A special council meeting will be held at 6:00pm at Bexley City Hall for the purpose of discussing the election of, and possibly electing, a new Mayor.

The Bexley City Charter, Section 11, calls for Bexley City Council to elect a new Mayor in the event of the death or resignation of the Mayor.  The Charter says, simply:

"If the Mayor dies, resigns or moves from the City, during the term of office, the President of Council shall be the Acting Mayor until the vacancy is filled by the election of a Mayor by a majority vote of Council...

...The person so elected [...] shall possess all the qualifications required of a Mayor by this Charter and may serve until the first of January following the next regular Municipal election, at which election, a Mayor shall be elected for the remainder of the unexpired term, or for a four-year term, as the case may be."

Bexley City Hall will be closing at 3:00pm on Thursday, February 2nd and will remain closed on Friday, February 3rd, 2012, in honor of the Mayor and in order to allow city employees an opportunity to attend calling hours and Mayor Brennan's funeral.  Normal operating hours for Bexley City Hall will resume on Monday, February 6th, 2012.

Details regarding funeral arrangements and visitation hours are as follows.

Calling Hours:

Wednesday, February 1, 2012, 7pm to 9pm (St. Catharine's Church)

Thursday, February 2, 2012, 2pm to 5pm (St. Catharine's Church)

Funeral:

Friday, February 3, 2012, 10am (St. Catharine's Church)

Mayor John M. Brennan passed away today, January 30, 2012.  John was at home surrounded by his family.

“John Brennan was Bexley personified - quick to lend a helping hand to anyone and endlessly passionate about our community” said Ben Kessler, President of Bexley City Council and Acting Mayor.  “He will be sorely missed.  City staff and leadership are all deeply saddened to hear this news” said Mr. Kessler.

City attorney Lou Chodosh said “It was an honor to work with John for the past four years.  He loved our city so very deeply, was so involved in everything that happened, it is hard to believe we won’t be seeing him again.”

Flags at City Hall, The Bexley Police Station, Jeffrey Mansion, and Drexel Circle have been placed at half-staff.  City services will continue as usual.

Friends may call Wednesday 7-9p.m. and Thursday 2-5p.m. at St. Catharine Church, 500 South Gould Road, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, February 3, 2012 at 10:00a.m.

City Hall will be closing Thursday, February 2nd at 3:00 p.m. and will be closed all day Friday, February 3rd in honor of the Mayor.

On January 24, Bexley City Council passed a resolution authorizing the creation of the Bexley Alternative Revenue Task Force.  The purpose of the task force is to "propose new non-tax sources of income for the City of Bexley".

Participation in the task force is open to all residents - if you'd like to become involved, please contact Council Members Ben Kessler or Tim Madison.

From the recitals section of the authorizing resolution (Resolution 23-11):

The month of January is "Radon Awareness" month.  The City of Bexley has free radon kits available at City Hall between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.  You cannot see, taste or smell radon but is believed to be one of the major causes of lung cancer.  The free kit is simple to use and can help prevent a potential health risk in your home.  Some scientific studies of radon exposure indicate that children may be more sensitive to radon.

Salt is the most commonly used de-icing agent in the winter months and is a necessity for public safety during snow and ice events. However, excessive salt usage has negative environmental consequences.