Call to Order/Invocation
The Town Council of the Town of Belhaven met in regular session on Monday, February 21, 2005 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, James B. Hodges, Cynthia M. Heath and Linda E. Wilkerson. George R. Ebron, Jr., Mayor Pro-Tem was not present at the beginning of the meeting, but arrived later. Town Manager Tim M. Johnson and Town Clerk Marie J. Adams were also present.
Mayor Boyette gave the invocation.

Approval of Minutes – February 7, 2005 Celebration Committee and February 7, 2005 Regular Session
Mayor Boyette announced that the minutes of the February 7, Celebration Committee and Regular Session Minutes were open for review and approval. Councilman Baker made the motion to approve both sets of minutes. Councilwoman Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 4 to 0.

Mosquito Control Designee Resolution
Mayor Boyette stated that annually the Town Council votes to appoint a representative from the town authorized and empowered to sign and execute all documents necessary with mosquito control through the Division of Environmental Health, North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Councilman Ebron arrived at the meeting at this time. Mayor Boyette stated that with the completion of the necessary paperwork the town to receive partial reimbursement for mosquito control. Councilman Hodges made the motion adopting the resolution which appoints Robin Godsell, Finance Officer as the Mosquito Control agent for the Town of Belhaven. Councilwoman Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 5 to 0.

(Insert) – Mosq Reso

Amphitheater Discussion - Belhaven/Pantego Rotary Club
Mayor Boyette stated that the Belhaven/Pantego Rotary Club, Mr. Jim Lupton, had requested time on the agenda to discuss the implementation of an amphitheater. Mayor Boyette recognized Mr. Bob Nelson, President of the Belhaven/Pantego Rotary who stated that Rotary International was a non-profit group of business men and women who performed community projects in the communities that the civic group represented. Mr. Nelson stated that Mr. Jim Lupton had a diagram of the proposed amphitheater. Mr. Lupton then presented the diagram showing an amphitheater proposed at the current temporary site of the Belhaven Post Office on 133 East Main Street. Mr. Lupton stated that the Rotary Club unanimously supported the amphitheater proposal and would design and manage the project into fruition. Mr. Lupton stated that several farmers had agreed to donate dirt to build up the seating of the amphitheater and that the existing drive would be used. Mr. Lupton stated that outdoor restrooms may be needed. Town Manager Johnson stated that plans would have to be approved by FEMA as the property was deeded to town following a buyout FEMA had with Beaufort County Schools as a result of the Hurricanes of 1996. Mayor Boyette asked what the Rotary Club expected the town to do for the implementation of this project. Mr. Nelson stated that grant writing and other funding as well as getting written permission from FEMA. Mr. Lupton stated that a committee would need to be formed and asked that the Council have representation. Councilman Ebron asked that Town Manager Johnson check with FEMA to get permission for the amphitheater. Mr. Johnson stated that after the temporary post office is moved he would contact FEMA. Mayor Boyette asked Councilwomen Heath and Wilkerson if they would serve on that committee. Both council members agreed and received consensus from the Council. Councilman Ebron also offered assistance from Community Developers of Beaufort-Hyde.

Emergency Services Center Presentation – Mr. Kevin Burch, PE (Clearwater Consulting & Design, LLC) and Mr. Robert Runyons, Architect
Mayor Boyette stated that the town was applying for funding from USDA for a new Emergency Services Center to house the Police, Fire and Rescue Departments. Mayor Boyette stated that this facility was greatly needed as the present facilities for these entities were inadequate and had been flooded many times. Mayor Boyette recognized Mr. Kevin Burch, Engineer and Mr. Robert Runyons, Architect. Mr. Burch and Mr. Runyons overviewed the schematics of the proposed building which totaled 14,735 square feet and included a joint use kitchen, showers, meeting room and large second floor meeting room at a cost of $1.8 million. Fire Chief Paul Wood stated that he felt that the fire department would need their own kitchen as they cook regularly at their meetings. Town Manager Johnson stated that this was a preliminary drawing for the grant application. Mr. Burch stated that within the square footage rooms could be adjusted as long as the building stayed within the 14,735 square feet. Town Manager Johnson stated that to meet handicap regulations there would be an elevator going to the second floor meeting room.

Surplus Rescue Vehicle
Mayor Boyette stated that a 1991 Ford Ambulance had been declared surplus in August 2004 with a price of no lower than $8,000 set by the Council. Mayor Boyette stated that Mr. Bubs Carson, representing Bath Volunteer Fire Department was present to express and interest from that department in the sale or donation of this ambulance for Bath to use as an equipment van. Mayor Boyette recognized Mr. Carson. Mr. Carson stated that in the past they had donated some of their surplused vehicles to Scranton and Old Ford Fire Departments knowing that these departments were in need and asked that Belhaven consider donating this ambulance. Town Manager Johnson stated that he had some interest in the ambulance but not at the $8,000 minimum. Mayor Boyette recognized Belhaven Fire Chief, Paul Wood. Mr. Wood stated that the fire department could use this ambulance as a crash truck and for driving courses at Beaufort County Community College. Chief Wood stated that their present equipment truck (a 1989) then may be made surplus and donated should the Council desire. After much discussion, Mayor Boyette suggested that Town Manager Johnson and Chief Wood get together and decide the needs of the fire department and then bring this issue back to the Council for vote.

Mayor’s Comments
Mayor Boyette reported briefly on the following: there was a Downtown Area Revitalization Enrichment (DARE) meeting this past Thursday which overviewed downtown revitalization plans; 2) Congressman Walter B. Jones, Jr. and Mr. John Cooper, State Director USDA Rural Development will be here on Thursday, February 24, 2005; Congressman Jones would be speaking publicly at the Civic Center at 11:00 A.M. and at 12 noon for those with lunch reservations; 3) Rose Bay – Chicken Farm Ribbon Cutting on March 2 at 2 P.M. in Ponzer; 4) Tuesday, March 8, at noon the Bath Tri-Centennial will kick off their celebration at noon with a luncheon and the NC General Assembly holding their session at Bath, encouraged Council participation at this function.

Town Manager’s Report
Town Manager Johnson reported briefly on the following: 1) will be in Raleigh on Tuesday, February 23 to receive the award of a $40,000 Capacity Grant the Town has received; 2) need to set a public hearing for the Emergency Service Center grant application and would need to set that meeting for Monday, March 28, Town Manager Johnson suggested moving items for the 1st Monday in April to the March 28 date – Councilman Ebron made the motion to hold the Public Hearing for Monday, March 28 concerning the Emergency Services Center and to cancel the April 4, 2005 Council meeting. Councilwoman Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously. 3) Wynne View Building complete by end of February; and 4) Post Office should be complete by the end of March.

Adjournment
There being no further business, Councilman Hodges made the motion to adjourn. Councilwoman Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:53 P.M.