Proposal to Allow for Alcohol Sales at The Bridge Sees Opposition from One on Council as Matter Postponed
By Jeff Toquinto on March 14, 2023
A proposal to allow for the sale and consumption of alcohol at The Bridge Sports and Recreation Complex hit a snag Monday night in front of Bridgeport City Council.
No decision was made, and not was taken, on the matter once presented to the city’s governing body. Instead, the matter has been postponed to a future meeting.
The postponement came at the request of City Council member Jeff Smell and was seconded by Council member John Wilson. Smell 
read a prepared statement on his opposition to it and, after a short discussion, Council voted unanimously to postpone a decision.
read a prepared statement on his opposition to it and, after a short discussion, Council voted unanimously to postpone a decision.
The proposal was not to allow for alcohol – beer and wine only – to be sold at all times and at all events. City Manager Brian Newton emphasized that was never the case and that it would only be utilized for certain events such as catered meals for corporate team building and saying prior to Monday’s meeting events such as a future MMA event and even weddings would be able to take advantage of the updated policy.
“When we created what this indoor facility (the Citynet Center portion of The Bridge), we quickly realized that we couldn’t be everything to everyone. Staff has been challenged with taking what we have and filling those ‘boxes’ with all sorts of things, not just basketball, soccer and swimming,” Smell said. “Staff has done an outstanding job of diversifying the Citynet Center’s uses to include pickleball, lacrosse, cheerleading to name a few.
“Those are, in my humble opinion, the events and the right path for success and staying diversified,” he continued. “MMA and other events that ‘require’ or ‘recommend’ alcohol is not on the same route and that is why I would oppose the changes to the alcohol policy to include special events at the Citynet Center.”
No Council member, outside of Smell, said they were for or against the matter. Wilson did say he would like to stay on the “same target”
that Smell mentioned and that he looked forward to getting input from the community in the days ahead. He added that with the facility still in its early stages he wanted to make sure the tournament and sports needs were being met “before diversifying into corporate outings or wedding receptions.”
that Smell mentioned and that he looked forward to getting input from the community in the days ahead. He added that with the facility still in its early stages he wanted to make sure the tournament and sports needs were being met “before diversifying into corporate outings or wedding receptions.”
Prior to those comments Newton said there have been requests for corporate events and “other activities” where alcohol sales would be utilized. He added it would not be “day to day,” but for some of the special events as spelled out above. Newton said the updated policy would closely mirror what is already in place for the city for events that allow alcohol, such as at the Benedum Civic Center.
There was no mention as to when the matter would be brought back before Council.
Council did okay a service agreement with the Harrison County Board of Education paving the way for a new Prevention Resource Officer that will be stationed at Bridgeport Middle School. The officer in question is Police Officer Austin Ash and Police Chief Mark Rogers said he will begin shadowing long-time PRO Jamie Hamrick on Friday, who will remain stationed at Bridgeport High School.
Rogers said Ash will be fully certified by the time the upcoming school year begins. Working with Hamrick will get him acclimated to what the job entails, Rogers has said. More on this in the days ahead on Connect-Bridgeport.
Council also heard a report on the Bridgeport Public Works Department. Director Tiny Grimes will be joined by Associate Engineer Jake Griffith to make the annual presentation in front of Council. More from that, as well, in the days ahead.
In other business, the governing body discussed the 2023-24 budget work session held Monday, March 6. The city is looking to make 
progress to approve a $21.1 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The process, which began with a special meeting March 6, was praised by those on hand.
progress to approve a $21.1 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The process, which began with a special meeting March 6, was praised by those on hand.
Wilson said the work session where the budget was presented “was very well prepared,” while City Recorder Harry M. “Hank” Murray called it “one of the smoothest ever.” Newton praised Finance Director Sharon Hinkle as a “master” at her position.
Another issue in front of them that involved a vote was Council agreeing unanimously to enter into an agreement with the West Virginia Department of Transportation. The city will handle routine maintenance on traffic signals owned by the state in the city limits. The maintenance would be routine and involve replacing of burned-out bulbs primarily.
There were some standard items done as well. Council approved the replacement pages to the codified ordinances on second reading, while also approving on first reading an ordinance approving the benefits section to the City of Bridgeport Employee Handbook.
Although not official business, Murray – filling in for an excused Mayor Andy Lang – presented a proclamation to the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond, Bridgeport. The proclamation is in recognition of Girl Scout Week.
The Scouts showed members of Council signs after the proclamation. The signs talked about city projects they hope to engage in with the assistance of the city manager.
Editor's Note: Council member Jeff Smell is shown above, while fellow member John Wilson is shown in the second photo. Bottom photo shows Girl Scout members in front of Council.
Leave a Comment
Log in or create an account to post a comment.