Colonial Beach Municipal Pier
Following the discovery that someone almost fell through the railing of its municipal pier, Colonial Beach officials discussed the safety of one of the town’s main attractions during town council’s recent public safety committee meeting
Vice Mayor Burkett Lyburn told committee members that the railing was weak because one of the pylons had been after a fire likely caused by a cigarette.
“This is a liability and needs to be taken care of as soon as possible,” Lyburn said.
Lyburn added that the pier needs a facelift, as well as a power washing due to the quantity of squid, crabs, and assorted fish parts and bait left on the pier by fishermen.
Councilman Gary Seeber agreed and added that maintenance to the pier should be done as soon as possible since the pier is used by many visitors and citizens.
Lyburn also expressed concern about young people continuing to jump off the pier into the river, citing the need for increased signage.
In response, Chief of Police Kenneth Blevins Sr. stated that his officers talk to offenders and their parents whenever they see illegal diving, but actually citing them is difficult because the river belongs to the state of Maryland. If a citation is given, Blevins said, St. Mary’s County Police become involved and Colonial Beach Police Officers must go to court in Maryland to prosecute the individuals. He added that the vast majority of offenders stop as soon as they are reminded to do so.
Lyburn also suggested that the crosswalks on town roads be repainted and asked Town Manager Valerie Foulds to look into getting larger trash cans for the boardwalk. Lyburn said even with town employees emptying the bins regularly, they fill up again quickly.
During a discussion about the continuance of underage, non-licensed drivers operating golf carts within town limits, Blevins said that citations have been issued, but that the police officers had to catch violators in the act first. It was also brought up by Seeber, in a joking manner, that his golf cart was the only one with the governor still on the engine. Councilman Tommy Edwards laughingly objected, but this led to the discussion of what the legal definition of golf cart is.
According to Virginia code a golf cart is defined as “a self-propelled vehicle that is designed to transport persons playing golf and their equipment on a golf course.”
Blevins stated that the code left the interpretation wide open, which is why the town sees such a large number of different vehicles allowed to be labeled as golf carts.
In other news, Blevins had few incidents to report from the Jet Ski competition that was held in Colonial Beach during the July 21 weekend. Blevins told the committee that between that July 19 and July 22, 12,553 vehicles entered the town.
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