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.
References to external websites are for information purposes only. The Town makes no representation as to the accuracy of information on such sites, and reference to such sites is not intended as an endorsement by the Town of any materials or opinions expressed on such sites.
CODE ENFORCEMENT
Doug Smith, Code Enforcement Officer, reported that they performed six (6) fire "re-inspections" this past week and have three (3) initial inspections and twelve (12) re-inspections to perform.
Doug reiterated that there are still some business owners in Town who have not complied with Code’s direction to correct some deficiencies that violate the State of Virginia’s Fire Codes. Doug said that the Town will re-inspect these businesses at a later date and stressed the fact that Code will issue summonses if these businesses do not meet the minimum requirements under the State’s Fire Codes.
Code sent out twelve (12) notices for home owners to cut their lawns and maintain the basic standards set by the Town for the Historical District. Code has also started enforcement actions on a residence located on the 400 Block of Plum Street.
HARBOR
Smitty Dize, Harbor Master, reported that there were no significant incidents to report after last week’s Nor’Easter. Smitty reported that all vessels and properties at the Harbor were secured ahead of time and he thanks everyone for their attention in this matter.
Smitty said that the Harbor Staff finished painting and labeling the waste oil tank that is part of the Harbor’s "spill plan". He said that the Harbor is expecting an inspection party from Richmond, VA this week regarding the Cape Charles Harbor quest to be designated a Virginia Clean Marina.
Smitty thanked the PWD for their assistance in getting additional firehouse pedestals with life rings and fire extinguishers installed at the end of the Harbor’s boat ramps. This additional equipment was located in the Cape Charles High School during an inventory of the building.
Smitty said that he and Kent Pruitt, Assistant Harbor Master, have instituted a new inspection system for the Harbor that will create a "log" of daily inspections (i.e. fuel, safety equipment etc.) and monthly inspections (i.e. power and water sources etc.).
The Harbor is now open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with the fuel docks securing at 4:30 PM. This is a seven (7) day a week schedule. If anyone has any questions please contact Smitty or Kent at 757-331-2357.
PLANNING
Tom Bonadeo, Town Planner, reported that he has moved into his new office space in the Town Hall and is now located on the second floor, south end of the former Council Chambers.
The Town met the Department of Housing & Community Development for the Broadband Management Team meeting. The Town’s Management Team for this project includes Marshall Romeo Jr. (Cape Charles Coffee House), Connie Henderson (South Port), Joan Natali (Planning Commission) and Mike Aquino (Ex-Officio/ Bay Creek Communications). The other members are from the Accomac & Northampton Planning Commission.
Tom worked with three (3) local homeowners on building setbacks for new and additional construction within the Town of Cape Charles. He also met with the Manager for Bay Shore Concrete to continue their discussions on restoration of the waterfront and recycling the old concrete. Bay Shore Concrete is also working on the material for use in the intended offshore break water for the Town AKA Walker’s Reef.
Tom is working with the PWD and members of the Wetlands Board in developing and erecting a winter snow fence for the Town Beach. The Town is making every effort to grow and protect this great natural resource the Town has. Protection of this Beach, the dunes and the homes on Bay Avenue is a Town priority.
Tom and Paul Skolnick, Town Treasurer, removed the old Virginia Municipal League desk that has been located in the Town Hall for years and they are in the process of refurbishing it as a "historical piece" for the Town Hall. The Town thanks Tom and Paul for their efforts.
LIBRARY & TOWN CLERK
Ann Rutledge, Town Librarian, reported that she sent a book order to the Eastern Shore Public Library for fifty nine (59) titles and thirteen (13) of those books were in LARGE PRINT.
The Library hosted a storytime last week for our beloved children from the Cheriton Migrant Headstart Program. Ann said six (6) children attended the readings. She noted that we usually host more children but was happy that the program works regardless of how many children attend the event.
Ann noted that the Library’s new book display features Banned Book Week which began on Saturday, September 27, 2008 and will continue until Saturday, October 4, 2008. Banned Books Week is observed during the last week of September each year and it’s sponsored by the American Library Association. The purpose is to remind all Americans not to take precious freedoms for granted and celebrates the freedom to choose or express one’s opinion even if that opinion or view is unpopular or unorthodox. Please come by and check out these Banned Books like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Of Mice & Men, The Scarlett Letter and To Kill a Mocking Bird.
Libby Hume, Town Clerk, reported that she and Linda Carola, Assistant Town Clerk, were busy moving into their new offices last week and thanked Pete Leontieff, Assistant Director of the PWD, for the help. The Town Clerk and Assistant Town Clerk are located on the second floor of the Town Hall on the south side of the former Council Chamber (directly in front of the Town Planner's office).
Libby received a request for a printed copy of the Town Code and directed the requestor to an online site where they could purchase this lengthy document. Libby is also in the process of making arrangements for a member of the State of Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Council to instruct a FOIA class to the elected officials and Town staff in November 2008.
Libby noted that the Town held a work session presented by Special Consultant Bob Panek on the Regional Water & Waste Water Project. The Town also conducted a work session on the Cape Harbor Project on Thursday, September 25, 2008. She also noted that the Town will host a Cape Harbor Work Session with Landmark tentatively scheduled for Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 5:30 PM at the CCVFC. The Town will host an Accessory Dwellings Work Session that is in the process of being scheduled. The proposed dates are Thursday, October 16, 2008 & Thursday, October 23, 2008. Details are forthcoming.
Pertinent Web sites for upcoming projects in the Town of Cape Charles include capeharbor.net, southport.com and capecharles.org
FOR THE RECORD
Any and all references to external websites in The Gazette are for information only. The Town makes no representation as to the accuracy of information on such sites and reference to such sites is not intended as an endorsement by the Town of any materials or opinions expressed on such sites.
The Town welcomes all citizens to visit the Town Hall in order to obtain information on all construction projects, water issues, annexation issues, FOIA, Conflict of Interest Acts, CCCCY upcoming events and Harbor matters. The idea of The Gazette is to inform the public, provoke curiosity into future projects & events and provide general knowledge regarding taxpayer’s monies. We respectfully urge citizens to visit "your" Town Hall to obtain any and all information that interests you on these projects, issues or concerns. The Town Staff works for you!
RECREATION
Tad Taborn, Recreation Coordinator, reported that he has been working with esteemed citizen Jim Weiner on organizing a fishing derby for our children & youth of Cape Charles.
Tad also reported that the flag football outings at our Town Park over the past few weeks is drawing large crowds of young men who are enthusiastically participating in the games. Tad will be meeting with the Town Staff this week regarding the planning for additional upcoming events for our children & youth.
Chuck Little, Cape Charles Committee on Children & Youth (CCCCY), reported that several of our CCCCY young men & women participated in last week’s Tomato Festival and enjoyed themselves a great deal.
The Town continues to seek volunteers to work with the CCCCY and anyone interested in working with our children & youth can contact Tad at 757-331-3259 x18.
POLICE
Chief David Eder reported that he will be meeting with some members from a federal organization regarding a proposed training exercise/training session that will take place in the Town of Cape Charles in early 2009. This training will be made available to all local law enforcement organizations on the Eastern Shore and hosted by the Cape Charles Police Department.
Chief Eder said that the investigative efforts into the attempted abduction of a six 6) year old female from the Town continue and he is awaiting additional photographs of a person of interest.
Chief Eder and Town Manager, Joe Vaccaro, have announced their intention to conduct a Safe Kids Program in October 2008. This program will feature a Safe Kids Video presentation, finger printing of children & youth, bike registration and a police briefing to parents. The Town is looking for a date prior to Halloween to conduct this class on a Saturday morning.
ASSISTANT TOWN MANAGER & TOWN MANAGER
The Town plans on conducting a Public Meeting on the proposed Water & Waste Water Projects within the next few weeks. The DEQ has required that the Town of Cape Charles have an “up & running” new Waste Water Treatment Plant by January 1, 2011. This is not a "new" issue but one that has been hovering over the Town of Cape Charles for the last several years but not addressed until recently by Special Consultant Bob Panek. The Town encourages the public to ask questions regarding this project and obtain a basic working knowledge on what the Town is attempting to do in order to meet DEQ’s requirements.
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.
Thank you again for the privilege and opportunity to serve this great Town and all the citizens here.
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.
If you think nobody cares,
try missing a couple of payments.When everything is coming your way,
you're in the wrong lane.Eagles may soar,
but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.Inside every older person
is a younger person wondering,
"What the heck happened?"Light travels faster than sound.
That's why some people appear bright
until you hear them speak.The Wisdom of Larry the Cable Guy
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.