Town Council’s Christmas Present: Approves new playground for kids

After a review by the Town’s insurance carrier, the old wooden structures in the playground, such as the choo choo train and climbing wall, were deemed unsafe and a liability, and would need to be replaced. Council included $15K in the FY 2016 budget for the first phase of equipment to replace those wooden play structures. The swing set, zip line, and tractor tire swing will remain as part of the playground. While the Town allocated some funding, most of the money was raised by the community, mainly Citizens for Central Park – the total amount raised by CCP has been $30.6K. Part of this funding came from Northampton County after Hank Mayer and CCP secured funds via a grant. The Rotary Club, and Cape Charles School Association also made contributions, and combined with the Town appropriation of $15K, $45.6K is currently available to replace equipment at the playground.

The Town has selected Site Concepts, LLC, distributors of Miracle playground equipment, as the best proposal and best value. Attachment 1 is a rendering/layout of the equipment suite to be provided at a cost of $45.7K. Installation materials are estimated to cost $5.0K, bringing the total project cost to $50.7K for both phases. Installation will be performed by Public Works staff and community volunteers.

The Town approved the motion, opting for scenario 1, which will appropriate the $5.1K needed to complete the total playground project so that it will be ready for the kids this spring and summer.

Animal Ordinance
The Town approved proposed revisions to the existing language as well as adding provisions for enforcement for animals on the beach. From staff report, here are the proposed changes:
• § 50-191 – Animals on beach and other public places.
o (a)(2):
“It shall be unlawful for any person who owns or has control of any animal to permit such animal to run at large at any time. For purposes of this section, a dog an animal shall be deemed to run at large while roaming, running, or self-hunting off the property of its owner or custodian and not under its owner’s or custodian’s immediate control.”
o (b)(4):
“For purposes of this section, the term “animal” shall be deemed to included, but not be limited to any mammal, bird, or reptile.”
• § 50-194 – Animal Control (New section).
“Pursuant to § 3.2-6555 of the Code of Virginia, as amended, the County of Northampton has created the position of animal control officer. The Town of Cape Charles hereby appoints the county animal control officer(s) as its agent to enforce the provisions of the animal control ordinance within the corporate limits of the town. The duties of the animal control officer shall be those provided for in Code of Virginia, § 3.2-6555 et seq., and in the Codified Ordinances of Northampton County, Chapter 95, as amended, and such other duties as may be provided for herein. The town hereby adopts and incorporates, by reference, the applicable state statutes and the applicable county ordinances, as amended. Whenever a conflict arises between the provisions of this chapter and the state code and/or county animal control ordinance provisions, the state code and county ordinance provisions shall prevail.”