Bridgeport to pursue on-call fire marshal position

BRIDGEPORT – Mayor Janet Conklin wants the city to hire a fire marshal and brought the request before the regular monthly meeting of the Bridgeport City Council last Wednesday, August. 17.

“At this point things are going on in Bridgeport that we have no control over,” said Conklin. “A fire marshal is the only one who can go in and can stop something if it is not in compliance with regulations.”

Conklin stressed that the position would be on-call only and the person used only when needed. She asked council members to consider her suggestion while she pursues the matter further and searches for qualified candidates for the job.

The city is also developing an ordinance to help it monitor and regulate large gatherings at the city’s several event centers. The mayor reached out to Douglas County Sheriff Kevin Morris for help with law enforcement and noise control. Morris attended the meeting and addressed concerns about having law enforcement on site during some of the large parties.

Conklin also reported that the Dollar General store project is back on the development docket as details continue to be addressed and resolved.

Public Works superintendent Stuart Dezellem reported that work on both the wastewater treatment lab and the second water reservoir is progressing.

The sheetrock is done, all electrical wiring is pulled, plumbing flushed and disinfected,” said Dezellem of the lab construction. “We’re still in that timeline of about the first of December to actually get in and utilize the lab.”

Concrete pours were finishing up on the wall of the 45-foot reservoir. Pours were scheduled through early this week before work begins on the roof.

Work is also underway on the Columbia Avenue water main but can only go so far until service brass is delivered to complete connections. Water meter change-outs are being completed as hot weather during the day permits, Dezellem said the new meters are very accurate at very minimal water flows. Dezellem said the greater accuracy may see a 10-15 percent in consumption billing.

RV Park manager Randy Stanley reported that at least three confirmed dog deaths have occurred from parvo the past several weeks within the city.

“Parvo is in town!” Stanley said. He cautions city dog owners that they must get their dogs vaccinated to protect them from the fatal disease.