offer mastermind groups, workshops, and cohorts targeting gap-year students, career reinvention, technology transfer, and AI literacy. A desire for a one-pager summarizing resources was expressed. The need to coordinate with the Chamber on programming for small businesses versus growth-stage companies was emphasized. - Real Estate Committee Goals: The committee (chair absent) focuses on identifying development opportunities, tactical site assembly, and financial structures for real estate investment. Discussion expanded to strategic annexation of contiguous land outside city limits, potentially through JEDs or partnerships with townships and the county. A map of vacant/underutilized properties (both inside and outside the city) was proposed. Long-term aspirations included creating a business park or port authority collaboration. - Collaboration with Chamber and Other Entities: Repeated emphasis on holding a combined meeting with the Chamber board to align goals, avoid duplication, and cross-promote programs. The PDC sees its role as a central hub connecting resources. Key Outcomes - The board agreed to form a small group (Steve, Megan, and others) to draft a mission/vision statement for review at the next regular meeting. - No formal votes were taken on committee goals, but consensus was reached to move forward with the downtown structure modeled on Heritage Ohio, pending finalization of staffing and budget. - A combined session with the Chamber of Commerce board was endorsed to clarify roles on business retention and entrepreneurship programming. - The real estate committee will work on creating an inventory map of development opportunities, including potential annexation sites. - The retreat concluded with a motion to adjourn, which was approved unanimously (roll call: Megan Canaban present, Steve Flarity present, Heather Carr present, Philip Whitakirk present; others absent).

The Powell Development Corporation met on September 22, 2026, in Council Chambers at 47 Hall Street, Powell, Ohio. Members present: Megan Canavan, Steve Flarity, Brian Jenkins, Heather Carr, Philip Whitaker, and Andrew White. Absent: Mark Goodwin, Sean Keller, and Tim Wilson. The board approved minutes, reviewed financials, approved a sponsorship for the Powell Women in Business Luncheon, and authorized an option agreement for the Home Road 10-acre property. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the August 25, 2026 regular meeting and the planning retreat meeting, both unanimously. Discussion Items Report of the Treasurer - Tina presented the August financial report: revenue of $152,413 (including $150,000 in quarterly CIP funding, $910 interest, and $1,500 recharge point revenues). Expenses totaled $7,748 (mostly $3,400 for charging station invoice and $3,100 for valet invoice), resulting in net income of approximately $145,000. She noted outstanding checks that cleared in September. - A motion to increase the charging station utility cost line item by $10,500 for the remainder of the year passed unanimously. Powell Women in Business Luncheon Sponsorship - Representatives requested sponsorship for the upcoming Women in Business luncheon, emphasizing its growth and elevated programming, including a keynote speaker and panel. They proposed a presenting sponsorship at $5,000 with scholarship seats for young women. The board discussed the value of visibility for the city and the opportunity to send female employees and scholarship recipients. A motion to appropriate $5,000 for a presenting sponsorship with scholarship benefits passed unanimously. Home Road 10-Acres Option Agreement - The board reviewed a proposed option agreement with EXXCEL Project Management for the 10-acre Home Road property. The agreement is intended as a partnership, with projected ROI of 5.3% annually and 102% total return over 15 years from income tax generation. A tech company is interested in building a 100,000-square-foot headquarters. The real estate committee vetted the proposal. A motion to authorize the chair to execute the agreement passed unanimously. Reports from Boards and Committees - City Council: Reported on 2026 street and path maintenance, acceptance of an ODNR grant for Bennett Farms pathway, a moratorium on marijuana-related businesses, a parking agreement, the CIP for 2026-2031 ($60 million), and the failure of a referendum petition against the zoning code. - Economic Development: Reported 39 active projects, 41 new businesses/startups, 816 full-time equivalent positions, $64.1 million in new payroll, $28 million in capital investment, and 183 business retention and expansion interactions. - School Report: Provided updates on Olentangy Schools, including construction progress on Shanahan Parkway and the new high school, with completion expected by fall 2028. - Other reports (tourism, entrepreneurialism, real estate committee) noted ongoing efforts and collaboration. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes (unanimous). - Approved $10,500 increase for charging station utility budget (unanimous). - Approved $5,000 for Powell Women in Business presenting sponsorship with scholarship seats (unanimous). - Authorized execution of Home Road option agreement with EXXCEL Project Management (unanimous). Note: All votes were unanimous among present members.

The Powell City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Council Chambers, 47 Hall Street, Powell, OH. Councilmember Carlos Crawford was absent; Councilmember Tyler Herman was initially absent at roll call but later participated. The council approved the September 1, 2026 minutes, the August staff report consent item, five resolutions, and Ordinance 2026-21 as an emergency. No public comments were made. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the September 1, 2026 City Council meeting by voice vote. - Approved the Monthly Staff Report for August 2026 by voice vote; no items were removed. Public Comments & Testimony - Citizen participation was opened and closed with no speakers. No public comment was offered on any resolution or ordinance. Discussion Items - Resolution 2026-51 – Authorized the City Manager to enter into a professional services agreement with EMH&T for engineering and inspection services for the 2027 Street and Path Maintenance Program. Staff cited about $3.2 million in planned improvements and design costs of roughly $325,000, a 15% reduction from the 2026 bid, attributed partly to Bid Express and survey efficiencies. Staff also noted a multi-year agreement had been set up to avoid annual bidding. The agreement also covers construction administration and inspection. Adopted by voice vote. - Resolution 2026-52 – Authorized a cooperative project agreement with OPWC for the Carriage Road Improvements Project, Phase 1, Round 41. Staff described a roughly $700,000 road improvement covering about 5,600 feet, with the city's portion about 880 feet. After Delaware County's R-Gap match of $31,500, the city's committed share was about $10,500. Asked whether speed bumps would remain, staff responded that the current plan does not put them back. Adopted by voice vote. - Resolution 2026-53 – Established the Hometown Heroes Veteran Banner Program, adopted the program policy, and authorized use of city-owned utility poles. The city will provide infrastructure and banner installation and removal; veterans organizations will fundraise and procure banners. The display period was extended during Development Committee review. Adopted by voice vote. - Resolution 2026-54 – Authorized the City Manager to enter into the ODNR capital improvement pass-through grant agreement supporting the Bennett Farms Shared-Use Path. The project budget is about $925,000, including a $200,000 state grant. Adopted by voice vote. - Resolution 2026-55 – Adopted the 2027-2031 Five-Year Capital Improvement Program. The CIP totals roughly $60.5 million, with income tax projections assuming 2% annual growth to about $21.6 million by 2035. The approximately $5.1 million South Depot Street Connection was moved to future budgeted items and is not counted in the $60.5 million. Notable 2027 items included $1.8 million in debt payment, $340,000 for Bennett Farms schematic design, $1.3 million for the Adventure Park CSX tunnel, about $3.5 million in street maintenance, and $145,000 for playground upgrades. Staff said the $350,000 Timber Pedestrian Bridge replacement was being removed because insurance would not cover it, with repairs to reopen the bridge this fall. A roughly $53,000 2030 Capital Projects Fund 491 shortfall was projected to be eliminated the next year. Staff noted the resolution approves the plan only; 2027 appropriations will come through the operating budget. Adopted by voice vote. - Ordinance 2026-21 – Authorized the City Manager to award a $449,319.09 bid to Law General Contracting, Inc. for the Bennett Farms Shared-Use Path Project, with an emergency declaration. The total project budget is about $925,000. The first phase will install about 2,000 linear feet of shared-use path, and a future bridge and connection phase will be brought back separately for bid. Staff said Law General was the low bidder among three bids. The $200,000 state grant applies to the overall project. A dedicated city engineering inspector will monitor the work. Contract documents were expected in two to three days, with a pre-construction meeting early the following week and a 90-day contractual window once notice to proceed is issued. Council suspended the rules and adopted the ordinance by roll-call vote. Committee Reports - Development Committee: next meeting October 6, 2026. - Finance Committee: next meeting October 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. - Operations Committee: met that evening; expects to bring a massage ordinance to council before the end of the year. - Planning & Zoning Commission: heard more than 20 public comments on the Equity strip center in front of the Pell Shopping Center; the item did not pass. A preliminary retail concept for the Corinthian project, including an arcade concept, was reviewed favorably. - Powell Development Corporation: next meeting September 22, 2026, at noon, with Retreat Session 2 to follow. - Tree Board: planning to present at the HOA annual meeting on October 22, 2026, and developing a tree-responsibility matrix to help with maintenance and snow plowing. City Manager's Report - The City Manager reported that a properly filed petition to referendum on the zoning code has been submitted to the Board of Elections for signature validation. A result is expected within about a week, with council action possibly at the first meeting in October. The City Manager also noted that the referendum petition covers the entire code, which is atypical, affecting how new code modifications from the Operations Committee are applied. Executive Session - Council voted to enter executive session under Ohio Revised Code 121.22(G)(2) for property purchase, (G)(3) for attorney conference on imminent court action, and (G)(8) for confidential economic development assistance information. Representatives of Cohiba Properties LLC were invited. No action was expected following the session. Key Outcomes - All agenda items were approved: minutes, consent calendar, Resolutions 2026-51 through 2026-55, and Ordinance 2026-21. - The Bennett Farms Shared-Use Path contract is expected to proceed quickly, with pre-construction work scheduled for the following week. - The zoning-code referendum will return to council after Board of Elections validation. - Upcoming meetings: Development October 6; Finance October 13; Operations October 20; Planning & Zoning October 28; Powell Development Corporation September 22.