August 2023 Round Table Meeting Summary

Mayor Carol Pritchett and the Lake Lure Town Council held two Round Tables Meetings that were open to the public on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure and on Thursday, August 25, 2022 at Lake Lure Town Hall. The following is a brief summary of the discussion and updates provided.  

A.  Welcome: Mayor Carol Pritchett welcomed all attendees.  Commissioners introduced themselves.

• Mayor Pro Tem David DiOrio (8/23/22 and 8/25/22) 
• Commissioner Patrick Bryant (8/25/22) 
• Commissioner Scott Doster (8/23/22 and 8/25/22)
• Commissioner Jim Proctor (8/23/22 and 8/25/22)

       Additionally, the new Town Manager Hank Perkins and Fire Chief Dustin Waycaster were introduced. 

B.  Emergency Management: Fire Chief/Emergency Management Coordinator Dustin Waycaster’s provided a brief history of the Lake Lure Fire Department, an overview of local emergency services, and presented some of the new emergency response equipment including a heart monitor and an electronic bike to support mountain rescues.

C.  Everbridge: Mayor Pritchett encouraged everyone to register for Everbridge, an emergency notification service that allows the town to alert you when necessary. This is the notification system utilized by Rutherford County and it replaced the Code Red System that was formerly in place.

Note that if you were registered for Code Red, that system did not allow citizens to be automatically registered in Everbridge.  You must personally register for Everbridge if you have not already done so. You may enroll anytime by entering your contact information and subscribing based on your location.  

How It Works

When the Town of Lake Lure issues a notification about a potential safety hazard or concern, you will receive a message on the voice or text communication methods that you have registered. If requested for the notification, you can confirm that you have received the message and you will not be contacted by any subsequent methods regarding that particular notification. If you do not confirm, the system will continue to attempt to reach you at all of the contact paths that you have registered.

Sign up for Notifications

Please click here to create an account and add your contact and location information into the Mass Notification system. All information you provide will be kept strictly confidential.

Be sure to select the "Emergent/Pertinent Information" when setting up your Alert Subscriptions.

D. Project Overviews: Commissioners provided high-level updates on the following projects.  There was a brief discussion with the audience on each of these topics.

     1. Cell Tower:  

• We are working with AT&T to bring dependable, usable 5G cell and internet coverage to our area.
• A lease has been signed to place a cell tower on the Town property off Boys Camp Road, across the Broad River from Town Hall. 
• A “balloon test” conducted in late spring illustrated the visual impact of the 195’ tower on area historic properties.
• We have been advised to anticipate SHPO’s final decision by early fall. 
• At that time the Lake Lure Tower should be moving toward finalizing the Town’s permitting and onto construction.   

    2. 2023 Drawdown Schedule:

• The lake will be operational throughout the holidays and for this entire calendar year. 
• The plan is to  begin lowering the lake on 1/1/23.
• The lake will be lowered about one (1) foot per day until the lake is twelve (12) feet below full pond
• Lake levels will vary during the drawdown between (5) feet below full-pond and (12) feet below full-pond,
• The lake will begin refilling on 3/31/23. 
• Contractors working on seawall repairs/replacement must be out of the lake by 3/15/23. 

    3. Dredging:

• Dredging is still underway in the main channel and will continue throughout the year through hydraulic dredging.  Since January 1, 2022, 42,000 cubic yards of sediment have been dredged out of the lake. 
• We have spent approximately $490,000 towards the $1 million dredging budget for 2022. 
• In November we will re-apply to NC DEQ Water Resources Development Program for another grant for 2023.
• Our goal is to invest $1 million in dredging in 2023 through congoing grants with matching funds from the Town.

    4. Sewer System Replacement:  

• The replacement plan will utilize the backshore area of the lake
• We are installing a gravity lift system (GLS) that uses a combination of gravity sewer lines and pumping manholes to provide sewer access around the perimeter of the lake. 
• The sewer system replacement is a long term solution which will provide service to areas not easily served currently. 
• The Town applied for and obtained an $8 million grant for the Sewer System replacement project from the NC American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) fund,
• In addition to a $12.5 million low interest loan from the NC Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Division of Water. 
• I am pleased to report that the Town of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village are working together to develop an inter-local agreement for the sewer system.  The agreement would allow for a joint application for ARPA funds up to $30 million to support the sewer system infrastructure, if adopted.
• We will begin in January 2023 in Sunset Cove. Each of these property owners have been personally contacted.

    5.  Wastewater Treatment Plant:

• Renovations to the wastewater treatment plant will be included in Phase 1 of the replacement project described above.
• These renovations will improve its operation until the eventual rehabilitation and conversion to a biological process capable of meeting the current water quality standards.

    6.  Dam Replacement:

• The Town is utilizing another $16 million in grant funding from the NC ARPA funds to move the dam replacement project forward.
•  Most recently this has involved the reservoir drain design, permitting, and procurement. 
• We are in the process of purchasing the reservoir drain and hope to install this before the end of 2023.
• Additionally, we have submitted our 5th and 6th applications for FEMA Grants to move this project forward.
• One grant is for the 30% Design Project for the Lake Lure Replacement Dam from the FY22 FEMA Annual Appropriations. 
• The second project is for construction costs associated with the Reservoir Drain Installation from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Funding.

    7.  Collaboration with TDA for Future Growth:

• The Town of Lake Lure is excited to continue to partner with the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) and Rutherford Bound as we focus on developing the Morse Park Master Plan.
• The next phase of the plan includes enhanced trail connectivity; opportunities to further develop the amphitheater; and expanded parking in Morse Park which are integral projects that will enhance our community.
• We are actively seeking grant funding from the State of North Carolina to help pay for these significant improvements. 
• The grant funding would be used to install new restrooms, picnic shelters, and a playground in the park, as well as expanding the main parking lot near the marina.
• The parking lot will feature new parking spaces, native landscaping, and storm water control measures designed to help protect the water quality of our Town's namesake. 

    8.  Preserved Landmarks and Enhanced Viewing Areas:

• In July, we cut the ribbon to celebrate the grand opening of the newly renovated Gazebo Overlook and Walkway in Morse Park. We are thrilled with the refinement of this area, which is a true landmark for LL. 
• These entities overlook our pristine lake, the Lake Lure Beach, and the expanded Washburn Marina and floating Boardwalk. 
• These improvements were part of the previous year’s collaborative projects.
•  The Morse Park Gazebo Overlook includes the new seawall, new pathway with pavers, fencing, and gorgeous landscaping.  Also, the Gazebo has been freshly painted preserving this Lake Lure landmark for years to come!   I would like to extend my appreciation to the Rutherford County TDA for their grant of $143,750 which was matched by the Town of Lake Lure. 

    9.  Expanded Trail Parking:

• 8/25/22 at 11:00 we held a Ribbon Cutting for the Parking Lot in Buffalo Creek Trail. 
• The new parking lot provides better access to Buffalo Creek Park, Buffalo Creek Loop Trail, and the Buffalo Creek Boulder Trail.
• The parking lot previously accommodated 6-8 cars and now can accommodate as many as 35 vehicles. 
• ADA Picnic Tables are also available.

    10. Questions, Answers, Discsussion:  

         8/23/22: 

• Sand Branch Road: A resident asked Council if there has been any further discussion regarding opening Sand Branch Road as another route in and out of Rumbling Bald. Mayor explained Town is still working to make an emergency access road possible. The resident asked if it would be just for emergency use and the Mayor said that is the plan for now.
• Dredging: A resident asked about dredging in Firefly Cove. DiOrio explained that the Town has been and is going to receive funding for dredging, but is only permitted for hydraulic dredging right now – working with the state and the army corp. of engineers to be permitted for excavation dredging. DiOrio explained that the Town has gotten some necessary easements. DiOrio also noted that the Town must wait until lake is down 20 ft.
• Lake Use Regulations (LUR): A resident asked about the LUR changes that will be suggested to Marine Commission. DiOrio explained that the LAB has worked to finalize suggested changes and that Marine Commission will have final review of the changes and then will hold a public hearing following that meeting.
• Linkage with Lake Lure and Chimney Rock VIllage (CRV): A resident asked if there is an articulate strategy with connecting CRV and Lake Lure and more appeal to people spending more time in Lake Lure. Mayor noted that the municipalities are always working together, cited the Riverwalk, utilities. The resident expanded if there is any plans to develop Lake Lure downtown in the future. Commissioner Proctor noted that the HNG Chamber and TDA are key players in expanding tourism. Mayor noted that the Town has a master plan that has some ideas laid out. Proctor noted that the Zoning and Planning Board goes into implementing and achieving goals.
• Boat Access: A resident asked if there is any way for people to get off the boat to get into Chimney Rock. Council said no.  Com. Doster cited the steering committee that also plays into working with Chimney Rock and other projects.
• Board Participation: Mayor noted that she appreciates input from Rumbling Bald and is always looking for those living there to serve on boards and continue providing input.
• Morse Park Amphitheatre: A resident asked about the concert area in Morse Park and if public comment plays a factor. DiOrio noted that a public hearing was held on the master plan, which included the marina. Council encouraged people to come to board and council meetings.
• Appreciation: A resident expressed appreciation for the Council and events such as this.

         8/25/22

• Electric Sign: A resident asked when the electric sign is going to function and Director Lindsey said that we are waiting on inspection and Duke Energy to hook up connection.
• Invasive Species: A resident offered to provide knowledge regarding invasive species to anyone who would like to know.
• Boater Safety: A resident asked about boat safety specifically with vacation rental boats and lack of police presence and Mayor explained that the Lake Use Regulations are being reviewed for improvement right now and that the Town does not have enough police to be on all of the lake. Commissioner DiOrio explained the comprehensive review of the Lake Use Regulation and the training requirement and mentioned the upcoming public hearing. A resident expressed that the only way to relief issues is more police presence. Officer Carl provided input on how the department functions on the lake.
• Dredging: A resident asked about dredging and DiOrio explained the information detailed above.
• Green Space: A resident asked about Equinox and the greenspace stream and Commissioner DiOrio explained. Proctor expanded. Council discussed the use of the greenspace.