With Recorder Hank Murray in the driver’s seat, Bridgeport City Council zipped through business at Monday night’s meeting.

 

Due to the absence of Mayor Bob Greer, Murray presided over the meeting. After an invocation by the Rev. Ken Ramsey of Bridgeport United Methodist Church, the meeting kicked off with news from the mayor’s office.

 

First and foremost on the list of issues was the availability of free drug testing kits, which are available to members of the public, including parents who have suspicions. The kits test for marijuana, heroin and painkillers and include a comprehensive list of resources should the results be positive.

Murray also announced the upcoming Shop ‘n Save groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for 11 a.m. Sept. 10 at the proposed grocery store site, at the corner of East Main and Rt. 131.

 

“Everyone is welcome,” Murray said. “It finally looks like we’ll get a grocery store back in Bridgeport.”

 

Murray also shared news of the building of a bridge at Hinkle Lake, aimed at connecting sections of the Hinkle-Deegan lakes walking trail.

 

“The bridge will the trail more accessible on both sides of the lake,” Murray said. “Crews are in the process of installing a ramp at the old trolley bridge to the grassy area by the dam.”

 

Once completed, hand rails will be put into place.

 

“That will be a nice addition,” Murray said. “People have been asking for it.”

 

Murray also made mention of the $1.5 million apartment building which was recently completed on Rt. 131. Occupants are expected to move into the 24-unit Stonebridge Condominiums Oct. 1.

 

In White Oaks, completion of the $30 million Dominion facility is nearing. Construction should be finished by October, Murray said.

 

Murray’s report concluded with news about the drug-free club which Mayor Bob Greer has worked tirelessly, he said.

“The Bridgeport High School club will serve as a pilot program for the whole county,” he said. “Students will be subject to random, periodic drug tests and will be awarded for clean tests. Everything will be confidential.”

 

Murray wrapped up his comments by saying that there are a lot of positives happening within the city.

 

City Manager Kim Haws reiterated those sentiments and added yet another city happening.

 

“I’m thrilled about the efforts that have been made for the Indian Run Invitational at Charles Point, which is happening this weekend and will bring in more than 1,000 athletes,” he said.

 

The efforts of BHS Cross Country Coach Jon Griffith – along with many, many other people – are a true tribute to the kind of volunteerism which happens in our community, Haws said.

 

Later into the evening, resident Tom Leonette brought up a valid concern about the event. A participant, his granddaughter is among athletes who have a medical condition which could perhaps need attention during the event. He was concerned about his family and others in that situation not having their vehicles on site as there are plans to shuttle spectators to the event. He was assured that the matter would be discussed and that a solution would be offered to meet that need with regard to parking. Haws and members of Council also said members of Bridgeport Emergency Services, including paramedics, would be on hand during the event, providing prompt attention to any medical situations that may arise.

 

Monday night’s meeting included the annual report of City Engineer Tom Brown, who provided Council with an overview of his department’s activities over the past several months. Highlights include $1.7 million in Main Street upgrades and utility projects valued at more than $1.5 million annually.

 

“During the last three years particularly, we’ve spent around $600,000 to $700,000 in storm water projects,” Brown said.

 

In addition to scheduled infrastructure projects and ongoing maintenance practices, the public works department responds to about 1200 work orders annually, Brown said.

 

“That includes water and sewer issues, as well as a few pot holes, signs that are down and even dead deer that need picked up,” he said.

 

Resident of the Twin Oaks area of Bridgeport, Pete Iquinta addressed Council about what he considers to be eye soars to those in his neighborhood. He and some of his neighbors are concerned about a pair of camping trailers that have been parked for some time. Haws said he would work with code enforcement to address the situation and report back to City Council.

 

An ordinance to approve current replacement pages to the city’s codified ordinances was passed on first reading and appointments of Darrell Bowen to the Bridgeport Development Authority and Steve Randolph to the Bridgeport Police Civil Service Commission both passed unanimously. Not an ordinance, but rather a policy – as explained by City Attorney Dean Ramsey – the amended City of Bridgeport Freedom of Information Act or FOIA policy was also approved unanimously. City Clerk Andrea Kerr said changes reflect those already implemented by state statute. 

 

Editor's Note: Pictured from top are members of Council, Recorder Hank Murray, City Engineer Tom Brown providing his annual report and Bridgeport resident Pete Iquinta.