A tanker spilled over 5,000 gallons of raw milk at the Faquier/Stafford line in a creek that feeds the Rappahannock River.  Officials are worried of a fish kill…

…just when I wanted to go fishing down at the City Dock.

Source:  FL-S & KG Alert

It’s been a rough month for city police.  They tragically lost one of their own and have had a bit of a problem with duplicate names.

However, I must say that I’m impressed with the department.  Last night my wife and I took a walk downtown starting at about 9:30.  As we walked down William past Hurkamp Park, we noticed an officer on street patrol walking through the park.

As we looped back to our place off Lafayette about 20 minutes later, we saw the same officer still walking around town.

I very much appreciate the ‘boots on the street’ approach and commend the department for keeping Fredericksburg safe while we recreate, rest, and work.  Here’s to hoping that July and future months will be much better than this one.

Tonight’s city council meeting touched on several topics.  The city presented some highlights of what has been accomplished in the last year.  They also had a nice goodbye to outgoing council member Debbie Girvan.

Then onto some active discussion on what non-profit properties qualify for City Council granted real estate tax exemptions.  Turns out that a currently operating transitional home for women from the regional jail does get tax exemptions.  At the same time, the Natioanal Slavery Museum will have to go to the commissioner of revenue to get any exemption, because the city code requires the land to be currently operated as the museum.  There may be an opportunity to get the exemption yet, since state code does allow for all property owned by a museum to be exempt, possibly without being used.  For the museum, they saw their tax bill increase almost $40k per year with last years re-assessment.

Voters need to be aware that the place you file absentee ballots is moving to a temporary location in the executive center for the Nov elections.  This gets them out of the cramped (and non ADA compliant) lobby of the city offices.

The city tax rate is going to go up 3 cents from $0.53 per $100 to $0.56.  There was some discussion on why some members desired a $0.58 to maintain more services.  As it stands, the tax rate results in a smaller overall budget this year, which will result in reduction in staff or services.  The city is sticking to trying to give a raise to those remaining employees.  The budget has some pitfalls for next year, meaning the city needs to find additional revenues, or else they are going to have to increase taxes again since this year’s budget dips into some reserve fund balances.  Those funds will not be there next year, making it tougher if revenues do not pick up the loss.  The increase in taxes results in an additional $120 per year on a $400,000 tax.  In today’s expenses, that’s what, about 2 fillups at the gas station?  We’ll have to see what services we end up loosing, and see if anyone recognizes the difference.

One more note on budget, the city’s 08 revenues are coming in, and the city is coming up short on real estate taxes, whereas some good news on closing the gap on revenues with emissions tax, ppt, sales tax.  The city is also looking at reinstating some credit card and administrative fees.  Look for these if you use your credit card to pay the city treasurer, or if you have a delinquent taxes. 

Delinquent personal property tax enforcement may be through the use of tire boots.  Not much more here except that the city is looking at a system where an owner can pay by phone and get a code to unlock the boot.  Can we say boot trophies?

Other news of interest from the city is that city has acquired 2 out of 3 parcels needed for the City Waterfront Park.  Work is continuing to acquire this property using funds set aside through a bond offering last year. 

…but luckily most aren’t that bright.

In today’s FLS there are two reports of home invasions.  The first occurs in Spotsylvania when an intruder demands money and an XBox while using a shotgun.  The pair wrestle outside until the intruder announces that this is a prank and it’s going to be on Myspace.

What?  (BTW, this story made Fark.com)

The second involved a 27 year old who punched through a Hanover St. window at 3am, only to run away and leave a bloody trail for police to follow.  The wound needed 12 stitches and included a free ride to jail.

At first I saw these articles and immediately I tensed at the amount of crime this area experiences.

However, if we must have crime, I hope all criminals have the same IQ as these buffoons.

The FLS reports that a 52 year old father is missing in the Rappahannock… Anyone want to place bets on if/when Stafford bans swimming in the River?

Oy.

Kelly Hannon reports that FAMPO is starting a year-long $300,000 study (wow that’s a lot of money) of how best to improve Lafayette Blvd.

A workshop on how to improve the road is open to the public at Spotswood Baptist Church Thursday June 26 from 6:00-9:00pm.  This meeting will make next week a double-whammy for those interested in transportation – Governor Kaine is in town Monday, June 23rd, from 7:00-8:30pm at Jepson Alumni Center.

I was actually musing about the Lafayette Blvd corridor’s age several weeks ago.  Out of town guests met us at our house and after a downtown lunch, followed us down Lafayette to pick up some supplies as we were leaving to go camping.

As we drove, I put on my ‘outside eyes’ and realized that the corridor is embarrassing.  Abandoned buildings, overgrown yards, poorly maintained structures, and just general age is clearly evident.

I hope postive and reachable results will be obtained by this study which will realize a more appealing southern gateway to Fredericksburg.

I think we’re done with storms tonight. We dodged a bullet but Ruckersville, over in Greene County, reported hail 4.25 inches in diameter. Even more, it covered the ground and was six inches deep!

Once again we’re faced with an evening commute featuring potentially rough storms. The Storm Prediction Center has placed us under a Moderate Risk for severe storms. They break down severity types and tag them with our chances:

Tornado: 2%
Severe hail (.75in or larger): 30%
Severe wind (58mph or more) 45%

Additionally, there is a 10% chance of winds gusting to more than 74mph, which is hurricane levels.

The National Weather Service is also launching a 2:00 weather balloon for more data. Normally they’re launched at 8:00 every morning and evening, but whenever the mid-afternoon balloon goes up, you know they’re preparing for a busy shift.

Be careful tonight.

Style Weekly reports that condo sales represented 19% of sales in the first quarter of 2008 in Richmond.

That’s definitely an interesting figure given that this area’s largest (and only new) condo project (in which I live) has been scrapped.

Best case scenario:  You’ll go and enjoy the Soap Box Derby.

Worst case scenario:  You’ll have to take a detour to avoid the madness.

Either way, the Soap Box Derby is a-coming Saturday.

The FLS has more information here.