Approval of Minutes - December 16, 2002 Regular and Closed Session Minutes
Mayor Boyette stated that the minutes of the December 16, 2002 Regular and Closed Session minutes were open for review and adoption. There being no corrections to the minutes, Councilman Hodges made the motion to approve, Councilwoman Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Beaufort County Economic Development Commission (BCEDC) Budget Request
Mayor Boyette recognized Mr. Tom Thompson, Executive Director of Beaufort County Economic Development Commission (BCEDC). Mayor Boyette stated that Mr. Thompson was present to request an amendment of the budget to include funds for the BCEDC. Mr. Thompson stated that his goal of BCEDC was to include the entire county and towns in the county in the BCEDC. He stated that originally the by-laws for this organization had no members from the towns; but since the by-laws have been re-written and include town=s within the County. Mr. Thompson explained that to change this, board members were included from Aurora, Bath, Belhaven, Chocowinity and Pantego with Washington Park declining to participate. Mr. Thompson explained that Beaufort County provides 55% of the budget with the City of Washington providing 45%. Mr. Thompson stressed the need for the municipalities to show unity and participate in the funding. Mr. Thompson stated that the calculations were figured on the old population estimates @ $6.55 per capita for each municipality.

Mayor Boyette stated that the Council had contributed $15,000 to the EDC budget in Fiscal Year 2001/2002 but had not participated this year due to the lack of a formal request and the fact that the town was spending $25,000 towards a $50,000 Waterfront Feasibility Study. Mayor Boyette also stated that the Council understood that the Northeastern Beaufort County Economic Development (NEBCED) Office would remain open two days a week with the $15,000 contribution, but the office has barely been staffed. Mr. Thompson did state that next year the budget request would be based on updated population figures making Belhaven=s requested contribution for 2003/2004 @ $12,890 (population estimate 1,968). Mr. Thompson stated that staffing the NEBCED office two days a week would not be a problem.

Mayor Boyette and Councilman Ebron both spoke in support of BCEDC. After some discussion, the consensus of the Council was to bring the request for support back at the next Council meeting.

Celebration Committee Appointments
Mayor Boyette stated that the Celebration Committee was getting organized through the Chamber of Commerce. The by-laws for this organization was requesting an appointment of two members by the town council for one year terms. The Council discussed at length the need to appoint someone from the Council or town administration and perhaps a citizen. Councilwoman Wilkerson, who organizes several fund raising events, stated that she felt she could not give 100% to the committee. Councilwoman Wilkerson stated that she would like to see if Richard and Carol Montgomery or Pat Holz would be willing to serve in that capacity. After some additional discussion, the consensus of the Council was to have Councilwoman Wilkerson make a list of prospective person(s) to serve on this committee and for the Council members to make their recommendations prior to the next Council meeting.

Potential Post Office Sites
Mayor Boyette stated that the Town had mailed a notice to Mr. Waddell with the Postal Service concerning the temporary use of the town property for a post office site and the condition of the parking area. Mayor Boyette explained that the letter also contained notice that rent for the property would start March 2003 in the amount of $1,000 with possible maintenance of the property for an additional $300.00 per month. Mayor Boyette also stated that the Council should make a priority list of possible site for a permanent location of the Post Office. Mayor Boyette stated that the following sites had been suggested: the temporary site that the Post Office is now located, if restrictions could be lifted from the FEMA guidelines; old Post Office site on Allen Street with the inclusion of the vacant lot next door; site behind the Chamber Office; corner of Allen and Water Street (Bryant Baker house site); the old Baker Food Site on the corner of Bay and Pamlico Streets; Bishop property on the corner of Main and Railroad Streets; town owned property behind the Municipal Building; Hwy 264 & 99 (the old Harden's site), the old shoe store (Morgan property) on the corner of Hwy 264 and Old County Road, Voliva property beside Cargill's and the former Belhaven Fish & Oyster Property.

Mayor Boyette recognized Mr. Roy O'Neal, who stated that he had property on the corner of Main and Lee Street and a four acre tract on Hwy 264 By-Pass. Councilman Baker stated that the Council had stated earlier their concern to keep the post office in the downtown area. Town Manager Johnson stated that the O'Neal property on the corner of Main and Lee Streets did not seem large enough and was not zoned to allow a post office like the General Business Zoning.

Mayor Boyette stated that the Post Office was interested in having someone build the Post Office and then they would lease the building. After much discussion, the consensus of the Council was to make a list of the properties suggested and for each Council member to prioritize the locations by the top five choices. Mayor Boyette suggested that the priority list be presented at the next Council meeting.

Town Manager's Report
Town Manager Johnson reported briefly on the following: that the Holidays went well and the Town employees were thankful for their time off;

1) have had drug busts and making more drug related arrests;

2) next meeting Martin Luther King Holiday (January 20) postpone meeting until January 27 and cancel the February 3, 2003 meeting and then meeting on February 17,

3) after some discussion, Councilman Hodges made a motion to cancel the January 20 and February 3rd meetings and for the Town Council to meet on January 27 and February 17th. Councilman Baker seconded the motion which carried unanimously.