Town Council Meeting Summary from Tuesday, May 10, 2022

The Lake Lure Town Council held a Regular Town Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. in Municipal Hall located at 2948 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure, North Carolina 28746.  There were 28 in attendance for the meeting. If you were unable to attend the meeting, you may view the recording of the meeting here.   The following is a summary of the meeting for those who could not attend.  The minutes from this meeting will be included in the following month's meeting packet. 

I. Call to Order: Mayor Pritchett called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

II. Agenda Adoption: The Agenda was adopted as written.

III. Mayor's Communications: Mayor Pritchett thanked everyone for attending the meeting.  She took this opportunity to recognize Olivia Stewman for her leadership as the Interim Town Manager while continuing to serve as the Town Clerk during the Town Manager search. Mayor Pritchett presented her with a bouquet of flowers and a card from the staff and Town Council.  

IV. Town Manager's Communications: Interim Town Clerk Olivia Stewman thanked the Mayor and the staff for supporting her during her tenure.  She reported that a Budget Meeting was held on Monday, 5/9/22. We are working to pass the budget in June.  She announced that International Firefighter Appreciation Day was 5/4/22 and National Law Enforcement Week is this week.  We should recognize them all every day for their effort.  She noted that one of the Police Corporals Aaron Collins has been given an award for his recent arrest of the individuals who were stealing gas from Ingles.  Ms. Stewman also recognized Americorp Member Samantha Brooks for her service as this is her last week on duty and she has done an amazing job. 

V. Council Liaison Reports and Comments:  Please see the web pages linked below for each board to review their respective meeting schedules. The public is welcome to attend any of these board meetings. You may view the agendas and minutes for each board here. 

Zoning and Planning: Commissioner/Board Liaison Scott Doster reported that this board did not meet this month.  

Utilities Advisory Board: Commissioner/Board Liaison Scott Doster reported that the Board completed the new Sewer System Registration which he will bring to the Town Council later this month for approval.  

Board of Adjustment/Lake Structure Appeals Board: Commissioner/Board Liaison Dave DiOrio presented an overview of the work that the board is doing to clarify the guidelines for lake structures.

Lake Advisory Board: Commissioner/Board Liaison Dave DiOrio recognized Bill Bay as member of the board who was a great American and citizen of Lake Lure.  He recently passed away and his work on behalf of Lake Lure will live on as we continue the work of the board.  Commissioner DiOrio reported that there was a NC regulation that states that all boats must be registered with the State.  There are some boats on Lake Lure that have not been registered.  Additionally, some boats on Lake Lure do not have current boat permits.  The Lake Lure Police are following up on these matters. COmmissioner Diorio reported that the Town will need access to all boat houses and other areas along the lake parameter as the Sewer System replacement proceeds.  There will be additional information on this moving forward.  He announced that the Lake Advisory Board was working to develop a training program that everyone will go through before obtaining a boat permit next year to ensure greater safety on our lake. 

Parks and Recreation Board: Commissioner Dave DiOrio attended this Board Meeting on behalf of Commissioner Patrick Bryant this month and provided the following report.  He recognized the time and effort of Dave Lusk who volunteered his time to help renovate the old Golf Course Clubhouse into the new Parks, Recreation, and Lake Department Office Space.  He mentioned the transition that is underway with the old Golf Course which is now Green Space.  He noted that the plan is to develop this as green space for the community and to let the grassy areas develop naturally while restoring the creek that is falling in a bit in places. Commissioner DiOrio mentioned the new parking spaces that are now available at Buffalo Creek Park.  He added that the Flowering Bridge looked beautiful and mentioned their brick Campaign which was being held to raise additional funds for their efforts.      

ABC Board: Commissioner/Board Liaison Jim Proctor reported that there was nothing new to report from the ABC Board.  

VI. Public Comment: The public was invited to speak and the following individuals came forward: 

A. Wade Oppliger from bat Cave gave a brief overview of his organization, Lake Lure Rowing.  He distributed a brochure with information about their organization which is attached below in supporting documents. He invited everyone to come out and participate with Lake Lure Rowing whenever they could. Mayor Pritchett thanked Mr. Oppliger for sharing this overview. 

B. Kathy Tanner and several members from the Friends of the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Board came and shared an update on the bridge mission, vision, actions and accomplishments, including the 185,000 people who have come to see the bridge over the past year.  Ms. Tanner shared the brochure and handouts attached below under supporting documents.  She provided an overview of their plans to expand, adding an education center.  They are applying for grants to support their efforts and have already received a $10,000 grant.  mayor Pritchett praised their efforts and thanked them for all they do.                                                                                                  

VII. Consent Agenda: The items in the consent agenda were briefly discussed and then approved as written.

A. Approval of the March 4, 2022 Reconvened Meeting Minutes, the April 12, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes, and the April 27, 2022 Special Work Session Meeting Minutes

B. Budget Amendment (BA) #330 - Covering Department Overruns-Fuel & Repairs/Maint. Vehicles

C. Budget Amendment (BA) #331 - Covering Department Overruns-Supplies/Chemicals

D. Budget Amendment (BA) #332 - Covering Department Overruns- Salary & Retirement

E. Approval of the Dirty Dancing Festival as a Town Sanctioned Event with Suspension of Chapter 8 Article II: “Peddlers” Code of Ordinances; Waiver of the Noise Regulation; Chapter 20 Article I Sec. 20-28 of the Noise Regulation; and Suspension of Chapter 30, Article II Sec. 30- 19 through 30-35 Regulations and Article III Sec. 30-56 through 30-94.: Parking Violations; Enforcement.

F. Approval of the “PAWS” (Pets are Worth Saving) Pet Fest at Morse Park with Suspension of Chapter 8 Article II: “Peddlers” Code of Ordinances; Waiver of Noise Regulation; Chapter 20 Article I Sec. 20-28 of the Noise Regulation.

VIII. New Business: The contract was approved.
A. Approval of the DBIA Contract with Design Builder Ruby-Collins, Inc.

IX. Closed Session: There was a brief recess before moving into a closed session.
A. In accordance with G.S. 143-318.11(a) (3) for the purpose of discussing attorney-client privilege or legal claims.

X. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned following the closed session.