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, Code Enforcement Officer, reported that Jeb Brady, Assistant Code Officer, completed Fire Marshal Class 1031 last week and Jeb is awaiting the administrative paper work to "officially" declare him a Fire Marshal.
Doug said that he was in Northampton County Court (NHCC) last week regarding a residence on Madison Avenue. The NHCC fined the owner of said residence $900.00 for failure to perform the work that was ordered by Doug in accordance with Code Regulations. Another case with a residence on Monroe Avenue was continued by the NHCC since a contractor is making the efforts to repair the residence.
Doug stated that he "posted" two notices at construction sites in the Town where contractors have left discarded debris in violation of the Town Code. Failure to act on these locations will result in further enforcement activities and fines.
Doug reported that he has received bids regarding the emergency demolition of a residence on Jefferson Avenue which is literally falling apart from within. An inspection of the residence revealed that the West wall is moving "inward" and poses a threat to the neighborhood. This building is expected to be demolished this week.
Code Enforcement conducts daily inspections of the Town but if a citizen observes what they feel is an unsafe building condition we ask that you contact Doug or Jeb ASAP at 331-3259 X 16 or 22.
Doug stated that the local gym in Town was granted a 30 day Temporary Certificate of Occupancy pending additional repairs.
HARBOR
Smitty Dize, Harbor Master, reported that Phase III of the widening of the docks project (north side) has been completed.
Smitty further reported that Phase IV of the widening of the docks project (east side) is 95% completed.
Smitty said that they have ordered the materials for Phase V of the widening of the docks project (U.S. Coast Guard side) and that this area will be blocked off to all traffic once this work begins next week. We thank the public in advance for their patience and cooperation with this matter.
Smitty said that they continue to install the rubber pile fenders around the Harbor bulkhead and they’re 35% complete with their work efforts.
In addition to the Town of Cape Charles Harbor hats, jackets and sweat shirts; Smitty now has T-shirts for residents, boaters, Watermen and the tourists who visit or work at the Harbor. The T-shirts are being sold for $14.00 with the proceeds going to the Town. They make great gifts and they’re just in time for the Blessing of the Fleet that will take place this coming Friday, April 4, 2008 starting at 5:00 PM.
PLANNING
Tom Bonadeo, Town Planner, reported that he completed the volumes of work needed to submit our Broadband Grant Process.
Tom worked with the ANPDC on the "language" for an architectural contract to make a preliminary design for the Old Cape Charles High School. The Town is determined to preserve this building while at the same time turning into something "useful" for the Town. The Town is interested in preserving history and incorporating that "history" into something that can be utilized by citizens and not creating a "shrine" that will cost taxpayers money.
Tom is working on reviewing the Park Plan that will take into consideration parking issues and the other concerns of the residents who reside around the Park.
Tom continues his work with South Port on zoning compliance for their new construction and noted South Port is working diligently to meet all of the Town’s zoning requirements.
Tom is working with Heather Arcos, Assistant Town Manager, regarding the Town Beach. Tom & Heather have arranged for an engineer to make a site survey of the beach and address the issues of the dunes, beach grass and compare it to the original beach design. This will be a pro bono (read "free") visit to determine if the Town is on the correct path in preserving and "growing" the beach. The beach is an area that must remain under constant care and observation to ensure that we "in fact" have a beach in the coming years for citizens to enjoy. We gently remind all citizens to keep off of the sand dunes and pick up all your litter from the beach; especially dog waste.
Tom said the Wetlands/Coastal Dune Board has scheduled a meeting for Wednesday, April 23, 2008 in order to review the permit applications for the South Port Travel Lifts. The time for this meeting will be announced forthwith. VMRC will not hold a hearing on this project since the Harbor is not in their jurisdiction.
Tom said VMRC is in the process of scheduling a hearing regarding the Town Breakwaters and that date and time will be announced as soon as the Town can confirm same.
LIBRARY & TOWN CLERK
Ann Rutledge, Town Liberian, reported that the new library cards are now available. Ann said the new cards are bright blue and that they were designed by a local artist and features a seagull whose wingspan forms a cursive "V" for VA. Ann further stated that the new card also comes with a key ring card for library use.
Ann reported a busier than usual week at the Library due to the Spring Break and was happy to report that all six computers were used very extensively during this time period. Ann also said that she received several donations of used books from citizens. We encourage citizens to use this great facility.
Ann said the Toddler Preschool Storytime had 11 persons attend the event and the subject was "Monkeys and other funny Animals". She noted that several older siblings attended this event due to Spring Break and a good time was had by all; as always at the Library!
Ann stated that she was notified last week that the Friends of the Library have been selected to receive proceeds from the Cape Charles Holiday Sampler and there will be a reception at the Eastville Inn on Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 2:00 PM.
Joy Pelletier, Town Clerk, reported that she has been working on a detailed Freedom Of Information Act request from a lawn service that was not selected by the Town for a contract. This information was passed to Town Attorney Paul Watson for action.
Joy attended a quarterly Regional Virginia Municipal Clerks Association meeting this past week and the topic of discussion was involving citizens with Town Projects. The Town of Cape Charles actively seeks citizen input on all Town projects.
Joy was also asked to be the Regional Director for the above listed professional organization and the Town is working on that "honor" at this time to see if it would be feasible. Congratulations Joy!
RECREATION & PUBLIC WORKS
Jimmy Marvel, Roberta Newman and Chuck Little are to be congratulated for the wonderful turnout for the First Children & Youth Dance held at the Cape Charles Fire House this past Friday evening. There were over 80 young people at this dance and the pizza from Veneto’s and decorations by the Cape Charles Committee on Children & Youth were outstanding! The dance contest was better than anything on MTV and the evening was an absolute success. Many thanks to Mayor Dora Sullivan, Assistant Town Manager Heather Arcos, Jim Weiner, Kim Dunton, Diane Davis, Janet & Ralph Orzo and the many other adult volunteers at the event (Sorry but we don’t have all the other names at the time of this current issue of The Gazette). This is just the beginning of the Town’s emphasis on Children, Youth and the Elderly. Many thanks again to the Cape Charles Volunteer Fire Department for the use of the building!
Jimmy reported that the next scheduled event is a Street Ball Tournament tentatively scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2008 at the basket ball court at the Town Park. Detailed information is forthcoming.
Jimmy reported that 147 persons used the Park this week.
Dave Fauber, Director of Public Works, reported that the Town signed a contract for Thornton Services to install HVAC in the Town Hall this past week. The Town Hall has been without heat over the past few months. Long johns, heavy sweaters and coats are in fashion at the Town Hall!
Dave further reported that he is now working on budgeting matters with the Town Treasurer and some of the items the PWD is requesting for next year are "repeat" requests.
Dave said the PWD has also been working on sand removal at the beach and brush clean up around the Town. The Town would like to thank Scott Walker for his sand cleaning efforts at the Beach over the last week.
Dave said Appleseed Nurseries was the low bidder for planting Crape Myrtles in the Town and the Town has made it a priority to re-engage the "tree issues" that were minimized over the last several months. Dave said he is now in the process of obtaining quotes for cleaning up the Mason Avenue "garden areas" that are located in the front of some of the businesses on Mason Avenue. Dave is also conversing with VDOT regarding the Town planting trees along Route 184 adjacent to Heritage Acres.
Dave said the town is continuing to install water meters in areas that previously had "unrecorded users". NOTE: This situation is similar to the Harbor where the Town was charging a "Flat Fee" for power usage and in turn losing thousands of dollars every quarter. Once the Town installed meters, the savings to the Town was significantly increased to say the least.
Dave said the PWD began an inventory of sewer laterals on Mason Avenue for camera inspections. Billy Powell is now in the process of obtaining quotes from outside contractors to perform the camera inspections. This procedure ties in with the Town’s attempts to conform to DEQ Regulations and practice good stewardship of our natural resources.
POLICE
Chief David Eder reported that the Cape Charles Police Department (CCPD) has been encountering some issues involving persons drinking excessively in Town. One incident involved a bar patron "leaving rubber" on Mason Avenue after a night of drinking. We gently remind citizens that the CCPD are authorized to make DUI arrests and no one has "diplomatic immunity" in the Town. Please don’t allow your friends and loved ones to drink and drive.
Chief Eder reported that the CCPD issued a Summons for Disturbing of the Peace this past week and the CCPD continues their efforts with the Enhanced Traffic Safety Program.
ASSISTANT TOWN MANAGER & TOWN MANAGER
A suggestion was made to the Town that we consider holding a Town Council Candidates’ Debate prior to the May 6, 2008 election. The two dates that the Town is considering is Thursday, May 1 or Friday, May 2, 2008. An email is being sent to the six candidates today soliciting their preferences. There are three openings for the Town Council and citizens need to understand that the three candidates that we elect for these Council positions will carry the Town into a crucial period of growth and commerce. These May 2008 dates will allow the candidates ample time to prepare for the debate and allow citizens’ time to formulate thoughtful questions for the candidates. Bob Panek has been selected to be the moderator for this event.
The Town would like to remind all the citizens that the Blessing of the Fleet will take place this coming Friday, April 4, 2008 at the Town Harbor. It starts at 5:00 PM and ends at 9:00 PM. There will be food, drink and live entertainment at this event and Children & Families are MOST welcome. A very special thank you to Deborah Christie, Chris Bannon, Joan Natali, Carol Evans, Greg & Laura Lohse, David Kabler, Smitty Dize, Dave Burden, Mary Ann McDevitt, Chief Jack Williamson, PO Dave Dickinson and Donna Bozza for bringing this event to life for the Town of Cape Charles.
Businesses are reminded to check their mail for the BPOL Taxes owed to the Town. If you have any questions or concerns please see us before the issue becomes a legal one. The Town prefers to work with you "up front" with your concerns.
The Town Council will conduct their annual Council Retreat on April 16, 17 and 18, 2008. This is a very demanding three days where your Town Council addresses several Town issues and charts a direction the Town will take for the next year. If you would like to submit a suggested topic for consideration please contact Town Manager Joe Vaccaro at 757-331-3259 x20. Topics this year range from Alternate Energy Sources, Ethics Disclosure Sheets, Children & Youth, Alleyways, Graffiti Ordinance, Recycling, Beach Erosion Issues, Memos Of Agreement etc.
Thank you again for the privilege and opportunity to serve this great Town and all the citizens here.
The miracle is not to fly in the air, or to walk on the water, but to walk on the earth.
Chinese Proverb
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.