Approval of Minutes - July 16, 2001 Public Hearing/Regular Session
Mayor Boyette announced that the minutes of the July 16, 2001 Public Hearing/Regular Session were open for review and adoption. There being no corrections to the minutes, Councilman Baker made the motion to approve the minutes. Councilman Ebron seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Budget Amendment #4 - Fiscal Year 2000-2001 Budget
Mayor Boyette stated that the Council needed to adopt the following budget amendment in order to close out the 2000-2001 fiscal year. Mayor Boyette read the following amendment:

Increase expenditure item 10-440-037 (State Sales Tax) from $11,400 to $43,800
Increase expenditure item 10-440-039 (County Sales Tax) from $6,050 to $21,950
Increase revenue item 10-367-001 (Sales Tax Refund) from $13,849 to $62,149

Councilman Hodges made the motion to adopt the preceding budget amendment as read by Mayor Boyette. Councilwoman Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Municipal Bridge Agreement with North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
Mayor Boyette stated that the Council needed to discuss the condition of the town owned bridge (Wynn's Gut Bridge) on Water Street. Mayor Boyette stated that the bridge has not been in good condition for a number of years as the weight limit has been lowered following inspections.

Town Manager Johnson further explained that the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) had been discussing the bridge and possible ways to fund the repair. Town Manager Johnson stated that DOT had proposed a 80/20 contract which the state would pay 80% and the Town be responsible for 20% of the cost to replace the bridge which would need Council approval.

Town Manager Johnson stated that there could be several options concerning the replacement or removal of this bridge. Town Manager Johnson stated that flood control could be managed at this site also, if Coastal Resources Commission would approve through the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). Town Manager Johnson explained that CAMA considers the waters north of the bridge as traversable and therefore may not allow flood control devices at the bridge site. Councilwoman Heath questioned if the state agencies were aware of the downtown flooding problems. Town Manager Johnson answered that all state agencies were aware of the flooding.

Town Manager Johnson suggested that the town host a meeting and have representatives from the Wildlife Resource Commission, the Division of Water Quality, CRC, Army Corps of Engineers and DOT to hopefully meet and resolve a way to handle the bridge situation and mitigate the flooding downtown with the bridge project.

Mayor Boyette, with Council affirmation, directed the Town Manager to get preliminary plans for replacing the bridge and including flood control devices under the bridge.

Town Manager Johnson stated that a committee for this project may need to be established. Mayor Boyette recognized Mr. Roy O'Neal, business owner, who questioned DOT's time line on replacing the bridge. Town Manager Johnson stated that no time line had been set.

Beaufort County Economic Development Commission
Mayor Boyette stated that the Beaufort County Economic Development Commission (BCEDC) had been modified to allow equal representation from all participating towns in the County. Mayor Boyette further explained that the Council needed to appoint a representative from the town. Mayor Boyette stated that he would be willing to serve in this position, but would gladly step aside should another council member wish to serve. Town Manager Johnson stated that Mayor Boyette was currently serving as the Northeastern Beaufort County Economic Development chairman, which is now under the auspices of BCEDC and a member of the Beaufort County Committee of 100. Mayor Boyette asked if any other member of the council would like to serve in that position. There were no volunteers. Councilman Baker made the motion to appoint Dr. Charles O. Boyette, Mayor, to the BCEDC Board representing the Town of Belhaven. Councilwoman Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

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

Beaufort County Economic Development Director, Tom Thompson is working on two potential projects for Belhaven and may use the (501C3) designation for grant applications;

The park project (for the properties which were inherited by the Town from the Board of Education) was applied for grant monies by East Carolina University students and staff - was not funded;

Police Chief position narrowed to eight candidates - will then narrow to three and make extensive background checks hope to have someone hired by the first of September;

The Crisis Housing Assistance ((CHA) had received an additional $2.96 million which would be for homes in the low to moderate income range.

Miscellaneous
Mayor Boyette stated that four new businesses had opened in Belhaven: Pungo Trading Company, Dr. Tom Urdle - Podiatry, Jr's Station and East Main Restaurant (formerly O'Neal's Snack Bar).

Councilwoman Heath questioned what number the elevation project was bid through - Town Manager Johnson stated that the last bid package was through #252 and the town hoped to award the bid package in September.

Councilman Ebron stated that Mr. Bob Paciocco was retiring as Mid-East Commission's Executive Director and he would be missed.

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 8:27 P.M.