Approval of Minutes - August 5, 2002 Public Hearing and Regular Session
Mayor Boyette announced that the minutes of the August 5, 2002 Public Hearing/Regular Session were open for review and adoption. There being no corrections to the minutes, Councilman Ebron made the motion to approve the minutes as written. Councilman Baker seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Partnership for Children Request
Mayor Boyette stated that the Beaufort County Partnership for Children's Executive Director, Mrs. Lisa Woolard, was requesting free use of the Civic Center. Mayor Boyette further explained that the program, which they had applied, would teach literacy skills to adults and pre-school age children. The program would start in the town's next fiscal year for 40 - 45 weeks. After some discussion, Councilman Ebron made the motion to authorize the use of the Civic Center as long as the dates and times can be scheduled with staff. Councilman Hodges seconded the motion. Mayor Boyette asked for consensus to also furnish a letter of support for this grant application. Councilmen Ebron and Hodges agreed. The motion carried unanimously.

Ms. Del Stutzman - Belhaven Christmas Parade and Celebration
Mayor Boyette recognized Ms. Stutzman who briefed the Council with plans of the Christmas Parade and Celebration. The event will take place on the 2nd Saturday in December (the 14th) with the parade at 11 A.M. and will coincide with the Stars of Hope as in past years.

Ms. Stutzman stated that a "Santa" would be needed for this year's event and that anyone interested should contact her or the Chamber. Ms. Stutzman stated that Marine involvement had been requested along with participation from local bands.

Mr. Stutzman asked for direction, for a Puppet Presented "Kamp Kreatures" which cost $1,100.00. After much discussion, Councilwoman Wilkerson suggested that the puppet company be asked if they would perform for money which was taken "at the door" and it was suggested that maybe sponsors would be willing to finance the show.

Mr. David Crosby, Belhaven Chamber President - Report
Mr. Crosby, President, Belhaven Community Chamber of Commerce reported that Mrs. Amy Bonney has resigned as Executive Director of the Chamber effective October 18, 2002. Town Manager Johnson stated that he was appreciative of Mrs. Bonney's most generous notice to her board. The Mayor and Council thanked Mrs. Bonney for her three years of service. Mr. Crosby also stated that the chamber was in the process of establishing 501(C) 3 Status for the July 4th and other events and he would like to give a more detailed and updated report at the next Council meeting.

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

1) Have new engineers with Cavanaugh working on our Water Treatment Plant and the Delta City Sewer Extension projects - but sees no problem with Engineer Jimmy Holland taking Engineer Kevin Burks place;

2) Powell Bill paving complete;

3) stated a need for a closed session following citizens comments;

4) Next Waterfront Study Meeting will be September 12.

Mayor's Comments
Mayor Boyette commented on the following items briefly: ElectriCities was seeking support of House Bill 1734 (HB) which concerns Job Stimulus and Job Creation Act - after some discussion concerning Beaufort County's Unemployment Rate of 17% the council consensus was to forward a letter of support for HB 1734.

Miscellaneous
Councilwoman Heath questioned if the Town had any plans for September 11. After much discussion, Council and Town Manager agreed that the Town would sponsor a recognition service on September 11 and would coordinate with the Ministerial Alliance.

Councilman Ebron stated that the News & Observer had a well written article on Sunday, August 11, 2002 concerning the Town of Belhaven and its elevation projection.

Citizens Comments
Mayor Boyette recognized Mr. Roy O'Neal, candidate for Beaufort County Commissioner from Belhaven. Mr. O'Neal asked that the Mayor and Council support the two candidates (himself and Mr. Butch Raynor) who were running for office as county commissioners. Mr. O'Neal stated that it had been eight years since someone from this area served as a commissioner. Mayor Boyette stated that anyone running and being elected to a public office should be commended.

Closed Session GS 143-318.11(6)
There being no further business for regular session at this time, Mayor Boyette stated that the Mayor and Council had the need to convene into closed session according to GS 143-318.11(6). Mayor Boyette declared the meeting convened into closed session at 8:12 P.M.

Town Manager Johnson excused Town Clerk Marie Adams from the meeting at 8:13 P.M.

Reconvene Into Regular Session
Councilman Hodges made the motion to reconvene into regular session. Councilman Ebron seconded the motion which carried unanimously. The meeting reconvened at 9:17 P.M.

Cancellation of September 2, 2002 Meeting
Councilman Hodges made the motion to cancel the September 2, 2002 Council meeting due to the Labor Day Holiday. Councilwoman Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Increase Town Manager's Salary
Councilman Hodges made the motion to increase Town Manager Johnson's salary by five percent effective with the next payroll. Councilwoman Wilkerson seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Adjournment
There being no further business, Councilman Baker made the motion to adjourn at 9:20 P.M. Councilman Ebron seconded the motion which carried unanimously.