Council Member· 2026-01-06 to 2029-12-01 (start: oath of office for the new four-year term administered Jan 6 2026 per council minutes, appointed to council in 2023 and continuous since, re-elected Nov 4 2025; month-level end: December 2029 per city election results and BallotReady term through 12/31/29)
David Lester
Powell
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Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 1
- Total speaking time
- 0:20
- Avg per meeting
- 0:20
- Segments
- 5
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Top issues during term (20)
Parks and Public Service Maintenance Needs
Full rubber surfacing would add roughly $350,000; the approved plan adds about $15,000 now and $90,000–$100,000 next year.
E-bike legislation and township authority
Costs not yet quantified; enforcement, signage, and education programs would carry some city expense.
Village Green plan open house
Funding and financing strategy for the redevelopment comes in Phase 3; not yet determined.
Proposed Bunker Lane fuel station
Neighbors worry a fuel station next door could hurt property values — one resident cited her county tax reassessment arriving the same week as the notice.
Zoning Code Rewrite
Not specified, but clearer rules could lower development costs and approval timelines.
2027 PDC operational budget
Sets the $37.2 million revenue baseline for next year's budget.
Fiscal year 2027 tax levy certification
Roughly $43 million in planned 2027 spending — a 6% bump overall and 13.4% in the General Fund.
Traffic safety follow-up on Presidential Parkway and South Liberty
It could mean city spending on enforcement or road-safety measures, but no cost figures were provided.
Bennett Farm fence replacement
Up to $87,441, not covered by the county grant that applies to other buildings.
Downtown Public Parking Lot Lease
Budgeted at $26,000; first week cost $964 with only one station open.
Scioto Street Extension bridge type
Not yet estimated in the current CIP; staff will study design costs.
Draft Street Tree Pruning Policy
Golf Village alone was estimated at 750-800 trees at $150-$300 each; the full effort could run six figures over multiple years.
Dutch Bros coffee shop on Home Road
Powell may face added legal costs and lost control over project conditions, while the developer gains a clearer path to build and recoup its investment.
Electric Aggregation Rollout
Goal is driving down electric costs for households and businesses; rates not yet set.
Downtown Depot Street reconstruction
Funded through a state grant and loan, with construction starting this fall and extending into next year.
Massage business ordinance (preview)
2026 Street and Path Maintenance Program
The invasive species line item is about $10,000 and could be quickly exhausted without budget growth.
Pediatric cancer awareness and The 2816 Foundation
Citywide sign inventory reveals non-compliant signs
Replacement of 96 signs plus repairs and a possible in-house sign shop were discussed as budget considerations; HOA cost-sharing is still undecided.
Stormwater Maintenance Funding Concerns
About $50,000 budgeted for storm sewer maintenance in 2027; larger projects sit in a separate capital stormwater fund.
Decisions during term (97)
Recorded while Lester was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Approval of September 9, 2026 meeting minutes
Major Subdivision Plat – Kroger Site Outparcels (2026-25FP)
Approval of September 22 meeting and retreat minutes
Void three downtown facade grant agreements
Void Nocterra performance-based grant (second installment)
Adopt mission and vision statement, 2027 goals, and board/committee assignments
2027 PDC operational budget — tabled to November
Approval of September 15, 2026 meeting minutes
Resolution 2026-58 - Accepting Budget Commission amounts and rates for fiscal year 2027
Approval of the minutes from the October 6, 2026 City Council meeting
Consent agenda - Monthly Staff Report (September)
Executive session - property purchase, legal disputes, and economic development matters
Approval of the minutes from the City Council meeting held on October 6, 2026.
Approval of September 14, 2026 meeting minutes
Adjournment
Approval of September 15, 2026 meeting minutes
Resolution 2026-56 — Referendum petition insufficient and invalid
Resolution 2026-57 — Arbor Ridge tennis court maintenance
Ordinance 2026-22 — Bennett Farm fence replacement bid award
Approval of September 1, 2026 meeting minutes
Voting record (18)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.