New Projects Set to Continue at The Bridge as Council to Vote on Six-Figure Contract at Tonight's Meeting
By Jeff Toquinto on September 11, 2023
The new $1.3 million turf project is not the only thing that will likely be added to The Bridge Sports and Recreation Complex. Based on a vote by Bridgeport City Council, another six-figure project will likely be coming to the highly used facility this fall.
Council will hold the first of two regularly scheduled meetings tonight at the Bridgeport Municipal Complex. The meeting begins at 7 p.m.
The item is just one of three items of official business listed on the meeting agenda. It involves a change order for the turf project that is being handled by FieldTurf USA. The change order would add backstops and safety netting at the four baseball fields that will soon see FieldTurf infields as part of the original project.
By the time of the meeting, a finalized price should be in place as The Bridge Director Droo Callahan said things were still being ironed out last week. He did say it would be in the six figures, and it is a project that needs to be done in tandem with the new infields.
“Redoing the backstops will be important as there will be some logistical problems as a result if you don’t do them at the same time as the turf,” said Callahan, who said all four backstops will be redone.
Netting will also be done. Callahan said the process is the most cost-effective method for an upgrade, and now is the time to do it.
“It’s a modern system of netting,” said Callahan.
While the overall project has begun, those wondering why they have not seen equipment mobilized should not be concerned. Basic prep 
work has started, such as issues involving the irrigation system and a few other items, but heavy work will start in a few weeks.
work has started, such as issues involving the irrigation system and a few other items, but heavy work will start in a few weeks.
“It’s a lengthy process,” said Callahan.
Parks and Recreation Director Joe Shuttleworth has said previously the goal is to have the entire project done before winter arrives.
Although it is not a business item on the agenda, Council will hear a department report from Jesse Chaney. Chaney is the city’s IT Department director.
“I’m going to be updating the status of grants we’re working on as well as talking about amounts awards,” said Chaney. “We’ll also be talking about ongoing projects around the city.”
Although Chaney is still relatively new in his position, beginning in May of 2022, this is his second department report to the city’s governing body. Many of the topics, he said, will be similar to last year and many will be new items.
“I’ll be talking a bit on cybersecurity and things we’re seeing along with providing statistics to the Council,” said Chaney. “As far as security or major issues on that front, things are good. One thing I can say is the department is very busy on a daily front; there is so much to keep up with. I’ve learned that if it turns on and gets power, it’s probably something IT related we’ll deal with.”
Also under new business, Council will consider appointments to the Bridgeport Emergency Services Council. Scott Burnside will be considered to fill the remainder of Brad Ford’s term, which concludes Dec. 31, 2024, and Ron Cutlip will be considered to fill the remainder of Geoff Marshall’s term, which concludes Dec. 31, 2025.
There will also be a report by Mayor Andy Lang and Interim City Manager Mark Rogers. There is a public forum near the start of the meeting for anyone wishing to address the city’s governing body.
The meeting, which will see an invocation by Pastor Luke Bruggar of Centerbranch Church, does not have a work session. It is open to the public.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows prep work for the turf installation at The Bridge that will also assist new backstops and netting, while the second image is of irrigation parts that have been removed. Bottom photo shows The Bridge Director Droo Callahan addressing Council at a past meeting.
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