BY CAROL VAUGHN, Eastern Shore Post —
The Accomack County Board of Supervisors Wednesday recognized Wayne Burton, manager of the Department of Parks and Recreation, who is retiring after more than 41 years working for Accomack County.
Burton was parks and recreation manager for the past 11 years. He spent his entire career in the department.
The recognition turned into a half-hour-long celebration, as county officials reminisced about Burton’s many contributions to the county and his positive outlook in every situtation.
During Burton’s tenure, a ballfield was built on Tangier Island; an annual senior citizen extravaganza luncheon was instituted; Sawmill Park in Accomac opened; and there were many special events for families, holiday coat drives, bicycle giveaways, and summer programs.
Burton and his staff influenced countless young people through the department’s sports programs, according to a tribute given by Kathy Carmody, Accomack County Chief Human Resources officer.
“But the most profound accomplishments are these: picture if you will an average of three sports seasons … each year for 41 years. Close your eyes for a moment and think about the number of lives that have been touched,” Carmody said, adding, “… Talk about a lasting legacy.”
County Administrator Mike Mason read from an email he sent to board members in January, after learning of Burton’s decision to retire.
“He is hands down the most positive person I have ever met,” Mason said.
Burton was joined by family, friends, colleagues, and his pastor at the meeting.
“I consider everybody I work with as family,” Burton said, adding, “I tell kids and everybody I work with, life entails three D’s … decisions, determination, destiny.”
Burton thanked the late William “Bill” Allen Sr. for deciding to hire him in 1981.
Burton said life “also entails two F’s … the Father in heaven that wakes us up every morning with health and strength. … I couldn’t have done this job in 41 years without him waking me up and getting me straight to get up out of bed and get working. … The other F is family.”
He recognized his late parents and the many relatives and friends surrounding him.
“It’s just a blessing to have been able to serve the public for 41 years,” Burton said.
Board Chairman Robert Crockett said he will present Burton with the board’s formal resolution recognizing his contributions at an April 29 event at Sawmill Park, when the ballfield there will be named for Tony Robinson Washington Jr., a longtime football coach, and Earline Page Washington, and the pavilion will be named for William “Bill” Allen Sr., the longtime director of parks and recreation.
Deputy administrator introduced
Accomack County Administrator Mike Mason formally introduced the new deputy county administrator of building, planning, zoning, and economic development to the board of supervisors.
Leander “Lee” Pambid started the job Feb. 21.
Pambid, who is from South Boston, Va., earned a bachelor’s degree in urban studies and planning; a graduate certificate in urban revitalization; and a master’s degree in urban and regional planning, all from Virginia Commonwealth University’s Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs.
He also has a graduate certificate in local government management and a master’s degree in public administration from Virginia Tech.
His most recent position was director of community development in Farmville.
Pambid is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and a certified zoning administrator.
Contracts awarded for projects
The board of supervisors awarded a contract for $140,625 to Evans Builders, of Salisbury, Md., for improvements to the county administration building entryway, including an ADA-compliant ramp and stairs.
The board awarded a contract for $150,642 to Bay Coastal Contracting LLC for improvements to Quinby Harbor, including replacement of a pier and breakwater and removal of mooring piles.
The board also awarded Bay Coastal a contract for $282,700 for pier replacement at Greenbackville Harbor.
Seventy-five percent of the funding for each harbor project will come from a Virginia Port Authority grant and the rest is in the county’s capital budget.
Hearing set for wetlands banks
The board of supervisors voted to schedule a public hearing April 19 to take comment on proposed ordinance amendments that would define and allow wetland mitigation banks in various zoning districts with a conditional use permit.
The board in November asked the planning commission to begin discussion about amending the zoning ordinance to allow wetland mitigation banks.
The planning commission after holding a public hearing Feb. 8 voted 7 to 1 to recommend the board adopt the amendments.
Library gets names
The board of supervisors approved three requests to name parts of the new regional library in Parksley for individuals.
The lecture hall will be named the Dennis R. Custis Lecture Hall, after the retired educator and historian.
The entryway will be named the Library Entryway Sponsored by Colette and Bill Nelson.
Bill Nelson’s family is from the Shore and the Nelsons have been involved in supporting the library since moving back to the Shore in 1983.
The MakerSpace room will be called the Rochelle Taccino Gray MakerSpace.
Taccino Gray is a graphic designer who for years has donated to the library and the library foundation professional services valued at “easily beyond the $100,000 mark, making her the major donor in kind,” according to the naming application.
