Bridgeport revisits surplus lots east of Berryman Park

BRIDGEPORT – The city council resumed discussions over whether or not to surplus some real estate it owns east of Berryman Park when it was determined that the city cannot move forward with a joint development in conjunction with a private party without paying prevailing wage per state law. That requirement makes the project too expensive for the city to consider.

Superintendent of Public Works Stuart Dezellem said the property is zoned R-1 single family residence and could be marketed as four individual 10,000-square-foot lots or as one large parcel. Another option is a like-for-like trade for a parcel owned by a private party on Fairview Avenue near Marina Park. Attempts to get a response from the owner has proved unsuccessful so far. Dezellem said at the council’s direction he would draft a proposal to the property owner exploring a potential trade.

Dezellem raised the issue of a potential traffic hazard at Monroe Avenue and 26th Street near the Quik-E-Mart. Vehicles heading south on Monroe are supposed to yield to vehicles on their right on 26th by state law, but they do not. Dezellem proposed installation of a stop sign on Monroe where it intersects with 26th to solve the problem.

RV Park co-host Randy Stanley also served as the city Animal Control Officer. The departure of the Stanleys from their seasonal hosting positions leaves the office vacant. Mayor Janet Conklin sent letters to Mansfield and Douglas County cancelling the interlocal animal control agreement until such time as the vacancy is filled.

Conklin advised the council that the city was not granted Recreation and Conservation Office funding to install permanent stands under the city’s tree sculptures.

In other business the council:

• Set a public hearing for the 2023 tax ad valorem and income for the next regular council meeting on Nov. 16.

• Set a public hearing date for the 2023 final budget for the Nov. council meeting.