Resolution Authorizing Membership in Rural Transportation Planning Organization
Mayor Boyette announced that Mid East Commission (Region Q) was assisting the Department of Transportation to comply with provisions of the Transportation Equity Act by requesting participation of local government officials and the public in the transportation planning process. Mayor Boyette further explained Mid East Commission was establishing a group of local government officials from Beaufort, Martin and Pitt Counties for form a Rural Transportation Planning Organization. After some discussion, Councilman Hodges stated that he would serve in that capacity. Councilman Ebron made the motion adopting the following resolution and appointing Councilman James B. Hodges to serve as Belhaven's representative in the Rural Transportation Technical Committee (RTTC). Councilwoman Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Budget Public Hearing Date
Mayor Boyette stated that the Town Council should set a date for the 2002/2003 Budget Public Hearing. After some discussion, Councilman Hodges made the motion to set the Budget Public Hearing for Monday, June 17, 2002 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Councilman Ebron seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Town Manager's Comments
Town Manager Johnson made the following remarks:

1) the old 75,000 gallon water tank located behind the Fire Department has been removed;

2) Police Chief George Hayden received his Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate on Thursday, May 16 in Raleigh with Town Manager Johnson present;

3) Department of Transportation (DOT) Bridge meeting will be on Thursday, May 30 from 4:30 to 6:30 P.M. to discuss the replacement of the bridge over Pungo Creek - encouraged attendance as Pantego Creek and Jack's Neck Bridges will also be replaced within the next several years. Town Manager Johnson stated that the town's persistence and resolution stating the need not to close the bridge entirely has paid off, as the Pungo Creek Bridge will not be torn down until the new bridge is built which will allow transportation throughout construction time.

Mayor's Comments
Mayor Boyette commented on the following items:

1) showed the Council a picture of a water tank painted red, white and blue and suggested that the Town paint their tower in the patriotic color pattern;

2) DOT staff consisting of Mr. Neil Lassiter, Division II Engineer, Mr. Danny Taylor, District Engineer, Mr. Dwayne Alligood, Division II Maintenance Engineer and Mr. Alan Lewis, County Maintenance Engineer meeting with himself, Councilman Ebron and Councilwoman Linda Wilkerson. Mayor Boyette stated that the meeting took place on 264 By-pass with the following items reviewed:

There was much concern and discussion from Mr. Roy O'Neal business owner, 264 By-pass concerning the Clark's Canal which had been filled by adjacent property owner, Mr. Jack Alligood.

Mayor Boyette stressed the need to have an alternate route to the shopping center on 264 By-pass and suggested a route from Railroad Street or Lee Street. Mayor Boyette did stress that the Council made the right decision to forward a resolution to DOT concerning the bridges and the need to have some type of alternate transportation during construction.

Miscellaneous/Citizen's Comments
Councilwoman Heath thanked Mr. Kenneth Barrow and his family for picking up the litter at Northside Park following the Belhaven Alumni Celebration. Town Manager Johnson extended a thank-you to the Barrow Family.

Councilwoman Heath stated since the renovations of an office expansion at the Civic Center the hallway area near the bathrooms was dark. Town Manager Johnson stated a light would be installed.

Mayor Boyette recognized Mr. Thomas Selby, representing a youth basketball program at Northside Park. Mr. Selby stated that he would like for the Town to provide bleachers for the basketball program which he was coordinating.

Town Manager Johnson stated that town had painted the court as requested but did not agree to providing bleachers as he felt they would be utilized for unwanted activities when ball games were not in progress, that this activity was not a town sponsored event and there were no extra bleachers to move. Town Manager Johnson stated that he felt that Mr. Selby was not using any "chain of command" as when he did not get what he wanted he would go to the Town Council unannounced. Town Manager Johnson stated that it was his strong recommendation that should the Town Council wish to have this basketball program that it should be placed in the recreation budget and that the Town should operate the program not an individual in the community.

Councilwoman Heath praised Mr. Selby for his willingness to volunteer to organize a recreational activity for the youth aged 16 -19 During much discussion, the council members stated that seating should be provided Mr. Selby.

However, Councilman Ebron did state that he felt the program should be more organized and under the supervision and management of the town as the other recreation programs were. The discussion, as to what type of seating and how much to spend was lengthy with the following suggestions made: free stand resin chairs, bleachers or make benches expending $500.00 for lumber and utilizing town labor. Mayor stressed the need to have the proposed program under the town=s recreation program next year.

After much discussion, Councilman Ebron made the motion that the town provide benches, made in house, and to expend no more than $500.00 for lumber. Councilwoman Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Five Minute Break - Reconvene Into Budget Workshop
Councilwoman Heath made a motion to take a five minute break and to reconvene into budget workshop. Councilman Baker seconded the motion which carried unanimously The meeting recessed at 9:00 P.M. Town Clerk Adams left the meeting at this time.

Reconvene Into Regular Session/Adjournment
Upon reconvening into regular session from the budget workshop session at 9:54 P.M. Councilwoman Heath made the motion to adjourn. Councilman Baker seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

The meeting adjourned at 9:55 P.M.