Samantha Borchers

This document provides a framework analysis and summarizes survey feedback to inform the development of new Architectural Guidelines for the City of Powell. It identifies the need to balance historic preservation with contemporary development and economic growth, moving towards a future-oriented approach. Key areas of focus include updating architectural styles, building materials, site considerations, massing, new construction, and architectural elements based on resident preferences. The ultimate vision is to create clear guidelines that promote growth, maintain the city's visual integrity, foster pedestrian engagement, and establish a more interconnected community.

The Powell Operations Committee meeting focused on finalizing the purpose statement and setting procurement guardrails for the Electric Aggregation Program, following voter authorization in November 2025. Key discussion points for the aggregation program included securing competitive and stable pricing, ensuring reliable supplier performance, maintaining transparency, and confirming regulatory compliance. The committee also discussed setting procurement structure options, renewable energy considerations, and risk management relative to the generation supply contract. Additionally, the committee reviewed updates to the Employee Handbook, including implementing a vacation leave buyback policy, incorporating new federal acts concerning pregnant and nursing workers, and establishing policies for professionalism, recording devices, travel reimbursement, AI usage (prohibiting confidential data in public AI platforms), and telecommuting. Finally, an update on the Alta Fiber infrastructure deployment was provided, including coordination efforts and the launch of a new informational link on the City's website.

This document is a Framework Analysis and Survey Feedback Summary Report detailing efforts undertaken from mid-2024 to mid-2025 to inform the development of the City of Powell's new Design Guidelines and revised Zoning Code. It synthesizes findings from a Historic Survey of Downtown Powell, which identified contributing properties and proposed new Historic and other Design Districts. Additionally, it incorporates results from Phase 1 of the Village Green Master Plan, highlighting community priorities such as increasing small businesses, family-friendly recreational activities, enhanced downtown walkability, and improved traffic circulation. The report aims to guide future development by considering historic preservation, community needs, and economic viability within an integrated urban fabric.

The meeting agenda included a quarterly update from the Liberty Township Fire Department for Q4 of 2025. Key items under the consent agenda involved the approval of monthly reports from various departments (Human Resources, Police, Finance, Economic Development, Planning and Zoning, Community Engagement, and Engineering/Public Service/Parks) and the granting of final acceptance for public improvements related to The Smith Farm at Carpenter's Mill, Sections 4 Part A and Part B, via Ordinance 2026-01. Resolutions addressed authorizing the internet auction sale of unneeded municipally owned property (Resolution 2026-05), authorizing agreements with Placer Labs Inc. (Resolution 2026-06) and ESRI Inc. for ArcGIS service renewal (Resolution 2026-07), authorizing an increase to the professional services agreement with SSOE Group for updating Downtown Design Guidelines (Resolution 2026-08), authorizing the purchase of three police cruisers (Resolution 2026-09), authorizing the demolition of the city-owned structure at 44 North Liberty Street (Resolution 2026-10), and accepting the Final Facilities Master Plan as a guiding policy document (Resolution 2026-11). Further discussions included committee reports, City Manager's report regarding a two-year planning session, and matters handled in executive session concerning personnel appointments/compensation and economic development negotiations.

The regular council meeting agenda included the approval of the minutes from the January 20, 2026 meeting. Key resolutions addressed the authorization to purchase a new bucket truck for the Department of Public Service, which would be dedicated to traffic signal and streetlight maintenance, while repurposing the old truck for street tree maintenance. Another resolution adopted the updated 2026 Employee Handbook, which included new policies such as Vacation Leave Buy-Back, guidelines for the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) & PUMP Act, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) use standards. The Council also authorized agreements for Placer Labs Inc. data analytics services and the renewal of ArcGIS services with ESRI Inc. Furthermore, Resolution 2026-08 authorized an increase to the agreement with SSOE Group for updating Downtown Design Guidelines. Resolution 2026-09 authorized the purchase of three new police cruisers, shifting from Ford Interceptor SUVs to Chevy Tahoes to leverage a better warranty and realize long-term savings. Resolution 2026-10 authorized the demolition of the city-owned structure at 44 North Liberty Street for connection to the Scioto Street extension, utilizing reimbursable state funds. Finally, Resolution 2026-11 accepted the Facilities Master Plan as a guiding policy document for future capital and facility planning, detailing needs for municipal, police department, and parks/recreation facilities.