Call
to Order/Invocation
The Town Council of the Town of Belhaven met in regular
session on Monday, February 5, 2001 at 7:30 P.M. in the
Council Chambers at Town Hall. Dr. Charles O. Boyette, Mayor,
called the meeting to order with the following Council members
present: Walt Allen, Albert Baker, George R. Ebron, Jr.,
Mayor Pro-Tem, Cynthia M. Heath and James B. Hodges. Town
Manager Tim M. Johnson, Town Attorney Keith B. Mason and
Town Clerk Marie J. Adams were also present.
Approval of
Minutes - January 8, 2001
Mayor Boyette announced that the minutes of the January
8, 2001 meeting were open for review and approval. There
being no corrections to the minutes, Councilman Hodges
made the motion to approve. Councilman Ebron seconded
the motion which carried unanimously.
Audit Presentation
- Fiscal Year 1999-2000; Mr. Ken Chilcoat, Pittard, Perry
& Crone
Mayor Boyette introduced Mr. Ken Chilcoat, auditor with
Pittard, Perry and Crone who performed the 1999-2000 audit
for the town. Town Manager Johnson stated that the town's
new finance director Robin Godsell was also in attendance.
Mr. Chilcoat reviewed the audit by briefly reviewing the
following items: Opinion Letter from the firm to the Town
which had their highest approval; Balance Sheet with 10
million in assets with 3 million in cash versus liabilities
with a one to one ratio; he stated that historically the
town has been very conservative and stays under budget
each year; Fixed Assets - General Fund totaled 2.7 million
with the addition of $242,000 which was attributed to
land purchases, equipment and vehicles; for the proprietary
funds water and sewer and electric totaling 4.2 million
and fixed assets for the electric fund at $839,000. General
Fund Expenditures $1.9 million which included $50,000
increase in salaries due to the implementation of the
new pay scale; in the Enterprise Fund liability dropped
by $186,000; Ad Valorem Taxes has a levy of $323,000 having
collected $282,000 which is 87%, Mr. Chilcoat explained
that the taxes are collected close to 99% but over a ten
year period. Mr. Chilcoat explained that the reason for
the late audit was the lack of a finance officer at the
close of the fiscal year and praised Finance Director
Robin Godsell on her cooperation. Councilman Ebron stated
that he was very pleased with the conservative financial
approach of the town and pleased with Town Manager Johnson
and his staff. Mayor Boyette thanked Mr. Chilcoat for
the audit presentation.
NEBCED (Northeastern
Beaufort County Economic Development) Board Appointment
Mayor Boyette announced that the Town had two representatives
on the NEBCED Board, currently he and Councilman Allen.
Mayor Boyette explained that Councilman Allen's term had
expired and he had agreed to reappointed should the Council
desire to reappoint Allen. Councilman Ebron made the motion
to re-appoint Walt Allen, Councilman to serve on the NEBCED
Board as a town representative. Councilman Hodges seconded
the motion which carried unanimously.
NCEMPA (NORTH
CAROLINA ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP POWER AGENCY) and
ElectriCities Alternate Commissioner Appointment
Mayor Boyette stated that Town Manager Johnson is the
Commissioner for both of these boards and can attend meetings
and vote on issues concerning the town. Mayor Boyette
explained that historically the electric superintendent
was appointed as the alternate but for the past few years
no one has served in that position. Mayor Boyette stated
that Dewitt Hardison, Utilities Director for the town
should be appointed in that position should the town manager
be unable to attend. Councilman Baker made the motion
that Dewitt Hardison, Utilities Director be officially
appointed at Alternate Commission to both NCEMPA and ElectriCities
for the Town of Belhaven. Councilwoman Heath seconded
the motion which carried unanimously.
Replacement Housing
Grant Program
Mayor Boyette announced that the Relocation Assistance
Policy needed an amendment which would limit the parties
receiving assistance to those individuals residing in
the town limits and would limit an individual from receiving
assistance through the town and then relocating outside
of our town limits. Councilman Hodges made the motion
adopting the following amendment. Councilman Ebron seconded
the motion which carried unanimously.
TOWN
OF BELHAVEN, NC
OPTIONAL COVERAGE RELOCATION ASSISTANCE POLICY
REPLACEMENT HOUSING GRANT (RHG) PROGRAM
STATE HOUSING CRISIS ASSISTANCE FUNDS
HURRICANE FLOYD |
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| WHEREAS,
the Town of Belhaven has received Housing Crisis Assistance
funds from the North Carolina Division of Community
Assistance/North Carolina Housing Finance Agency to
be used for the replacement/rehabilitation of residential
property damaged during Hurricane Floyd in September,
1999; and,
WHEREAS,
replacement housing assistance to displaced homeowners
is an approved activity under the terms of the grant
agreements between the town and the North Carolina
Division of Community Assistance/North Carolina
Housing Finance Agency; and,
WHEREAS,
the town requires a formal policy establishing
guidelines for the provision of Crisis Housing Assistance
relocation benefits,
NOW,
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED:
The
Town of Belhaven hereby adopts the following relocation
assistance policy, to be used during implementation
of the Replacement Housing Grant program:
Eligibility.
Any homeowner who meets the eligibility requirements
for replacement housing assistance outlined under
Sections C. and I. of the Program Assistance Policy
for the Town of Belhaven Crisis Housing Assistance
Project is eligible to receive replacement housing
assistance under the terms of this policy.
Terms and Limits of Assistance. The terms of replacement
housing assistance shall be as outlined under 49CFR24,
except that the Last Resort Housing provisions of
49CFR24 shall not apply, and the limit of any single
replacement housing payment shall be $75,000. Additionally,
the following additional exceptions to 49CFR24 shall
apply to the provision of RHG replacement housing
assistance:
Comparable
Replacement Dwelling. The term "comparable
replacement dwelling," as defined under 49CFR24,
shall be redefined for purposes of RHG replacement
housing assistance to mean a dwelling which is
(1) decent, safe, and sanitary,
as defined in 49CFR24.2(f);
(2) on a site not subject to adverse
environmental conditions and typical in size for
residential development with normal site improvements;
(3) generally comparable to the
displacement site in terms of convenience to employment
and commercial and public facilities and services;
(4) within the financial means
of the displaced person, as defined under 49CFR24.2(c)(8);
(5) located within the confines
of the Town of Belhaven, North Carolina; and
(6) currently available to the
displaced person on the private market. A smaller
"decent, safe, and sanitary" replacement
dwelling (which by definition is adequate to accommodate
the displaced person) may be determined to be functionally
equivalent to the dilapidated unit scheduled for
demolition.
The
Town of Belhaven reserves the right to provide a
manufactured or modular home as a comparable replacement
dwelling to the owner-occupant of a frame-built
displacement dwelling, if budget considerations
prohibit construction of a new frame-built dwelling
or provision of a replacement housing payment for
a replacement frame-built dwelling available on
the private market. In such a case, the notice of
relocation eligibility shall clearly state that
the replacement dwelling will be a manufactured
or modular home.
Flood
Hazard Mitigation. Any comparable replacement dwelling
provided under the terms of this policy, either
existing housing or new construction, shall be certified
by the town=s authorized building code enforcement
officer to have a finished floor elevation (as defined
in the Town of Belhaven=s Flood Damage Prevention
Ordinance) at or above the following minimum standard:
Land
In Special Flood Hazard Area: Finish floor elevation
shall be at or above the minimum standard in effect
for the Town of Belhaven=s most recent Hazard Mitigation
Grant Elevation Program.
Land
Outside Special Flood Hazard Area: Finished floor
elevation shall be at or above the level of the
highest flood water mark for the improved land established
by the Town of Belhaven for Hurricane Floyd.
Basic
Rights of Persons to be Displaced. The Town of Belhaven
shall not require any displaced person to accept
a dwelling provided by the town under these procedures
(unless the town and the displaced person have entered
into a contract to do so) in lieu of any relocation
payment for which the person may otherwise be eligible.
Appeals.
Any aggrieved person may file a written appeal with
the Town of Belhaven in any case in which the person
believes that the town has failed to properly consider
the person's eligibility for assistance under this
policy, or has not provided assistance properly
in accordance with this policy. Such appeals shall
be handled in accordance with the provisions of
49CFR24.10 and the Town of Belhaven HMGP/NCHFA/HCA
Citizen Participation Plan.
Adopted this 5th day of February, 2001, by the Belhaven
Town Council.
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2000-2001
Budget Amendment #1
Mayor Boyette announced that a budget amendment was needed
to appropriate the $10,000 for the loan to Community Developers
of Beaufort Hyde which was approved earlier in the year.
Mayor Boyette stated that he felt that the loan was pertinent
and would help the organization become solvent along with
a donation of $2,000 from Metropolitan. Councilman Allen
made the motion increasing revenue account 10-399-000
(Fund Balance Appropriated) from $188,296 to $198,296
and that expenditure account 10-127-012 (Loan - Notes
Receivable) be increased from $0 to $10,000. Councilman
Hodges seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Department
of Transportation Bridge Replacement Solution
Mayor Boyette stated that the Town had received the Department
of Transportation's "Transportation Improvement Plan"
for the next several years and he had noticed that several
bridges are scheduled for repair near Belhaven. Mayor
Boyette expressed his concern for the closing bridges
for repairs and the impact it has had in the past with
the closing of the Smith Creek Bridge back in 1998. Mayor
Boyette stated that the closing of the bridge in 1998
caused thousands of dollars and man hours lost for Belhaven
because of no alternate bridge. Mayor Boyette read the
following resolution.
RESOLUTION
OF CONCERN
SUBJECT: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION -
TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM |
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| WHEREAS,
the North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT)
in their 2000-2001 Transportation Improvement Program
(TIP) identifies three bridges on NC Highway 99 to
be replaced in Fiscal Year 2003, 2005 and 2007; and
WHEREAS,
these bridges are further identified as:
B-3809 Bridge 64 Pungo Creek
B-3611 Bridge 99 Pantego Creek
B-4417 Bridge 59 Jack Creek; and
WHEREAS, Smith Creek Bridge on
NC Highway 99 was closed for six-months while said
bridge was replaced in 1998; and
WHEREAS,
the closure of Smith Creek Bridge with no provisions
of an alternate bridge caused thousands of dollars
and untold man hours to be lost and contributed
to the closure of a main business in Belhaven.
IT
IS HEREBY DECLARED a concern of all citizens
and visitors using NC Highway 99 for any reason
(health, business, touring and local travel) that
a temporary bridge of some type be provided by DOT
during the replacement of the above described bridges
such that multiple potential and real negative impacts
on the NC Highway 99 service area might be avoided.
NOW,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, this the 5th
day of February, 2001. |
Councilman
Baker made the motion adopting the resolution directing
the clerk to send copies to the Department of Transportation,
Representative Zeno Edwards, Senator Marc Basnight and
the Beaufort County Board of Commissioners. Councilwoman
Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Beaufort
County Partnership for Children request to Utilize Multi-Purpose
Building for Health Fair - Request Canceled
Mayor Boyette stated that Beaufort County Partnership
for Children had withdrawn their request to use the Muli-Purpose
Building for a Health Fair.
Councilwoman
Heath asked that the Boys and Girls Club be notified of
any possible renting/or outside uses of the building prior
to approval because of conflict with the programs the
club may have. Town Manager Johnson stated that it was
a town owned building but if the Council deemed prior
notification was needed then his staff would do so.
Pungo
District Hospital Issues and Potential Community Forum
Mayor Boyette stated that Pungo District Hospital was
the largest employer in the town and because of this there
were many concerns of the community concerning the fate
of the hospital. Some of those changes being employees
quitting, being laid off and hours cut. Mayor Boyette
also explained that some services have been discontinued.
Town Manager Johnson stated that he had received 79 letters
concerning the state of the hospital and requesting a
community forum.
Mayor Boyette asked for council opinion. Councilman Baker
stated that the hospital was very important to the community
and he was concerned because employee morale is very low;
Mr. Baker suggested that the Pungo District Hospital Board
hold some type of public forum in order to educate the
public. Councilman Baker stated that he was very concerned
with the status of the hospital especially with a $6 million
dollar renovation project which was almost complete.
Councilman Ebron reiterated Councilman Baker's statement.
Councilwoman
Heath stated that a public forum was needed for the exchange
of information.
Councilman Allen stated that he did not feel that the
town had the right to get into the Hospital Board's affairs.
Councilman Hodges stated that the hospital had a board
of directors and stockholders and if people were concerned
they should contact the stockholders; Councilman Hodges
also stated that bad publicity was not good for a hospital
that provided heath care in Belhaven for its citizens
and surrounding communities.
Mayor
Boyette then recognized Mrs. Judy Allen, Board member,
Pungo District Hospital who stated that the hospital board
meets every 4th Wednesday of each month and the meetings
are open to the public.
Mayor Boyette recognized the following who spoke briefly:
Ms. Del Stutzman who stated that a public forum was needed
as the general public had no idea of hospital matters/management,
etc;
Ms. Mable Satterthwaite stated that a public forum was
needed to inform the public;
Mr. Harry Bolton stated that facts would get brought out
in a pubic forum, which was needed;
Ms. Ella Mann stated that she was concerned with the number
of jobs which had been lost;
Mrs. Marya Shavender, hospital board member, stated that
the board was looking at the options for the hospital.
Mrs. Judy Allen then stated that she would ask the board
members to hold a forum.
After
much discussion Councilwoman Heath suggested that the
Pungo District Hospital hold a public forum to be held
at the Multi-Purpose Building at 7:00 P.M. on the 20th
or 22nd of February. Councilman Baker seconded the motion
which carried unanimously.
The Council then directed Town Manager Johnson to communicate
with the hospital board by letter stating the request
for a public forum.
Out
of Town - Sewer Connections
Mayor Boyette stated that the new expansion of the town's
sewer plant was complete with a capacity of 1 million
gallon capacity per day, doubling the treatment plant
size. Mayor Boyette stated that the town needed to keep
in mind possible growth and not let outside entities use
all the reserve capacity.
Town Manager Johnson stated that the town was committed
to providing sewer services to the Northside High School,
Northside Elementary and Middle School and the Delta City
Community. Town Manager Johnson stated that the Council
needed to hold a workshop with the engineer to prioritize
proposed users of the sewer system which are outside of
the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) and developments
which would propose annexation. Town Manager Johnson did
state that a church connecting to the sewer would not
be a great impact because usage would be possibly two
days a week. Town Manager Johnson stated that the town
did not need to accept sewer which may put the town over
90% of the capacity or the state would put a moratorium
on any new connections.
The Council discussed the issue and agreed to hold a workshop
on Monday, February 26th, should the engineers be able
to attend. The consensus of the Council was to handle
the connections of sewer in a cautious manner.
Mayor
Boyette recognized the following: Mr. Roy O'Neal, resident,
questioned the present capacity being utilized - Town
Manager Johnson stated that the sewer plant was at 1/3
capacity including the facilities which the town has already
committed to.
Mr. Harry Bolton, resident suggested that the workshop
be well advertised and suggested personal notification
to each interested party. Town Manager Johnson stated
that this was a workshop for the Council which would be
open to the public but the Council had to get together
to set guidelines.
Town Manager's Report
Town Manager Johnson reported briefly on the following:
Sewer Plant Dedication proposed for Thursday, February
22 at 12 noon at the Sewer Plant - public invited;
February 19, Belhaven Town Council will meet at the Boyette
Civic Center at 7:30 P.M. for a public hearing to obtain
ideas on priorities for community development and housing
needs of Belhaven;
and that Hurricane Floyd Relief deadline is February 16,
2001 and that Metropolitan Housing is assisting with applications.
Mayor's
Comments
Mayor Boyette stated that the Chamber had invited the
Mayor and Council to attend their chamber meeting in order
to discuss the flooding in the downtown business district.
He stated that he replied by letter to the chamber along
with Town Manager Johnson.
Citizens
Comments
Mayor Boyette recognized the following who spoke briefly:
Mr. Chuck Latham, asked if the Army Corps of Engineers
could develop and fund a plan for the downtown flooding
- Town Manager Johnson stated that the Corps did not have
funds and were not even willing to repair the breakwater
which was in bad condition;
Mr. Roy O'Neal stated that a flood gate at Wynn's Gut
would alleviate the flooding - Town Manager Johnson stated
that the state considers Wynn's Gut as traversable waters
therefore a flood gate cannot be installed at Water Street,
also stated the problem was more complicated than a floodgate;
Mr. O'Neal stated that the elaborate proposal to make
wetland, etc. was not needed to keep the water off of
Main Street. Town Manager Johnson explained that when
monies are applied for through grants you have to use
the money as appropriated.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Councilman Allen made
the motion to adjourn. Councilman Hodges seconded the
motion which carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned
at 9:00 P.M.
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