Mayor
Town Council
Town Manager
Asst. Town Manager
Treasurer
Town Clerk
Code Enforcement
Town Planner
Public Works/Utilities
Harbor
Library
Police
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 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.
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, is away this week and Jeb Brady, Assistant Code Enforcement Officer, is attending a Fire Marshal’s course in VA Beach, VA. If you need any assistance with Building Permits etc. please see Dave Fauber in the Town Hall or call him at 331-3259 x17.
HARBOR
Smitty Dize, Harbor Master, reported that Phase II of the widening of the Harbor docks (north side) has been completed. Smitty further reported that they are now starting the widening of the docks on the east side of the Harbor.
Smitty said that the Town received the rubber pile fenders for the Harbor and he intends on starting the installation within the next week.
Smitty reported that there was a fire in a trash can located at the Harbor and a citizen, identified as Robert "Bubba" Lewis, happened upon the scene and attempted to extinguish it until the Cape Charles FD arrived a short time later. Smitty said the entire situation was captured on the Harbor’s new security system and it was determined that the fire was caused by workmen who tossed a mixture of chemical & rags into the trash can. This combustible combination ignited and could have caused a real problem at the Harbor if it wasn’t for the quick actions of Mr. Lewis. Thank you Mr. Lewis!
PLANNING
Tom Bonadeo, the Town Planner, reported that he completed several letters for multiple Wetlands Permit Applications. The South Port applications will require a board meeting, a hearing and public advertisement before they can be acted upon.
Tom said he also completed a Historical Review Package that includes 1 new home in the Historical District, 1 home under renovation and 3 garages that are requesting permission to rebuild.
Tom has been in discussion over the past week with some property owners regarding zoning violations. It appears that some owners have moved occupants into areas that are zoned for commercial businesses and this has caused the Town some concerns. The specific issues will be addressed this week with the property owners.
Tom continues his fine efforts working with the ANPDC and the Broadband issues for Cape Charles. The next Public Meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 21, 2008 at 10:00 AM at the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce in Melfa, VA.
LIBRARY & TOWN CLERK
Ann Rutledge, the Town Librarian, reported that the Library sent a book order to the Eastern Shore Public Library for 62 new titles.
Ann said that the highly successful Toddler & Preschool Story Time at the Library was attended by 17 persons this past Thursday. Ann said the children sang songs about "learning to count" and everyone (including the parents) had a grand time. The Town Library is leading the way in reaching out to our children & their families and citizens are urged to attend these outstanding sessions with their children or volunteer to help.
Ann reported that on Thursday, March 13, 2008, she attended the ground breaking ceremony at the Chincoteague Library along with Friends of the Library members Joan Natali and Chris Bannon.
Ann said the Library received 5 free books and a CD from The Stuttering Foundation and she was able to obtain this information by contacting the foundation. The Town Library is committed to helping our citizens and if anyone has a special request regarding research material please see Ann for obtaining same.
Joy Pelletier, the Town Clerk, reported that they continue their task of files review and retention/destruction of same. Over the last few weeks the Town Clerk has come across many interesting historical files and photographs. Significant "finds" are being offered to the Cape Charles Museum and Joy is very careful with all the files she is reviewing.
RECREATION & PUBLIC WORKS
Jimmy Marvel, Youth Director, reported that he continues working on the Cape Charles Youth Dance that will take place on Friday, March 28, 2008. The dance will take place at the Cape Charles Fire House and is open to youth 12 to 18 years of age. The dance will start at 7:00 PM and end at 10:00 PM. Jimmy is still looking for chaperones and you can contact Jimmy at 331-3259 x18 if you’re interested in volunteering.
Jimmy continues his good works at the Heritage Acres with our esteemed senior citizens and reported that there were over 62 people at the Children, Youth and Illegal Drugs: Impact on the Eastern Shore presentation last week.
Jimmy is working on ordering and the placement of a Port O’ Potty at the Park. This is another long overdue project for the Town as we can no longer allow persons to use the bushes near the tennis courts as a community bathroom. Jimmy is also in the process of ordering 4 Port O’ Potties for the upcoming Blessing of the Fleet Event on Friday, April 04, 2008. This event will take place at the Town Harbor and will begin at 5:00 PM and end at 9:00 PM.
The Park remains an active location and becomes more active each day with the pleasant weather approaching. The security cameras are operational and the police presence remains high in the area. This is another Town asset that we urge citizens to use more.
Dave Fauber, Director of Public Works, reported that the Town signed a contract with Monaco Builders to start Phase I construction of the gazebo at the Park.
Dave said they repaired a connection problem on the Plum Street Pump Station that was causing daily problems for the PWD.
The PWD continues their battle with the sand on Bay Avenue and worked on cleaning up Harbor Avenue over the past week.
Dave reported that the Town Manager has directed him to accelerate the collecting of bids for additional landscaping throughout the Town. Dave reported that he is also in the process of collecting bids for the "clean up" of the flower beds on Mason Avenue. It was noted that some businesses take care of the areas in the front of their locations and others await the Town’s response. We ask that business owners refrain from blowing, sweeping or raking debris into the street. The Town of Cape Charles is attempting to get ready for the tourist season and it’s a waste of our manpower to keep cleaning crews in the same areas on a daily basis. Continuation of this practice will result in forthcoming fines for littering.
Dave said that the PWD has started a "cross training" program where the Waste Water Treatment Plant employees are making morning rounds to learn more about the Town’s Pump Stations.
Dave further reported that the PWD inventoried Mason Avenue for sewer lateral that are scheduled to be inspected and the PWD updated the DEQ on several ongoing water issues in the Town. NOTE: Some of these ongoing water issues are directly affected by the debris that business owners are sweeping into the gutters etc. Obviously, with this Town so close to the Bay everything we do or don’t do affects our water quality. Please help us with these issues.
POLICE
Chief Eder reported that the Cape Charles Police Department(CCPD) has responded several times to the same residence on Tazewell Avenue over the past 6 days and enforcement action is forthcoming.
Chief Eder and Sgt. Sambo Brown are scheduled to attend DUI Training Classes with the VA Beach PD over the next week and the CCPD is going to start working with the VA State Police and the Northampton County Sheriff’s Department on DUI Check Points over the next few weeks.
Chief Eder has reported that the Enhanced Traffic Enforcement Program continues and over 24 summonses have been issued to date this month for speeding, running stop signs and reckless driving. In one instance an unidentified female driver in a white sports car was "clocked" at speeds in excess of 90 mph on Route 642 (Old Cape Charles Road). Sgt Brown attempted to stop said vehicle, but had to break off the potential traffic stop due to other vehicles on the roadway. However, this attempted "stop" was videotaped and it was reported this female had a child in the car with her. The actual events started with this female stopping at the bank and then making some suspicious u-turns in the Town and "rocketing" over the "hump" and onto Route 642.
ASSISTANT TOWN MANAGER & TOWN MANAGER
The Candidate’s Forum will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2008 at 5:30 PM for ALL declared and registered Town Council Candidates at the Town Hall. We ask that all candidates arrive here at 5:30 PM sharp due to the fact that we have a great deal of subjects to cover in a 2 hour time period.
The Town Treasurer, Paul Skolnick, has been asked by the Town Manager to address the subject of BPOL Taxes owed to the Town of Cape Charles. There have been some businesses operating in Town for years who have neglected to pay these required taxes. Once again, the Town supports all commerce but not at the taxpayers expense. If you receive a notice regarding these BPOL Taxes we ask that you promptly pay the amount the Town is due or come in and make an appointment to ascertain additional information.
There’s another group of student volunteers in Town this week that are here to help rebuild/refurbish homes in the Town. This group of young men and women are from the New England area and they’re staying at the STIP courtesy of Eyre Baldwin. Thanks again Eyre!
This is a gentle reminder that if you’re operating a golf cart or Gator in the Town, you must have all the safety devices affixed to the carts and have a legal driver behind the wheel. This also applies to builders, developers and landscapers as well as residents and tourists. Route 642 is a dangerous road, as previously noted, and we don’t want to start the spring time here with any accidents or fatal crashes.
The Blessing of the Fleet is rapidly approaching us and we’d like to remind everyone once again that it’s on Friday, April 04, 2008 at the Harbor starting at 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM. Please help us welcome our Watermen home again and wish them a bountiful season.
Thank you again for the privilege and opportunity to serve this great Town and all the citizens here.
Small cheer and great welcome makes a merry feast.
Shakespeare, The Comedy of Errors, 3.1
Joe Vaccaro
Town Manager
Town of Cape Charles, VA
757-331-3259 X20
All information contained in this publication is believed to be true and correct at the time of publication.
Not responsible for typographical errors.
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Municipal Corporation of Cape Charles
2 Plum Street
Cape Charles, VA 23310
757-331-3259
Copyright © 2008. All rights reserved.