Christy Collins

The City of Bridgeport's Vision Zero Safety Action Plan establishes a data-driven framework to significantly reduce fatal and serious injury crashes within the community. It identifies high-injury networks, prioritizes safety projects across three tiers, and recommends targeted policies, programs, and infrastructure improvements, applying a Safe System Approach. The plan focuses on near-term improvements such as school safety, sidewalk infill, downtown pedestrian visibility, traffic calming, and multi-use pathway connections. Its overarching goal is to enhance safety for all road users, particularly pedestrians and bicyclists, and it positions the City to pursue federal and state transportation safety funding.

This Safety Action Plan outlines the City of Bridgeport's commitment to eliminating fatal and serious injury crashes, addressing risks such as speeding, poor visibility, intersection conflicts, and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure along main corridors, school routes, and downtown areas. It organizes improvements into five Capital Programs: Main Street Crossing & Visibility Improvements, School & Neighborhood Infrastructure Improvements, State Lakes Access & Railroad Corridor Improvements, Targeted Operational Improvements, and Systemic Sidewalk & ADA Gap Program. The plan aims to build a safer transportation system that protects residents, strengthens mobility, and achieves a Vision Zero goal by 2036.

The City Council reviewed claims, approved the appointment of a new Housing Authority member, and accepted new members into the Volunteer Fire Department. Ordinances were passed regarding land subdivision and zoning map amendments. Reports were provided on public works projects including siren repairs, dust control, and roof maintenance; the status of the community center and pool management; fire department training and incident recovery; and ongoing maintenance issues at the golf course. The audit for 2024-2025 was presented and found to be clean. Additionally, the Council approved free summer band nights, funding for park jetty repairs, a new employee health insurance cash benefit, the hiring of pool management staff, and construction and engineering agreements for a sewer replacement project.

The Council reviewed and approved claims, and held a public hearing regarding a zoning change for a specific property, which was subsequently tabled pending subdivision. Various department reports were provided, including updates on public works, community center operations, library programs, and golf course financials. The Council addressed administrative items, including the adoption of an Excessive Force Policy and authorization of grant agreement forms. An executive session was held to discuss personnel and electrical department matters with no action taken.

The City Council discussed procedural issues regarding the chain of command, reviewed edits to the City Administrator position, and approved revisions to the personnel handbook concerning sick leave, holidays, vacation, comp time, and drug policy. Furthermore, the council reviewed employee job descriptions, the time-off request process, and established a new quarterly safety meeting rotation. A personnel matter was also discussed during an executive session, which concluded with no action taken.