THE LAKE LURE TRIBUTE

 April 1999

Published by Town of Lake Lure, P. O. Box 255, Lake Lure, NC 28746 Telephone (828) 625·9983 Fax (828) 625-8371

 The process works. Yes, democracy is practiced in Lake Lure and that was evident at the public hearings on the request by the Fairfield P.O.A. for additional boat slips. Both those favoring the request and those against it presented their opinions in an orderly manner. The Lake Lure Lakefront Owners Association functioned just as I envisioned from it's beginning, as a forum for the lakefront owners to present a unified view by lobbying the Council. The Fairfield P.O.A. under Paul Nealon's leadership showed a willingness to compromise and agreed to conditions that would protect residents in the area of the new structure.

The new Marina classification in the Lake Structures Ordinance was enacted to provide a vehicle for the Fairfield P.O.A. to qualify for additional slips and to enable better controls of the activities of marinas. I have long felt that a Marina classification was necessary and that the Town should control commercial activities on the lake.

Fairfield is immediately distinguishable from the commercially zoned marinas on the lake. It is composed of P.O.A. members who, as a condominium group, own the lake front. All members are tax paying property owners. The other marinas are more commercial in nature, renting to residents and non-residents alike. They are profit oriented and one is owned by an individual. There is no mandate that all marinas be approved for five slips per 100 feet of shoreline. Each marina must be evaluated as to purpose, location, proximity to residential dwellings, available parking, navigation hazards created and overall safety in the area.

Why were the residents of Fairfield given different treatment over other cluster mooring facilities? Because they asked for it. They have been a major contributor to the growth and desirability of this community and to the increase in property values that will continue to benefit all of us. They are an integral part of the community, volunteering many hours of public service. Their location on the lake provides a logical spot for additional boat slips and there should be minimal navigational and safety concerns, and a minimal effect on boat density. Fairfield brings in many visitors who become purchasers and thus increase demand for property, enhancing values for both lakefront and other property. They provide a substantial portion of our tax base (estimated at 50% or more). If we examine the equitable allocation of services to the community, we will find that this is a small consideration. But of course, no government entity can possibly allocate services evenly.

The process had a very positive effect in focusing on the need for a long range study of the way we use our lake and who should derive the benefits of the Town ownership of the lake. I assure everyone that a study will be undertaken. Hopefully, the study will result in an understanding of the correlation between boat slips and the number and types of boats on the lake at any point in time. It should explore all facets of lake usage. This is imperative to the management of this resource. Such a study will necessarily take time and cannot be done in haste as was suggested.

The Town's annual dinner to recognize the efforts and contributions of its Boards and Committees was held on March 20, 1999. Retiring members received certificates of appreciation and new appointees were presented with Town lapel pins.

The Community Service Award was presented to Dick Washburn for his lifelong community service to the Town of Lake Lure. Dick has served on the Town Council and has been a member of the Zoning Board from its inception in 1970, serving as Chairman since 1987. He came to Lake Lure in 1926 and later as a young man, received his first paycheck from the Town. He has served his community in an outstanding manner and is a true Southern Gentleman. Washburn has set an example for his family and others that exemplifies his values. His participation in the community sets a standard for each of us to follow. We applaud Dick Washburn.

An award was presented to Walter Rust in recognition of his outstanding service as Chairman of the Town of Lake Lure ABC Board from 1985 to 1998. Walter provided stability and leadership throughout this period that resulted in a profitable operation that benefits our Town.

Jim Sullivan, who retired from the ABC Board in December, was recognized for his many years of loyal service as an employee of the ABC Store. Jim was the first manager of the store, serving from 1980 until 1985. Thereafter, he has worked part time until his recent retirement. He and current manager R. A. Hutto have provided experience and continuity to this operation for many years.

REGULAR MEETING: The regular Town Council meeting was held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16, 1999 (rescheduled from March 9, 1999).

Under the "Consent Agenda", Council approved the minutes of February 9, 1999 (Regular/Closed Session Meeting), and February 16, 1999 (Town Workshop Meeting); scheduled a public hearing (amending the zoning ordinance regarding adult entertainment establishments) on April 13, 1999; adopted resolutions no. 99-03-16, no. 99-03-16A, no. 99-03-16B (authorization agreements between the Town of Lake Lure and Lincoln Bank of North Carolina); adopted resolution no. 99-03-16C (The Town of Lake Lure in Accordance with NC General Statutes 143-128 confirms its practice of earnestly striving to recruit minority businesses for participation in contracts for the erection, construction, alteration or repair of any buildings or improvements for the Town); adopted resolution no. 99-03-16D (authorizing the Town of Lake Lure to apply for water/sewer grants from the state for assistance); approved request from the crafty tarheels to hold craft shows on July 3-4, 1999/ September 4-5, 1999; approved budget amendments/adjustments requested by the Finance Director; approved the request for the Hickory Nut Gorge Dogwood Festival to be held on April 17-18, 1999; and approved the request from the Lake Lure Republicans to suspend the peddling ordinance on May 8, 1999 for a community lawn sale.

 In other activities, the Town Council:

* Held a public hearing on the proposed amendment to the Lake Structures Regulations to amend section 94.14 regarding Marinas (adding a section to limit the number of marinas on the lake);

* Held a public hearing to receive citizen comments about a request from the Fairfield Mountains POA for a Lake Structures Permit regarding a marina;

* Held a hearing on an appeal from the decision of the Lake Structures Appeals Board (Appeal LSA-99-1, Fairfield Mountains Property Owners Association, Inc.);

* Granted permission to the Herald Music Group to hold gospel singing concerts and rent the Lake Lure Pavilion area from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. (Dates: July 4th, July 10th, July 17th, July 24th, July 31st, August 7th, and August 14th);

* Approved request from the Lake Lure Tours regarding a 1999 Sandbox Invitational event on May 14-16, 1999 and concession stands on the beach (subject to Town Manager approval);

* Tabled discussion regarding the Lake Lure Tours contract until the next regular Town Council meeting;

* Appointed H. M. "Chuck" Place as Town Manager (effective February 11, 1999);

* Adopted resolution no. 99-03-16E (a policy for mutual aid assistance with other law enforcement agencies;

* Adopted resolution no. 99-03-16F (recommending continued funding for the community service officer for the Western section of Rutherford County as currently exists through the Rutherford County Sheriff's Department);

* Scheduled a Town Council Retreat meeting on April 7, 1999, 9:00 a.m., Lake Lure Conference Center at the Lake Lure Arcade Building; and

* Held a closed session meeting for legal matters.

RECESSED TOWN WORKSHOP MEETING: The Town Council held a workshop meeting on Tuesday, March 16, 1999 at 9:00 a.m.

Activities included:

* Discussion regarding police coverage in Chimney Rock Village;

* Reviewed the performance evaluation of the Town's Wastewater Treatment Plant; and

* Reviewed the Lake Management Plan outline previously submitted by the Lake Advisory Committee.

In our continuing efforts to institute community policing in the Town of Lake Lure, the police department's policy and procedure manual is undergoing a complete revision with the assistance of the N. C. Justice Academy. The first installment of this revision, the Lake Lure Police Department Manual of Rules, has been completed. The manual contains rules that have been designed to promote police behaviors that are hallmarked by professionalism, effectiveness and equitable service to all.

Rules cannot be written to address each and every situation that an officer may encounter. In situations where rules may not directly apply, officers should make decisions based upon the Police Code of Ethics, their Oath of Office, and the Department's Mission Statement, thus allowing a "value driven" organization.

In furthering our efforts to form a partnership with the community, protect constitutional rights and provide for the safety and welfare of visitors to and residents of the Town, the Lake Lure Police Department Manual of Rules has been completed. These rules will soon be incorporated into the services provided by members of the department, and is available for your review and inspection, at your convenience.

The Town Potluck Dinner will be held on Thursday, April 8th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Hall of the Lake Lure Municipal Center. Toney Tours will give a program on travel and a free trip for the lucky winner of our raffle. Bring a dish to share.

The 9th Annual Dogwood Festival will be held on April 17 and 18. There will be a parade, crafts, and food. For more information, contact Joyce Schmitt at 828-625-2784 (Lake View Store) or Sharon Theiss at 828-625-0204.

The Lake Lure Newcomers invites anyone interested in joining their group to call Fred or Jeanine Noble at 828-625-8706. There are lots of fun activities and get togethers. If you have lived in Lake Lure for two years or less, this is a great opportunity for you to make new friends.

The Hickory Nut Gorge Kiwanis Club and Helping Neighbors, Inc. are having a pancake breakfast on April 17, 1999, from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Murray's located in the Lake Lure Arcade Building. The cost is $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for children under the age of twelve. All proceeds stay in the gorge for the benefit of our community. Please come and enjoy breakfast and the Dogwood Festival.

 The Rutherford County Meals on Wheels Program desperately needs volunteers to help deliver meals to shut-ins. Please help aid this worthy cause. If you would like to volunteer your time, call Senior Center at 828-287-6409.

Friends of the Mountains Branch Library want to thank you for your support during the past year. Your membership contributions helped us to purchase large print books for the visually impaired, audio books, video tapes, a new copy machine and a portable telephone. The front of the library has finally been landscaped. Please note that our Spring book sale will be held on Saturday, April 17th, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. If you have any books or videos that you would like to donate to the book sale, we would be grateful to receive them. Stop in and browse on your way to the Dogwood Festival in Town. There is a wonderful array of books (many are new) available for you to purchase at very low prices. Again, thank you for the continued help. We urge you to visit the library and see the improvements which have been made. If you would like to contribute to Friends of the Mountains Branch Library, our membership dues are : $6.00 (individual); $10.00 (family); $25.00 (patron); and $100.00 (life).

Fairfield Mountains Women of the Church will have a Fundraiser Fashion Show and Luncheon at Lakeview Restaurant, April 19th, 11:30 a.m. (Social Hour includes piano music, finger foods and beverages). Betty Sturgis of Tryon will present an informal modeling during lunch. The cost is $15.00 per person and all proceeds will go to the WOC charities in our county. Call Binney Miller at 828-625-5100 or Carolyn Cobb at 828-625-1831 for reservation. Everyone welcome.

The Lake Lure Republicans will hold a "Gala on the Green" on May 8th (rain date May 15th) from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Lake Lure Arcade Building. Everyone is invited to attend. There will be more details later.

 Hospice Volunteer Training Courses Set for the Winter. Hospice of Rutherford County will conduct the next volunteer training classes May 10 through May 14 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Mountains Branch Library. Please bring your lunch every day but Friday. This course meets the requirements for anyone wanting to volunteer with Hospice, but the training also provides valuable information for people who want to know more about care giving, communication, grief and Hospice care. Hospice is dependant on the many talents of volunteers and is constantly in need of additional assistance. For more information or to register for either class, please call 828-245-0095 or 1-800-218-2273.

  Note: The deadline for newsletter articles to be received at Town Hall for the May issue is April 19, 1999.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Proposed Amendment to the

Zoning Ordinance

Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Lake Lure Town Council in the Council meeting room at the Lake Lure Municipal Center on the 13th of April, 1999, at 7:00 p.m. or shortly thereafter for the purpose of considering adoption of Ordinance 99-04-13, an amendment to Chapter 92, the zoning ordinance. The proposed amendment is as follows:

1. Amend § 92.004, Word Inter-pretations, to add the following definition:

Adult Entertainment Establishment. Any business or other activity which, in order to comply with North Carolina G.S. 14-190.14 or 14-190.15 and amendments or supplements thereto, is required to limit its patronage or attendance to persons over the age of eighteen.

2. Amend § 92.031(G), Conditional Uses in the C-1, General Commercial, zone district to add a new subsection (7) as follows: