Town Council Special Meeting Summary - September 6, 2023

Thank you to all who joined us for the Town Council Special Meeting on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 8:30 AM in Municipal Hall. The following is a summary of the meeting for those who could not attend. You may download the meeting packet for further details at the following link: https://www.townoflakelure.com/meetings Please note that this is a summary and not formal minutes.  Minutes from this meeting will be included in the following month's meeting packet for the Regular Town Council Meeting.  

I. Call to Order: Mayor Pritchett called the meeting to order and welcomed attendees tot he meeting.

II. Agenda Adoption: The agenda was approved as written. 

III. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) / Boys Camp Road: 

• Town Manager Hank Perkins provided an overview of this matter. 
• As previously discussed, Town staff found that cell towers are prohibited by PARTF guidelines for land acquisition.
• The Town received a PARTF grant for an acquisition project for Boys Camp Road in 2019.
• At the time of award, the Town had no plans to place a cell tower on the property, but it is now a priority that the Town have the cell tower constructed on the proposed to increase public safety.
• Town staff has been in frequent contact with PARTF administrators and Town Council discussion is required to determine how to best proceed with options discussed by PARTF administrators.
• There are two options to consider.  The first option is complex and requires a detailed plan with Public Hearings. 
• The second option is to buy back the portion of the property which would have been valued at approximately $225,000 at the time of the original grant.  Mr. Perkins recommended this option that requires a 13-step process for approval but would be more expedient than option one. 
• There was a discussion about the options and consideration was given to swapping out property that may be associated with the future waste water treratment plant, if/when obtained.  This is the Hunt property.  This would be  option one. 
• Although we are currently out of compliance, Mr. Perkins  advised that this matter does not impact our ability to proceed with the cell tower project but it would impact the Town's future ability to apply for PARTF grants.
• Town Council recommended that the Town Manager obtain an appraisal for the property as soon as possible so the current value of the property is known. 
• Town Council voted to proceed with option one for now. 

IV. Dredging Contract Change Order: 

• Mr. Perkins advised that it was determined that the Town can proceed with dredging operations under the 2018 agreement with Tim Edwards, without a contractor's license. 
• His cost has remained stable since 2018. 
• Town Staff consulted the NC Department of Environmental Quality for guidance on this matter.  
• A change order will be required, including an increase in pricing.
• Staff recommended a contract extension ending in June 2024.
• There was a discussion regarding dredging and options for how best to proceed. 
• Further clarification is being obtained before proceeding.

V. Proposal for the Lease of the Former ABC Store Property Located at 2654 Memorial Highway: 

• Mr. Perkins advised that at the August 16th Town Council Work Session Meeting, Town Council reviewed the four proposals that were submitted for the lease of the former ABC Store property located at 2654 Memorial Highway.
• It was determined that the proposal submitted by Lake Lure Tours was the most satisfactory and best fit for the Town.
• Town Manager Hank Perkins and Mayor Pro Tem David DiOrio met with Mr. George Wittmer to discuss Lake Lure Properties’ proposal.
• It was during this meeting that Mr. Wittmer had expressed desire to update the proposal to further address the use of the Town’s covered boat house slips, to include the use of Pool Creek for a mobile food vendor court, and other more minor details.
• Lake Lure Tours has provided an updated revised proposal along with necessary clarifications.
• There was a discussion regarding the proposal and clarification regarding the phases involved with the boat docks allowing the Town Boats to remain. 
• There was also a discussion regarding Food Trucks and more research is needed to consider the matter. Town Council would like to see how the Food Trucks would look before proceeding. 
• It was clarified that Pool Creek Picnic Park would be accessible to the public even if the new business proposal is approved. 
• Mr. Perkins advised that Mr. Wittmer also planned to add bathrooms at the property.
• The payment to the Town would be $5,000 per month for the use of the property with a concession agreement. 
• There was a detailed discussion about the proposal and the extension of the Lake Lure Tours operations to this property.  This proposal provided double the revenue of the other 3 proposals and provided added resources for the new bathrooms and the expansion of the docks. 
• The proposal also includes a plan to replace the bridge that formerly crossed from Pool Creek Park to the Lake Lure Beach.
• It was noted that the Lake Lure Baptist Church Lakeside Worship Services on Sundays would be honored under all proposals.
• There was a discussion regarding the Lake Lure Rowing Club which is accessing the Pool Creek Park property and is charging for classes. It was recommended that the owners of Lake Lure Rowing Club have a discussion with Lake Lure Tours regarding their continued use of the property. 
• There was a discussion regarding parking plans and this needs to be clarified to confirm that parking would be limited for those utilizing Pool Creek Picnic Park or the new business.  Parking signs will be needed to clarify the parking rules. 
• The terms and length of the lease will need to be confirmed. 
• There was concensus that the Lake Lure Tours was a strong proposal. 
• The proposal also be discussed with the Parks and Recreation Board for input and they will then present recommendations back to Town Council. This will be discussed at the 9/7/23 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting.

VI. Discuss Asset and Inventory Assessment (AIA) Grant for Water Distribution System and Consider Adoption of Resolution No. 23-09-06 for 2023 Fall AIA Grant Application: 

• Mr. Perkins advised that the Town has a need and desire for conducting a study on a project described as an Asset and Inventory Assessment (AIA) of the water distribution system.
• The AIA study would help the Town become more viable and allow for a more proactive approach to the management and financing of the water distribution system.
• There is an upcoming fall 2023 application cycle for a state AIA Grant that would fund the Town’s study on the AIA of the water distribution system.
• The Town would need to submit a completed application, fund transfer certification, financial information form, and a resolution adopted by Town Council.
• Resolution No. 23-09-06 conveys the Town’s support and intent to apply for the AIA Grant.
• Town Council approved the resolution.

VII. Adjournment