Bridgeton council adopts 340B hospital ordinance, rejects outdoor seating change and tables two capital projects

Bridgeton — The City Council on Nov. 20 adopted an ordinance authorizing participation in the federal 340B drug-pricing program for Duval Hospital, rejected a proposed expansion of outdoor seating at a Natural Bridge Road restaurant after two recorded votes, and tabled contracts for lobby reception-area upgrades and LED street signs.

The council voted 6–1 to pass bill 64 65, which "authorizes the mayor and city clerk to execute an agreement approving participation in the federal 340B drug pricing program for Duval Hospital." Council member Luke cast the lone recorded nay; the other six members voted aye.

Separately, council consideration of bill 64 64 (application 24-PZ-06 amending special use permit ordinance 12-43 to expand outdoor seating at the restaurant at 12344 Natural Bridge Road) failed. After discussion and a finding that the proposed use could adversely affect traffic, fire safety and neighborhood character, the measure did not receive majority support and was recorded as failing by a 5–2 vote. The council later suspended rules to remove the bill from the table and again attempted adoption as ordinance 24-50; a second roll call likewise resulted in the bill failing 5–2.

Council also reviewed two capital projects recommended for contracts: bill 64 66 would have authorized an agreement with Integra Inc. for lobby reception-area upgrades and council dais replacement for $173,925 with a 25% contingency of $43,481.25; bill 64 67 would have authorized an agreement with Gerstner Electric Inc. for LED street-sign installations for $94,088 with a 25% contingency of $23,522. Both bills were moved and tabled unanimously for later consideration.

On routine business the council approved the public works department's annual materials bids as a consent agenda item and approved the Nov. 6 minutes. The meeting closed after staff reports and brief council communications.

The council did not set a final date for the regular January meeting; members discussed rescheduling the Jan. 1 meeting because it falls on a holiday and agreed to revisit availability by email.

Votes at a glance: - Bill 64 65 (ordinance 24-49): Approve participation in federal 340B program for Duval Hospital — Vote: 6 ayes, 1 nay (adopted). - Bill 64 64 (special-use expansion for outdoor seating at 12344 Natural Bridge Road): Considered, tabled and later attempted for adoption as ordinance 24-50 — Final outcome: failed, 2 ayes, 5 nays (failed twice). - Bill 64 66 (Integra Inc. lobby/reception upgrades): Read; amount $173,925; contingency 25% ($43,481.25) — Moved to table (tabled). - Bill 64 67 (Gerstner Electric Inc. LED street signs): Read; amount $94,088; contingency 25% ($23,522) — Moved to table (tabled).