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Cape Charles Gazette | |
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Publication Date: February 26, 2008 | ||
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Mayor
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Welcome to the official Town of Cape Charles Newsletter. This publication is available by submitting your email address to gazette@capecharles.org or by contacting the Town Office at 757-331-3259 x10.
The information contained in this newsletter is considered to be the “official word" on the Town’s activities as noted by our Town Manager. The Cape Charles Gazette will be a news source that will report weekly events, upcoming Town activities, articles of interest to our citizens, Town projects, safety & security issues, and emergency announcements. We hope that you will enjoy receiving the Cape Charles Gazette. For additional information please go to the Town’s website at http://www.capecharles.org/ or contact us at gazette@capecharles.org. CODE ENFORCEMENT Doug Smith, the Code Enforcement Officer, was notified by FEMA that he was accepted to their course entitled Principles of Fire Protection; Structures and Systems. This course will be conducted in July 2008 and we’re fortunate that Doug was selected to attend this class. It will also interface with the Town’s Emergency Operations Plan. Doug and Jeb Brady, the Assistant Code Enforcement Officer, are analyzing the Town’s Building Permit Fee schedule for new construction to ascertain if there is merit to raise the fees. Our current fees have not changed in over 5 years yet the cost to do business has risen. The Town wants to ensure that any rate change will not push building costs “over the edge” but also ensure that the tax payers are well served with this potential change. Doug compiled information pertaining to office space needs regarding the Town staff and forwarded same to Ms. Lee Goldman from the Mid Atlantic Maritime Academy (MAMA). This information was passed to MAMA regarding the “possibility” of the Town Hall moving to the STIP once it is purchased. This is at the “consideration” stage now and NOT an actionable item for the Town Council to consider. Doug and Jeb continue their work on sump pumps in the Town and appreciate everyone’s help with this matter. Everyone in the Town needs to ensure that we’re doing everything we can to protect our Bay and the aquifers that we draw our water from. Sump pumps connected to the sanitary system are a big “NO” in Town. Doug and Jeb are preparing a list of violators who will be served a summons if they fail to comply with the Town Code regarding sump pumps. Doug met with Mr. Andy Kominski, USCG regarding the demolition of the 9 USCG houses on Washington Avenue, also known as the Winter Quarters. Mr. Kominski indicated that the structures “may” be demolished as early as the summer of 2008. The houses are considered a security and safety issue with the Town and over the last few months the subject of police scrutiny. HARBOR Smitty Dize, Harbor Master, reported that they hired Mr. Tim Wivell to assist the Harbor with Phase II of widening the docks. Smitty said that there was a delay in completing the project due to adverse weather conditions and lack of specific supplies for this project. Smitty said that the Harbor mailed all of the Slip Rental Agreements out to all boaters on Friday, February 22, 2008. Smitty said that the Harbor/Town signed a contract with LE/ECH JV (our design firm for the Harbor) to begin the process of permitting and design of Phase I of the Harbor Redevelopment Master Plan and offshore breakwater. The signing of the permit for the offshore breakwater is a major step forward for this Harbor project. The breakwater will be constructed on the western portion of the Harbor and will greatly benefit the Harbor and the boaters, especially during heavy winds and storms. PLANNING Tom Bonadeo, the Town Planner, reported that he has been working with developers on new zoning applications for additional development around the Harbor area. Tom also met with the Historical District Review Board regarding the approval of a new home in Town and the “remodeling to build” on Mason Avenue. He also participated in a formal presentation to Congresswoman Thelma Drake on the Town’s Master Plan and Harbor Plan. Smitty Dize was also involved with this presentation. Tom met with Mr. Paul Watson (the Town‘s attorney), Heather Arcos (Assistant Town Manager) and Joe Vaccaro (Town Manager) on the Alleyways Survey. The survey for the alleyway between Mason Avenue and Randolph Avenue has been completed and the Town is now formulating the next plan of action for this area. The purpose of “opening up” these alleyways are for safety and security and the Town needs everyone’s help in ensuring that we achieve those goals. All questions regarding this subject should be directed to Joe at 757-331-3259 x20. Tom said that he has started the application process for a grant to build a fiber link around the Town as part of the larger Broadband Project on the Eastern Shore. The next step is a meeting date for our Public Information Session on this matter. That first meeting date has been scheduled for Monday, March 3, 2008 at 7:00 PM at the Town Hall. This grant is competitive and there are NO matching funds required for this project. As always, we need citizen input to: 1) ensure the understanding of the project and goals 2) additional input and 3) transparency of local government. Tom was also involved with the subdivision of Plats that were recorded for Bay Creek’s Bayside Village and a County parcel that involved the road to the STIP. Tom noted that as the Town is becoming more and more involved with land deeds he is starting to see mistakes in the filing of properties. We urge all Town citizens to conduct a survey and records file check with all the properties you intend on purchasing or selling. While mistakes are infrequent they still can occur and can cause problems in the future for your families. LIBRARY AND CLERK’S OFFICE Ann Rutledge, Town Librarian, reported that 10 people attended last week’s Preschool and Toddler Story Time at the Library. Ann said that Ms. Joan Natali conducted another “Be Not Afraid” computer class for the novice, curious and interested at the Library and four people attended. These excellent classes take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Joan has a waiting list of some 14 people and the classes are well worth the effort. Ann reported that the Friends of the Library have generously provided monies to the Library to hire two children’s performers for the Summer Reading Program. The Library is now in the process of hiring a magician and another children’s performer for the summer. On Thursday, March 6, 2008, the Woman’s Club of Cape Charles will hold a Dr. Seuss Birthday Party for the Preschool and Toddler Story Time from 10:30 to 11:15 AM. Refreshments and activities are free and all citizens are urged to attend this wonderful and festive event for children! Eating the Green Eggs and Ham is optional. Joy Pelletier, the Town Clerk, reported that she processed two Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA) requests. These FOIA requests can be obtained by any citizen regarding the Town’s activities but cannot be processed for Personnel records, legal memoranda or work products, Library use records, written legal advice, confidential records regarding tests and examinations, confidential bid information, appraisals and cost estimates of real property prior to a sale, security related information, identity of any person making a land use or zoning complaint and certain criminal incident information. Joy and Linda Carola, the Assistant Town Clerk, continue their Herculean efforts to work on the Town’s retention/destruction of decades of Town files and records. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND RECREATION Dave Fauber, Director of the Public Works Department, reported that he met with Stearns and Wheeler at the Water Treatment Plant to continue our upgrades on the Town’s drinking water system. Dave is also continuing his work on the Town’s Water Withdrawal Permit Application with the DEQ. Dave noted that the persistent leak at the Harbor has finally been repaired and we thank Billy Powell, Gerald Elliot and Jay Bell for their great efforts in locating and correcting the problem. Dave said that Patrick Christman, Operator in Charge; Waste Water Treatment Plant, attended a DEQ sponsored Dissolved Oxygen and BOD Sampling and Testing workshop in Charlottesville. Patrick was also voted into the Cape Charles Rescue Service and has begun training as an EMT for the area. Dave said the Town had 3 companies attend the pre-bid meeting regarding the Town’s Lawn Care Contract. The Town wants to ensure that whoever is awarded this contract is responsive, timely and accurate with regards to the work that is performed in the Town. Dave noted that the landscaping project at the “hump” has been completed by the Hunter Burger Company. Jimmy Marvel, the Youth Director, continues his work at the Park and has been busy with the “mailings” for the Town’s next children and youth event scheduled for Thursday, March 13, 2008. This event, titled CHILDREN, YOUTH AND ILLEGAL DRUGS; IMPACT ON THE EASTERN SHORE, is free and open to the general public. It will be held at 6:00 PM at the Cape Charles Volunteer Fire Department on Mason Avenue. Jimmy also attended the last Cape Charles Committee on Children and Youth meeting as the Town’s representative. Jimmy contacted a person from the Diabetes Foundation regarding free blood pressure screening for the Cape Charles exercise program at Heritage Acres. This is a volunteer program that the Town provides at no cost to our esteemed senior citizens. Jimmy is in the process of setting up a “Street Ball” tournament for the young men and women of the Town and expects that this event will take place in April 2008. POLICE Chief David Eder reported that the Cape Charles Police Department (CCPD) has issued 23 summonses to date this month and noted that the Enhanced Traffic Program doesn’t seem to be slowing the speeders down very much. The Chief would like to remind everyone that the warmer weather is approaching and children have a tendency to play on the Town’s streets so he’s asking everyone to please obey the Town speed limit of 25 mph. The Chief said the CCPD will also start another program specifically targeting “stop sign” runners; who are just as dangerous as speeders to both pedestrians and other drivers. Chief Eder said the CCPD was dispatched by the County to an establishment south of Cape Charles for a “shots fired” call. Chief Eder said that other responding law enforcement agencies included the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office and the Exmore Police Department. A victim of a stab wound and several spent rounds from an AK-47 were discovered at the scene. It is the Town’s policy and CCPD’s procedure to remain within the town limits for patrol purposes but they can and have, in fact, responded to emergency situations outside of the Town when dispatched to emergencies such as this. ASSISTANT TOWN MANAGER AND TOWN MANAGER The Town remains busy and we are preparing for some major events to include the Blessing of the Fleet on Friday, April 01, 2008. The next organizational meeting for this event is on Wednesday, March 05, 2008 at 1:00 PM at the Town Hall. The Town would like to thank Ms. Deborah Christie, Executive Director Northampton County Chamber of Commerce, and District 2 Supervisor Dave Burden for their interest and help with this event. The Town would like to remind groups and organizations that receive monies from the Town that the Fiscal Shortfalls for the State of Virginia are projected to be $339 + million for 2008, $520 + million for 2009 and $532 million + for 2010. Based on these projected shortfalls there appears to be a large number of local programs that will feel the “money cuts”. So I’ll say this for the benefit of everyone’s sake; IF YOU’RE NOT INVOLVED WITH CHILDREN, YOUTH AND PROGRAMS FOR THE ELDERLY please reconsider your programs because this is a Town of Cape Charles priority. The Town plans on conducting a Candidate’s Forum for all “officially declared” potential Town Council members during the March 2008 timeframe. The specific date will be announced once we have collected all the names of the candidates. At the time of this writing there are 3 declared candidates for 3 openings on the Town Council. The purpose of this Candidate’s Forum is to provide the most up to date information on the Town to all of the candidates so they are familiar with on going issues, projects and future plans. We encourage all citizens to participate in local government. One way to do this is to make sure you’re registered to vote in this next election in May 2008.
All information contained in this publication is believed to be true and correct at the time of publication. If you wish to discontinue receiving this newsletter, please click on the link below. Municipal Corporation of Cape Charles Copyright © 2008. All rights reserved. |
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The purpose of this electronic newsletter is to pass factual, informative and timely information to the citizens of Cape Charles and to any other individuals who have a business, property, travel or historical interest in our Town.