Public Meetings - Powell, Ohio

The Powell City Council met on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included an executive session, approval of minutes, adoption of four resolutions, the first reading of the FY2026 budget and two Community Reinvestment Area amendment ordinances, committee reports, and a city manager’s report. All resolutions were adopted unanimously. The budget and CRA ordinances were tabled for further discussion at subsequent meetings. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes from the October 21, 2025, City Council meeting were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Amy Keman (139 Morris Court, Morris Station) spoke during public comment on the CRA ordinances. She requested that the original CRA map remain unchanged or that Morris Station be added, citing that her neighborhood was under construction when the CRA was approved and was left out. She stated residents were prepared to take legal action if not included and asked for a 60-day application window after the moratorium. - David Warner (Corinthian Fine Homes) and Kevin Cook addressed the CRA ordinances. Warner clarified that the difference between 100% and 75% abatement is 45 percentage points, not 25 basis points. He stated Corinthian has not asked for other economic concessions and only seeks equal treatment with Encore Park for the Liberty Green project, which consists of 7 duplex buildings (14 units) with two-car garages, 2,000–2,400 sq. ft., priced in the mid-to-upper sixes. He offered to provide additional data to council. Discussion Items - Resolution 2025-38 – MOU with Delaware County Job and Family Services: Authorized the police department to enter a biannual MOU for child abuse and neglect investigations. No monetary impact. Adopted. - Resolution 2025-39 – Landscaping at SR750 and Grace Drive: Authorized a professional services agreement with J & J Schlaegel, Inc. for landscaping improvements on a city-owned parcel. Budgeted, with installation targeted for spring 2026. Council discussed lighting hours, protection from sledding damage, and pollinator pathway integration. Adopted. - Resolution 2025-40 – South Liberty Street Shared-Use Path and Railroad Crossing: Authorized design services with GPD Group for a shared-use path connecting Library Park, crossing CSX railroad, to Murphy Parkway. Three proposals evaluated. Coordination with CSX required. Construction targeted for 2026. Adopted. - Ordinance 2025-26 – FY2026 Budget (First Reading): Presented by City Manager Andy Ratay and Finance Director Samantha. Total revenues budgeted at $34.5 million, expenditures at $42.7 million, a deficit of $8.2 million funded by reserves. General fund shows a $93,000 deficit. Key items: 5 new FTEs (engineering inspector, community engagement specialist, two maintenance specialists, part-time police assistant), 14.5% increase in police budget, 68.7% increase in capital funds, $15.3 million in CIP projects for 2026. Early redemption of Liberty CIFA bonds saves over $100,000. No action taken (first reading), second reading expected at next meeting. - Ordinances 2025-27 and 2025-28 – CRA Amendments (First Reading): Both amend Ordinance 2023-10 to reduce the Downtown Community Reinvestment Area boundaries. Ordinance 2025-27 limits residential abatement to the northwest quadrant (the “T” area); Ordinance 2025-28 includes the southeast quadrant (Liberty Green). Key differences: 100% vs. 75% abatement (maximum), and abatement as a matter of right vs. negotiable. Economic Development Director Logan provided tax impact estimates: at 100% abatement, annual savings $11,355 per unit; at 75%, $8,502 (difference of $2,853/year, $42,795 over 15 years). Council requested comparison data on Encore Park and Liberty Green developments. Both ordinances were taken to second reading at the November 18 meeting. - Resolution 2025-37 – Cybersecurity Policy: Adopted to comply with Ohio Revised Code §9.64, developed with law firm Mullen Coughlin. Adopted. - Committee Reports: Development Committee met earlier at 6:30 PM and reported on CRA information for 147 W. Olentangy and 1730; next meeting December 2. Finance Committee next meeting November 10 (Monday, due to Veterans Day). Operations Committee awarded grants and discussed bylaws. - City Manager’s Report: Announced Veterans Day ceremony November 10 at 11 AM. Reported progress on concrete work downtown, CSX tunnel temporary closure, ODOT grant for three pedestrian-actuated crosswalks (at Hall St, Depot St, and Traditions Way), and public drainage way erosion stabilization. Thanked Chief Sallows for leadership during the loss of Sergeant Dennison and noted the 7-mile procession with multiple jurisdictions. - Other Council Matters: Councilmember Kurt Ramsey noted high public interest in the new crossing lights and suggested an education campaign. Key Outcomes - Resolutions adopted (unanimous): - Resolution 2025-38 (Child Abuse MOU). - Resolution 2025-39 (Landscaping at SR750/Grace). - Resolution 2025-40 (South Liberty Path Design). - Resolution 2025-37 (Cybersecurity Policy). - Ordinances 2025-26, 2025-27, and 2025-28 received first reading; no action taken. Second readings scheduled for November 18, 2025 (next regular meeting). - Executive Sessions were held twice: early in the meeting under ORC 121.22(G)(3) and (G)(8); later under (G)(3) and (G)(6). Councilmember-elect Carlos Crawford was invited to both. - Next committee meetings: Finance November 10; Operations November 18; Development December 2; Planning & Zoning November 12; Powell Development Corporation November 25.

The Powell Development Committee met on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at 47 Hall Street, Powell, OH 43065. The agenda noted a "DATE CHANGE" from the usual schedule; the meeting was held on a Wednesday rather than the committee's typical first-Tuesday slot. Members present were Chairman Ferzan Ahmed, Councilmember Leif Carlson, Councilmember David Lester, and Citizen Representative Ross Irvine. Citizen Representative Shaun Simpson was absent. Staff present included Development Administrator Sean Hughes and City Manager Andrew White. The meeting's primary focus was a review of Downtown Commercial Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) incentives for two properties on West Olentangy Street owned by Transformed Construction. Approval of Minutes - Councilmember David Lester moved to approve the minutes from the October 7, 2025, Development Committee meeting; Councilmember Leif Carlson seconded. The minutes were approved. Discussion: Downtown Commercial CRA Incentives — 147 and 173 W. Olentangy St. - Staff presented applications from Transformed Construction for two downtown projects: 147 W. Olentangy St. (a two-story restaurant) and 173 W. Olentangy St. (a three-story project that will house a hotel). The agenda listed only the 147 W. Olentangy St. property under Today's Business, but the meeting minutes and discussion covered both properties. This discrepancy is noted per the public record. - Development Administrator Sean Hughes recommended supporting the applications, explaining that downtown redevelopment is costlier than greenfield development, citing prior study, demolition, and approval costs. He argued that incentives encourage desirable development and reduce financial risk for developers, making projects more viable for both the developer and the community. - Hughes stated the hotel project would generate lodging excise tax for the City for the first time and projected the two projects together would add 70+ full-time equivalent jobs; approximately $1.95 million in new downtown payroll, which equals about $21,606.00 in estimated annual income tax; additional parking downtown; approximately $500,000 in combined income tax and TIF PILOTs during the second 15-year period; an additional $1.9 million in spending with downtown businesses; and an increase of approximately $608,000 to the TIF fund after 30 years. - Hughes noted that comparable boutique hotel projects across Ohio received abatements ranging from 10 to 15 years in length and from 50% up to 100% of abated taxes, with the City of Delaware approving a 15-year, 100% abatement. He recommended a 75% abatement over 15 years (the "75/15 model") for each property, structured as two separate abatements so that if the developer sells one building, the other incentive is unaffected. - Citizen Representative Ross Irvine asked whether the abatements are recorded against the deed to the land or structured as a property interest. Hughes explained there are two mechanisms, that the agreement is not recorded in any other way, and that maintaining an ongoing relationship with the property owner is important so the City knows when a building is sold. - Councilmember Leif Carlson asked whether abatements transfer to a new buyer or are transferable at bill of sale only with City Council approval. Hughes explained that commercial abatement assignments are subject to Council negotiation, whereas the 100%/15-year program is guaranteed and non-negotiable. He added that an assignment assumption agreement can change the terms through negotiation, require the new buyer to maintain the originally approved use, and that deviating from the agreement voids the abatement. - Carlson also asked whether the applicant would be required to submit a plan before an application moves forward. Hughes explained that commercial abatements can be processed before a plan is approved, but noted the importance of having substantial information available—including the application, the actual agreement, and financial documentation—before staff brings a recommendation. He said staff typically screens applications at the onset and discourages projects that do not fit the City's economic development goals, though it would support an applicant who wished to take a proposal to Council regardless. - City Manager Andrew White added that staff presented the CRA tool in a practical application for the committee's consideration and that Council would retain leverage to approve or reject each individual incentive package rather than a blanket program. He said the standard staff would want to present would be aspirational, and cited at least one past project that came forward but was not a good fit for what the City wanted to incentivize. - Hughes discussed previous commercial CRA projects, including Kohatch and the Kroger CRA on Home Road, noting they were very different from downtown projects. He stated that state law does not require school board permission for commercial abatements at the 75% level, but that the City voluntarily coordinates with the school district; he read from a supportive email from the school treasurer saying "this is what partners do." - Carlson asked whether staff anticipates setting different incentive rates for different businesses going forward, noting this is the second downtown project—with a third expected, since the two properties will be done in two allotments—all proposed at 75%/15 years. Staff and the City Manager indicated rates would be negotiated per application based on project fit, with Council holding final authority. - Hughes emphasized that the agreement itself states what the developer will do, that the developer cannot deviate from it without voiding the abatement, and that the City knows in advance how a property will be used. He noted that commercial downtown projects are typically not judged as heavily on jobs and payroll as industrial or greenfield projects because downtown investment has a different return on investment. Key Outcomes - The Committee unanimously approved the October 7, 2025, meeting minutes. - Chairman Ferzan Ahmed moved to forward the 75%/15-year CRA incentive recommendation for the 147 and 173 W. Olentangy St. projects to City Council. The motion carried, and the recommendation will advance to Council for consideration, where the actual legislation, agreement, and supporting financial documentation will be presented. - The next Development Committee meeting is scheduled for December 2, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. - Councilmember David Lester moved to adjourn; Citizen Representative Ross Irvine seconded, and the meeting adjourned.

The Powell Development Corporation (PDC) met on October 28, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. The board approved minutes, received reports, and took action on several economic development items including a new business attraction grant, facade grant extensions, website redesign funding, and discussion on code of regulations revisions. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the August 26, 2025 meeting were approved by unanimous voice vote. - Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Nicole Scott presented the September 2025 financial report. A final reconciliation of utility costs and ChargePoint charger revenue between the PDC and the city resulted in a revenue adjustment of just under $7,500. Scott noted that moving forward, the PDC will receive ChargePoint revenue and pay all utility costs directly, eliminating future invoicing. She also requested a transfer of $4,000 from the contingent expenses line item to the legal fees line item to cover pending legal invoices (estimated at $1,000 per month through year-end). A motion to transfer passed unanimously (roll call: all five members yes). - Economic Development Administrator's Report: Sean reported year-to-date (through September 2025) activity: 341 projects (20% increase over prior year), 19 new businesses (111% increase), 247.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, and $8.87 million in new payroll. He also reported 134 business visits (58% increase). Board members highlighted the return on investment from grant programs—noting that facade grants alone yielded $4.50 per $1 invested. Discussion included themes from business outreach: downtown foot traffic, employment challenges, and appreciation for the city's vision. The board requested a future summary of recurring business themes. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - FOMO Pizza Performance Based Business Attraction Grant: Sean presented a grant request from FOMO Pizza, a sports bar/restaurant opening in the Middlebury Crossing plaza. The applicant is Chris Vince, co-owner of the restaurant and owner of the plaza. The project involves a $1.4 million investment, creation of 45 FTEs, and an estimated $750,000 annual payroll (yielding $15,000 in annual payroll taxes). Staff recommended a 50% performance-based attraction grant capped at $15,000 total, paid over two years (50% of estimated payroll taxes each year, with the first payment in 2027). The grant is tied specifically to $343,300 in kitchen equipment. A clawback provision applies after three years. Motion to approve as presented passed unanimously (roll call: 5-0). - 36 N. Liberty Facade Grant Extension to 2026: Sean reported that the owners of Cohiba Properties at 36 N. Liberty initially planned a simple renovation (siding, paint, gutters) but have since received HDAC approval for a much larger $2+ million renovation that expands the building footprint. A destination retail tenant is interested. The existing $25,000 facade grant was originally set to expire after 180 days; Sean recommended extending it to 2026 with the same terms. Motion to extend and carry over $25,000 into the 2026 budget passed unanimously (roll call: 5-0). - 5 S. Liberty Street Facade Grant Extension to 2026: The $22,500 grant for roof work at the Craft House building was delayed because the owner, Dan McClurg, prioritized a second-floor office renovation for Addison Properties (a Cleveland-based developer). That office now houses five employees with $750,000 in payroll. Roof work cannot proceed in cold weather, so extension to 2026 was recommended. Motion to extend and carry over $22,500 passed unanimously (roll call: 5-0). - Grant Tracking Sheets: Sean presented updated tracking spreadsheets for all grant programs (facade, PBAG, PBRE, small business impact mitigation, and Cohatch). He noted plans to implement CivicsServe, a grant and incentive tracking software, in the 2026 city budget. Board members praised the effort for improving budgeting and transparency. - Website Redesign/Development - Request for Additional Funds: The original $2,500 budget for rebranding and website redesign proved insufficient because the content management system (Wild Apricot) requires specialized coding that the current design firm cannot provide. A third-party partner is needed, adding $2,500. Staff requested an increase to $5,000 total, to be funded from the existing $10,000 contingency. Motion to increase the budget to $5,000 passed by voice vote. - PDC Code of Regulations: Sean reviewed a revised draft incorporating board feedback, prepared by attorney Emma Mulvaney. Key changes: nine board directors in two categories—five city council appointees (mayor or nominee, city manager or nominee, an LSD representative, a business director from a resource provider organization) and four directors nominated by a board-created recruitment/nominating committee (entrepreneurial, downtown business, tourism/convention, and real estate directors). Terms are staggered: initial two-year terms for three city appointees and one-year terms for two committee appointees. Removal requires a two-thirds vote of the full board. Board members discussed whether city council should retain removal power over its appointees; Mulvaney advised that as a separate corporation, removal must be done by the board. Some members expressed concern about potential conflicts if the board hesitates to remove a problematic member. The board decided to seek further clarification from counsel (possibly by email or phone) before a final vote. A typo in section B1 regarding "city manager appointee" was noted. Next steps: present the revised code to city council for input and aim for a board vote in November to allow reconstitution in January 2026. Key Outcomes - Approved FOMO Pizza performance-based business attraction grant (unanimous). - Approved facade grant extensions for 36 N. Liberty and 5 S. Liberty (both unanimous). - Approved increase in website redesign budget from $2,500 to $5,000 (voice vote). - Approved transfer of $4,000 from contingency to legal fees (unanimous roll call). - Approved minutes and accepted treasurer's and economic development reports. - Code of regulations discussion continued; legal clarification sought; presentation to city council planned. - Next meeting scheduled: November 25, 2025 at 6:30 PM. - The board entered executive session under ORC 121.22(G)(8) to discuss confidential economic development matters.

The Powell City Council met on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included presentations, public comments, discussion of a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) amendment ordinance, and adoption of a moratorium extension. Key actions included the failure of Ordinance 2025-21 to amend the CRA boundaries and the passage of an extended temporary moratorium on new CRA applications. Presentations - Auditor of State Award with Distinction: Scott Brown, Regional Liaison from the Ohio Auditor of State, presented the award to Acting Finance Director Samantha Borchers, recognizing the city's financial audit excellence. Only 4% of audited entities qualify. - Liberty Township Fire Department Update: Fire Chief James Reardon reported that total calls for 2025 are about 84 ahead of the previous year. The department added a fire inspector, an EMS coordinator, and three firefighters, and now operates a third ambulance as promised with the successful levy. Consent Calendar - The council approved the minutes from the October 7, 2025 meeting and adopted the consent agenda, which included monthly reports from Finance, Economic Development, Building, Police, Planning and Zoning, Human Resources, Public Service and Engineering, and Community Engagement. Public Comments & Testimony - Jerry Wade (Powell Community Band): Highlighted the band's 88 members and six annual concerts. He asked to be considered a stakeholder in planning future performance spaces at Village Green and Bennett Farms. - Palak Tolani (Seva Diwali Food Donation Drive): Expressed gratitude for the city's support in hosting donation boxes. Reported collecting 6,000 lbs of food in 2024 with a goal of 10,000 lbs in 2025. - Melissa Scott (Olin Tanji Community Theater): Described the theater's summer production with 950 attendees and requested a seat at the table for planning performance spaces, noting needs for shade, storage, parking, and safe drop-off zones. - Bill Harkenreiter (Powell Civic Theater): Shared the theater's mission and requested consideration in performance space planning, emphasizing simple improvements like loading/unloading zones. Discussion Items: Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) Amendment and Moratorium The main discussion centered on Ordinance 2025-21 (Amended) , which would amend the downtown CRA to limit new residential construction abatements to the "T" shaped area (Northwest Quadrant) and exclude other areas. The ordinance had been tabled from September 16, 2025. - City Manager Andy and Law Director Yaz explained that the original CRA (Ordinance 2023-10) inadvertently included more lots than intended. The amendment aimed to focus residential abatements on the historic core. - Council members expressed varying views: Heather Carr and Tom Counts supported the T as aligning with original intent, while David Lester and Tyler Herman raised fairness concerns, particularly regarding the Corinthian Fine Homes project (Liberty Green) at 84 and 110 South Liberty, which would lose eligibility. - Testimony from David Warner (Corinthian Fine Homes): Argued that the project (14 townhomes) is comparable to the Fisher Homes Encore Park project (19 townhomes) and that excluding it would create a competitive disadvantage. He stated that without the abatement, the $10 million project would not proceed. - Testimony from Mike Lagozo: Supported the T focus, noting his empty parcel there and plans to build. - Testimony from Dave Absolov: Urged processing of applications already filed, including his own, as he has a certificate of occupancy. After discussion, a motion to adopt Ordinance 2025-21 failed (2 votes in favor, 4 opposed). Council then considered extending the temporary moratorium. Tyler Herman moved to adopt Ordinance 2025-25 (extending the moratorium) with an amendment to only block new applications, allowing processing of those already submitted. The amendment passed, and the ordinance was adopted as an emergency on first reading (5-1; Lee Carlson voted no). The moratorium will now last until November 19, 2025, and applies only to the receipt, submission, or acceptance of new CRA applications for residential new construction. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 2025-21 (Amended) : Failed to pass (2 in favor, 4 opposed). No changes to the existing CRA boundaries at this time. - Ordinance 2025-25 (Extended Moratorium) : Adopted as an emergency (5-1). The moratorium on CRA tax abatement applications for residential new construction is extended until November 19, 2025, but only applies to new applications; previously submitted applications may continue to be processed. - Council will consider future legislation to address the CRA issue, potentially including the Corinthian project. Other Business - Committee reports were dispensed with. - Council entered executive sessions as allowed by Ohio law for legal consultation and personnel matters.

The Powell Operations Committee met on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. The committee discussed an IT update from consultant Doug McCollough, an HOA signage policy proposal, and deferred the employee handbook review. Members present: Heather Carr, Tom Counts. Absent: Taylor Brown, Dee Miller. Tyler Herman arrived later. Mayor chaired the meeting. Consent Calendar - Approval of the minutes from the Operations Committee meeting held on September 16, 2025, was approved by consensus with no comments. Public Comments & Testimony - Nancy Foreman and Patty Fitner (Chase Homeowners Association) spoke in favor of a city signage replacement program. They described the deteriorating cedar signs in their neighborhood (over 40 years old, leaning, costly to maintain) and expressed interest in replacing them with metal signs similar to those in other subdivisions like Chambers Glen. They noted they have raised HOA dues to save for replacements and asked about the timeline for a city decision. They thanked Charles for his assistance. Discussion Items - IT Update and Report – Doug McCollough (DMC Consulting LLC) presented on behalf of the city. He noted that council had directed staff to rebid the IT services contract (currently with EasyIT). McCollough recommended a time extension to refine the RFP and allow EasyIT to demonstrate improvements. He highlighted that 99% of EasyIT’s work is invisible (security changes, infrastructure upgrades) but acknowledged communication gaps with council. He requested that EasyIT be given an opportunity to present a dashboard and KPIs. McCollough clarified he is an advisor, not a full-time employee. Councilmember Leif expressed no hurry to rebid, and the committee agreed to defer the RFP decision. McCollough was asked to return in three months with an update. - HOA Signage Policy – Charles presented a draft policy for standardizing subdivision signs on public streets. Key points: standard regulatory and street name signs (MUTCD compliant), monument/entry signs remain HOA responsibility, application fee of $75 per sign (not final), priority for regulatory signs, first-come-first-served based on annual budget. Councilmember Heather raised concerns about the fee amount and the clarity of the policy. Councilmember Leif noted the policy mixes initial replacement requests with routine maintenance. Committee discussed allowing HOA-paid upgrades (e.g., decorative street signs) with city approval. Two or three alternative upgrade options were suggested. The policy will be further fleshed out. - Employee Handbook Updates – Tabled to the next meeting due to time constraints. Key Outcomes - IT Contract: The committee decided not to proceed with an RFP at this time. Staff (Doug McCollough) will return in approximately three months (by January 2026) to provide an updated assessment of EasyIT’s performance and any remaining concerns. - HOA Signage Policy: The committee directed staff to refine the draft policy, including clarifying the scope (initial replacement vs. maintenance), adjusting the application fee, and identifying two or three standardized upgrade options for HOAs (with HOA bearing cost of upgrade). A revised policy will be brought back for further discussion. - Employee Handbook: Deferred to the next Operations Committee meeting.

The Powell Historic Downtown Advisory Commission convened on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers, 47 Hall Street, Powell, Ohio. Commissioners Tom Coffee, Kurt Ramsey, and James Strunk were present; Larry Coolidge, Andrew Lorenz, and Stephen Rattles were absent. The commission approved the August 21, 2025 meeting minutes and reviewed one certificate of appropriateness application (Case 2025-32CA) for a seasonal patio enclosure at Elliot's Wood Fired Kitchen & Tap. Note: the transcript's opening line contains what appears to be a verbal transcription error ("October 16th, 2020"); the agenda and official meeting record confirm the date as October 16, 2025. Consent Calendar - The August 21, 2025 meeting minutes were approved by unanimous roll-call vote (Kurt Ramsey, James Strunk, and Tom Coffee all voting yes). Public Comments & Testimony - The owner of Elliot's Wood Fired Kitchen & Tap, identified in the transcript as Michael Sarah, expressed support for the project and stated the restaurant wants to install the enclosure this winter to expand seating, keep two to three staff members working per night, and retain its large staff rather than cut hours during the colder months. Discussion Items - Case 2025-32CA — Certificate of Appropriateness, Elliot's Wood Fired Kitchen & Tap (50 S. Liberty Street, approximately 200 feet south of the Liberty Street and Olentangy Street intersection, zoned DB Downtown Business District; applicant WSA Studio, represented by Melissa Folzenlogan): Staff presented the proposal to add an enclosed structure over the existing, currently uncovered north-side patio (the west-side patio facing Liberty Street already has a cover). The design includes a permanent black standing-seam metal roof matching the existing covered patio, black aluminum framing and columns, and custom-fit removable vinyl panels — solid black below the railing and clear roll-up vinyl above — installed only during colder months. A small northwest corner of the patio would remain open, and one panel would include an integrated egress door. - Staff stated the design guidelines contain no specific patio/structure provisions and that vinyl is discouraged but not prohibited, and cited a community visual preference survey conducted earlier in 2025 in which 68% of participants supported enclosed downtown patios. The architectural advisor met with the applicant and raised no concerns; staff recommended approval. - During discussion, commissioners asked about materials, the permanent roof, and panel operability. The applicant explained that the black vinyl lower sections are fixed while the clear vinyl tops can roll up for airflow on mild winter days, and that in summer the entire panels are unbolted and stored off-site, leaving an open patio with permanent columns. The project will include fans, string lights, and a gas heater, to be detailed in the building permit process. A meeting participant identified as Frank Weaver asked whether the panels would resist fading, clouding, and wind gusts; the applicant responded that each panel has an aluminum frame and is bolted to the structure and ground. - Commissioners expressed support, describing the project as beneficial to both the community and the applicant and noting the popularity of similar enclosed patios in the area during winter. Key Outcomes - The commission approved Case 2025-32CA, accepting staff's recommendation, by unanimous roll-call vote (3-0): James Strunk yes, Tom Coffee yes, Kurt Ramsey yes.

On October 14, 2025, the Powell Finance Committee met to approve the minutes of the September 9, 2025 meeting, receive the September 2025 monthly financial report, and review the proposed 2026 operating budget. Staff presented detailed financials, including new position requests and an overview of all funds, capital projects, and debt. No formal vote on the budget was taken at this committee meeting. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the September 9, 2025 Finance Committee meeting were approved by consensus. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the meeting. Discussion Items - Monthly Report (September 2025) Finance staff reported the general fund cash balance was $23.9 million, an increase of $865,321 from the prior year-end. Year-to-date general fund revenues were up 2.5% compared to September 2024, with all operating revenue categories exceeding the 75% budget target. Year-to-date interest income was $1.3 million. Income tax and related revenue reached 80.5% of the budget. Year-to-date general fund expenditures were $16.6 million, with operating expenditures at 60% of the budget target. - 2026 Proposed Operating Budget The proposed 2026 all-funds expenditures total $42.8 million, a 12.4% increase over the 2025 budget. This includes a projected spending deficit of $8.3 million, primarily due to capital projects funded from reserves. Total expenditures include $12.8 million in capital items (excluding street maintenance). Key elements: - Personnel: Four new full-time equivalents (FTEs) are proposed: one community engagement specialist for digital communications/graphic design, one engineering inspector, and two maintenance specialists. A vacant HR director position is reclassified to the administration department. Total headcount would reach 64. - Health insurance: Initial renewal quotes included over a 25% increase; the city is leaving the current health consortium and negotiating with a larger group to reduce costs. - Department grouping summaries: - Administration group (city manager, clerk, HR, public info, finance, legal, IT): $4.2 million, up 15.6% driven by personnel and healthcare. - Parks and public service group (public service, park maintenance, engineering, fleet, building maintenance): $5.0 million, up 11%. - Community development group (planning, economic development, building): $1.93 million, up 6.6%. - Police: $5.0 million, relatively flat. - Special revenue funds: $4.77 million, over half for street construction, maintenance, and repair; includes skate park resurfacing, tennis court resurfacing, Bennett Farm site maintenance, and Murphy Park shelter improvements. - Capital projects: The 2026 capital program totals $15.3 million, with major projects including the farm shared-use path plan, Adventure Park CSX tunnel rehabilitation, Adventure Park playground replacement, and Sawmill Quarter traffic signal. - Debt service: $2.4 million, mostly funded by community authority revenues. - General fund transfers: Corrected to $6.4 million (a duplicate $518,000 line was removed). - Staff noted that the deficit is a result of planned use of reserves accumulated in prior years, and that revenues are expected to outpace expenditures over the five-year forecast. The city maintains a AAA bond rating and low debt. - Other discussion: IT budget is a placeholder pending an operations committee review of IT strategy and vendor satisfaction. Playground replacements are planned with an aggressive schedule, starting with Adventure Park in 2026. The city’s pavement condition score and capital investment strategy were also addressed. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved (September 9, 2025) by consensus. - Budget presentation received; no vote was taken. The proposed budget will be presented to City Council for adoption. - Next meeting scheduled: Monday, November 10, 2025 at 7:00 PM (date change due to Veterans Day), likely the last meeting of 2025. - Meeting adjourned by motion and second, with all in favor.

The Powell City Council met on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included public health updates, approval of prior minutes, adoption of a resolution for engineering services for a shared-use path at Bennett Farm, and a detailed discussion on proposed revisions to the Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) map. The council also received committee reports and heard about recent community events. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the September 16, 2025 council meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Caitlin Morsey, an epidemiologist from the Delaware Public Health District, provided updates on hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and flu season. She noted a September 8 health alert due to increased HFMD cases, primarily affecting children. She emphasized hand washing, surface cleaning, and contacting a healthcare provider if symptoms persist beyond 7-10 days. For flu, she recommended vaccinations in September through October, citing over 120 flu hospitalizations in the district last year. She also announced a free tire disposal event on October 18, 2025 from 9 AM to noon at the Delaware County Fairgrounds (enter from Pennsylvania Avenue; up to 10 passenger tires per resident, rim size 13-24, no bike or agricultural tires; businesses excluded). A first responder flu clinic will be held on October 17, 2025 from 8-10 AM at Genoa Township Fire Department. Discussion Items - Resolution 2025-36 – Shared Use Path at Bennett Farm: City Manager Andy and City Engineer Aaron Stamford presented a resolution authorizing a professional services agreement with Civil and Environmental Consultants, Inc. for engineering design of approximately 2,000 linear feet of shared-use path. The path will connect Arbor Ridge to Bartholomew Bull Park and eventually downtown. The 2025 budget allocated $135,000; the low bid was $91,600, restoring about $45,000. The design includes landscaping, viewshed considerations, drainage, and a possible pedestrian bridge over a FEMA floodplain culvert. The path is planned to be 10 feet wide, with grading particularly needed on the western end near Bartholomew. Council expressed excitement and asked about utility and drainage integration. The resolution was adopted unanimously by voice vote. - CRA Update and Proposed Map: City Manager Andy presented a proposed amendment to the Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) map. The current moratorium on residential abatements in the Northwest Quadrant (downtown TIF area) is set to expire. Staff recommended limiting new residential construction abatements (15-year 100%) to a hatched T-shaped area encompassing parts of Soyota Case, Encore Park, and some parcels north of Owen Tangy and 750. Outside this T-area, existing abatements for renovations and commercial/ mixed-use projects would remain but would be negotiated on a case-by-case basis (with council discretion for residential components in commercial projects). The proposal aims to target abatements where they are most effective while preserving flexibility for future development. Council discussed the process: the amended ordinance (2025-21) will be presented on October 21, 2025, with public comment allowed before a vote. Council members Tom Counts, Lee, and others expressed support for the targeted approach, noting the abatement tool's role in revitalizing the area. City Manager noted that the map and parcel numbers will be submitted to the state. Financial context: Encore Park's 19 lots could cost schools about $90,000-$100,000 in avoided revenue over 15 years, compared to $2.4 million generated for schools from the downtown TIF and $537,000 from Cortland Grand (formerly Powell Grand) in 2024. No action was taken; the item will be voted on at the next meeting. Committee Reports - Development Committee: Met on October 7; received an update on the historic property survey. Next meeting: November 5, 2025 at 6:30 PM (Wednesday, due to election). - Finance Committee: Next meeting: October 14, 2025 at 6:30 PM (earlier start for budget review). - Operations Committee: Next meeting: October 21, 2025 at 6:30 PM. - Planning & Zoning Commission: Next meeting: November 12, 2025 at 6:30 PM. - Powell Development Corporation: Next meeting: October 28, 2025 at 6:30 PM. City Manager's Report & Calendar - City Manager Andy highlighted two community events: Civics Day (held Oct 1 or earlier) where the mayor and vice mayor met with thousands of schoolchildren, and Passport DePowell (held over the weekend). Staff members Melissa Heineman, Willie McCloskey, Jason Navi, and Lauren Lang were recognized. - The calendar for October and November was noted. Other Council Matters - Council members acknowledged a drawing by a third-grader named Elsie from Civics Day, depicting all council members and some staff. It was praised for its detail and creativity. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: Unanimously. - Resolution 2025-36 Adopted: Authorizes the City Manager to execute a contract with Civil and Environmental Consultants, Inc. for the Bennett Farm shared-use path design. - Executive Session: Council voted unanimously (roll call: all present in favor) to enter executive session under Ohio Revised Code Sections 121.22(G)(2) (property purchase), 121.22(G)(3) (pending litigation), and 121.22(G)(8) (economic development negotiations). No action was taken in open session following executive session. - Next Steps: The amended CRA ordinance (2025-21) will be presented for a vote at the October 21, 2025 council meeting, with public comment opportunity.

The Development Committee met on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. Members present: Carlson, Lester; absent: Irvine and Simpson. The main agenda item was an update on the Historic Property Survey and its implications for downtown regulation and the Historic Downtown Advisory Commission (HDAC). The committee discussed the survey findings, potential boundary adjustments, and staff recommendations for streamlining the review process. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the August 5, 2025 Development Committee meeting unanimously. Discussion Items - Historic Property Survey Update: - Logan (staff) presented an update on the historic property survey, conducted by the consultant Designing Local (based in Columbus, with a historic preservationist). The survey inventoried properties using state/federal criteria (50-year threshold) and identified a potential local historic district (light blue on map) focusing on Liberty Street and 750, including residential areas. - The presentation covered the evolution of the downtown boundary from policy documents and public perception, emphasizing the need to define a historic district distinct from the broader downtown overlay. - Staff recommended two steps: (1) amend the zoning code to remove HDAC and make the Planning and Zoning Commission the primary reviewing body for all downtown development (effective January 2026), allowing time for further community engagement on a local historic district and new guidelines; (2) use ongoing processes (zoning code rewrite) to refine the historic district and design guidelines. - Logan explained that the historic district would have three tiers: dark blue (historic properties with stricter preservation rules), gray (contributing non-historic properties), and unshaded downtown (areas requiring complementary but not historic-style development). He noted that the consultant's proposal may be adjusted based on recent demolitions/proposals. - Committee Discussion: - Member Carlson asked about the inclusion of parcels on Beach Ridge Drive and Grace Street; staff responded that the current overlay does not include these but noted ongoing talks to rezone the Beach Ridge site into the downtown district. Concerns were raised about excluding the shopping center and outlots east of the district. - Member Carlson also emphasized the need for a clear, well-defined process with timelines for applicants, and expressed a desire to preserve some form of architectural review (e.g., an architectural review board). - Member Lester inquired about the composition of the Planning and Zoning Commission and the potential loss of HDAC's specialized knowledge; he stressed the importance of appointing members with downtown expertise if HDAC is dissolved. - Mayor Counts expressed concern that the effort might impose a uniform architectural style on a diverse, eclectic downtown, and emphasized that scale and accessibility are more defining than style. He questioned whether a specialized board could make appropriate judgments without clearer guidance. - Vice Mayor agreed that process clarity for applicants is a top priority. - City Manager Taylor provided context, noting that the scientific methodology (National Park Service standards) strengthens the city's ability to preserve character while providing clarity to developers. Key Outcomes - The committee discussed the option of removing HDAC but did not take a formal vote; instead, members agreed to forward the recommendation to the full City Council for broader discussion. - Staff committed to providing additional information on how the review process would function without HDAC, including the role of the architectural advisor, before the council deliberation. - The committee supported moving the recommendation forward, with the understanding that further details on handling historic preservation and applicant clarity would be developed alongside the zoning code rewrite. - The next Development Committee meeting is scheduled for November 5, 2025.