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BRIDGEPORT -- In an effort to improve safety in the area, the village plans to install numerous stop signs throughout the Aetnaville neighborhood in the coming week.
Bridgeport Village Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the installation of a dozen stop signs on First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth streets on both sides of N. Lincoln Avenue, as well as on Third and Fourth streets toward Mill Street.
Solicitor Michael Shaheen read the legislation, which states that "no stop signs have ever been placed at any intersections in the Aetnaville area, which is within village limits, and there is sincere concern about the possibility of a traffic accident or injury occurring in the neighborhood."
Police Chief John Bumba said as far back as he can recall, there has never been a stop sign in the area.
"There's been accidents there, there've been some severe accidents there. I've been involved in a severe accident there, and I just think we need to do it before we get a fatal (accident)," he said.
Shaheen added that Aetnaville is a "high speed area" due to its proximity to Ohio 7.
Following the meeting, Mayor Norma Teasdale said work to erect the stop signs will begin immediately. The street department should have the stop signs fully installed within a week, she said.
In other matters, the third reading of an ordinance was conducted, creating and adopting a policy for the burial of unclaimed bodies for which the village would incur the expense. It was unanimously passed by council.
Also, Bumba provided council with his report from the month of April. During the month, the police department received 390 calls for service, made 17 arrests and conducted 326 traffic stops with 32% resulting in citations.
Bumba also announced the "First Annual Awards Ceremony" will be held at 7 p.m. June 12 at the Kirkwood Presbyterian Church. During the ceremony, officers will be recognized for years of service, lifesaving, going the extra mile, and exemplary police work.
Those interested in attending the event can RSVP by calling the department at 740-635-9999 or emailing Bumba@bridgeportoh.com or Copeland@Bridgeportoh.com.
Council called for a closed-door session to discuss personnel and pending litigation. Members returned to open session after around a half hour with no additional action being taken.
Teasdale requested that council move its next meeting from the third Tuesday of the month to the second Tuesday of the month, to which members agreed.
Council will next meet at 6 p.m. June 13 at the municipal building at 301 Main St.