Approval of Minutes – Regular and Closed Session – November 1, 2004
Mayor Boyette stated that the minutes of the November 1, 2004 Regular and Closed Session were open for review and approval. There being no corrections to the minutes, Councilman Hodges made the motion to approve the November 1, Regular and Closed Session minutes. Councilwoman Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously 4 to 0.

Community Developers of Beaufort- Hyde – Presentation
Mayor Boyette stated that Mr. Wade Horne, Executive Director of Community Developers of Beaufort-Hyde (CDBH) was present and had a presentation to the Council. Councilman Baker arrived at this time. Mr. Horne stated that the Town of Belhaven had always been supportive of CDBH. Mr. Horne explained that because of the Town’s support the North Carolina Community Development Initiative, Inc. presented the “Local Government Award” for “Leadership, Investment and Commitment to Improving Underdeveloped Communities” to the Town of Belhaven on the 23rd of October, 2004. Mayor Boyette stated that Belhaven was the only municipality to receive this award.

Public Safety Center – Council Discussion
Mayor Boyette stated that for some time the Police Department has needed a new facility due to the continued flooding of Town Hall. Mayor Boyette stated that Town Manager Johnson had met with representatives from Rural Development concerning grant funds and loans for the building of the new facility to house the Police and Fire & Rescue Departments. Mayor Boyette stated that the fire and rescue building was very old, had been remodeled several times and had numerous problems. Mayor Boyette stated that ideally the location of the police department would be on the town property involving the Welcome Center and Caboose with the Fire Department located for rear drive-through existing onto Haslin Street. Mayor Boyette stated that the Chamber could be located on the property behind the Municipal Building or located in the Town Hall.

Town Manager Johnson stated that Rural Development was going to have 60 million in loans and 4.4 million in grants available to sixteen states in the spring of 2005. Town Manager Johnson stated that if the town council wished to proceed with application of grants and loans a feasibility study would be needed along with an environmental impact study.

Mr. Walt Allen, resident, asked if any Homeland Securities monies were available. Town Manager Johnson stated that larger cities were more likely to get that type of funding but that may be a potential resource for funding.

Mayor Boyette asked for a motion to proceed to seek funding, grants and loans, to build the Public Safety Center. Councilman Ebron made the motion directing Town Manager Johnson to proceed with needed studies and to seek funding through grants and loans. Councilwoman Heath seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 5 to 0.

Tooley Street Area – Drainage Problem
Mayor Boyette stated that the Council had heard a complaint from Dr. J. T. Wright of 970 Latham Street concerning poor drainage in his area and the drainage and Latham and Tooley Street emptying onto his property. Mayor Boyette informed the public that he and the Town Manager had reviewed the drainage area and found that the terra cotta drainage pipe was broken in several places and needed replacing. Mayor Boyette further explained that in order to replace this drainage pipe easements from all property owners would need to be signed allowing the town to access their property for this drainage repair. Town Manager Johnson stated that the replacement of this tile would improve the drainage but not entirely repair the problem because there was not enough fall in the land to force the water entirely off of Dr. Wright’s property. Town Manager Johnson warned that there would be a lot of digging needed to replace this tile with the backhoe and by hand.

Mayor Boyette recognized Mr. Jules Purvis of Lamont Street who stated that there were also drainage problems on the corner of Lamont and Pungo Street. Town Manager Johnson stated that there was another lead ditch between Lamont and Tooley Streets which has also been damaged and did not drain.

After some discussion, Councilman Hodges directed Town Manager Johnson to proceed with easements from the property owners involved and to replace the broken tile leading to the back of Dr. Wright’s property. Councilman Baker seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 5 to 0.

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

1) the first meeting in January 2005 the Council and public would review a power point presentation by CDBH for the implementation of a Construction Center which would employ up to 110 people and that the meeting would be held at the Civic Center;

2) Historically, due to the lack of business the second meeting in December has been cancelled – following some discussion Councilman Baker made the motion to cancel the December 20, 2004 meeting, Councilwoman Wilkerson seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 5 to 0. 3).

2) Next Meeting will be at the Civic Center, groundbreaking of the Post Office will be on Tuesday, December 7, at 11:00 A.M.;

4)Employee Christmas Party, Friday, December 7 at the Boyette Civic Center – 6:30 P.M.; Holidays: Municipal Building Closed Thursday and Friday December 23 and 24 and on Monday, December 27 for the Christmas Holiday and closed on Friday, December 31, for the New Year’s Holiday – Residential Garbage Collection will remain on regular schedule (Monday pickup).

Mayor’s Comments
Mayor Boyette reported briefly on the following: Christmas Parade – very disappointed with the number in the parade and spectators. Mrs. Pat Holz, Celebrations Committee member stated there was no active leadership – Mayor Boyette suggested that the Celebration Committee plan for next year’s Christmas Parade now. Mayor Boyette stated that Mr. David Crosby, representing the Chamber worked very hard single handedly and should be commended. Town Manager Johnson stated that funds were budgeted for the Celebrations Committee to organize the Christmas Parade.

No Public Comments – Adjourn
There being no comments from the public, Councilman Hodges made the motion to adjourn. Councilwoman Wilkerson seconded the motion which carried unanimously.