Mayor
Town Council
Town Manager
Asst. Town Manager
Treasurer
Town Clerk
Code Enforcement
Town Planner
Public Works/Utilities
Harbor
Library
Police

Newsletter Feedback

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 one (1) Fire Inspection this past week. Code has three (3) more Fire Inspections left to perform and continues to meet some resistance from a few business owners in the Town. These business owners have now been given one (1) week to comply with the law. Doug regrets the "final option" to issue a summons to these business owners but ample time has passed for them to comply with the VA State Law.

Doug completed the Incident Command Systems 300 class over the weekend as part of the Town’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Training cycle. The Town’s goal is to have all Department Heads certified in Incident planning as it relates to their specific departments.

Doug & Jeb Brady, Assistant Code Enforcement Officer, passed the FEMA Incident Support 800 (Introduction to National Response Framework); this is also part of the Town’s Emergency Operations Training cycle. Both Doug & Jeb have the "lead" on the Town’s EOP.

Code Enforcement has begun "enforcement operations" on a structure located on the 100 Block of Peach Street. Doug & Jeb would prefer to work with citizens prior to "enforcement operations". If you are having problems or anticipate problems with your property please come into the Town Hall and see Doug & Jeb to discuss the issues, plans and possible solutions.

HARBOR

From our friends at WESR:

The Cape Charles Town Marina received the honor of being designated as a Virginia Clean Marina at a ceremony held at the newly renovated Cape Charles facility Saturday. The Virginia Clean Marina Program promotes the voluntary adoption of measures that prevent or reduce pollution from traditional and non-traditional marinas, boatyards and recreational boats. Marina operators that adopt these measures are designated as "Virginia Clean Marinas." Currently there are 60 marinas within the state, which have received such status. Two on the Eastern Shore have been so designated, Bay Creek and the Cape Charles Town Marina. To achieve Clean Marina Status, the marina must meet over two-dozen mandatory requirements as well as 80% of an additional 50 voluntary requirements. The list of required services ranges from fueling services to maintaining the docks and other infrastructures. Training of employees in a multitude of areas plays an important role in achieving "Clean Marina" status.

Cape Charles Vice Mayor Chris Bannon praised Cape Charles Harbormaster Smitty Dize for the work he and his assistants had put in to make the needed improvements to the marina and areas surrounding the harbor. "Gone are the port-a-johns, trailer, and narrow walkways around the harbor." The new harbor sports two double launch ramps, wide walkways encircling the entire marina, lighted fueling stations and fire hydrants at strategic locations should they be needed.

PLANNING

Tom Bonadeo, Town Planner, reported that he completed the Planning Commission package and distributed same to the Planning Commissioners.

He conducted site visits for the dredge spoils at the old "sand pit" on the Bay Coast Rail Road property. This is in regards to dredging of the Bay Creek Marina.

Tom also worked with the rail road on easements along the Bayshore Roadway. These easements were created around the same time period the STIP was created but some of the easements were never filed to create a legal document. These easements affect all the parties who own land along the roadway including the Town of Cape Charles.

Tom met with the current owners of the Rosenwald School and some other interested individuals regarding the possible future developments in this area of the Town. 

LIBRARY & TOWN CLERK

Ann Rutledge, Library Manager, reported that the Toddler Preschool Storytime was held last week and a total of five (5) children & their caregivers attended the event. Last week’s theme was "Bears".

The Library also presented a "Writing from Photographs" workshop last week that was sponsored by Old Dominion University’s Writer’s in the Community Program. Three (3) people attended this workshop at the Library.

Ann reported a very busy Friday last week at the Library and noted that the public schools were closed and dozens of children & youth came into the Library to use the six (6) computers at the Library.

Libby Hume, Town Clerk, reported that the Regular Town Council Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, 2008 at the St. Charles Parish Hall starting at 7:00 PM. Old Business will include Regional Water & Wastewater Systems, Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Cheriton (Regarding Wastewater), Accessory Dwelling Zoning Text Amendment, Cape Harbor Project & Keck Condition Rezoning Application. New Business will include Water Supply Planning & MOA with the Town of Cape Charles & Citizens for Central Park.

Prior to this Regular Session the Town Council will address the Keck Property at a Public Hearing at 5:30 PM and Accessory Dwellings at a Work Session at 6:00 PM.  The public is highly encouraged to attend these "open" meetings.

The Town’s tax bills were set out last week and the Town answered a FOIA Request from the ACLU last week.

Libby & Linda Carola, Assistant Town Clerk, continue to update the Town Council’s Code Books and update various Commission & Board information.

RECREATION & PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Tad Tabor, Recreation Coordinator, reported that he is in the process of "lining" the Park volley ball court and soccer field. Tad will complete this assignment once the weather conditions improve.

The volley ball posts have been painted and the Town is awaiting the construction of soccer posts. Citizen Jim Mahaffy has been kind enough to donate his time, energy and expertise with this soccer goal project and the Town thanks him for his efforts.

Preparations for the Fab Fall Dance scheduled for Saturday, November 22, 2008 for ages 13 to 18 are still underway. The dance will take place at the Cape Charles Volunteer Fire Company from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The Town continues to accept $5.00 donations or baked goods for this event. Mayor Dora Sullivan has collected $130.00 to date for this event and we have seven (7) Adult volunteers who have graciously volunteered their time to help our children & youth. Any citizen interested in helping the Town with this event can contact Ted at 757-331-3259 x18 or Town Manager Joe Vaccaro at 757-331-3259 x20.

Dave Fauber, Director of Public Works, reported that his department is continuing work on the Town Hall section where the Cape Charles Police Department is scheduled to move into shortly. Dave further reported that Pete Leontieff, Assistant to the Director of Public Works, and his crew have been repairing snow fence at the Beach and cleaning the sewer laterals throughout the Town.

Dave reminds everyone again:

ENFORCEMENT OF TOWN CODE

In order to help us be more efficient at our tasks, starting in November there will be some changes in the way our Public Works crew will be handling the pickup of yard debris.
Yard debris will be picked up on Monday.  If necessary we will continue to pick up on Tuesday, but the Town WILL NOT "back track".

Yard debris MUST be stacked in the front yard between the sidewalk and the curb.
Limbs and branches MUST be cut in maximum 4' lengths and stacked in piles no taller than 4' or wider than 4' (Town Code Sec. 58-32 (b).
No limbs larger than 2" diameter will be picked up.
Loose debris, vines and leaves must be bagged.
Construction debris will not be picked up by our Town crews.

Call Utility Administrative Assistant Tammy Teague at 331-3259 x14 if you have a large or bulky item to be picked up.
A $25 fee is charged for EACH large or bulky item.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Chief David Eder reported that the Cape Charles Police Department (CCPD) had thirty-seven (37) calls for service inside the Town last month and five (5) calls for service outside the Town limits to assist VA State Police & the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.

The CCPD made six (6) misdemeanor arrests, one (1) DUI arrest and one Drunk in Public arrest where the individual was discovered lying on the side of the road on Route 642 (Old Cape Charles Road). After being transported for medical attention it was discovered that this individual’s alcohol intake was .27 (.08 is considered to be intoxicated in VA).

The CCPD assisted the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office this past Saturday, November 8, 2008 with a large fight that occurred off of Route 13. It was estimated that over twenty-five (25) individuals were involved in this altercation. This 10-13 (Officer Needs Assistance) call arrived at the CCPD at approximately 10:30 PM. Investigative efforts continue.

The CCPD is currently involved with a Destruction of Property investigation that has occurred at an establishment on Route 184. Chief Eder noted that the general area is starting to experience a "rise" in cases involving destruction of property and Breaking & Entering (B & E) cases. This "rise" may be directly related to the economy and the public is urged to secure their possessions and use a common sense approach such as locking their homes when they depart, keep I-Pods, GPS devices, cameras etc. out of view in their vehicles and not leaving yard equipment unattended.

Chief Eder said that despite the increased traffic enforcement on Route 184, in Town & Route 642 (Old Cape Charles Road) the speeds continue to increase. A driver was stopped in Town last week for driving at close to "twice" the speed limit of 25 mph. We respectfully ask that citizens observe the posted speed limit of 25 mph in Town in order to avoid a traffic ticket & ensure our streets remain safe.

ASSISTANT TOWN MANAGER & TOWN MANAGER

The Town Council Mini Retreat is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, 2008 and it will be held at the Town Hall Conference Room (Second Floor). The public is welcome to attend. One of the guest speakers for this day will be Dr. Maria Papadakis, Department of Integrated Science & Technology & Geographic Science, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA. Dr. Papadakis will discuss the possibility of turning Cape Charles "green" through the use of a "Community Wind Farm" read Wind Turbines.

Additional topics at this Mini Retreat include Conflict of Interest Issues, The Bridgewater Plan (Regarding the reporting of finance & budget issues), the Old Cape Charles High School and the concept of broadcasting Town Council Meetings.

The Town conducted a special training session on the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) last week and all Town employees and most elected officials attended the event as well as some Board & Commission members. The FOIA class was informative & extremely well presented by Ms. Maria J.K. Everett, Esquire, Executive Director, FOIA, Richmond, VA. Thank you Ms. Everett for a great class! 

 Thank you for the opportunity & privilege to serve this community & the people. 

"For if there is a sin against life, it consists perhaps not so much in despairing of life as in hoping for another life and in eluding the implacable grandeur of this life".
Albert Camus

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Cape Charles Library will sponsor an AARP Driver’s Safety Class on Wednesday & Thursday, November 19 & 20, 2008 from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM at the St. Charles Church Hall located at 550 Tazewell Avenue, Cape Charles The cost for the two (2) day class is $10.00. If you are fifty-five (55) years or older you qualify to receive an auto insurance discount from your insurance company that is good for three (3) years. To reserve space send a check for $10.00 payable to AARP and mail same to Brooks Wallace, P.O. Box 475, Belle Haven, VA 23306. Please call Brooks for additional information at 757-442-7211 or former NASCAR supporter Chris Bannon at 757-331-2207.

Citizen & Councilman Chris Bannon has announced that the Annual Epiphany Party is scheduled for Saturday, January 3, 2009. Chris said that he is still working on plans for where this popular event will be held next year and will provide that information as soon as it is confirmed. This event raises money for an individual(s) or organizations in need of funds. Chris requests that you bring your "least favorite" Christmas gift to the Epiphany Party which in turn will be raffled off to raise funds. For additional information or to volunteer for this great event please contact Chris at 757-331-2206. All of the funds raised at this event stay local and the Chili at this event is becoming "legend" on the Eastern Shore.

Congratulations to Jimmy Marvel, Jeff Renas & Impact Fitness for the successful "turn out" at the First Annual Health Awareness Day. There were over thirty (30) runners participating in their 5 K Race. Portions of this event supported the Special Olympics. Great job to all!

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.

If you wish to discontinue receiving this newsletter, please click on the link below.
Unsubscribe

Municipal Corporation of Cape Charles
2 Plum Street
Cape Charles, VA 23310
757-331-3259

Copyright © 2008. All rights reserved.