The Town Council of Chesapeake Beach tried again and this time the vote was unanimous. The council voted 5-to-0 Thursday, Nov. 17 to award a $24,000 design services contract to Wally Hollyday Design for a 10,000-square foot skate park to be located in Kellam’s Field.
Two council members were absent for the October business meeting when the issue of awarding the contract was initially on the agenda. The vote that evening was 3-to-1 with Councilmember Ingrid Lamb voting opposed. Lamb expressed concern about the lack of tangible funding for the project’s construction phase. Measures brought before the six-member council need at least four votes to be approved. Lamb’s dissenting vote meant the motion to approve did not pass.
Lamb, who has affirmed she supports the project, did not attend the Nov. 17 meeting.
“I thank you for bringing it back,” said Councilmember Bob Carpenter, after Mayor Bruce Wahl presented the contract award for consideration.
The only note of trepidation was voiced by Councilmember Dr. Valerie Beaudin, who wondered if it was kosher for the council to vote on the issue one month after it was rejected. Both Wahl and town attorney Elissa Levan assured her that it was.
“It’s important to keep these kids busy,” said Council Vice Chairman Patrick “Irish” Mahoney, who added that not all youngsters play the traditional team sports.
Carpenter added that have a park for skateboarders who ease or eliminate the angst in some communities where kids on skateboards are viewed as menaces.
Earlier this year, a young male, who was riding a skateboard in a Solomons subdivision was wounded by a gunshot, which was allegedly fired by a disgruntled elderly resident.
Other highlights of the meeting included remarks by town resident and businessman Bobby Abner, who offered thanks to local firefighters, police and town officials who responded to a recent fire. The blaze last month at Abner’s Crab House was ruled an arson and police were able to quickly apprehend two juveniles who have been charged with the crime.
“They did their job well,” said Abner, who presented a $500 check to Wayne Gordy of the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department.
