Approval of Minutes - Regular Session - February 17, 2003 and Waterfront Study February 24, 2003
Mayor Boyette announced that the minutes of the Regular Session - February 17, 2003 and Waterfront Study Meeting - February 24, 2003 were open for review and adoption. There being no corrections to the minutes, Councilman Ebron made the motion to adopt the Regular Session February 17, 2003 and Waterfront Study Meeting of February 24, 2003 minutes. Councilman Baker seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 4 to 0.

Budget Request - Friends of JAW, Ms. Starlon Credle
Mayor Boyette called on Ms. Starlon Credle for her presentation concerning a budget request for the Friends of JAW. Ms. Credle updated the Council by stating that the JAW building is near completion with the west wing rented by Pungo Wellness and Fitness Center, Beaufort County Community College (BCCC) renting a classroom on the east wing for Nurse=s Assistant classes. Ms. Credle also stated that the auditorium was complete with the catering kitchen. Ms. Credle stated that one room was not rented and the AFriends@ stated that income from the rent of this room was needed in order to meet the mortgage. Ms. Credle stated that the Friends of JAW had not received any prior monetary support from the Town but were requesting that support now and in the next budget year. Ms. Credle stated that $6,089 was the amount needed for the AArts Room@. There was much discussion from Ms. Del Stutzman and Mrs. Pat Holz concerning this room being utilized for town citizens only if town funds paid to rent the room and the need to have the specifics of the room and its uses before funding. Mr. Marion Dilday stated that he would like to see the town fund the appropriation requested as the room being utilized would benefit the town and community. After much more additional discussion, Mayor Boyette stated that the request would be considered.

Budget Amendment #3 - Fire Department Donation (Clara Taylor Estate)
Mayor Boyette stated that a budget amendment was needed to include a recent estate settlement donation to the Belhaven Volunteer Fire & Rescue. Mayor Boyette stated that the estate of Clara Taylor presented a check to the Belhaven Volunteer Fire & Rescue in the amount of $34,775.89. Mayor Boyette stated for this donation to be included in the budget and the following amendment was necessary:

Community Development Block Grant - Capacity Building (CDBG-CB) Project Ordinance
Mayor Boyette stated that the adoption of a budget ordinance was needed for the $75,000 Capacity Building grant through the Community Development Block Grant Program which was applied for by Community Developers of Beaufort Hyde, Inc. (CDBH). Mayor Boyette explained that the grant is a pass-thru with the Town retained $3,500 for administrative services. Councilman Hodges made the motion to adopt the following CDBG-CB Project Ordinance as submitted. Councilman Baker seconded the motion which carried unanimously, to 4 to 0.

Mayor Boyette recognized Mr. Walt Allen who questioned the purpose of the grant. Town Manager Johnson stated that it was a seed grant which (CDBH) applied for about six months ago, which would enable CDBH to achieve different avenues of growth by planning future projects.

Town Manager's Report
Town Manager Johnson reported on the following items: 1) received information from the state that the additional $50,000 application for the further elevation of homes had been received and an additional three homes would be bid for elevation; 2) reported that some flood monies had been given back to the state from other areas where the funds were not used, Town Manager Johnson stressed the fact that the town would apply for those monies should the state release additional funds; 3) Waterfront Study Meeting held on Monday, February 24 was well attended with a professional presentation from Architect/Planner Ms. Allison Platt and feasibility study submitted by Mr. Don Hunter - per meeting - Belhaven has a lot of potential; (Mayor Boyette reiterated the importance of the Waterfront Study and the achievable growth potential for the Town); 4) Water Treatment Plant on line soon with the new Water Plant Facility end of May; 5) Post Office and parking Maintenance - Town Manager Johnson stated that he was waiting for contract from the Post Office Officials concerning the rent of the property and the maintenance on the parking lot, Town Manager Johnson stated that the Town Council was adamant concerning the need for a free standing Post Office and had him send a letter prioritizing possible sites. Mr. Marion Dilday stated the public should support the need for a new Post Office.

Mayor's Comments
Mayor Boyette stated that the Department of Transportation had $700 million available and that the Town will resubmit the bike path grant along with improvement to the intersection of Hwy 264 and 99 and 264 Business improvements; that it was imperative that the breakwater be repaired or re-constructed as Belhaven's safe harbor would be an asset to our Waterfront Study.