For the first time since March 23, members of Bridgeport City Council will likely hold a regular monthly meeting inside Council Chambers.

 

Mayor Andy Lang confirmed the status of this coming Monday's meeting during the COVID-19 pandemic to be held at the Bridgeport Municipal Complex with some caveats. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. There will be no work session.

 

“We’ll decide for sure on Monday,” said Lang. “The plan is to meet in Council chambers, but we’ve made it clear to all those that regularly attend that you don’t have to be here if you’re in any way uncomfortable. We’ll have it set up where they can Zoom in or meet remotely. I guess that’s kind of a backwards way, but we don’t want anyone here if they feel like they shouldn’t be here.”

 

Although Council chambers will likely be open, social distancing will still be taking place. Lang said City Manager Randy Wetmore has been working on setting up the chamber to allow for adequate distancing among those in elected office as well as by those required to attend or for any members of the public showing up.

 

“Mr. Wetmore has been working on various layouts,” said Lang. “It looks like there will be four to five that usually sit at the Council (dais) to be there with the rest in front sitting at table. Everyone will have appropriate space between them.”

 

Lang said the audience chairs will also be spaced appropriately. He said that in the event a large public turnout takes place it will be addressed to meet guidelines.

 

“If too many would show up, well explain to the individuals the ways to take part and accommodate them,” said Lang. “It’s a bit of an inconvenience, but we need to have our meetings.”

 

As for the meeting itself, most of the items involve standard business. One new item involves accepting and dedicating streets in Charles Pointe.

 

“That is to discuss bringing in streets in areas they’re developing. You’re talking about future streets that are on the way or potential streets that may be on the way,” said Lang.

 

Two other new items of business are typically not on the agenda as they are included in the already approved budget but have been added to keep Council abreast of all larger financial items considering the pandemic. Both items involve the purchasing of insurance that is done annually and is considered standard business.

 

The city will look to agree on a property and casualty insurance policy for $292,017 and the worker’s compensation insurance for $105,343. Both policies are contracted through Bridgeport’s United Security Agency and both run through the fiscal year starting July 1 and ending June 30, 2021.

 

Council will address one unfinished item. The governing body will have to address an ordinance regarding grade/step salary schedule for city employees. That item, too, could be impacted by the financial impact of the COVID-19 situation.

 

The meeting will include a report from Lang and Wetmore. There will also be public forum for anyone wishing to address the governing body.