Lake Lure Regular Town Council Meeting Summary - April 8, 2025

• Thank you to all those who joined the Town of Lake Lure Regular Town Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. 

• The meeting was held at The Lakeside Terrace at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure, 153 Mountains Blvd. Lake Lure, NC 28746. 

• The public was invited to attend the meeting. 

• The following is a summary of the meeting for those who were unable to attend. 

• This summary is not considered formal minutes which will be included in the following month's Town Council Meeting Packet.

I. Call to Order

Mayor Pritchett opened the meeting thanked Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure for use of the beautiful location and the continued support.

II. Agenda Adoption

The agenda was approved with the addition of Resolution No. 25-04-08 to approve plans to build a future Public Safety Facility on Highway 9, Lake Lure, NC 28746 and to seek Funding for this facility through the 2026 Congressional Community Project funding.

III. Mayor’s Communication

Mayor Pritchett began by thanking everyone for their attendance at the meeting.  She remarked that so much has been achieved already and we continue to move forward with plans to flourish. Mayor Pritchett advised that subsurface debris removal has begun which is a huge step in the right direction Lake restoration. She asked for everyone's patience as the work continues throughout Town.

Mayor Pritchett expressed appreciation to the Public Works Department for all they have done to beautify the Town, especially in Morse Park.  

IV. Town Manager's Communication

Town Manager Olivia Stewman gave an update on the projects the Town is currently working on.

• On March 27, 2025 the Drain Valve project was completed.
• The Lake Lure Firefighters began providing coverage at the Fairfield Mountains Fire Department on April 1, 2025. The Town now has paid staff providing coverage 24/7.  A Firefighters who are Advance Medical Technicians are providing coverage.  There have been two medical calls this month and the response time was dramatically quicker and staff were able to stabilize the patient in a timely manner.  The new heart monitor will be a huge benefit.
• Our 2024-2025 Budget will be coming to a close at the end of the Fiscal Year in June. We will have the 2025-2026 Budget draft at the April Work Session.
• We will celebrate a soft opening for Morse Park with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on April 25, 2025 at 11:00am. We will also be celebrating Arbor Day!  Please join us!

V. Council Liaison Reports and Comments

Commissioner Scott Doster began with the ABC Board met March 17, 2025. The store continues to do well. Zoning and planning board met on March 18, 2025 and approved Masterdocks permit for moving the building to road front. Also working on signage.

• Commissioner Dave DiOrio stated that Bord of Adjustment also approved the plans for Master Docks, and no other business was discussed.
• Commissionaer DiOrio reported that the Lake Advisory Board met. He stated that 9 out of 10 boats were totaled in the hurricane. People will be buying new boats and the Lake Advisory Board looking at updating regulations as the newer boats do not meet the current regulations.
• Commissioner Jim Proctor stated that Parks and Rec Board met last Thursday. There was a lot of discussion about storm recovery and the comprehensive plan. Last month we had well over 1000 hours of volunteers.
• Commissioner Patrick Bryant advised that the Short-Term Rental Advisory Board will hopefully start meeting at the end of the month.

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of March 2025 Minutes: The approval of the March 2025 Minutes will be postponed until the work session meeting schedule for April 23, 2025 to make a few minor changes.

VII. Unfinished Business

There is no unfinished business to discuss.

VIII. New Business

A. Lake Lure Classical Academy Presentation: Lake Lure Classical Academy students came to speak about tall the school offers.  The following students took turns speaking about various aspects of the school.

• Senior Adler Knight, Junior Judson Brogdon
• Sophomore Marcy Kunes,
• Freshmen Riley Laurita
• 8^th grader Anna Sias
• You may download the Lake Lure Classical Academy Student Presentation

B. Comprehensive plan agreement: The Town will be working with Foothill's Regional Commission (FRC) to develop an updated Comprehensive Plan, as the current plan expires in 2027.

• The Town previously approved the scope of work proposed by FRC.
• Based on this approval, FRC has submitted a draft contract for Council’s consideration.
• The cost for completion is estimated at $50,000.
• FRC intends to begin work around in early summer in conjunction with the new fiscal year.

Town Council approved the contract.

C. Storm Recovery Updates

Town Manager, Olivia Stewman gave storm updates.

• The subsurface debris removal has officially been approved and work has begun.
• FEMA has obligated 2 projects estimated $1.5 million.
• The West end sewer project is moving forward quicker than expected.
• Work should begin on the Proctor Rd. landslide is scheduled to begin on May 19, 2025 . This project is expected to take 1-2 months.
• FEMA site visits to assess mitigation projects continue and more will be scheduled in the coming weeks.
• Work is taking place on Buffalo Creek and Weed Patch Mountain Trail and we are hoping they will be reopening soon. 
• Water Samples have been taken in various areas around the Lake and the results are very encouraging. The only issue noted is turbidity.
• The Private Property Debris Removal Program, offered through the US Army Corps of Engineers is ongoing. SHe advised that they will be wrapping up soon and encouraged anyone needing assistance to apply as soon as possible. 
• Mayor Pritchett made a statement advising that with the subsurface debris removal beginning we will see an influx in traffic and heavy trucks. She asked for everyone's patience as they continue to clear the Lake of the debris and silt.
   

D. Resolution No. 25-04-08 Approval of plans to build a future Public Safety Facility on Highway 9, Lake Lure, NC 28746 and to seek funding for this facility immediately through the 2026 Congressional Community Project Funding Application.

• Town Manager, Olivia Stewman advised that the Public Safety Facility was eligible for consideration for Congressional Project Funding. The project is expected to cost 21 million dollars. The plan is to build the new facility on Highway 9 across from Ingles, adjacent to the Dittmer-Watts Natue Trail.  This centralized location will allow for excellent response times and visibility to the community.

Resolution No. 25-04-08 was approved as presented. 

IX. Public Comment

The public is invited to speak. The Mayor reminded speakers to please keep their comments limited to three minutes or less. 

1. The staff from the Personal Property Debris Removal Program spoke advising that the program will run through the end of April. Anyone who wishes to apply should do so as soon as possible. There hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am- 6:00pm and Saturday 9:00am- 2:00pm.

2. Annie Dance (1936 Coopers Gap Rd.) Advised that she is a independent journalist and asked how often council briefings were held. Mayor Pritchett advised that currently meetings are held once a week on Monday’s at 10:00 am.

SHe stated that the damaged lake structures show 2 numbers and she asked which one is accurate?  Community Development Director Mike Williams advised that a total of 85 lake structures were substantially damaged and 31 of those have agreed to demolishment.

3. Steven Brown (929 Proctor Rd.) Asked more specific questions in regards to the Public Safety Building and Council answered his questions.

4. Beth Heer (Seton Rd.) Asked about opening of Morse Park.  At one time the opening was noted as 4/17/25.  The Town  Manager explained that the date has been backed up by a week to 4/25/25 and we will combined with the Arbor Day Program. 

X. Adjournment

Mayor Pritchett thanked everyone for coming out and supporting the Town during the recovery process.  The meeting was adjourned.