[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,97,109],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6224184,"mediaKeyId","3553905-c364814bb01542f618e13a9aeb29a247","parentId",3553905,"title","Council reviews $1 annual lease with Columbus for Pumphouse Park; city retains programming control","audioSeconds",483,"startMs",3469000,"endMs",3952000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3553905-c364814bb01542f618e13a9aeb29a247&start=3469&end=3952","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3553905-c364814bb01542f618e13a9aeb29a247/thumbnail_3469000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6224184/Bexley/Franklin-County/Ohio/Council-reviews-1-annual-lease-with-Columbus-for-Pumphouse-Park-city-retains-programming-control","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224184-059816800e4de4afe4d68c5653439795/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169818&Signature=F6Pe-dxCQEp7kkF03Vifk6y1EzRLsInf8PTn~B7-8kBG4LiQqStgtikQebairXoMJNwaO4W83pILyXNDHCbpbI0Tarmc9SFLZV~AoI-XEUGQeoyLhZsytfVX8HoE00eZNywJVpAnSTzb~G9bXKRIlBIuCgQ5ne6CXcAt8NPDjcfX5A-dSlDETNyFFvpMEf9ASI1wZvU6YbowdN5mkD0fYrpICZoyNc4jklHliGm-KcHrAWbzfSEJEUUOcat8RAgqviaK6ZFxbAyGM-s-MFikMEQp~U6iSuRo5QwVs0xNSfP0mt2gmWb7MCpdwowhecdF-IEIGpb6P5fch0qjRqcKOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Bexley, OH ","date","2025-05-28T12:06:11Z","article","Council considered a first reading of Ordinance 16-25 to authorize the mayor to sign a lease with the City of Columbus covering the parcel known as Pumphouse Park (southeast corner of Alum Creek Drive and Main Street).

Staff said Bexley has leased and programmed the site for years; prior leases began in the late 1990s and allowed the city to improve the parcel with athletic fields, a stone wall, fencing and a picnic shelter. The park includes a stormwater storage facility under the site and therefore is administered in coordination with Columbus public utilities.

The proposed lease follows the prior arrangement and is for a nominal $1 per year. As tenant, the city has latitude to program the park; staff noted the rec department currently schedules activities there and that the picnic shelter is reservable. The mayor said the park shelter roof needs repairs and that the city plans further investment in maintenance and programming.

Councilmembers asked about programming, shelter reservations and possible partnerships to increase safe access. The mayor said the city is working on an agreement with a nearby church for supplemental parking and exploring a walking-path connection from that parking lot. Bexley also plans infrastructure improvements supported by transit-related funds to improve pedestrian access.

No vote was recorded on the lease at first reading; staff said the proposed lease is substantially similar to the prior agreement with updated dates and execution details and that staff will return with any necessary implementation details.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council","oneSentenceSummary","Council considered Ordinance 16-25 to authorize a new lease with the City of Columbus for Pumphouse Park (Pomphouse Park) at $1 per year; the city manages programming and reservable shelter space and will continue park maintenance and planned investments.","taxTitle","Bexley, Franklin County, Ohio","taxId",72409,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":46,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6224189,"Council considers lowering Drexel Avenue speed limit to 25 mph after recent road changes",617,4569000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3553905-c364814bb01542f618e13a9aeb29a247&start=3952&end=4569","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3553905-c364814bb01542f618e13a9aeb29a247/thumbnail_3952000.jpg","/articles/6224189/Bexley/Franklin-County/Ohio/Council-considers-lowering-Drexel-Avenue-speed-limit-to-25-mph-after-recent-road-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224189-6c74d4f762efb2a06232366bffe6c63b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169818&Signature=CkZ6qArHwwtFd9F-iV9LLJr1JS~cULN1fsFfgToqW2OcQiUhd2I4nnx758a5H0P1Q3uP6rfjI9jfAerB2fNvSrOsrtgq4olJ4829KhAZUYVMSrWeDnYP8KzvqlPISR9vPGvzqjPKmzyl8MYQiMvd84duJqy8GRgU7dc0XzGAI2yFrhuMCP9E0LYMl0Awqthq2iaJD3noqxphZL4aU~rmb-K16kbY3sgSSewvZ-pxbHTOKm51KhVxPLOloPzecAdebojAVnogI3Y371z4k478TkXXkzAnE619sY6h1aVQTvxcXdt1rzLzjjdj5JjFqr9e3~AL76Dw9U~Q50eD~cIUVw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council held a first reading of Ordinance 17-25 to set a 25 miles-per-hour speed limit on Drexel Avenue between Main Street and Broad Street.

Sponsor Councilmember Markham described the street as previously posted at 35 mph and said roadway changes — islands and lane reconfiguration implemented in recent years — have reduced speeds. He cited survey data showing average speeds in the range of 28 to 30 mph and said the community has long sought measures to slow traffic on Drexel.

Staff said the submitted speed studies were reviewed by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), which indicated it would allow a reduction to 30 mph based on the studies. City staff and the city solicitor explained that because the Drexel segment that lies within Bexley is below a statutory cutoff distance for state-route-only control, council has authority to pass an ordinance setting a local 25 mph limit if it chooses.

Councilmembers expressed support for the change and for the road improvements that accompany it. Several members noted Drexel had been a frequent subject of resident complaints and that making the lower limit permanent would align the posted speed with the physical redesign and neighborhood expectations.

The matter was at first reading; no adoption vote was recorded. Staff said signage and public-notice steps would follow any future council action.","Council held first reading of Ordinance 17-25 to set the speed limit on Drexel Avenue between Main Street and Broad Street at 25 mph following a road diet and streetscape changes; staff said ODOT would accept 30 mph based on the posted speed study but council may legislate 25 mph.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":79,"_45":90,"_47":91,"_49":92,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6224194,"Council considers use variance at 519 S. Drexel; members raise questions about short-term rental model and oversight",936,5505000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3553905-c364814bb01542f618e13a9aeb29a247&start=4569&end=5505","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3553905-c364814bb01542f618e13a9aeb29a247/thumbnail_4569000.jpg","/articles/6224194/Bexley/Franklin-County/Ohio/Council-considers-use-variance-at-519-S-Drexel-members-raise-questions-about-short-term-rental-model-and-oversight","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224194-2471437fd5f38cd4ebef184b017bd18d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169818&Signature=Bm4HQzXhUg4P6JfUwgkd4wJv69CW8-BbIlBtA7uBGX1S5xeu4cnVKNacxXMi9RIfLoCFEbeTSaQnLGmdam9aw7BU8422o0pTds6UAaD-KlmBMeQHI4-OckOBvebbQH--fA3H6FdCfLDx9za4ZgkhczapQ-2V~i3W7Oxoke8HtpWU~6hLqPh9YLlF2nDGXVO50DPyD~KsusqEcIOIZCd~6B0wK~Dq3EbsUJ8LmGQoRBsReOteYxVkT5ESVMBfIY4QX0KYlLb2-~C-~Kz7YLCPwtB3Do-aHYUdxvlFz~wSeWTkljA~ujOFPsC60FcXkM98b4-hdEj9yFdv7RCpGLUVEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council heard a first reading of Ordinance 18-25, which would amend the bed-and-breakfast variance for the property at 519 South Drexel Avenue.

Sponsor Councilmember Marcelino said the property, historically operated as a bed-and-breakfast beginning in 2013, was sold to Capital University in 2021 and is now back on the market. Prospective buyers have expressed interest in operating a short-term rental model resembling an online \"Airbnb\" listing rather than an owner-occupied B&B.

Council discussion focused on differences between an owner-occupied bed-and-breakfast and a short-term rental operator who does not live on-site. Councilmembers expressed concern about enforcement, contactability and upkeep if the owner does not reside at the property. \"Capital has said that they have struggled to make it pencil with on-site employment,\" Marcelino said, summarizing discussions with the seller and applicants.

Draft language discussed would require an owner or principal resident to live in Bexley and would require a point of contact (employer/agent) to check on the property daily. Council asked applicants to explain operational details, including whether they would use platforms such as Airbnb or VRBO, how address/utility and parking would be managed, and whether a daily on-site check would comply with short-term rental platform rules.

Parking was also discussed; staff and the mayor said the site currently provides seven parking spaces and that the draft ordinance anticipates the same number. Councilmembers asked about guest limits and enforcement if multiple units were rented at once; staff noted the draft aims to preserve the inn-like function and prevent conversion into multiple unmonitored short-term units.

The prospective buyer or their representatives were expected to attend upcoming meetings for the second and third readings to answer operational questions. No vote was taken; councilmembers repeatedly asked staff to bring applicants and precise operational plans back for the next meetings.","A first reading of Ordinance 18-25 asked council to revisit the existing bed-and-breakfast variance for 519 South Drexel amid buyer interest in a short-term rental model; councilmembers requested the prospective owner appear to clarify management, guest limits and on-site oversight.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6224199,"Council hears first reading of ordinance to allow one-bedroom accessory dwelling units under conditions",690,2778000,3468000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3553905-c364814bb01542f618e13a9aeb29a247&start=2778&end=3468","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3553905-c364814bb01542f618e13a9aeb29a247/thumbnail_2778000.jpg","/articles/6224199/Bexley/Franklin-County/Ohio/Council-hears-first-reading-of-ordinance-to-allow-one-bedroom-accessory-dwelling-units-under-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224199-7ea6377401029edd4cf51328ea08b692/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169818&Signature=JoY81iGrbOHPHSNUfthsb89E-sSULe30vxoDI~Mi5mA7~JrsMw-ADLNd-JgpS1d-7ZNYrS63cUQ97NmKC26ZB0cVRjDL9g~mvQEMdk6JZERLalKSaFB-8YVxXMUNWG9LuSTxpqiHuZLQNb0FjOdKM3wiBFYeIcEa6tenWsWajnCcGjWoaEhdDu7WJY3v16Dams90MAWb80myX3tkoa92r-loOy71evbShJgBXXWBwX07lSGwrhvvXJckCOTQEROl8bq~1FtabzTVCd-BtvoyMIfnZku3qIFud1VCFh~7jLbMX~XxR9~aoEc~s-iqmFAUYZtQnzxMakvg12~3Qy27NA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council held a first reading of Ordinance 15-25, which would amend the codified ordinances to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) under specified conditions.

Sponsor Councilmember Marcelino said the proposal aims to provide limited additional housing options—one-bedroom accessory units above garages or similar spaces—without changing lot-size or overall site limits.

Key provisions discussed include a one-bedroom cap for ADUs, a registration requirement, and an additional off-street parking space beyond existing requirements. \"An ADU can't contain more than one bedroom,\" a presenter said, noting the change is intended to add limited housing flexibility without increasing demand on the school district.

Councilmembers and staff discussed enforcement and review steps. The draft requires ADUs to register with the city; enforcement would be handled through code enforcement and the building department with complaint-based processes and potential prosecution through mayor's court. City attorney and staff noted the current zoning code lacks a comprehensive enforcement penalty section and the ordinance includes a zoning-wide penalty provision consistent with building-code language.

Councilmember Hurley asked how the parking requirement would be applied in practice; staff said parking must be off-street and behind the front façade and that an existing long driveway that accommodates required spaces could comply. Several councilmembers asked that staff and the city planner (Mister Klingler) attend future meetings to clarify mechanics such as parking measurement, utility metering and address/registration protocols.

Presenters said the draft was developed in coordination with the land use strategy conversations and that BZAP (Board of Zoning and Planning) review would occur before a final vote. No vote was taken; council continued the matter for further review and to allow staff to refine enforcement and administrative details.

Councilmembers asked staff to return with clarifications on parking calculations, address/utility handling for ADUs and enforcement procedures before a final vote.","Council members discussed Ordinance 15-25, a first-reading zoning change to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) with limits including one bedroom, off-street parking requirements and a registration requirement; staff and council signaled follow-up with planning staff for details.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_47":115,"_49":116,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6224202,"Council reviews comprehensive rewrite of city civil service rules affecting police hiring and promotions",451,505000,956000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3553905-c364814bb01542f618e13a9aeb29a247&start=505&end=956","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3553905-c364814bb01542f618e13a9aeb29a247/thumbnail_505000.jpg","/articles/6224202/Bexley/Franklin-County/Ohio/Council-reviews-comprehensive-rewrite-of-city-civil-service-rules-affecting-police-hiring-and-promotions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224202-884d83fd2fd097e1dd3fee0470846011/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169818&Signature=AHchXQ6AUBnbC81tLwnCwEJnI4uVZnghIYOfZjrr-ThmTX~XmsUBatrw4-GTiafPRFkVkgiODc3DIaYBIVQeAx0U5PEiay7GQlOyWj5DtPsCaERK4qcWKI9UI1zdYHxBjBB6lnHHMnbbgKUJXYVmnDhmlKbPsXT8keDdwN21tbfTnD93axsuZ7EB8tqIvY48uZHmHHsDgOzvgOQqZwMRxPiML2C8lXyiaXpd8LCDEg2XomKEwtHd0dChVI4maKadTZhUzLlBr4fE83JxhFKJayOEaiIxLqhH407i~mT7qm3bScdi2vCpWt8oaDjwQxQyH1Du6cC1sZoE6964yziZaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Second reading of Ordinance 12-35 moved forward Wednesday as council members and commission representatives described a comprehensive rewrite of the city’s civil service rules.

The draft ordinance replaces an older, sprawling rulebook with a shorter set of rules intended to conform Bexley’s civil service procedures to the Ohio Revised Code and to modernize processes for hiring and promoting police officers, presenters said.

Commission member Mark (Civil Service Commission) told council the existing rules had not seen a comprehensive review since the 1980s and that the rewrite reduced the manual from about 80 pages to roughly 45 pages. \"A lot of what had been covered before in all of the pages has been neutralized by the negotiated agreements,\" he said, adding that the Ohio Revised Code now governs many areas previously described in the local rules.

Mayor Kessler and other presenters said the most significant substantive edits focus on police hiring and promotion procedures, including initial hiring and promotion to sergeant, lieutenant and deputy chief. \"The commission spent a lot of time trying to make that more realistic, got input from the chief, and some best practices,\" a presenter said.

Councilmembers asked how the revised rules interact with collective bargaining agreements. Commissioners and staff responded that bargaining-unit contracts supersede the commission’s rules on covered topics but do not govern hiring processes, where the commission remains most involved.

Councilmember Hurley asked whether any of the revisions depart from practices in comparable Central Ohio communities. Commission members said they had reviewed rules from several peer cities and adjusted provisions to fit Bexley’s charter and needs; one difference noted was flexibility in how the city manages hiring for police chief and certain promotions because of Bexley’s charter.

City staff thanked commission members for multi-year work on the update. No vote on adoption was recorded at Wednesday’s session; the ordinance remained at second reading with commissioners and staff available to answer further council questions at later meetings.

Moving forward, presenters said final edits will continue to ensure conformity with Ohio law and to clarify which provisions apply to employees outside negotiated agreements. Councilmembers and staff indicated they expect additional review before a final adoption vote.","Bexley City Council held second reading of Ordinance 12-35, a substantially rewritten set of civil service commission rules that align the city code with the Ohio Revised Code and narrow the manual to focus more on hiring and promotions in the police department.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council reviews $1 annual lease with Columbus for Pumphouse Park; city retains programming control

Council considers lowering Drexel Avenue speed limit to 25 mph after recent road changes

Council considers use variance at 519 S. Drexel; members raise questions about short-term rental model and oversight

Council hears first reading of ordinance to allow one-bedroom accessory dwelling units under conditions

Council reviews comprehensive rewrite of city civil service rules affecting police hiring and promotions