Chincoteague Reports

Town Council members to be sworn in

Chincoteague Beacon
June 28, 2012
Town Council members to be sworn in
By Malissa Watterson
Staff Writer

CHINCOTEAGUE -- Three newly elected Town Council members will take office on July 1.

Arthur Leonard, Gene Taylor and incumbent John N. Jester begin their four-year terms with the local government office. Jester will serve his second term on the council.

Voters selected Leonard (615 votes), Taylor (543) and Jester (453) at the polls in early May.

"I want to keep open communication with the county and the wildlife refuge so we can work on some major problems," said Taylor about his future plans as a council member.

The major problem is especially deciding on an alternative solution to restore and protect beach parking on Assateague Island, he says.

Taylor also wants to support local businesses during his term.

"I want to keep (business) restrictions to a minimum and entice people to come to Chincoteague," Taylor said.

Jester's approach to the parking issue is continuos communication with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and requesting that the federal agency "take more measures to mitigate damages to the beach."

During his first term, Jester served as the chairman to the recreation and community enhancement committee, a group that is working toward improving the look of downtown.

The committee is involved with multiple phases of a downtown revitalization project, which includes laying down brick pavers on the east side of Main Street.

"We want to keep downtown a vibrant place that draws people to the downtown area," Jester said.

This term Jester wants to continue work with the committee, as well as help improve local parks by properly maintaining equipment and working with groups who sponsor park programs like the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance.

As a first-time council member, Leonard hopes to be a "helping hand" with future town projects.

Those projects include increasing the number of youth-centered programs at the town community center and working to improve town parks. Leonard also wants to further increase the number of bike paths on the island.

"More and more people are riding bikes and these roads weren't built for bikes," he said.

For more information on the Town Council, contact the town office at 757-336-3155.

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Reprinted with permission of Chincoteague Beacon.

 

Who is running in Chincoteague's May 1 election?

Mayor Jack Tarr is unapposed.

Incumbent town council members Nancy Conklin and John Henry Howard are retiring.

Incumbent council member John Nelson Jester Jr. is running for reelection

New candidates for council are James T. "Jim" Frese, J. Arthur Leonard, Barbara Kolinsky Milyko, Gene Wayne Taylor, Deborah A. Ullmann, and Lori S. Walton.

At least two new members will be elected.

January 3 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting

Chincoteague Beacon
Employee handbook approved by council
January 12, 2012
Written by Greg Merritt
Staff Writer

CHINCOTEAGUE -- In the first Chincoteague Town Council meeting of the new year, there was one proposal that caused division in the ranks. The council voted 4-2 in favor of a new employee handbook at the Jan. 3 meeting.

Prior to the vote there were changes made in the handbook proposal, but the changes did not bring about unanimous consent. The part of the proposal that dealt with employees being able to take care of their families during times of town emergencies drew division.

The problems centered around the language used in the original proposal. Mayor Jack Tarr urged the council to add the word "may" in the following sentence: "Essential employees 'may' be allowed to return to their homes and/or seek safety outside the affected area if mandatory evacuations are indicated or invoked."

"I respectfully disagree," said Councilman Terry Howard. He wanted the language to remain "will be allowed."

"We certainly want our employees safe," said Mayor Tarr. "We all agree on the safety of the families."

"I think we need a little more time to consider," said Vice Mayor Ellen Richardson. "With the changes that have been done, we need to see it in writing."

In the end, council members John Henry Howard, John N. Jester, Tripp Muth and Nancy Conklin voted in favor of the new employee handbook, while Richard-son and Terry Howard voted against it.

In other news from the Jan. 3 meeting:

� Town Planner William Neville told the council he was encouraged by the latest meeting with the Fish and Wildlife Service.

"We are glad to see that many of the concerns and comments by the town and public were addressed by the Fish and Wildlife Service staff," said Neville. "We're looking forward to working with the Fish and Wildlife Service staff to fine tune that a little bit. It was a nice way to end up 2011."

Neville said the town zoning map proposal would have a public hearing on Feb. 6 at the next monthly council meeting. There will be a work session on Jan. 19 to review the map.

� Police Chief Eddie Lewis reported that crime had gone down on the island in 2011. He told the council that his department made 1,049 traffic stops during 2011. They responded to 122 accidents and had 839 ambulance calls. The department made 859 security checks and 245 times responded for traffic control. The police had 21 drug cases and responded to 21 breaking and entering calls.

According to Lewis, his department responded to a total of 5,320 calls during the year.

The Chincoteague Police Department was active during the Christmas season with their annual Toy Drive, delivering toys to island children and some children in northern Accomack County.

In December, the police department was recognized by being the only police department on Virginia's Eastern Shore to receive certification.

� The council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the application for a state grant to public transportation in the amount of $75,400. The town's share of the grant to be used by the Chincoteague Trolley is $23,000.

� Town Manager Robert Ritter announced the winners of the annual Christmas Decoration Contest. Winning entries were: Judges Choice -- Mr. and Mrs. Michael Jester; Most Festive -- The Rev. and Mrs. William Gregory; Most Themed -- Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Rosenber-ger; Most Traditional -- Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Dale Holston. Each winner received a $100 savings bond. Honorable Mention awards went to The Chincoteague Center, Alex Hubb and Chuck and Tama Ward.

Mayor Tarr thanked Lorrie Walton and her group for the work done on the contest.

� Town Manager Ritter announced that most economic indicators for the island were up, except for sales tax.

� The council unanimously later went into a closed meeting to set goals and objectives for 2012 for the police and the council, citing Section 2.2-3711(A) (1) of the Code of Virginia.

The section reads in part: "Closed meetings authorized for certain limited purposes. A . Public bodies may hold closed meetings only for the following purposes: Discussion, consideration, or interviews of prospective candidates for employment; assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining, or resignation of specific public officers, appointees, or employees of any public body; and evaluation of performance of departments of schools of public institutions of higher education where such evaluation will necessarily involve discussion of the performance of specific individuals."

Setting goals and objectives may or may not fall within perimeters of the section. One council member mentioned that the council would discuss procedure in the closed meeting, and that in most views is prohibited by the sunshine laws.

Town Attorney Jon Poulson was not present at the meeting.
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November 7 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting

Chincoteague Beacon
November 10, 2011
Council tweaks town sign ordinance
Written by Greg Merritt
Staff Writer

CHINCOTEAGUE -- From cemeteries to signs, the Chincoteague Town Council considered a variety of topics at its regular monthly meeting Monday night.

The council held three public hearings and passed minor changes to the town's sign ordinances.

The council tried to lessen the burden on local businesses with a more liberal sign ordinance, but in the end made only minor changes to the existing restrictions on the business use of banners.

First the council had to understand the difference between a sign and a banner. A banner is flexible and temporary, while a sign is rigid and permanent.

Councilman Terry Howard worried that big signs for home occupations would be detrimental to neighborhoods.

"I know what the character of a residential neighborhood is. I live in one," said Howard.

The council voted 4-1 to add the term "temporary" to the banner ordinance. Terry Howard voted against the change and Councilwoman Nancy Conklin was absent.

The council further voted to limit home occupation signs to four square feet with one sign per home occupation. This was unanimously approved with Conklin absent.

It voted to allow 32 feet of banners allowed for businesses, up two feet from the old ordinance that allowed 30 feet.

The council voted unanimously to allow businesses to display banners two times per calendar year for periods of four weeks each.

"We're getting out of the banner business and into the sign business," said Councilman John Henry Howard.

When a member of the Chincoteague Tennis Association asked about a banner the group puts up at Veterans Memorial Park each year for about two months, Town Planner William Neville told her the nonprofit group was not restricted by the new ordinance.

In other council news:

» The council voted unanimously with Conklin absent to seek a VDOT enhancement

A grant will help fund the construction of streetscape improvements to the east side of Main Street from Cleveland to Church Street. The vote came after a public hearing where nobody spoke, following a presentation by Kat Edwards of the Accomack-Northampton Planning Commision.

» The council held a public hearing to consider vacating a property line between two lots owned by Joan and R.L. Selby. Officials unanimously approved the request to vacate the property line between the two lots located between Clark Street and Sharpley Street.

» The council unanimously approved naming the old gym at the former site ofthe old elementary school, the Island Activity Center. Members also approved an expenditure of $28,965 to spray insulation in the center. Councilman John N. Jester said U.S. Coast Guard had volunteered to remove the old insulation.

"It's an unsafe facility," said Jester. "This will make it operational."

» The council unanimously approved an expenditure of $24,880 to begin Phase 2 of the Storm Water Master Plan in the area of the Maddox Boulevard traffic circle vicinity. An additional expenditure of $14,519 for some sample ordinances was tabled. Mayor Jack Tarr instructed town staff and town attorney Jon Poulson to come up with some sample ordinances.

» The council approved a new mooring permit procedure of the Curtis Merritt Harbor of Refuge. The vote was 4-1 with Councilman Terry Howard voting nay to allow the Harbormaster to moor boats in unoccupied slips that were left vacant for 48 hours.

» The council listened to an impassioned request by Chuck Ward to have the town create an authority to help preserve and maintain the island's cemeteries. Poulson cautioned that it would take an act of the General Assembly to create the authority.

Councilwoman Ellen Richardson, along with a small group of dedicated volunteers, has spruced up three island cemeteries in recent weeks.

"We need to do something," said Richardson.

No action was taken by council, but town staff was instructed by Mayor Tarr to come up with some kind of proposal to help take care of the island's cemeteries.

» Police Chief Eddie Lewis said his department will hold its annual toy and food drive on Dec. 3. He also said his department will be trying for its accredidation on Dec. 5-7.

» Town Manager Robert Ritter told the council the meals tax revenues were up $19,568 and transient occupancy tax was up $9,601. Water rent was up $15,253, but sales tax revenues were down $3,603.

» Town Planner William Neville stated the Beach Access Committee had met with the Army Corps of Engineers to discuss beach replenishment on Assateague Island.

» Mayor Tarr invited everyone to buy tickets for the inaugural Mayor's Ball, scheduled for Nov. 19 at the Chincoteague Center. Dinner will be by Bill's Seafood Restaurant and music will be provided by Bigger Dreams.

Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased at the Chincoteague Center or at Shore Bank.

Funds raised will help the town preserve beach parking.

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September 6 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting (Eastern Shore News coverage)

Eastern Shore News
September 17, 2011
Council puts opposition to Park Service plan on record
Written by Greg Merritt
Staff Writer

CHINCOTEAGUE -- There is considerable disagreement between the U.S. Park Service plan for Assateague Island and what the Town of Chincoteague wants.

At the Sept. 6 Chincoteague Town Council meeting, the differences were spelled out when the council voted unanimously to respond to the Park Service alternatives with a considered letter that lists the areas of the alternatives that the town supports and the areas the town opposes.

Town Planner William Neville provided two draft letters that had been created by the town's Planning Commission.

The first draft was a little milder than the second in its criticism of the Park Service plan.

After some discussion the council agreed to go with the second, more critical draft.

Just prior to the council approving the second version, Town Attorney Jon Poulson suggested the council use the language "strongly oppose" instead of "oppose." Everyone on council seemed to like Poulson's proposal.

The letter states: "The alternatives planning process is frustrating because there are very good ideas mixed with very bad ideas from our perspective as the gateway community for the southern end of Assateague Island."

The letter lists seven areas of opposition to the Park Service alternative plan.

"Oppose the current direction of seashore management that favors the use of alternative transportation systems and treats the ideas as a Fundamental Value.

"Oppose the concept of a Marine Research Reserve until more information is provided. Specifically, the intended use for research and environmental education that would restrict public or commercial use of the Chincoteague Bay.

"Oppose NPS regulations for 'watch houses' that remove State authority over wastewater treatment and disposal and/or require removal of private structures that serve as a traditional cultural resource.

"Oppose Natural Resource Management policies that limit or ban commercial fishing and aquaculture with the seashore boundary.

"Oppose the policy that would permanently close areas to OSV use if coastal storms of other natural processes create breaches/inlets that cut off access to portions of the beach.

"Oppose any options that abandon the public trust and allow existing visitor use facilities and infrastructure, specifically bridge access from the mainland to Assateague Island, to be subjected to natural coastal processes without maintenance, repair or replacement.

"Oppose the NPS abandoning its responsibility to provide public access and recreation at the National Seashore in favor of passive management of natural coastal processes and promoting exclusive environmental research uses."

The letter lists 11 areas of support in the Park Service plans. The letter states, "Support for policies that defend the visitor areas in both Maryland and Virginia. a. 'Artifical dune fortification, habitat manipulations and possible beach nourishment would be used to protect the developed visitor areas from the effects of natural coastal processes and climate change/sea level rise ... storm overwash and breaches in the developed visitor areas would be repaired, while natural evolution of the island's backcountry areas would continue without interference..."

Several citizens spoke during the public comment period of the meeting citing their love of Assateague Island and support for beach replenishment.

The council's letter also listed a request that the Park Service, including NPS initiate a study with USACE of the Tom's Cove shoreline and prepare a "socio-economic impact study that evaluates each alternative (revised or new policies and programs) with its effect on the Town of Chincoteague as a gateway community."

The council now must prepare another response to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife alternative plans. That will be performed at the next council meeting.

In other council news from the Sept. 6 meeting:

� The council unanimously gave its support for the declaration of a local emergency during the town's brush with Hurricane Irene.

� Several people opposed the idea of removing the right to ride a horse on the beach at Assateague, as proposed in the Park Service and Fish and Wildlife plans.

� Denise Bowden, secretary of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, supported keeping 150 ponies on Assateague Island.

"We don't want to see a reduction," she told the council.

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August 1 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting (Beacon coverage)

Chincoteague Beacon
August 4, 2011
NOAA facility to get $250 million upgrade
Written by Greg Merritt
Staff Writer

CHINCOTEAGUE -- The NOAA facility located on Route 175 at the mouth of the Chincoteague Causeway is in for a $250 million upgrade, according to federal officials who briefed the Chincoteague Town Council on Monday night.

The new project update for the Wallops Command and Data Acquisition Station was presented to the council by project manager Larry James, station manager Doug Crawford, construction manager Lynda James and USACE project manager George Mears.

The new construction will ensure a data flow from satellites for years to come with an upgrade of the facilities entire electrical system, a new Power House complete with four new 1 megawatt generators and new ground antennas.

The project will begin in September with the installation of new antenna foundations. Construction will be complete in summer 2013, and the systems installation will be complete in summer 2015 if all goes as planned.

One of the central upgrades will be a new GOES R ground system antenna.

Officials said residents will notice an increased level of activity at the facility as the construction begins, primarily with trucks on Route 175 bringing concrete and supplies to the station.

"Everybody thinks all our equipment is getting smaller," said Larry James. "Actually it's exactly the reverse."

He said the government has worked on the project for years in the planning stage with site surveys.

Officials stressed the planning is through and the construction phase will begin next month.

Mayor Jack Tarr told the officials, "We appreciate what you do."

In other news from Monday's meeting:

» Council voted 4-2 to approve a change in the town's sign ordinance. With council's Ellen Richardson and Terry Howard voting no, council voted to change the sign height requirement to allow commercial establishments to have wall signs that extend up to the eaves of the building.

Previously there had been a 12-foot height limit on wall signs.

The actual language of the new measure is: "The height of a wall sign, as defined herein, in Commercial District C-1 and Commercial District C-2 may exceed 12 feet in height measured from grade level or base flood elevations, whichever is greater, provided such sign is affixed as hereinafter provided to the primary structure on such premises and remains below the eaves of the roof of such main structure. Any sign shall comply with all applicable square footage and other requirements as are otherwise provided in Article VII."

Council members John Henry Howard, John N. Nelson, Nancy Conklin and Tripp Muth voted in favor of the new ordinance.

Chincoteague resident Jane Wolffe had asked the council to either table the measure or vote no during the public participation near the beginning of the meeting. She read comments from a 2005 survey that most people responding wanted fewer and smaller signs.

» Council voted 5-1 on a resolution to request that VDOT commence a study to put a minimum speed on the Chincoteague Causeway. Councilman Terry Howard voted against the resolution.

» Town Attorney Jon Poulson advised the council he sent a letter to Delegate Lynn Lewis requesting the town of Chincoteague be included in the state code as a jurisdiction allowed to enforce occupied and unoccupied property owners cut the grass, weeds and other foreign growth on their property.

"This is an enabling measure," Poulson stated. If the General Assembly approves, Chincoteague will have the right to enact ordinances that require property owners to cut their grass and weeds.

» Planning Commission Chairman Ray Rosenberger shared his experiences of being a volunteer at the Chincoteague Volunteer Firemen's Carnival.

"People share their experiences," he stated. "For the most part, they love this community."

Rosenberger said there were a couple of items that concerned him. First, the closure of the restroom facility downtown during the weekend and the fact that some residents had been notified by Sharp Energy that residents would have to do the work of strapping down their propane and gas tanks. Propane companies had previously advised the council that they, and not residents, would do the work required to secure propane and gas tanks.

Public Works Director Harvey Spurlock said the downtown restrooms were closed for two hours because of an electrical problem and that the problem had been taken care of promptly.

» Town Planner William Neville said the Park Service Master Plan had been published and the Fish and Wildlife Service Comprehensive Plan would probably be published by September.

» Councilwoman Ellen Richardson asked if there was any way to get the History Trolley to embark from the downtown area. Richardson said it would help the downtown businesses.

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June 16, 2011 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting (Beacon coverage)

Chincoteague Beacon
June 23, 2011
Council approves $6.3 million budget
Written by Greg Merritt

CHINCOTEAGUE -- The Chincoteague Town Council approved a $6.3 million budget for fiscal year 2012 at its meeting last week.

The vote in favor of the new budget was 5-1 with council members Ellen Richardson, John Henry Howard, John N. Jester, Tripp Muth and Nancy Conklin voting in favor and Terry Howard voting against the new budget.

There are no new taxes in the approved budget. An effort to increase the transient occupancy tax by one percent was removed from the proposed budget at the June 6 meeting.

Councilman Terry Howard wanted to remove a $6 vehicle tax increase enacted last year from this year's budget. The vehicle tax increased from $27 to $33 per vehicle.

It was one of the few items debated at the meeting concerning the new budget.

"I've never been a fan of the rationale we've used to raise this decal tax," said Terry Howard. "I don't think it's worth the bad P.R. we're getting."

Town Manager Robert Ritter told the council the $6 added to the vehicle tax last budget year raised an additional $17,272 in revenue.

"We did it last year and it's back in the budget this year," said Terry Howard. "When the county doesn't do it and we do ... we're not a nominee for the Academy Award."

Ritter told the council if they removed $6 from the vehicle tax, they could vote to make up the difference by taking the $17,272 from the town's savings account.

"I have a problem taking money from savings to operate," said Jester.

"I have a problem taking money from taxpayers," replied Terry Howard. Removing the $6 from the vehicle tax was the "prudent thing to do," he said.

Jester said that other jurisdictions with lower vehicle taxes "pay higher real estate taxes."

"We have not raised taxes in the 11 and a half years since I have been on the council," said Conklin. "The vehicle tax, $6 is pretty minimal I think."

"One storm could cut our revenues dramatically," cautioned Jester.

Howard said he saw no need to keep the $6 vehicle tax increase, because most of the town's revenue sources have been up over the past several months, including the meals tax, transient occupancy tax and revenue from water sales.

Mayor Jack Tarr stated that many of the increases shown in the monthly reports were a result of increased taxes the town had placed on meals and the occupancy tax, along with an increased water rate.

"This appears to be a good budget," said Muth. "This budget works."

"We're not raising any taxes; we're not raising any fees," said John Henry Howard. "I'm thankful we can say that."

In an effort to move the vote along, Mayor Tarr promised to take a look at the operating budget in mid-year, around January.

"Rob (Ritter) will roll out a 5-year budget in January," said Tarr. "We have been taking money out of long-term savings to balance the budget the past three of four years. That's not the right way to run a business, no matter whose business it is."

With that the council took their vote and the budget passed.

In its final form, the $6,339,579 budget contains a real estate tax rate of $0.06 per $100 of assessed value, a tangible property tax rate of $0.85/100, tangible property tax relief of $0.63/100, an excise (meals) tax rate of 5 percent and a transient occupancy tax of 3 percent.

In other news from Thursday's council meeting:

� The council unanimously approved a proclamation supporting Operation Dry Water from June 24-26. This effort, endorsed by the U.S. Coast Guard, hopes to reduce alcohol and drug-related accidents and fatalities.

� Chincoteague resident Spyridon Papadopoulos addressed the council prior to the budget deliberation with three concerns. He wanted council do away with the $6 vehicle sticker increase, take a look at the amount spent on salaries as compared to the budget and enact a five-year budget for the town.

� Vice mayor Ellen Richardson told her fellow council members that the cemetery cleanup effort was entirely dependent on donations from the public. Both funds and people are needed to help with the effort.

� Councilman Jester presented the council with pictures from behind Curtis Merritt Harbor of Refuge, an area Jester referred to as "Mariner's Point." The town owns the property and uses it to burn tree limbs and store damaged concrete. Eventually the refuse is covered with dirt and the area is elevated.

Jester was concerned that some people were using the area as a dumping station.

"We don't want to be in the landfill business," said Jester.

Jester said the area is perfect for watching rocket launches from Wallops Island and he wants the land to be taken care of.

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June 6, 2011 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting (Beacon coverage)

Chincoteague Beacon
June 9, 2011
Council backs down on room tax increase
Written by Greg Merritt

CHINCOTEAGUE -- Although the fiscal year 2012 budget has not yet been approved, the Chincoteague Town Council backed down from adding 1 percent to the transient occupancy tax at Monday's regularly scheduled meeting.

After hearing residents and business people speak against the measure, council voted to proceed with the budget without adding the 1 percent tax. Only Councilman John N. Jester Jr. wanted to keep the increase.

"I'll be the bad guy," he said.

Jester explained his vote was to create a proactive fund in case an emergency condition closed the beach.

"Without the beach, we'd be hurting," said Jester. He said he wanted to be prepared in case of an emergency to keep the beach and the businesses open.

"We have to have a plan to stay open for business," he stated. "We need to have a plan for tomorrow."

Prior to the vote to eliminate the 1 percent tax increase, several citizens rose to voice their concerns, including Accomack County Supervisor Wanda Thornton.

Thornton spoke as a private citizen and business owner, and not as a representative of the Board of Supervisors.

She said it was wrong for the town to increase the vehicle sticker fee by $6 last year. It created a "bad feeling" by the people and just increased the town's coffers by $11,000.

"This is not the right time to do this," she said of the transient occupancy tax.

Last year the council increased the vehicle sticker price from $27 to $33.

Donna Mason spoke against the 1 percent tax increase and read from a 1978 government publication that sounded a lot like the present alternate parking program over at Assateague Island National Seashore.

Not one of the public speakers spoke in favor of the tax increase.

"Jobs are going to be lost," warned Tommy Daisey if the increase were to be passed. "Be very careful how you figure this out."

Richard Conklin of the Anchor Inn told the council, "Motels are not going as good as you think."

Richard Vesely said, "The time to do this is not now."

Former Councilman Jim Frese told the council, "Sometimes you have to pull back on the reigns." Frese said he believes the business climate will not improve for five more years. "We need help. Please, take pity," he stated.

When the people had stopped speaking, the council got the message.

"I'm against this tax increase," said Councilman Tripp Muth.

"This is a bad time," said Councilwoman Ellen Richardson. "People are losing their jobs. It's bad timing."

"Now is not the time for the increased fee," said Councilman Terry Howard.

Council voted down a proposal for a flat fee to fund the Civic Center and Chamber of Commerce. Conklin, Terry Howard and Richardson voted to keep the rate instead of the flat fee. Jester and Muth voted for the flat fee with Councilman John Henry Howard absent.

Although the public hearing portion of the meeting was for the entire budget, only the transient occupancy tax rate increase of one percent drew public comment.

In other council news from Monday's meeting:

� The council voted unanimously to adopt the state motor vehicle code.

� The council voted unanimously to place the water adjust power under the public works director instead of the Public Works Committee.

� The council voted unanimously for a resolution concerning the 2012 Litter Grant Program.

� The council voted unanimously for an amendment to the Hazard Mitigation Plan.

� Councilman Terry Howard discussed two abandoned houses on the island owned by the same person that are in disrepair. Mayor Jack Tarr said the matter should be referred to the Ordinance Committee and Town Attorney Jon Poulson said he would look into the matter. "I think it's a public health issue," said Tarr.

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May 2, 2011 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting (Beacon coverage)

Chincoteague Beacon
May 5, 2011
Business owners speak out against tax increase
By Greg Merritt
Staff Writer

CHINCOTEAGUE -- Chincoteague Town Council members received a taste of opposition to a proposed 1 percent increase in the town's transient occupancy rate when they met Monday night at their regularly scheduled meeting.

Several local business people voiced their opposition to the increase. The council scheduled a public hearing on the proposal June 6, along with a public hearing on the fiscal year 2012 budget and fee schedules.

Tommy Daisey advised the council to not raise taxes.

"The occupancy tax is a bad idea," Daisy said. "Chincoteague is a little different than Ocean City and New York."

Daisey said his business caters to middle income families.

"They are not people with a lot of money," Daisey said.

Daisey, who operates Dove Winds on Maddox Boulevard, told the council now is not the time to raise taxes.

"We need to be more fiscally conservative," Daisey said.

Daisey told council that he used $5,000 of his own money to fix a ditch on town property in front of his business.

"I fixed your ditch," he said.

Richard Conklin followed Daisey to the podium and echoed the opposition to more taxes.

"Expenditures need to be cut," Conklin said. "A lot of things need to be cut."

Tommy Mason also rose to oppose any new taxes.

"This is a wrong time to have a tax increase," said Mason, who with his wife, Donna, operates Waterside Inn.

As to the town's plan to help provide financial support to any future beach replenishment plans, Mason said he has heard that the Fish and Wildlife Service is preparing to purchase the Maddox Family Campground for $7.5 million. He questioned if they could afford a purchase like that, they could afford a much less expensive beach replenishment plan.

Later in the meeting Donna Mason told the council she hoped they would table to 1 percent tax hike "for at least another year."

Mike Tolbert spoke about the folks who use his motel, Sunrise Motor Inn.

"The folks we see like a nice clean comfortable room with not a lot of frills and a nice reasonable price to go along with it," Tolbert said. "I don't want to get to the point where we're pricing ourselves out of that niche."

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MINUTES OF THE MARCH 17, 2011 CHINCOTEAGUE TOWN COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING

MINUTES OF THE MARCH 17, 2011
CHINCOTEAGUE TOWN COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING

[draft town minutes]

[Note extensive discussion of eastern shore tourism and central sewage plans below]

Council Members Present:
John H. Tarr, Mayor
Ellen W. Richardson, Vice Mayor
Tripp Muth, Councilman
John N. Jester, Jr., Councilman
Nancy B. Conklin, Councilwoman
John H. Howard, Councilman
Terry Howard, Councilman

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Tarr called the meeting to order.

INVOCATION
Councilman T. Howard offered the invocation.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Tarr led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS AND ADOPTION
Vice Mayor Richardson motioned, seconded by Councilman J. Howard to adopt the agenda
adding a closed session for the purpose of discussing acquisition of property. Unanimously
approved.

1. Introduction ­ Virginia Tourism Corporatioon/Tourism Specialist Lynne Lochen
Mayor Tarr invited Donna Bozza, Director of Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission to
address the Council and make an introduction. Ms. Bozza began by providing a brief report on
the successful ESVA Welcome Center near the Bay Bridge/Tunnel that has seen 160,000 visitors
since its opening and over 11,000 since the beginning of the year. Chincoteague businesses and
the Chamber have a presence at the Center and in the Visitor Travel Guide. A new website is
available at www.esvatourism.org with links to area businesses available for free. Media tours
are a regular part of the work of the Tourism Commission, and this year Chincoteague and the
Eastern Shore will be highlighted in Washingtonian and Coastal Living magazines. Steve Potts
handed out brochures and a video.

Ms. Bozza informed the Town Council about budget concerns for this year and stated that the
proposed Transient Occupancy Tax in Accomack County will provide approximately $30,000
needed to operate the Visitor Center. She asked if the Town of Chincoteague would consider
writing a letter of support to Accomack County for the allocation of TOT funds toward the
Virginia Tourism Corporation. Additional funds are needed to support an ongoing marketing
budget. Cape Charles and Onancock currently contribute to ESVTC in addition to County
budget allocations and Chincoteague was requested to consider it as well.

Lynne Lochen, Tourism Development Specialist with Virginia Tourism Corporation, was
introduced as the newest partner in an overall effort to market the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Her
experience over 30 years has included the Norfolk Convention & Visitors Bureau, Orange
County, and Portsmouth Destination Marketing Organization. The tourism specialist position
was recently created by Governor McDonnell to enhance economic development and job
creation through tourism in 4 geographic areas of Virginia. Tourism in Virginia is a $17 billion
dollar industry. The Governor is particularly interested in "space tourism" on the Eastern Shore.
Ms. Lochen described her approach to marketing a region without boundaries as the best way to
attract tourists. Her role will be to help with expert advice and direction primarily through the
ESVTC. She hoped that this outreach by the Governor would be matched by support at the local
level for tourism efforts and asked if there were any questions.

Councilman J. Howard commented that during the annexation between Accomack County and
the Town of Chincoteague, it was agreed that 2% transient occupancy tax would be collected for
the County. He asked how much was received by the Tourism Commission. Ms. Bozza
responded by saying that the monies go to the Accomack County general fund and they currently
receive $64,000. Approximately $110,000 is received from Northampton County because there
it is a dedicated fund for tourism. Councilman Jester noted that Accomack County receives
around $400,000 from the Town's occupancy tax collections.

Steve Potts added that a significant effort has been necessary in recent years just to maintain
level funding for the Tourism Commission. He reported that Virginia's Governor is promoting
tourism with an advertising campaign in surrounding States that will reach over 15 million
people. Mr. Potts commented that the transition in Chincoteague's economy over the years from
farming to chicken houses to seafood to tourism has increased the need to work together for
marketing and promotion. Financial support for the Tourism Commission was requested from
the Town of Chincoteague. Councilman J. Howard stated his disappointment in Accomack
County for not providing adequate tourism funding from the money collected in Chincoteague.
Ms. Lochen added that Tourism funding, and the Welcome Center in particular, may be
considered for cuts in the current budget process. This should be considered an important
investment in the hard work of marketing and sales that brings tourism dollars to the local
economy. Mr. T. Howard noted that it pays to advertise.

2. Presentation ­ Sanitaary Sewer System/Preliminary Engineering Report
Public Works Director Harvey Spurlock introduced Dave Parker and Scott Turner of
Clark/Nexsen Architecture & Engineering to present the Preliminary Engineering Report (PER)
for a Phase 1 Sanitary Sewer System to serve Chincoteague Island. The study was prepared with
assistance from a Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development "Southern
Rivers" Grant, which also included a separate sewer feasibility review of the Northern Accomack
County seaside watershed.

Mr. Parker reviewed a brief history of previous studies for a central sewer system in 1977, 1988,
and 2007. The current report is the result of a grant administered through the A-NPDC to take a
regional look at providing sewer service, and to consider the opportunity presented by the
proposed Atlantic Town Center development to build a treatment facility that may eventually
serve existing communities and the Wallops Research Park. The main purpose of this effort was
to compile previous work and some new ideas in a PER format that is required by USDA Rural
Development in order to apply for grants or low interest loans. The engineering report is one
piece of an application package that will also require an additional environmental report and
economic analysis.

Mr. Parker summarized the sections of the report, noting that:
• Previous stuudies are included in the back of the notebook
• Plaanning area included the entire island
• Surroundingg environmental resources will be an important consideration
• Growth projections and development potentiaal of about 13% over the next 20 years was
taken from the Town Water Supply Plan
• Existing limited treattment facilities are privately owned
• Need for the  project is supported by current use of aging septic systems, high water
tables, need for septic tank pump and haul for non-functioning systems, concern for
protection of VDH Shellfish Zones surrounding Island
•  Previous studies have reviewed options for wastewater treatment on the Island and on the
Mainland
• This report proposes a collection system and pump station on Chincoteague with a force
main to the Mainland for advanced treatment and recharge of the groundwater source.
• This option has environmental benefits, howwever the main reason to consider wastewater
treatment on the Mainland is a specific opportunity to accomplish a partnership and
regional solution.

Mr. Parker continued with a presentation of the proposed Phase 1 service area outlined in red on
aerial view maps. The initial public sewer service area would include properties fronting along
Main Street from the High School to just south of the Coast Guard station, and along Maddox
Boulevard from the new Route 175 Bridge to McDonalds. The idea would be to first encourage
connection of commercial and institutional properties including restaurants, hotels, businesses,
and other large quantity water customers that would be necessary to operate the system. Other
areas of Town would be connected in later phases. He noted that State approval of a public
centralized sewer system would ultimately require that individual treatment plants be removed to
reduce discharges in the Bay.

The collection system will consist of a small diameter force main, 2" to 4" pvc pipe, and each
house or business would have a small individual pump to connect. The sewer lines would go to
a central collection point and large central pump station that would send the flow to the Mainland
within a larger force main to be installed along the Causeway. The location of the central pump
station has not been selected, however, for the purpose of this study it was shown on a vacant
parcel near Smith Street and School Street.

Councilman J. Howard asked whether it would be difficult to obtain permits for directional
boring under the Chincoteague Channel and attaching the force main under the bridges along the
Causeway. He also pointed out that a connection from South Main Street across the Bay to
Wright's Seafood would be the most direct route. Mr. Parker responded that the alignment
proposed along the Causeway would be the most feasible and would allow for construction in
segments. Councilman T. Howard confirmed that the directional bore would generally run
parallel to the existing water line.

Mr. Parker answered several questions about the small grinder pump wells that would be located
on every property served by public sewer. He stated that the large pump station would be sized
for expansion to ultimately serve the entire island. Councilman T. Howard asked about the
proposed alignment of the force main through the sensitive environmental areas on either side of
Route 175 and whether there was the potential for additional shellfish area condemnation by the
Virginia Department of Health. Mr. Parker stated that the impact of the pipeline construction
would not create a problem and once the pipe is buried there should not be an impact. Mayor
Tarr added that the 16" waterline bore was able to avoid Marsh Island and other environmental
impacts.

Preliminary cost estimates contained in the report were summarized by Mr. Parker for a total of
almost $25 million. Mr. Parker stated that the size and design of the project will likely be
modified based on the amount of grant or loan funding that is available. At this time, a high
percentage of grant funding would be necessary to make the project feasible because the
estimated costs could not be supported by the customer base available. The purpose of this
report is to assist the analysis that USDA performs in order to determine the need for grant
monies.

Mayor Tarr commented that the preliminary cost estimate was based on the use of ductile iron
pipe which is not a durable material in this location. There may be a cost savings by using HTP
pipe instead. He also suggested that trenching in the shoulder of Route 175 would be better than
saw-cutting the pavement as proposed in the report. Mr. Parker noted that the study was
prepared to cover some "worst case" situations from a cost estimating standpoint.
Councilman J. Howard asked about the distance directly across to Wright's Seafood from the
Town Dock and the potential to bore under the marsh. It was agreed that it may be possible.
Councilman Jester supported the plan to serve the needs of hotels and restaurants. He was
concerned about the statement in the report that current wastewater treatment methods may cause
a potential pollution issue for shellfish beds and fishing. It was noted that the narrow band of
condemnation areas surrounding the Island has been a matter of standard cautionary practice by
the State for decades. A simple comment about potential impacts could have a devastating effect
on marketing the Chincoteague seafood industry. Routine water quality testing by VDH
confirms that there is not a problem. He requested that Mr. Parker be careful about what he
states in this report. Mayor Tarr agreed that the benefit of excellent water quality surrounding
Chincoteague does alleviate the need to solve septic system problems or provide for public sewer
service.

Mr. Parker concluded with a review of "where do we go from here?" Application to USDA for
grant funding would generally be the next step along with additional work to prepare an
environmental report and economic analysis. Another important step will be to make
presentations to the public and gain necessary support for the project. An advisory committee
may be a good way to keep momentum in the process. Coordination with Accomack County and
the private developer of Atlantic Town Center is recommended.

Councilman J. Howard asked if this project was a "Cadillac" plan and whether now was a good
time to ask for help to finance it with grants. He noted that "we've got a type of person we are
trying to save here --­ just like the piping plover ­-- we are trying to save the Chincoteaguer". He
agrees with the project and wants the Chincoteaguer to stay..."you know I don't want to disturb
his nest a whole lot" stated Mr. Howard. The only way the Town will be able to consider this
project is with a whole lot of help.

Mr. Parker stated that there is federal money available along with a lot of competition. "It needs
to happen sometime, so get in line" was his advice. The Town may want to get the ball rolling
and see what happens.

Councilman T. Howard commented that the Town is already in the position of wishing we had
gotten the ball rolling. After reviewing the figures, very few people on a limited income will be
able to survive if they are required to pay for the full cost of the project. Councilwoman Conklin
agreed, however, the costs will always go up so the Town should at least try to make this work.
Councilman T. Howard stated that while we are trying, the Council should be cognizant that
people are already struggling with the situation as it is, and to make that part of the focus.
An in depth funding search would include sources other than just USDA such as DEQ or STAG
funding. Mayor Tarr asked if the USDA funding would be all grants. Mr. Parker responded that
it would likely include a combination of grants and low interest loans. He is familiar with larger
amounts of grant funding available for ‘special situations’ and Chincoteague should qualify
based on unique conditions of the island community. Preliminary design may proceed when
other funding is available.

Councilman T. Howard returned to the discussion of Councilman Jester's concern and asked
how the Town would be able to convince the funding agencies that this is a project worthy of
consideration. Particularly if the potential threat of pollution to the sensitive environment is not
presented. This cannot be overlooked just because the Atlantic Ocean flushes twice a day and
provides clean water. It was agreed the message should focus on action required to prevent any
potential impact to water quality surrounding Chincoteague.

Councilman J. Howard reminded the Council that Chincoteague has some of the cleanest water
in Virginia and suggested that State Officials should not keep requiring improvements unless
they are willing to help pay for it. He agreed with Councilman Jester that wording in this report
should not "rock the boat when there are no waves".

Councilman Jester continued to clarify his request for accurate reporting of water quality so that
the shellfish industry is not affected by poorly phrased information in the engineering report. He
repeated his support for providing centralized sewer service in the high demand commercial
areas where it is needed for restaurants, hotels and recreational uses. Mayor Tarr added that the
cost for individual septic systems for a commercial use can cost $40,000 to $50,000 for each
installation, and many buildings can only be leased to t-shirt shops because the Health
Department will not approve a change of use without a new sewer permit.

Councilman T. Howard recognized the existing costs of pump and haul is a burden today, but the
long term health impacts to residents is a concern as well that should be used to support the
project. Mr. Parker suggested that the wastewater needs of rural and coastal communities are a
problem that is familiar to State agencies, so the case can be made for approval of a grant
application without describing a potential crisis situation.

Discussion returned to the individual elements of the proposed sewer with questions about the
location and ownership of grinder pumps, power supply, effect of groundwater elevation,
potential flood protection, and individual versus shared ownership.

Mr. Jim Frese provided public comment from the audience to ask about the existing package
treatment plants currently located along Main Street that have excess capacity today. This
excess capacity could be purchased by the Town and used to solve current problems with
structures on Main Street in the short term. The proposed study would describe a longer term
scenario. Use of the systems in place today to their full extent would give the Town "more bang
for the buck". If the individual pumps are installed in residential areas, it should be done as a
part of the tax system for services to average the cost over all residents.

Mr. Papadopoulos asked about the expected lifespan of the proposed individual pumps. He
commented on the limited yards available for placement of the pumps in some areas of the
Town. Mr. Parker responded that the pumps would need to be replaced every 10 years on
average.

Public Works Director Spurlock concluded the presentation by offering that full copies of the
report were available for viewing in the Town Office. Mayor Tarr stated that even though the
numbers are shocking, and sewer is a four-letter word, the Town should move forward with this
idea. The Mayor will work on a plan to move forward and will present it to Council in the next
few weeks.

3. Action Items from previous Council Meeting ­ Possibble support for Hi-Y Expenses

Mayor Tarr reviewed the request from Chincoteague High School students for financial support.
Past support has paid for 1 to 3 students at $350.00 each to attend the Model General Assembly
field trip. Councilman T. Howard moved to fund three students at $350.00 each, seconded by
Vice Mayor Richardson. The motion passed unanimously.

4. Closed Meeting in Accordance with Sec. 2.2-3711(A)(1) of the Code of Virginia for the
Discussion of Personnel Matters
Councilman T. Howard moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Richardson to convene a closed meeting
under Section 2.2-3711(A)(1) of the Code of Virginia to discuss personnel matters. Unanimously
approved.
Councilman J. Howard moved, seconded by Councilman Jester to reconvene in regular session.
Unanimously approved.
Councilman J. Howard moved, seconded by Councilman Jester to adopt a resolution of certification
of the closed meeting.

January 3 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting (Beacon coverage)

Chincoteague Beacon
January 6, 2011
Measures approved to keep trolleys running

Chincoteague council votes to seek grants for replacement
By Greg Merritt • Staff Writer

CHINCOTEAGUE -- The Pony Express, the trolley system used on the island, received a vote of support Monday night as the Chincoteague Town Council held its first meeting of the new year.

The council unanimously passed three measures that would, if successful, keep the trolleys rolling into 2013. Vice Mayor Ellen Richardson and councilman John N. Jester were absent from the meeting.

Before the votes were taken, Transportation Director Jack VanDame gave the council a brief description of the measures that would keep the service running through grant application.

VanDame said the town's share of running the trolley service for the 2010 season was only around $3,400.

He said that two trolleys would need to be replaced in the near future. "They are a nightmare," he said. "It's just one problem after another."

Councilman John Henry Howard said, "The shuttle is one of the biggest complaints I get."

Mayor Jack Tarr said the trolleys were needed to help with the island's history tour that had been well-attended by the public.

The cost to purchase two replacement trolleys would be $320,000. The town's share would be $32,000 and the resale of the existing trolleys could be applied to the town's contribution under the terms of the capital grant. It was estimated the two trolleys would bring between $20,000 and $28,000 if resold.

VanDame also told the council of a demonstration grant to study using the trolleys for trips to the Onley area during the offseason. VanDame said he had a "big concern" about using the trolleys off the island. He said there was a need to discuss the play with local business owners. There could also be talks with Star Transit to see if there could be a link for trips to the hospital or other points south from Onley.

The demonstration grant would be for $5,000 with the town's share being just $250.

The council voted unanimously to approve applications for the operating funds grant and the demonstration grant. Also unanimously approved was the capital grant application for the two trolleys.

In other news from Monday's meeting:

Tarr announced the winners of the town's annual Christmas Decorations Contest. The Judges Choice Award went to Lisa and Scott Chesson on Oak Drive. The Most Festive Award went to Bill and Ginger Birch on Bunting Road. The Most Themed Award went to Alfred "Dino" Johnson on Ridge Road and the Most Traditional Award with the Russell and Joan Fish on Main Street. Each of the four prizes winners received a $100 savings bond.

Honorable mention awards went to Arlene and Dill Wilgus of Ridge Road, Nancy and Ray Rosenberger of Sunset Drive, Charlene Bloxom of Anderton Avenue and Chuck and Tama Ward of Main Street.

The council voted unanimously to award a $113,408 contract to Shorerite Congtrils of Princess Anne, Md. for the design and installation of a potable water SCADA system. The system would allow town employees to remotely control the water supply system to the island, according to Public Works Director Harvey Spurlock.

The council unanimously voted to reappoint Ernest Dale Holston to the Building Code of Appeals for a five-year term.

Members unanimously voted to reappoint Ernest Bowden to the Curtis Merritt Harbor Committee for a team of two years.

The council voted for Laurie Walton to fill the unexpired term of Bill Fallon on the Chincoteague Recreation and Convention Center Authority for a term of one year.

Police Chief Eddie Lewis told the council that crime was down in 2010. Only domestic and drug arrests were up.

Town Planner William Neville told the council a group of town officials had met with U.S. Representive-elect Scott Rigell and told the new legislator about their concerns with beach access.

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December 6 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting (Beacon coverage)

Chincoteague Beacon
December 9, 2010

Council stays focused on beach access

By Greg Merritt • Staff Writer

CHINCOTEAGUE -- The subject of beach access drew the attention of the Chincoteague Town Council at Monday's monthly meeting, much as it has for most of the year.

Town Planner William Neville presented the council with a proposed letter to send to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with a goal of keeping automobile traffic moving to Assateague Island, including both the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and the Assateague Island National Seashore.

The council unanimously approved the letter with just some minor revisions.

Town Attorney Jon Poulson suggested the letter put greater emphasis on the state's investment in the new bridge that connects Route 175 with the road to the beach.

"The state didn't spend all that money to have Assateague closed," said Poulson.

In other council news:

The council unanimously reappointed Steve Potts and Lynn Ballerini to the Chincoteague Recreational and Civic Authority.

Mayor Jack Tarr announced the town's annual Christmas Home Judging Contest will take place Dec. 20, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Residents who want to have their homes judged should call the town office and be put on the list.

The council unanimously voted to created a new division to the Town Code, Chapter 62, Division 5 concerning water conservation.

VDOT's Tom Rakowski sent a report to the council detailing the progress of the new bridge complex. In the report, Rakowski writes: "Demolition of Black Narrows Bridge is almost complete." He wrote that the Marsh Island spur is now complete, but will not be opened to the public until work is completed on the old bulkhead.

Rakowski wrote the "project's present scheduled completion date is now April 2011."

Lori Walton spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting and stated electrical boxes had been installed within 10 feet of her condo on Marsh Island. Mayor Tarr instructed town officials to help her contact VDOT for possible solutions.

It was announced at the meeting that Chincoteague Police Chief Eddie Lewis was recently presented with a Jefferson Award, for all the community service the police department perform. Those in attendance gave Lewis a big ovation.

The council ended the public portion of the meeting and went into executive session to discuss the evaluation of Chief Lewis and Town Manager Robert Ritter.

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October 21 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting (Beacon coverage)

Chincoteague Beacon
October 28, 2010
Council discusses theft of laptop
By Greg Merritt • Staff Writer

CHINCOTEAGUE -- Accomack County's stolen laptop controversy was front and center at the Chincoteague Town Council's workshop meeting Oct. 21.

Accomack County Supervisor Wanda Thornton addressed the council and apologized on behalf of the county for a stolen laptop that contained about 35,000 people's personal information, including Social Security numbers and addresses.

Thornton said she feels the county will do everything within its power to make things as right as possible. She said the county has already mailed out official notifications to the affected people and businesses in an effort to stave off possible identify theft.

The notifications have been mailed to former citizens that have moved out of the area, as well as deceased citizens, some dead up to 20 years.

The laptop was stolen from an Accomack County employee while the employee was vacationing in Las Vegas. According to the county, the laptop was stolen from a hotel room.

Thornton requested and received support among members of the council to have town employees help local residents who need assistance with the problem.

Thornton advised the council that Accomack County would reimburse the town for the town employees' time and publications help.

The letter sent to most residents of Accomack County advised people to access their credit reports via www.freecredit report.com. This, however, is not a free site, and monthly charges do apply.

Residents are advised that there is a free site at www.annualcreditreport.com, which can be accessed once a year for a report by the three credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

Other business

In other council news from the workshop:

The council unanimously approved a motion to hire a lobby firm at $5,000 per month plus expenses up to $100 per month. The lobby firm would help get grants and support the council's call on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to keep public parking on Assateague Island. The vote for the lobby firm was unanimous.

The council voted unanimously to transfer ownership of the old bridge fender to the town from the Virginia Department of Transportation. The town plans to use grants to fashion an observation deck at the site.

The council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution for the Mobile Data Terminal for the town's Police Department. The measure would accept a $50,000 grant to place the computer units in police cars.

The council voted unanimously to have a proclamation naming the week of Nov. 8-13 as Cemetery Cleanup Week within the town.

The council voted unanimously to adopt the Broadband Network Build-Out with the Eastern Shore of Virginia Broadband Authority. The town will place an amount of $100,000 in a certificate of deposit in order to secure an $800,000 grant for the broadband work on the island.

Council discussed directional signs for the island but made no decision on the matter. Most council members felt the signs would not be a good idea and that a map with local landmarks and businesses might be a better idea.

The council went into an executive session to talk with five candidates for the town's Planning Commission. The council voted unanimously to talk in closed session with the five who seek to be on the commission. No decision was announced when the council reconvened in public session.

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October 21 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting

October 21 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting

The October 21, 2010 Town Council meeting addressed these matters: Aid to citizens re loss of county laptop; cemetery week; transfer of ownership of bridge fender; mobile data terminals for police cars; adoption of broadband resolution; hiring of Washington lobby firm to represent the town; discussion of directional signage; new bridge ceremony.

The agenda, backup materials and an audio recording of this meeting are available on the Town website:
www.chincoteague-va.gov

Attendance

Present: Mayor Jack Tarr and Council members Nancy Conklin, John Henry Howard, Terry Howard, John Nelson Jester, Tripp Muth, and Ellen Richardson.

About 10 citizens were in attendance.

Loss of county laptop with confidential information

Supervisor Wanda Thornton updated Council on the stolen county laptop issue. "It's been very, very hard." The county needs to take steps of ensure that the interests of citizens are protected. The county will help citizens establish fraud alerts on their confidential information. Mrs. Thornton asked the Council to support having town staff help Chincoteague citizens do this in the town office. The county will pay for the staff time. The Council agreed to do this. The importance of letting citizens know of this service was emphasized.

Cemetery Week

November 8-13 will be cemetery cleanup week.

Transfer of Bridge Fender.

The town will take ownership of the bridge fender of the old bridge in order to use it as a fishing pier.

Mobile Police Data Terminals

The town is funding, with grant assistance help, the acquisition of data terminals for police vehicles so that tags and finger prints can be checked from the vehicles.

Broadband

Council approved a resolution on the broadband network buildout. This will lead to a $800,000 grant for the initial installation of broadband on the island. Mr. Jester said that citizen enthusiasm  and knowledge about broadband needs to be rekindled.

Washington Lobby Firm

The Alcalde & Fay lobby firm had earlier made a presentation to Council about the services they could render to the town to help secure federal attention and funding for town needs. The beach parking issue is first and foremost but other issues such as possible expensive future projects related to drainage, water, and sewage will also be of interest. Council members pointed out the very important stake that the town has in sustaining beach parking on Assateague. The cost of putting the lobby firm on retainer will be $5000 a month plus expenses (estimated to be $100 a month). Council approved going forward with this for eight months.

Directional Signage

The Planning Commission and the Council have been considering placing directional signs around the island to help visitors locate businesses that are off Main Street and Maddox. Concern was expressed about avoiding the proliferation of signs and the difficulty of deciding what goes on the signs. The consensus was that maps of business locations may be a better way to inform visitors. There will be further consideration of this matter.

New Bridge Ceremony

Council members were please with the ceremony that took place October 16 to commemorate the new bridge. The town will seek to obtain more plaques with remnants of the old bridge for citizens who were not able to pick up plaques on Saturday.

Closed Session

The Council had a closed session to interview prospective candidates for the vacancy on the Planning Commission and for several other matters.

Notes prepared by  David Johnson

N.B. These notes do not constitute the public record of this meeting. The information contained herein is offered in good faith, is presented as accurately as possible, is thought to be a complete account of the proceedings. These notes are intended to be a public service devoid of political commentary for those who are interested in following the civic affairs of Chincoteague Island. Notes of the meeting are recorded, transcribed and distributed by volunteers who receive no financial compensation for their efforts.

October 4 Town Council Meeting

Chincoteague Beacon
October 7, 2010
Home business sign ordinance discussed
By Greg Merritt • Staff Writer

CHINCOTEAGUE -- The Chincoteague Town Council held a busy Monday meeting that included a pair of public hearings, a joint meeting with the town's Planning Commission, committee updates and action on the town's water supply, stormwater plan and network agreement for broadband.

The joint meeting and public hearing with the Planning Commission was held to consider the draft Home Occupation Ordinance, limiting the number and size of signs used in home businesses. Under consideration is a requirement to limit each home business to one sign with a limit of four square feet in R-1 and R-2 areas and 16 square feet in R-3 area.

At the joint hearing, only Peggy Thomas spoke and her comments dealt with the period of time a business had to be grandfathered.

No one spoke about the proposed ordinance.

Councilman Terry Howard urged his colleagues to be "careful" when trying to balance homeowners' rights and keeping the character of the residential areas of the town.

Discussion ranged from the size of the signs for home businesses to the required parking spaces in the R-3 area.

"We want to get back to residential property being residential again," said Councilman John Henry Howard. "It's not fair that some people are running a business and other folks are doing the same thing out of their house."

Town Planner William Neville presented the ordinance and tried to explain how the Planning Commission had arrived at the proposed ordinance.

"I guess I expect this from government, but I don't expect if from our government," said John Henry Howard when commenting on the bureaucratic aspects of the proposed ordinance.

In the end no new ordinance was adopted by council and the proposal was sent back to the Planning Commission for more work.

In other action from the council at Monday's meeting:

The council unanimously passed a water supply plan with one exception. The town was under a Nov. 2 deadline to pass the plan that goes until 2050 to anticipate water supply problems.

The plan is required by the Department of Environmental Quality and Tammy Stephenson made her second visit to the council to help explain the procedure. The plan anticipates a population growth on Chincoteague to 6,267 by the year 2050. That's almost double the current population and some on council questioned the growth since the population has remained steady since the late 1950s.

The plan gives the town options to prepare for future water needs and includes drilling three new wells on NASA property and a plan to establish a desalination center on the island. The plan can be changed as future needs are addressed.

The council received an audit report from Aaron Hawkins of the Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates. Hawkins gave the town a clean bill of health. "There are no problems that we need to report," said Hawkins.

The council voted to pay $58,815 on phase I of the Stormwater Master Plan to Clark Nexsen for mapping, identifying minor improvements to help the town's drainage issues. Councilman John Henry Howard voted against the measure.

The council discussed the part-time director of transportation position, but took no action on it. At Councilman John Jester's request, the position was tabled so the entire position with work flow could be discussed at a later time.

Town Attorney Jon Poulson informed the town that VDOT had changed the speed limits along Route 175 approaching the new bridge on Aug. 2, but had not yet changed the signs. He suggested the town draft a letter to VDOT requesting the new speed limits be posted.

A moment of silence was held at the beginning of the meeting for former Councilman Donald Leonard and town employee and firefighter Hal Clark.

Vice Mayor Ellen Richardson missed the council meeting to be with her ill husband.

Town Manager Robert Ritter told the council the dedication of the new bridge would be held on Oct. 16 at 11 a.m.

Police Chief Eddie Lewis told the council he has received a grant of $52,500 to put computers in police vehicles. He reported the Police Department raised $27,000 at the annual Poker Run last month. He also requested to reserve the Robert Reed Downtown Park next year on Sept. 10 for the next event.

Town Planner William Neville said he hoped the town's Welcome Sign would be in place by Oct. 16 date of the new bridge dedication.

Town Manager Robert Ritter reported the town's sales tax revenue rose in September from $26,089 in 2009 to $30,632 this year.

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September 7 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting

Chincoteague Beacon
September 9, 2010
CHINCOTEAGUE: Town council will refund taxes paid by dentist for 20 years - because no other doctors paid them
By Greg Merritt • Staff Writer

CHINCOTEAGUE ­ The almost 20-year ordeal of Chincoteague dentist Dr. William Baczek, who paid his required town fees when no others did, came to an end at Tuesday’s Chincoteague Town Council meeting.

Baczek had sought council’s approval to refund his business license fees, paid over the last 19 years. Council voted unanimously on June 29 to refund the license fees, with 5 percent interest, on a motion by former councilman Jim Frese, who championed the effort.

Baczek had been the only doctor to pay a business license to the town. After the council action, he was owed $10,400.

Other dentists and doctors who had served the town had not been charged the fee. So at the June 29 meeting council had voted to refund Baczek.

“It was the right thing to do,” said Frese.

However, Baczek had not received the refund and twice the council had put a possible motion to rescind the action on council’s agenda ­ including Tuesday, when the dentist alleged town attorney Jon Poulson wasn’t paying required fees, either.

Baczek spoke to council during the public participation portion of the meeting.

“This has been going on for too long,” he told the council. “If you want to open up a can of worms, we’re opening it.”

Baczek said he had been in Chincoteague for 20 years and had given town employees a 20 percent discount on his services.

Baczek read a portion of the town’s code that said someone living elsewhere, but working in the town limits, would have to pay a town license. He contended that Poulson, who was at the meeting but has his office in Accomac, had to pay a town license fee to do so.

“Our town attorney, who is being paid to work here, does not have a business license,” said Baczek.

“I don’t need one, doctor,” Poulson replied from the back of the room.

“If you are doing business while you are here,” said Baczek.

“I don’t need one, doctor,” Poulson said again.

“Then you have to show me,” said Baczek.

"I don’t have to show you anything, doctor,” Poulson interrupted.

“That’s what this whole thing is all about,” said Baczek. “Nobody wants to show me a darn thing.”

Baczek said he had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars building the island’s first true dentist office.

“Six months ago I met with the mayor in my office,” said Baczek. “We discussed a credit. I could use up that credit as the years went by. I paid my town license fee because I was told everyone paid it.”

Later in the meeting the council went into executive session to discuss the matter with Poulson and to discuss “probable litigation” on another matter. The executive session lasted about 90 minutes in the hot chamber with the air conditioning unit not working.

When the council returned to open session, Mayor Jack Tarr asked if there was any motion. Although the possible motion to rescind the motion made on June 29 was on the agenda, no council member made a motion.

“Dr. Baczek, in the interest of fairness, council is going to let your motion stand as it was at the June 29 meeting,” said Mayor Tarr. “There is some evidence that the doctors were exempted in the past.”

"That’s fair enough,” said Baczek.

Then council unanimously approved a measure that exemptions from the license fees could only be authorized by the council.

In other news from Tuesday’s meeting:

n Council voted unanimously to award a contract to Branscome Eastern Shore not to exceed $327,285 for the resurfacing of Maddox Boulevard from Main Street to Deep Hole Road, 200 yards of road on Main Street by the new bridge and Cropper Street. The work is to begin in late October.

n Council unanimously adopted a resolution making September National Preparedness Month.

n Council unanimously voted to approve Town Planner William Neville as the Chincoteague representative on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Interdisciplinary Planning team.

n Council did not make an appointment to fill the unexpired term of Councilman Tripp Muth on the town’s Planning Commission. The council voted twice on the nominations of Michael J. Dendler, Helen Merritt, Nancy Lane, S. G. Papadopoulos and Andrew Jorgensen, with no nominee getting a majority vote of council. Council will ask all five to meet with them to discuss the nominations.

n Tammy Stevenson of Roanoke gave a presentation of the Department of Environmental Quality’s Local Water Supply Plan.

n Susan Christa of VIP Island Rentals Partnership told council she was opposed to the new regulations at the Convenience Center on Deep Hole Road. She did respond favorably when she learned the town would pick up refuse twice a week in the approved containers.

n Mark Couburn of Assateague Explorers spoke to council about the East Side boat ramp that his business uses to launch kayak tours. He said he wanted to work with the town to solve any problems that arose at the site.

n Council voted unanimously to extend the period from seven to eight days in advance for folks who want to purchase a business license for Pony Penning sales.

August 19 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting

Chincoteague Beacon
August 26, 2010
Council votes to tighten sign regulations
By Greg Merritt • Staff Writer

CHINCOTEAGUE -- Home businesses on Chincoteague Island will have smaller signs under a new ordinance passed by the Town Council last week.

Meeting in a workshop setting in the Town Council chamber, a majority of the council voted to downsize signs in the three residential classifications, R-1, R-2 and R-3.

The new regulations permit signs for home businesses to eight square feet and just one sign per home business.

A joint public hearing with the town's Planning Commission will be held on Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. to discuss the new ordinances and the banner issue for businesses.

Ironically at the same workshop meeting, the council discussed a plan to place several directional signs throughout the town. Town Planner William Neville presented options to the town to place directional, color-coded signs that would assist visitors locating places on the island.

Discussion featured talk about moving the "Welcome" sign on Bridge Street to the new bridge site while waiting for new signs to be made and erected. The "Welcome" sign is owned by the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce and they would have to approve any move of the current sign.

In other news from the workshop,

Representatives from the Assateague Explorer kayak services appeared before the council to explain that they were not conducting lessons at the Eastside Boat Ramp, owned by the town. The company received a letter from the town about signs allowed at the site, but representative Mary Ester Montresor said the group had no signs. "The letter was hand-delivered by the police," Montresor stated.

"You are a secondary use there," explained Mayor Jack Tarr. "You cannot monopolize the boat ramp."

The council pointed out that a special aluminum ramp was installed at the Eastside Boat Ramp especially for kayakers. The ramp, however, was deemed not safe by kayakers.

Mayor Tarr requested that representatives from the kayak owners meet with Town Manager Robert Ritter to iron out what can be done to make the ramp safe for the public who use the facility to launch their kayaks.

Councilman John Henry Howard said the council had received several complaints about the kayaks at the boat ramp, in particular the Assateague Explorer kayaks. "We just didn't pick on you out of the clear blue sky," said Howard.

Mayor Tarr stressed working together the town and kayak business could remedy the situation without additional council action.

The workshop ended with council members going into executive session for the expressed purpose of consideration of the acquisition of real property.
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August 2 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting

Chincoteague Beacon
August 5, 2010
Bridge dedication ceremony is now planned for October
By Greg Merritt • Staff Writer

CHINCOTEAGUE -- The planned Chincoteague Bridge dedication and ribbon cutting took a detour Monday as the Town Council listened to another version of the ceremony by VDOT's Lauren Hansen.

Instead of the Sept. 25 date set at a previous meeting, now VDOT wants the dedication to take place on Oct. 16 at the site of the old bridge downtown. The new dedication coincides with the town's 11th annual Chili Chowder Cookoff.

The 30-minute program will begin at 10 a.m. and feature remarks by Mayor Jack Tarr, an official of VDOT, an official of the contractor American Bridge, the town manager and perhaps others, before the official ribbon cutting by all the distinguished guests.
There will be no half-marathon run as discussed with Joe Lowrey at a previous meeting. According to Hansen, Lowrey was a consultant working for VDOT, who is no longer employed in that capacity. "Mr. Lowrey is not with us anymore," said Hansen. "We scaled back the event."

Under questioning by Councilman John Jester, Hansen left open the possibility of a town picture on the old swing bridge. Jester called it a "farewell picture" of as many Chincoteague people as possible on the bridge.

Hansen said she would check with VDOT engineers to make sure such a large group of people could safely be on the structure.

"It's the people's bridge," said Councilman Terry Howard. He also stated he felt Lowrey should have contacted the council personally.

"We've been through too much frustration with VDOT," said Jester.

In other news from Monday's council meeting:

•Former Councilman Jim Frese was presented a Certificate of Appreciation by Mayor Tarr for his two years of service to the community. Frese filled the vacancy left on the council by the resignation of Anita Spidell. Frese served for two years and never missed a meeting during his tenure.

•During the public comment portion of the meeting, Ken Webb commended the town and town employees for their outstanding work during the recent Pony Penning celebration, especially the shuttle operation.

•Donna Mason voiced her opposition to the town giving Accomack County the power to control the convenience center located on Deep Hole Road. She commented on the weekend problem with the center when the trash was not picked up on schedule.

Mason said there would be more Dumpsters on the island as a result of the town's decision. "It's a health hazzard," she stated. "Imagine the number of flies. A lot of things were not considered."

•Town Manager Robert Ritter reported the town's meals tax was up $4,000 over last year and sales tax up $500 over last year.

•Town Planner William Neville reported that over 1,000 beach transportation survey forms have been returned. He expects to have everything tabulated at the next council meeting.

•Although Monday's meeting lasted about two hours, 24 minutes, only about 45 minutes was in open session. The council went into executive session with Town Attorney Jon Poulson to discuss consideration of the acquisition of real property, legal representation on the tax rebate and a road right of way.

•No action was taken at Monday's meeting on any of the three executive session items.

•Council members Nancy Conklin and Tripp Muth were not present at Monday's meeting.

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July 13 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting

Eastern Shore News
July 17, 2010
Residents mad about signs, solid waste
By Greg Merritt
Staff Writer

CHINCOTEAGUE -- The Chincoteague Council faced an angry public Tuesday night as many local business owners spoke against some of council's recent ordinances and decisions.

The public forum, held at the start of every council meeting, attracted 11 speakers and took more than an hour as most vented their anger at council's recent decisions.

Richard Conklin said he was "more than a little upset" over the council's decision last month to relinquish control of the solid-waste convenience center to Accomack County.

The center, that was open seven days a week under the town's control, is now open six days a week. It is closed on Wednesdays. Mayor Jack Tarr said the hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Conklin was unswayed by Tarr. "It was still disappointing," said Conklin. "Why not do something to help small business? Every day it's something. People around here are struggling."

Conklin complained that businesses could no longer use the convenience center and that was creating a hardship for the very businesses that were generating tax dollars to the town.

Tarr explained county rules always applied, but the town allowed local businesses to use the site.

The town saved $30,000 by letting the county take control of the facility. Conklin stated there were better ways to save $30,000.

"You are not doing anything to help business," Conklin told the council.

"When you're sitting around, try to figure out how we can treat everyone the same," said Councilman John Henry Howard.

"I don't sit around," replied Conklin. "I'm hauling trash."

Charles Gorsuch, who operates Surfside Golf, told council he had just purchased some new banners for the golf course, but had received a letter from the town that the flags are in violation of the town ordinance against banners.

'I think we should be allowed to have more banners," said Gorsuch.

Gorsuch said more banners could result in more business and more tax revenue for the town.

"We can make a killing together," Gorsuch stated.

Robert Watson Sr. told the council that a business is using the Eastside boat ramp for his own business activity. "The man is running a business on town property," said Watson.

Watson contended the business is taking up parking space at the facility that should be used by vehicles towing boats.

Watson also cited the town's neglect of the boardwalks at three boat ramps and the absence of trash cans at the Eastside boat ramp. "Beer bottles are all over the docks," said Watson.

Joe Justice of Uncle Joe's Cabins complained the town was not helping him with his property flooding nor with his trash disposal problems.

"Why should we buy a business license if you're not going to help us?" said Justice. "You're supposed to be the brains."

Lisa Smith of Aj's on the Creek Restaurant and Helen Merritt of Pony Penning Enterprises Inc. also spoke against the town's banner ordinance at the meeting.

Debbie Ritter complained that a trailer near her home had no running water, no sewage and no electricity.

She said she had the run-around between Zoning Administrator Kenny Lewis and the Accomack County Health Department.

"I've been back and forth," said Ritter. "Kenny says the property is grandfathered but there is no record of when it was grandfathered," said Ritter.

She said she filled out a town survey recently. "I wrote a very insulting comment about the police department," she stated. "I never heard a response. If I don't hear a response, you don't give two cents."

Ritter complained that there was no accountability with the town with no response to her phone calls.

"We took it on the chin tonight," said Councilman Terry Holland.

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June 29 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting

Chincoteague Beacon
July 8, 2010
Council refunds fees to dentist
By Greg Merritt • Staff Writer

CHINCOTEAGUE --It is an unusual occurrence when any government refunds fees to anyone, but that's exactly what the Chincoteague Town Council did at its meeting on June 29.

The council voted unanimously to refund business license fees collected from Dr. William Beczek.

The motion to refund the fees was made by Councilman Jim Frese during his last meeting as a councilman.

Frese has been a champion of limited government and reduced taxes on the public.

Frese proposed refunding the license fees with 5 percent interest.

When given the opportunity to reply, Dr. Beczek said, "I have 19 years worth of receipts."

The council voted to refund all his past license fees, plus five percent interest.

The council was not so unanimous in debating a convenient Center Memo-randum of Understand-ing with Accomack County.

By a split vote, decided with the vote of Mayor Jack Tarr, the council voted to turn over control of the convenience center to Accomack County.

The move will save the town about $30,000, but will impact some of the small businesses that use the facility.

Under the county system the center will be open six days a week, not seven days as the town has done in the past.

The center may also have some limits on commercial use that could impact the Chincoteague business community.

Voting for the county taking over the facility were council members Ellen Richardson, John Henry Howard and John N. Jester, along with Mayor Tarr.

Voting against were Terry Howard, Jim Frese and Nancy Conklin.

In other council news:

Councilman Frese did not get a second on his proposal to refund zoning inspection fees to 23 residents and a motion to reduce several fees in the new budget did not pass as well.

The council debated the placing of a volleyball court on the baseball field at Veterans Memorial Park. No council action was taken, but the mayor requested Town Manger Robert Ritter to keep council advised of work at the park.

Present during the discussion of the park was Donna Mason. Her father, Lee Savage, donated the land at Memorial Park for the recreational benefit of the community.

The council agreed that volleyball needed to be at the park, but some did not like the location of the court in the left field of the baseball facility.

The council approved a questionaire to be distributed by the Beach Access Committee during the July 4 weekend.

The next meeting will be July 13 at 7 p.m. when the council will welcome its newest member, Tripp Muth.

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June 17 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting

Chincoteague Beacon
June 24, 2010
Town Council approves $6.3 million budget
By Greg Merritt
Staff Writer

CHINCOTEAGUE -- The Chincoteague Town Council passed a $6,328,640 budget for fiscal year 2011 Thursday night.

Some provisions of the budget, however, may be changed at a council meeting later in the month as a result of a request by Councilman Jim Frese to put forth to council a plan to adjust some of the town's fees.

The vote to pass the new budget was 4-1 with council members Ellen Richardson, Nancy Conklin, Jim Frese and Terry Howard voting for the budget and Councilman John Henry Howard voting against the budget. Councilman John N. Jester was absent from the vote.

"I just don't like the way the town is being run," said John Henry Howard in explaining his negative vote. He had announced at the June 6 council meeting his intentions to vote against the budget and followed through with his vote Thursday night.

The budget as passed includes a real estate tax rate of six cents per $100 of assessed value, a tangible property tax rate of 85 cents per $100, a tangible property tax relief of 63 cents per $100, a meals tax of five percent and transient occupancy tax rate of three percent, including general government, harbor and water fee schedules and appropriate the funds for disbursement.

The fee schedules were of concern to Councilman Jim Frese, who voted for the budget with the understanding that council would revisit the fee schedules before the end of the month. Mayor Jack Tarr stated the council would meet on June 28, 29 or 30.

Two items on the June 17 agenda proposed by Frese were postponed because of the absence of Councilman Jester. Councilwoman Nancy Conklin stated she thought it would not be fair to vote on the two measures without a full council.

The first item postponed dealt with the construction of a volleyball court on the baseball field at Veterans Memorial Park. The second item dealt with a request to return taxes and fees.

Frese wrote a letter of objection that was included in the agenda concerning the volleyball court. "As a member of council, I register my objection to these arbitrary and capricious actions and the intentional withholding of the information from council," wrote Frese in the letter.

The council was advised of the volleyball court by Councilwoman Ellen Richardson at the June 7 meeting.

In other council action from the Thursday meeting:

The council voted to hold the Chincoteague Challenge Half-Marathon race in conjunction with the new bridge celebration.

There will be a bridge opening ceremony on Sept. 25. The Chincoteague Challenge could be run the day before the ceremony or on the day of the ceremony. Plans were not finalized at Thursday's meeting.

The half-marathon run (13.1 miles) was proposed by Joe Lowrey of PASS Marketing Communications, who gave a presentation to the council at Thursday's meeting.

Lowrey presented three options to the council concerning the bridge dedication and accompanying Chincoteague Challenge Half-Marathon. The third option contained plans for a nationally-sanctioned half-marathon that would start and finish on or around the new bridge.

"This can be a very cool thing," Lowery told the council. "It can be a very attractive event."

Mayor Tarr said, "It looks like a great opportunity."

Lowery stated the whole package that included the dedication ceremony and the Chincoteague Challenge would have price tag of from $40,000 to $45,000. All money would be raised by sponsorships and entry fees and no public funds would be used for the event.

"Looks like a win-win situation," said Tarr.

The council voted unanimously to approve the Chincoteague Challenge with Councilman Jester absent.

The council voted unanimously to approve the composition of the town's Beach Access Committee. The committee will be composed of the mayor and one council member, the Accomack County Supervisor from Chincoteague, the president of the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce, one member of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, the chairperson of the Chincoteague Island Downtown Merchants Association and the director of the Eastern Shore Tourism Commission. The committee would have a host of non-voting advisors from various parts of the community.

A separate committee of citizens is being set up by Donna Mason of the Waterside Inn.

The Council voted unanimously to adopt the State Motor Vehicle Code.

Resident Nancy Lane of the Garden Club thanked Public Works Director Harvey Spurlock for all his help during the garden tour.

Town Manager Robert Ritter thanked the council for their work on the budget.

The meeting lasted just 55 minutes, not including the prayer and pledge of allegiance.

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June 7 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting

Chincoteague Beacon
June 10, 2010Volleyball court placement meets opposition
By Greg Merritt • Staff Writer

CHINCOTEAGUE -- Near the end of a three-hour meeting Monday night, the Chincoteague Town Council debated the new volleyball court placed on the baseball field at Veterans Memorial Park.

Councilwoman Ellen Richardson brought up the issue during the announcement portion of the meeting that follows more substantive issues on the council's agenda.

Richardson had issues with the new volleyball court since it interfered with both the Chincoteague Middle School baseball team and the U.S. Coast Guard use of the facility.

"The middle school can't practice there anymore," said Richardson. "The Coast Guard can't use it anymore. Put it back the way it was."

Included in the council's 109-page agenda was a report of the town's Recreation and Community Enhancement Committee meeting on May 11.

Within the report was a short reference to the volleyball court: "Memorial Park, the volleyball court was installed without approval by the Town Council or recommendation by the RCEC Committee. Complaints have been made about the large pole holding the net in the outfield and someone that may run into it."

Richardson noted that the fence in the left field area had been removed so that the volleyball court was open in the area and next to the picnic pavilion. "Who wants sand kicked up when you're having a picnic," Richardson asked.

Mayor Jack Tarr noted that many years ago Memorial Park had two volleyball courts and that he was one of the players who used the facility.

The outfield had previously been compromised by the addition of a skate park a few years ago and Town Manager Robert Ritter noted the volleyball court had been kept in line with the skate park that occupies center field and is fenced off from the baseball field.

Councilman John N. Jester thought that the operation of the park should be left up to the staff. "From the standpoint of managing the town, we empower the staff to do things," said Jester.

Jester said the island had many baseball fields with the high school and the Little League complex. "We need more parking," said Jester.

"Council learns about this after the fact," said Councilman Jim Frese. "Don't think that's right."

Mayor Tarr said, "Whoever put it in did a good job. Wrong place, but great job."

Richardson said she had spoken with a Coast Guard official and the middle school baseball coach and she wanted action on the matter.

The council members were requested to give their ideas to Town Manager Ritter so he could formulate a plan.

In other council news from Monday's meeting:

Three citizens of Chincoteague were honored for their many years of service to the community. Ernestine Helen Hall, Mable Louise Liscum and Sadie J. Ayres were presented Certificates of Recognition by the town. All three are 96 years old and through their many years of service to their churches and civic groups, they have demonstrated their dedication to the welfare of others. All three ladies are lifelong residents of Chincoteague. They were not present at the council meeting, but the town will deliver their certificates to them.

The council had a public hearing on the fiscal 2011 budget. Karen Hipple presented a breakdown of the $5.8 million budget to council. The council will vote on the budget at the next meeting on June 17.

The council held a public hearing on the real estate tax rate and the meals tax rate. At Councilman Jim Frese's urging the council voted unanimously to cut the copy charge from 50 cents a page to 10 cents a page. The meals tax rate is proposed to go from four to five percent.

A public hearing on the lot line vacation proposed by Carlton Mason was tabled at the request of Bob Turner, who represented Mason at the meeting. Turner said some unexpected opposition to the vacation had surfaced and Mason wanted more time to meet with those who opposed the move.

The council unanimously approved a mutual aid agreement with the Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. This allows the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and the Town of Chincoteague to help each other when it is needed and requested.

Council members unanimously approved a resolution to apply for VDOT revenue sharing.

The council postponed voting on the town engineering service agreement and agreement of network buildout concerning the broadband program.

Dr. William Baczek told the council that to his knowledge he is the only doctor on the island who is paying for a business license. "I feel like I'm being discriminated against," said Beczek. "It's a miscarriage of justice." The mayor directed the town manager to research the problem.

Bob Conklin appeared before council and supported the construction of a platform at Curtis Merritt Harbor. He said it would help the public view rocket launches from Wallops Island, among other uses. "I request that the town undertake this at some time in the future," said Conklin.

Nancy Rosenberger appeared before council and said that on two occasions, Mother Earth Day and the Blessing of the Fleet, she had observed dogs at the Robert Reed Downtown Park.

Joe Justice told the council it had been 10 months since his property had been flooded out and nothing had been done. "I'm getting tired of it now," said Justice.

Town Planner William Neville told the council he was working on plans for directional signs for the downtown area near the new bridge.

Public Works Director Harvey Spurlock noted that "VDOT agrees there is a problem" with the junction of the new bridge, Main Street and Maddox Boulevard. Councilman John Henry Howard noted, "Whoever engineered that one should lose his degree."

Spurlock noted that work on Pension Street should be completed by June 18.

Major Randy Mills, representing Police Chief Edward Lewis, said the police department had raised more than $45,000 this past year.

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May 20 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting

Chincoteague Beacon
May 27, 2010
Council OK's employee health funding
By Greg Merritt

CHINCOTEAGUE -- The Chincoteague Town Council put in a busy Thursday. The council held two meetings, one in the morning and another in the evening, during which it voted on funding for the town employees' health plan for the coming fiscal year.

The morning session was a fact-finding mission for council members as they listened to and questioned representatives from USI Health Insurance Brokers concerning the various health plans available to town employees.

At the evening session the council members listened again to Lisa R. Buswell, a vice president of USI Health Insurance Brokers.

After a question and answer session with Buswell, council voted unanimously to fund Plan F with Mutual of Omaha for retirees over the age of 65. The town would fund the premium for Plan F that would go in conjunction with Medicare.

Participants in the program could voluntarily pick up a dental and vision plan that would be paid by the participants.

The council voted unanimously to go with the Keystone 1527 plan for employees under 65 years of age. The town would pay approximately $267,000 for the employee health plan and that is in line with what Accomack County pays for its employees' health coverage.

While the health packages took much of the day's work for council members, it was the commercial use authorization to conduct business on public property that drew the most public comment at the evening meeting.

The policy questions arose from two Ocean City kayak businesses that wanted to use as their place of business the town boat ramp on East Side.

Because of this the town sent out letters to several charter businesses on the island that they had to cease and decease business operations on public areas around the boat ramps.

The commercial use authorization applied to charter boats that did not lease dock space from the town and required business to have liability insurance in the amount of $1 million.

"It I was in that business, I'd get out," said Councilman Jim Frese. "We have to start being business friendly. This is not business friendly."

Frese recommended that the ordinance just apply to kayaks and not to other business operations.

Councilman John Henry Howard indicated some business license applications were granted to post office boxes.

"This doesn't make any sense," said Capt. Ray Davis. He contended his business license should be enough and the commercial authorization should not apply to those who legally hold business license here.

Capt. Forrest (Mac) McDowell said, "It's totally out of control."

Ernie Bowden reminded that the Merritt Harbor Committee make the rules for the harbor and all council had to do was go by the ordinances already on the books. "We need to stay within our own rules," said Bowden.

In the end council did not pass a new commercial authorization ordinance but decided to let things stay as they were.

In other council news:

The council unanimously approved a resolution or application of up to $5,000 though the Virginia Department of Transportation Revenue Sharing Program.

On a split vote, the council reset the meeting start time for 7 p.m. Voting for the new time were Ellen Richardson, Terry Howard, Jim Frese and John N. Jester. Voting against the change were John Henry Howard and Nancy Conklin.

The council voted unanimously to waive the fee for replacing a sign that has been damaged or destroyed.

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May 3 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting

Chincoteague Beacon
May 6, 2010
After 5 months of tussle, zoning change OK'd
By Greg Merritt • Staff Writer

CHINCOTEAGUE -- After five months of back and forth wrangling with the Planning Comm-ission, the Chincoteague Town Council finally gave the rezoning answer Phillip Ettinger wanted.

Ettinger owns a parcel of land adjacent to the Oyster Bay II development. The 4.5-acre parcel was zoned R-1, the same as the Oyster Bay II property, of which Ettinger is a significant owner. He wanted to change the zoning to R-2 so he could build duplex housing, up to nine on the parcel.

Ettinger, who appeared before council Monday night, had to convince a majority of the Town Council to disregard a recommendation from the town's Planning Commission that recommended Ettinger's request be denied.

A public hearing on the matter was held at the April meeting of the council and Ettinger was unable to attend because of illness. The council decided to let Ettinger speak at the May meeting before they voted on the matter.

Ettinger, from Alexandria, told the council he began coming to Chincoteague 34 years ago. "I fell in love with the place," Ettinger said.

The parcel of land in question lies between Oyster Bay II, that is zoned R-1 and property owned by Eddie Tull that is zoned R-3.

Ettinger described his parcel as being a "buffer" between the two zones and said it was entirely in agreement with the town's Comprehensive Plan.

Town attorney Jon Poulson told the council the proposed change or no change was within the power of the governing body.

After about an hour of questioning by the council, Ettinger said he was ready to abide by council's decision.

The council voted 4-1 to approve Ettinger's request. Council members Ellen Richardson, Jim Frese, Nancy Conklin and Terry Howard voted for the measure, while John Jester voted against the request.

Councilman John Henry Howard abstained from the vote.

Ettinger thanked the council for listening to his request. He called it "a win-win for everybody."

In other council news from Monday's meeting:

The council set June 7 to hold a public hearing for the town's fiscal 2011 budget and fee and rate schedules. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. but the budget part of the meeting will not start before 7 p.m. There will also be a public hearing on the real estate tax rate and the meals tax rate at the June 7 meeting. The council voted unanimously for the hearings date.

The council voted unanimously to proclaim Safe Boating Week the week of May 22-28.

The council voted unanimously to proclaim May 8-14 Spring Clean Up, Paint Up, Fix Up week. This will be held in conjunction with Mother Earth Day on May 8 at the Robert Reed Downtown Park.

Council members voted unanimously to proclaim May 23-29 as Hurricane Preparedness Week.

The council voted unanimously to reestablish a Beach Access Committee.

This committee will be composed of two members from the Town of Chincoteague, two members from Accomack County, two members from the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce, one member of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, one member of the Chincoteague Downtown Merchant's Association and one member from the Eastern Shore Tourism Commission.

Council members voted unanimously to award a bid from Bransome Eastern Shore for the paving work on Pension Street. The winning bid was for $176, 496.80.

During the Open Forum, Public Participation portion of the meeting, Greg Savage complained that the town's police department had overstepped its bounds by placing an officer who observes him when he picks up his grandchild from school. "This has been done without any investigation at all," said Savage. "My wife and I are treated like common criminals."

Savage went on to say, "I believe that Chief (Eddie) Lewis is guilty of at least police harassment, if not malfeasance in office."

Later in the meeting Chief Lewis said his department will respond when requested by a citizen. "By law we have to," Lewis stated.

Monday was Student Government Day for the students at Chincoteague Combined School.

Mayor Hillary Chesson spoke to the council and introduced her fellow students, who filled positions on the Town Council, as well as police chief, town manager and public works director.

Other members of the student government were Elizabeth Cathey, Liz Hipple, Robby Lang, Samantha Cinelo, Mary Besecker, Mary Hudgins, Charles Schnellings, Chase Haugh and Logan Wright.

The council ended the evening by going into executive session for consideration of the investment of public funds and to speak with the town attorney about "possible litigation."

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April 5 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting

Chincoteague Beacon
April 8, 2010
Bridge traffic concerns and drainage woes discussed
By Greg Merritt
Staff Writer

CHINCOTEAGUE -- Although not on the agenda Monday night at the monthly meeting of the Chincoteague Town Council, drainage and the new bridge were much on the minds of most council members.

The new bridge to Chincoteague opened Thursday, and already there are some problems with some traffic. Councilman John Henry Howard expressed concern that trucks and long vehicles cannot turn because of narrow lanes and the stop stripe is not placed far enough back from the intersection.

"Big trucks cannot turn onto Maddox," said Howard. "Something needs to be done."

Nancy Payne, who operates a business on the north corner of Maddox and Main told the council she was concerned with speeding motorists coming through the intersection. "I'm concerned with speeding,"said. "Send the police so you can observe what we observe."

She said she fears for the people on bicycles when the summer season comes and the increase in traffic in the area. "It's very scary," she stated.

Councilman Terry Howard was concerned about the Marsh Island spur, the part of the bridge that is still under construction by Amer-ican Bridge Inc.

The spur, when it is completed, is attached to the main bridge and motorists coming from Marsh Island will have to observe a stop sign. "I think this is an accident waiting to happen," said Howard. "People are being put at risk. We need to work on it. A stop sign does not make sense.

Councilwoman Ellen Richardson said the new bridge needed lights. "It's awfully dark out there," said Richardson.

Richardson also wondered about putting a sidewalk on the west side of the street, where the bridge property extends north.

Mayor Tarr suggested the council send a letter to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) with their concerns.

Another hot topic for council is the drainage situation on Chincoteague. Heavy rainfall and snow this winter has left drainage ditches filled and even moderate rains can force water into people's yards and homes.

Island resident Joe Justice, who has appeared at several meetings in the past, appeared again Monday night, but this time to thank the town workers for their drainage work.

A resident from Horseshoe Lane spoke to council about flooding on his street. The lane is a private road and that causes a problem for the council.

"We've got 26 miles of the same problem," said John Henry Howard. "We don't have the answer. If anyone does please let us know."

Mayor Tarr said, "We need to find out who owns all these roads."

Public Works Director Harvey Spurlock has been working on drainage issues since he joined the town earlier this year. "Drainage continues to be an issue," said Spurlock. He mentioned the work the town is doing on Pension Street and that some work cannot be started until the ground dries.

It appears that issues concerning the new bridge and drainage will continue to occupy the council's time and efforts in the coming weeks and months.

In other council news from Monday's meeting:

Commander John J. Keegan of the Navy's Surface Combat Systems Center on Wallops Island gave council an overview of the activities taking place there. He explained the mission of the center and the cutting edge technology employed by the Navy and the future operations that will keep the center busy until at least 2039.

The council unanimously approved a Census Bureau Proclamation as the town agrees to encourage all residents to fill out their census form.

Robbie Lewis of the Virginia Department of Forestry presented council with information about Tree City USA. So far only Onancock and Wallops have joined the Tree City USA program on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Tree City USA is a project of the National Arbor Day Foundation. The council took no action on the proposal.

The council unanimously approved a request to vacate a property line for Gene W. and Stephanie Taylor.

The council unanimously approved a request to vacate a property line for Shirley Lewis and Marvin and Florence Westpal. It was unclear if the action was required, according to Town Attorney Jon Poulson, but he admitted the action would not hurt anything.

A public hearing on the proposed rezoning from RI to R2 of the property of Phillip P. Ettinger was held, but no member of the public spoke. Town Planner Bill Neville did speak to answer the council's question about the proposal that the Planning Commission has recommended be denied.

Because of the illness of Ettinger, the council decided to take no action, but to wait until the next meeting to meet with Ettinger.

The council unanimously approved the appointment of Spiro Papadopoulos to a seat on the town's Building Code Board of Appeals, taking the position of Reginald Birch Jr., whose tern expired at the end of last year.

Council members unanimously approve the by-laws of the town's Planning Commission.
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March 1 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting

Chincoteague Beacon
March 4, 2010
New bridge on track for April 2 opening
By Greg Merritt
Staff Writer

CHINCOTEAGUE -- The new bridge to Chincoteague is on schedule for an April 2 opening if the weather cooperates. That was the message delivered to the Chincoteague Town Council Monday evening by Tom Rakowski of the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Despite all the adverse weather conditions encountered by the area so far this year, employees of American Bridge have been able to make headway on the new bridge and the April 2 date seems to be in reach.

"Depending on the weather we may be able to beat that target date," said Rakowski.

Rakowski said workers have been able to work on the new path to Chincoteague and the spur that leads to Marsh Island in recent weeks.

There remain, Rakowski stated, a few temperature sensitive jobs to be done, such as the road stripes on the new asphalt.

Drivers to and from Chincoteague in the coming weeks will see a new one-way path to Chincoteague as workers shift their attention from one side to the other.

"We need to shift the traffic one more time," said Rakowski. "The present detour road covers up part of the ramp."

The plan is to switch the detour to the north side and finish paving on the south side of the detour. "When we finish the south side and we take that detour sign down the bridge will be open for traffic," said Rakowski. "That will probably be the last two weeks in March."

Rakowski said the drawbridge has been undergoing "testing procedures" the past few weeks and everything seems to be going smoothly.

"Everything is functional on primary and backup power," he said. "And the span should be fully operational by the end of this week."

The new traffic signal will be state-of-the-art with an override feature that allows ambulance drivers to activate a green light while on emergency calls over the bridge.

"We've learned that there is a freight train of modular homes waiting for the bridge to open," said Rakowski. "We did our best to expedite that because some them are so big and wide they just can't get through that 'S' turn."

Rakowski said that some of council's ideas have been incorporated into the new bridge, including placing crape myrtles instead of loblolly pines near the entrance.

The main bridge is planned to be open by April 2 and the spur to Marsh Island should be completed by Aug. 26. Rakowski said the demolition of the old span should be complete by Dec. 13.

Rakowski and representatives from American Bridge and VDOT will meet next week for an informational meeting on how to proceed.

He said there will be time to have an "open house" for the new bridge and the old bridge before the demolition.

Rakowski said he had one request from a 92-year-old lady who as a child used to jump off the old bridge. She wants to be among the first to cross the new span.

In other council news from Monday's meeting:

The council voted unanimously to spend $5,000 to obtain a matching grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts for the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance. The CCA has an busy schedule planned this year for movies and concerts at the Robert Reed Downtown Park and many other activities throughout the year. CCA president Bob Behr requested the matching grant.

The council voted 5-1 for a new Wind Energy Ordinance that would regulate wind turbine use. Councilman Jim Frese voted against the ordinance. Frese had made a motion to make the wind energy use a special use that would have saved applicants money and time, but the motion did not get a second. On a separate vote council voted unanimously to set the application fee at $450 instead of the $1,500 in the original proposal.

The council voted unanimously to apply for a USDA Community Facilities Grant for five mobile data, laptop computers for the island's police department. The town's portion of the purchase is $17,500. The grant will be for $52,500 or 75 percent of the purchase.

Councilwoman Ellen Richardson reported that there will be a cemetery cleanup on March 13 at the Taylor Cemetery on School Street. Everyone is invited to participate. A rain date of March 20 has been set.

Richardson also announced that March 20-27 has been set as Island Cemetery Clean-Up Week.

Bryan Rush, chairman of the town's Health Insurance Committee, gave a lively presentation about the town employees' health insurance problems. Faced with having to acquire a new health plan the committee has presented council with a plan, but council took no action on the plan at Monday's meeting.

The long and winding road of Phillip P. Ettinger's request to rezone a plat of land on North Main Street from R-1 to R-2 got a bit longer Monday night. The council voted unanimously to give the Planning Commission 30 more days to present a recommendation to council.

Town planner William Neville reported to the council on the Enterprise Zone update. The town has until April 1 to decide what to do with the zone and will make a decision at a later meeting.

The council decided to let Town Attorney Jon Poulson look at the proposed Sign Ordinance on political signs before making any decision on the measure.

An interesting exchange took place when council members discussed the shortage of doctors on the island and the lack of 24-hour a day coverage. "Stocks fell and Dr. Amrien died," said Councilman John Henry Howard. "We won't remember the stocks, but we'll never forget Dr. Amrien."

A proposed change in the Home Occupation Regulations Ordinance was not acted upon by the council. The council sent the measure to the Planning Commission for more examination and a recommendation.

The council voted unanimously to go into executive session to confer with Poulson on a legal matter and to discuss a prospective business.

The Town Council had an executive meeting at the end of the Feb. 1 meeting where members returned to open session and voted unanimously to hire Springstead to do a financial audit to review all the town's revenues and expenditures. Councilwoman Nancy Conklin was absent from that meeting.

During the Open Forum at the beginning of the meeting, resident Peggy Thomas complained to the council about the move to start council meetings at 6 p.m. When asked for a show of hands, the majority of those present at Monday's meeting supported a 7 p.m. start time.

Resident Helen Birch added her voice to the many who have questioned real estate assessments on the island.

Resident Helen Merritt voiced her concern about the lack of doctors on the island.

Resident Joe Justice appeared before the council to ask if anything has been done to help the drainage situation near his property on Chicken City Road.

Capt. Robby Fisher reported that the Chincoteague Police Department has been approved for a grant for some bulletproof vests for its officers. The department has begun to aid Jay Lewis in his battle for transplants with a dinner planned. The department also is planning a Bike Rodeo on May 8.

Town Manager Robert Ritter said that auto decals would go on sale at the town office on the 15th of this month. He also stated that the town's transient occupancy tax revenues were up, but that sales tax revenues were down.

Bryan Rush said that Emergency Management would hold a public safety forum on March 17 at 6 p.m.
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February 1 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting

Chincoteague Beacon
February 2, 2010
CHINCOTEAGUE: Weather postpones completion of new bridge until April
By Greg Merritt
Staff Writer

CHINCOTEAGUE ­ The Chincoteague Town Council dealt with a wide range of measures Monday night at its regular monthly meeting, ranging from the delayed opening of the bridge under construction to garbage containers.

Mayor Jack Tarr gave the bad news about the island's new bridge near the opening of the meeting. The Virginia Department of Transportation’s Tom Rakowski was slated to address the council, but scheduling conflicts kept him away from the meeting.

In a news release, presented to the council, VDOT announced the completion of the main line bridge would be delayed until April 1.

"This delay is due to abnormally cold and wet weather in the area and the need to ensure the planned settlement of the supporting soil under the new roadway on the western approach has reached an acceptable level," stated the release.

The spur bridge to Marsh Island and the demolition of the old swing bridge should be completed by December of this year.

"I think this is a more realistic time frame," said Councilman Terry Howard. American Bridge, the contractor for the construction, has had different finish dates ­ August, November and last month.

Record precipitation has cost time for project, that since last fall has had just one lane of traffic on and off Chincoteague.

Councilman John N. Jester said the new date would allow plans for island residents to take a walk of bike over the old bridge, before it is destroyed.

"It's nicer in April than it is in January," said Jester.

"I hope it is finished a day before April 1 or a day after," said Mayor Tarr. "I don't want the bridge to open on April Fool's Day."

The weather pays a huge part in the construction project.

“Temperatures must remain above 50 degrees over a consistent period of time for quality asphalt placement,” said Bud Morgan, Area Construction Engineer in the VDOT release, “or the pavement could fail causing additional expense and motorist delays.”

The release also stated the bridge project is currently within budget.

In other council news:

n Chincoteague Supervisor Wanda Thornton gave council an update on the workings of the Accomack County Board of Supervisors. Thornton lamented the fact that county real estate assessments have gone up, even in the recession that has gripped the nation. As an example she gave the Maddox Family Campground, whose assessment increased about $3 million.

"It just isn't fair," said Thornton, who said other areas of Accomack County did not rise.
Residents have only until Feb. 12 to start appeals.

"Chincoteague is paying its unfair share of taxes," said Thornton, and the council agreed.

Councilman John Henry Howard said in his lifetime he has seen discrimination based on race, discrimination of the sexes, but this "is discrimination of Chincoteague."

n Council authorized the purchase of a 2005 AVS RC85 skid steer loader (Bobcat) for the Public Works Department. The price is $21,750 for the Bobcat and $2,500 for the trailer.

Public Works Director Harvey Spurlock said the vehicle could be used for a variety of purposes, including snow removal.

n On a motion by Councilman John Howard, council acted to get out of the trash container business. As a convenience Council has been selling trash containers compatible with trash removal equipment operated by Davis Disposal. The containers sell for $58.

The vote was 3-2 to stop selling the trash containers with John Howard, Jim Frese and John Jester voting to stop the sale and council members Ellen Richardson and Terry Howard voting against the measure. Councilwoman Nancy Conklin was absent from the meeting.

n Cat Edwards updated council on the progress of the broadband coming to Chincoteague. She said it was important for the town to track the jobs created during the process and do all the required paperwork. The town has to provide funds to help the Eastern Shore Broadband Authority secure loans for the construction.

n Council authorized funds to hire Clark Nexsen to start the planning phase for Smith Street, Horseshoe Lane and Wayne Road. Residents of these areas have been flooded out for much of the past several months. Clark Nexsen provides plans and the work will be performed by the town's Public Works Department.

n Council voted to update the town's nuisances ordinance, upon the recommendation of Town Attorney Jon Poulson.

• Amber Parker, Director of the Marine Science Consortium on Wallops Island, gave council an update on the activities of her organization. New construction is ongoing on the Wallops Island site with expected completion date of August with a dedication planned for September.

n Jeff Potts was named as the new Planning Commission member.

n Seven citizens spoke during the Public Participation part of the meeting. Ron Mason said he was disappointed in the town's snow removal efforts. Public Works Director Spurlock stated, "We were not up to the task at hand." Spurlock said the island had 10 inches of snow and did not have the working equipment to deal with it.

n Joe Justice wanted to know if the town had contacted the Army Corps of Engineers about the flooding around his property on Chicken City Road. Justice has been before council before about the problem.

n Jane Wolffe appeared before council in support of broadband for the island and urged council to move forward with the project.

Donna Mason spoke to council in support of broadband. "Some say we don't need it, but we sure do," said Mason.

n Nancy Payne said she had an issue with health care on the island. She pointed to a lady who sustained a broken nose last summer on a Sunday and could not find a local doctor. Mayor Tarr said that the Kiwanis Club was working with rural health to help bring another doctor to Chincoteague in the near future.

n Leonard Jester said the lack of snow removal was a problem for the whole island. "I've never seen it so bad in all my life," said Jester. He urged the town to consider placing a drain near Chicken City Road and Maddox Boulevard.

n Helen Merritt praised the work of the town's Public Works Department. She said the damage done to her property when installing new water lines was fixed promptly.

Mayor Tarr surprised Merritt by telling her the town would be happy to display a plaque presented by Accomack County, honoring her late husband Paul B. Merritt.

n Police Chief Eddie Lewis announced the department's Bike Rodeo is scheduled for May 1. In other news, Lewis said he is working on a grant to purchase new bullet-resistent vests for police officers.

n In the past month the police department responded to 362 calls for assistance that resulted in 19 arrests.

n Council ended a busy night by going into executive session to discuss the award of a public contract.

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January 4 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting

Chincoteague Beacon
January 7, 2010
Council hears frustration over drainage woes
By Greg Merritt
Staff Writer

CHINCOTEAGUE -- Drainage, or the lack thereof, took center stage at Monday's regular monthly Chincoteague Town Council meeting as local residents used the public participation portion of the meeting to vent their frustrations.

Karen Jarvis and Patsy Savage brought pictures of the flooding that has taken place on Horseshoe Drive where they reside.

"Water is landlocked," said Jarvis. "And this is rain water."

Jarvis said the water is under houses on the street and has nowhere to go.

Savage, who has lived on the street since 1974, said the street "stays swamped with water and sewage is running into the water."

Savage said she has been talking with the town for years, but the flooding has been getting worse.

Public Works Director Harvey Spurlock said that Chincoteague has been subjected to 47 inches of rain since the first of July. "That's 10 inches above what we average for the year," he said. "We've had three events that are 25-year events this year."

"We know drainage has not been taken care of like it should have been," said Councilman John Henry Howard.

"We need a comprehensive plan," said Councilman John N. Jester.

The discussion briefly spilled into the public area of the council chamber with several people talking with members of council and the mayor.

"These people have a problem," said Councilman Terry Howard. "It's terrible."

Spurlock said he is formulating a storm management plan and hopes to have the plan ready within about a week.

The council voted unanimously to retain the services of Clark Nexen Architects and Engineers as a storm water management consultant to help deal with all the drainage issues on the island.

In other news from Monday's Town Council meeting:

The council welcomed new Town Planner Bill Neville, who replaces Jared Anderson, who also was present at the meeting. Anderson stepped down from the position to attend law school and was on hand at the meeting to help finalize the town's Comprehensive Plan.

Councilman Terry Howard praised the good work performed by the Chincoteague Police Department. Police Chief Eddie Lewis reported his department helped over 60 families during the Christmas season. He also reported his department raised around $30,000 that will be spent helping the community.

Town Manager Robert Ritter said that January is a busy month for the town office. The town is opening a Virginia Employment Commission satellite office to help set up the 20 new employees needed by the Broadband Authority. He noted that one hold up with the new cable is that it cannot be completed until the spur of the new bridge is finished.

Mayor Jack Tarr announced the winners of the town's annual Christmas decorations judging that took place just before the Christmas holiday. The Judge's Choice Award went to Jack and June Moyer, while the Most Festive Award went to Connie Bailey. The Most Illuminated Award went to Dill and Arlene Wilgus. The Most Traditional Award went to Ricky and Mandy Betts. Honorable Mention went to Barbara Kambarn, Chester Williams and Ray Rosenberger. Winners in each category received a $100 savings bond.

The council wrestled with a proposal by island resident Ruth Lane to have the town serve as holder of an easement making her one-acre lot an open space. While all the council expressed support for the open space ideal, some had reservations about the town's role in holding an easement on private residential property. Councilman John N. Jester expressed concern about the language of the proposal using the words "in perpetuity."

In the end, the council was divided on the proposal with Terry Howard, Nancy Conklin and Jim Frese voting in favor of the open space proposal and Ellen Richardson, John Henry Howard and John N. Jester voting against it. Mayor Jack Tarr voted against the proposal, sending it down to defeat.

The council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the application for state aid to public transportation for the town's trolley service, the Pony Express. The service has a fiscal year budget of $75,400. Jack Van Dame presented the proposal to council.

The council sent a proposal to change the zoning from C1 to C2 on a parcel of land owned by Phillip P. Ettinger adjacent to Oyster Bay to the Planning Commission as required by law. The Planning Commission has 30 days to return the proposal to council for a vote. The proposal was presented by Jeff Potts of Coldwell Banker. Town Attorney Jon Poulson cautioned that the landowner search the deed carefully to make sure none of the covenants from Oyster Bay are part of the deed.

The council voted unanimously to accept a bid from Eastern Shore Surveyors to survey Ocean Boulevard extended for a possible bike path. The bid was for $2,000 to survey the path.

The council voted unanimously to re-appoint Mollie Cherrix and Ray Rosenberger to the town's Planning Commission. The re-appointment is for four years and will expire on Dec. 31, 2013. The council will accept nominations for a third position on the commission vacated by Bob Behr, who did not wish to be reappointed.

The council discussed an upcoming course for Planning Commission members and members of the Town Council. The Certified Planning Commissioner training will be held at the Eastern Shore Community College and will cost $450 per person. This is the first time the 10-week course has been offered on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

Most of the council did not comment during the Mayor and Council Announcements or Comments portion of the meeting that came after more than three hours of regular meeting. Councilman Jester did mention three things.

First, Jester congratulated Major Randy Mills for successfully completing the FBI National Academy. Then he reported that the cabin being restored on North Main Street has been examined by experts, who state the building may be more than 200 years old. Thirdly, Jester reminded residents that Accomack County tax assessments received recently can be appealed.

Mayor Tarr said the council will have a workshop on Jan. 21 at the Council Chambers, beginning at 5 p.m.

The council ended the meeting by going into executive session to discuss "personnel matters." Mayor Tarr said employee evaluations would be discussed in the closed meeting.

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December 7 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting

Chincoteague Beacon
December 10, 2009

Chincoteague bridge on track for January opening

Officials report significant progress to Town Council

By Greg Merritt • Staff Writer

CHINCOTEAGUE -- The new bridge under construction at Chincoteague is on schedule for a January opening, Thomas A. Rakowski of the Virginia Department of Transportation told the Chincoteague Town Council on Monday night.[]

Despite early delays and adverse weather conditions the past month, American Bridge, the bridge's main contractor, has been making progress, Rakowski stated.

"We are on line to open the bridge to traffic in mid to late January," said Rakowski. "The contractor has made significant progress toward that goal."

Rakowski told the council the current one-way entrance to Chincoteague because of the bridge construction would remain in effect for 30 to 45 days.

"The main line deck is ready for grooving," said Rakowski. He said the draw span is now working on "temporary power" and full power should be ready soon.

Construction on the exterior of the control building is almost complete, awaiting an anti-graffiti sealant.

A few on council and some in the audience expressed concern over the bridge spur that connects Marsh Island with the main bridge. Rakowski said there are no plans to put a traffic light on the entrance to the spur. He said there would be some lights at the entrance for better visibility at night.

Once the main bridge is open, the contractor will turn his attention to the Wire Narrows bridge, which would be demolished after the new main bridge opens. People living on Marsh Island would have to use the old "draw" bridge until the spur was complete.

Rakowski said it would take about five months to complete work on the spur road to Marsh Island.

In other council news:

A few island residents spoke to council during the public comment period about the flooding that occurred on the island during the past months.

Joe Justice, who owns Uncle Joe's Cabins on Chicken City Road, said he has been flooded out four times in the past four months.

Michelle Martis, who lives on Ridge Road, said her home had been flooded and she has lost everything on the first floor of the home. She said she has insurance, but FEMA has not responded to help her. She now lives on the second floor of the home and said she has to destroy the first floor.

The council directed Town Manager Robert Ritter to help Matis with her paperwork with the federal program.

The council held a public hearing on a wind energy ordinance. After a brief description of the ordinance by Councilman John N. Jester, council referred the ordinance to the Planning Commission for review.

Dan Whealton appeared before the council during the public comment period and requested that the Chincoteague Causeway bridge names not be changed. The causeway is named after Capt. John B. Whealton and the bridges are named for the body of water they cross.

Willie Moore had appeared at the November council meeting and requested the new bridge be named after his late father, William Lee Moore.

Police Chief Edward Lewis reported that from Jan. 1 to Dec. 2 his department had 24,732 calls, including 2,005 calls for 9-1-1 assistance. There have been 3,516 calls for service and 201 arrests. During the period the department has issued 836 traffic summons.

"The crime rate is down a little bit," said Chief Lewis. Drug arrest were also down.

Town manager Ritter reported that his office received 26 applications for the town planner position. Of those, five have made it through to the interview process.

Ritter reported real estate taxes were down slightly. Most town revenue sources were reported down a slight amount.

Accomack County Supervisor Donald Hart was presented a Certificate of Special Recognition by Chincoteague Mayor Jack Tarr. It was the town's way of expressing its appreciation for Hart's service as chairman of the Virginia Association of Counties.

Hart was accompanied to the meeting by Chincoteague Supervisor Wanda Thornton, who introduced Hart to the council.

The council voted unanimously for authorizing the town as a local disaster on Nov. 13.

The council voted unanimously to accept a bid from Stattech Communications for a video monitoring system at the Curtis Merritt Harbor. The system costs $10,378.

The council agreed to act on an application to change the zoning from R-1 to R-2 on a piece of property owned by Phillip P. Ettinger on North Main Street, near the entrance to Oyster Bay II, until next month. The council has to refer the matter to the Planning Commission and since the Planning Commission does not meet this month, the council will send the application at next month's meeting.

Bob Behr appeared before the council in support of an Arts and Cultural District for the island. No final decision was made on the proposal, but there was discussion about making the district smaller.

The council concluded the meeting by going into executive session with Town Attorney Jon Poulson to discuss "legal matters" and "personnel matters."

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November 2, 2009 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting

Eastern Shore News
November 5, 2009
Council has a secret, may tell all in a month
By Greg Merritt
Staff writer

CHINCOTEAGUE -- The Chincoteague Town Council has a secret and for now the members are not sharing it with the public.

That was the most pressing news from Monday evening's monthly council meeting.

Members of the council talked about having a secret, but did not divulge just what the secret was.

Councilman John Henry Howard went so far as to propose the town delay hiring a new town planner to pay "attorney fees" for the secret, but still did not tell in open session just what has been going on behind closed doors --legal matters are lawfully discussed in close session.

Anyway, Councilman John Howard stated that the secret would be shared with the public in about a month.

He also withdrew his proposal to delay hiring a new planner.

The council went into executive session at the end of the meeting to discus "legal matters." Town attorney Jon Poulson did not attend the meeting.

In other council news:

Accomack County Supervisor Wanda Thornton spoke to council, giving members an update on the workings of the Accomack County Board of Supervisors. She said that in the near future the board may act to trim the number of supervisors from the present nine to five members, the old number that used to serve on the board. "We would have to take part of the mainland," said Thornton.

Joe Justice of Chincoteague spoke during the public participation portion of the meeting. He said his motel on Chicken City Road has been flooded four times in recent weeks. "I've been flooded with rain water," said Justice.

So far he has spent a little over $4,000 to repair the damage. He asked the council to install a floodgate near Capt. Bob's Marina to combat the problem.

Willie Moore spoke during the public participation portion of the meeting and asked the council to prepare a resolution to name the new bridge in honor of his father, William Lee Moore, who recently passed away.

Moore presented a petition to council with more than 300 signatures of local people who wanted the bridge named in his memory.

"He loved this island and its people," said Moore.

William Lee Moore was more popularly known as William the Fish Man.

Tommy Clark, owner of Don's Seafood Restaurant and Chattie's Lounge, asked the council to hire a new planner, after he noticed on the agenda a proposal to delay hiring a new planner.

Clark said with the coming of the new traffic pattern caused by the new bridge, the island needed a planner to help with potential problems.

Capt. Robby Fisher reported that the Chincoteague Police Department received 2,399 calls during the past month. Of those calls, 126 were for 9-1-1 and there were 62 ambulance calls. The police had 278 calls for assistance, three for breaking and entering, one DUI arrest and served 40 traffic summons. The police gave 30 warnings.

Fisher reported the department had received its new Chevy Tahoe and will have lights installed before it is ready for service.

Public Works Director Harvey Spurlock reported his activities revolve around drainage and clean-up activities. Spurlock has been working with VDOT to try to prevent future flooding where the new bridge connects with Maddox Boulevard and Main Street.

Spurlock told council "flapper" gates will be installed at various locations to help with flooding.

He told the council that the town's Christmas Decorations will be going up on Nov. 16.

Town Manager Robert Ritter reported the town's revenues from the meals tax and the transient occupancy tax have been about the same as last year.

He told council that Massey Design has been purchased by Bowman Consulting. Massey has been working on the Streetscape design for Main Street.

Ritter reported that VDOT is sticking with its schedule for the new bridge to be finished in mid to late January.

Because of bridge construction on Nov. 12 or 16, there will be a lane closure from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. New beams will be arriving.

The lane will be open only for emergency vehicles during the time of closure.

The council voted unanimously to approve a lot line vacation on lots at Silver Sails for Mr. and Mrs. William R. McCain and Mr. and Mrs. Jay D. Parsons.

Mayor Jack Tarr signed a proclamation proclaiming Nov. 8-14 at Cemetery Cleanup Week within the Town of Chincoteague.

Mayor Tarr presented a $2,000 check to Councilwoman Ellen Richardson for the Oyster and Maritime Museum. Richardson invited everyone to come to the museum and see all the interesting displays.

Councilwoman Richardson stated the next cemetery cleanup will be Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

She announced that an anonymous donation of $1,000 had been received to purchase a vault at Thornton Cemetery.

The council approved unanimously a motion to change the availability fee for connections that do not add to increased demand. In such cases the fee "shall" be waived.

The council voted 5-1 for changes in the Parks and Recreation ordinance. Councilman Jim Frese was the only vote not in favor of the changes because he felt the penalties too harsh.

The council voted unanimously to have a public hearing on a wind energy ordinance.
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This article is redistributed by permission of the Eastern Shore News.

October 5, 2009 Town Council Meeting

Eastern Shore News
October 14, 2009
Frese proposals get no seconds
By Greg Merritt
Staff writer

CHINCOTEAGUE -- The Chincoteague Town Council meeting last week will be more remembered for what the body didn't do than for what it did.

The proposals by Councilman Jim Frese to return zoning inspection fees to the public and to create a wetlands board for the island were turned down without a vote.

It was one of the rougher meetings for Frese, who had a couple of proposals knocked out because he couldn't find anyone on council to give him a second.

Both the fees and wetlands proposals did not receive a second and died without a vote.

But both proposals received considerable debate by the council, before the motions were made.

Another proposal by Frese to discuss "interpretation" kind of morphed into the discussion on zoning inspection fees.

Zoning Director Kenny Lewis was present and Frese directed some questions to him about the zoning clearance fee.

"The problem is the $35 fee," said Frese. "Hardworking men are charged a fee for absolutely nothing. It's wrong."

Lewis responded he applied the fee when he went to a site to make an inspection. He was acting on the fee as the council had passed. Mayor Jack Tarr said the council had passed the fee four times, but has been left out of the current budget.

Public Works Director Harvey Spurlock reported the town had been working on several island streets, repairing the dip at the corner of Ocean Boulevard and Main Street and potholes on the latter. Upcoming are projects to help drainage on Halley Whealton Smith Drive and repairs on Maddox Boulevard.

N.B.  This article is redistributed by permission of the Eastern Shore News.

Councilman pushes for wetlands board

Chincoteague Beacon
September 17, 2009

Councilman pushes for wetlands board

By Greg Merritt • Staff writer

CHINCOTEAGUE -- The Town of Chincoteague may yet get into the wetlands business -- if Councilman Jim Frese's proposal gets enough votes.

Frese, who has tried to get the council interested in the topic in previous meetings, put the idea of the town creating its own Wetlands Board on last Tuesday's agenda.

"I'm pushing for it for a service to our community," said Frese. "We need to have local control. It's doable."

Frese pushed for a vote. "I would like to get a vote from council," said Frese. "Either yea or nay. We should go for it."

One of the big problems Frese cited was Accomack County's charge of almost $12 per square foot for citizens and businesses who extend their bulkhead.

"That's ridiculous," said Frese of the county's charge.

Town attorney Jon Poulson reminded the council that, "you have to have fees. You're going to have to do it."

Poulson also reminded the council they would have to "ask your delegate and senator to give the council the authority to establish a wetlands board."

And Poulson stated the money raised by the fees could only be used for wetlands restoration and management.

Frese suggested the money raised with the wetlands fees could be used to start an eradication program for phragmites.

Mayor Jack Tarr was concerned about the costs of starting a wetlands board. "Accomack has one of the lowest fees," said Tarr. "I don't know how much money will be generated as opposed to how much we spend."

Mayor Tarr also said the private piers are exempt from the fees."

Frese responded, "I think we can do better."

Councilwoman Nancy Conklin said, "I'm very much concerned. I'm not in favor of a bigger government."

Councilman John N. Jester supported the idea of a local wetlands board. "I don't think the board would require one extra person," said Jester. "My feelings are, let's put something together."

Jester reminded the council that if the wetlands board turned out to be a bad idea, the town could get out of the program with prior notice.

Mayor Tarr suggested the council get more facts, address all questions to Town Manager Robert Ritter, and come back to October's council meeting with some answers.

In other news from the council meeting:

The council appointed Lynn Ballerini to a position on the Chincoteague Recreation and Convention Center Authority. Ballerini was nominated by Councilwoman Conklin.

The council held a public hearing on a budget revision item, but no one spoke during the public hearing period. The revision was needed when the town received a USDA grant of $24,375 for a Chevy Tahoe. A total of $12,230 will be applied for the Tahoe and $15,270 will go toward the purchase of a public works vehicle. The council approved the change with a unanimous vote.

The council unanimously approved a recommendation from the Health Insurance Committee to continue with the current health plan through this fiscal year for employees and retirees.

George Hiob and his wife, Margie, spoke during the public participation period of the meet. George stated that for 16 months there has been no mail delivery at Ocean Breeze. Town Manager Ritter said the U.S. Postal Service had agreed to install boxes if a concrete pad had been poured. But the location of the pad was not agreeable to some residents and the pad has not yet been poured.

"As far as I know, nothing has been done," said George Hiob. "I thought it was my right as a U.S. citizen to get mail. It's very frustrating we are not getting any results."

Town attorney Poulson responded that there is ongoing efforts to get something done. When pressed by Margie Hiob, Poulson said, "I'm not going to divulge our strategy tonight. I'm not going to do that."

"It's a legal issue," said Mayor Tarr. "It's a private road owned by Eddie Tull. We went overboard to try to get Mr. Tull to fix the roads."

Chief of Police Eddie Lewis gave a report to the council and said his office fielded 3,347 calls in the month of August, including 261 9-1-1 calls.

Lewis said the new speed trailer has been used four times in various locations around the island. The trailer posts the speed of motorists as they pass and gives the police a readout of how fast the car is traveling and the time of day.

In a recent two-hour period on Maddox Blvd. the speed trailer recorded 10 vehicles going from 50 to 70 mph. The fastest speed was 68 mph.

The council unanimously agreed to get more information before approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge. One sticky point was allowing uniformed officers from the federal installations to enforce DUI laws within the town limits of Chincoteague.

Kat Edwards, representing the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission, appeared before council for an update on the broadband issue. Council unanimously approved a pre-contract with the Broadband Authority to come into compliance with HUD regulations.

The council unanimously approved a revised Bicycle Plan for the island.

Town Manager Ritter announced the Merritt Harbor Project is complete. "Junior Birtton did a good job," said Ritter. He also announced the Island Nature Trail Ceremony will be held on Sept. 25 at 3:30 p.m.

The council unanimously approved application for a $20,400 ARRA Capital Assistance Grant for a power vehicle washing station and a new laptop for new public works director Harvey Spurlock.

Mayor Tarr gave an overview of the hazardous waste collection. "Oil can be brought to the center now," said Tarr. He also said the collection station would accept small batteries, such as cell phone batteries.

There will be a special time to bring other hazardous waste, probably during the spring clean-up, fix-up weekend. "It's our effort to be good to the environment," said Councilman Jester.

The council voted unanimously to award the custodial contract to Alliance Support Services, a company out of Chambersburg, Penn. The contract was for services to the town office building in the amount of $13,700 per year for a period of three years.

During the comment period, Councilman Terry Howard took issue with the way the Hiobs were treated when they appeared before council at the start of the meeting. In particular, the comments made by Poulson were on his mind.

"I was bothered by the way, the response they were given," said Terry Howard.

Poulson said he told them four times what he had to say.

Councilman John Howard stated the Island Medical Center is still looking for a replacement doctor for Dr. Glenn Wolffe. "It's taking longer than they thought," he said. "Dr. Wolffe has agreed to stay here for a couple of months."

N.B.  This article is redistributed by permission of the Chincoteague Beacon.

July 6, 2009 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting

Chincoteague Beacon
July 9, 2009
Panel urged to plan bridge opening
By Greg Merritt • Staff writer

CHINCOTEAGUE -- Town Vice Mayor John N. Jester proposed Monday that the Town Council appoint a committee to plan for the new bridge opening ceremony.Advertisement

The new drawbridge to Chincoteague remains on schedule for completion on Nov. 9.

"VDOT has been less than forthcoming with our community," said Jester. "We need to start now."

No vote was taken and Mayor Jack Tarr ended the segment of the meeting by saying, "We'll start something soon."

Town Manager Robert Ritter stated the town office had 22 business days in the month of June and fielded 1,874 phone calls and 1,114 office visits. The staff also received 1,292 pieces of mail during the month.

Ritter said that overall the town's revenues exceeded expenses by $56,000 in the fiscal year that just ended

Chincoteague's dispatch center handled 2,800 calls in June, including 349 calls for police assistance.

It also handled 209 9-1-1 calls and 67 ambulance calls, Police Chief Edward Lewis said at Monday night's Town Council meeting.

The police department made 13 arrests, issued 80 traffic citations, gave out 30 warnings, had three incidents of driving under the influence of alcohol, one drug arrest, two breaking and entering reports and responded to 20 animal complaints.

Town Planner Jared Anderson said Monday the town had been successful in obtaining through a grant a new police "travel trailer."

The trailer is equipped with radar and can be placed on streets to get an idea of how many speeders are on a given street.

It will be used as an evaluation tool and not a device to ticket drivers.

Jester said he witnessed a boat going up and down the channel "full blast" in front of the Robert Reed Downtown Park during a recent performance produced by the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance. The boat was a distraction and a hazard to other boats in the channel.

The council asked the town manager and the harbormaster to check into the U.S. Coast Guard's response to the traffic on the main channel.

Jester also mentioned the remains of the boat behind the Landmark Crab House may be a hazard to boats that navigate through the main channel.

Councilwoman Ellen Richardson informed the meeting that the picnic tables placed at the Donald Leonard Park were provided by the Chincoteague Church of God.

The council voted unanimously to approve a new street name. Steve Katsetos had requested a name change for the road that turns into his Steve's Cottages, off Taylor Street. He asked the town to change the name from Yvonne's Lane to Katsetos Lane. The council agreed.

The council unanimously approved a request to vacate a subdivision lot line on property owned by Douglas and Evelyn Taylor along Ridge Road.

Ginny and Jack Van Dame were the only two citizens to speak during the council's public comment period. They gave very brief statements about the council's budget concerns for tick spraying. Councilman John Howard had earlier stated that to spray by airplane for ticks would cost between $30,000-50,000 per spray. That compares with a charge for spraying for mosquitoes that costs from $5,000-6,000.

The council introduced the July edition of the town's newsletter, prepared by Ruth Lane. The new newsletter will be less fancy than the old one and will be available in the town office, the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce, convenience stores on the island and local restaurants.

Councilman Terry Howard gave the report of the Harbor Committee and was taken on the carpet for reporting the committee rented a trailer space to a business for the purpose of loading crabs. Mayor Tarr stated the committee didn't have the power to rent a non-conforming space. But a late-arriving Town Attorney, Jon Poulson, came to Howard's rescue and found the ordinance that did give the committee and the harbormaster the power to grant the use.

The Town Council ended the session by going into executive session to get an update on the town's efforts to hire a new Public Works Director. The position has been vacant since the resignation of Michael Cosby three months ago.

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This article is redistributed by permission of the Chincoteague Beacon.

Special Council Meeting 8:00 am Friday, June 26, 2008

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

A G E N D A
TOWN OF CHINCOTEAGUE
June 26, 2009, 8:00 A.M. - Council Conference Room - Town Hall

CALL TO ORDER

INVOCATION BY COUNCILMAN T. HOWARD

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS AND ADOPTION:

1. Closed Meeting in Accordance with Section 2.2-3711(A) (1) of the code of Virginia.

• Personnel Matters (Public Works Position)

ADJOURN:

June 18, 2009 Town Council Meeting

June 18, 2009 Town Council Meeting

The June 18, 2009 Town Council meeting addressed these matters: Possible change in town healthcare providers; presentation on downtown revitalization project (streetscape); imposition of administrative fees for building without a permit; reverse 911; wind energy ordinance; library availability fee waiver request; approval of 2010 budget; and other matters.

The agenda, backup materials and an audio recording of this meeting are available on the Town website:
www.chincoteague-va.gov

Attendance

Present:  Mayor Jack Tarr and Council members:  Nancy Conklin, Jim Frese, John Howard, Terry Howard, John Nelson Jester (Vice Mayor), Ellen Richardson.

Staff present:  Jared Anderson, Town Planner; Robert Ritter, Town Manager; Assistant Chief of Police Randy Mills

Mayor Tarr convened the meeting at 6:00 p.m. (All Council meetings will now start at 6:00 pm)

Approximately 60 citizens were in attendance (primarily town employees).

Public Participation

Kenny Lewis, Bryan Rush, and Mollie Cherrix spoke in opposition to a proposed change in the health care plan for town employees. They expressed concerns about restrictions in coverage compared to the existing plan and increased cost to employees. Town employees had met on Monday and voted to forego merit pay increases in the coming year in order to help the town pay for the continuation of the existing health care plan.

Mollie Cherrix noted that town meeting agendas and audio recordings of town meetings are frequently not showing up on the town website. Mayor Tarr said the town is working to fix this.

Consider a Change in Healthcare Providers

Bill McComb presented the details of the proposed new plan to the Council members. He is an insurance expert who has been working with the town on health care issues. The cost to the town of health care is rapidly increasing and there have been efforts to try to find less costly options. Council members expressed their sympathy and understanding of the difficulties facing town employees. They also expressed their concern about the increased cost of health care coverage and tax payer opposition to rising taxes. Forty-two employees are on the health plan and nine are not. The existing plan is MAMSI and the proposed new plan is with Optima Health. Council members also expressed their consternation at the complexity of the subject.

The Council voted to continue the existing plan on a month-to-month basis and to appoint a committee to look further into the health care issue that must report back by October 1.

Presentation on the Down Town Revitalization Project

Clay Massey of Massey Design and Associates gave a presentation on the streetscape plan for downtown Main Street. He was accompanied by Bill Spivey of  Land Studio pc. A series of meetings has been held with the public where the proposals of Massey Design have been well received. The concept is to make this whole area more attractive and pedestrian friendly. The Main Street Corridor Project is divided into nine sections, extending from Cropper St. to Ocean Boulevard. Total cost over a number of years would be more than $4 million. Sections of work would be completed as money is available. VDOT grants would be the main source of funding. Phase 1 would be for the section from Bridge St. to Mumford St. An initial $200,000 is available and it is proposed to use this to put overhead utility lines underground between Bridge St. and Church St.. The use of directional boring makes this more affordable then had been foreseen earlier.

Members of the Council expressed their enthusiasm and support for the project which will be important in bringing people to downtown after the new bridge opens. It Will obviously have to be done in phases over some years as money is made available. Clay Massey said this is the approach that other towns have taken. There was interest in ideas for improving the look of downtown in the nearer term. More shade trees, benches, light fixtures, trash cans and other ideas.

Council approved moving forward on putting utility lines underground, in consultation with the utility companies.

[More information on the project can be found at: http://www.landstudiopc.com/Chincoteague_Clients_Page.html ]

Administrative Fee for Building without a Permit

Councilman Frese expressed his opposition to the current practice of imposing an administrative fee for building without a permit. He thought this was not legal and that the town needed to have an ordinance on the matter before fines could be imposed. He said you cannot call a fine an administrative fee. Kenny Lewis, the town's building and zoning administrator, supported continuing the current practice in order to curb violations of building regulations. He needs this in order to effectively do his work for the town. "People need to know they need a building permit."

Council agreed to refer the issue to the town's attorney to evaluate the current practice. By a vote of four to three continuation of imposing administrative fees was approved.

A resolution of respect for former town councilman William Elliott was approved.

A resolution for a Virginia litter prevention and recycling grant was approved.

A change order of $23,000 for work at the Curtis Merritt Harbor of Refuge was approved.

Presentation of Reverse 911

Randy Mills presented the results of his research on the town adopting a reverse 911 emergency phone service. This would permit the town to effectively alert citizens by phone in the case of an emergency situation. Accomack public schools currently has this capability. The Global Connect company provides this service. Cost would be about $850 a year. A Verizon phone data base would cost $1400. Council members thought this service was very important but wanted some more information.

Possible Wind Energy Ordinance

Jared Anderson presented the results of his research on a possible wind energy ordinance. The Planning Commission wants guidance from the Council about whether to proceed with this matter.

Council approved a street name request for Pine Grove Way.

Library Availability fee Waiver Request

Vice Mayor Jester, who is also a member of the library board, described the great cost to the library if the new fire suppression system in the expanded library required a availability fee for hooking up to the town's water supply. Fire suppression systems should be encouraged and they are very unlikely to actually be a drain on the water supply. Whether such fees should be required of other nonprofit institutions should be examined by the town. Council referred the matter to the Public Works Committee for further study. Council approved waiving the fee for the library.

Council unanimously approved adoption of the $5.8 Million Fiscal Year 2010 budget

The Council adjourned at approximately 9:40 pm.

Notes prepared by  David Johnson

N.B. These notes do not constitute the public record of this meeting. The information contained herein is offered in good faith, is presented as accurately as possible, is thought to be a complete account of the proceedings. These notes are intended to be a public service devoid of political commentary for those who are interested in following the civic affairs of Chincoteague Island. Notes of the meeting are recorded, transcribed and distributed by volunteers who receive no financial compensation for their efforts.

June 1, 2009 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting

Chincoteague Beacon
June 4, 2009
Pit bull attack concerns council
Supervisor calls for town 'holding pen'
By Greg Merritt, Staff writer 

CHINCOTEAGUE -- Seldom does the public comment period of the Town Council's monthly meeting take center stage. But on Monday night it did.

Accomack County Supervisor Wanda Thornton addressed the council about a vicious dog attack recently that left her great-granddaughter, Joy, suffering serious injuries and her family traumatized.

"I'm here on a serious note," said Thornton. "Last Saturday afternoon people and four dogs were trespassing on my property. A pit bull attacked my great-granddaughter as she was getting out of the car."

Thornton said the attack came so fast that there was no time to stop it.

"I think they would have killed her," said Thornton and the council members listened to every emotional word.

Fortunately there were a number of people in the vicinity of the attack and they responded by pulling the dog off the 6-year-old child.

"She was bleeding profusely," said Thornton. "She was in shock."

Thornton said the dog got the little girl on the ground and went for her face.

"She put her arm up to protect her face and the dog bit her arm," said Thornton.

Thornton said that on at least two other occasions the dog had attacked others in the neighborhood.

Thornton said she contacted Accomack County Animal Control, but it takes about 45 minutes for the agency to respond to calls from Chincoteague.

Thornton stated the dog has been destroyed and the remains sent to a lab to test for rabies.

Thornton requested the town look into constructing a "holding pen" to keep such animals until the county's animal control can get here to pick up the animal.

She praised the response of Chincoteague Policeman Kenny Reese. "Kenny Reese was wonderful," said Thornton.

The council expressed concern about the attack and pledged to discuss the matter at the next meeting.

In other council news:

Karen Hipple and Town Manager Robert Ritter presented the new town budget, complete with all revenues and expenses. The fiscal 2010 budget is for $5,837,329 and is less than last year's budget.

Tom Rakowski of the Virginia Department of Transportation asked the council to help the new bridge construction by allowing American Bridge to close one lane of traffic on Route 175 for some additional days. The council approved the additional closure of the lane on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays through June 19.

Rakowski said the additional closure dates would allow American Bridge to get caught up. He said the bridge completion date is still in November.

Students from Chincoteague High School were honored by the council at Monday's meeting for participating in Student Government Day last month.

Student Mayor Kenny Ballerini informed the council of the students' activities on the day and introduced the student government members.

Student council members included Rachel Reed, Devin Alms, Rebecca Ballerini, Brittany Besecker, Courtney Conklin, Timmy Johnson and Corey Sykes. Student police chief was Linda Rush and Janie Heartley was director of public works.

Mayor Ballerini told the council the students had highlighted three main areas of work: public transportation, road maintenance and parks and recreation.

Bryan Rush presented the town's Emergency Operation Plan that is revisited every five years. The council unanimously approved the plan.

Councilman John Jester said, "It's important to know we have a plan. Good job."

The council unanimously approved a resolution approving design when no public hearing is held, concerning the improvement of Chicken City Road by VDOT.

The council unanimously approved a request by Pony Pines LLC to extend the time the company has to record the plat by one year. Attorney Michael Inman appeared before the council to formally request the extension because of the downturn in the economy.

Councilman Jim Frese, whose property borders the Pony Pines property, told council the company had been a good neighbor and he made the motion to grant the extension.

The council did not act on a request by the Sea Shell Cafe for a waiver of the noise ordinance for Bike Week on Sept. 17-20. Town Attorney Jon Poulson told the council they would violate their own ordinance if they granted the waiver.

Councilman John Jester requested the town become a sponsoring member of the Eastern Shore Defense Alliance. Jester said he was a member, but wanted the town to join with Accomack County and Pocomoke City and join the ESDA.

The council unanimously approved the sponsorship that costs $250.

The council started to look into how they can regulate weeds on the island. "Our intent is to start a process," said Councilman Jester.

Councilman Frese presented a proposal for the town to organize its own Wetlands Board. The council unanimously approved a plan for Town Attorney Poulson and town staff to look into the plan.

At Councilman Frese's request, the council unanimously approved a plan to stop the zoning inspection fee for the next month.

The council unanimously approved a new job description for administrative assistant.

The council unanimously approved a 22-foot extension to the external seawall construction at Curtis Merritt Harbor of Refuge.

Town Manager Ritter and Planner Jared Anderson announced the park on Hallie Whealton Smith Drive was a walking trail and as such should not permit pets in phase two.

Councilman Jester commented that the American Legion held a wonderful Memorial Day celebration.

Councilman Terry Howard stated he was in support of an animal holding facility on the island.

Mayor Jack Tarr told those in attendance that starting in July the council would begin meetings at 6 p.m. instead of the traditional 7:30 p.m. He also stated the committee meetings would be changing days and times and an announcement would be made with the new committee assignments.
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This article is published in the Chincoteague Beacon and can be viewed on the Beacon's website at: 
http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20090604/CB01/906040331/1052/CB

N.B.  This article is redistributed by permission of the Chincoteague Beacon.

April 7, 2009 Chincoteague Town Council Meeting

CHINCOTEAGUE: Town Council passes broadband resolution

At monthly meeting, Thornton is critical of county budget

By Greg Merritt • Staff writer • The Chincoteague Beacon

CHINCOTEAGUE ­ The Chincoteague Town Council held a busy Monday meeting, holding a public hearing, acting on bids, passing a resolution and hearing an update from Supervisor Wanda Thornton.  Of major concern to business owners and interested citizens on the island, the council passed a resolution to apply for $534,990 Virginia Community Block Grant funds for the Chincoteague Broadband Network Project.

The town agrees to secure a $100,000 line of credit to the Eastern Shore Broadband Authority.

Cat Edwards of the authority appeared before the council briefly, but the council did not have any questions for her. She has given the council updates on the project throughout the process.

The council acted almost unanimously in support of the grant, with Councilman John Howard abstaining.

"I may have to do work for them," said Howard after the meeting.

Thornton told the council the authority and the railroad were in negotiations to obtain an easement and right of way so the fiber optic cable can be put beside the railroad.

The resolution draws the town one step closer to having a broadband network on Chincoteague.

­ Thornton said she said the budget as proposed for Accomack County would produce a tax burden on the citizens of Chincoteague. "We're going to take a big hit," said Thornton.

Thornton said she expects the Board of Supervisors s to pass a budget that would produce a tax increase of 9 cents and 45 cents on personal property.

"Towns are under a terrific strain," said Thornton.

She criticized the property assessment on Chincoteague. "It's a terrible reassessment," said Thornton.

She pointed out that farmers are getting a big break on land use.

"Corporate farmers are not paying their fair share," she said. "Agriculture is very secretive."

Thornton called the recent prayer issue with the board "unfortunate."

Thornton has supported the opening invocation, unlike five members of the board, who proposed a generic prayer without the mention of Jesus.

Councilman Terry Howard said he supported Thornton's stand. He gave the invocation before the council meeting began and did so "in Jesus' name."

"This isn't over," said Thornton on the prayer issue.

"I thank you for your work," said Terry Howard and many in the crowd gave Thornton a round of applause.

Thornton criticized the county's increased tipping fee that would cost the Town of Chincoteague about $80,000. "In the district they are paying too much tax," said Thornton.

Thornton presented Mayor Jack Tarr with a check for $7,000 to be used for drainage projects.

­ Before the meeting began Tarr recognized the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance for its recent Certificate of Recognition and being nominated for the Governor’s Award for the Arts. The certificate reads, "For outstanding achievement and significant contributions to the arts in the Commonwealth of Virginia." Tarr presented the certificate to CCA President Bob Behr.

­ Gary White, former Director of the Pocomoke City YMCA, gave council an update on the efforts to start a YMCA on Chincoteague. He noted the local effort has set up a new office on Maddox Boulevard.

The local effort is concentrated on raising $300,000 in six weeks. The effort started on April 1.

White said the effort would be to get local businesses to pledge to donate $1,000 over the next three years.

White gave his own testimonial to the YMCA. When he was a teen, he decided to spend an evening at a local YMCA. Some of his friends did not.

His friends got into trouble, vandalizing a local fur store. "I was safe at the Y," said White.

White noted that Tarr had already pledged to support the new YMCA effort.

White noted that the idea for YMCA on Chincoteague would be determined by local support. The idea would be to build a new YMCA, perhaps in the location on Church Street where the old Chincoteague Elementary School once stood.

­ The council held a public hearing on the sign ordinance for balloons, pennants and flags. However, no one spoke. The council unanimously passed the proposal limiting the use of pennants and prohibiting balloons and inflatable objects not exceeding 10 cubic feet in volume.

­ The council unanimously passed the NIMS Compliance plan for training for town employees and council in emergency management.

­ Councilwoman Nancy Conklin gave a report on the Budget and Personnel Committee. She noted the efforts of the Chincoteague Community Tennis Association to raise funds for the town's tennis courts at Memorial Park. "I know it has to be done, but maybe not this year," said Conklin, noting budget concerns.

­ The council unanimously passed a resolution for Spring Clean-Up, Fix-up, Paint-Up. The plan will kick off with Earth Day on May 9 and run until the end of the month.

­ Council postponed a decision on a request by the Pony Pines Subdivision to extend the time frame for the final plat. Town attorney John Poulson objected to the extension. Council wanted to know why the subdivision needed additional time to record the plat. Councilman Jim Frese had originally offered a motion of support, but withdrew the motion after hearing the objections.

Council ordered Town Manager Robert Ritter to get additional information for the next meeting.

­ Council unanimously awarded the bid of BIC, Inc. to handle the Merritt Harbor Breakwater Project. The bid was awarded at $384,045.

­ The council unanimously accepted the bid of Branscome Eastern Shore for several projects, including the paving preparation and paving for work on Smith, School and Sharpley streets, paving preparation and paving on Maddox Boulevard and surfacing on smaller projects, if needed.

­ During the public participation portion of the meeting, Dean Orsino of Threadgoodes, asked for the council's support to bring one of the retired space shuttles to the NASA Wallops Visitor Center. "I think it's a great idea," said Mayor Tarr.

­ Sandy Bowden gave the council three t-shirts from the past three After Prom Parties, held at Chincoteague High School. She asked for the council's support for this year's event.

"This is very important to me," said Bowden. "One bad decision and a child gets killed. We asked for a donation. It's for the kids."

­ Donna Mason of Waterside Inn offered her support for the broadband issue.

­ Councilman John Jester praised the work of the town's dispatchers. "I'm very pleased to have such a good dispatcher team," said Jester. He proposed a letter of appreciation to the dispatchers, signed by all members of the council.

­ Councilwoman Ellen Richardson commended all those who have helped with the clean up effort at the North Ridge Cemetery. She thanked Councilman John Howard for his use of the heavy equipment. This Saturday at 9 a.m. the clean up effort will continue. She invited everybody to come out and help.

­ Tarr complemented the work of Refuge Manager Lou Hinds over at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge for his assistance with several recent programs, particularly with the cultural programs. "It's nice to have a park manager that is working on these things," said Tarr.

­ The council ended the session with a closed meeting to discuss "legal matters" with the town attorney and personnel matters.

____________________________________________________________________________________

This article is published in the Chincoteague Beacon and can be viewed on the Beacon's website at: 
http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20090407/NEWS01/90407022/1052/CB

N.B.  This article is redistributed by permission of the Chincoteague Beacon.

Town Approves Two Police Grants

Chincoteague Beacon
March 26, 2009

By Greg Merritt • Staff Writer

CHINCOTEAGUE -- The Chincoteague Town Council heard an update on the broadband situation and approved two grant applications sought by the town's police department in a special meeting Thursday night.

It was a short meeting lasting under 45 minutes.

Cat Edwards of the Accomack-Northampton Planning District provided council with an update of the broadband block grant application. She said the fiber optic cable was in the process of coming across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.

"That's what all the delay is for," she added as the construction has caused delays in the tunnel area for the new cable.

Edwards told the council that another public hearing would be required in the near future and the meeting would be advertised in upcoming newspapers.

The council also approved unanimously a request by Police Chief Edward Lewis to apply for two grants. The first grant is for a new police car. The car is a 4-wheel drive vehicle that will be used mostly by the K-9 Unit, but could also be used in low lying areas during extremely high tides.

The council unanimously approved a motion to authorize the police department to seek a Community Facilities Grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The grant would cover 80 percent of the $32,500 vehicle. The town would be responsible for paying 20 percent of the price, if the grant is approved.

The council also unanimously passed a motion to authorize the police to apply for a COPS Grant to establish a new police officer position. The grant, if successful, would cover 36 months for the police officer with the town responsible for an extra 12 months at the end of the 36-month period.

Police Chief Edward Lewis attended the meeting and answered questions about the two grants.

After the council adjourned the meeting, all the members stayed for a joint meeting with several members of the town's Planning Commission.

The two bodies listened to Town Planner Jared Anderson explain some of the zoning changes proposed in the town's Master Plan.

Council has been in the process of going over the plan, line by line. There were several lines that members of council disagreed on and some of the lines were deleted.

At the request of Mayor Jack Tarr, Anderson unveiled a new zoning map, complete with color graphics displaying the new zoning proposal.

The council will continue to review the plan until it is finished.

The next monthly council meeting is scheduled for April 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the council chambers.

November 13, 2008, Special Joint Council/Planning Commission Workshop

Members Attending: Mayor Jack Tarr, Ellen Richardson, John Jester, Jim Frese, Terry
Howard, John Howard, Chuck Ward, Bob Behr

Member(s) Absent: Chairman Ray Rosenberger, Mollie Cherrix, Chuck Ward, Jane
Wolffe, John Jester, Tripp Muth

Staff Attending: Jared Anderson, Town Planner, and Robert Ritter, Town Manager

Public Attendance: Three members of the public
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The agenda and background material for this meeting is available on the Town website.  Click here. Note that there is no audio record of this meeting.

Mayor Tarr convened the meeting at 5:10 p.m in Council Chambers.

Agenda Adoption. The agenda was approved as presented.

Adoption of the October 30, 2008, Minutes. Mayor Tarr postponed the adoption of minutes until the next meeting. The reason was to give Mr. Anderson an opportunity to correct several inaccurate items in the minutes.

Discussion of the March 2008 Draft of the Comprehensive Plan Update for the Town of Chincoteague. The discussion of the Draft Plan began with page 4-10. The changes are documented below:

4-10. Year-Round Economic Activity. Line 4: Mr. Ward asked for a change from “after” to “in the event of”.

4-11. Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. Mr. Jester noted that the town must update the information about where the spaceport is going. He suggested that Mr. Anderson contact the NASA Public Affairs Office.

4-12. Wallops Research Park. Mayor Tarr wondered if the detail in the third paragraph was needed. This paragraph will be deleted.

4-13. Regional Partners. Mayor Tarr requested that Mr. Anderson verify that the Virginia Economic Development Commission still exists.

4-14. Regional Partners. Second paragraph: Mayor Tarr noted that the Chamber of Commerce is not now a part of the Virginia Tourism Commission. Fourth paragraph: Mr. Jester proposed that the first sentence read “The Industrial Development Authority of Accomack County owns and develops the Accomack Airport and Industrial Park.”

4-14. Enterprise Zone Projects. Second paragraph: Mr. Howard commented that the cost and operational detail listed is not needed. He requested that the Draft just list the grants.

4-15. Main Street Revitalization. First paragraph: Mr. Ward suggested that that this section mention that buildings should have residents on the second floor. Fourth bullet: Add detail about where and how long the boardwalk/pedestrian walkways should be. Sixth bullet: The town should promote the use of transient boat slips.

Additional comments: Parking for downtown and Maddox Boulevard must be addressed. Look at recommending a seafood market at Curtis Merritt Harbor. Include a recommendation for directional signage.

4-16. Balanced Year-Round Economy. Add the following bullets: Promote educational opportunites/Eastern Shore Community College on the island. Promote non-polluting green industries. Establish a Committee for Economic Development.

4-18. Make the Island More User-Friendly. Add websites to orient and educate visitors.

4-19. Fishing and Island Seafood Industries. Mr. Howardsuggested that “Down the Bay” way of life be documents as a story for tourists.

4-19/20. Planning for Commercial Growth. Fourth bullet: Delete all but the first sentence of this bullet. Bullets five through eight: delete. Last bullet: Change “Develop” to “Maintain.”

5-1. Education. Replace the picture of the old elementary school. First paragraph: Change “Three public schools....” to “Two.” Change “Middle School” to “Combined School”.

5-3. Library. First paragraph: Delete: “Fund raising to complete the project is underway.”

5-3. Fire & Emergency Services. Change title to add “Medical Services.” First paragraph: “three paramedics should read “five EMTs” and “Monday through Friday....” should be changed to “24/7.”

5-4. Fire & Emergency Services. First paragraph: Delete “$10,000.” Third paragraph, last sentence should read “.....Town should continue to apply for improved ISO classification.....”

5-4. Police Protection. Note that the 10 full-time officers also serve as instructors.

5-5. Public Works. Water. Last paragraph: The number of deep wells is incorrect. The number is 4.

5-6. Delete the second and sixth paragraphs.

5-7. Sewage Disposal. Second paragraph: Remove the second-to-last sentence: “By reading the documentation justifying the closures one discovers that a high percentage of the potential pollution is from “contributing boat” polluters.” Fourth paragraph: Remove “It is anticipated that the feasibility study will be completed in mid-2007.”

5-8. Second bullet: Remove.

5-8. Flood Insurance. Remove the third paragraph. Last sentence on the page should read: “The Mayor and Town Council should continue to take.....”

5-9. Remove picture and replace with a Chincoteague picture. Third paragraph: remove. Fifth paragraph, last sentence should read: “Taxpayers should not be expected to replace the harbor at the end of its current lifetime.” Last paragraph: replace “Town Commission” with “Town Council.”

At this point the group agreed to continue the discussion at a later date, beginning with page 5-10.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:10.

Notes prepared by Nancy Lane

N.B. These notes do not constitute the public record of this meeting. The information contained herein is offered in good faith, is presented as accurately as possible, is thought to be a complete account of the proceedings. These notes are intended to be a public service devoid of political commentary for those who are interested in following the civic affairs of Chincoteague Island. Notes of the meeting are recorded, transcribed and distributed by volunteers who receive no financial compensation for their efforts.

November 3, 2008 Town Council Meeting

The November 3, 2008 Town Council meeting addressed these matters:  Eastern Shore Tourism presentation; Public Hearing on the vacation of property lines near Rattlesnake Ridge; Harbor Committee report; Public Works report; Budget & Personnel report; Recreation & Community Enhancement Committee recommendations; Cemetery Committee report; possible Sign Ordinance change; Island Neighborhood Heritage signs; Waste Water Management, Inc. proposal for discharge permits; Main Street Corridor proposal for Master Plan; VDOT's "Safe Routes to School Program" steering committee; and Mayor and Council members comments.

The agenda, backup materials and an audio recording of this
meeting are available on the Town website.  Click here.

Attendance
Present:  Mayor Jack Tarr and Council members:  Nancy Conklin, Jim Frese, John Howard, Terry Howard, John Nelson Jester (Vice Mayor), Ellen Richardson.

Staff present:  Jared Anderson, Town Planner; Edward Lewis, Chief of Police; Robert Ritter, Town Manager; Jon Poulson, Town Attorney.

Mayor Tarr convened the meeting at 7:35 p.m.

Approximately 20 citizens were in attendance.

Public Participation
No one rose to speak for the Open Forum.

Adoption of Minutes
Council unanimously adopted minutes of the October 6, 2008 meeting.

Eastern Shore Tourism Commission
Presentation by Donna Bozza, Director
Ms. Donna Bozza said that the Eastern Shore Tourism Commission (ESTC) is separate from the Chamber of Commerce, and is funded in large part by Accomack and Northhampton counties.  The website is at ESVATourism.org.  ESTC is about promoting the "brand" for the eastern shore of Virginia.  The motto for ESTC is "You'll Love our Nature."  Ms. Bozza said ESTC uses four criteria, called "Dashboard," for measuring and trending tourism goals:

Welcome Center contacts [2007, 10.4k ; 2006, 8.7k]
Media articles [ 2005, 3 articles ; 2007, 53 articles]
ESTC website traffic [ 2006, 24k visitors ; 2007, 42k visitors]
Transient occupancy tax [2006, $400k ; 2007, $450k] figures are for Accomack county

Ms. Bozza spoke of a new, modern Welcome Center planned at the southern gateway to the peninsula and coming in 2009.  This facility will feature rockers on the front porch, a gazebo lobby design, and state-of-the-art interactive displays.  Bathrooms will be housed in a separate building.  A $25k budget deficit is forecast to operate this facility year-round.  Private funds are currently being sought.

Ms. Bozza premiered a ESTC video at tonight's Council meeting, that was produced by Phyllis Ward for $5,000 and directed by Gino Bruno.  Many Shore residents donated time and talent to create this video, which runs about 10 minutes and artfully features the natural and cultural amenities of the Virginia Eastern Shore.

Public Hearing on the Vacation of Property Lines
No one rose to speak at the Hearing, which addressed a request for vacation of three property lines on six lots, to yield three lots.  Gene Taylor, lot owner, explained that the larger lots are a Health Department requirement in getting septic permits.  Mr. Taylor said that vacating the property lines will result in "less homes, and less density."  The property is located near Rattlesnake Ridge Road, and near Mr. Baldy's Restaurant.  Council approved Mr. Taylor's request.

Harbor Committee Report
The Committee met on October 8th.  Harbormaster Wayne Merritt reports that subleasing is "up a little" with about 15 fishing boats in slips and several more expected.  Subleasing generates revenue and prevents the Harbor from being a tax burden.  Merritt is also currently researching harbor rates by looking at various Eastern Shore harbors such as Quinby and Cape Charles, which Merritt says in particular is most similar to the Chincoteague Harbor.  Other Committee business included discussion only of a VHF/FM radio license for the Harbor; prospective installation of a travel boat lift; provision of free passes for working watermen to use the launch ramp; and posted emergency phone numbers at the Harbor.  With regard to the latter, Mr. Merritt said a bulletin board has been ordered for the Harbor office, which will show current weather and tide conditions, Harbor policy and emergency contact information.  The next meeting is January 10, 2009.

Public Works Committee Report
The Committee met on October 14th.  There was no public participation.  A "street light situation" on Leonard Lane was discussed, and Chairman Tarr asked Mike Cosby (staff) to "research who is paying for the light in question."  Ms. Ellen Richardson introduced the possibility of a bike path on HWS Drive, funded by a state Safe Routes to School grant.  Mr. Tarr discussed the DEQ Water Supply Plan and asked Mr. Cosby to follow up on Plan requirements.  The next meeting is November 5, 2008.

Budget & Personnel Committee Report and Council Action(s)
The Committee met on October 21st.  There was no public participation.  Council approved two Committee recommendations:

•    Accept a $48,589 bid for 2 coats of tar and chip from Gerold Moore & Sons, for Hallie Whealton Smith Drive.  Public Works indicates that an additional $15,200 will be needed in order to repair the base prior to coating; doing this, the roadway "should last 8 to 10 years." 
•    Purchase a plumbing truck for $18,900 to replace an existing "old and unreliable" vehicle.  The Town will pay half this year (FY09) and half in FY10, because the current budget only allocates $10,000 for this purpose.

In other Committee action, Mr. Ritter said that the FY08 results show that "expenditure overages compared to last year" are due to "consolidation of Mosquito Control into the General Fund" and the Church Street paving project.  Mr. Ritter also reviewed a Town Employee Performance Standards worksheet.  The Committee discussed wage and "step" increases and employee evaluations.  Vice Mayor Jester said that "We need to keep an eye on the budget."  The next meeting was scheduled for November 18, 2008 but is canceled due to Councilwoman Conklin's planned absence (Mayor Tarr and Mr. Frese approve).

Recreation & Community Enhancement Committee
The Committee met on October 21st.  Actions include recommendation to Council to repair a crack in the (Town owned) tennis courts at Veterans Memorial Park.  A bid was received by Dave Spangler for $11,900 to repair the crack (includes anticipated grant participation).  Council rejected this, with Mayor Tarr requesting that funds for this repair be included in next year's budget, and "proper procurement methods" be utilized.  Other Committee action was as follows:

•    Jared Anderson said DEQ and NOAA have supplied three free grant-sponsored "Seaside Heritage" signs to seaside towns on the Eastern Shore.  One sign (informational poster) is specific to Chincoteague.  Council approved Mr. Anderson's suggestion to place this near the parking lot of the Island Nature Trail. 
•    A request for volunteers to design and maintain local corner streetscapes will be included in an upcoming Town newsletter.
•    All permits are approved and good through May 2009 for Phase II of the HWS Trail.  30 inch pipes are needed next, to cross HWS Drive.  Public Works is in process of obtaining a price for the pipes.
•    Mr. Anderson asked the Committee to identify the purpose of the 2.94 acres of Town-owned waterfront park-land located across from the high school.  Councilwoman Richardson suggested considering signage and a name for the park.  Council will include this matter on the December 2008 agenda.  Mr. Frese suggested naming the land "Leonard Park" for Donald Leonard who cleared the area.  Mayor Tarr said the park would be a good kayak launching spot, and a sign should indicate this purpose.  This land must be used for recreation, conservation, "or any public use."
•    Mr. Ritter said $29k is available in the budget to purchase new playground equipment.  Mr. Anderson said that the equipment prices range "from $3,000 to $80,000."  Community volunteers may be needed and used to assemble and install the (new) equipment should it be purchased.  The Committee continues to discuss.
•    Mrs. Richardson said grant money is available by December 1st, to extend the sidewalk and a bike trail from the elementary school to the high school "with lights and a proper crosswalk at Deep Hole and Hallie Whealton."   Mr. Ritter and Mr. Anderson are involved with getting the schools on board, given the short time frame to apply for the grant as well as the grant requirement for a 1-2 mile radius of walking distance to-from the schools.  Parent survey forms are being distributed.
•     Bob Conklin suggested a future project to build an Observation Area at Curtis Merritt Harbor.
•    Jack VanDame would like to bike safety plans updated.
•    Councilman John Howard is in favor of removing more phragmites at the park land across from the high school.  He would use his own equipment when it is available.

The next meeting is November 18, 2008.

Cemetery Committee
The Committee met on October 28th.  Discussions and actions include:

•    November 22nd from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm is designated as Clean-Up Day at Whealton Cemetery which is located near the football fence at the high school.  Councilman Terry Howard and Mr. Gary Turnquist would like to see a tie-in with the Family Heritage Celebration on Nov. 15th, with the community decorating cemeteries the week of Nov. 15-22.
•    Total private contributions are at $1,695 for cemetery maintenance costs.
•    Councilman T. Howard said "the big cemeteries are immaculate now" and the smaller ones have been "adopted" by families and individuals.  Greenwood Cemetery is maintained by the Chamber.
•    A tombstone recently fell off its pedestal in Greenwood Cem. and broke a vault lid; Mr. T. Howard would like to repair or replace this lid with private or cemetery funds.

Possible Change in the Sign Ordinance on Balloons
Council sent the 7.6.8 code amendment suggested by Mr. Kenny Lewis in an October 24 letter via Jared Anderson, i.e. that balloons less than 2 square feet be exempted from the Prohibited Signs ordinance, back to the Planning Commission for their recommendation to Council within 90 days.  Council suggested that the Planning Commission also address code for banners, flags and pennants at this time.

Island Neighborhood Heritage Signs
Councilman Jester showed paper mockups of nine signs he recommends placing around the island, to demarcate special identity areas which existed in the island's history, e.g., Ticktown, Madcap, Snotty Ridge and Birchtown are some of these.  Each sign would be 2 ft. square.  Council approved the signs as an advisory body.  Mayor Tarr said the matter will come back to Council when the plan to place the signs is more fully developed.

Waste Water Management, Inc. Proposal for Discharge Permit Acquisition
The Town voted 4-2 (T. Howard and N. Conklin opposed) to reject a bid from Waste Water Management, Inc. ('WWM,' located in Fairfax Va.) to provide engineering services to obtain 2 permit applications for direct discharge of wastewater treatment effluent into Fowling Gut and Chincoteague Channel; to establish communications with the EPA and DEQ relating to development of a deep well injection discharge program; to provide a cost estimate for capital and operating expenses for installing public sewer in the Main Street and Maddox Blvd. areas; and to assess reserve capacity in existing non-municipal treatment plants.  The WWM proposal was for $23,000 for all above tasks.  Mr. Frese said DEQ does not permit deep well injection; Mr. Ritter responded that EPA is the regulator and DEQ is only an advisor.  Mr. J. Howard said WWM "told some untruths" and then made the first motion to reject the proposal.  Mrs. Conklin said WWM had done much research and therefore she opposed a rejection; this position was supported by Mr. T. Howard.  Vice Mayor Jester said the Town needs "more definition in terms of what we are going to do" than is presented in the WWM proposal, and that the Town could communicate directly with EPA.  He noted that a community in Florida has used deep well injection and recommended consulting them on the project there.  Mr. Poulson said he wishes to consult with Culpepper Engineering.  Mayor Tarr said he has recently met with Tidewater Utility Corporation and with Jack Burbage, and they are collectively researching excess capacity at Sunset Bay's private system. 

Massey Design Associates Main Street Corridor Design Proposal
The Town accepted a proposal from Massey Design Associates ('MDA," located in Virginia Beach) to provide planning, landscaping and engineering services to develop the Chincoteague Main Street Corridor Project.  The fixed price proposal is for $93,808.49 plus anticipated travel expenses of $31,702.34 which are proposed on a per diem cost plus basis.  The project is expected to begin in November 2008 and to be completed by August 2009 (design plans only; no construction).  The effort includes the following tasks:

•    Master Plan and Conceptual Design--covers entire Main Street corridor from Cropper to Maddox Streets.  Includes roadway alignments; new bridge landscape improvements; streetscape, crosswalks, walkways and pedestrian connections; parks and public plazas; surface materials; on and off-street parking; specialty signage and banners; and site furniture placement.
•    Survey and final construction docs for Phase I of the work
•    Bidding and construction liaison services for Phase I

Construction of Phase I is not included in the price but MDA estimates this could be completed by May 2010, if it is fully funded.

Mr. Clay Massey was at the Council meeting and answered questions from the podium.  He said the proposed Master Plan would be a tool ("economic catalyst") for obtaining T21 enhancement grants.  Mr. Massey said the full 20 month project through construction could cost $2.5 million, however this includes provisional grant funding.  Mr. Massey said that a large part of the design effort is VDOT approvals.  Mr. J. Howard questioned utility re-location of power lines and pipes, and cost effectiveness of the various options.  Vice Mayor Jester said he would have liked to "talk to the community and merchants first," and noted with apprehension the possibility of cost increases via contractual Change Orders later on.  Massey said the Town would "dictate not only the design but the sequence of construction."  After Council deliberations, Mayor Tarr told Massey that Phase I would optimally encompass only the 'downtown core' of Old Bridge to Church Street, and that the Town does not wish to be "locked into a Master Plan."  Mayor Tarr said that if the Town does not use the funds to hire MDA or another consultant, they (the funds) will be lost (cites letter to Mayor from Kat Edward).  Mr. Poulson said he wished to change a few parts of the proposal prior to making it a contract, including a 45 day invoice review period and a revised termination clause (Terms & Conditions).  Mr. T. Howard expressed fiscal concern, he said "$2.5 million is alot of money."

VDOT's "Safe Routes to School Program" Steering Committee
Council passed a motion for Jared Anderson to "set up a steering committee" for a proposed school travel plan, to be completed by Dec 1st, involving trails and lights for safe travel to and between both Chincoteague schools.  The committee or task force is a requirement for the zero-0match VDOT grant which will fund up to $100,000 for programs and up to $500,000 for infrastructure costs.  On Nov. 6th there will be a meeting with VDOT and the two schools, as the program is K-8 grades.  Also see Recreation & Community Enhancement Committee notes, above.

Mayor & Council Comments
Councilman T. Howard expressed concern that the Town invites professionals into a bidding process and then "insults them" by criticizing their proposals.

Councilman Frese said WWM "was treated [by Council] better than they deserve."

Councilman Jester said that WWM erroneously asserted that Chincoteague Bay "is the most polluted bay on the east coast."  Mr. Jester also recommended to Mr. Ritter to use eBay for disposal of  used and old property.

Councilman J. Howard cited WWM's lack of honesty, and "not their [lack of] knowledge," in defending his position vis a vis that of Councilman T. Howard.

Councilwoman Richardson requested that the Town be closed on Dec 26th.  Mayor Tarr will research what state and Federal offices plan to do that day, which is the Friday after Christmas.

Mr. Ritter reversed 2 November calendar items, moving the Special Council Workshop from Nov. 20 to Nov 13; and the Council retreat from Nov. 13 to Nov. 20.

Mayor Tarr thanked Chief Lewis for the Haunted Forest effort of so many in the CPD and in the community.  Mr. Tarr asked for a list of participants from Chief Lewis, to receive Letters of Appreciation from the Mayor.

Mayor Tarr also commented that he is "happy [the Council] approved the Plan to move forward on Downtown."  The Mayor reminded all that November 15th is Family History Day from 10 am to 4 pm, at the Town Center.

The Council adjourned at approximately 11:30 pm.

Notes prepared by  Victoria Weiskopf

N.B. These notes do not constitute the public record of this meeting. The information contained herein is offered in good faith, is presented as accurately as possible, is thought to be a complete account of the proceedings. These notes are intended to be a public service devoid of political commentary for those who are interested in following the civic affairs of Chincoteague Island. Notes of the meeting are recorded, transcribed and distributed by volunteers who receive no financial compensation for their efforts. 

October 6, 2008 Town Council Meeting

The October 6, 2008 Town Council meeting addressed these matters:  Public Participation; Adoption of Minutes; Resolution in respect of Dr. Amrien; Auditors report; pending seaside application of the Chesapeake Bay Act; Accomack County Board of Supervisors update; Public Works report; Resolution in support of the Assateague Lighthouse; and Mayor and Council members comments.

The agenda, backup materials and an audio recording of this
meeting are available on the Town website.  Click here.

Attendance
Present:  Mayor Jack Tarr and Council members:  Nancy Conklin, Jim Frese, John Howard, Terry Howard, John Nelson Jester (Vice Mayor), Ellen Richardson.

Staff present:  Jared Anderson, Town Planner; Edward Lewis, Chief of Police; Robert Ritter, Town Manager; Jon Poulson, Town Attorney.

Mayor Tarr convened the meeting at 7:40 p.m.

Approximately 40 citizens were in attendance.

Public Participation
(1)  Tommy Clark stated that for unknown reasons, the Health Department is currently requiring vendors to apply for individual health permits for large food related events, such as the upcoming Chili & Chowder Cook-Off and the Oyster Festival.  Mr. Clark said that in prior years, vendors were covered by a blanket permit at these events.  Mr. Clark cited a Health Code section entitled "Exemption to Regulations," which states that food booths at fairs which sponsor a charitable purpose, are exempt from the requirement for separate vendor licenses.  Mayor Tarr asked Mr. Poulson to look into this, before perhaps sending the exemption clause to the Ordinance Committee for review.

(2)  Laurie Walton of Chincoteague said that a group of local business owners, numbering 22 people including herself, is "trying to extend the season" earlier this year, and is planning an early Holiday Celebration in certain shops on November 1st and 8th (Saturdays).  Laurie requested Council put the holiday decorative flags up early on Main Street, to include these pre-Thanksgiving dates. 

(3)  Jane Wolffe, formerly of the Planning Commission, said "good news" results from the recent signing of the lease for the old NAPA Auto Parts building on Church Street.  The YMCA plans to operate a public fitness facility out of this building, pending current deliberations and planned fund raising efforts.  Ms. Wolffe thanks former Councilman David Ross in particular for his support of this initiative, which was first introduced to Council in September 2005.

Adoption of Minutes
Council members took two exceptions to adoption of the Minutes of the September 18th meeting:

(1) Councilman Frese noted that the Parking Ordinance section 6.6.22 states "All Best Management Practices shall be approved by the Zoning Administrator and if applicable [should be approved by] the Planning Commission…."  Mr. Frese said that Town Council not Planning Commission should have final oversight of these Practices.  Mayor Tarr said this question will be included as an Agenda item in a future Council meeting.

(2) Councilman T. Howard said that he did not second a motion re the Animal Ordinance, Chapter 10,  "to assist Animal Control in trapping animals and to appropriate $500 for traps."  Mayor Tarr said this question will be "researched on the tape" and corrected if necessary.

Dr. Donald J. Amrien
Mayor Tarr read into the Minutes a Resolution in Respect for Dr. Donald J. Amrien, recently deceased long-time Chincoteague "physician, caregiver and friend."  The Resolution, which will appear in local newspapers next week, cites Dr. Amrien's "conscientious, diligent, and unselfish dedication to those in need."

Auditors Report
Aaron Hawkins of Robinson, Farmer & Cox reported on the FY 08 Town audit.  This fiscal year began July 1, 2007 and ended June 30, 2008, and the report is dated October 2, 2008.  It is available for reference in the Town offices.  The Town issued no new debt in FY 08.  Capital assets for two large projects (Curtis Merritt Harbor and the municipal water tower) decreased by $8k due to reclassifying $1.87 million in the Water Fund construction-in-progress account, to a depreciable infrastructure asset.  Mr. Poulson clarified that "...the Town is not borrowing [money] from any capital fund to subsidize operations." 

Fund balances designated by the Town Council are invested in the local government pool.  The year end balances are:

$96,910    Drainage
$184,982    Boat Ramp Repairs
$88,600    Land Acquisition
$60,000    911 Emergency Equipment
$430,492    Total

Mr. Hawkins noted that his firm has advised the Town to estimate their liability for post-retiree health benefits; they will need to report on this by June 30, 2010.

Seaside Application of the Chesapeake Bay Act
Mr. James McGowan, Planning Director for Accomack County, spoke on highlights of the seaside application in the County, of the Chesapeake Bay Water Preservation Act.  In August the Board of Supervisors voted to propose extending the Act to seaside.  There is a joint public hearing scheduled for 7 p.m. on November 12th at Metompkin Elementary School, to vote on the adoption of the extension of the Act to seaside. 

Highlights of Mr. McGowan's talk: 
The purpose of the Act is to protect water quality for acquaculture, fisheries and recreation upon which the region economically depends.  Applying the Act to seaside is pro-active, and there are really no 'cons'; if we have regulations in place we will be able to manage new development as it takes place.  The Act does not apply to Federal lands nor to Towns such as Chincoteague.  Chincoteague wells on the mainland are also exempted, as are utilities such as fresh water delivery lines under the marshes.  The Act is implemented via zoning ordinance, and enforced by the County and the State.  Erosion and sediment control are handled by the State. 

The Mayor and several Council members expressed concern that adoption of the Act's more strict standards, including revised buffer zones of 100 ft., by neighboring Federal entities such as NASA and the Assateague National Seashore, will negatively impact Chincoteague.  Mr. Poulson recommended not mapping the Federal lands.  County Attorney Mr. Mark Taylor, who accompanied Mr. McGowan to the podium, said that the Federal government is a "superior sovereign" and can treat the new regulations as applicable "if we map it or not."  Mr. Taylor recommended the Town prepare a letter to the Board of Supervisors, requesting either (1) notation on the map, or (2) to make the Federal lands "white, like the Towns" on the map for the proposed extension of the Act.  The map color white indicates exemption from the new regulations. 

The Mayor questioned Mr. McGowan on potential issues with building Wallops Research Park, in the face of the new regulations.  Mr. McGowan said that the Park is building a 100 foot buffer along Mosquito Creek, in anticipation of the Act's extension. 

Mr. Jester said he though the seaside bays are very different in ecology from the Chesapeake, and same standards perhaps do not apply.  He said the (seaside) bays get flushed daily from ocean currents and tides, and there are few polluting industrial parks here like there are in Md. and Pa.  Mr. McGowan responded that it is the intent of the Board to put in place "best management practices and buffers for all site development throughout the County" and to protect water quality whether bayside or seaside.

Mayor Tarr questioned whether there are problems in seaside water?  Mr. McGowan responded with a Health Dept. survey which indicates 2,278 acres are currently condemned or have contaminated shellfish beds.  This data comprises 17 creeks and 14 areas; Mr. McGowan read the names of each creek and area to Council.   Mr. McGowan also cited the County Comprehensive Plan for more information on seaside pollution such as algae blooms in bays, low oxygen fish kills, and other water quality indicators. 

When Mr. McGowan left the meting, Mayor Tarr noted that Mr. McGowan seemed to provide "only positives" of the Act's extension, and "no cons."  Mayor Tarr still publicly  expressed skepticism in endorsing the Act's extension to seaside.  He noted the upcoming  November 12th meeting date, which will decide the fate of the Act.

Accomack County Board of Supervisors Report
Ms. Wanda Thornton, Accomack County Supervisor for the Chincoteague District, reported on the status of some County initiatives.  She opened by saying, in response to Mr. McGowan's presentation, that "there is no clear evidence that development is polluting seaside." She said she was a dissenting vote on the Board, in endorsing the extension to seaside.  She said that condemnation is so high due to "little canals and creeks that can't flush" and that "the DEQ has concluded that some (water) bodies will always be impaired."  She said the Act's requirement to pump septic every 5 years is an onerous burden for low income residents in these times, and there is currently no place in the County to dump the volume which would be pumped.  The current charge to pump a residential system is $300.  Eight (8) million gallons of County sludge a year is currently being dumped.  Ms. Thornton said farm runoff is the biggest contributor to water pollution, and is made worse in the County by "thousands of acres of impervious surface" due to "plasticulture" used chiefly in tomato cultivation.  Ms. Thornton therefore said she thinks extension of the Act to seaside is not justified; and, if approved, it will be costly to residents and will not make a difference to water quality.

In the matter of the appeals to the Equalization Board, Ms. Thornton said "it will take four years to straighten this out," because the process is lengthy and burdensome to residents who appeal.  Ms. Thornton has held workshops and is processing applications.  Appeals must be filed within three years of the re-assessment.  Ms. Thornton said taxes are "going up by six cents next year" and will remain in place until a new re-assessment is done; she therefore urged residents to appeal now if they think their property was not valued correctly in the latest re-assessment.

The Board of Supervisors has created a special services (tax) district for the Wallops Research Park, which is being developed currently.  This will provide revenue for needed infrastructure there. 

Ms. Thornton solicited the Town for recommendations to fill a vacancy on Parks & Recs.  This slot will represent Chincoteague. 

On October 16th from 9 to 11 a.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. there will be an Alternative Transportation Study, which can impact parking at the refuge and beach, and all aspects of vehicle and bicycle transportation "from Rt. 13 to the beach."

Ms. Thornton's other comments include:
•    Chincoteague EMT's are unionized
•    Larry Forbes (County Economic Director) is "trying to do a good job"
•    the proposed County PSA (public service authority) has "been voted down for now."

Ms. Thornton next presented Mayor Tarr with a County check for $8,000 (annual stipend in lieu of service) for Chincoteague drainage.

In response to Ms. Thornton's presentation, Mr. Poulson requested the Town prepare a letter to the Board of Supervisors, requesting that Federal lands be expressly excluded from the map for the extension of the Chesapeake Bat Act to seaside.  He said "We may be giving (the Federal government) a vehicle to impact us negatively."  Mr. Jester said that the Federal gov. will "want to be a good neighbor" and enact all local laws, such as the CBA extension standards.  Ms. Thornton said this occurred when the Federal parks adopted the nudity and alcohol standards, to be in step with Chincoteague laws and standards at the time.  Mr. Jester said he believed these laws are "concurrent" and not "exclusive," in which case state and county laws apply to Federal lands.  Ms. Thornton said "Time is running out…they (the Board) want to pass it."

Ms. Thornton requested that a "Children Playing" sign be put up near the Deep Hole curve (near her daughter's home), because children live in proximity to this dangerous area.

Public Works Committee Report
Issues addressed in the September 3rd meeting include:  possible changes to sidewalks and entrances at the Shore Stop property on Main Street; the Committee is reluctant to modify the current Branscome contract; Mayor Tarr asked Michael Crosby, Director of Public Works, to develop a "priority list with estimated costs" for PW projects.  In response to a request by Ms. Ellen Richardson, PW is looking into a "sight distance situation" at Beebe and Main, and fire cleanup at a Misty Meadows property.  Mr. John Howard asked about the status of the drain cleaning equipment; Mr. Crosby said he is working on it.  Mr. John Jester suggested Chincoteague use the Federal Services Supply Contract to purchase a budgeted waterworks generator. 

Assateague Lighthouse
The Council unanimously adopted a Resolution to request the Virginia Department of Transportation to "undertake an Enhancement Project" for restoration of the Assateague Lighthouse.  The resolution is required in order for agencies to apply for State funds to restore the lighthouse.  The Chincoteague Natural History Association, in partnership with U.S. Fish & Wildlife, plans to apply for such funds.

Mayor & Council Comments
Councilman Howard reminded all present that the next meeting of the Harbor Committee is October 8th at 6:30 p.m.  Harbormaster Wayne Merritt will give an update, and there will be a presentation by a Cambridge, Md. boat lift contractor.  Regarding his Cemetary Committee membership with Gary Turnquist, Mr. Howard noted that cemetery cleanups will be conducted by November 17th.  Mr. Howard suggested Council designate a date prior to this as a "Decoration Day" to encourage the community to decorate and memorialize graves and cemetery stones, in conjunction with the Centennial celebration.

Councilman Jester said he is planning another Centennial celebration in November 2008, designated "Island Family Heritage Day," with no formal program as in March, but this time a focus will be specifically on family histories in the culture of Chincoteague.  Councilman Jester also asked Council to fund a commemorative plaque in Reed Park "by the flagpole," to honor the Centennial Year.

Councilman Jester requested Council prepare a letter to the Accomack County Board of Supervisors, in support of funding the County Assessor Office full time; and not transferring the Assessor responsibilities to the Commissioner of Revenue.

Councilman Jester noted that another bridge update ("Is the project on track?") is needed and should be included in a near term Town meeting.  Specifically he noted concerns over the Town's readiness with regard to the project's completion--e.g., the Welcome to Chincoteague sign; traffic lights and roadways; and landscaping decisions.  Mayor Tarr responded that he plans to meet with the three residents whose property abuts the bridge entry on Maddox and Main Streets; he said they "will become part of the planning process."

Councilwoman Richardson reminded those present that Sunday October 12th from 1 to 3 p.m., the Oyster Museum will host a free Open House and musical performance by Bill Troxler, a local hammer dulcimer musician. 

Chief Lewis requested Council set aside the second Saturday of September 2009, for another Police Department Poker Run event, like this year's which was held last month (September 2008).  Chief Lewis said the 2008 event raised $16,000 for local charitable purposes.

Mayor Tarr said he and Ms. Thornton plan to meet on Wednesday, October 8 at 5 p.m., with members of Rural Health and PRMC, to gather information on local health care and discuss extended care possibilities (after hours and weekends) for Chincoteague.

Mayor Tarr proposed creating a memorial fund in Dr. Amrien's honor, specifically one related to the Library.  He said he spoke with Linda Ryan and learned that a donation of $1,000 merits an Honor Board citation for the new Library.  A Library "named room" might be another use of the fund.  Mayor Tarr said that money would be collected from citizens and deposited into an account.  He said Dr. Amrien's family is currently trying to sell the practice.

The Council adjourned to a Closed Session at 9:25 p.m.

Notes prepared by  Victoria Weiskopf

N.B. These notes do not constitute the public record of this meeting. The information contained herein is offered in good faith, is presented as accurately as possible, is thought to be a complete account of the proceedings. These notes are intended to be a public service devoid of political commentary for those who are interested in following the civic affairs of Chincoteague Island. Notes of the meeting are recorded, transcribed and distributed by volunteers who receive no financial compensation for their efforts. 

Special Council Meeting Workshop, September 25, 2008

Town Council Members Attending: Mayor John Tarr, John Jester, Nancy Conklin,

Terry Howard, John Howard, Jim Frese

Planning Commission Members Attending: Ray Rosenberger, Bob Behr, Mollie

Cherrix, Tripp Muth, Chuck Ward

Staff Attending: Jared Anderson, Town Planner; and Robert Ritter, Town Manager

Public Attendance: Sixteen

The agenda, backup materials and an audio recording of this
meeting are available on the Town website.  Click here.

Mayor Tarr convened the workshop at 5:10 p.m in Council Chambers.

The purpose of this special meeting was twofold: to consider a planning grant for broadband on the island, and to obtain an update from Peter Johnston and Associates, LLC, on their most recent draft of the town’s 

Comprehensive Plan. Broadband Discussion.

Kat Edwards updated the Council on the Eastern Shore broadband initiative. Currently Parksley and Cape Charles have received broadband grant monies. She related that the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has invited Chincoteague to submit a request for a network planning grant. (Onancock and Onley may also become part of the system.) There is some urgency to request the grant as the letter is due 9/30. The grant would provide the town with $25,000.00; the town would have to supply $2,500.00. The money would be used to conduct surveys of businesses and health care providers; there may be funds left over to accomplish some preliminary engineering work.

If the town decides to go forward with a broadband spur line from Route 13, a full application will be due in January of next year. Construction money in the form of grants for the network could total up to $200,000.00; additional monies would be supplied by the town. Once the network is built it is turned over to the provider, a broadband authority, who both receives ongoing revenue and any outstanding debt. John Jester moved that the town proceed with the request for grant money; all agreed. 

Comprehensive Plan Update.

Peter Johnston and Associates provided an update of the Comprehensive Plan, beginning with the work done in 2003. They stated that in recent stakeholder meetings there was disagreement about the role the Planning Commission and the Town Council in approving major development projects. They also stressed that most of the changes to the current plan centered around the Land Use Plan chapters, specifically the creation of two new land use districts: Resort Residential and Resort Commercial. Additionally, the notion of annexation was added to the plan, providing the framework for future growth.

Mr. Anderson stated that he had reviewed the Economic Development and Housing portions of the plan and they were both improved since the previous iteration.  Council and Commission Comments. At this point Town Council and Planning

Commission members made the following comments:

Mr. Rosenberger stated that the revised plan provides broad guidance that can be further addressed through zoning.

Mayor Tarr voiced the need to have more time to review the revised document with the Planning Commission, followed by obtaining additional input from the public.

Mr. Anderson reinforced the desire to insure the public understood what was going on.

Mr. Ward wondered why the town would annex federal lands and asked if there was a precedent. He further questioned the criteria for “conditional use” within the districts. He continued that the baseline characteristics should be contained in the plan, e.g., safety, health, welfare, and that the zoning ordinance should house more specific guidelines.

Mr. Behr expressed pleasure that a downtown arts and cultural district was recommended, including the caveat that “more needs to be done”.

Mr. Terry Howard stated that he would like to see the bridge tender’s building preserved as a space to house art.

The meeting ended at 6:20 p.m.

Notes prepared by Nancy Lane & Victoria Weiskopf 

N.B. These notes do not constitute the public record of this meeting. The information contained herein is offered in good faith, is presented as accurately as possible, is thought to be a complete account of the proceedings. These notes are intended to be a public service devoid of political commentary for those who are interested in following the civic affairs of Chincoteague Island. Notes of the meeting are recorded, transcribed and distributed by volunteers who receive no financial compensation for their efforts.

August 28, 2008 Special Workshop to Review Wastewater Needs

Town Council Members Attending: Mayor John Tarr, Ellen Richardson, John Jester,
Nancy Conklin, Terry Howard, John Howard, Jim Frese

Staff Attending: Jared Anderson, Town Planner; and Robert Ritter, Town Manager

Public Attendance: Eighteen
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayor Tarr convened the meeting at 5:45 p.m in Council Chambers. The evening’s presenters were delayed in traffic from D.C. causing the meeting to begin 45 minutes late.

To listen to the audio record of this meeting, click here.

The purpose of this special meeting was to obtain an update from Waste Water Management, Inc. (WWM), on the town’s sewer project activity. The presenter characterized the services performed since 2007 as Data Gathering, Preliminary Engineering, Budgeting and Financial Planning, Coordination with Regulatory Agencies, and Public outreach.

An overview of these services was presented as follows:

• Data Gathering included aerial photos, census data, state and federal water quality reports, compatibility with the town’s comprehensive plan, review of potential state and federal grant programs, preliminary technical submittals for planning and cost projections, and review of existing and proposed legislation affecting water quality and waste water discharges.

• Preliminary Engineering examined the construction conditions, conflicts, treatment plant sites, possible effluent disposal methods, alternative methods of sewage collection such as gravity, pumping, and vacuum; alternative installation sites for sewer lines, and preliminary costs. The point was made that the state preferred an ocean discharge, although the contractor identified this as a more costly disposal method.

• Budgeting and Financial Planning included estimated total cost. The contractor stated that the largest single cost would be road disruption and repair. Also included in this element was estimated user fees, projected operation and maintenance costs of comparable systems, estimated connection and monthly user fees, review of state and federal grant options, and a list of ways to establish and build a “sewer fund”. The contractor stated that Chincoteague was the largest town in the United States with no waste water treatment system.

• Coordination with Regulatory Agencies. The project began in January 2007 with subsequent meetings in July with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to discuss the Deep Well Injection of effluent, and with the National Park Service (NPS) to discuss the declining water quality in Chincoteague. NPS has over 12 years of water quality data that could help the town procure grants for the construction of a wastewater treatment system. In December, 2007, WWM submitted a “White Paper” presenting alternatives for the disposal of treated wastewater on Chincoteague Island to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and the Virginia Department of Environmental Health (VDH).

• Public Outreach has included five presentations to the town, numerous talks with local realtors, bankers, and business owners. Additionally, WWM took water samples at Fowling Gut and Mallard Pond. One point of interest that surfaced during the town presentations was that a homeowner system, designated as an “alternative system” may be subject to annual inspections.

Significant Findings identified by WWM
It is clear that the town has declining water quality and increasing levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, chlorophyll A and e-coli, i.e., human waste. Pollution is pervasive and widespread. Deep Well Injection may be the town’s best discharge option if we are not allowed to discharge into shellfish waters.  Grants may be available to allay costs. Island business and commerce is in a steady state of decline. New, conventional septic systems are not easily permitted while other on-site systems are very costly.

White Paper prepared by WWM
The White Paper, Alternatives for the Disposal of Treated Wastewater, was prepared in December of 2007 for DEQ and VDH. and specified historical background, identified various disposal options, and evaluated the feasibility of each. The DEQ believes that the town may be able to make a case for disposal into the bay based on financial hardship. They also relayed that the existing eight disposal permits for bay disposal could not be combined. The suggested connection fee for each of 3900 connections in the town, assuming no grant money and no additional cost for businesses, is $8319.00. The annual projected user fee per connection is $182.00.

Next Steps proposed by WWM included:
a) identifying a project champion;
b) deciding if a wastewater treatment system is a go or no-go for the town;
c) if the project is a “go”, crafting a message to residents and businesses;
d) applying to the state for discharge permits at Fowling Gut and at Chincoteague Channel; and
e) investigating funding to cover the next project phases.

Council Comments. At this point Town Council members made the following comments:

Mr. Frese stated that the state would not permit overboard discharge and that there was no such thing as Deep Well Injection in the state of Virginia. WWM clarified that only the Environmental Protection Agency, not the state, could issue permits for Deep Well Injection, and if the town could not get permits for direct discharge into the Channel or the Gut, then Deep Well Injection is the next best option for the town.

Mr. Jester offered that most of the pollution in Chincoteague Bay is not from Chincoteague. Chincoteague Channel has a good flushing system. He expressed concern with the Deep Well option because of the large cost associated with determining if was indeed feasible. WWM responded that it would cost about $300,000.00 to determine if this was a regulatorily acceptable option. WWM further stated that Deep Well is the second least costly option after direct discharge, followed by pumping treated wastewater off the island. Discharge directly into the ocean
requires a stable pipe which appeared to be a concern. Mr. Jester then asked if we could maximize the use of existing discharge permits without combining them. WWM agreed to check on this.

Mr. John Howard expressed concern for the cost to residents and businesses, but thinks something needs to be done.

Mr. Terry Howard wondered what would the regulatory agencies do if the town did nothing. The state cannot force the town to put in a system, but if a system was installed the shellfish closure ban on Main Street could be lifted. WWM stated that the state prefers sewage treatment systems over septic tanks.

Ms. Conklin asked how discharge into Fowling Gut would effect flow patterns. WWM offered that the discharge would flush out the Gut.

Mr. Jester offered that the current contamination of Fowling Gut does not allow shellfish, however there is a concern with viruses associated with wastewater discharge. The town should propose trade-offs with the state, e.g., clean up Main Street by discharging into Fowling Gut.

Mr. Frese stated that septic applications are, by and large, being approved. He proposed the town should research using individual systems instead of a central system. He stated that the pollution we are experiencing is coming from Maryland and from rainwater, and the problem is not as severe as we think. He also offered that he does not believe the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) will approve a system for the town. Mr. Ritter replied that the Department of Health does not track failed systems. Mayor Tarr stated that many permits are turned down before they reach the Health Department for approval.

Mayor Tarr then asked WWM if they could identify the costs associated with developing and submitted permits for discharge into Fowling Gut and Chincoteague Channel and  deep Well Injection. WWM replied that they would do this. Mayor Tarr then asked about a phased system--downtown and Maddox first--and how this would affect connection fees and user rates.

Mr. Jester asked WWM to identify how much effluent the eight existing discharge permits could handle. He also requested that VMRC identify, in writing, their problem with this option. He further stated that town does not wish to impact aquaculture.

Ms. Conklin asked about the filing fee. WWM replied that it is $2500.00. This figure does not include the engineering work necessary for filing.

Mr. Terry Howard voiced the desire for more information before making a final decision.  He stated that if the town does not install a wastewater treatment system we will live to regret it.

Mr. Frese responded that he does not think our position if so bad. He asked for the true facts and more data about what homeowners think.

The meeting ended at 8:05 p.m.

Notes prepared by Nancy Lane

N.B. These notes do not constitute the public record of this meeting. The information contained herein is offered in good faith, is presented as accurately as possible, is thought to be a complete account of the proceedings. These notes are intended to be a public service devoid of political commentary for those who are interested in following the civic affairs of Chincoteague Island. Notes of the meeting are recorded, transcribed and distributed by volunteers who receive no financial compensation for their efforts.

August 4, 2008 Town Council Meeting

August 4, 2008 Town Council Meeting

The August 4, 2008 Town Council meeting addressed these matters: public comments; report on bridge construction; tennis association sign permit; new committee assignments; repaving right-of-way in Don's Seafood Restaurant parking lot; resolution on town hiring practices; and comments from the mayor and council members.

The meeting agenda and backup material may be found at:
http://www.chincoteague-va.gov/municipal/meetings.shtm

Audio of the meeting will be located at:
http://www.chincoteague-va.gov/municipal/meetings.shtm

Attendance

Present: Mayor Jack Tarr and Town Council Members: Nancy Conklin, Jim Frese, John Howard, Terry Howard, John Jester, Ellen Richardson,

Staff: Jared Anderson, Town Planner; Edward Lewis, Chief of Police; Robert Ritter, Town Manager ; Jon Poulson, Town Attorney

Approximately 30 citizens attended the meeting.

The meeting began at 7:30 p.m.

Public comment period

Ricky Betts asked the town to support the Chincoteague Football League as it had last year. About 100 children are involved.

Jim White drew attention to the lack of vehicles at the big Sunset Bay parking lot. There are 290 parking spaces but only 37 vehicles were there on pony penning day. The town should make adjustments in parking requirements to insure more green space.

Ron Mason encouraged the town to permit golf carts on town streets. He provided a list of state regulations pertaining to this.

Ray Rosenberger expressed disagreement with the draft resolution related to the work of town employees and restrictions on hiring. The established means of dealing with work issues should be used if there are problems, not sweeping resolutions that could damage staff morale.

Barbara Thackray spoke of the need for the town to prepare for the arrival of the new bridge and new traffic patterns. It is very important to entice visitors to come down town. Steps should be taken to identify and publicize historic sites. A trail map could be prepared. Perhaps a history association should be established. Mrs. Richardson suggested that the Council's Recreation and Community Enhancement Committee could take up these issues. Mr. Jester said that grants might be available from the federal government's Preserve America program. This is being done on Assateague.

Consider Hiring Requirements (resolution sponsored by John Howard and John Jester)

This announced agenda item was addressed by Mrs. Conklin. She stated that this resolution should be referred to the Budget and Personnel Committee or should be considered in closed session. The Council voted to consider the resolution in closed session later in this meeting.

Bridge Update

Bruce Garber of Jacobs Engineering and Tom Rokowski of VDOT were present to provide an updated report on construction of the new bridge. Garber is the construction manager for Jacobs which is supervising inspection of the project for VDOT. (He encouraged anyone with questions to contact him at the office at 6309 Church St, phone 757-336-5403). The project is on schedule with expected opening of the new bridge by late February 2009. By the end of October a one-way alternating traffic detour road will be opened at the Black Narrows area. This will be used until the new bridge opens. Signals will be motion controlled. Once the mainline bridge is opened temporary access to Marsh Island will be from the Chincoteague side until the bridge from the causeway to Marsh Island is completed later in 2009. Attention is being given to landscaping at the Maddox end of the bridge. By January-February the town should have its plans for what to do at the area of Maddox and Main. There will be a bascular ("teeter totter") bridge.

Mr. Jester noted the historic importance of the existing bridge for the town of Chincoteague. He hoped that parts of the bridge could be relocated to memorialize the bridge. Terry Howard suggested that the bridge tender's house could be relocated.

Sign Permit Application at Memorial Park by the Tennis Association

The Council approved the summer-time setting of a 5 by 3 feet sign at Memorial Park announcing the availability of free tennis lessons.

New Committee Assignments

Now that Anita Speidel has resigned and been replaced by Jim Frese, new committee assignment were approved:

Budget & Personnel Committee: Nancy Conklin, chair; John Jester; Jim Frese

Ordinance Committee: John Howard, chair; Terry Howard; Nancy Conklin

Meals Tax Committee: Nancy Conklin

Harbor Committee: Terry Howard, chair; John Howard

Recreation & Community Enhancement Committee: Jim Frese, chair; John Howard, Ellen Richardson.

Public Works Committee: John Tarr, chair; Ellen Richardson, John Howard

Planning Commission: John Jester

Cemetery Committee: Ellen Richardson, chair; Terry Howard

Public Safety (Police, EMS, EOC): John Tarr, chair; John Jester, Ellen Richardson

Liaison Committee: John Tarr, John Jester, Jim Frese

Chincoteague Recreation & Convention Center Authority: Nancy Conklin

Approve the Pavement of the right of way drive to Robert Reed Park

The Council approved $7850 to pave the town's right of way thru the parking area for Don's Seafood Restaurant. Tommie Clark wants to repave his parking lot and the work can be done more inexpensively now that the Branscome company has its equipment nearby on the Church Street project.

Mayor & Council Announcements or Comments

Police Chief Lewis invited everyone to attend the National Night Out event at Memorial Park Tuesday evening.

Mr. Jester thanked the town staff for the effective trolley service during the pony penning events. He thanked Mr. Ritter for the new town newsletter that was distributed in the Beacon. He announced that a trial date of August 12 at 9am in Accomac has been set for the citizen property assessment case. Everyone should attend. The town of Onancock has joined with Chincoteague on this.

Mr. Frese hoped that the town could soon establish signs around town directing people to local businesses.

Terry Howard hoped that there could be a savings in the sometimes extensive copying done in preparing agendas for town meetings. He also commended Jared Anderson for his excellent work as the town planner

Mayor Tarr drew attention to the August 21 special council workshop on the parking ordinance.

The open meeting ended 8:50 p.m. and was followed by a 70 minute closed meeting to consider what had been labeled the "public works hiring resolution."

Hiring Resolution

Council reconvened in open session for three minutes at 10:08 pm to approved a revised resolution re town hiring policy. Nine citizens were in attendance.

John Howard read this resolution:
   "Be it resolved that the Town Manager shall obtain Council approval before hiring personnel to fill any new or existing personnel positions for the town for the next six months. To obtain such approval, the Town Manager shall provide the Council with a request identifying the position to be filled, describing the duties of the position, providing an explanation for the critical need to fill the position, and providing an annual cost for staffing the position, including benefits. Said approval shall be obtained prior to advertising and/or interviewing for the position.
   "Further resolved that at the February 2009 Council Meeting, Town Manager shall provide Council with a workload and staffing analysis for all departments."

Council approved this resolution on a vote of 4 to 2. In favor: Jim Frese, John Howard, John Jester, Ellen Richardson. Against: Nancy Conklin and Terry Howard.

Notes by David Johnson, Barbara Thackray, and Vicki Weiskopf.

N.B. These notes do not constitute the public record of this meeting.  The information contained herein is offered in good faith, is presented as accurately as possible, is thought to be a complete account of the proceedings.  These notes are intended to be a public service devoid of political commentary for those who are interested in following the civic affairs of Chincoteague Island. Notes of the meeting are recorded, transcribed and distributed by volunteers who receive no financial compensation for their efforts.

July 7, 2008 Town Council Meeting

July 7, 2008 Town Council Meeting

The July 7, 2008 Town Council meeting addressed these matters: keys to the city for David Ross and Glenn Wolffe; selection of vice-mayor; resignation of Anita Speidel; committee configuration and assignments; changes in employee handbook dealing with electronic communications; and comments from the mayor and council members.

The meeting agenda and backup material may be found at:
http://www.chincoteague-va.gov/municipal/meetings.shtm

Audio of the meeting will be located at:
http://www.chincoteague-va.gov/municipal/meetings.shtm

Attendance

Present: Mayor Jack Tarr and Town Council Members: Nancy Conklin, John Howard, Terry Howard, John Jester, Ellen Richardson,

Absent:  Anita Speidel

Staff: Jared Anderson, Town Planner; Michael Cosby, Director of Public Works; Edward Lewis, Chief of Police; Robert Ritter, Town Manager ; Jon Poulson, Town Attorney

Approximately 34 citizens attended the meeting.

The meeting began at 7:32 p.m.

The first event was the presentation to the town of a badge given to former mayor Chester Daisey (1967-71) by then Virginia Governor Mills Godwin. This was done by Thomas Rhodes and other relatives of Mr. Daisey.

Mayor Tarr presented keys to the city to former council members David Ross and Glenn Wolffe. The keys had been hand carved by Leonard Jester. Dr. Wolffe expressed his gratitude for serving the past eight years and noted that many citizens do not realize how much time and effort Mayor Tarr puts into his work. "You just do it right."

Public comment period

Betty Callahan asked about the status of high-speed internet on Chincoteague. Mr. Ritter responded that bids for the construction of the fiber-optic backbone down the eastern shore are about to go out. Construction of that should begin soon. Getting service to the towns is dependent on funding. He could not estimate when service would arrive on Chincoteague.

Bob Callahan updated the council on efforts to resume mail service in the Ocean Breeze area at the south of the island. Eddie Tull and the town postmaster have agreed on a post box location and the postmaster will provide the boxes. However, money is not available yet for the construction of a concrete base for the 260-270 boxes that would needed.

Vice Mayor Nomination

John Jester was approved as the new vice mayor. (He had received the most votes in the last council election). Council also approved adding John Jester to all bank accounts.

Resignation of Anita Speidel and Appointment of Replacement

Mayor Tarr read a communication he had received from council member Anita Speidel. Because of the demands of her work Ms. Speidel regretfully decided to resign her membership on the council. (After a closed session at the end of this meeting the council voted to accept Ms. Speidel's resignation. The council has 30 days to appoint a new member to fill out the term for two more years. Members of the public who are interested in serving have until July 21 to contact council members or the town office to express their interest. The council will consider this appointment at the workshop scheduled for July 24.)

New committee configuration and assignments

Mayor Tarr announced the new council committee configuration and assignments. Ms. Speidel's position will be replaced.

Budget & Personnel Committee: Nancy Conklin, chair; John Jester; Anita Speidel.

Ordinance Committee: John Howard, chair; Terry Howard; Nancy Conklin

Meals Tax Committee: Nanc Conklin

Harbor Committee: Terry Howard, chair; John Howard

Recreation & Community Enhancement Committee: Anita Speidel, chair; John Howard, Ellen Richardson.

Public Works Committee: John Tarr, chair; Ellen Richardson, John Howard

Planning Commission: John Jester

Cemetery Committee: Ellen Richardson, chair; Terry Howard

Public Safety (Police, EMS, EOC): John Tarr, chair; John Jester, Ellen Richardson

Liaison Committee: John Tarr, John Jester, Anita Speidel

Chincoteague Recreation & Convention Center Authority: Nancy Conklin

(Trolley's under Robert Ritter, General Government and Transportation issues under public works.)

Changes in the Employee Handbook

Council voted to approve additions to the employee handbook detailing town policy with regard to use of the Internet and email. Mr. Jester said it was important to have a clear and understood policy on these matters to prevent potential abuse and problems. Mr. Ritter noted that would be no extra cost to the town.

Mayor & Council Announcements or Comments

Terry Howard noted that there had been great improvements in the town roads over the years but there were still rough roads that the town might need additional help to fix.

John Jester observed that the town has big issues to address, including the new comprehensive plan and sewage. Of immediate concern is preparing for the new traffic patterns that will
come when the new bridge is completed next year. Planning for this should begin very soon. Improving downtown as a destination is important.

John Howard suggested that town employees should submit their ideas about how the town could work smarter and cheaper. A workshop should be held on this.

Ellen Richardson noted that the new restrooms at the harbor looked good. They had opened last week.

Mayor Tarr stated that there would be a council workshop on July 24 at 5 pm dealing with the parking ordinance. (This meeting will also take up the replacement of Anita Speidel on the council.) Later the council will move on to the new comprehensive plan and other important issues.  In September he hopes that the council will meet to look at short-term (1-2 years) issues and also at town needs in the 5 year and later 15-20 year periods. We need to get everything out on the table and establish priorities. He hopes to have these meetings facilitated.

The meeting ended 8:08 p.m.

Notes by David Johnson and Barbara Thackray

N.B. These notes do not constitute the public record of this meeting.  The information contained herein is offered in good faith, is presented as accurately as possible, is thought to be a complete account of the proceedings.  These notes are intended to be a public service devoid of political commentary for those who are interested in following the civic affairs of Chincoteague Island. Notes of the meeting are recorded, transcribed and distributed by volunteers who receive no financial compensation for their efforts.

June 19, 2008 Town Council Meeting

The June 19, 2008 Town Council meeting addressed these matters: deer management program; adoption of the Fiscal Year 2009 budget; public hearing and adoption of the proposed zoning ordinance on signs; bids for installation of septic tanks at harbor and downtown facilities; changes in employee handbook; and comments from the Mayor and council members.

The meeting agenda and backup material may be found at:
Agenda and backup materials

Audio of the meeting will be located at:
Audio Recording of the Meeting

Attendance
Present: Mayor Jack Tarr and Town Council Members:  Nancy Conklin, Terry Howard, Ellen Richardson, David Ross, Dr. Glenn Wolffe

Absent: Vice Mayor Anita Speidel

Staff: Jared Anderson, Town Planner; Michael Cosby, Director of Public Works; Edward Lewis, Chief of Police; Robert Ritter, Town Manager

Approximately 18 citizens attended the meeting.

The meeting began at 7:30 p.m.

Public comment period
Mary Jester who has been coordinating the petition appealing recent county property tax increases stated that Judge Tyler will be holding a hearing in his courtroom in Accomac on Tuesday June 24 at 1:30. This is to establish the process to be used in circuit court and not to consider the appeal itself.  Mrs. Jester encouraged members of the Council and citizens to attend this hearing to demonstrate the concern of the public about this issue.

Deer management program
David Allaben of the US Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services presented a report on the deer management program. Since 2003 Chincoteague has contracted with Wildlife Services to control the population of deer on Chincoteague. A total of 252 deer have been removed thru shooting during the period, including 52 earlier in 2008. The deer have been donated to the Hunters for the Hungry group on the eastern shore. The program usually takes place in January and February. Mr. Allaben does not have an estimate of the total number of deer on Chincoteague but believes the deer removal efforts have probably not reduced the core deer population. Additional efforts, including use of traps and wider scope, may be needed. There has been a reduction of vehicle-deer collisions since 2003. Mr. Allaben suggested that the town help identify citizens who would be willing to permit use of their property for the program.

Members of the Council expressed concern about pigeons and what might be done to control them.

Fiscal Year 2009 Budget
The Council approved the $5.8 million budget and associated tax and fee rates. Councilwoman Richardson voted against. The Council earlier had held extensive meetings on the new budget. Mayor Tarr stated that a study indicates that tax rates and fees in Chincoteague are less than in other towns in Accomack county. Councilman Howard said this was important information that should be more widely known.

New sign ordinance
The town had been considering a new sign ordinance for several years. Jane Wolffe, a member of the Planning Commission, reviewed the lengthy process which had started with a survey of citizen opinion that had been filled out by 1220 people. This had indicated a high level of citizen interest in improving the town's appearance. She thanked Planning Commission and Council members for their extensive work on the new ordinance. Mayor Tarr noted that the Council had held seven meetings on the ordinance Councilman Wolffe thanked the town planner Jared Anderson for his valuable work on the subject. Council voted unanimously to approve the new ordinance. (The text of the sign ordinance can be seen in the Council Agenda for the June 19 meeting at: Sign Ordinance Text )

Bids for Installation of Septic Tanks
The town had two bids for installation of septic tanks at the harbor and downtown restrooms. The Council approved awarding of the contract to Rocky Hill Contracting for $47,840. Work should start in the next week or two.

Changes in the Employee Handbook
Council approved changes in the employee handbook related to executive/professional administrative leave. A maximum of 8 hours per month is permitted.

Mayor & Council Announcements or Comments
This was the final meeting for Glenn Wolffe and David Ross. Both expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Chincoteague and their appreciation of their colleagues.  David Ross also stated his admiration for the many citizens who participate in volunteer activities on the island. Other council  members thanked the departing members for their excellent service to the community. Mayor Tarr said this had been a really hard working Council that had taken on many important and hard issues.

Mrs. Richardson asked about the status of ongoing work on Church Street. Mike Cosby said that a final surfacing would take place after the summer season. Some work in tapering high spots would take place now.

Mayor Tarr said the swearing in ceremony for new Council members would take place on Friday, June 20, at 5pm. The next Council meeting is July 7. Members were asked to submit their requests for committee assignments.

The meeting ended 8:45 p.m.

Notes by David Johnson

N.B. These notes do not constitute the public record of this meeting.  The information contained herein is offered in good faith, is presented as accurately as possible, is thought to be a complete account of the proceedings.  These notes are intended to be a public service devoid of political commentary for those who are interested in following the civic affairs of Chincoteague Island. Notes of the meeting are recorded, transcribed and distributed by volunteers who receive no financial compensation for their efforts.

June 2, 2008 Town Council Meeting

The June 2, 2008 Town Council meeting addressed these matters:  a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2009 budget, consideration of the Adoption of the State Motor Vehicle Code, setting the date for a public hearing the proposed zoning ordinance on signs, report of the Budget and Personnel Committee, and comments from the Mayor and council members.

The meeting agenda and backup material may be found at:
Agenda and backup materials

Audio of the meeting will be located at:
Audio Recording of the Meeting

Attendance
Present: Mayor Jack Tarr and Town Council Members:  Nancy Conklin, Terry Howard, Ellen Richardson, David Ross,

Absent: Vice Mayor Anita Speidel, Dr. Glenn Wolffe

Staff: Jared Anderson, Town Planner; Michael Cosby, Director of Public Works; Edward Lewis, Chief of Police; Jon Poulson, Town Attorney; Robert Ritter, Town Manager

Approximately 35 citizens attended the meeting.

The meeting began at 7:36 p.m.

Public Comment Period
Debbie Henson returned to the topic of road repair that had been a large part of the recent briefing by Supervisor Thornton and Mayor Tarr.  She lives on Mason Drive, a private road in need of repair.  The road is no longer served with postal delivery.  Trash pickup has only recently been restored after the trash truck got stuck in the poorly maintained road.  She made several suggestions including:  1) that the residents were willing to pay for materials if the Town would supply the equipment and labor to fix the road, 2) that the Town research government grants for funding the repair of private roads and 3) that the residents were willing to be taxed for the road repair.

Mayor Tarr reminded Ms. Henson of the Town policy to grade private roads at no cost to residents.  Ms. Henson said that the Town had done this once, but had refused to do it again.

A lengthy discussion followed on this matter. At the en Mayor Tar direct Mike Cosby, Director of Public Works, to examine the grading policy of the Town as it applied in this case.  Ms. Henson left her contact information with Mr. Cosby.

Jenny Van Dame rose to speak about public service.  She noted that it was regrettable that there were not a sufficient number of seats on the Council to accommodate all the citizens who were both qualified and willing to serve in this public capacity.  She complimented outgoing Councilman David Ross for courage in voting his convictions, his dignity and his respect for people. 

Joe Gillett asked the Council to take action about the overpopulation of deer and ducks on the Island.  He cited an example of a recent car accident caused when a duck flew into a car.  He noted that the Town pays someone to hunt and kill deer to keep the population under control but this is not sufficient.  He volunteered his service to shoot deer.  He commented that there are plenty of homeless people on the Shore who would appreciate a deer or duck dinner.

Mayor Tarr noted that during the winter fifty-one deer were killed by the contract hunter.  This was a significant increase in kills from the year before.

Marci Driscoll complained about the removal of post office boxes from Ocean Breeze.

Mr. Ritter responded that the Postmaster and developer, Mr. Eddie Tull, had agreed to put in place new mail boxes.  A letter sent to Mr. Tull requires him to construct a concrete pad for the new boxes.  Mr. Tull has not yet responded to this requirement.

The next speaker did not identify himself.  He suggested that a vacant lot in the development might be a suitable location for the mailboxes. But he could not find out who owns the property.  He said he was a licensed contractor and that he and others were willing to donate their time and materials to get the job done if they could get permission to place the structure on this lot.

The next speaker did not identify herself.  She asked two questions.  First, what happened to the trolleys in Ocean Breeze?

Mr. Van Dame, trolley manager, responded that trolley service is scheduled to return to Ocean Breeze during the second week in June as it did last year.  However, ridership on this line has been poor.

Her second question was about how to make a golf cart legal for use on the roads of Chincoteague.  She indicated that a man who owns one and has state tags and inspection continues to be stopped by Chincoteague Police.

Chief Lewis responded that Virginia Code prohibits the use of golf carts on state and municipal roads in Virginia.

The next speaker did not identify himself.  He asked what was the resolution of the questions raised about the condition of the roads in Bunker Hill.

Mayor Tarr responded that a letter had been sent to Eddie Tull, developer of Bunker Hill, advising him that poor condition of the roads was a safety violation.  This letter had motivated Mr. Tull to put gravel on some of the roads. Mayor Tarr reminded everyone that Council had thoroughly examined the question of the maintenance of private roads.  There is no legal way in which the Town can use public tax dollars to maintain private roads.  There are approximately twenty-six miles of private roads in the Town.  Declaring eminent domain and annexing all this property was not within the budget of the Town.  Even if that could be done, the cost of maintaining the roads could not be covered by the Town budget.

Mayor Tarr said that during July the Town plans to begin a program to identify who owns all the private roads in the Town.  Once owners have been identified the Town will examine whether or not they are paying taxes on these roads.

Public Hearing on the FY 09 Town Budget
N.B.  The budget will be considered for adoption during the June 19 meeting of the Town Council.

Town Manager Robert Ritter summarized the proposed budget.

Budgeted expenses total $5,857,908 for fiscal year 2009
Approximately expenditure ratios within this total are:
    General government        27%
    Mosquito control              3%
    Main Street Project          6%
    Harbor                            5%
    Police                           12%
    Trolley                            1%
    Water                           16%
    911 dispatch                   5%
    Roads                          12%
    Utilities                          5%
    Public Works                11%

The tax rate used to form the FY 09 budget was 6 cents per $100 valuation.  The FY 08 budget was based upon a valuation of 13 cents per $100.  The reduction realigned the tax rate against the new property assessment done by the County.

Harbor fees are tied to CPI and increase by 4.1%
Water rates increase by 3%

Mayor Tarr opened the floor for public comment. 

The sole, unidentified speaker asked what was included under the heading of capital projects.

The Mayor and Mr. Ritter responded that the $1,367,500 in capital projects covered items such as well pumps, drainage projects, vehicles for the Town, radio equipment, projects at Curtis Meritt Harbor and t hat half of the expense is debt service on the funds used to repair the main water line from the Towns wells.
The public comment period closed and Council discussed the budget.

Councilman. Ross noted that FY09 revenue includes $508,412 from the Virginia Department of Transportation.  These funds pay the Town of Chincoteague to repair roads that have been taken into State control.  He noted that not one penny of this revenue may be spent on the repair of private roads.

Councilwoman Richardson expressed her concern about the 3% increase in water rates and the $25,000 additional cost for the sewage study.  She indicated that she does not plan to vote for the budget because of these items.

Councilman Howard asked about the recovered cost from water of $123,720.  Mayor Tarr explained that this figure was due to the unplanned expense last year to repair the water storage tank and the water line repair on Church Street.  Money was transferred in FY 08 to cover these expenses.  During FY 09 these funds were planned to be recovered from the budget of the water department.  This was in part a cause of the increase in water rates.

The Council concluded discussion on the FY 09 budget and agreed to place the budget on the June 19 agenda for adoption.

Consideration of the Adoption of the State Motor Vehicle Code
As it does each year, the Town Council adopted the updated State Motor Vehicle Code of Virginia.

Setting the Public Hearing Date for the Proposed Zoning Ordinance on Signs
Town Planner Jared Anderson presented the proposed ordinance to the Town Council.

A long discussion ensued about political signs and signs advertising tobacco.  It was determined that more research needed to be done on these sections and that the public hearing should be delayed until something in July.   Council expects to review proposed changes to the draft ordinance during the June 19 meeting.

The Mayor noted that the Council has worked on the ordinance during the past seven months and before reaching Council the Planning Commission had spent three or four years developing the proposed ordinance.

Budget and Personnel Committee Report
Councilwoman Nancy Conklin reported on the May 20, 2008 meeting of the Budget and Personnel Committee. 

The Committee recommended to Council section 604 of the personnel handbook be amended to provide all salaried employees with the same privileges regarding administrative leave as the Town Manager, Director of Public Works and the Chief of Police currently have. [See page 55 of the agenda material for the proposed change in wording.]

COUNCIL ACTION:  Several members of the Council and the Town Attorney expressed confusion about the proposed language.  No one was able to offer a clear example of how the proposed working would work in practice.  All agreed on the intent of the change and most believed the wording did not fulfill the intent.  The proposal was returned to staff and committee for further work.  Mayor Tarr asked staff to examine current labor law to ensure that the definitions of exempt and non-exempt employees in the Town’s employee handbooks were up-to-date.

Mayor & Council Announcements or Comments
Councilwoman Richardson said that the Memorial Day parade was a great success.  She complimented John Jester and other members of the committee for their good work.

Councilman Howard paid tribute to Councilman Ross for his years of effective and dedicated service.

The public meeting ended 9:26 p.m. 

Notes by Barbara Thackray and Bill Troxler

N.B. These notes do not constitute the public record of this meeting.  The information contained herein is offered in good faith, is presented as accurately as possible, is thought to be a complete account of the proceedings.  These notes are intended to be a public service devoid of political commentary for those who are interested in following the civic affairs of Chincoteague Island. Notes of the meeting are recorded, transcribed and distributed by volunteers who receive no financial compensation for their efforts.

May 5, 2008 Town Council Meeting

The May 5, 2008 Town Council meeting addressed these matters:  student government day, interpretive signage for Seaside Heritage Access, continuation of the public hearing for a conditional use permit application, an application for a lot line vacation, resolutions regarding Hurricane Awareness Week and Relief to Working Watermen, reports from four Council committees, setting a date for a public hearing for possible changes to the parking section of the Zoning ordinance, and setting the date for a public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2009 budget.

The meeting agenda and backup material may be found at:
Agenda and Backup Materials

Audio of the meeting will be located at:
Audio Recording of the Meeting

Attendance
Present: Mayor Jack Tarr and Town Council Members:  Nancy Conklin, Terry Howard, Ellen Richardson, David Ross, Dr. Glenn Wolffe

Absent: Vice Mayor Anita Speidel

Staff: Jared Anderson, Town Planner; Michael Cosby, Director of Public Works; Edward Lewis, Chief of Police; Robert Ritter, Town Manager

Approximately 65 citizens attended the meeting.

The meeting began at 7:30 p.m.

Mayor Tarr opened the meeting by announcing that the day was Town Student Government Day.  He introduced Bob White as the Student Mayor.  Mr. White introduced his Council members and staff and advised the Town Council that their top three priorities for the Town were:

1.  The Skate Park and its attendant problems.  The students recommended that the Town charge an annual permit fee of $25 or weekly permit of $10 to use the park and require users to sign an injury waiver.  They further suggested that users of the park who are over eighteen years of age should not be required to wear protective equipment for head and limbs.  Lastly they suggested that security cameras be installed at the skate park.

2.  Church Street.  The students recommended that parking on Church Street be prohibited except for that part of the street in front of the Methodist Church Thrift Shop where a fifteen limit should be imposed.

3.  Medical Issues.  The students suggested that the three doctors on the Island should be engaged to provide twenty-four hour coverage during tourist season.  The student believed that the two closest hospitals should assist with funding for this recommendation.

Public Comment Period
John Jester advised the Council that a petition was being circulated that would mandate the Virginia Commonwealth Attorney to challenge the recent assessment of real estate in Accomack County.  Mr. Jester advised that 250 signatures were required to move the petition forward.  The petition states that the Board of Supervisors acted illegally when they accepted the new real estate assessments because the work did not judge the fair market value of properties.  Mr. Jester advised that the petition could begin a process in which a court could order the reversal of the assessments.

Bob Moss asked that the Town assume responsibility for the electric bill for the public street light adjacent to his house. Power for the light is routed through his electric meter and costs $13 per month.  This light illuminates the way to the tower and police department facilities.

In addition Mr. Moss asked that the Town take action on the construction debris and decaying building at 7161 Bunting Road.

Mayor Tarr referred the electric power issue to the public works department and asked Building and Zoning Administrator, Kenny Lewis to review the status of the property at 7161 Bunting Road.

Bob Callahan advised the Council that today a traffic accident occurred at the intersection of Sea Shell and Ridge Roads.  This is further evidence of the need for repair and proper signage in Ocean Breeze that many residents brought to the attention of the Town Council during the April meeting.

Interpretive signage for Seaside Heritage Access
Matthew Cook, Regional Planner for the Accomack-Northampton Planning District addressed the Council on this matter.  The Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission in cooperation with the Department of Environmental Quality and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is creating signage associated with the Seaside Heritage Trail. 

Three kiosks funded by the Coastal Zone Management Program of the Department of Environmental Quality will be installed.  Two will be associated with the seaside trail and highlight the economic and ecological value of seaside resources.  Text and graphics for the third panel has been left available for input from the Town of Chincoteague.

Locations for the panels are:  Robert Reed Park, The Nature Trail on Hallie Whealton Drive and the park across the street from the High School. 

Similar signs will be installed at Wachapreague and Willis Wharf.

Pages 10 and 11 of the backup materials for the Town Council meeting show the panels.
Council referred this matter to the Parks, Recreation and Community Enhancement Committee to determine the maintenance costs and who is responsible for the kiosks.

Continuation of Public Hearing for a Conditional Use Permit Application by Christine Schreibstein
Jared Anderson, Town Planner, introduced this topic by advising Council that the core issue in this matter is that “Complementary Therapy” is not a use or business identified in the Town Code.

Editor’s Note:  Use the search box on Chincoteague Reports to trace this application through the Planning Commission, and Town Council during the past fifteen months..  Use “Schreibstein” as the search term. There are nine occurrences of this mater on Chincoteague Reports

Ms. Schreibstein presented her request for a zoning variance that would permit her complementary therapy business to operate within residential zoning on a non-conforming lot.  She noted that her business has no employees, does not operate a store and can only see one client at a time.  Her property has three parking spaces but not the four required by the zoning ordinance. By her calculation three parking spaces would support her car and her client’s car making one surplus space.  She further requested that since the review of her request has taken fifteen months to reach this point and that the Council was learning is way throughout the deliberations that her $1,500 application fee be refunded if her request was denied.

Eight citizens rose to speak about the conditional use permit application.  Six opposed the application and two supported the application.  A common theme among opponents of the application seemed to be that the Town should stand behind its zoning ordinances and not allow a business to operate within a residential district.  Proponents of the application spoke of the positive results they have had with “Complementary Therapy” and that such a business should be encouraged in the Town.

After considerable discussion and lengthy comments by several Town Council members, the Town Council voted to deny the application on a vote of four to one with Councilman Wolffe casting the sole supporting vote.

Lot Line Vacation Application by Wayne and Catherine Maddox
Mr. Ritter reported that no one had opposed the lot line vacation and no one had raised any concerns about the applications.  Council granted the request of Wayne and Catherine Maddox for a lot line vacation on two contiguous properties they own. 

Resolution Regarding Hurricane Awareness Week
The Council designated May 25-31, 2008 as Hurricane Awareness Week in the Town of Chincoteague.

Resolution Regarding Relief to Working Watermen
The Council passed a resolution declaring “its support for a Petition by the Governor of the commonwealth of Virginia to the United States Commerce Department for financial relief under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conversation and Management Act.”

Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee Report
Mayor Tarr presented the report of the April 3, 2008 Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee.  Highlights include:

•    John Jester reported on the revision of the Town’s Emergency Operations Plan.  He emphasized that the hurricane portion of the plan should be completed very soon.  Mr. Jester offered to assist the fire company write such a plan for their agency. 

•    Bryan Rush, Emergency Services Coordinator for the Town has been selected to be Vice Chairman of the Eastern Shore Disaster Preparedness Coalition for the coming year.

•    The next exercise to test after-storm actions will take place September 5 and 6.  The Town’s Emergency Operations Center will be activated on the 5th to test communications and the roles and responsibilities of individuals.  Equipment will be set up in the parking lot at the Community Center.   Discussions began about signing a Memorandum of Understanding between local and federal law enforcements agencies that describes their working relationships and jurisdictions during an emergency.

Budget and Personnel Committee Report
Councilwoman Nancy Conklin reported on the April 15, 2008 meeting of the Budget and Personnel Committee.  Highlights include:

•    The Committee recommend that the Town donation $250 to the North Accomack Soccer League.  This is the same amount granted to other not-for-profit sports organizations that support programs on the Island.

•    Health Care insurance was discussed in light of the development of 2009 budget.  The budget was prepared to account for United Health Care’s 12.5% rate increase.  This amounts to $410.77 for an unmarried employee and will be paid for by the Town.  Councilman Wolffe asked staff to investigate a plan that might have a lower rate for families but a higher deductible.

Mayor Tarr asked that the committee put out a request for bid earlier in the budget cycle of next year to see if more affordable plans are available.

Recreation and Community Enhancement Committee Report
Councilwoman Richardson presented the report of the April 15, 2008 Recreation and Community Enhancement Committee.  The Committee requested Council action on two items: 

1) The Committee requested that the Council place a letter in the newspaper notifying the public that the Skateboard Park will be manned this summer from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and may be closed at the end of the summer.  The Town will consider removing the equipment or placing cameras around the area of the skate park.

ACTION:   Town Council returned this recommendation to the Committee with the request to redraft the letter.  This request reflects the fact that few Council members were will to move the $125,000 skate park or close it for any extended period.

2) The Committee requested that the Council consider placing in Memorial Park a small board identifying donors and contributors who funded new playground equipment. 

ACTION: Town Council adopted this recommendation.  This action reflected the cost estimate that between $200,000 and $300,000 were needed to replace defective and non-standard equipment in the park.  Since such funds are not available in the Town budget or through grants, donors must be sought to fund the equipment.

The Committee also discussed the adoption of a Street Corner-Scape program.  The concept is that property owners of parcels that make up street corners would be identified and asked if they would like to continue with beautifying their portions of the corners.  The intent is to recruit citizens to adopt street corners in the way they current do under the adopt-a-road program.

Cemetery Committee Report
Councilman Howard presented the report of the April 22, 2008 Cemetery Committee meeting.  Highlights include:

•    Gary Turnquist reported the he completed and gave to Director Lou Hines, a five page report on Cemeteries on Assateague Island.  The report gave a record of the graves, sizes and what was inscribed on the tombstones.  He noted that some markers had been moved from Chincoteague to Assateague.

•    Councilman Howard acknowledged the recent donation from the Ruritan Club and a few private citizens. 

•    Mr. Turnquist reported that the State had no grant money available that would support the work of the Cemetery Committee.  The State could provide matching money to survey cemeteries.  However, that work has already been completed.

Setting a Date for a Public Hearing – Possible changes to Zoning Ordinance – Parking
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on March 25, 2008 to hear comments on proposed amendments to the parking section of the zoning ordinance.   The discussion about parking was resumed at the April 22, 2008 of the Planning Commission.  The results of that discussion have been recommended to the Council.  See pages 21- 25 of the back up materials.
Back Up Materials

ACTION: Town Council deferred action on this matter until such time that the proposed changes had been both consolidated and properly vetted as was done with changes to the signage ordinance.

Setting the Date for a Public Hearing for the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget
A public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2009 budget was set for the regular council meeting of June 2, 2008.  The date for adoption of the Fiscal Year 2009 budget was judged to be June 17. 

Council members raised questions about what effect any court ordered changes in the reassessment would have on the Town’s budget.  The current year tax rate on Chincoteague is 13 cents per hundred dollars of assessment.  The 2009 Fiscal Year tax rate on Chincoteague used in the Town’s proposed budget is 6 cents per hundred dollars of assessment.  If the court causes a change in the reassessment, it could cause budget problems for the Town.  If the court rolls back the assessment to the previous value, the Town will use its current tax rate. 

Mayor & Council Announcements or Comments
Councilman Ross relayed three citizen complaints.  A citizen requested that the Town enforce its Ordinance requiring pet owners to clean up after their animals defecate in public spaces.  This place in question was Pension Street.  Mr. Ross requested Chief Lewis to be observant about this matter.  Mr. Ross also commented on the unreliable and low quality of cable TV service on the Island.  He said that it was not worth $58 a month.

Councilman Wolffe spoke about the end of his second term of office being near at hand.  He expressed his gratitude to the voters for the opportunity to serve during the past eight years.  He thanked his colleagues for their professionalism and dedication to the well being of the Town.  Dr. Wolffe also asked the Town to consider Ms. Christine Schreibstein’s request that her application fee be refunded.

Councilman Howard said that the Council needs to reconsider the road situation in Ocean Breeze.

The public meeting ended at 9:35 p.m. 

Notes by Bill Troxler

N.B. These notes do not constitute the public record of this meeting.  The information contained herein is offered in good faith, is presented as accurately as possible, is thought to be a complete account of the proceedings.  These notes are intended to be a public service devoid of political commentary for those who are interested in following the civic affairs of Chincoteague Island. Notes of the meeting are recorded, transcribed and distributed by volunteers who receive no financial compensation for their efforts.

April 7, 2008 Town Council Meeting

April 7, 2008 Town Council Meeting

The April 7, 2008 Town Council meeting addressed these matters: public comments, committee reports, conditional use permit for Christine Schreibstein, Virginia Safe Kids Week, longer grace period for anchoring fuel tanks, extension of library boundaries, request of Island Marina to use spoil site at Curtis Merritt Harbor, property line vacation case, bids for solid waste provider, town job descriptions proposal, announcements and comments.

The meeting agenda and backup material may be found at:
http://www.chincoteague-va.gov/municipal/meetings.shtm

Audio of the meeting will be located at:
http://www.chincoteague-va.gov/municipal/meetings.shtm

Attendance

Present: Mayor Jack Tarr and Town Council Members: Nancy Conklin, Terry Howard, Ellen Richardson, David Ross, Vice Mayor Anita Speidel, Dr. Glenn Wolffe

Staff: Edward Lewis, Chief of Police; Jon Poulson, Town Attorney; Robert Ritter, Town Manager; Jared Anderson, Town Planner; Mike Cosby, Director of Public Works.

Twenty-seven citizens attended the meeting.

The meeting began at 7:35 p.m.

Public Comments

Virginia Van Dame thanked the members of the council and the town staff for their work in helping the community.

Sandy Bowden spoke for the Parents Active with Students for Safe Socials (PASSS) group that organizes annual after prom activities for high school students. Last year 91% of students participated and of that 94% stayed all night. This will be the 13th year and the group again seeks the support of the council. The council agreed to donate $250.

A citizen spoke about the confusing process of appealing property assessments. Mayor Tarr noted that on April 9 he and Supervisor Wanda Thornton will be offering a workshop to assist the public with applying to the County Equalization Board.

Public Hearing for a Conditional Use Permit application – Christine Schreibstein

Ms. Schreibstein has been attempting to establish a “complementary therapy” home business on Clark Street. The Planning Commission has recommended denial primarily on the grounds of insufficient parking. Ms. Schreibstein could not be present at this meeting and the council agreed to postpone consideration until the May meeting when she can attend.

Virginia Safe Kids Week

The council adopted the Eastern Shore of Virginia Safe Kids Proclamation, April 26-May 4, 2008.

Extension of Grace Period for Anchoring of Fuel Tanks

As a safety measure in case of flooding the council, with the cooperation of the companies concerned, has already approved the anchoring of all fuel tanks. The companies have requested an extension of the grace period from November 2008 to November 2010. The council approved this.

Recreation Issues

Plans to create a second nature trail on Hallie Whealton Smith Drive are proceeding. It will be about ¾ of a mile on the north side of the road across from the existing nature trail. It will be unpaved.

There was discussion of vandalism at the skateboarding park at Veteran's Memorial Park. Some council members encouraged relocation of the park to town property near the town offices. Police Chief Lewis said someone would be stationed at the park thru the summer.

Extension of Library Boundaries

A new survey has indicated the need to slightly redraw the boundaries of the town library property. It will be about the same square footage. This also concerns the relocation of the septic tank that is shared by the library and the town marina. The council approved.

Other Action

A request to allow Island Marina to use the spoil site at Curtis Merritt Harbor was approved.

Council approved the setting of a  date for a public hearing on a property line vacation for Wayne and Kathryn Maddox on Woodland Drive.

Bids for a Solid Waste Provider for 5-Year Contract

The town has received two bids for a solid waste provider, from Davis Disposal and from Waste Management. The bids are very similar in cost but Waste Management’s (the current provider) for several reasons was “not responsive.” A five-year contract would be renewed year-to-year. Council approved awarding the contract to Davis Disposal, Inc. for fiscal year 2009 in the amount of $349,628.

Position Description Review Proposal by Heather Hill

Council members and town staff  have felt a need to review and clarify job descriptions for important town government positions. An expert consultant, Heather Hill, has proposed doing this work in April and May. This should take 40-50 hours and cost around $1750. There may be further work on this project later. Mayor Tarr indicated the money was available within the current budget, in part because more than $20,000 in budgeted lawyer fees have not been expended. Council approved, with Terry Howard and David Ross opposing.

Mayor & Council Announcements or Comments

Meetings scheduled this week for the Public Works, Ordinance, and Harbor committees are cancelled.

David Ross noted that the road coming out of the Maddox Campground onto the traffic circle has no stop sign. This should be looked into.

Mike Cosby, director of public works, said that Church Street repairs should be finished by May 1.

Mrs. Richardson noted problems in the island’s 911 system. These should be ironed out shortly.

Mrs. Richardson also wondered if Chincoteague might create its own wetlands board. Mr. Howard agreed. Mayor Tarr said the town staff could look into this but it is a complicated subject.

Mayor Tarr said that the town’s spring cleanup week is April 19-27. There will be extra trash pickups. He also announced that he and Supervisor Wands Thornton will be holding their quarterly meeting to discuss county and town issues with the public on April 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the Chincoteague Council Chambers.

The public meeting ended at 9:05 p.m.  The Council then entered into a closed session to consult with legal counsel.

Notes by David Johnson and Nancy Payne

N.B. These notes do not constitute the public record of this meeting.  The information contained herein is offered in good faith, is presented as accurately as possible, is thought to be a complete account of the proceedings.  These notes are intended to be a public service devoid of political commentary for those who are interested in following the civic affairs of Chincoteague Island. Notes of the meeting are recorded, transcribed and distributed by volunteers who receive no financial compensation for their efforts.

March 3, 2008 Town Council Meeting

March 3, 2008 Town Council meeting addressed five matters:  Commitee reports, spring clean up week, a report from Supervisor Wanda Thornton, committee appointments and setting a date for a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit application.

The meeting agenda and backup material may be found at:
Agenda & Backup Materials

Audio of the meeting will be located at:
Audio Recording of the Meeting

Attendance
Present: Mayor Jack Tarr and Town Council Members:  Nancy Conklin, Terry Howard, Ellen Richardson, David Ross, Vice Mayor Anita Speidel, Dr. Glenn Wolffe

Staff: Edward Lewis, Chief of Police; Jon Poulson; Town Attorney; Robert Ritter, Town Manager

Approximately twenty  citizens attended the meeting.

The meeting began at 7:35 p.m.

Mayor Tarr opened the meeting by asking Chief Lewis to introduce a special item.  Chief Lewis called forward Colin Smith.  Mr. Smith offered an apology to the Town Council for his action of writing graffiti on a stall in a public restroom.  The Council accepted his apology.  Chief Lewis indicated that Mr. Smith had spent two days in Town parks clean graffiti from various surfaces.

Public Comment Period
No one rose to address the Council

Public Works Committee Report
The complete minutes of the Committee are located at:
See Public Works Committee PDF

Councilman Wolffe reported on the February 12 meeting of the Public Works Committee.  Highlights of the meeting include:
•    Councilwomen Richardson asked the committee to reconsider charging residents for garbage collection.  Mr. Cosby will provide an updated list of complaints for the committee’s next meeting.
•    The committee reviewed by took no action upon the request of Charles Gorsuch to reconsider his water bill.  Mr. Cosby advised that it was unknown whether the leak was above or below ground.
•    The Committee reviewed the January 2008 report updating progress on projects, operations and administration for the purpose of setting priorities in the schedule of work.

Harbor Committee Report
The complete minutes of the Committee are located at:
See Harbor Committee PDF

Councilman Howard reported on the February 13 meeting of the Harbor Committee.  Highlights of the meeting include:
•    Only two commercial boats are currently are currently subleasing slips
•    Works has begun on the restroom and bath facilities.  The foundation ahs been set.  No bids have been received for the sewage tanks.
•    Thieves are stealing gas from boats in the harbor and vandals have thrown down the bench installed by the Boy Scouts.  The Chincoteague Police and other agencies are monitoring the security of the harbor.
•    The Charter Boat Association has requested permission to install a sign that would display the association’s logo and have information boxes.  The committee agreed with the request.
•    Funds have been requested from the Virginia Port Authority to construct the breakwater for the harbor.  All but one of the required permits for the project have been received and that is anticipated to arrive soon.
•    The next meeting of the Harbor Committee will be April 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Recreation and Community Enhancement Committee Report
The complete minutes of the Committee are located at:
See Recreation and Community Enhancment PDF

Vice Mayor Speidel reported on the February 13 meeting of the Recreation and Community Enhancement Committee.  Highlights of the meeting include:
•    The committee decided to move the Island Clean Up Week to April 19 – 27.   Earth Day on April 19.
•    Jared Anderson, Town Planner, presented four possible trail scenarios for phase two of the walking trails off Hallie Whealton Smith Drive.  The committee selected the first scenario and agreed to proceed with the required application to the Army Corps of Engineers.
•    The committee approved the placing of a stoned paved, circular driveway at the park across from the high school.  The purpose of this facility is to provide a turn around for trolleys
•    Council member Ross requested that staff look into the drainage in the park across from the high school.
•    Vice Mayor Speidel advised that she would find out the progress made on taking elevations shots for the track at the high school.
•    Council member Conklin requested that a larger sign be placed at the walking trail on Hallie Wheaton Smith Drive.

ACTION by Town Council: Council passed a resolution declaring April 19 – 27 to be Spring Clean-up, Paint-up, Fix-up Week to coincide with Earth Day.  Debris collected during the week is to be placed for pick up during the week of April 21 – 25.  Resident are to call the Town Office to give notice that items are ready for pick-up.

Cemetery Committee Report
A report the Committee is located at:
Cemetery Committee Report on Chincoteague Reports

Councilman Howard reported on the February 26 meeting of the Cemetery Committee.   Highlights of the meeting include:
•    The cemetery clean up fund stands at $1,045 and is sufficient to cover clean operations through Memorial Day.
•    During January the committee met with Fish and Wildlife for the Assateague Cemetery Conference.   Dr. Ethel Eaton, with the Virginia Dept. of Historical Resources indicated that there is potential grant funding for historical projects associated with the cemeteries on Chincoteague.  A query for specifics has been sent to her office to explore this.  The initial goal for grant funding would be to hire professional help to straighten large, listing monuments, throughout various cemeteries on Chincoteague.
•    A clean-up date of March 12th has been set, to go through and clip Holy Ridge and Reed Family cemeteries of last year’s growth.
•    On Saturday, March 1, the committee will work on cleaning up the cemetery on Assateague.
•    The work of the Cemetery Committee is spreading to the mainland.  They will assist in the clean up of a cemetery on Wallops Island, adjacent to the NASA facility.
•    The next meeting of the Cemetery Committee is April 29 at 5:30 p.m.

Report by Supervisor Wanda Thornton
Supervisor Wanda Thornton made her quarterly report to the Council.  Highlights of her remarks include the following points.

•    County Comprehensive Land Use Plan
There is a push to implement the Chesapeake Bay Act on the seaside.  Although incorporated towns would be exempt from the regulations, it is not clear that the Virginia Department of Health will honor that exemption. 

•    Reassessment
The reassessment activity of the county is in a highly confused state and it is unclear at this time what the final tax rate will be.  Projects are that it may lie some where between 28 cents per hundred dollars of assessment and 32 cents per hundred dollars of assessment.  Many land owners are seeking to place their property into agricultural reserve in order to avoid large tax increases.  These actions mean that few tax payers will shoulder the cost of running the County. 

The total assessments on Chincoteague have been reduced by $77 million.  However the total property assessment remains at more than $1 billion.

The average increase in assessment on Chincoteague is 131%.  If the tax rate goes down by 50%, as seems to be the case, Chincoteague property owners will still face a substantial tax increase.

The Equalization Board meets in March.  Anyone who disputes their newly assessed property value should schedule an appointment with the Board.  The assessor did not take into account how factors like soils and pave roads alter the market value of a property.  Mayor Tarr noted that the assessor decreased assessments in Captain’s Cove by 10% to reflect the decline in market vales of property.  But not such action was taken for properties on Chincoteague.  The average decrease in assessments on Chincoteague after an appeal was 1.5%

•    Sewer Regulations
The Virginia Department of Health has begun to enforce regulations dating to 1982.  These regulations require that a property owner who seeks to install or repair a septic system include in the permit applications these items:  1)  a survey plat of the property marking the four corners, 2) a plat showing the location of all underground utilities and 3) an analysis of how the project complies with the Chesapeake Bay Act.  These requirements are onerous and expensive.  Some relief has come in the form of a waiver of the survey requirements for repairs done to septic systems.

•    Sewage Lagoon Closures
Each year approximately 5 million gallons of sewage is deposited in two sewage lagoons in the county.  One has recently closed.  The Board of Supervisors is trying to get a receiving station for sewage constructed at the North County Landfill.  It currently costs $250 to pump and existing sewage tank.  One of the largest contractors in the County, Boggs, is currently carrying the pumped sewage to Pocomoke City for deposit.  However, no long term contract to continue this relationship has been signed.   The Board of Supervisors has requested that the Town of Onancock open a receiving station at its newly constructed sewage treatment plant.

•    Enterprise Zone
Enterprise zones no longer need to be contiguous in order to be approved.  Supervisor Thornton asked the Council to make recommendations about enterprise zones soon so that these may be included in the next round of updates.

•    Flounder Regulations
The increase in the catch limit on flounders to 19 inches will be economically devastating to the seaside.

•    Wetlands Board
The Board of Supervisors has imposed a fee of $12 per square foot on properties seeking a wetlands permit.  The Wetlands Board recommended a fee of $8 per square foot.  Supervisor Thornton proposed a fee of $2 per square foot.  She said that the $12 fee would be extremely expensive for anyone seeking to go forward with any project that required a wetlands permit.

She recommended to the Town that it create its own wetlands board.  Incorporated Towns have the authority to do that and may set their own permit rates.  Furthermore, if the Town has its own wetlands board the permit fees stay in the Town rather than going to the County.  Wetlands permit fees may be used to fund phragmites control.

•    Raises For County Employees
The Board of Supervisors passed a 4.1% COLA for County employees.

Committee Appointments
•    The following persons were reappointed to the Chincoteague Recreation & Convention Center Authority for terms lasting four years ending on December 4, 2011.
    o    Nancy Conklin
    o    William Chrisman
    o    William Fallon

•    Michael Tolbert, PE was re-appointed to the Building Code Board of Appeals for a term of five years and ending on December 31, 2012

•    Michael McGee was recommended for reappointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a term of five years ending on December 31, 2012.  A letter was send to the Honorable Glenn Tyler, Judge regarding Mr. McGee’s reappointment.

•    The following Chincoteague Residents have expressed interest in filling the vacancy on the Planning Commission:
    o    S. G. Papdopoulos
    o    Lisa Traynor
    o    Barbara Luehnig
    o    Beth Holston
    o    Tripp Muth
    o    Nicholus Greif

Council members nominated Beth Holston, Tripp Muth and Lisa Traynor to fill the vacancy.  On the first ballot, the nomination of Tripp Muth carried with four votes.

The term of the vacant position is four years ending December 31, 2001.

Setting the Date for a Public Hearing
Council determined to proceed with a public hearing on the application of Ms. Christine Schreibstein for a conditional use permit.

Mayor & Council Announcements or Comments
Vice Mayor Speidel announced that the next meeting of the Recreation and Community Enhancement Committee will be on March 18 at 6:30 p.m.

Mayor Tarr announced that the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the Town will be held on March 13 at 5 p.m. in the Community Center.

The public meeting ended at 8:55 p.m.  The Council then entered into a closed session to discuss personnel matters. 

Notes by Barbara Thackray and Bill Troxler

N.B. These notes do not constitute the public record of this meeting.  The information contained herein is offered in good faith, is presented as accurately as possible, is thought to be a complete account of the proceedings.  These notes are intended to be a public service devoid of political commentary for those who are interested in following the civic affairs of Chincoteague Island. Notes of the meeting are recorded, transcribed and distributed by volunteers who receive no financial compensation for their efforts.