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Belhaven Town Council
Minutes - July 7, 2003
Public Hearing and Regular Session


Call to Order
The Town Council of the Town of Belhaven met in regular session and public hearing on Monday, July 7, 2003 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Dr. Charles O. Boyette, Mayor called the meeting to order with the following Council members present: Albert Baker, George R. Ebron, Jr., Mayor Pro- Tem; Cynthia M. Heath, James B. Hodges and Linda E. Wilkerson. Town Manager Tim M. Johnson, Town Attorney Keith B. Mason and Town Clerk Marie J. Adams

Public Hearing. Fiscal Year 2002 Community Development Block Grant - Community Revitalization (CDBG-CR) Program Amendment '
Mayor Boyette called the public hearing to order and stated that the purpose of the public hearing was to receive input from the .general public concerning a program amendment to the CDBG . Grant. Mayor Boyette explained that this amendment would transfer five homes from rehabilitation to replacement due to their condition. Mayor Boyette also explained that $20,000 would be utilized for water line improvements. Mayor Boyette introduced Mr. Alan Crawford, Program Administrator who stated that from the time the initial assessment is made on the homes and the actual time for work to begin is about 18 months and that during this time it was . determined that the 5 homes should be moved :from rehabilitation to replacement. Mr. Crawford stated that the home owners had been made aware of this proposal and had no opposition. Mayor Boyette asked for any additional comments. There were none. Mayor Boyette closed the public hearing at 7:38 P.M.

Approval of Minutes - June 16,2003 Public Hearing and Regular Session
Mayor Boyette announced that, the minutes of the June 16, 2003 public hearing and regular session were open for review and corrections. There being no corrections to the minutes, Councilman Hodges made the motion to approve the June 16, 2003 minutes. Councilman Ebron seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Fiscal Year 2002 Community Development Block Grant - Community Revitalization (CDBG- CR) Program Amendment
Mayor Boyette stated that the public hearing was held earlier in the meeting concerning the).e amendment of the Fiscal Year 2002 Community Development Block Grant. Mayor Boyette stated that the amendment to this grant consisted of 5 new homes instead of rehabilitating these homes and $20,000 for water line improvements. There being no further comments or questions, Councilman Hodges made the. motion approving the program amendment to the Fiscal Year 2002 CDBG-CR Grant. Councilman Ebron seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Bid Award for Fiscal Year 2002 Community Develop Block Grant - Community Revitalization (CDBG-CR) Waterline Improvements Project
Mayor Boyette stated that the Town had received five bids during a second bid opening because three bids were not received the first bid session. Mayor Boyette stated that the water improvements would be performed in the CDBG-CR area of Harbinger, Pungo and California Streets. Mayor Boyette read the following list of bids:

McCall Brothers, Inc.                         $133,850.00
426 Landmark Drive
Wilmington, NC 28412

James L. Cayton Utilities, Inc              $157,450.00
P. O. Box 3198
New Bern, NC 28564

Hendrix-Barnhill Company, Inc.            $168,360.00
P. O. Box 1904
Greenville, NC 27835

Humphrey Sopar, Inc.                        $221,803.15
2421 N. Marine Blvd
Jacksonville, NC 28546

Herring & Rivenbark, Inc.                    $341,740.00
P. O. Box 3425
Kinston, NC28504

Mayor Boyette stated that McCall Brothers, Inc. was the low bid of$133,850 and that the bid package had been reviewed by our consultants, Cavanaugh & Associates had proposed the bid award to McCall Brothers, Inc. Councilman Hodges made the motion awarding the contract to McCall Brothers, Inc. in the amount of$133,850.00 and authorizing the execution of all necessary documents. Councilman Baker seconded the motion which carried unanimously.

Pungo District Hospital Foundation Request for 5th Annual Pirates on the Pungo Sailboat Regatta and Arts Festival
Mayor Boyette stated that Pungo District Hospital Foundation (PDHF) was holding their 5th Annual Sailboat Regatta and Arts Festival and needed some assistance from the Town. Mayor Boyette stated that Councilwoman Linda Wilkerson was the director for this event, so therefore, she should be excused from voting. Mayor Boyette stated that the requests including the following: Set stage at the Wilkinson Center; placement and use of trash barrels at the Wilkinson Center and River Forest Manor; use of Wynn's Gut for the Lucky Ducky Contest and Model Sailboat Races; hanging banner promoting event over Main Street near the Wilkinson Center; and requested that the United States Flags and the Sailboat decorations be out during the event.

Councilman Ebron made the motion to excuse Councilwoman Wilkerson from voting.

Councilman Hodges seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Councilman Baker made the motion to assist the Foundation with their requests as submitted. Councilman Hodges seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 4 to 0.

Proposed Paving List for Fiscal Year 2003/04
Mayor Boyette stated that the proposed paving for FY 2003/04 was submitted along with a map of the paving. Mayor Boyette commented on the clarity of the map and praised town staff for expertise in making the maps. Town Manager Johnson stated that the Inspector Marty Overholt had an interest in the Geographic Information System the Town recently purchased with grant monies. Mayor Boyette stated that the paving concentrated on one general area would save money due to the relocation of equipment. Town Manager Johnson stated that the paving was in one area due to water line improvements which had been performed in one general areas of town. Mayor Boyette read the following proposed street paving with estimated tonnage and costs.

Proposed Paving July 2003

1) Latham Street from Riverview to Cedar Street 595' x 18.4'       76.02 tons
                                                                  Plus Radius         3.05 tons

2) Cedar Street from Latham to Main Street 679' x 20.1'              94.78 tons
                                                                     Plus Radius
       6.05 tons

3) Riverview Street from Main to Pantego Street 1,653' x 18.1'    415.54 tons
                                                                     Plus Radius     11.93 tons
   * 2" of overlay is needed on Riverview Street due to the
      deteriorated condition

4) Water Street from Riverview to Magnolia Street 1,022' x 20.7'   146.9 tons
                                                                   Plus Radius          
6.9 tons

5) Skin patch on Latham near Lamont Street 87' x 9.5' x 1/2"         2.87 tons

6) Skin patch Allen Street near Main Street 20' x 35'                     4.86 tons
    Beside Town Hall)

                                             Total Overlay Total                  768.9 tons
                                       Patching tons as of 5-28-03              20.7 tons

Last Year's rates $55.50 per ton for paving; $242 per ton for patching
Estimated rates for this year $60 per ton for paving; $260" per ton for patching

$60.00 x 768.9 =                $46,134 Paving
$260.00 x 20.7 =                  $5,382 Patching
Total Estimate for Project     $51,516

We should get reasonable prices on bids, due to the fact that most of the paving is continuous, which reduces labor and cost for relocating equipment.

Submitted by:

Carroll Hearing
Public Works Director

Mayor Boyette asked for a motion approving the streets proposed for paving. Councilman Hodges made the motion to approve the paving project list and authorize the Town to seek bids on the project. Councilwoman Heath seconded the motion. Councilman Baker stated that Pine Street was a very narrow street and with two churches located on the street it was hard for vehicular traffic to travel the street due to cars parking on the shoulders. Town Manager Johnson stated that churches should try to provide some off-street parking for their congregation as there are some vacant properties in that neighborhood and that the town would, install driveway tile, following private purchase of the tile. Councilwoman Heath stated that need for handicap parking, etc. Town Manager Johnson stated that should be provided by the churches.

Mayor Boyette called for a vote which carried unanimously.

Following additional discussion Mayor Boyette, with Council consensus, asked for town personnel to review the narrow streets and in that area Pine, Elm, etc. to find alternatives for parking, etc.

Re-Adoption of Resolution Concerning Bridge Closings
Mayor Boyette stated that the Department of Transportation (DOT) had submitted in early 2000/2001 their Transportation Improvement Plans (TIP)which included the replacement of Bridge 64 Pungo Creek, Bridge 77 Pantego Creek and Bridge 59 Jack Creek. Mayor Boyette stated that when Smith Bridge Creek Bridge, also on NC Hwy 99, was replaced in 1999 the bridge was closed for six months, rerouting traffic to Yeatesville Road, the town suffered. Mayor Boyette elaborated stating that a major food business closed and the already weak economy became weaker. .Mayor Boyette explained that traffic detouring to Yeatesville found it almost as close to go to Washington to shop. Mayor Boyette stated that medical emergencies would also be impeded in route to Pungo District Hospital and in some cases the added time may make the difference in life or death. Mayor Boyette encouraged the public to notify DOT of the need not to close the bridge over Pungo Creek. Mayor Boyette stated that the town was re-adopting resolution originally adopted February 5, 2001, with added emphasis on Belhaven's concerns of leaving the old bridge open while constructing the new bridge. Mayor Boyette read the following resolution:

RESOLUTION OF CONCERN

SUBJECT: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
BRIDGE REPLACEMENTS-NC IDGBW A Y 99

WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) in their 2000-2001 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) identifies three bridges on NC Highway 99 to be replaced in Fiscal Year 2003, 2005 and 2007; and

WHEREAS, these bridges are further identified as:
B-3809 Bridge 64 Pungo Creek
B-3611 Bridge 77 Pantego Creek
B-4417 Bridge 59 Jack Creek; and

WHEREAS, Smith Creek Bridge on NC Highway 99 was closed for six-months while said bridge was replaced in 1998; and

WHEREAS, the closure of Smith Creek Bridge with no provisions of an alternate bridge caused thousands of dollars and untold man hours to be lost and contributed to the closure of a main business in Belhaven.

IT IS HEREBY DECLARED a concern of all citizens and visitors using NC Highway 99 for any reason (health, business, touring and local travel) that a temporary bridge of some type be provided by DOT during the replacement of the above described bridges such that multiple potential and real negative impacts on the NC Highway 99 service area might be avoided. These concerns involve healthcare, fIre and police protection and adverse economics for area citizens and businesses.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, this the 7th day of July, 2003, that Bridge 64 on NC Highway 99, Pungo Creek, not be closed and that plans for bridge replacement be objective, based on factual information and quality engineering, utilizing the shortest bridge span, the least environmentally sensitive; the most cost effective route,and the least negative human impact.

Councilman Hodges made the motion to adopt the preceding resolution. Councilwoman Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Mayor Boyette stated that the resolution and various- letters from area emergency agencies and Pungo District Hospital would be forwarded to DOT officials and Senator Basnight."

Town Manager's Report
Town Manager Johnson spoke briefly on the following: will have a special closed session with the Council concerning the Waterfront Development, in the near future; new water plant on line within two weeks; 4th of July went real well, excellent organization and heard nothing but positive comments.

Councilman Hodges suggested that the Celebration's Committee be sent a letter commending them on a job well done.

Councilman Baker suggested that the street department be commended for a great job in cleaning up the trash after the 4th activities.

Town Manager Johnson agreed that the Celebrations Committee be sent a letter of thanks and stated that the Town employees involved in the clean-up were paid and all employees would be rewarded with a cook-out.

Beaufort Hyde News, Editor, Carole MacKay commented on the Flyover by the US Marine Corps Pedro Helicopter during the parade.

Councilwoman Heath stated that the festivities should be based on safety.

Mayor's Comments
Mayor Boyette commented on the following: breakwater repair/rocked, received a copy of a letter from Congressman which he sent to the Army Corps of Engineers concerning replacing the breakwater with rock;

Mayor Boyette and Councilman Ebron met with the volunteer fire and rescue members to find their needs and to encourage continued education in conjunction with the hospital for EMTs.

Mayor Boyette reported that the rescue department needed two pro-packs which would cost about $8,000 new or used at an estimated $3,500, Fire and Rescue stated that the future needs would be a new ambulance and fire truck.

Town Manager Johnson asked that the department send a prioritized list of needs and stated that some items may be purchased through a 50/50 grant.

Citizens Comments
Mayor Boyette recognized the following:

Ms. Mable Satterthwaite, resident of Palm Street who questioned the status of the alternate list for elevation.

Town Manager Johnson stated that to his knowledge there is no additional funding and asked Mr. Alan Crawford if the County had any additional funds through the elevation grant.

Mr. Crawford stated that there are some scattered site monies and the Belhaven list would be reviewed but only 14 homes would be eligible for these funds.'

Mrs. Lillie White spoke on behalf of Mrs. Dorothy Knox Bell, resident of Pamlico Street, who Was in attendance. Mrs. White read a list of items that Mrs. Bell wanted answered concerning a modular home which had been moved in beside her home on Pamlico Street and her concern that the home was too large for the property. Mrs. White also stated that Mrs. Bell was very disappointed with the way Town Manager Johnson had talked with her when she met with him and inspector Overholt with her concerns of the modular and its location on the property beside her home.

There was much discussion concerning the resolve of the location of the modular and Town Manager Johnson's responses to Mrs. Bell.

The consensus of the Council was for Mrs. Bell to meet with Town Manager Johnson, the Mayor and possibly a Council member to get a better understanding of the location of the modular and the responses of the Town Manager. Mrs. Bell was to contact the Mayor to set this meeting.

Mr. Walt Allen stated that with the Waterfront Study being a priority and a development issue for Belhaven that all parties, citizens, administration needed to work together. Mr. Allen praised Town Manager Johnson for the implementation of the elevation grant.

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 9:37 P.M.

 


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