While many of the items on this evening's Bridgeport City Council agenda would likely be considered routine, there are a few items that has had the community’ attention. One of those items, in particular, could be extremely beneficial to many small business owners.

 

Decisions and actions on all the matters before Council will take place at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Bridgeport Municipal Complex.

 

Under new business, the city’s governing body will be asked to consider and approve a bid on the new free city parking lot along Main Street. The lot in question will be situated just off Main Street and just past the Center Street Bridge in the area behind Embellishments Too and several other Main Street businesses.

 

City Clerk Andrea Kerr confirmed that Wolfe Excavating was the low bidder. If given the recommendation by city staff, Council will be asked to approve the project to the tune of $91,318.81. That price does not include the property acquisition costs associated with the parking lot.

 

The lot will create more than 20 new spaces just off Main Street. It will also include construction of a pedestrian bridge from the parking lot directly to Main Street, while individuals can also access the parking lot by walking across the Center Street Bridge.

 

“This is a project that is needed desperately for downtown businesses,” said City Clerk Andrea Kerr. “It is something that should help, particularly since parking on Main Street in that area was eliminated. Although I agreed with the removing of parking in that area, since that time there has been a need for supplemental parking and this addresses that.”

 

Kerr said unlike many projects, this was has been across the board positive in feedback. She said she’s received numerous messages – via email and social media – thanking the city and Council for moving forward with this project.

 

Another issue will be voted on that could impact businesses in Bridgeport is part of the agenda. Council will be asked to pass – on final reading – an ordinance that will allow alcohol sales in certain establishments such as restaurants (not convenience or grocery stores) after 10 a.m. on Sundays.

 

“That would mean, if approved, the sales could begin the next day,” said Kerr.

 

If passed, and Council has had a majority supporting this proposal called the “brunch bill,” Oct. 25 at 10 a.m. restaurants would be able to serve drinks such as mimosas and Bloody Mary’s often associated with breakfast or brunch. Council member Lowell “L.J.” Maxey has repeatedly voted against the measure.

 

“This went from an issue that when it was first announced that there was a little bit of push back to one that I haven’t heard anything good or bad about it since that time,” said Kerr.

 

Council will also hear a presentation regarding the Drug Free Club of America at Bridgeport High School and beyond from Steve Dunham. They will also make a presentation to Fisher Rector for his outstanding achievements with Boy Scouts. Also, it is likely there will be discussion on a request by the Clarksburg Mission for funding for a program involving housing for individuals recovering from addiction.

 

In other business, there will be a final reading of an ordinance modifying the city’s sign ordinance and incentive program, the consideration of reappointing Jeff Barger to the Bridgeport Development Authority for a three-year term and reports from Mayor Robert “Bob” Greer and City Manager Kim Haws. 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 shows City Clerk Andrea Kerr addressing Council, while Mayor Robert "Bob" Greer leads discussion in a recdnt work session.