Approval of Minutes – Regular Session – December 6, 2004
Mayor Boyette announced that the minutes of the December 6, 2004 meeting were open for review and approval. There being no corrections to the minutes, Councilman Baker made the motion to approve the December 6, 2004 minutes as written. Councilwoman Wilkerson seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 4 to 0.

Panelized Housing Project Update – Mr. Wade Horne, Executive Director of Community Developers of Beaufort-Hyde, Inc. (CDBH)
Mayor Boyette welcomed and introduced Mr. Wade Horne, Executive Director of CDBH, Inc.(a non profit community development organization) who was prepared to give a power point presentation on plans to build a construction center. Mr. Horne stated that the construction center would be a part of the Beaufort Hyde Construction, Inc. (BHC) is a start up, for profit company that evolved through HUD (Housing and Urban Development) funded collaboration between CDBH, Beaufort County Community College (BCCC), East Carolina University (ECU), Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), Duke Law School, numerous local, state and federal government agencies, various nonprofits, and several prominent construction firms. Mr. Horne explained that BHC would be wholly owned subsidiary of CDBH and would be engaged primarily in the manufacturing, selling and erecting of energy efficient panelized residential and light commercial building systems. This housing would be constructed inside a climate controlled facility and which would insure quality as weather would not be a factor during construction. The goals of BHC are:

1) To improve housing opportunities by building high quality, energy efficient, affordable housing to meet the needs of the area’s low-income families and nonprofit housing providers, high-end beach homebuilders, and other southeastern United States home buyers;

2) To enhance the capacity and quality of employment opportunities for area residents by creating new, higher paying jobs; and 3) To provide access and opportunity for improved quality of life and economic self-sufficiency through job skills, basic life skills, economic literacy and management training programs. Mr. Horne stated that approximately 100 jobs would be created during the first year of operation with 65% of the staff coming from single head of households, low-income and the unemployed. These employees will be taught job skills, life skills and economic literacy. Daycare will be provided for these employees. Mr. Horne explained that the construction site is proposed to be just outside the town limits of Belhaven and will boost overall economy in the area.

The Mayor, Council and audience applauded Mr. Horne for his presentation. Mr. Horne fielded questions from the audience. Mr. Bob Holz questioned if BHC would asking the Town for any funding. Mr. Horne stated that he would not be asking the town for any funding but the Town may need to act as a pass through for some of the grant applications. Mr. Horne stated that he would like to commend Mr. George Ebron for his undying interest and support of CDBH especially when the times were rough. Mr. Horne stated that Mr. Ebron support and dedication to the organization is what helped make them a viable entity. Mr. Ebron thanked Mr. Horne for his kind words and also thanked the Town Council for their support of the $10,000 loan which helped get CDBH solvent.

Wynn’s View Update – Town Manager Johnson
Mayor Boyette asked Town Manager Johnson to give an update on Wynn’s View Repair/Construction. Town Manager Johnson stated that the Wynn View Building had been raised and stabilized. Town Manager Johnson stated that the construction of stabilization was going well and that at this time the contractors were about one week behind. Town Manager Johnson stated that barring any bad weather the repairs should be completed by the end of February 2005.

Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan Approval – Resolution
Mayor Boyette stated that the Town chose to compile a joint plan with Beaufort County and the other towns in the county for Hazard Mitigation. Mayor Boyette stated that Town Manager Johnson had been involved with the compilation of the document and that the document met the requirements of the state. Mayor Boyette stated that the plan was on file at the Town Manager’s office for public review and that upon the final adoption process the Council would be given a plan. Mayor Boyette asked for a motion to approve the plan through the following resolution:
(Insert ResoHazMit0105)

Councilwoman Heath made the motion to adopt the Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan. Councilman Ebron seconded the motion which carried 4 to 0.

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

1) Sea Safari Demolition – demolition has started on Sea Safari on Water Street for the beginning of the Waterfront Development Project;

2) the Application for funding for the Public Safety Center is being submitted;

3) Bank Robbery at Cooperative Bank on Friday, December 31, 2004 – Suspect Apprehended within minutes of the silent alarm – very proud of the Police Department;

4) Martin Luther King Holiday - on the next regularly scheduled Council Meeting – Town Manager Johnson asked that the meeting date be changed to Tuesday, January 18, 2005 due to the Holiday. Councilman Baker made the motion for the next regularly scheduled meeting to be held on Tuesday, January 18, 2005 due to the Martin Luther King Holiday on Monday, January 17. Councilman Ebron seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 4 to 0.

Town Manager Johnson stated that the Council would make the first vote on the cable franchise application by Sun Burn Communications at that time. Town Manager Johnson stated that the meeting would be held in the Council Chambers due to the fact that the meeting was not a public hearing and that issues had been reviewed at previous meetings.

Mayor’s Comments
Mayor Boyette stated that the Wynn View legal issue with the engineer, contractor and architect was ongoing and should come to fruition soon as CDBH had documented information on the defaults and discrepancies which led to the west side of Wynn’s View Building settling.

Adjournment
There being no further business or any additional comments from the public. Councilwoman Wilkerson made the motion to adjourn. Councilman Ebron seconded the motion which carried unanimously, 4 to 0. The meeting adjourned at 8:55.