The big draw to Monday night’s Bridgeport City Council meeting was the unveiling of the forthcoming Indoor Sports and Recreation Complex which was delivered by Richard Forren of Omni & Associates via virtual tour video. (Read more HERE. Take the virtual video tour HERE.)

 

Prior to that presentation, Council heard from two Bridgeport citizens, Mark Rohrbaugh and Aaron Jones, who spoke in favor of City Manager Kim Haws. Council previously voted not to extend or negotiate a new contract with Haws, who has been serving the city for more than 20 years. His contract expires June 30 and Council has launched a search for his successor. Both Rohrbaugh and Jones encouraged residents to show their support for Haws by speaking to members of Council.

 

Following Forren’s presentation, proclamations were read and presented to Bridgeport High School wrestling and swim teams, as well as Bridgeport Middle School wrestling team, to recognize the athletes’ achievements and respective team and individual championships. (See video of the BMS wrestling proclamation presentation HERE. Others will soon be posted to Connect-Bridgeport.)

 

Council then took a short break during which time a reception was held to celebrate the Indoor Sports and Recreation Complex.

 

After reconvening, Council discussed several other items of business. First on the list was approval of the city’s General Fund Budget for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. Leading up to Monday’s meeting, the $16,690,764 budget was discussed line by line by members of Council. The final document passed unanimously. Offset by revenues including everything from taxes and levies, income derived through Parks and Recreation/Bridgeport Recreation activity, building permit and fire fees, grants and several other sources, the operating budget covers salaries, including an across-the-board two percent increase for all city employees, benefits, maintenance and supplies for all departments, insurance, utilities and all other operating expenses of the city.

 

Bridgeport Finance Director Monica Musgrave said the budget reflects about a million dollar increase over the 2018-2019 budget.

 

Council also unanimously approved the Coal Severance Tax Fund Budget for the 2019/2020 fiscal year. In the amount of $23,000, the sole purpose of that revenue is to pay city attorney fees, Musgrave said.

 

Members of Council then voted to enter into a contract with Findley Excavation for sidewalk replacement at the Benedum Civic Center. The contract was awarded for $11,189 and a 10 percent contingency.

“The vast majority of this contract has to do with replacing the sidewalk at the side door, next to the parking lot at the Civic Center,” Haws said. “There are some major settling issues and it needs to be replaced. Findley Excavation was the lowest responsible bidder.”

 

The next agenda item was the first reading of an ordinance authorizing purchase of 2.734 acres on West Main Street/U.S. Route 50 from Clarksburg Towne House Motor Lodge Motel, Inc.

 

“Staff has been working for some time securing some estimates on that property, doing some due diligence with regard to demolition costs and asbestos abatement cost and it is our recommendation that council approve on first reading,” Haws said.

Council voted in favor of the purchase. More on that property acquisition coming to Connect-Bridgeport.

 

The final item of business was to consider and approve an advisory contract with Sports Facilities Management, LLC.

 

Mayor Andy Lang said the city has been working with SFM out of Florida for the past few years.

 

“It’s been very instrumental in a lot of the budgeting and proforma for the Indoor Sports and Recreation Complex,” he said. “They are providing advice to us about tournaments and pricing, advertisement and budgets and various other budgeting regarding the facility.”

 

Council member Dustin Vincent said SFM is basically the national leader for this type of advisory service and that the firm’s input is vital.

Members of Council did vote to approve the contract with SFM.

 

Monday's meeting was opened in prayer by Rev. George Bramble of Bridgeport United Methodist Church.