Establishing a solid financial foundation for the city is at the top of Ben Kessler’s list of priorities as he settles into his new role as mayor.

By the time Kessler was sworn in as the late John Brennan’s successor Feb. 6, he had already compiled a list of his “Vision and Goals forBexley.”

Kessler is more than familiar with the city’s financial challenges, having served as Acting mayor, city council president and chairman of city council’s finance and judiciary committee. He also was the driving force behind the 2011 campaign to increase the city’s municipal income tax.

Here’s a look at the priorities as outlined for the Kesler administration:

Development

• Pursue an aggressive strategy for redevelopment of Ferndale and Mayfield area.

• Advance the redevelopment of the City Hall site on Main Street by putting together a complete acquisition package for developers that the Trinity, Bexkley Square and City Hall sites and exploring different development models, including researching master developer models.

• Becoming an active participant with Capital University’s Master Plan.

• Explore the need for a refreshed Southwest Bexley Master Plan/Memorandum.

• Push forward with the Alumn Creek Park Plan.

• Begin utilizing GIS mapping for city zoning and development purposes.

New revenue

• Create a Bexley office relocation program.

• Explore a time share office concept.

• Pursue large, new payroll base for Ferndale/Mayfeild redevelopment.

• Specifically target stable institutional users for larger office development.

• Open up Jeffrey Mansion to greater revenue opportunities.

Finances

• Complete the $930,000 in annual cuts necessary to balance the city budget.

• Develop a financial plan that extends beyond the prior projection period through 2016.

• Explore alternative to renegotiating Columbus fire contract

• Research alternative fire contracts to see how the city might the contract with Columbus differently.

• Achieve savings in Columbus fire contract if renegotiating.

• Improve financial reporting/presentation.

• Create a more robust annual report in partnership with the city auditor, move beyond a simple budget presentation.

• Work with the city auditor to upgrade finance software.

Communications & technology

• Implement video minutes for council meetings.

• Implement and administer regular email communications system .

• Develop a Bexley brand in conjunction with local stakeholders, work on creating and implementing a marketing strategy.

• Oversee redesign of Bexley.org website.

• Add public wi-fi access to all city buildings.

• Change email/calendar system to a more modern, user-friendly solution.

• Audit and simplify technology infrastructure in order to lower costs and increase effectiveness.

• Pursue online payment options for water bills.

• Modernize water billing with better quarterly statements that provide more detailed usage information.

Service

• Develop a 5-year street maintenance plan.

• Develop a water/sewer replacement reserve methodology.

• Develop signage system for properties which are the subject of BZA and Planning Commission hearings.

• Begin utilizing GIS mapping for city in infrastructure.

Community

• Institute regular quarterly meetings with leadership of Capital University, Bexley schools, Trinity Seminary, Columbus School for Girls, St. Charles Preparatory School, Bexley Public Library, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Foundation and the Wexner Heritage House.

• Develop a “Movies on Main” concept with the Bexley Recreation Department, Capital University and the Drexel Theatre for a summertime movie series on the Capital University lawn.

• Work with the Bexley Chamber of Commerce, Bexley Celebrations Association and other community organizations to orchestrate and promote activities.