Call to Order/Invocation
The Town Council of the Town of Belhaven met in regular session on Monday, May 6, 2002 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: Albert Baker, Cynthia M. Heath, James B. Hodges and Linda E. Wilkerson. Councilman/Mayor Pro-Tem Ebron was not present. Town Manager Tim M. Johnson and Town Clerk Marie J. Adams were also present. Town Attorney Keith Mason was not present at the beginning of the meeting but arrived later.

Approval of Minutes - April 15, 2002 Regular Session
Mayor Boyette announced that the minutes of the April 15, 2002 meeting were open for review and adoption. Councilman Jimmy Hodges noted several minor changes and made the motion that the minutes be approved with the changes as mentioned. Councilwoman Wilkerson seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 4 to 0.

Chamber of Commerce Budget Request - Mr. David Crosby, President
Mayor Boyette recognized Mr. David Crosby, President of the Belhaven Community Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Crosby stated that the chamber was requesting $10,000 from the town for their budget this year. Mr. Crosby gave some statistics on the chamber stating they had 201 members and were celebrating their 50th year. Mayor Boyette questioned the $7,000 difference (cushion) in expenses and income. Mr. Crosby stated that the chamber hoped to sponsor another event between Christmas and July 4th. Mayor Boyette stated that the Town appropriated $5,000 for the chamber during the 2001-2002 fiscal year. Mayor Boyette thanked the volunteers and the chamber=s willingness to work with the town.

Senior Citizens' Budget Request - Mrs. Vicki Paul, Coordinator
Mayor Boyette recognized Mrs. Vicki Paul, Coordinator for the Senior's Center. Mrs. Paul gave statistics including an average of 29 attendees per day. Mrs. Paul stated that the center operates on a $22,000 budget and was requesting $7,500 from the Town. Mayor Boyette stated that the Town appropriated $4,000 for the 2001-2002 fiscal year. Mrs. Paul reported that the senior center provided a warm welcome to newcomers and invited the council to come by and visit. Mrs. Paul thanked the Council for their support.

Attorney Keith B. Mason arrived at the meeting at this time, 7:45 P.M.

Beaufort Hyde Martin (BHM) Library Budget Request - Ms. M. J. Carbo, Director
Mayor Boyette recognized Ms. M. J. Carbo, Director of the BHM Regional Libraries. Ms. Carbo was present requesting funding for the local library in the amount of $6,000. Ms. Carbo gave statistics: library cards issued 1,100, attended special programs 2,100 with 20,880 visiting the Belhaven Public Library annually. Mayor Boyette thanked Ms. Carbo and the many volunteers including Susan D. Smith for the number of hours volunteered in getting the library built and continued support. Mayor Boyette stated that the Town appropriated $6,000 for the 2001-2002 fiscal year.

Resolution to Keep Revenue Sources Secure
Mayor Boyette stated that a resolution was needed to keep the state from withholding municipal revenues to temporarily solve the state's budget problems. Mayor Boyette read the following resolution:



RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF BELHAVEN
REQUESTING THAT MUNICIPAL
REVENUE SOURCES BE MADE SECURE

WHEREAS, the Town of Belhaven is required by North Carolina law to operate and maintain a balanced budget and comply with the provisions of the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Belhaven is required to maintain a sufficient fund balance to operate in a fiscally sound manner and to have adequate reserves in case of emergencies; and

WHEREAS, the municipal officials of the Town of Belhaven have a responsibility to provide for the health, safety and well being of the citizens of this community by providing necessary services; and

WHEREAS, the ability of municipal governments to borrow for capital infrastructure needs is dependent on reliable revenue sources for repayment; and

WHEREAS, adequate municipal revenue sources are required to carry out the above mentioned responsibilities;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT the Town Council of the Town of Belhaven respectfully requests that General Assembly enact legislation that will secure the municipal revenue sources and ensure that these revenues are distributed to local governments on a timely basis as set forth by the state's General Statutes.

Unanimously adopted this the 6th day of May 2002.

Councilman Baker made the motion to adopt the resolution and direct the Town Clerk to send copies of the resolution to our elected state representatives. Councilwoman Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 4 to 0.

Surplus Property Resolution
Mayor Boyette stated that the Town Council needed to adopt a resolution declaring several junked vehicles, old computer monitors and miscellaneous items surplus to be sold at an auction on June 1, 2002. Town Manager Johnson stated that the auctioneer would get 20% of the sales
from the auction. Mayor Boyette read the following resolution and stated that the list of items for auction would be available at the municipal building.

Resolution Declaring Items Surplus for Public Auction

Whereas, the Town of Belhaven has many items which are no longer used or needed, and

Whereas, the Town Council of the Town of Belhaven declares the following listed items as surplus for public action; and

Whereas, the Town of Belhaven will hold a public auction to dispose of these unwanted items on Saturday, June 1, 2002 at the Public Works Compound.

Editors Note: List of items may be obtained at the Municipal Building in Belhaven

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Council of the Town of Belhaven that the preceding items are declared surplus for public auction. This the 6th day of May, 2002.

Councilman Hodges made the motion to adopt the resolution and proposed date of sale, Councilwoman Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Town Manager's Report
Town Manager Johnson reported briefly on the following items:
1) 200,000 gallons water tank painted and back in service; 2) within the next two weeks the old 75,000 gallon tank behind the fire department will be demolished; Councilman Hodges questioned tearing down the old tank before the new holding tank is constructed - Town Manager Johnson stated that it would not create a problem 3) new Water Treatment Facility Site now showing progress in construction 4) A/C unit at the Multi Purpose Building quit working will be replaced 5) Elevation contracts have been given to Covey for the actual elevation and 10 of the units for retrofitting to Webster Construction and 16 to Everett Construction - may be able to bid two additional units; Councilman Baker questioned did lowest bidder get the contracts - Town Manager Johnson stated that the lowest responsible bidder was given the contracts.

Announcement of Closed Session - Legal GS 143-318.11(a)(3)
Town Manager Johnson stated that there would be a need to have a closed session for legal matters according to GS 143-318.11(a)(3).

Public Comments
Mayor Boyette recognized the following who spoke briefly:

Mrs. Elaine Hudnell, resident East Pungo Street who questioned how many homes had actually been elevated. Town Manager Johnson stated that an estimated 200 - 225.

Mr. Roy O'Neal, resident Tooly Street and Business Owner, 264 By-pass who asked if the Council had time to review the drainage problems on 264 by-pass which stemmed from the blocking of "Clark's Canal".

Councilman Baker stated that he had been to the area and there was a problem. After much discussion, Mayor Boyette stated that he would view the drainage problem.

Mr. Walt Allen, stated that it is illegal for someone to block a drainage ditch which would force flooding onto someone else's property.

Mr. O'Neal also questioned the status of the intersection of 264 and 99 and the pot holes. Mayor Boyette stated that he had been assured by the Department of Transportation that these problems would be taken care of; Mayor Boyette also stated that the DOT is sponsoring a public meeting concerning the replacement of the bridge over Pungo Creek and asked that the public attend and voice concerns and request some type of temporary bridge because of the hardships that would be caused with no bridge during construction time.
Mayor Boyette stated that to insure participation from the public the town should advertise the DOT meeting as well.

Mayor Boyette stated that three bridges in this immediate community are scheduled for replacement such as Pungo Creek Bridge, Pantego Creek Bridge and Jack's Creek Bridge.

Mr. Johnnie Clark, resident of Washington Street, spoke concerning property that he takes care of on West Pantego Street which the street department dug out an area of ditch and placed the remains on this property. Mr. Clark stated that the dirt remains contained glass and this would make it hard for him to mow. Town Manager Johnson stated that the hazard would be removed to ease mowing for Mr. Clark.