Barring some unforeseen problems with weather Wednesday, Assistant City Manager Jimmy Smith assured Bridgeport Mayor Robert “Bob” Greer a long-awaited day can officially be penciled into the calendar.

 

This Wednesday, granite pillars that weigh 8,500 pounds each, are scheduled to be mounted on to piers that have been constructed along Main Street across from All Saints Catholic Church. The pillars will serve as the focal point to the new City of Bridgeport Veteran’s Memorial.

 

“I’m going to give you a date that needs to be official,” Greer directed to Smith, jokingly putting the pressure on the administrator who has served as the city’s point person in the project.

 

The date is May 26. The Thursday, which is just ahead of Memorial Day the following Monday, is set to have a dedication ceremony between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Smith said an exact time will be set at a later date and all dates are tentative at the moment pending the outcome of work set for this week.

 

“That will be the day if (the pillars don’t) break Wednesday when we set them,” said Smith told Greer and other members of City Council at tonight’s meeting. “ … Everything should be fine, weather permitting, to have that done on Wednesday.”

 

Also this evening, Council unanimously approved a resolution supporting the City of Clarksburg project for the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center. Clarksburg Mayor Cathy Goings and Vice Mayor James “Jim” Malfregeot were on hand to explain the project and the request for support.

 

Goings said Clarksburg was not asking for financial support. However, she said the resolution would be used as Clarksburg goes after state and federal grants to help support the project that is expected to begin in November of 2016 and be finished in the spring of 2018. Malfregeot said the building will have 44,000 square feet in the center and additional square footage in a banquet and meeting area, along with a total seating capacity of 950.

 

In unfinished business, Council approved the second reading of an ordinance that will rezone acreage between Platinum Drive and Laruen Drive from Business-2 (large scale commercial business) to Residential-1 (single-family dwellings). Earlier this month, the Bridgeport Planning Commission recommended that the rezoning be granted to Tiberius Enterprises, LLC to set the stage for a new housing development.

 

“We haven’t had a single call on this since the last meeting,” said Bridgeport Community Development Director Randy Spellman, referring to Council’s April 11 meeting when the matter was approved on first reading.

 

Under new business, Council approved the first reading of an ordinance relating to having more control over building codes under Home Rule. The Home Rule Board has already signed off on Bridgeport’s move and this evening featured the first of two readings on the matter. There has already been a public hearing on the proposed ordinance.

 

Spellman addressed Council on the matter. He said the ordinance will help on a number of fronts in streamlining the process, particularly when new hires are made.

 

Basically, the ordinance removes the West Virginia Fire Commission from the process currently in place. If passed on second reading, certification and continuing education requirements would be addressed by the city. City officials have said this step removes an unnecessary bureaucratic step as Bridgeport’s code officers have certification at the international code level.

 

Also tonight, Greer made a proclamation. The first was to HOPE, Inc., declaring April as Sexual Harassment Awareness Month. A second proclamation was to be made to recognize long-time public servant and resident Joe Trupo for his outstanding service in law enforcement. However, with Trupo not there Greer said he would present the proclamation at next week’s FBI Citizen’s Academy luncheon.

 

Council was also recognized. Mike Grunau of the Harrison County Solid Waste Authority presented the city with a plaque in recognition of the city’s recycling efforts. In particular, the city was recognized for organizing the hazardous household waste pickup held in September of last year.

 

Grunau presented the city with a Recycling Champion award on behalf of the Recycling Coalition of West Virginia. The event ended up picking up 43 tons – or 86,000 pounds – of various household hazardous materials such as paint, batteries, various chemicals and more.

 

Greer called up City Clerk Andrea Kerr to accept the award. Kerr did the legwork in organizing the event. Grunau said in all of his time involved with the program, he was never aware of a city receiving the honor; only groups and individuals.

 

The only other official item taken up was the abandonment of an alley on E. North Street and Arbor Court. The matter was unanimously approved as all the property owners have signed off on the abandonment and Spellman said it has no impact on the city.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Mayor Robert "Bob" Greer setting the date for the dedication of the new Bridgeport Veteran's Memorial to Assistant City Manager Jimmy Smith, while Clarksburg Mayor Cathy Goings and Vice Mayor James Malfregeot are shown in the second photo addressing the Bridgeport Council. In the third photo, Greer present individuals involved with HOPE, Inc. a proclamation, while a presenation is made to Bridgeport by Harrison County Solid Waste Chairman Mike Mike Grunau, left, to Gerr and City Clerk Andrea Kerr in the bottom photo for the city's efforts for its hazardous waste disposal day last year.