Town Council Regular Meeting Summary - September 10, 2024

The Lake Lure Town Council will hold a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

• The meeting was open to the public and was held in the Lake Lure Municipal Center at 2948 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure, NC 28746.
• The following is a summary of the meeting for those who could not attend. 
• Note that these are not formal minutes which will be included in the following month's meeting packet. 
• You may download the meeting packet for additional information. 

I.    Call to Order

Mayor Pritchett called the meeting to order and thanked everyone for their attendance.

A.  Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation

Commissioner Bryant led the invocation and everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. 

II.    Agenda Adoption

The agenda was approved as posted.

III.   Mayor’s Communication

Mayor Pritchett invited everyone to attend one of the upcoming Round Table Meetings scheduled as follows: 

WHERE: The Terrace of Legends at Rumbling Bald, 153 Mountains Blvd, Lake Lure       

or

WHEN: Thursday, 4/20/22 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

WHERE: Lake Lure Municipal Hall, 2948 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure, NC 28746

Please reserve your seat at the Round Table discussion by emailing Laura Krejci at Communications@townoflakelure or call 828-6625-9983 x 103. 

IV.   Town Manager's Communication

Town Manager Olivia Steman reported the following August 2024 highlights from the various departments.

• A Community Forum is being planned for October with LaBella Associates. The purpose of the forum will be to review the plans for the sewer system.
• The Reservoir Drain Project is on schedule and the next step is to install the knife gate valve. 
• The Town will have a mid-year fiscal review in December.
• Special thanks to Chase Harris, Wendy Terry, and Public Works for the beautiful fall decorations.
• We are also making plans for enhancing the Holiday Lighting for the Town.  
• She highlighted the following upcoming events: 
  • September 15 from 9-11 AM: Fishing with a Ranger – Morse Park
  • September 27 from 3:30 – 5:30 PM: Rutherford County Library System Bookmobile in Morse Park
  • Friday's from 4:00 - 7:00 Farmers Market
  • Additionally, she noted that the Events Team has coordinated with our concessionaires to confirm the 4th of July plans
    • Rumbling Bald plans to hold their 4th of July Celebration with fireworks on 7/4/25. 
    • Lake Lure Tours and the Lake Lure Inn will host the Community Independence Celebration on 7/5/25. 

The following is a summary of updates by each department. 

• Public Services – The Public Service Department has successfully completed their operations to keep the Town running as smoothly as possible. Routine maintenance has been completed throughout the month, such as, but not limited to, Meter Reading, Meter Installs, Water Leaks, Locates, Bulk Trash Pickup, Work Orders, Facility Maintenance, Wastewater Samples, and Dam, Wastewater Treatment Plant and Hydro Plant Maintenance. Top accomplishments/project updates:
  • Went through all Town-maintained roads and cleaned culverts.
  • Completed ditch projects on Storm Ridge and Jack London
  • Removed 3 trees that fell across roads.
  • Performed 40 pavement patches around Town.
  • Completed approximately 50 requested North Carolina 811 locates
  • Repaired 3 water leaks thru out the water system.
  • Finished the new press project at the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Installed new press and landscaped the area around the Bar Screen Press with gravel.
  • Installed new Aerator system at WWTP in contact chamber.
  • Replaced a faulty valve on the cooling line of generator number two. Greased fitting and inspected unit.
  • Worked on improving the online work request forum.
  • Training of new staff for inspections and PM work.
• Community Development – Director Williams reports another active month for community development. The department issued 20 permits for the month of August. This includes 13 Zoning, 3 Lake Structure, 4 Land Disturbance Permits, and 0 Vacation Rental Operators. The department also completed final inspection and issued certificates of completion for 17 zoning or lake structure permits. Top accomplishments/project updates:
  • Zoning and Planning Board reviewed and declined (4-1) to make a recommendation regarding the two commercial structures proposed as the replacement Public Works facility at 622 Memorial Highway. As a Town project within the Government Use zoning, the project is by permitted by right and the Board’s recommendations would have been in regard to the appearance of the project in relation to neighborhood character and physical site/building appearance. The “no recommendation” was forwarded to the Board of Adjustments for their review. The Board also began a review of the Town’s sign regulations, including a presentation of new related NC regulations.
  • Board of Adjustments conducted quasi-judicial review of the Public Works facility project, reviewing the report for Zoning & Planning and hearing reports from the Public Works Director and the Board’s Town Council liaison. The reports were in regards to the physical plans, including appearance; and the Council’s process of determining the site, including consideration of the Comprehensive Plan. The Board voted unanimously to affirm the project with several recommendations relating to view screening and security fencing. The Board also conducted two quasi-judicial reviews of variance requests. First was to exempt a new business opening in the old retail space at 2400 Memorial Highway from the required parking delineators and ingress/egress limitations due to the limitations of the existing structure, parking and physical characteristics of the lot. The second was property owner’s request to exceed the maximum allowed land disturbance area on his new home project from 50% to 52.75%, in order to meet the Town’s other slope grading requirements. Both were approved. denied and recommended for Zoning and Planning Board consideration for ordinance change.
  • Lake Structure Appeals Board had no new business.
• Fire / Emergency Management – Chief Waycaster noted that it was still a busy month in August. The department responded to 43 fire/medical/rescue calls throughout the month. Firefighters completed 282 Hours of Training this month. Partial list of accomplishments:
  • Completed extinguisher/medical training at the Lake Lure Classical Academy.
  • Assisted with the Lake Lure Olympiad.
  • Assisted with installation of the new weather siren equipment.
• Police – Chief Humphries noted that the department is back to full capacity with the hiring of Officer Willett. Officer Willett is in training learning the roadways. He has been an officer in another jurisdiction so training should not take long. We are thrilled to have a full, full time staff again. We also look forward to training Park, Rec & Lake’s new officer who will help the P.D. as needed. Summer is winding down, the beach is now closed for the season. Officers continue to drive our roadways and patrol the waters of Lake Lure. Yearly training for the state continues for each officer, as they have yearly updates to study and pass. Top accomplishments:
  • August 3rd, Corporal Collins was patrolling Burroughs and came upon two homeless individuals. When Corporal Collins attempted to check the backgrounds of both, however due to no signal, he had Rutherford Communications run them. Communications was unable to find the male subject by the name he gave. Corporal Collins told the two to move on. Once Collins was able to get to an area with a signal, he was able to find another subject that looked like the homeless man. He immediately searched and found the subject by the Lake Lure Inn. The male fled. Sergeant Umphlett along with several other agencies were called to assist. The male was apprehended and taken into custody. The male was a sexual offender with open warrants.
  • The use of the LLPD Speed Trailer parked in an area of downtown, has had good results in reminding drivers to slow down in this area where pedestrians cross the roadway frequently.
  • Officers are working closely with NC State Rangers on ways to help the community in ridding bears around trash dumpster at businesses and trash receptacles used at homes/vacation rentals. Bear sightings have increased significantly in populated areas where bears know food is being thrown out and easy to get to. Rangers and Officers first meeting was promising with some new ideas being used.
• Parks, Recreation & Lake – Director Bradley noted that the Parks, Recreation, and Lake Department had a busy month in August. As peak season winds down, the department is working on calculating boat permit sales for 2024 in order to project numbers for the ordering of 2025 boat permits. Top Accomplishments:
  • Utilized a total of 109 volunteer hours, valued at $2,180
  • Hired and began training new staff member, Adam Nix.
  • Continued assisting Stott Construction with dredging operations.
• Finance – Director Ford reported that Revenues and Expenditures Reports for a bimonthly report will be provided at the September work session. As in prior fiscal years and recent accounting periods, revenues tracked for the last accounting period as projected and departments always do well in monitoring expenditures in individual line items in the departmental budgets. These will remain until final trial balances are determined and audited from prior year audit.
  • Revenues and Expenditures Reports for a bimonthly report will be provided at the September work session. As in prior fiscal years and recent accounting periods, revenues tracked for the last accounting period as projected. Departments continually do well in monitoring expenditures in individual line items in the departmental budgets. There may be accruals for expenditures and revenues (same as last prior year) due to the audit reporting beginning for 23-24 fiscal year. These will remain until final trial balances are determined and audited from prior year audit. Analysis and research to various components of the purchasing, invoicing, and vendor system continues. This effort is being made to generate cost savings, eliminate replication and overall efficiency.
  • The Town continues to have a strong financial position with an unreconciled bank balance of approximately $8,570,000 for all funds other than special revenue (the Dam Fund). The dam fund is showing a balance of $11,150,000.00 after significant expenditures related to the valve addition are continuing to be posted.
  • Analysis and research to various components of the purchasing, invoicing, and vendor system continues. This effort is being made to generate cost savings, eliminate replication and overall efficiency.
  • Regarding the audit status, sampling is still occurring along with accounting procedure clarification. The Local Government Commission has followed up on the audit as well as other prior findings. The Town Manager will soon send a progress and status report regarding the Town’s current and future interaction with the LGC’s Team.
  • The County’s Revenue Department reported that the Tryon Bay property was sold for the tax liens plus demolition and property upkeep costs added by the Town. The Town will soon receive a recoupment of the majority of the costs related to the property.
• Communications – Communications Director Krejci continues her community outreach along with progress in all areas. There were 30 news articles published on the town’s website. Additionally, 2,233 individuals received town news via hyperlink. There were 28,000 website users in August. Director Krejci also continues to work tirelessly on grant applications and follow-ups. Top Highlights:
  • August Events: Washburn/Watkins Memorial Service in Morse Park and recognition of the original Olympiad Board
  • Upcoming Events:
    • September 15 from 9-11 AM: Fishing with a Ranger – Morse Park
    • September 17, 2024 at 6:00: Round Table Meeting at Rumbling Bald Terrace
    • September 19, 2024 at 6:00: Round Table Meeting at Town Hall
    • September 27, 2024 from 3:30 – 5:30 PM: Rutherford County Library System Bookmobile in Morse Park
  • Website and Social Media Management: 38% increase in Website Users (28K) over the same time period in 2023 with 30 news posts in 8/24, 8% increase in Facebook Followers (21,547) over the same time period in 2023, with 34 posts in 8/24.
• Manager / Clerk / Admin Summary: Town Manager Stewman reported that August was a busy month including an array of staff, council, and board meetings and ever-changing day-to-day operations. Highlights:
  • Dredging operations are now underway with the supervision of our Parks, Recreation, and Lake Department.
  • Created a new dual position for the Public Services Administrative Support / GIS Technician. A former summer intern who helped with mapping utilities will be filling the position.
  • Accepted a Water AIA State Reserve Grant Offer and a Lea Service Line Loan Funding Offer.
  • Held a special meeting with the sewer replacement project design-build team to discuss the next phases in the sewer project. The plan for the upcoming drawdown it to investigate the backshore and existing sewer system. During this time, the Public Services Department will also be making repairs as they are identified. Simultaneously, LaBella is evaluating alternative systems (low pressure or hybrid) to accommodate the most cost-effective way to proceed with the replacement of the sewer.
  • Drilling below the dam was recently completed. Morgan Corporation is currently awaiting the delivery of 72-inch pipe which is currently undergoing minor repairs. The next major steps are delivery and installation of the knife gate valve, which is currently in Morgan Corporation’s possession. We are still waiting for an inspection and delivery date for the jet flow valve, but it is expected within the next couple of weeks. The completion of the project is still set for this fall.
  • Schnabel Engineering is steadily working towards the completion of the replacement dam investigation and design work. In the interim, the Town has tasked Schnabel with providing us with proposed work orders to assess the repair or replacement of the Tainter gates. Schnabel should have the proposed work orders finalized very soon.
  • Town staff has been working on decorating for fall. The hope is to have a couple of displays for both visitors and full-time residents to enjoy. Mrs. Wendy Terry and Chase Harris have been the masterminds behind the decorations, so their hard work is appreciated. Various departments are holding meetings to prepare for the holiday season, as it will be upon us soon.
  • Town Clerk Elba Willette is working towards solutions to enhancing the sound system in the Council Chambers at this time. 

V.    Council Liaison Reports and Comments

The following updates were provided by the Commissioners who serve as Board Liaisons.

• ABC Board: Commissioner Scott Doster noted that the ABC Store is doing well and they just completed their annual audit.
  • Net sales are up 4% and the store just provided $7,700 to alcohol education, $5,500 to law enforcement and $54,000 to the Town.  
  • The auditor was extremely complementary of the staff and the store.
  • Thanks to the manager, the staff and the ABC Board and the Finance Officer. 
  • The Mayor thanked Commissioner Doster for his work with the Board as well.

• Board of Adjustments/Lake Structure Appeals Board: Mayor Pro Tem David Diorio provided the following updates. 
  • A Special Use Permit was issued at the last meeting for the Public Works Building.
  • The Board approved plans for the new Public Works Buildings.
  • He advised that there were new owners for the old train museum.  The Board reviewed the building plans and the parking area is being revised. They have a green light to put family friendly activities in the building. 
  • The land disturbances and issues on Hawthorn Drive have been resolved within the existing permits.  It is now classified as "stable" and the owners are doing everything they said they would do.  Community Development is overseeing the process. 

• Lake Advisory Board (LAB): Mayor Pro Tem David Diorio noted that he just provided a report to the Marine Commission so he will not repeat that. 

• Parks and Recreation Board: Commissioner Jim Proctor reported the following updates: 
  • Adam Nix is the new Parks, Recreation and Trails Coordinator.
  • There were 109 volunteer hours but does not include the Flowering Bridge and Conserving Carolina volunteer hours.
  • A Trail Workday is scheduled for 9/12/24 Weed Patch Mountain Trail. 
  • A Trail Workday is scheduled for 9/19 Buffalo Creek Park. 
  • The Town is in the process of upgrading the local trail maps.
  • We appreciate all the volunteers working to enhance the Town Parks and Trails. 
  • The Board met last week and are working on updating the comprehensive plan. First draft of the plan will be ready in October.

• Short-Term Rental Board: Mayor Pritchett advised that Commissioner Bryant would serve as the liaison for the new Vacation Rental Board and he will report later in the meeting.  

• Zoning and Planning: Commissioner Scott Doster reported the following updates.
  • The Board met to review plans for the new Public Works Buildings, relocated from behind the Arcade Build. They will be behind the current Parks, Recreation, and Lake Building.
  • They approved designs for the buildings.  The property is zoned General Use. There will be landscaping to ensure the buildling is asthetically pleasing.
  • There will be an open position (Dave Keenan's position) coming up at the end of the year so put in an application if you are interested in serving on this board.

Mayor Pritchett thanked everyone who serves on the Town Boards. 

VI.   Public Comment: 

The Mayor opened the meeting up for Public Comment.  She reminded the audience that comments limited to three minutes or less.  Comments may also be submitted in writing to the town clerk, ewillette@townoflakelure.com at least one hour prior to the meeting.

1. Holly Jensen: 218 Boys Camp Road, Lake Lure.  Ms. Jenson spoke regarding the cell tower project.  She advised that she and her neighbors sent a letter to the Town on 7/5/24 and she stated they have yet to receive a substantive response from the Town regarding their concerns.  She noted that she has had two brief conversations with Town Attorney William Morgan, the last of which was 8/13/24.  She has attempted to get in touch with him for further updates.  She stated that she and her neighbors would like to work with the Town to find an alternate location for the cell tower.  She asked for a substantive response to their letter by next Friday. 

2. Wade Opplinger: 180 Riverside Drive, Bat Cave. He stated that he was from Lake Lure Rowing. He advised that he spent the summer standing by and watching what goes on.  He asked if the Town would revisit the Lake Lure Beach open and close policy.  He stated  It is closed on week days after the first week in August. He noted that this was the bathroom for the Pool Creek Picnic Park area and there is no other bathroom on this side of town.  He added that this puts pressure on Private Businesses. He noted that he spent time apologizing to people who came to go to the Beach and were disappointed that it was closed.  He stated that it worried him that the beach was closed so soon in the year. He hoped there could be further discussion on this issue. 

3. Moe Bay: 193 Deer Trail, Lake Lure.  Ms. Bay stated that she and the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Board was going to try to begin tracking volunteer hours.  

4. Kathie Hatfield: 125 Falcon Way, Lake Lure.  Ms. Hatfield noted that she was the Chair of the Lake Advisory Board. She requested that the Board begin reporting to the Town Council meeting in addition to the Marine Commission to ensure more people know what was taking place.  

VII.  Consent Agenda

A.   Approval of the August 13, 2024 Regular Town Council Meeting, the August 22, 2024 Special Town Council Meeting, and the August 28, 2024 Work Session and Action Meeting Minutes.

The Consent Agenda was approved. 

VIII. Unfinished Business

There was no unfinished business.

IX.  New Business: 

A.  Request to remove tree within elevation 995’ & trout buffer.

• Community Development Director Mike Williams reported that Development and Environmental Review Specialist Richard Carpenter was asked to inspect a tree for removal at 410 Charlotte Drive by Temo Melgar.
• Upon inspection, it appeared that the tree in question was classified as significant, in a healthy condition, and within elevation 995’.
• Town staff directed Temo to request removal from Town Council due to the tree location, and that re-planting would be required.
• Staff determined that there did not appear to be an immediate need to remove the tree in question.
• Per town code, if removed, the tree should be re-planted based on the diameter of the tree.
• The tree is a large canopy tree that is providing valuable ecosystem benefits for the lake.
• Removal should only be considered as a last resort for trees of this caliber.

Town Council approved the tree removal with the requirement that a tree be replanted in the general area. 

B.  Consider  Approval  of  Contract  with  Odom  Engineering  for  the  Morse  Park Improvement Design Project

• Odom Engineering was awarded the bid for the design of the Morse Park Improvements Project at the July 24th Work Session and Action Meeting.
• Odom has presented the Town with a proposed contract to complete the project which requires approval from Town Council.
• The following conceptual drawing illustrates the 2024 phase with expanded parking.

Town Council approved the contract with Odom Engineering for the Morse Park Improvement Design Project.

C.  Review Updated Workforce Housing Conceptual Site Plan

• Odom Engineering previously presented a draft conceptual workforce housing site plan at the August Work Session and Action Meeting.
• At this meeting, it was discussed that the firing range and former dump site may impede the plan as it was presented.
• Odom Engineering has revised the draft conceptual site plan to exclude the firing range and dump site.
• There was a discussion about moving forward with getting an estimate for remediation of the firing range. 
• It is possible the Town could get a grant for the remediation through the EPA. 

Town Council would like to see the costs for the remediation.   

D.  Short Term Rental Advisory Board Appointments

• Commissioner Patrick Bryant noted that Town Council recently established a Short Term Rental Advisory Board.
• The Town has been accepting applications for those interested in serving as board members.
• Town Council reviewed the applications at the August Work Session and Action Meeting.
• Following the meeting, the Town Clerk provided Council members with a ballot that was returned prior to the meeting.

Based on the ballots, Council appointed the following five regular board members.

• Trace Bosewell
• Beth Heer
• Maria Machado
• Scott Martin
• Jennifer Romaine

X.  Closed Session: 

In accordance with G.S. 143-318.11(a) (3), Town Council went into a closed session for attorney-client privilege or legal claims.

XI.  Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned.