Waterfront Study Meeting
Mayor Boyette stated that the Waterfront Study Meeting scheduled at 6:00 P.M. tonight had been postponed due to the fact that the Planner, Ms. Allison Platt could not leave Boston, Ma. due to snow. Mayor Boyette however, stated that the meeting is proposed for next Monday, proper notification of the meeting will be given.

Approval of Minutes - Regular Session - January 27, 2003
Mayor Boyette announced that the minutes of the January 27, 2003 regular session were open for review and adoption. There being no corrections to the minutes, Councilman Hodges made the motion to adopt the minutes as written. Councilwoman Wilkerson seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Fiscal Year 2002/2003 Budget Amendment #1 - Beaufort County Economic Development Commission
Mayor Boyette stated that the Council needed to adopt Budget Amendment #1 for the new appropriation made to the Beaufort County Economic Development Commission (BCEDC) in the amount of $8,000.00. Councilman Baker made the motion to increase revenue account 10-399-000 (Fund Balance Appropriated) from $160,566 to $168,566 and to increase expenditure account 10-495-002 (Planning I) from $25,000 to $33,000. Councilwoman Wilkerson seconded the motion. The motion carried 4 to 0 with Councilman Hodges voting against the motion.

Fiscal Year 2002/2003 Budget Amendment #2 - Sales Tax Refund for Library
Mayor Boyette stated that the Council needed to adopt Budget Amendment #2 for the refund of sales tax received from construction costs of the library which has been refunded to the town. Mayor Boyette stated that this money would be refunded back to the library after the amendment.
Councilman Ebron made the motion to increase revenue account 10-367-001 (Sales Tax Refund) from $18,700 to $21,400 and to increase expenditure account 10-440-042 (Sales Tax Refund Due Library) from $0 to $2,700. Councilwoman Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Town Manager's Report
Town Manager Johnson reported briefly on the following:

1) Water Plant Project - Well #1 showed sedimentation about 32' down into the well pipe; Town Manager Johnson further explained that Well #1 and Well #2 were old wells and the town would add Well #3 along with the construction of the Water Plant. Town Manager Johnson stated that Well #1 could be repaired by slip lining. Town Manager Johnson stated that Well #1 and Well #2 will be filmed with cameras to detect any other problems in the wells. Town Manager Johnson stated that Wells #1 and #2 would be the back up wells and #3 would be the main well. Town Manager Johnson stated that if grant funds (Water Plant) permitted the funding of an above ground water tank he would like to install a 200,000 tank on the east end of Town;

2) have had a lot of cold weather with the town experiencing some broken water mains - with some employees having overtime, citizens experienced broken water lines as well; with the cold weather the town experienced record high electric usage with utility bills to the from last year at $115,000 to $149,000; 3) Town received a notice of increase in electricity of 1.8% effective in October - stated that town council would have to study this increase during the budget process; 4) Monthly Reports enclosed in packet; 5) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program will be closing in March and there may be enough money left to elevate one additional home; 6) have submitted grant application for an additional $50,000 for elevation which would complete two additional homes but have not heard if grant application was funded; Town Manager Johnson stated that grantors had asked for ways to improve the criteria for giving grants; he stated that his suggestion was that in order to be eligible each household should have at least one person employed full-time per household; 7) Mayor questioned status of the Post Office, Town Manager Johnson replied that he had nothing at this point.

Mayor's Comments
Mayor Boyette reported briefly on the following: Belhaven Library Annual Meeting was held on February 13, 2003, well attended invited the public to visit our local library and offer support.

Public Comments
Mayor Boyette recognized Father Judson Mayfield, Executive Director of St. Dorcas Ministries

(A community outreach organization) who asked that the Town consider moving the cut-off date for delinquent utilities from the 4th to the 5th of each month. Father Mayfield stated that many citizens who get assistance do not get that assistance until the 3rd and 5th of each month.

Town Manager Johnson stated that moving the cut-off date and guidelines for payment is already printed on bills, it would be costly to change the date as you would have to reprint the bills, the change of cut off date would not make any difference because the customer which are late will continue to be late.

There was much discussion from Town Manager Johnson and the Council concerning the late payment of utilities and the fact that the Town does recognize several agencies who pledge monies/or vouchers in lieu of payment on the due date. Following additional discussion concerning educating the public on conserving energy and the timely manner in which to pay utility bills, Councilman Ebron made a motion to hold a seminar for the citizens on energy and conservation, Councilman Baker seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Mrs. Melanie Cleary, Chamber Director, questioned what the penalties collected for past due utility bills was used for. Town Manager Johnson stated that penalties are actually budgeted and the fees are deposited in the General Fund.

Father Mayfield stated that he had spoken with a citizen who was told to move out of her home for the home to be demolished. Father Mayfield stated that the home is now half demolished and has a mortgage, he faulted the grant for not researching properly before demolishing a home with a mortgage.

Town Manager Johnson stated that he would talk with the grant administrators concerning this issue and the home owner. In the grant administrator's defense, Town Manager Johnson stated that sometimes the applicant's for these grants do not complete the paperwork properly.

Mayor Boyette recognized Mr. Roy O'Neal, resident Tooley Street, who stated that his house was cut off for non-pay by mistake last month instead of a rental home he owned that had gone to dis-connect for non-payment and he wanted to report that he received a professional letter of apology from the Town.