Resolution in Support of the US 17 Bypass of Washington - Project R-2510

WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation of the State of North Carolina has worked diligently to identify and quantify the costs of the alternative routes for the Washington Bypass of US 17; and

WHEREAS,"Alternate B" as modified in the April 2002 agreement between the Town of Chocowinity and the NCDOT is the best alternative from the local standpoint; and

WHEREAS, any delay occasioned on the part of local governments or other local groups could seriously jeopardize the timely completion of this project; and

WHEREAS, the completion of this project will greatly accelerate economic development efforts and the creation of jobs for the citizens of Beaufort County;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of Belhaven, does hereby support, endorse and encourage the Department of Transportation of the State of North Carolina to proceed with all due haste to fund and complete this project.

Adopted this the 1st day of July, 2002.



Councilman Ebron made the motion adopting the resolution which supports "Alternate B@. Councilwoman Wilkerson seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Project Ordinance Amendment - State Acquisition and Relocation Funds (SARF) School Sewer Plan
Mayor Boyette stated that the Council needed to adopt a project ordinance amendment for the SARF (State Acquisition and Relocation Funds) for the School Sewer Plan. Town Manager Johnson stated that the original project ordinance was for $650,000 and the amount amended $31,938 making the total project $681,938. Councilman Hodges made the motion adopting the following amended project ordinance. Councilwoman Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Project Ordinance Amendment - Community Development Block Grant
Disaster Recovery Initiative (CDBG-DRI)
Mayor Boyette stated that the Council needed to adopt a project ordinance amendment on the CDBG-DRI project which was closed out. Mayor Boyette explained that the project ordinance amendment was needed to include home owner contributions which were added to the program in the amount of $62,947. Councilman Baker made the motion adopting the following amended project ordinance. Councilwoman Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Community Developers of Beaufort Hyde - Grant Application Request for Support
Mayor Boyette introduced Mr. Wade Horne, Director of Community Developers of Beaufort-Hyde (CDBH). Mayor Boyette explained that Mr. Horne was present asking for support for a grant application to plan and develop a "Construction Center" for the Beaufort-Hyde Area.

Mr. Horne further explained that the request for support of concept only and would not involve any money or partnership in the project. Mr. Horne then further explained the grant applications as follows: the grant was a Priority 2 from the Office of Community Services for a Construction Center in the amount of $500,000 and would be a facility which would build modular home sections and employ 40-60 people for three years. Mr. Horne also stated that CDBH was applying for a Priority 4 Planning Grant from the Office of Community Services for $75,000 and that no monetary support from the Town was needed. Mr. Horne explained that should these two grants be funded that it would provide many opportunities such as employment and business ownership opportunities for low income local residents.

There was some discussion concerning modular homes and the fact that according to zoning these type of homes are allowed in your Residential zones. Mayor Boyette stated that Mr. Horne would be available for any questions. Mayor

Boyette recognized Mr. Bob Holz, resident of Water Street, who questioned what was CDBH. Mr. Horne explained that CDBH was a non profit community development corporation which held a 501(C)3 non profit status.

Following additional discussion, Councilman Baker made the motion for the Mayor to sign a letter of support for grant applications Priority 2 and Priority 4. Councilwoman Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

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

Dignitary Breakfast 10 A.M. on Thursday, July 4;

will be getting the Council information on the electric rate study in August - briefed council on study by stating that the small commercial rates are a little high and may be adjusted;

town crews having been working hard preparing for the 4th - offices and employees off on Thursday but will be back on regular schedule on Friday, July 5, stressed the fact that Belhaven wants a family oriented celebration and that additional law enforcement will be assisting on the 4th;

requested cancellation of the July 15 meeting due to the lack of pressing business, after some discussion, Councilman Hodges made the motion to cancel the July 15, 2002 Council meeting. Councilman Ebron seconded the motion which carried unanimously. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be Monday, August 5, 2002 at 7:30 P.M.

Also informed the Council that the laying of new water lines is in progress and that the water plant is ahead of schedule due to good weather.

Mayor's Comments
Mayor Boyette stated that the improvements to the local Department of Transportation Highways, the local streets and improved housing (through the elevation programs) had been a great asset to Belhaven. Mayor Boyette announced that Belhaven would have a Harrier Jet Flyover on July 4th to begin the parade.

Public Comments
Mayor Boyette recognized the following in the public who spoke briefly:

Ms. Del Stutzman, Chamber Board members, who stated that flags were on sale (in all sizes) at the Chamber and reminded the Council of the 50/50 drawing to be held on July 4th.

Councilwoman Heath stated that the benches, the town built, at Northside Park for the basketball program were nice and appreciated.

Councilwoman Linda Wilkerson stated that Pungo District Hospital Foundation would be sponsoring the "Pirates on the Pungo" sailboat festivities on the weekend of July 19 -21 as a fund-raiser for Pungo District Hospital.

Mr. Steve Carawan spoke of his concern of his bank account being attached for unpaid taxes whereas larger corporations such as Wynn's View owing $11,982 and Bridgewood Square owing a large sum were not attached. Town Manager Johnson stated that these two organizations had no money in their accounts to attach.

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 8:25 P.M.