Council to Consider Alcohol Sales and Consumption Policy Update for Certain Future Events at The Bridge
By Jeff Toquinto on March 13, 2023
An update to a policy that involves the sale and consumption of alcohol at The Bridge Sports and Recreation Complex, primarily the Citynet Center, will be up for discussion in front of Bridgeport City Council this evening.
The meeting is set for 7 p.m. at the Bridgeport Municipal Complex. There is no work session.
For those thinking you will be able to walk up to a concession stand at the inside or outside venues and grab an adult beverage, you would be wrong. This, according to City Manager Brian Newton, is very targeted.
“The plan is to offer the sale of alcohol, or allowing it, at certain venues, events,” said Newton. “It will only be done through a third-party vendor, which is someone who is licensed to handle the sale of alcohol.”
Newton emphasized it will only be on certain occasions. He pointed out what led to the decision to ask for Council to update the policy is to try and land even more events for the community.
“We have a MMA (mixed martial arts) event coming up and we’re looking at booking wedding receptions on our outside turf field or maybe even one on the inside turf,” said Newton. “There are also corporate events that may prefer to have the option with their meals that are catered as part of team building events that could be hosted there. Basically, this will allow us to expand options.”
Newton said it will only be allowed in designated areas and away from other activities so other family or athletic events taking place will not be impacted. The policy 
would only allow for beer and wine sales at The Bridge. He said other matters will also be included.
would only allow for beer and wine sales at The Bridge. He said other matters will also be included.
“We will have police on site, off-duty police, there will be wristbands to monitor who is drinking and where those drinking are located and there will be no overserving,” said Newton. “It’s going to be very carefully monitored.”
As noted, the city already has a sale and consumption of alcohol policy in place for city property, such as private rentals at the Benedum Civic Center.
Another item that will draw Council’s attention is the second reading of an ordinance that would allow the city to formally enter into an agreement spelling out the requirements and financial obligations with the Harrison County Board of Education for a second Prevention Resource Officer.
Currently, the city has Bridgeport Police PRO Jamie Hamrick covering Bridgeport High, Bridgeport Middle, and Johnson and Simpson Elementary Schools. Police Chief Mark Rogers said that sees her overseeing more than 2,500 students and staff daily, and she has handled the position on a solo basis since 2005.
If the agreement is approved as anticipated based on the first reading’s vote, Hamrick will be stationed at BHS. The new PRO would be stationed at BMS, and both would assist at the elementary schools.
Rogers said if approved, the individual that will be assigned will begin to shadow Hamrick as soon as possible to better understand her duties. Shortly thereafter, the new PRO will get certified through the necessary training and classes.
“We anticipate a fully certified PRO by summer,” said Rogers. “It’s needed and needed for Jamie. She’s been doing it alone for all of the years and has done it at an exceptional level.”
In other business, the governing body will review and discuss the 2023-24 budget work session held Monday, March 6. The city is looking to make progress to approve a $21.1 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Another issue in front of Council involves an agreement with the West Virginia Department of Transportation. The city would be able to handle routine maintenance on traffic signals owned by the state in the city limits. The maintenance, said Newton, would be routine and involve replacing of burned-out bulbs primarily.
Council will also hear a report on the Bridgeport Public Works Department. Director Tiny Grimes will be joined by Associate Engineer Jake Griffith to make the annual presentation in front of Council.
There will be some standard items done as well. Council will act on replacement pages to the codified ordinances on second reading, while there will be a first reading of an ordinance approving the benefits section to the City of Bridgeport Employee Handbook.
As far as proclamations, there is one. Mayor Andy Lang will make a proclamation to the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond, Bridgeport. The proclamation is in recognition of Girl Scout Week.
The meeting will feature reports from Lang and Newton. There will also be a public forum near the start of the meeting for anyone wishing to address the city’s governing body.
Editor's Note: Top photo is The Bridge's entrance sign off of Route 131, while City Manager Brian Newton is shown in the second photo. Below, PRO Jamie Hamrick is shown with her sidekick, Connor the Therapy Dog.
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