Bridgeport’s urban deer hunt is not new. However, an ordinance before Bridgeport City Council could add a significant change.

 

The city’s governing body will have the first reading of an ordinance that will allow for the program to be expanded to include hunting on Sunday’s. It is part of an extremely busy Bridgeport City Council session scheduled Monday. 

 

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Council will hold a work session at 6 p.m.

 

“We have quite a few people that have requested the hunting to be allowed on Sunday and, if passed, this will allow it,” said Bridgeport Mayor Andy Lang. “We’re basically looking to bring the city ordinance in line with what the state allows.

 

“That’s the only change. Everything else will stay the same,” Lang continued. “Property owners still have the discretion as to who can hunt on approved parcels of land and the process for property owners and hunters will remain the same with the exception of those who want to hunt on Sundays and property owners that will allow it.”

 

In the only matter of unfinished business. Council will tidy up the existing official code of the City of Bridgeport to allow for the issuance of bonds. The bonds are related to the Bridgeport Indoor Recreation Complex as well as outdoor components and the facilities included at the property. It also will add the proper language relating to funding and lease payments. Lang said this is more of a “housecleaning” issue that needs to be addressed with the complex.

 

Council will also look at authorizing new contracts with their current consultant Sports Facilities Advisors (SFA). Lang said the city is looking at the group to do additional work as the fine details of the facility are starting to come into play, including budgets for various programming at the soon-to-be-built complex.

 

The work session will be done primarily to handle a general fund budget revision. Lang said the city has a little more than $1 million in carryover funds – money left after all expenses have been paid – from the recently completed fiscal year. Council will look at how those funds should be spent.

 

“Council for years has almost always used those funds for one-time purchases or projects,” said Lang. “(City Manager) Kim Haws and his staff do a good job of handling these funds and working with us on where they can be utilized,” said Lang.

 

The next phase of the city’s current paving and milling program will also be handled. Council will look to enter into a contract for roadway striping and pavement markings. Lang said this is done annually.

 

Council will look at a Façade Improvement Grant for Expressions Hair Design located on Main Street. The Bridgeport Development Authority approved the request for a $10,000 grant as part of a $50,000 face improvement being planned. Now, Council has to agree to it.

 

If approved, the business plans on multiple upgrades. The improvements include painting the exterior block on the East and West sides of the building, installation of stone across the base of the building that faces Main Street and removal of the existing awning and the construction of a permanent overhang on the East and West sides of the building. The plans also call for a metal roof to be installed and new down lighting.

 

The grant money is not paid upfront. The business has to submit invoices to the city showing the $50,000 was spent to receive the grant.

 

Council will also look to reappoint Susan Goodwin to the Bridgeport Library Board. The term, if approved, will be for five years.

 

The meeting will also include a public forum for anyone wishing to address the city’s governing body. Lang, as well as City Manager Kim Haws, will also have their regular reports for the city’s governing body.

 

The meeting is at the Bridgeport Municipal Complex. It is open to the public.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows deer near Compton Park, while Mayor Andy Lang is shown below.