Public Hearing:
Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Relief Initiative
(CDBG-DRI) Closeout - Mr. John Chandler, Holland Consulting
Planners, Inc. (HCP)
Mayor Boyette introduced Mr. John Chandler with Holland
Consulting Planners, Inc. (HCP) the administrators of
the CDBG-DRI, and called the Public Hearing to order at
7:32. P.M. Mr. Chandler that this program was for the
repair of home for the low to moderate income families
which needed extensive repair. Mr. Chandler stated that
with the use of this grant it moved some homes which were
in the Hazard Mitigation Grant to the DRI program which
allowed more homes to be elevated under the HMGP guidelines.
Mr. Chandler stated that originally the project had thirty
homes but for lack of proof of ownership, title problems,
etc. five home were disqualified. Twenty-five homes were
rehabilitated through the Disaster Relief Initiative.
Mayor Boyette asked for
any questions from the Council or public. There were no
comments. Mayor Boyette declared the public hearing adjourned
at 7:35 P.M.
Approval of Minutes
- Regular and Closed Session - November 5, 2001
Mayor Boyette announced that the minutes of the November
5, 2001 regular session and closed session were open for
review and adoption. There being no corrections to the
minutes, Councilman Hodges made the motion to approve
the November 5, 2001 regular and closed session minutes.
Councilwoman Wilkerson seconded the motion which carried
unanimously.
Chamber of Commerce
Report/Christmas Parade
Mayor Boyette stated that in October 2001 the
Town received notice from the Belhaven Community Chamber
of Commerce stated that the chamber would not be sponsoring
a Christmas parade this year.
Mayor Boyette further stated that this concerned him and
many businesses and a committee had been formed to host
a parade and Christmas Celebration.
Mayor Boyette introduced Mrs. Amy Bonney, Director, of
the Chamber of Commerce and asked for an explanation.
Mrs. Bonney stated that last year the Chamber had lost
money and actually had to refund money to vendors due
to the lack of patrons and parade participants. Mrs. Bonney
further explained that last year the Northside High School
Football Team was playing in a State Championship playoff
which contributed to the lack of participation.
Mayor Boyette stated that a group of twelve had met and
were organizing an All American Christmas Celebration
and Parade for Saturday, December 8 and asked for assistance
from the Chamber. Mrs. Bonney stated that the Chamber
was donating $150.00 for one high school band.
Ms. Del Stutzman, CoOrdinator for the Christmas Celebration
stated that she had three bands committed to participating
in the parade and additional sponsors would be needed.
Town Manager Johnson stated that no monies were budgeted
for hosting a parade as historically this has been a Chamber
event.
Mayor Boyette stressed the need for the Chamber to be
a vital part of the community.
Mrs. Bonney stated that the Chamber has been taken for
granted as sponsoring the Christmas parade and the Chamber
Board did not feel they could sponsor this year due to
the loss last year.
Ms. Stutzman stated that Mrs. Bonney had been very helpful
in getting lists of vendors, crafters, etc. to her for
inclusion in this year's event. Ms. Stutzman stated that
plans for the upcoming celebration were going well on
such short notice.
Town Manager Johnson commented on a statement made in
a newsletter by the chamber stating that the chamber covered
the entire eastern North Carolina and they should only
sponsor/support those in northeastern Beaufort County.
Town Manager Johnson also stated that it was a bad decision
to decide not to sponsor the parade in October.
President of the Chamber, Mr. Mike Morgan stated that
the Chamber made the decision based on financial reasons
and requested that the Chamber and the Town work together.
Mr. Mike Ahearn, Pantego Businessman, stated that if the
chamber could not afford to host the Christmas parade
then they should have canceled.
Following much discussion,
in an effort to keep the Town and Chamber both informed
of each others plans, Chamber Director Bonney agreed to
attend Council meetings. Councilman Hodges suggested that
the Chamber make a quarterly report to the Council, Chamber
Director Bonney agreed.
There was some discussion
concerning the problems with getting military bands to
perform on the 4th of July - Councilwoman Heath suggested
that the Belhaven Community form a community band. Mayor
Boyette concluded by stating that he appreciated Chamber
President Mike Morgan and Chamber Director Amy Bonney
for attending the meeting.
Beaufort Hyde
Martin (BHM) Regional Library - Introduction of New Director
Mayor Boyette introduced and welcomed Ms. Mary Jane Carbo,
Director of BHM Regional Libraries. Ms. Carbo stated that
there were eight libraries in the BHM region with Belhaven
having the newest building. Ms. Carbo stated that because
of the hard work of the Belhaven Library Board and Mrs.
Sharon Brinn the Town received a $350,000 grant for the
construction of the new building. Ms. Carbo also thanked
the public works department who assisted the library greatly
while in the process of moving. Ms. Carbo extended an
invitation to the Council to attend the dedication of
the new library in January and stated that formal invitations
will be mailed.
Town Manager Johnson stated
that Mrs. Susan D. Smith worked hard making sure the library
construction was proceeding. The Council thanked Ms. Carbo
for her presentation and welcomed her as the new director
of BHM Libraries.
Mid-East Commission
Appointment
Mayor Boyette stated that Mid-East Commission had notified
the Town the need for an appointment
to the their board representing the Town. Mayor Boyette
stated that Councilman Albert Baker now serves in that
position and had agreed to be reappointed if the Council
desired. There being no other nominees for this position,
Councilman Hodges made the motion to appoint Albert Baker
to an additional two year term on the Mid-East Commission
beginning January 2002. Councilman Ebron seconded the
motion which carried unanimously.
Community Development Block
Grant - Concentrated Needs (CDBG-CN) Preliminary Notification
- $700,000 Grant Award
Mayor Boyette stated that he was pleased to announced
that the town received notice of award of a $700,000 Concentrated
Needs grant. Mayor Boyette stated that this grant will
rehabilitate homes, replace homes and demolish homes in
the Harbinger Street, Pungo Street, California Street
and Old County Road area. In addition to the rehabilitation
of homes the project will include public works improvements
in the amount of $105,000. Mayor Boyette stated that the
Town would add $40,000 to the project for the total project
of $740,000.
Planning Board Appointment
Mayor Boyette stated that Mr. Al MacKenzie had served
on the planning board/board of adjustment as a regular
alternate member for the past four years and was now resigning
due to moving. Mayor Boyette stated that he had the name
of Ms. Del Stutzman to serve in that position and asked
for any other nominees. Councilman Hodges stated that
Mr. Terry Sparrow and Mr. Skeeter Ross had both contacted
him and were interested in serving also. Mayor Boyette
asked for any other nominations. There were none. Mayor
Boyette asked for a motion. Councilman Ebron made the
motion to appoint Ms. Del Stutzman to serve the unexpired
term of Mr. Mackenzie which will end March 2005. Councilwoman
Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Town Manager's Report
Town Manager Johnson reported briefly on the following:
Water Systems Improvements - construction of the new water
plant should start in December;
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) did not
approve the electrical portion of the contract so therefore
it will be rebid on November 28 at 2:00 P.M. and back
to the Council for approval December 3 (USDA is the main
source of funding for this project);
the contractor will use local sub-contractors in the process
of cleaning public works compound for the shrouding of
the water tank for repainting - estimate for completion
of total project - 14 months;
Christmas Parade - December 8,
Town Employee Christmas Party December 7;
No Police Chief yet.
Christmas Holiday - Additional
Day at Christmas
Town Manager informed the Council that the town's personnel
policy specified two days for the Christmas Holiday. Town
Manager Johnson informed the Council that Christmas was
on Tuesday which would give employees Monday and Tuesday
or Tuesday and Wednesday as their holiday. Town Manager
Johnson stated that in the past the Council has given
an extra 2 day.
Town Manager Johnson informed the Council of the cost
to implement this would be for three eight
hour shifts at Police Department and standby for water
and sewer and electric. Councilman Hodges made the motion
to amend policy to state a three day holiday for Christmas.
Councilwoman Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Public Comments
Mayor Boyette recognized Mr. Charles Latham, Business
Owner and resident of Water Street. Mr. Latham who stated
that the police department had contacted him several time
in the early morning hours because his business was left
unlocked. Mr. Latham stated that he appreciated being
notified but would like for the department to check his
doors earlier in the night. Town Manager Johnson stated
that the police department performed door checking as
a courtesy and made the checks on all businesses at random
hours. Mr. Latham still insisted that his doors be checked
earlier in the evening. Town Manager Johnson informed
Mr. Latham that the Police Department was not his security
officer and that they would continue checking doors as
they have in the past. Town Manager Johnson also stated
that the Town would not set a specific time for door checks
as this would defeat the purpose.
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 9:25 P.M.