Municipal Corporation of Cape Charles Cape Charles Gazette
Publication Date: March 26, 2008
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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.

It's Springtime!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, Code Enforcement Officer, reported that Jeb Brady, Assistant Code Enforcement Officer, continues to attend Fire Marshal School. Jeb is expected to complete this school within the week.

Doug reported that he assisted the Assistant Town Manager, Heather Arcos, and Town Manager, Joe Vaccaro, with a conference call to the Town’s Norfolk, VA law firm regarding upcoming legal actions on a resident regarding Park Row.

HARBOR

Smitty Dize, Harbor Master, reported that Phase III of the widening of the docks on the north side of the Harbor will be completed by this coming Saturday, March 29, 2008.

Smitty further stated that Phase IV of the widening of the docks (east side) is 65% completed.

The Harbor has started the additional work of installing rubber pile fenders around the bulkheads and Smitty reported that 25% of that work has been completed.

The Harbor has received their new kiosk and Smitty contacted Preston Smith & Tom Murray from the VA Clean Marina Association for material for the kiosk. Smitty hopes to raise boaters’ awareness on the need for keeping the Town Harbor & Bay clean.

Larry McClusky is installing power at the gravel dock so the Lady Barbara can be moved to her new home on the north side of the Harbor within the next week.

Smitty reported that the Harbor is experiencing an early transient season this year and already had 3 boats this past week at the Harbor. Smitty said the Harbor normally doesn’t see these boaters until mid-April.

PLANNING

Tom Bonadeo, the Town Planner, reported that he represented the Town on the Technical Advisory Committee formed by the DEQ. This committee will provide local input for the Aquaculture Enhancement Zones. This involves the future regulation of water and sewer to protect the shellfish business on the ESVA.

Tom attended a meeting in Cheriton, along with Mayor Dora Sullivan, Special Consultant Bob Panek, Assistant Town Manager Heather Arcos, Director of Public Works Dave Fauber and Town Manager Joe Vaccaro, regarding regional water and sewer with County Administrator Katie Nunez and Board Supervisors Spencer Murray and Dave Burden. The Town of Cape Charles appreciated the opportunity to address these water issues with our County leadership. Thank you again!

Tom also participated in another public hearing on the current Broadband issues and the Broadband Grant was discussed at this hearing.

Tom met with South Port and a major international industry who is considering a business opportunity at the area formerly known as the STIP.

Tom noted that the Town has generated a great deal of interest with builders, buyers and investors over the last few weeks.

LIBRARY & TOWN CLERK

Ann Rutledge, Town Librarian, reported that the Preschool & Toddler Storytime was held this past Thursday and 13 persons attended this great event. Ann said the children and adults were treated to the "Tales of Peter Cottontail" and fabulous cupcakes made by Kim Dunton.

Ann said that on Friday, March 21, 2008 she attended a workshop at the Eastern Shore Public Library that dealt with Web 2.0 technology. Web 2.0 technology is the next step in the World Wide Web where digital tools allow users to create, change and publish a variety of information. The course was presented by Ms. Rose M. Schoof from the Library of VA and she covered areas that will become part of the future Library system in VA.

Joy Pelletier, Town Clerk, reported that the Clerk’s Office has completed 50% of the Retention Project(archiving/destroying records from the Old Cape Charles High School). This is a major feat considering that Joy and Linda Carola, Assistant Town Clerk, inherited thousands upon thousands of documents that should have been addressed long ago. Great job Ladies.

Joy reported that over the last week she has been involved in answering several questions from citizens and tourists regarding the use of the Town beach, Park and gazebo for weddings.

Linda continues to remain involved with the Historic Review Board and Joy is currently researching the accreditation process for her Municipal Clerk Certification. Joy has amassed enough credits that will allow her to continue on towards a Master’s Accreditation for the Town. Well educated and highly informed employees are the Town’s greatest assets; especially with the Town growing.

RECREATION & PUBLIC WORKS

Jimmy Marvel, Youth Director, is readying the Town of Cape Charles for their first Children & Youth Dance that is taking place this coming Friday night,March 28, 2008 at the Cape Charles Volunteer Fire Department starting at 7:00 PM and ending at 10:00 PM. The Dance is open to all Cape Charles Children & Youth from ages 12 to 18. Food and soda will be provided by the Town.

Jimmy continues his work with our esteemed senior citizens at Heritage Acres and reported that his program at that location is well received and attended.

Jimmy has also been in contact with Supervisor Dave Burden regarding the possibility of working with Dave on a fundraiser for Children & Youth.

Jimmy reported that 54 persons utilized the Park over the last week and he expects those numbers to climb as the warmer weather arrives here on the ESVA.

Dave Fauber, Director of Public Works, reported that the PWD installed a new fire hydrant at the corner of Fig Street and Washington Avenue.

Dave said that Thomas Stratton, Bobby Zabita and Patrick Christman attended training in Williamsburg, VA titled "Water for Math". This was a course that will enhance the Town’s understanding of the chemical process of water and waste water treatment.

Dave and Thomas Stratton (Lead Operator for the Water Treatment Plant) met with Mike Elliot (Stearns & Wheeler) and Dixon Tucker (VA DEQ) to discuss the Distribution and Disinfectant Processes in the Town water systems.

Fred Meditz and Patrick Christman performed water station/pump house inspections this past Saturday, March 22, 2008 in our continued efforts to cross train the Water Department and the Waste Water Department.

Dave also reported that Patrick passed his Waterworks Operator’s Class IV certification. Congratulations Patrick and keep up the good work!

Dave further reported that the PWD completed their cleaning up of the "polishing pond" at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. The polishing pond is an integral part of our waste water system that eliminates bulk waste.

Dave reported that he has received three bids for tree planting in the Town. This was another project that has been languishing for several months and now has the Town’s full attention again.

POLICE

Chief David Eder reported that the Cape Charles Police Department (CCPD) has increased their efforts regarding Stop Sign Enforcement in the Town and on Route 642 (Old Cape Charles Road). The summer months are rapidly approaching and citizens are urged to use more caution while driving in the area.

Chief Eder also reported that the CCPD and the VA State Police will participate in a series of DUI Checkpoints over the next two weeks. "Forewarned Is Forearmed"

ASSISTANT TOWN MANAGER & TOWN MANAGER

The Town would like to remind everyone that the Renovator’s Ball is this coming Saturday, March 29, 2008 and starts at 6:00 PM at South Port formerly known as the STIP. It will feature great local food, dancing to the fabulous "Sumthin' Special" Band, a silent auction and a cash bar. Tickets are $40.00 per person and can be purchased at Sullivan’s Office Supply, Rayfield’s Pharmacy and the Cape Charles Coffee House. You can also send an e-mail to CCCentralPark@aol.com for further information. The theme this year is "Denim & Rhinestones" and monies from this super event support the Cape Charles Central Park. Tickets WILL NOT be sold at the door so make your plans early and join the rest of the community at the event of the year!

Also mark your calendars for Friday, April 04, 2008 for the First Blessing of the Fleet at the Cape Charles Harbor. This event will start at 5:00 PM and will feature fresh seafood, hot dogs, hamburgers, clam chowder, turkey legs, fine wine and cold soda and beer. Arrive early and witness this historic moment at the Harbor with Special Master of Ceremonies Chris Bannon and Smitty Dize. Children & Families are MOST welcome. In addition to all of that; the children’s choir from the Cape Charles Baptist Church will sing the National Anthem and Eternal Father and crabs donated by the Watermen will be steamed and sold with monies raised going to the local Watermen Associations. A special treat will be the "unveiling" of the Cape Charles Volunteer Fire Department’s distinctive "fire house" clam chowder that will be presented at this event. The Town would like to thank JH West Seafood, Holly Grove Vineyards and the Northampton County H.S. Culinary Arts Students in advance for their participation and help with this grand event. Music will be provided by the astounding & fun loving Salt Grass, an Eastern Shore bluegrass and gospel band.

The Candidates Forum for the potential new Town Council members was held this past week and all the potential candidates participated. The candidates for Town Council are (in alphabetical order): Steve Bennett, Bruce Evans, Sophie Harvey, Joan Natali, Larry Veber and Scott Walker. There are three openings for the Town Council and we have six truly outstanding candidates for these three openings. Citizens are asked to perform in the most important part of the entire process: VOTE!

The Town’s deepest sympathy to Jay Bell and his Family for the loss of his Beloved Mother Debra Burns Bell last week.

Thank you again for the privilege and opportunity to serve this great Town and all the citizens here.

And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.
Abraham Lincoln

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.