Archives for May 2021

Bexley Pride Crosswalk Painting Event on Wednesday, June 30th

by

June is Pride Month! Join Bexley Pride as they paint a crosswalk with the different colors represented in the Progress Pride Flag*! Symbols of diversity matter and this crosswalk will represent the solidarity that the city has with its LGBTQIA+ community. The reach is greater than that, however. This symbol will be seen by those who love and support members of the LGBTQIA+ community. As Pride Month begins we want to take this time to recognize the value each individual brings into our lives. Their diversity enriches us, allows us to grow, and more importantly brings us together in love.

Event Date: Wednesday, June 30th

Event Location: Alley next to Bexley Public Library – 4211 E. Main Street

Schedule of Events

  • 4:30 pm: Volunteers will prepare the site and mark off the crosswalk
  • Between 5:00 and 5:30 pm: Volunteers will begin painting the Rainbow Crosswalk
  • 7:00 pm: We invite the entire community to the unveiling of the crosswalk and to join us for some fun activities. There will be chalk art, treats, and a “Show Your Pride!” contest.

The “Show Your Pride” contest encourages you to don all the colors of the rainbow and celebrate this event with us. The individual displaying the most pride may even win a little token of our appreciation!

* Bexley Pride chose the 11 colors in the Progress Pride Flag for the crosswalk. The 6 colored stripes in the modern Pride Flag represent life (red), healing (orange), sunlight (yellow), nature (green), harmony/peace (blue), and spirit (purple/violet). The 3 colors of light blue, light pink, and white represent transgender and non-binary individuals. The remaining 2 colors represent marginalized POC communities, as well as those living with AIDS and the stigma and prejudice surrounding them, and those who have been lost to the disease (black).

Bexley Pool Resident and Non-Resident Memberships

by

The David H. Madison Community Pool will open for the season on Saturday, May 29th! If you have already purchased a membership, you can pick up your key tag at the pool. 

In accordance with federal and state COVID-19 guidelines and in consultation with the Bexley COVID-19 Task Force, the Recreation and Parks Department has announced an increase in pool capacity from the anticipated 130 person max to a max of 550 patrons. As a result of this capacity increase:

  • Memberships are now be available for purchase for residents and non-residents. 
  • Memberships can be purchased via Bexley Recreation & Parks MyRec Software.
  • Daily Admission will still be accepted at the gate. 
  • There will be a max capacity of 550 patrons at one time. Real-time capacity updates are available at www.bexley.org/pool.
  • Both members and daily patrons will have access to the pool on a first come first serve basis until the 550 max capacity is reached. 

While we continue to move in the right direction and toward a more normal summer, there will still be some aspects of the pool season that will be slightly different.

  • The max capacity designed to minimize overly crowded swim days, masks will still be required while moving about the facility until Governor DeWine lifts the orders on June 2nd
  • Monday – Friday, there will be 1.5-2 hrs in which the pool is closed to the general public to allow for summer camp swim time.  
  • Although necessary, we understand that these adjustments will cause some inconvenience from time to time. As a result, pool memberships are discounted 25% from the 2019 rates.

Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People

by

Currently authorized vaccines in the United States are highly effective at protecting vaccinated people against symptomatic and severe COVID-19. Additionally, a growing body of evidence suggests that fully vaccinated people are less likely to have asymptomatic infection or transmit SARS-CoV-2 to others. How long vaccine protection lasts and how much vaccines protect against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are still under investigation.

For the purposes of this guidance, people are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 ≥2 weeks after they have received the second dose in a 2-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or ≥2 weeks after they have received a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson [J&J]/Janssen); there is currently no post-vaccination time limit on fully vaccinated status. Unvaccinated people refers to individuals of all ages, including children, that have not completed a vaccination series or received a single-dose vaccine.

At this time, there are limited data on vaccine protection in people who are immunocompromised. People with immunocompromising conditions, including those taking immunosuppressive medications (for instance drugs, such as mycophenolate and rituximab, to suppress rejection of transplanted organs or to treat rheumatologic conditions), should discuss the need for personal protective measures with their healthcare provider after vaccination.

Guiding Principles for Fully Vaccinated People

  • Indoor and outdoor activities pose minimal risk to fully vaccinated people.
  • Fully vaccinated people have a reduced risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 to unvaccinated people.
  • Fully vaccinated people should still get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Fully vaccinated people should not visit private or public settings if they have tested positive for COVID-19 in the prior 10 days or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Fully vaccinated people should continue to follow any applicable federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations.

Recommendations for Indoor and Outdoor Settings

Risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection is minimal for fully vaccinated people. The risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from fully vaccinated people to unvaccinated people is also reduced. Therefore, fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. Fully vaccinated people should also continue to wear a well-fitted mask in correctional facilities and homeless shelters. Prevention measures are still recommended for unvaccinated people.

Travel

Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread SARS-CoV-2 and can now travel at low risk to themselves within the United States. International travelers need to pay close attention to the situation at their international destinations before traveling due to the spread of new variants and because the burden of COVID-19 varies globally.

CDC prevention measures continue to apply to all travelers, including those who are vaccinated. All travelers are required to wear a mask on all planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.

Domestic Travel (Within the United States or to a U.S. territory)

  • Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to get a SARS-CoV-2 viral test before or after domestic travel, unless testing is required by local, state, or territorial health authorities.
  • Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to self-quarantine following domestic travel.
  • For more information, see Domestic Travel During COVID-19.

International Travel

  • Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to get tested before leaving the United States unless required by their destination.
  • Fully vaccinated air travelers coming to the United States from abroad, including U.S. citizens, are still required to have a negative SARS-CoV-2 viral test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board a flight to the United States.
  • International travelers arriving in the United States are still recommended to get a SARS-CoV-2 viral test 3-5 days after travel regardless of vaccination status.
  • Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to self-quarantine in the United States following international travel.
  • For more information, see International Travel During COVID-19.

Fully Vaccinated People with Symptoms of COVID-19

Although the risk that fully vaccinated people could become infected with COVID-19 is low, any fully vaccinated person who experiences symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should isolate themselves from others, be clinically evaluated for COVID-19, and tested for SARS-CoV-2 if indicated. The symptomatic fully vaccinated person should inform their healthcare provider of their vaccination status at the time of presentation to care.

Fully Vaccinated People with NO COVID-like Symptoms Following an Exposure to COVID-19

Most fully vaccinated people with no COVID-like symptoms do not need to quarantine, be restricted from work, or be tested following an exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, as their risk of infection is low.

However, they should still monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days following an exposure.

Exceptions where testing (but not quarantine) is still recommended following an exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 include:

  • Fully vaccinated residents and employees of correctional and detention facilities and homeless shelters

Source: This article is from the CDC’s website, Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People

BHS Class of 2021 Reverse Parade Along Drexel Avenue on Saturday, May 29th

by

A reverse parade for Bexley’s Class of 2021 is being held along Drexel Avenue on Saturday, May 29, at 10:00 am. We will have each student safely distanced apart from each other along Drexel Avenue, between Fair Avenue and Broad Street. Traffic will be one-way only, heading north, and vehicles and bikes can drive/bike down Drexel to wave and congratulate students. We are asking cars/ bikes to enter the parade from Fair Avenue.

While members of the graduate’s household may join their graduates at assigned stations, please social distance from others and avoid congregating at this event. The sidewalks will be closed to pedestrians during the event. 

Please join us in this big, safe celebration of our graduates on this very special day!

Board of Zoning Appeals & Planning Meeting on Thursday, May 27th at 6:00 pm

by

Board of Zoning Appeals & Planning meetings are currently being held via Zoom. Here’s how to access the upcoming meeting:

  • To join the Zoom Webinar from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device, click here.
  • Or iPhone one-tap: +16468769923,,96600306347# 
  • Or Telephone: +1 646 876 9923 or +1 312 626 6799
  • Webinar ID: 966 0030 6347

To view agendas and other supporting documents, visit www.bexley.org/meetings. Please note that agendas are subject to change before the meeting occurs. Residents are encouraged to email public comment to Director of Building and Zoning, Kathy Rose, in advance of the meeting. Every effort will be made to accommodate testimony from individuals with standing via the Zoom webinar.

The following BZAP applications will be reviewed: 

Address: 471 Northview Drive
BZAP Request: Fence variance the the setback/height limit 

Address: 481 N. Drexel Avenue
BZAP Request: Fence variance for setback/height limit

Address: 361 N. Parkview Avenue
BZAP Request: Lot Split that meets code

Address: 2455 E. Main Street
BZAP Request: Review and variance for a front patio cover

Address: 187 N. Cassingham Road
BZAP Request: Variance to allow a non-conforming driveway to be replaced

Address: 155 S. Roosevelt Avenue
BZAP Request: Variance to the side yard setback to allow a 1-story addition to house.

Bexley Mixed Income Housing Competitive Finance Update

by

This week, the Ohio Finance Housing Authority released the list of projects awarded with funding in 2021. Only about 30% of the projects in the pool the Bexley project was competing in were awarded, and the Bexley multi-site project was not among them. The developer of the project is still considering its options, and the Bexley Community Improvement Corporation (CIC), consistent with the City of Bexley Strategic Plan, will continue to explore ways to actively encourage quality affordable housing options in Bexley.

For the time being this project will not be moving forward, and may either be delayed or foregone in the future. The next CIC meeting is June 1st at 6:00 pm, and among other agenda items the group will discuss the financing news and what next steps may be taken.

Rumpke Service Delays Week of May 24th

by

As advanced notice, Rumpke is expecting service delays with Yard Waste. Residents should place their material curbside at the scheduled time and leave it out until collected unless specifically notified.

Additional trucks and crews will be dispatched as they become available. Should delays become imminent, you will be notified as early as possible.

If you have questions, email centralohio.municipal@rumpke.com (service-related reports, issues, questions and requests, reporting a miss, bulk pickup, etc.)

Thank you in advance for your patience.

City Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 25th at 6:00 pm

by

Members of the public who want to provide public comment at the upcoming City Council meeting are encouraged to attend the meeting in-person at City Hall. Those who are high risk for COVID-19, or those not fully vaccinated**, may register to provide public comment virtually by clicking here. 

For those participating in-person, we will have chairs distanced apart in the lobby of City Hall, and we ask that face coverings be worn at all times, except when speaking at the podium. In an effort to adapt to public health recommendations in the future, Council may decide to change these procedures. 

Those who do not wish to provide public comment are encouraged to view the meeting live via the City of Bexley Youtube channel.

At the upcoming City Council meeting, the following items will be discussed:

  • Resolution 05-21: A Resolution approving the 2021 Bicycle Friendly Bexley Plan
  • Ordinance 18-21: To appropriate $50,000 from the General Fund for the purpose of paying legal fees in 2021
  • Ordinance 19-21: An ordinance to amend 262.02 (c)(13), Tuition Reimbursement, in order to allow for tuition reimbursement for employees hired after January 1, 2012
  • Ordinance 21-21: An ordinance authorizing participation in the ODOT road salt contracts awarded in 2021 
  • Ordinance 22-21: An ordinance to place proposed amendments to the City of Bexley Charter for voter approval on the November 2021 ballot
  • Ordinance 23-21: An Ordinance accepting the donation of an Access Easement, Conservation Easement and 1.175 acres of real property adjacent to and east of Alum Creek to the City of Bexley
  • Ordinance 24-21: Award the Bexley Electricity Aggregation Program contract to AEP Energy, based upon the terms and conditions provided for in their RFP, as modified by the Board of Control
  • Ordinance 25-21: Amend Section 1220.05, 1223.06, and 1223.08 to specify the membership, quorum, and majority vote of the Board of Zoning Appeals and Planning and the Architectural Review Board
  • Resolution 06-21: A resolution to adopt the tax budget for calendar year 2021 attached hereto as “Exhibit A” 
  • Resolution 07-21: Confirming appointments of members to the Architectural Review Board; the Board of Zoning Appeals and Planning; the Recreation and Parks Board; the Tree and Public Gardens Commission; the Bexley Board of Health; the Bexley Civil Service Commission; and the Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee

The following tabled ordinance(s) may be discussed:

  • Ordinance 12-21: Adopt and approve the City of Bexley Electric Aggregation Plan of Operation and Governance, and to declare an emergency

To view current agendas for city meetings, passed ordinances, or to learn more, visit www.bexley.org/meetings.

** According to the CDC, people are considered fully vaccinated:

  • 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
  • 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine

Recording of May 25th City Council Meeting

BMPA’s Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Event on Friday, May 21st

by

May is Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Join Bexley Minority Parent Alliance (BMPA) for their Bexley Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage event: Connecting the Community for the Next Generation, on Friday, May 21st from 6:00 – 8:30 pm in the Bexley Public Library parking lot. There will be food trucks, Japanese drums, trivia, and more, and all are welcome to attend this public, community event.

“Meet Your Bexley Asian Neighbors” Video Project:
To help our community connect with their Asian neighbors, BMPA is asking for your help! If you are of Asian or Pacific Islander descent, they would like to introduce you in a short video presentation. 

Instructions: 

1. Make a 30-second video using a smartphone or tablet.

Your video may include:

  • Greetings (or optionally, perhaps even saying, “Hello” in your Asian language)
  • Share your name (first name or family name for families)
  • Share your Asian country of heritage
  • Share something about your Asian culture that you want to highlight (e.g., food, music, neighborhood, or people)
  • Optional: send 1-2 photos that remind you of your Asian heritage

2. Record the video in horizontal mode. Please keep the video under 30 seconds.

3. Email video and photos (photos are optional) to Julia at jmm.miracle@gmail.com,

4. The deadline for video submission is Saturday, May 8, 2021.