Although there was plenty of debate and plenty of items discussed and acted upon this evening by Bridgeport City Council, the meeting was highlighted by it being the final session for two members. City Recorder Melissa Matheny and Council member Darrell Bowen presided over their last meetings.

 

Matheny, who has served most of her time as a Council member over the last eight years before being appointed to Recorder, opted not to run for re-election. Matheny said she needed to spend more time with her family and, in particular, her son Dominick.

 

“It’s bittersweet for sure, but in the end I truly believe I’m doing the right thing for my family,” said Matheny. “I’ve poured eight years of my life into this city and don’t regret spending my time doing so. I felt it was both a great honor and responsibility to have a chance to serve on Council.”

 

Matheny said she hopes she made an impact. During the session, she said she plans on “being in the ear” of current members on any issue she is passionate about.

 

“Even though I’m leaving, I’ll still be around,” she said as she her eyes welled with tears for one of multiple times during the session tonight. “I just won’t be sitting in an elected seat any longer. It’s time to spend time with the family.”

 

Bowen served his initial term as a member of City Council after being elected four years ago. He came up short in a cordial and respectful race for Matheny’s City Recorder seat with fellow Council member Dr. Harry M. “Hank” Murray.

 

“In a way, it’s nice to be stepping aside. I’ll soon be 70 so I’ll be able to park some things aside,” said Bowen.

 

Bowen, however, ended the meeting asking those still remaining on the city’s governing body to continue with items he said he was also passionate about. He pointed to several areas including continuing efforts with storm water management, addressing low water pressure in several sections of the city, additional works on concrete streets and continued efforts in working with youth on issues relating to drugs.

 

Prior to speaking, Bowen momentarily got choked up. However, he gathered himself and presented his concerns to his colleagues.

 

The comments from Matheny and Bowen came after several glowing tributes from other elected members of Council. And also came after debate on several topics that were on the agenda.

 

The longest debate was concluded by Council approving – by a 3-2 vote- the first reading of an ordinance that would allow Bridgeport to create an assistant fire chief, or deputy chief, position. Currently, that is not allowed under State Fire Civil Service rules. Bridgeport would be allowed under home rule. (More on this later on Connect-Bridgeport).

 

Another ordinance that was approved was one amending the city’s urban deer hunt. Chief John Walker gave Council a report on the program and the proposed amendments. The ordinance amendment involves how the deer could be harvested in the city, as well as issues involving electronic checking in of deer and bringing in the deer to the police department to keep track of numbers.

 

In other business, Council:

 

- Heard from resident Vernon Underwood. Underwood offered praise for the city’s recent storm water efforts and singled out Matheny and Bowen for their help in problems he and others were facing. He also praised the city workers who were involved with the projects.

 

- Was told by Mayor Robert “Bob” Greer that the wife of City Attorney Dean Ramsey, Caroline Ramsey, recently captured her 13^th West Virginia State Amateur Golf title. Read about that HERE.

 

- Certified the results of the June 9 election. City Recorder Andrea Kerr called the matter a “formality.”