For those of you wondering whether talk of a new indoor recreation facility in the City of Bridgeport was serious or just pie in the sky, the answer was given this evening. During a Bridgeport City Council work session tonight, City Manager Kim Haws summarized how the governing body wants his staff to move forward on the project.

 

And Haws said it’s definitely moving forward.

 

“We’re dead serious,” said Haws. “We’ve been talking indoor recreation since we’ve got here. What we’re doing now doesn’t mean it’s going to happen for certain, but we’re looking at every contingency to try and make this happen. Council is that serious about this.”

 

Major discussion on an indoor complex can be traced back to 2001. However, that plan got sidetracked and lost all momentum when an initial meeting that was scheduled ended up falling on the worst possible of dates – Sept. 11, 2001.

 

“Discussion goes back to at least then,” Haws, who was city manager at that time, said.

 

Here’s what we do know about an indoor complex – it absolutely won’t happen this year. What will happen this year is that the city will do a design of what they hope the complex will look like and then begin planning accordingly.

 

“In the end, we’d have to finalize the scope for what we think can be done and bring it back to Council,” said Haws. “ … We’d also have to see a funding plan and begin the escrowing process.”

 

Council will also have to make a decision on how to handle operation and maintenance. Haws said there is no question that such a facility would need to be heavily subsidized.

 

The key to how it moves forward to the point Haws just mentioned is where will it be located? Haws said the city already owns property at the Bridgeport Recreation Complex in the north land bay section that could be utilized for the indoor facility. The questions that arise is whether that’s the ideal spot, if the land that’s available will meet the existing needs, if land near it can be acquired or if another site near the existing outdoor complex should be utilized or perhaps even another location.

 

“The property we have now would limit our design,” said Haws. “ … We’ve been working with the County and with the developers at Charles Pointe in terms of the acquisition of additional acreage out there adjacent to what we already own. If we can acquire that property, it will change the way we approach this whole thing.”

 

Haws said Council won’t limit itself to just looking at land the city owns at the Recreation Complex, but knows that is likely the most feasible. There are also an additional 37.1 acres directly across from the Recreation Complex and between Interstate 79 that could be utilized. That land has already been discussed for recreational usage, but it is not owned by the City of Bridgeport.

 

“Having the land we have is invaluable,” said Haws when asked if already owning property makes the project more likely. “ … Knowing we have existing property we can fall back on changes everything.”

 

Haws said once the location is determined another determination will be made as to what type of complex does the city need. Then, a professional design and an architectural/engineering firm will be sought and from there the scope will be narrowed and Council will have to make a decision.

 

“We know how valuable our outdoor recreational complex is and then we do surveys about what the residents want and the same thing is at the top of the list almost every time – an indoor recreational complex,” Haws said. “There’s no question that the city is very serious about doing this.”

 

The process of moving ahead on the Recreation Complex was one of 15 goals Council set last week at its strategic planning meeting to be addressed this year. Tonight, Haws went over all of them. They include the following:

 

1.       Expand at least one trails within city limits

2.       Determine the size and scope of an indoor recreation facility

3.       Develop recommendations for enhancing the city’s economic development program\

4.       Finalize agreements for use of property with the Airport Authority and begin expansion of city storage facilities

5.       Implement the fiber-to-home project and develop recommendations for expanding the project

6.       Develop a plan for preserving the history of the community

7.       Develop a policy regarding the placement of fire hydrants throughout the city’s first due fire service area

8.       Develop a long-term plan for the development of the Barnett’s Run area

9.       Develop an community addiction prevention initiative

10.   Complete franchise agreements with the major utilities

11.   Develop a working relationship with other local/regional governmental organizations

12.   Develop a long-term initiative to address the needs of the community’s senior citizens

13.   Enhance the existing arts program with a comprehensive, long-term fine arts program

14.   Support a plan to address the long-term educational program and facility needs in the community and the city’s role in education

15.   Begin a review of the existing city charter

 

“Those are the goals for the year. They’re pretty illustrious … They are all doable,” Haws said.

 

In other business this evening, Mayor Robert “Bob” presented proclamations honoring the Bridgeport High School boys’ cross country state championship team and four Harrison County championship teams.

 

After that presentation, Greer made several proclamations to county champions for the fall sports programs at Bridgeport Middle School. The Braves’ boys’ soccer team, the volleyball team and the boys’ and girls’ cross country teams were presented with proclamations.

 

Another proclamation was given to members of the Associated Businesses of Bridgeport in recognition of the upcoming 10^th anniversary of the Light Up Night program. Following the proclamation, ABB President Mark Bonamico gave a brief overview of this year’s event. A story that recently ran on the event can be found by clicking HERE.

 

Although not presented with a proclamation, Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Joe Shuttleworth was recognized by Haws for being named the 2014 recipient of the West Virginia Recreation and Parks Association John G. Scherlacher Fellow Award. The honor is given to a member that has helped the Association’s operations while also promoting recreation activities statewide.

 

Haws told those in attendance Shuttleworth has been with the city for 19 years and that his services with the association are impressive, but that his service to the city has helped “improve the quality of life for residents.” Click HERE to read a previous story on his honor.

 

Finally, Council member John Wilson asked that those jogging along city roadways to try and wear reflective clothing. He said with the recent time change runners, particularly those outfitted in dark clothing, are hard to see.

 

Check back to Connect-Bridgeport.com later this week for photos from tonight’s meeting in front of a packed house.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo of City Manager Kim Haws and Counicl member Dr. Hank "Harry" Murray with fellow member Dustin Vincent listening, is from this evening's work session. Third photo shows Council chambers prior to the start of the regular session this evening, and it became even more crowded once the meeting began. Fourth photo shows P&R Deputy Director Joe Shuttleworth who was recognized for a recent statewide honor, while Mayor Robert "Bob" Greer is shown presenting a proclamation to BHS boys cross country Coach Jon Griffith for his team's recent winning of the Class AA-A state championship.