Call
to Order
The Town Council of the Town of Belhaven met in a special
called session of the Belhaven Town Council on Wednesday,
March 28, 2001 at 5:00 P.M. in he Council Chambers at Town
Hall. Dr. Charles O. Boyette, Mayor, called the meeting
to order with the following Council members present: Walt
Allen, Albert Baker, George R. Ebron, Jr., Mayor Pro-Tem,
Cynthia M. Heath and James B. Hodges. Town Manager Tim M.
Johnson and Town Clerk Marie J. Adams were also present.
Resignation
of Councilman Walt Allen - Personnel
Councilman
Walt Allen submitted his letter of resignation as Town Council
to the Mayor and Town Council. Mayor Boyette read the following
letter of resignation.
TO: Belhaven
Town Council and Mayor
FROM:
Councilman Walt Allen
DATE:
March 28, 2001
On August 5, 1993 I made
a decision to file a notice of candidacy to run for Town
Council of the Town of Belhaven. I made this decision
because I was genuinely concerned as a citizen about several
aspects of the Town at that time. I was fortunate enough
to be elected that year and took my oath of office on
December 6, 1993 with no hidden agendas and only the intent
to try and make Belhaven a better Town in which to live
for all parties concerned. I have kept this philosophy
of service at the forefront of my tenure as a Belhaven
Town Council Member. I also set several goals that included
1) maintaining a low ad valorem tax rate 2) containing
the increased costs of electric service to our citizens
3) rebuilding the Town's infrastructure, i.e. water, sewer
and electric. I then added as a major goal after the "hurricanes"
to see the Town re-build through elevation and rehabilitation
grants secured by the Town. I feel proud to have been
a major player in all of these goals. The infrastructure
is two-thirds complete (sewer and electric) with the water
plant set to be finished within the next fiscal year.
Tax rates have not risen since I took office in 1993.
Electric rates have remained stable during my entire tenure.
The elevation and rehabilitation projects are clearly
visible in this Town and while there is still a few years
of work left the foundation has certainly been poured
and is secure. The Town of Belhaven and her citizens are
certainly in a better position today than in 1993 and
thus I feel the elected officials of the Town have, on
the whole, done an exemplary job. I feel I have, at this
time, met my goals and to a large extent exceeded my expectations.
At this time a "controversy" has developed over
my business involvement as a sub¬contractor on the
elevation project. There are a few individuals who feel
my working on this project is a "conflict of interest"
with my being on the Town Council. It has
been concluded by the parties involved (state, federal and
local) there has been no intent to influence decisions made
in relation to the grants on my part and that my participation
to date has been undertaken in good faith. However, there
still is the "perception" that a conflict could
exist. Because of this "perception" I have decided
that for the betterment of the Town's programs (so as not
to slow down the elevation process) and for my peace of
mind, my family=s and employees' that it is in all parties'
best interest that I remove even the "perception"
that this conflict exists. By tendering my resignation from
the Belhaven Town Council I clear up any misconceptions
and life goes on for our citizens.
Therefore, I Thomas Walton
"Walt" Allen, Sr. do hereby formally tender
my resignation from the Belhaven Town Council effective
immediately and thank the elected officials, town employees
and Town citizens for allowing me to serve them since
1993.
Mayor Boyette asked for a motion accepting Walt Allen=s
resignation from the Town Council. Councilman Ebron made
the motion to accept the resignation. Councilwoman Heath
seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Town Manager Johnson stated
that Mr. Allen had not performed any wrong doings in his
involvement in the elevation project, but thanked him
for his service and Councilman.
Mayor Boyette stated that
Mr. Allen was valuable to the Town and that he had made
substantial contributions to the town.
Councilman Allen stated
that he had hoped not to resign and encouraged the board
to continue professionally and in unity.
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 5:10 P.M.
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