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 is a news source which reports upon 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 visit 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.
THE FIRST GAZETTE OF 2009
"I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by."
Sea Fever, John Masefield
CODE ENFORCEMENT
Doug Smith, Code Enforcement Officer, has announced his plans to resign from his current position to take another position in the Hampton Roads area. The Town appreciates Doug’s great efforts to maintain fire safety, historical perspectives and code enforcement over the last five (5) plus years. Fair winds & following seas Doug.
TOWN HARBOR - VA CLEAN MARINA 2008
Smitty Dize, Harbor Master, reported that the Harbor Crew continues with their preventative maintenance schedule on the electrical pedestals surrounding the Harbor.
In an effort to save Town monies; the Harbor Crew overhauled the golf cart they have been using over the past several months. This overhaul included cleaning all the wire terminals, battery & tire repair and engine tune up. The Harbor was scheduled to receive a UTV, similar to the Cape Charles Police Department, but has put that on "hold" due to the loss of the Watermen business over the last few months.
Commander Smitty sends:
"I would like to say it was truly an honor to be one of the recipients of the Public Servant of Year Award 2008 from the Northampton County Chamber of Commerce; this was a very humbling experience that I will cherish the rest of my life. I would also like to say that, as in most cases where awards are given to one person, there are a number of people that make a lot of the things we do happen. So thanks to Joe, Heather, Mayor Sullivan, the Town Council, Dave Fauber, the Public Works Department, Chief Dave Eder and the Police Department, Paul Skolnick and the Treasurer’s Department, The Northampton County Chamber of Commerce, the Eastern Shore Tourism Commission, the Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard Station Cape Charles, and especially my staff, Kent Pruitt and Kate Stevens for all that you do for me and the Harbor. We will continue to make Cape Charles a very special place to live and visit."
PLANNING
Tom Bonadeo, Town Planner, reported that he was busy last week getting ready for the Planning Commission Meeting & Town Council Meeting.
He also participated in a Scoping Meeting with VDOT & the Harbor Development Group. This was a meeting that outlined the scale of work for the Harbor Development Group’s traffic study. Thank you VDOT for the assistance!
Tom also acted as the technical liaison for last week’s Cape Charles Employee Education Program (CCEEP) and represented the Town of Cape Charles at last week’s VA State Budget Meeting in Cheriton, VA. Tom noted that the State of VA is expecting a three (3) billion dollar budget shortfall and "cuts" are expected to take place in all areas; including education.
Tom remains busy preparing for this week’s Cape Harbor Meeting that will take place on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 starting at 5:30 PM in the Town Hall.
LIBRARY & TOWN CLERK
Ann Rutledge, Library Manager, reported that last week’s Toddler & Preschool Storytime had six (6) children & their caregivers attend the event. The theme of the event was "Shake Your Sillies Out". This class will be offered to the Town Hall staff next week.
The Friends of the Library have purchased shades for the Library windows to block out the light when the Library shows movies. The shades were installed by the Town’s Public Works Department last week. Ann expressed relief that the Library staff no longer had to "hang" brown paper over the Library windows. Ann wanted to express a big "thank you" to the Friends of the Library and to the Public Works Department for putting them up so promptly.
Ann noted that this month’s book display theme at the Library is "Even Einstein Asked Questions". This display features non-fiction books on science and the Library hopes this will provoke our children & youth into exploring a possible career in science. The Library also has some books on spirituality that, according to Ann, are very interesting & thoughtful. Please stop by and visit the "best free" hour you can spend anywhere; the Library.
Libby Hume, Town Clerk, reported that the following meetings have been scheduled:
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - Cape Harbor Conditions; starts at 5:30 PM at the Town Hall
Thursday, January 15, 2009 - Broadband Management Team Meeting; starts at 3:00 PM at the Town Hall
Thursday, January 15, 2009 - Historic Review Board Meeting; starts at 4:30 PM at the Town Hall
Thursday, January22, 2009 - Executive Session regarding Webtide Unsolicited Proposal; starts at 5:00 PM at the Town Hall (Representatives of Northampton County & Cheriton invited)
Thursday, January 22, 2009 - Special Meeting regarding Wastewater system for Town of Cape Charles; starts at 6:00 PM at the Town Hall
Monday, January 26, 2009 - Planning Commission Meeting - Work Session; starts at 6:00 PM at the Town Hall
RECREATION & PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Tad Taborn, Children & Youth Advisor, reported that he continues to work on upcoming events for the children & youth of the Town. This includes the possible construction of a state of the art Skateboard Park in the Town. The Town is now collecting facts & cost estimates to present to the Town Council for approval. Citizen Jim Mahaffy has volunteered to take the "lead" on this "possible" community project. All skateboarders are highly encouraged to contact the Town with suggestions. The Town is exploring the possibility of constructing a "grind box", "fun box", "half pipe", "launch ramp" and a "connecting pad". You can contact Tad at 757-331-3259 x18 for additional details.
Dave Fauber, Director of Public Works, reported that his work crews have installed a new six (6) inch pump at the Mason Avenue Pump Station and "rebuilt" the four (4) inch pump at that location. All of these efforts are to comply with DEQ Regulations and maintain an effective Water/Waste Water system within the Town.
The Water Treatment Plant received an award at the last Council Meeting (Thursday, January 8, 2009) for their efforts with Fluoride Treatment & our water product to the Town. This is an essential element for public health and the second year in a row for our plant to receive this award. A special thanks to Tucker Dixon from the VA Department of Health and Thomas Stratton, Ron Bailey & Bob Zabita from the Water Plant. Great job!
The PWD is assisting the Cape Charles Police Department (CCPD) with their move into the Town Hall this week. This "move" will increase "work flow" and save taxpayer monies. The public is cordially invited to stop in and see your new police headquarters.
Kathleen Stevens, PWD, continues to paint the Town Hall and we are all hoping that we’ll have a new & renovated Town of Cape Charles Town Hall by February 2009.
REMINDER
The cold weather is here; please ensure your home is ready for the "freeze".
Check all outside faucets & connections please.
POLICE
Chief David Eder reported that the CCPD had one (1) trespassing arrest over this past week within the Town and continues their Traffic Enhancement Program.
Several citizens have made inquiries regarding last week’s high speed chase on Route 13; the CCPD did not participate in that high speed chase nor the subsequent arrest that resulted from that event.
ASSISTANT TOWN MANAGER & TOWN MANAGER
Dave Fauber announced that the Lower Northampton Baptist Church is conducting a Coat Drive. Dave said that former Cape Charles Town Councilman Melvin Dudley recently informed him of these efforts. Dave told Melvin that anyone in the Town of Cape Charles who wanted to donate their old & used coats could drop them off at the Town Hall and the Town would take the coats to the Lower Northampton Baptist Church. Dave further stated that he spoke to Ms. Sally Taylor, one of the organizers of this Coat Drive, and she stated that they would be grateful for any help the Town of Cape Charles could provide her.
Help a neighbor; if you have any old or used coats please pass them on to someone who can use them now. Citizens can drop coats off at the Utility/PWD office on the first floor of the Town Hall during normal business hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Congratulations to the following Northampton County Chamber of Commerce 2008 award winners:
2008 New Business of the Year - Two Sisters, Impact Fitness
2008 Beyond the Shores Award - New Ravenna, Bayshore Concrete Products, Inc.
2008 Public Servant - Smitty Dize, David Scanlan
2008 Business Person of the Year - Roger Mariner
2008 Citizen of the Year - Tommy O'Connor
2008 Chamber Volunteer of the Year - Nan Bennett
2008 Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award - Geri Carpenter
Chamber President's Award - Deborah Christie
Friend of the Chamber — Mayor Dora Sullivan, Eastern Shore News
Chamber's Unsung Hero Award - Ronnie Bailey, Joan Natali
Distinguished Community Service Award - Shelia Cardano
Courage in Business Award - Pat Georgiana (El Maguey Restaurant)
Chamber Spotlight Award - Jonathan Bess
Thank you again for the privilege & the opportunity to serve this great Town and all of the people in it.
THE WORDS & WISDOM OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING Jr.
Monday , January 19, 2009
"The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people."
"We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear."
"The moral arc of the universe bends at the elbow of justice."
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."
"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically."
"Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education."
"I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word."
Martin Luther King, Jr.
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
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