THE LAKE LURE TRIBUTE

LAKE LURE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Published by Town of Lake Lure, P. O. Box 255, Lake Lure, NC 28746

MANAGER'S REPORT

By H. M. "Chuck" Place, AICP

I would like to formally welcome Stuart Rohrbaugh to the town family as the new Deputy Zoning Administrator. Stuart is a native of Hendersonville and received a B.S. degree in Urban and Regional Planning from East Carolina University. He is currently studying for his Masters degree in Public Administration. Stuart was a planner for Henderson County for six years before coming to Lake Lure. He has a good working knowledge of development regulations and believes in providing fast, personal service to our citizens. Stuart is responsible for zoning, lake structures, erosion control and flood plain management as well as general planning efforts. You can reach him at extension 107.

As mentioned in Chief Bustle’s article, we are hosting a boating safety program on June 2. There has been a lot of discussion regarding limiting the number of boats on the lake. While Council has committed to doing a lake study, we believe that a greater awareness of boating safety and "rules of the road" will go a long way to reducing conflicts on the lake. If you are a boater, please plan to attend this training, both for your benefit and for the benefit of those who share the lake with you. We hope this course will be repeated from time to time. After the training session, there will be a short course in the do’s and don’ts of operating ski boats and other high speed boats. This will be presented by members of the Lake Lure commercial users group and will be aimed at their boat drivers, but operators of personal ski and bass boats are welcome.

According to the garbage and refuse removal contractor, many people are using improper containers for this material. As a reminder, containers must be made of "substantial galvanized" iron, plastic, rubber, or other non-rusting material with handles and a tight fitting cover made of the same material as the container. It may not be over 30 gallons in capacity or measure over 22 inches in diameter of 30 inches in height. Please note, for all you "collectors," it is a violation to remove items from the recycling bins in town.

COMMUNITY POLICING NEWS

By Police Chief Mike Bustle

It is with great pleasure that I write to inform you that the Lake Lure Police Department will receive a COPS Universal Hiring Program grant award for two additional full-time officers, at an estimated value to the town of $134,826. These positions will be devoted primarily to lake patrol duties in our continuing efforts to implement Community Policing and in response to citizen requests. The experienced officers will assume these duties between June 1, and July 1, 1999, and serve for the following three-year period at a very low cost to taxpaying citizens.

The police department has also received grants of one ex-military cargo truck and several free rubber inflatable zodiac boats for law enforcement purposes. These vehicles will be utilized in emergency situations, search and rescue missions, cargo transport, police boat backup, and any other law enforcement purposes as necessary.

I would also like to inform you of a recently scheduled Boating Safety Course, sponsored by the Lake Lure Police Department and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. The condensed two and one-half hour course is scheduled to be held at the Community Hall within the Lake Lure Municipal Center building on Wednesday, June 2, 1999, 6:00 p.m. through 8:30 p.m. The Boating Safety Course will be offered free-of-charge and will cover such topics as water safety, floatational devices, registration requirements, state laws and local ordinances.

TOWN COUNCIL ACTIVITIES

SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL BUDGET WORKSHOP MEETING: Town Council held a budget workshop meeting on April 28, 1999, 9:00 a.m., at the Lake Lure Municipal Center. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss preliminary budget items for fiscal year 1999-2000. Recessed the meeting until Monday, May 10, 1999, at 9:00 a.m.

Activities included:

* Approved to accept a COPS grant proposal as presented/recommended by the Town Manager. The vote of approval was 3 to 1 (Commissioners Cobb, Rose, and Stanier voted in favor. Commissioner Sheffield voted against); and

* Approved a clerical position (administrative department) as recommended by the Town Manager in the budget. The vote of approval was 3 to 1 (Commissioners Cobb, Rose, and Stanier voted in favor. Commissioner Sheffield voted against).

SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL AND THE LAKE ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Town Council held a joint meeting with the Lake Advisory Committee on May 3, 1999, 6:30 p.m., at the Lake Lure Municipal Center. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss lake issues which included discussion about a dredge proposal; procedures/protocol regarding interaction between Town Council and the Lake Advisory Committee; lake level; and Lake Use Study.

SPECIAL TOWN MEETING: Town Council held a special meeting on Thursday, May 6, 1999, 9:00 a.m., at the Lake Lure Municipal Center. The purpose of this meeting was to consider a proposal from Andrew Givens, Cardinal Energy Services, Inc. about hiring an attorney to represent the town before the North Carolina Utilities Commission in NCUC docket E-7, Sub 646 regarding litigation with Duke Power. After reviewing Mr. Givens proposal, Town Council voted to hire Attorney David H. Permar of Hatch, Little & Bunn, LLP to represent the Town before the North Carolina Utilities Commission.

RECESSED SPECIAL BUDGET WORKSHOP MEETING: Town Council held a budget workshop meeting on Monday, May 10, 1999, 9:00 a.m., at the Lake Lure Municipal Center. The purpose of this meeting was to continue a discussion regarding preliminary budget items for fiscal year 1999-2000. Recessed the meeting until Tuesday, May 18, 1999, at 9:00 a.m.

REGULAR MEETING: The regular Town Council meeting was held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 11, 1999.

Under the "Consent Agenda", Council approved the minutes of April 7, 1999 (Special Meeting), April 20, 1999 (Special Meeting), April 28, 1999 (Special Budget Workshop Meeting), May 3, 1999 (Special Meeting, and May 6, 1999 (Special Meeting); and approved the request from Camp Care (non-profit organization) to waive the weekly boat permit fee on June 5- 12, 1999 during the week at Camp Lurecrest for children with cancer.

In other activities, the Town Council:

* Held a public hearing to receive comments regarding the Strategic Planning Steering Committee report/recommendations presented at the April 13, 1999 regular Town Council meeting;

* Approved the concept of constructing a 100 ft. boat dock behind the town office not to exceed $7,000.00, contingent upon the plans/specifications being reviewed for approval by the Town Manager. Vote of approval was 3 to 1 (Commissioners Cobb, Rose, and Stanier voted in favor. Commissioner Sheffield voted against);

* Approved the request from the Hickory Nut Gorge Kiwanis Club to waive the rental fee for the use of the Town Community Hall for a dinner event to present checks from the club to various agencies and churches which would benefit the entire community. Vote of approval was 3 to 2 (Commissioners Sheffield and Stanier voted in favor. Commissioners Cobb and Rose voted against. Mayor Powell voted in favor);

* Held a discussion regarding the lake level for the Winter season (1999-2000);

* Approved request from Chimney Rock Baptist Church to continue Lakeside Chapel Worship Services from May 2, 1999 until October 10, 1999 on town property;

* Approved request from the Edneyville Boy Scout troop #605 (non-profit organiza-tion) to waive the boat/canoe permit fees; and

* Approved budget adjustments for public works department to purchase a lawn tractor.

RECESSED SPECIAL BUDGET WORKSHOP MEETING: Town Council held a budget workshop meeting on Tuesday, May 18, 1999, 9:00 a.m., at the Lake Lure Municipal Center. The purpose of this meeting was to continue a discussion regarding preliminary budget items for fiscal year 1999-2000. Recessed the meeting until Wednesday, June 2, 1999, at 9:00 a.m.

SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION MEETING: Town Council held a special closed session meeting on Thursday, May 20, 1999, 9:30 a.m., at the Lake Lure Municipal Center. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the Town Manager evaluation (G.S. 143-318.11 (6).

 PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

 The Lake Lure Town Council will be holding a public hearing during their next regular Town Council meeting on June 8, 1999, 7:00 p.m. or thereafter, in the Town Council meeting room of the Lake Lure Municipal Center Building. This hearing is being held for the purpose of receiving citizen comments regarding the Lake Lure Strategic Planning Steering Committee report/recommendations presented at the April 13, 1999 regular Town Council meeting.

 LAKE STUDY NEWS

By Commissioner Beth Rose

As a member of your Town Council, I have the task of working with the Lake Advisory Committee to review the qualifications of a consultant for our lake study. Mr. Jay Sauber of the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources has been very helpful in supplying us with names. I look forward to the LAC helping me evaluate potential candidates. If you know of someone who is experienced in lake study management, please give the name to me (Beth Rose) or Bob Washburn. Look for more information in future newsletters.

LAKE LURE BEACH AND MARINA

The town has entered into a concession agreement with the Lake Lure Tours to operate the Lake Lure beach and marina. Beach admission prices for 1999 are as follows: adults $4.00, seniors (55+) $3.00, children (2-15) $2.00, children under 2 free. Hours will be 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., 7-days. While free beach passes are no longer available, affordable season passes are offered. For season passes, group rates and special events, call 828-625-8877, or e-mail: thebeach@lakelure.com. For boat permits, pontoon rentals, paddle boat, electric boat and canoe rentals, call the Lake Lure Marina at 828-625-4651. Marina hours are 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., 7-days.

LAKE LEVEL

Town Council will be discussing reasons why the town should lower the lake level or not for the Winter season (1999-2000) at their next regular Town Council meeting on June 8, 1999 and will make the decision at this time. Council members will be considering the need for emergency repairs to sea walls, etc. If you would like to submit your comments/suggestions in writing regarding the lake level, send them to the Town of Lake Lure, P. O. Box 255, Lake Lure, NC 28746.

 LAKE LURE MUNICIPAL GOLF

COURSE MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

By Charles Caldwell, Golf Course Mgr.

There will be a membership drive held at the Lake Lure Municipal Golf Course located on highway 64/74-A on June 11, 1999 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Complimentary hot dogs and hamburgers will be served.

LAKE LURE AD VALOREM TAXES

By Betty Hinson, Tax Collector

Prior years of Lake Lure ad valorem tax accounts with outstanding balances are being seriously reviewed. If you have questions about your tax account, contact Betty Hinson at 828-625-9983 ext 106. During the month of June, unpaid tax accounts will be turned over to the Town attorney for collection.

NEWS AROUND LAKE LURE

The Town Potluck Dinner will be held on Thursday, June 10th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Hall of the Lake Lure Municipal Center. Hot dogs and fixin's will be provided. Bring a dish to share. This will be the last town potluck dinner until Fall. Please come and enjoy the fellowship and great food.

Lake Lure Lions Club makes available an annual $500 College Scholarship to a qualifying high school senior. The applicant must be a resident of North Carolina with place of residence within the service boundaries assigned to the club. The student must also be a graduating high school senior. The primary selection criteria is based on financial need, school grades, SAT scores, recommendations and acceptance at an accredited college or university. Application forms can be obtained from the Club Secretary, Lion Claude Nelon at 828-625-9271. Deadline for application is July 15th.

Hickory Nut Gorge Kiwanis Club, at their annual presentation dinner, distributed funds to the following local organizations: fire/emergency services, beautification projects, Hospice, Nature Concervancy (Bat Cave bridge), Lake Lure Police Department Child ID program, Helping Neighbors, Youth softball, Lake Lure Singers, and special free publications. The Town of Lake Lure received a donation to help defray the expense of its newsletter.

Rutherford Hospital Inc. will be holding various health screenings/exams at the Lake Lure Conference Center on Wednesday, June 30, 1999 including: prostate exams (2:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.), oral cancer screenings (9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.), skin cancer screenings (10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon), & blood pressure (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.). There will be a Smart Start representative and Parish nurse spokesperson present. Complimentary brochures, samples, and healthy snacks will be offered. Another activity will entail a life line demonstration. Also, there will be mammography screenings (preregistration required at Russco Drug & Food 828-625-9670) held from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Lake Lure Municipal Building. Early detection is the best prevention. For professional advice and/or information, call Darla Kleiner, Rutherford Hospital, Inc. at 828-286-5198.

Editor's note: There are some particulars you need to determine such as age requirements for the mammo-graphy screening. Procedures on billing medicare (one mammography exam allowed per year) and require-ments for insurance billings with balance to be billed, as well as, who might qualify for any test free-of-charge. These questions can be answered by the professionals at the above telephone number.

The Lake Lure Republicans will meet in the Geneva Riverside conference room on Thursday, June 3, 1999, at 6:30 p.m. Social hour includes a finger food buffet and beverages. Speaker will be Laura Neely, wife of Chuck Neely, gubernatorial candidate in the North Carolina GOP primary. Laura is a native of Rutherford County. Chuck and Laura had their wedding reception in Lake Lure. Reservation is required. Call Carolyn Cobb at 828-625-1831 or Vicki Smith at the Geneva Riverside at 828-625-4121.

Mountains Community Church is sponsoring a Saturday morning Kid's Bible Club for all children from the ages of 5 to 12. There will be a Bible study, related crafts, mission activities, recreation, and refreshments. The Bible Club will meet every Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Everyone is invited. The Mountains Community Church is located off of highway US 64/74-A near the entrance to Riverbend.

Note: The deadline for newsletter articles to be received at Town Hall

for the July issue is June 16, 1999.