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 they performed eight (8) fire inspections last week and they have two (2) initial inspections left. Doug also stated that they have several re-inspections to perform on businesses and homes that had some "problems" that needed corrections.
He said that they have given all business owners who had violations one (1) month to comply with the Code before they inspected them again. Doug said that if the business owners do not comply he will provide them one (1) more week to make the corrections. He said that the majority of fire code violations are relatively inexpensive items to correct such as improper locking devices on doors, exit signs, fire extinguishers etc.
Doug noted that he would prefer compliance over written summonses but the Town still has some business owners who refuse to comply with a State Code (fire) Official. The idea of this program is to save lives and property. The Town cannot afford to have a fire anywhere; especially on Mason Avenue where the buildings are essentially connected to each other.
Code has resolved one (1) more annual inspection regarding a range hood and confirms the demolition of a structure on the 600 Block of Madison Avenue that was under Code Enforcement for three (3) years.
Doug & Jeb Brady, Assistant Code Enforcement Officer, began reviewing Building Plans for the Harbor restrooms and reviewed plans for the Carousel Building at Bayside Village. Code has started a "new case" on a structure on the 600 Block of Nectarine Street. Doug noted that the building is vacant and one of the eastern exterior walls is collapsing.
Code also met with the new owner of a structure on the 300 Block of Jefferson Avenue in an effort to repair, renovate and save the building. The owner stated his desire to elevate and refurbish the structure by the spring of 2008. The Town applauds these efforts and the cooperation to save these buildings.
Code Enforcement is working on the following cases in the Town: two (2) structures located on the 500 Block of Plum Street, one (1) structure on the 500 Block of Peach Street and one (1) structure on the 400 Block of Randolph Avenue. These four (4) Areas of Concern will be forwarded to the Town’s legal section regarding research, ownership and one last attempt to bring them into compliance.
HARBOR
Smitty Dize, Harbor Master, reported that the Harbor Staff ordered an oil spill kit for compliance with the Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasures Plan. This activity is "key" for obtaining the designator of a Virginia Clean Marina; no easy feat for a working Harbor like Cape Charles. Smitty & Crew are hoping to be awarded this achievement within the next few weeks. The Gazette will keep the public posted on this intended achievement.
The Town would like to thank Smitty, Assistant Harbor Master Kent Pruitt and Crew Member Kathleen Stevens for their herculean efforts on Friday, September 12, 2008 regarding the 4th Annual Town Employees Crab & Clam Bake. The food was plentiful and well presented. The Town thanks the honored guests, board & commission members, Mayor and Councilmen who took the effort to make their presence known at this wonderful event. Thanks again to Smitty, Kent, Kathleen and Ruth Ann Dize for the spectacular Smith Island Cakes!
PLANNING
Tom Bonadeo, Town Planner, reported that he participated in a Broadband Grant Meeting and that various VIP’s involved with this project were present at this meeting. Tom noted that a local project management team is about to be formed to make decisions throughout the project’s life. Additional information & details are forthcoming.
Tom represented Cape Charles at a tourism meeting regarding signage. He said that a T-21 Grant (Tourism Grant; not a Cape Charles Grant) was discussed but the main subject of the meeting was a future plan to work with VDOT on special signs for the Eastern Shore similar to Williamsburg signage. These signs are not the standard blue VDOT signs and are more colorful.
Tom also worked with the Northampton Commonwealth Attorney’s Office on information regarding a former construction company that operated in the Cape Charles area. Tom has also been busy preparing packages for the Planning Commission & Town Council.
The Town urges citizens who have questions regarding development to go to the following Web sites for factual information: www.capeharbor.net, www.southport.com & www.capecharles.org. Facts beat rumors all the time.
LIBRARY & TOWN CLERK
Ann Rutledge, Town Librarian, reported that the Toddler Preschool Storytime was held last Thursday and a total of five (5) children and their caregivers attended the presentations of "Babies, Babies and Babies".
Ann said that the Town Library received their new combination printer, fax and scanner machine this past week. Ann said the new machine will replace the very outdated fax machine that was located in the Library and actually save some desk space. Ann noted that this purchase was not budgeted for and the price of the paper copies from the use of this machine will remain at ten (10) cents apiece pending further evaluation.
The Friends of the Library will be hosting a BOOK SALE on Saturday, October 4, 2008. This is an opportunity to increase your "at home collection" with some interesting and helpful books. Please come out and support the Library, the Town and this marvelous group of fellow citizens!
Libby Hume, Town Clerk, reported that she has received eighteen (18) applications for the Maintenance position in the Public Works Department. The closing date for this position was Monday, September 15, 2008 at 4:00 PM. The Town did not take any applications after that date and time.
Linda Carola, Assistant Town Clerk, received a Letter of Commendation from Mayor Dora Sullivan regarding Linda’s superior performance during the absence of a Town Clerk. Linda’s performance was noted by all in the Town Hall and despite the absence of a key element in this local government the Town moved on and thrived with Linda’s expertise and "Can Do" attitude. Thanks again Linda!
POLICE
Chief David Eder reported that the Cape Charles Enhanced Traffic Program (AKA Maximized Speed Enforcement) was activated this past weekend after the Town received several complaints & comments on speeding on Route 184. The Town asks all citizens to please remain especially vigilant of their speeds Monday through Friday since school is in session and we have several school buses operating in the Town.
The Cape Charles Police Department (CCPD) responded to several citizen complaints regarding raccoons at the Heritage Acres and the Marina East. The Town reminds our citizens again that we have had an inordinate number of suspected rabid raccoons over this past summer and we ask that you contact the CCPD at 331-3096 or 331-1817 or the Sheriff’s Office at 678-0490 to report these animals. Please do not allow children or family pets near these animals.
The CCPD responded to a series of noise complaints on Jefferson Avenue & Peach Street over the weekend and the individuals responsible were spoken to and complied with the PD’s directions to disperse. The CCPD also were called out of the Town to assist in a fire call (commercial structure fire) south of the Town.
ASSISTANT TOWN MANAGER & TOWN MANAGER
The Town respectfully requests that the citizens of Cape Charles contact the elected official(s) of their choice to make known their comments, concerns, ideas, expectations and thoughts regarding the operation & direction that the Town of Cape Charles is vectored in. These elected officials are YOUR FORMAL VOICE in this local government and we urge citizens to contact Councilman/Vice Mayor Chris Bannon, Councilman Bruce Evans, Councilman John Burdiss, Councilman Larry Veber, Councilman Steve Bennett, Councilman Gerald Elliot and Mayor Dora Sullivan regarding your thoughts, both positive & negative, on the Town’s infrastructure, finances, ethics, Beach, Park, Harbor, Waste Water, Water, Police, Public Works, Library, Code Enforcement and leadership. YOUR VOICE DOES COUNT SO LET IT BE HEARD.
Heather Arcos, Assistant Town Manager, reported that the Cape Charles Community Trail Committee met on Friday, September 12, 2008 to discuss and finalize key elements for the construction of the trail in the Park. Heather said that the staff is working hard to get the trail website up to date so items and minutes can be found on their project page. The committee also picked out the trash cans, benches and bike racks to be placed in the park. The committee conducted a site survey and decided on the placement of the existing trees in the park. The committee’s next goal is to meet again for another VDOT review and set up a bid package that will award a contract for the trail construction to begin in January 2009.
It has come to the Town’s attention that someone "dumped" empty clam shells into the storm drain on Plum Street & Madison Avenue. This area has always been a critical concern for the Public Works Department and the Department of Environmental Quality. This is an area that is already prone to flooding so it does not need anymore help with plugging up the drain lines. Please report all illegal dumping in the storm basins to Public Works Director Dave Fauber at 331-3259 x17 or Chief David Eder at 331-3096 or 331-1817. All information received will be kept confidential.
Future Gazette issues will direct the citizens of Cape Charles to our Town’s Web site where we intend on posting upcoming Town Council Agendas. This was an idea put forward by one of our Councilmen to increase the public’s awareness of pertinent Town issues.
The contractual negotiations with Bay Creek and the Town continue regarding the Annexation and water issues. The Town has received several inquiries regarding the process but the Town can not any make comments regarding "on going" negotiations. The Town suggests that the public go to the Cape Charles Web site at Annexation Agreement documents from 1991 for more background information.
The Town Manager, Joe Vaccaro, would also like to thank Chief Jack Williamson and U.S. Coast Guard Station Cape Charles for helping the Town achieve all of last year’s accomplishments. Jack’s name and the Coast Guard were inadvertently deleted from the final copy. Thanks again Chief & Semper Paratus!
Thank you again for the privilege and opportunity to serve this great Town and all the citizens here.
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
The 1st Annual Tomato Festival will take place in Cape Charles from Friday, September 26 to Saturday, September 27, 2008.
Please contact Joan Natali at jnatali@att.net for additional information.
We are now in the Hurricane Season and adverse weather is likely to occur on the Eastern Shore and everyone needs to be "individually ready".
The Town of Cape Charles has recently installed a Flood/Severe Weather Warning Siren in the Historic District of Town. It is located on Mason Avenue across the street from the service station. In the event that the siren goes off, please tune to one of the following broadcast stations for severe flood or weather information and directions.
| RADIO STATIONS | TV STATIONS |
WGH 1310 AM & 97.3 FM |
WTKR CHANNEL 3 |
In the event of an electrical outage, please pay attention for information and directions from the Police & Fire Department who will broadcast information & directions in a mobile manner from their emergency vehicles.
"You can easily judge the character of a man by the way he treats those who can do nothing for him."
General Wayne Downing
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.