Lakre Lure Department Head Summaries - February 2025

Public Services – 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. In addition, public services have assisted in a number of storm recovery tasks. Top accomplishments/project updates:  The Arcade Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) has been brought online  Repaired Green Space across from the Fire Department. Project repaired draining to prevent future erosion issues.  Completed boring underneath WWTP road for conduits  Ditches were cleaned throughout the town  PW Crew begins work on re-beautifying Morse Park  Repaired 3 water leaks throughout the water system  Completed approximately 15 hard trash requests  Completed approximately 14 requested North Carolina 811 locates Community Development – Director Williams reports that the department continues permitting operations and they are working to assist residents with permitting and questions related to rebuilding and repairs related to Hurricane Helene. Top accomplishments/project updates:  The Department is working with public safety and GIS staff to create a list and database of damaged lake structures. This list will be provided to FEMA to allow them to assess the creation of a scope for removals of substantial damaged structures as their operations continue across the lake. Letters were sent to all property owners with substantially damaged lake structures. 6 of 123  Assisted FEMA and ICF with ongoing storm related questions from a community development perspective.  The cell tower permitting is estimated to be finalized by summer of this year. Fire / Emergency Management –It was still a busy month in February. The department responded to 36 fire/medical/rescue calls throughout the month. Firefighters completed 363 Hours of Training this month. Partial list of accomplishments:  Assisted the National Guard on trail system recovery.  Completed annual service testing of the SCBAs.  Provided mutual aid to Bills Creek Fire Department for three structure fires in one day.  Assisted Fire Department in McDowell County by providing crew for district standby during the service for passing of the former chief.  Assisted or completed various tasks related to storm recovery including debris cleanup, identification of substantially damaged lake structures, and more. Police – The department is handling regular operations and assisting with storm recovery. As is usual for this time of year, visitor traffic to the area remains slow, with the exception of numerous dump trucks helping our town become normal again. While traffic is slower throughout the downtown area, on Sunday, February 23rd there was a Lake Lure-Chimney Rock Relief Ride where all donations were for the Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach of Lake Lure. Bikers met at Lastrada Restaurant. Our officers stood by to assist with traffic in the area as needed. Lake Lure Classical Academy held a 2-day Basketball Tournament. LLCA School Administrators requested LLPD attend for extra presence to assist the county School Resource Officer. The two day event went great with no issues. Top accomplishments:  Officers responded to a domestic fight earlier this month which involved an AK-47 firearm. A woman and infant were able to escape from the aggressor and get to safety. This case is currently pending in court.  This month several calls were received, each involving “Obtaining Property by False Pretense”. Each case involved individuals who had, thought they befriended a woman, who claimed needed money for various reasons. All victims lost several thousand dollars each in this scheme where the Suspect claimed they lived in Lake Lure.  Officer Shuford, Chief Humphries and the County Resource Officer joined Principal Cohan, teachers and parents at Lake Lure Classical Academy for a Parent –Teacher Question and Answer Conference. This is always a great time for all to sit together and go over any concerns that anyone may have. 7 of 123 Parks, Recreation & Lake – The Parks, Recreation, and Lake Department has been focusing heavily on restoration of the lake, parks, and trails damaged by Hurricane Helene. The Department is also taking the lead on consistent completion of water sampling to ensure environmental health of the lake. Top Accomplishments:  Utilized a total of 220 volunteer hours, valued at $1,280.  Got approved for a grant to fully fund a replacement playground.  Reconnected 63 non-motorized vessels that were lost during the hurricane with their owners.  USACE/Ashbritt continues debris removal from the lake. Finance – The finance department is handling day-to-day financial operations, assisting ICF and FEMA with obtaining additional funding related to Hurricane Helene, and budget preparation for the next fiscal year is currently underway.  Revenues and Expenditures Reports are provided as separate attachments to supplement this summary. Property Tax Revenue, state shared revenue, and land use continue to track as projected with adjusted estimates in light of the change in operations and collections. The other revenue sources are being analyzed in conjunction with revenue replacement possibilities that have been offered through FEMA and most currently by the NC Treasurer.  The Town’s financial position with an unreconciled bank balance of approximately $9,000,000 for all funds other than special revenue funds (the Dam Fund) which still holds a balance of $8,700,000.00. State revenue replacement loan proceeds, FEMA reimbursements, and ARPA reimbursements will greatly enhance the Town’s position.  The FY 23 audit report is complete and now the FY 24 audit will hopefully be implemented and concluded at a reasonable pace.  Insurance changes and reviews are being discussed with the Town’s carrier. Updates will be provided to the Town Manager in order to review and share with Town Council.  Bids are being accepted for Dental, Vision and Life are now being reviewed by HR in conjunction with Finance. Results are being carefully monitored for budget recommendations and changes.  Other contracts such as sanitation, banking, and investment will be opted for bids in order to evaluate cost savings and establish extended service terms. Communications – Communications Director Krejci continues her community outreach which is greater than every due to ongoing recovery events. There were 39 news articles published on the town’s website. Additionally, 2,579 individuals received town news via hyperlink. Director Krejci also continues working on FEMA grant funding for the dam and events coordination.