Location is key for just about any building; for a fire department, it’s crucial.

 

A matter related to the Bridgeport Fire Department will be discussed during the next regular City Council meeting which is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday.

 

Council will consider and act on approving a contract with NC Fire Rescue Innovation Solutions, out of Burlington, N.C., in the amount of $11,340 plus a 10 percent contingency of $1,134 for a response study for the Bridgeport Fire Department.

 

The study will look at things like if the actual building is in the best spot when it comes to traffic flow when a dispatch call comes in.

 

“We thought it would be in City’s best interest to bring in a third party to give an unbiased report on if the current location is best or if we should build somewhere else,” Bridgeport Mayor Andy Lang said.

 

Even if the study determines that the current location is the best, plans for renovations to the building have been discussed and would likely move forward once the study is completed.

 

Two other new items of business for Monday’s agenda center around more interior additions to The Bridge Sports Complex.

 

Council will consider and act on approving a contract with Entre Prises USA, LLC of Bend, Oregon in the amount of $473,800 plus a 10 percent contingency of $47,380 for supply and installation of a climbing package for The Bridge.

 

They will also consider and act on approving a change order with the Albert M. Higley company of Cleveland in the amount of $12,000 for an upgrade to the aluminum bleachers in the natatorium at The Bridge to include Deplast molded seats.

 

“It really is exciting,” Councilman Dustin Vincent said. “When you start seeing the individual pieces, it really brings it home as far as how much work is getting done and how close we are getting."

 

Vincent explained some of the details with the climbing package which will be a lot more than just your average indoor rock climbing station.

 

“We decided in the design stages of this to put in a section that is known as a clip and climb, so versus having one rock climbing wall it has various types of walls where you can clip on to the harness and climb on several different obstacles,” Vincent said.

 

Other items of new business on Monday’s agenda include the consideration and acting on approving the engagement of Jeremy Drennan for preparation of the 2019/20 financials for the City and the consideration and acting on approving a contract to include a salary adjustment for City Manager Randy Wetmore.

 

Prior to new business, there is on order of unfinished business as there will be the first reading on an ordinance approving and enacting a policy with respect to dedication and acceptance of streets, roads and alleys within the corporate city limits.

 

There is no work session scheduled for Monday’s meeting.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo features a fire truck parked outside The Bridgeport Fire Department, whille the middle one shows the progress being made on the construction of The Bridge. Bottom photo features Councilmen Dustin Vincent (left) and Bob Greer during a previous meeting.