TOWN COUNCIL
Fireworks, Old School, Hurricane Damage and More

Cape Charles Volunteer Fireman Steve Wilson thanked Town for $18,600 contribution to the Fire Company. (Wave photo)

By DORIE SOUTHERN
Cape Charles Wave

November 9, 2012

Cape Charles Town Council had fireworks on the agenda last night, but there were some unscheduled fireworks as well.

For next year’s July 4 fireworks, Code Official Jeb Brady requested two bids, but only one firm was interested — Bay Fireworks from Farmingdale, NY, who put on the show last year. This year’s price is $16,500 — a 10 percent increase over last year’s $15,000.

Prior to last year the Cape Charles Volunteer Fire Company shot off the fireworks, but a recent State law requires a “certified pyro technician.”

Council approved the $16,500 cost, drawing on $10,000 from the Town budget, $5,000 from the Harbor budget, and appealing to the Cape Charles Business Association and Northampton County to make up the rest.

More fireworks were provided by former councilman Bruce Evans, who used public comment time to scold councilman Frank Wendell “for not going along with the rest of Town Council and asking too many questions.” Addressing Wendell, he said,  “You must support issues whether you want to or not.” When Wendell demurred, Evans told him, “Shut-up.”

Mayor Dora Sullivan told Wendell, “I have to take it. You have to take it.”

In earlier public comments,  Deborah Bender warmed up the meeting by chastising Town Council for ignoring residents’ efforts to save the town’s old school and park property from a developer. Bender is the spokesperson for Old School Cape Charles, which advocates using the school for a  community center.

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Bender questioned the choice of councilman-elect Steve Bennett to chair a committee to make a community needs assessment. “If Mr. Bennett does not see the value of our old school in the park, then he is not a proper candidate to chair a committee about town property,” she said.

Bennett has stated that Central Park is “the worst place for a community center” and has expressed a fondness for the former Rosenwald School near the new sewer treatment plant. The building is for sale for $600,000.

Old School Cape Charles President Wayne Creed in a written comment drew attention to a historic 1919 school in Wakefield, Virginia, restored for community use. Wakefield’s population is similar to that of Cape Charles.

Councilman Wendell also had questions about the old school. The developer, Echelon Resources, is arguing that a fire sprinkler system should not be required to convert the school to a 17-unit apartment building. Code Official Brady assured Wendell that he would not back down from requiring that a sprinkler system be installed.

Wendell also asked about the code approval of a 94-person occupancy for the apartment building. Brady explained that 94 was how many persons the building could carry. The theoretical maximum number of persons who could actually reside in the building is 51, he said.

Town Manager Heather Arcos also addressed the old school issue, announcing that a hearing on two lawsuits brought by Old School Cape Charles against the town will be held December 17 at 11 a.m. at the Circuit Court in Eastville. The lawsuits concern the sale of the school in Central Park and an appeal of the rezoning to make the property no longer part of the park.

OTHER BUSINESS

Arcos announced that the Shanty Restaurant will close for the winter on November 26 and will re-open in mid-March. She described the Shanty’s first season as “very successful.”

Public Works Director Dave Fauber is exploring recycling options with Davis Disposal.

Town Treasurer Kimberly Coats reported that personal property tax and real estate tax bills had been mailed. Councilman Chris Bannon suggested that Council consider sending tax bills twice a year rather than just one big bill.

The town has awarded a $35,000 contract to Q S Construction for bathrooms in Central Park. The town will provide $15,000, and a grant from the Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation will supply the rest. The bathrooms should be open by spring.

Town Planner Tom Bonadeo reported that the worst damage from Hurricane Sandy was at Sea Breeze Apartments. One of the three buildings has been condemned, and residents have been relocated to apartments in Eastville. Bonadeo said that hopefully the building can be repaired, but could not predict when that might happen.

Bay Creek suffered damage to both golf courses, and the town pier and beach were also affected. The pier is closed for structural review.

Town Council approved a donation of $18,600 for the Cape Charles Volunteer Fire Company, receiving thanks from fireman Steve Wilson. The funds will be used to pay for a vehicle and for insurance.

Council approved formation of a committee to recommend a future use of the Town’s library building soon to be vacated, and appointed Steve Bennett chairman.

Eastern Shore Rural Health System, Inc., representative Nancy Stern gave a presentation about the services they provide. Their nearest clinic is Bayview Community Health Center in Cheriton, which is scheduled for improvements soon. The nearest dental office is in Franktown.

Stern said that the health centers serve both insured and uninsured persons, who pay according to their ability. “Everyone who visits our health centers gets quality care from concerned professionals,” she emphasized. Cape Charles resident John Shultz is a member of their board.

The town received a letter from a lobbying group urging support for legislation increasing tax credits for historic restoration of properties. Town Council voted to endorse the “Creating American Prosperity Through Preservation Act” as requested.