Resignation and Plaque Presentation - Mr. Herman A. Nixon, Cemetery Commissioner
Mayor Boyette stated that read Mr. Herman Nixon=s resignation as Cemetery Commissioner which stated that reason for resignation due to his health. Mayor Boyette stated that Mr. Nixon had served the town for twelve years. Mayor Boyette presented the following plaque to Mr. Nixon.

Councilman Hodges made the motion to adopt the plaque honoring Mr. Herman A. Nixon for his service as Cemetery Commissioner. Councilman Ebron seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 4 to 0.

Mr. Nixon came forward and accepted the plaque and stated his pleasure in working with the town administration and employees.

Municipal Bridge Agreement Resolution
Mayor Boyette stated that the Council had been presented with a resolution and agreement for the replacement of Wynn=s Gut Bridge which will allow the Town to get 80% of the costs paid for the by Department of Transportation. Mayor Boyette stated that a final decision has not been made on exactly what will be done to repair/replace the bridge but this action would authorize the bridge to be included in the state=s funding cycle. Town Manager Johnson summarized by stating that by adopting the resolution and agreement the Town would be responsible for 20% of the costs with the state funding 80% of the bridge project.

Councilman Hodges made the adopting the following resolution and Municipal Bridge Agreement. Councilwoman Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 4 to 0.

Town Manager's Report
Town Manager Johnson reported briefly on the following: due to severe weather (snow) the Municipal Building was closed Thursday and Friday, January 23 and 24; utility crews worked as needed; had some trouble with the bar screen freezing at the Sewer Treatment Facilities; and construction of Water Plant delayed because of snow.

Post Office Update
Town Manager Johnson stated that he had contacted the Post Official concerning the proposed rent and maintenance of the parking lot. Postal officials have no problem in paying the rent and have no desire to lease another site, as present budget does not have provisions for a new facility. Mayor Boyette and the Council discussed at length the need to have a new post office. The consensus of the Council was for the Town Manager to write the Postal officials and inform them of the priorities of property locations and persons interested in construction of a proposed post office building with lease. Councilwoman Heath and Councilman Ebron spoke of the safety of the present site with the ingress and egress of traffic.

Beaufort County Economic Development Commission - Belhaven Support
Mayor Boyette discussed at length the need to support Beaufort County Economic Development Commission (BCEDC) for unity within the organization of the county.

Mayor Boyette stated that the County was supporting and participating in the funding of the waterfront study being performed on Belhaven's Waterfront.

Councilman Hodges stated that during the budget process the Council discussed weather or not to support BCEDC with the $15,000 requested the previous budget year, since a request was not submitted for the 2002/2003 Fiscal Year. Councilman Hodges further stated that the Council further discussed not supporting BCEDC since $25,000 was being expended for the Waterfront Study.

Mayor Boyette stressed the need to support BCEDC to keep Belhaven part in unity as other town's in the County supported BCEDC and that the Waterfront Study was separate than paying our dues to the BCEDC. Mayor Boyette further stated that $10,000 would be show of support rather than the requested $15,000.

Councilmen Ebron and Baker stated that they supported the BCEDC and the progress within the county which would also benefit Belhaven.

Councilwoman Heath stated that she was concerned that the request for funds was not submitted to the Council in the budget process and would like for all agencies which request funding from the Town be notified prior to the budget process.

Town Manager Johnson stated that the BCEDC can be funded but a budget amendment would need to be made to move funds from the fund balance.

Mayor Boyette asked that the Council consider funding $8,000 - $10,000 for BCEDC.

Councilman Ebron made a motion to fund BCEDC $10,000 instead of the $15,000 as previously requested. There was no second to the motion, therefore, the motion failed.

Councilman Baker made the motion to support BCEDC by funding $8,000. Councilman Ebron seconded the motion. Councilwoman Heath voted in favor of the motion. Councilman Hodges voted against the motion. The motion carried 3 to 1. Town Manager Johnson stated that he would bring forth the budget amendment to the next meeting for this transaction of funds.

Miscellaneous
Councilwoman Heath invited the general public to a community Northside High School parent/teacher meeting on Monday February 3, at 7:00 P.M. in the Multi-Purpose Building.

Mrs. Melanie Cleary, Executive Director, Belhaven Community Chamber of Commerce announced that the Citizen of the Year Banquet sponsored by the Chamber would be held on Thursday, April 17, 2003 at the John A. Wilkinson center with former John A. Wilkinson High School student and graduate of Northside High School, Mr. Ron Clark the speaker.

Mayor Boyette recognized Mr. Willie Spencer of 316 Duke Street, who complained of large concrete pieces left beside his ditch, and a large 18 wheeler truck parking on the street near his home. Town Manager Johnson stated that he would look into these concerns for Mr. Spencer.

Town Manager Johnson stated that several 18 wheeler trucks are parked throughout the town and that an ordinance amendment may be necessary. Councilwoman Heath suggested that the Planning Board review this problem.

Adjournment
There being no further business, Councilman Hodges made the motion to adjourn at 8:45 P.M. Councilwoman Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously 4 to 0.

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