Call to Order/Invocation
The Belhaven Town Council met in regular session on Monday, March 19, 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, George R. Ebron, Jr., Mayor Pro-Tem, Cynthia M. Heath and James B. Hodges. Councilman Albert Baker was not present. Town Manager Tim M. Johnson and Town Clerk Marie J. Adams were also present. Mayor Boyette gave the invocation.

Approval of Minutes - February 26, 2001 Sewer Capacity/Workshop and March 5, 2001 Regular Session
Mayor Boyette announced that the minutes of the February 26, 2001 Sewer Capacity/Workshop and March 5, 2001 Regular Session were open for review and approval. There being no corrections to the minutes, Councilman Hodges made the motion to approve both sets of minutes. Councilwoman Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 4 to 0.

Beaufort County Habitat for Humanity
Mayor Boyette stated that Beaufort County Habitat for Humanity (HfH) had requested to be on the agenda to give a presentation. Mayor Boyette introduced Mr. Gray Riddick, President, and Mr. Jay Harding and Ms. Chris Bergin board members. Mr. Riddick stated that HfH had tried about eighteen months ago to build a home in Belhaven for a family but could never get started with many problems arising and lack of commitments. Mr. Riddick stated that he now had a firm commitment of $8,000 from St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Bath. The church requested that the home be built in this area of the county versus the Washington area. Mr. Riddick explained that along with this commitment HfH would commit $8,000. Mr. Riddick stated that the total amount to buy supplies to build is $40,000 and he is seeking three additional commitments of $8,000. Mr. Riddick stated that HfH hoped to raise $8,000 from area churches; $8,000 from civic groups and $8,000 from the town whether it be waived fees, donation of land, etc. Mr. Riddick explained that the family receiving the home must meet three criteria: 1) there is a need for adequate housing such as overcrowding, not safe conditions, etc; 2) Ability to pay $250 per month and 3) willingness to give 300 hours of free labor. Mr. Riddick explained that volunteers would be needed for labor in construction, landscaping, plumbing and electric, etc.

Mayor Boyette suggested that HfH contact the three financial institutions in Belhaven and hold a public forum seeking volunteers. The Council suggested that a pubic forum be held in the evening and that the town would be responsible for advertising the meeting and reserving the Boyette Civic Center for same. After some discussion, Mr. Riddick stated that he would notify Town Clerk Adams of a preferred date for this forum. The Council spoke favorably of the town participating but made no official monetary or fees waived commitment at this time. Town Manager Johnson stated that the $8,000 commitment could be through a budget amendment or included in the Fiscal Year 2001-2002 budget requests.

Planning Board/Board of Adjustment Reappointments
Mayor Boyette stated that three members on the Belhaven Planning Board/Board of Adjustment had agreed to be reappointed for four year terms. Mayor Boyette asked if there were any other suggestions of appointment. There being none, Mayor Boyette asked for a motion to reappointed: Mr. Ron Blythe, Regular Member, Mr. Charles Wilkins, Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) Member, Mr. Wesley Bowman, ETJ Alternate Member and Mr. Al MacKenzie as and Alternate Regular Member for four year terms expiring March 2005. Councilman Ebron made the motion which was seconded by Councilwoman Heath and carried 4 to 0.

Citizen Participation Plan - Preparation of Hazard Mitigation Plan
Mayor Boyette recognized Mr. Tom Altieri with Holland Consulting Planners, Inc. (HCP) who is writing the Citizen Participation Plan for Hazard Mitigation. Mr. Altieri explained that the town received a grant to prepare a plan therefore, the town was required to prepare a plan. Mr. Altieri stated that the purpose of the plan was to reduce risks from natural disasters and would include: the types of hazards, vulnerability analysis, implementation. Mr. Altieri stated that he would like to present the draft plan to the Council in September.

After some discussion, Councilman Ebron made the motion to adopt the following Citizen Participation Plan for the Hazard Mitigation Plan. Councilwoman Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

TOWN OF BELHAVEN
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN
PREPARATION OF HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN

The Town of Belhaven has received a North Carolina Hazard Mitigation Grant to prepare and Implement an All Hazard Mitigation Plan. Adequate citizen participation in the development of the Plan is essential to the preparation of a document responsive to the needs of the citizens of Belhaven. To ensure such input, the following citizen participation program will be utilized by the town:

The Town of Belhaven Mitigation Advisory Committee (MAC) will work with the town's planning consultant to ensure that the final product will be completed in accordance with Section 409 of the Stafford Act and the planning guidelines included in the North Carolina Local Hazard Mitigation Planning Manual. Comprehensive emergency management is a widely used approach at the local, state and federal levels to deal with the inevitability of natural hazards and their potential to cause disasters. The Town of Belhaven=s Hazard Mitigation Plan will address the four essential elements of comprehensive emergency management: Preparedness, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation. Specifically, the planning consultant and the MAC will be responsible for ensuring accomplishment of the following:

Complete background studies: identify and analyze those hazards which affect Belhaven's planning area, complete an analysis of the probability of those hazards occurring in the planning area, estimate the vulnerability of the area to those hazards, and evaluate the capabilities of the town to effectively mitigate their impacts.

Draw conclusions; about the acceptability of Belhaven's vulnerability to natural
hazards and actions that are being taken to mitigate the effects of natural hazards which affect the planning area.

Develop goals and objectives for the Hazard Mitigation Plan,

Develop policies, programs, actions and strategies to achieve those goals and objectives.

Establish a means by which to monitor the plan and continually evaluate its effectiveness and efficiency.

Establish a means by which to revise and update the plan at regular intervals. Adopt and implement the plan.
The following schedule will be utilized:

1. February, 2001 - Conduct initial meeting with the MAC and review the Citizen Participation Plan.

2. March, 2001 -. The Town Council will conduct a public information meeting and adopt the Citizen Participation Plan. The meeting will be advertised in a local newspaper. The town will specifically discuss the hazard mitigation planning process. The process by which the Town of Belhaven will solicit the views of a wide cross-section of citizens in the development of the plan will be explained.

3. March - May 2001 - Complete background studies.

4. June, 2001 - Complete draft of appendices which will include all background information and present to the MAC.

5. June/July, 2001 - Draft Hazard Mitigation Plan text and present to the MAC as sections are completed

6. August, 2001 - Present complete, revised plan to the MAC.

7. September, 2001 .- Review draft Hazard Mitigation Plan with Town Council.

8. October, 2001 - Present the proposed plan to the Town Council for adoption.

All meetings of the Town of Belhaven MAC and Town Council at which the Hazard Mitigation Plan will be discussed will be advertise in a local newspaper in a local newspaper in a non-legal ad section. In addition public service announcements will be posted in the municipal building. All meetings will be open to the public. The town will encourage and consider all economic, social, ethnic and cultural viewpoints.

Any questions concerning this Citizen Participation Plan should be referred to the town.



Boys and Girls Club Presentation - Councilwoman Cynthia Heath
Mayor Boyette recognized Mrs. Winifred Brewington. Mrs. Brewington thanked the Council for time on the agenda and apologized for Boys and Girls Club President, Mrs. Jennifer Boyd, who was ill and could not make the presentation. Mrs. Brewington thanked Councilman Heath for her dedicated service to the club and presented her with a clock plaque. The Mayor and Council congratulated Councilwoman Heath.

Powell Bill Paving Priority List
Mayor Boyette stated that the Powell Bill Paving priority list was submitted for Council approval. Mayor Boyette stated that the six streets or portions of streets were suggested for paving because of need. Town Manager Johnson stated that streets which will have new water lines installed or replaced would not be on this list. Mayor Boyette stated that it was proposed to spend $46,031 on paving and the remaining $13,724 for patching or any special add on areas. After some discussion, Councilman Hodges made the motion approving the paving of the streets as listed and directing the Town Manager to advertise for bids and to execute any necessary documents. Councilman Allen seconded the motion which carried unanimously 4 to 0.

Town of Belhaven
Proposed Powell Bill Paving
2000-2001
Tons

1 - Main Street from Pamlico Street to Tooly Street 3,050' x 24.6' 521.04
105 x 25 parking area on Community House end - Does not 18.23
include parking area on Pamlico end

2 - Edward Street from Bay Street to Pantego Street 543' x 18.6' 77.15
Plus radius 8.0

3 - Bay Street from Riverview Street to Lamont Street 396' x 16.3' 44.83
Plus radius 2.72

4 - Heber Street from Riverview Street to Lamont Street 395' x 19.8' 54.31
Plus radius 2.91

5 - Croatan Street from Pantego Street to Edward Street 806' x 17.9' 100.19
Plus radius 1.0

6 - Edward Street from Croatan to Fire Hydrant 297' x 18.0' 37.13
Plus radius 1.0

Total 868.51

Based on last year's prices this will use up $46,031.00 of our $59,756.00 paving budget, leaving$13,724 for patching or any special add on areas.

Budget Amendment #2 - Library Building Funds
Mayor Boyette stated that the Town would distribute the grant funds received from the state for the building of the new library therefore, the funds would need to be included in the budget by amendment. Town Manager Johnson stated the library would be contributing some of their private funds for the construction also. Councilman Hodges made a motion to increase revenue account 10-399-000 (Fund Balance Appropriated) from $198,296 to $580,308 and increase revenue account 10-329-002 (Library Construction - Interest) from $10,000 to $16,800 and increase revenue account 10-336-000 Contributions and Donations from -0- to $68,910 and increased expenditure 10-690-084 (Library Construction) from -0- to $457,722. Councilman Ebron seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Town Manager's Report
Town Manager Johnson reported briefly on the following: 2nd meeting in April (April 16) falls on Town Holiday for Easter - after some discussion, Councilman Hodges made the motion to cancel the April 16 Council Meeting and if needed reschedule at later date in April. Councilman Ebron seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 4 to 0.

Mayor's Comments
Mayor Boyette made the following comments in brief:

Sewer Plant Complete;

Town needed to submit letter and resolution to our Senator requesting roadway improvements on NC 99 and US Hwy 264 and flood control downtown;

Spoke with Mr. Blizzard of Senator Basnight's office who suggested that the Town contact the Army Corps of Engineers for the request of alternate bridges, pontoon boats, ferries, etc. as alternative ways to cross creeks, etc. instead of rerouting traffic.

Miscellaneous
Councilman Allen questioned if Hazard Mitigation monies could be utilized for the Main street flooding problem - Town Manager Johnson stated that he had researched this and HMGP funds could not be used for the flooding on Main Street;

Councilman Ebron asked if the sewer to the schools was ready - Town Manager Johnson stated yes and the lines would be pressure tested soon.

Public Comments
Mayor Boyette recognized Mrs. Elaine Hudnell, resident of Pungo Street, who asked if a decision had been made to reimburse her for public record copies that she felt she was charged .25 and .50 for each copy and that fee was too much for public records. Town Manager Johnson that Mrs. Hudnell would need to show the receipt which would depict the price charged per copy and if she was overcharged he would reimburse. Mrs. Hudnell argued that the receipt was written from the town office and he could get a copy there. Mr. Johnson stated he was not researching receipts, that Mrs. Hudnell needed to show a receipt. Mr. Johnson stated that upon research the county charges .25 per copy for public documents and stated that was a fair price and that copies for the general public should be .25 as it would be less confusing.

Councilman Allen made the motion to charge .25 per copy for public documents and for copies for the general public. Councilman Hodges seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 4 to 0.

Adjournment
There being no further business, Councilman Allen made the motion to adjourn. Councilman Hodges seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 4 to 0. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 P.M.