In what turned out to be a relatively short meeting of Bridgeport City Council, the most newsworthy event may have taken place in the work session prior to the regular meeting.

 

During the 30-minute work session, Mayor Andy Lang took input on a soon to be started commercial property inspection program. The program will inspect every commercial property – including rental units – randomly over the course of several years.

 

“We’ll do every property over the course of three years,” said Bridgeport Community Development Director Andrea Kerr.

 

Currently, new properties are inspected during construction. Existing properties are only inspected, she told members of Council, at such time as when a complaint is received. Although that will continue, Kerr said this way everyone will be inspected. There will be a caveat exempting new construction for a certain number of years.

 

“It’s easier to keep the properties in the city up if they’re properly inspected instead of waiting for them to be in poor condition before something is done,” said Council member Dustin Vincent.

 

The program could begin July 1. Funding for a new code enforcement official is included in the upcoming City of Bridgeport 2018-19 budget.

 

“We’re advertising to fill the position in-house right now,” said Kerr.

 

If no one from the existing city staff fills the spot then it will be advertised. Regardless, Kerr said certifications will have to be required before anyone can begin inspecting commercial properties.

 

Council members were asked to review the proposal, which has to be passed by ordinance by City Council, and submit any questions or recommendations to Kerr. Mayor Andy Lang said after that they can put together the final ordinance for review.

“I’d like have a sit down with (Kerr), (City Manager) Mr. (Kim) Haws and myself to go over this,” said Lang.

 

The only official agenda item Council acted on was to annex 45.26 acres of land off what the city is calling the Platinum Drive area of Bridgeport. The area actually extends into property behind the Main Street Go Mart and was being asked to be brought into the city by Trailhead Investments. The group consists of Beau Henderson and Adam and Rhea Dyer.

 

Council unanimously approved the annexation. Henderson said the property will be used exclusively for residential development consisting of homes on large lots.

 

In other business, Lang presented a proclamation to the Harrison County Bureau of Emergency Services declaring April 9-13 as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. Lang also made a proclamation declaring April as Fair Housing Month.

 

Along with those two items, Mark Dellana made a presentation to Council. Dunham updated Council on the status of the Drug Free Clubs of America. The voluntary program at Bridgeport High School has 190 members in the club in its third year; up from 155 members last year.

 

Once singing up for the club, members can be randomly drug tested. Dellana came to Council explaining the test kits cost $67 and in order to be able to test each member of the club during the school year comes with a $12,000-plus price tag. Dellana was asking Council to assist.

 

Members of Council have supported the club in the first two years. They were going to review what is already committed and then respond to the request.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Andrea Kerr during the work session, while in the second photo Mayor Andy Lang listens to information from City Manager Kim Haws. At the bottom is Mark Dellana, representing the Drug Free Clubs of America.