Would have raised general fund revenue

CHESAPEAKE — The Chesapeake Village Council passed a motion Monday to take a tax levy off the ballot for the upcoming election.

The council made the move to advise the election board to remove the 3-mill levy, following a misunderstanding on the measure’s amount, and the effect it would have on businesses with property valued at more than $100,000.

The levy, which would have raised revenue for the village’s general fund, the March primary ballot.

In other news, the council voted to write an ordinance raising vehicle registration fees from $10 to $15, with a first reading set for March’s meeting.

The council also addressed the issue of unlicensed storage containers in the area. The possibility of charging a fee of $500 for new containers brought into the village was put forward for discussion. Council member Paul Hart said he would work on a proposal to present to the next meeting. The suggestion to grandfather-in existing containers, as well as to create a clause allowing for an exemption for construction projects, was discussed.

The issue of closing the tunnel under the Robert C. Byrd Bridge, which drew opposition at last month’s meeting, was raised briefly. The council had initially voted to close the tunnel, but opponents spoke out at the last meeting, causing the closure to be put on hold.

No opponents of the closure spoke at Monday’s meeting, and the council took no action on the matter.

In other business, the council voted to close the park, located behind the car wash, at dusk each day, citing problems occurring there at night. Mayor Tommy Templeton said he would contact police and advise them of the change, so that it could be enforced.