The Bridgeport City Council convened recently to discuss a range of upcoming community events and address significant local issues, including a proposed amendment to the municipal airport access fees.

The meeting began with a review of the city’s calendar, highlighting several events scheduled for the coming weeks. Notable dates include the Main Street Advisory Board meeting on September 27, the Taste of Bridgeport event on September 28, and various activities during the fall break, including a mini camp and movie screenings at the Arcadia Theatre. The council also announced a Halloween movie night and a Spooktacular Fall Festival, both aimed at fostering community engagement.

During the session, public comments were invited, allowing citizens to express their concerns or suggestions. The council emphasized that while they welcome public input, responses would be limited to factual information or future agenda placements.

The council then moved to the consent agenda, which included three key items: approval of minutes from the previous meeting, an agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for airport maintenance, and the establishment of regulations for pickleball courts at Harwood Park. All items were approved unanimously.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a public hearing regarding an ordinance to amend the Bridgeport Municipal Airport access fees. The proposed changes aim to simplify the fee structure, which had been criticized for its complexity. The new fee is set to align with the current hangar fee of $0.14 per square foot. The council received feedback from several property owners prior to the meeting, indicating a general interest in the proposed changes.

City officials expressed their commitment to addressing the concerns raised by residents over the past three years, aiming to create a more transparent and equitable fee system. The Planning and Zoning Commission had previously recommended approval of the ordinance, indicating a collaborative effort to resolve the longstanding issues surrounding airport access fees.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussion on the proposed ordinance, reflecting the council's ongoing engagement with community members and their commitment to improving local governance.