BEXLEY — The Nov. 18 meeting opened with community recognitions and a brief appointment interview.

Mayor Ben Kessler presented a proclamation honoring the Bexley High School boys and girls cross‑country teams as recipients of the 2025 Barb Jenks Trippin Volunteer of the Year award, citing roughly 13 years of service to the city’s Splish Splash and Dash youth triathlon (staff described approximately 4,000 youth participants and thousands of laps completed over the program’s history). Coach Eric Acton spoke on the program’s community and leadership benefits.

Council also recognized first sergeant Jordan Lynch and corporal Chris Bragg as part of the city’s hometown heroes banner program; both described their service and the importance of family support.

Later in the meeting the council introduced Mark Parrish, an AECOM associate principal, as a candidate for an ARB alternate seat; Parrish summarized his professional background and local renovation experience and said he welcomed the chance to serve. The appointment will proceed through the ordinance process.