MAYOR'S COMMENTS

 by Jim Proctor

   At our November 15^th Special Meeting with the Lake Advisory Committee the following changes were discussed and sent to our town manager and attorney.  After these recommendations are put into formal ordinance form, the council will vote on these changes.  Please note that if the new permits do not arrive before the new year, the 2001 permits will be valid until the new permits arrive.   

   Council’s recommendations for the Lake Lure Motorized Boat Permit schedule for 2002 is:

   (Non-Motorized will remain the same as this year.)

  (Timeshare will be administered the same as this year)

 1.                  Resident/Property Owner

$75 per permit

Maximum three (3) permits per parcel with structure and one (1) permit per parcel without structure. No operation limits. *

 2.                  Non Resident/Non Property Owner

(Non-Peak) 

$450 per permit

Operation only during non peak times.

 3.                  Non Resident/Non Property Owner Weekly (Non-Peak)

$150 per permit during June and August

$100 per permit all other months

Operation only during non peak times.

 4.                  Non Resident/Non Property Owner Daily (Non-Peak)

$75 per permit during June and August

$50 per permit all other months

Operation only during non peak times.

 5.                  Commercial Craft over 10 HP

            $150 1^st Boat

$300 2^nd Boat

$450 3^rd Boat

$600 each additional boat

Limited to maximum seven boats per business owner. *

 6.                  Commercial Craft 10 HP or less

$75 per permit.

   Permits for commercial craft will only be issued to entities that operated commercial craft in 2001 and each above mentioned entity will be limited to the number of permits issued to them in 2001 (not to exceed seven more than 10 HP). 

  *(inform the public that in the future the number of boats may be further reduced as lake density increases. Also, inform them that 2003 resident permits will cost substantially more for persons that have not completed a boating safety class.)

   Non-Peak Times: The day after Labor Day through the Thursday before Memorial Day.  Also, Monday through Friday during the months of June and August.

   Permits and paperwork issued by the town will include a list of lake regulations and penalties.  A chart or diagram that clearly states the “Rules of the Road” may also be included.  A statement with a checkbox on all permit applications needs to add for applicants to claim or disclaim commercial status.  Another checkbox will be included to acknowledge liability insurance for commercial craft.

 Commercial Craft definitions and use regulation:

   Commercial craft will be defined as all craft used in connection with any type of business, trade or commerce.  Included but not limited to: boat rentals, marinas, house rentals (that are required to pay occupancy tax) with boats, realtors, resorts, inns, camps, ski schools, fishing guides, contractors, boat repair companies, etc.

   There will be four categories of commercial operations. Applicants will state which category applies.

 1.                  Livery - boat rentals with no operator provided - marinas, house rentals (that are required to pay occupancy tax) with boats, real estate agents that rent boats and resorts/inns. All commercial operations in this category must have its home base of operation within the corporate limits of Lake Lure or on the shoreline of Lake Lure. The real estate property value (as listed by the Rutherford County Tax Dept.) of the commercial operation must be in excess of $100,000 or in an area zoned for commercial use.

 2.                  Resort / Camp - boats at lodging or camp facilities available to patrons for some or no additional charge that are operated by trained staff.  All commercial operations in this category must have its home base of operation within the corporate limits of Lake Lure or on the shoreline of Lake Lure. The real estate property value (as listed by the Rutherford County Tax Dept.) of the commercial operation must be in excess of $100,000.

 3.                  Ski Schools / Fishing Guides - boats that are not associated with a specific camp or resort (public or private) and are used to provide a service not otherwise listed to the public. A boat owner must be a resident or a business with the controlling partner or president of a corporation that is a resident.

 4.                  Service / Realtor - boats used by building contractors, real estate agents and boat repair companies. A boat owner must be a resident or a business with the controlling partner or president of a corporation that is a resident. Nonresident contractors and boat repair companies hired by residents of Lake Lure may apply to the Lake Lure Town Council for conditional use permits.

   All commercial operators must complete a boating safety class. (a web course approved - six months grace period the first year).  For this purpose commercial operators will include all boat operators that use boats for a business, but not boat operators using rental boats for their personal use.

   Commercial operations must acknowledge that they have at least $500,000.00 of liability insurance.

   All commercial craft more than 100 horsepower must have either a cell phone or 2-way radio on board.  Commercial operators will report to authority’s violations of state and local regulations as well as any disabled vessel or accident.

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 TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT

by H. M. "Chuck" Place III, AICP

Elections

   By now everyone should be aware that Mayor Proctor was reelected without opposition and that Lea Hullender and Blaine Cox were elected to town council.  While Commissioner Cox has been on the council for more than two years (he was appointed to replace the late Gene Sheffield), this was his first election.  Commissioner Hullender is a newcomer to local government, but has been active in the community since moving to the area several years ago. The entire staff would like to be on record congratulating Mayor Proctor for his reelection and Commissioners Cox and Hullender for their election to town council.  We all look forward to working with the reconstituted council over the next two years.  We also wish Jack Stanier the very best in his return to “normal” life after his four-year term on the council and thank him for his service.

 Golf Course Update

   It has been 18 months since council met with the Golf Course Advisory Committee and decided that something definite had to be done to stop the enormous financial losses at the Lake Lure Municipal Golf Course.  I was given the deadline of the next election to turn the finances of the course around.  That time is now.

 

  I am not able to say that we have stopped losing money; we will probably still show a loss at the end of this fiscal year.  I can say, however, that the changes that have been made in the management and operation of the course over the intervening 18 months have shown a tremendous increase in play, membership and revenue.  For example, revenue for the FY 98/99 was $102,426.  This year, in just the four months between July 1 and today, the gross revenue was $106,000.  Granted, our expenses are also higher but the results of those costs show in the marked improvement in the condition of the course.  Credit for this dramatic change is due to the very dedicated and hardworking staff, in particular manager Chris Shute.  In addition, we now have a very active Membership Committee chaired by Woody Price and the golf course membership has risen from 48 to 167 in those same 18 months.  And last, but by no means least, there are the continuing efforts of the Golf Course Advisory Committee under chairman Jerry Wright who never lost faith in the potential of the facility.

   Even though we are not yet in the black, there is a real optimism about the future of the facility best expressed by the great number of people that have commented on the improved condition and operation of the course and, more important, have actually played there.  If you haven’t taken the time to play the course in the last year or so, give it a try.  In fact, this is a good time; the lower winter rates will be in effect starting December 1.

 Pay and Classification Study

   The North Carolina League of Municipalities presented their draft of the pay and classification study and review of our personnel policies to council at a special workshop meeting on November 13.  In general, our salaries are reasonably in line with our employment “competition,” although there are a few employees that are being paid below the recommended entry level for their jobs.  Our personnel policies are in really good shape, but the League has added new sections to bring us up to date with state and federal employment laws.  Council will review the document for adoption within the next several weeks.

 Bits and Pieces

 ·                      Both generators at the hydro plant are in full operation again after almost three years of continuing problems.  They both work just fine.  Now the problem is one of no water.  Hydro Plant Operator William Grimes stated that this is the worst period of low water that he has experienced in the 20 years he has been here.

 ·                      The contractor for the lift station has replaced one of the pumps with one from a different manufacturer on a trial basis.  The start up test was very promising and we should know before long if this will solve our problems.

 ·                      Director of Utilities William Grimes, Director of Public Works Tony Hennessee, Chief of Police Mike Bustle and I met with Fire Coordinator and Emergency Services Director Ron Morgan to go over our emergency procedures, including the handling of suspected contaminated mail.  Ron and Mike later represented the town at a joint meeting of county law enforcement and emergency management officials regarding security and potential terrorist acts.

 ·                      Council has adopted an ordinance reducing the speed limit on all town roads from 35 to 25 MPH in an effort to promote safer driving on our very narrow and twisting roads.  The signs have been posted, so watch your speed.  By the way, there are those who have complained about the new lower limits saying that this was done to increase town revenues.  This is not the case.  In the first place, the motive is driver safety, and in the second place, revenues from fines go to the county - we do not receive any of the funds.

 ·                      Construction has started on the new landscaping in Morse Park as part of the Diamond Jubilee.  There is still time for folks to participate by buying their brick pavers for the memorial walkway.

 Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year to all of you from your town staff.

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             TOWN EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

 by Betty Hinson, Personnel Director

   Lewis McDade, employee of the month, has been with the Town of Lake Lure since August of 1996.  Prior to his employment with the town, Lewis was employed with the Milliken Company. Lewis works in our public work’s department. He routinely works in street maintenance and is always available to assist his co-workers wherever needed.  Lewis and his wife Doris reside in the Mill Spring area of Polk County.  Lewis, we say thank you for a great job.

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    TOWN COUNCIL ACTIVITIES

 REGULAR MEETING:  The regular town council meeting was held on Tuesday, November 13, 2001, at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Lure Municipal Center.

   Under the "consent agenda," Council:

 * approved the minutes of October 9, 2001 (regular meeting), and November 7, 2001 (special meeting);

 * approved request from Sharon Theiss to waive the rental fee for use of the Community Hall in the Lake Lure Municipal Center on Saturday, December 8, 2001, 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. to hold an annual Christmas party for the children in the Hickory Nut Gorge;

 * adopted Resolution No. 01-11-13 authorizing the release of the town’s share of funds to the Isothermal Planning & Development Commission;

 * adopted Resolution No. 01-11-13A designating the chief of police as the official ABC respondent for the town; and

 * approved request from the Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce to suspend section 94.10 of the town Code of Ordinances (Lake Structures Regulations) prohibiting all flashing white or yellow lights for the “Deck Your Dock”  holiday decorating event.

 In other activities, Town Council:

 * approved proclamation declaring November 11, 2001 as Veteran’s Day and honoring men and women who have served in the armed forces;

 * held a public hearing and adopted Ordinance No. 01-11-13E regarding new definitions for major and minor subdivisions, and additional standards for section 91.22(B), minor subdivisions;

 * appointed Ken Jordan and Werner Maringer to serve as alternate board members on the Board of Adjustment/Lake Structures Appeals Board;

 * adopted Ordinance No. 01-11-13C amending the traffic schedule in Chapter 72 of the town Code of Ordinances to change the speed limits within the town;

 * Judge Laura Bridges administered oaths of office to the following incoming Town Council members:  Mayor Jim Proctor, Commissioner Blaine Cox, and Commissioner Lea Hullender;

 * presented  awards of appreciation to Commissioner Jack Stanier and Judge Laura Bridges;

 * appointed Dick McCallum to serve as Mayor Pro Tem;

 * adopted Ordinance No. 01-11-13D providing for the delayed harvest of fish to be caught in Lake Lure effective December 1, 2001 through March 1, 2002.  During this time period, all fish caught in Lake Lure will be released and all fishing will be done with artificial lures having single barbless hooks;

 * a motion to approve Resolution No. 01-11-13B authorizing the advertisement of an offer to purchase certain  town property was defeated due to lack of a second to the motion;

 * approved the appropriation of $13,140 from the Water Wastewater Fund Equity to be used for a co-venture water line construction project and fire hydrants;

 * approved water and sewer policies pertaining to late fee charges and billing procedure.  Property owners on town water and/or sewer system will be responsible for utility charges owed to the town.  The town will no longer bill tenants for utility services;

 * adopted Ordinance No. 01-11-13A amending Chapter 50 of the Code of Ordinances pertaining to the water system; and

 * adopted Ordinance No. 01-11-13B amending Chapter 51 of the Code of Ordinances pertaining to the sewer system.

 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL:   Town Council held a meeting on Tuesday, November 13, 2001, at 9:30 a.m. at the Lake Lure Municipal Center.

 Town Council:

* heard a presentation from Robert H. Crowder, North Carolina League of Municipalities Consultant, regarding a proposed pay and classification plan including recommended personnel policy changes prepared by the NCLM.

 RECESSED WORKSHOP  MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL AND THE LAKE ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Town Council held a meeting with the Lake Advisory Committee on Thursday, November 15, 2001, at 9:30 a.m. at the Lake Lure Municipal Center.

 Town Council:

 * held a discussion regarding Lake Use Study and Recommendations from the Lake Advisory Committee;

 * directed the town manager and town attorney to incorporate recommended boat permit rates into ordinance form to be considered at the next regular town meeting on December 11, 2001; and

 * agreed to extend the expiration date of current boat permits until the new 2002 boat permits are available.

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 COMMUNITY POLICING NEWS

 by Police Chief Mike Bustle

   Counter-Terrorism Education:  On Friday, November 16, 2001, the Lake Lure Police Department hosted a U. S. Department of Justice course entitled Emergency Response to Terrorism - Law Enforcement Response to Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents at the Town Hall.  The course was developed in cooperation with Louisiana State University, Academy of Counter-Terrorist Education, and all law enforcement agencies in Rutherford County were invited to attend.  All Lake Lure officers attended and successfully completed the course, as well as several other area officers.  The course described how to recognize the presence of a weapon of mass destruction and various other terrorist threats, standard operating procedures, obtaining qualified assistance, and how to perform safely and effectively while ensuring public safety.  The course concluded by examining various practical exercises utilizing lessons learned and a coordinated response to operate within already established agency protocols.  Hopefully, this course will prepare all officers to correctly identify potential threats and assist in the initiation of protective measures to reduce the number and severity of injuries should an incident occur in our area.

  Annual Firearms Training: All officers within the Lake Lure Police Department recently completed the state mandated firearms training session during which day and night qualifications were required.  Officer Tim Spittle is to be congratulated for winning this year’s Jack Powell Top Gun Award.  The award is the result of achieving the highest accumulative scores in handgun qualification, shotgun qualification and combat shooting.  Kudos to Tim!  His name and the date will be placed on the plaque in the foyer of the police department.

   Bicycle Safety Course: During the last week of November, the police department will offer a bicycle safety course at the Lake Lure Youth Center for all interested area youth.  Upon successful completion of the course, each attendee will receive a free Bell bicycle helmet provided recently by the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

   Donation: Thanks goes to Rick Coley and Lake Lure Tours for the generous donation to the Lake Lure Youth Center following the Haunted Halloween Boat tours!  The financial assistance comes at a perfect time during this joyous holiday season!

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 Upper Broad River Watershed

       Protection Program

 By Pamela Pyles, Erosion Control Specialist

   Our vision statement is “Protecting soil and water resources through watershed education and program participation.”  We accomplish these goals by providing information, technical support, and financial reimbursements.  All landowners within our 94 square mile watershed are eligible for assistance through the Upper Broad River Watershed Protection Program.  Our programs range from financial assistance in implementing erosion control measures on eroding areas, a low interest loan for new construction, stream bank restoration, and riparian conservation easements.  Our programs are voluntary and non regulatory.

   Recently it was brought to our attention that some people may have a misconception of the terminology of the word ‘buffer.’  In ecological terms the word buffer signifies the vegetated strips of land along streams and other waterways.  These vegetative strips provide an important function in maintaining water quality.  The word ‘riparian’ pertains to the edges of streams and waterways.  Hence you often hear the words ‘riparian buffers’ that signifies areas of trees and vegetation that thrive next to your stream.  Riparian buffers maintain stable stream banks and protect downstream property by slowing down floodwaters and rainwater runoff.     

   Please take the time to attend our next meeting that will be December 5th at the Town of Lake Lure Municipal Center at 9:00 a.m.  Our meetings are informative with a full report on the implementation of our program objectives and are interactive in nature.   

   Come join us as we continue to develop and implement our watershed protection efforts.  We value your input.  Please call Pamela Pyles or Jackie Dobrinska at the Town of Lake Lure at 828-625-9983, ext. 123 for information.       

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        ZONING AND PLANNING NEWS

 by Terri Potts, Zoning Administrator

   The town has recently adopted and created a new chapter to its land use regulations: Chapter 96 Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control. This ordinance is intended to establish reasonable and equitable guidelines for responsible development in Lake Lure. One of the most important aspects of this ordinance is that any land disturbing activity that is 1,000 square feet or more will require an erosion and a sedimentation plan be submitted for review and approval prior to permits being issued or any activity beginning on the lot. There are examples available at the time of application. Any disturbance less than 1,000 square feet will require a regular land disturbance permit. A copy of the ordinance can be reviewed or obtained from town hall. The ordinance is in effect since its adoption on September 11, 2001.

   Another issue keeps revisiting us; signs within the town limits. The town’s ordinance regarding this issue has not changed in any major way in approximately 10 years. Just as a reminder, no sign of any kind is allowed within 10 feet from the edge of the pavement. Signs cannot be attached to trees or telephone poles. The zoning of the area where a sign is to be placed determines the size of the sign and the type of sign that can be erected. Should you have any question regarding the placement of a sign, please just call town hall and ask.

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             GOLF COURSE NEWS

           by Chris Shute, Golf Course Manager

   The golf course is still going strong. Although we are now in our off season, our revenues stills continue to beat previous year totals. As of the middle of November, our gross year-to-date revenues are more than $108,000.  At only five months into the fiscal year, we have already surpassed the 1998-1999 total fiscal year revenues by $6,000! 

  Improvements continue as well. We are currently constructing larger tee boxes on numbers 1, 2, and 5. The greens were over seeded this fall so they will continue to look and play well all winter long. With the new carts this year, we now have windshields for every cart to help keep out the cold winter winds.

 

  Our winter rates will begin December 1 and continue through February 28, 2002. Seniors (55 and over) can play 18 holes during the week for only $13.00 including the cart, or play all day for only $2.00 more. Non seniors pay only $15.00 for 18 holes or $12.00 for 9 holes. Weekend rates are $15.00 for 9 holes and $20.00 for 18 holes. We also have all golf merchandise on sale for 20% off.

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     DIAMOND JUBILEE UPDATE

 by Bill Bush, DJC Chairman

   Those of you who live in, or have visited Lake Lure during November may have seen the plants which have been planted on the Point. Several of the bushes are in place near the gate entrance and additional shrubs, plus the trees, are soon to arrive.  It would appear that we are in good shape to meet our goal of completing the landscaping by Easter, 2002.

   This would not have been possible  without the wonderful response to our letter asking for donations from residents and property owners of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. As of now we are approximately 50% of our way to meeting our goal. Obviously, we need your help to get to 100%; if you have not sent your contribution in, please do so ASAP so we can complete the project on time.  Remember, your contribution is tax-deductible, so you may wish to get it in before January 1, and take advantage of savings in this year’s filing.

   Those who contribute $200 or more receive a brick for placement in the Remembrance Walk. The bricks (they are actually cement blocks) to be used for the etching are 6" x 9", have a reddish hue, and have room to place 14 characters on each of 2 lines. If we do not know what you want inscribed, we will be contacting you in the near future for this information.

   The walkway will actually comprise two bricks sizes, 6" x 6" and 6" x 9" in the reddish color. We envision a walkway 5 feet wide and just over 100 feet long. It will be near the gate including the area around the large sycamore tree and the picnic area.

   We are also making progress in planning events for the Diamond Jubilee year. Information about the Diamond Jubilee events will be made available in this newsletter and through other advertising in the near future.

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              NEWS AROUND LAKE LURE

   Santa Climbs the Chimney on Saturday, December 1 and December 8, 11:00 a.m., at the Chimney Rock Park.  John Mason, the Park’s featured musician, plays holiday favorites on the hammered dulcimer, 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

   A chili cook off will be held on Saturday, December 1, at the Chimney Rock Volunteer Fire Department in Chimney Rock Village.  Come and warm up with some great hometown cooking, and help raise money for a worthy cause.  The fire department is on the hill across from the entrance to Chimney Rock Park.  Enjoy a chili dinner with salad, cornbread and drink for only $5.  Judging begins at 5:00 p.m. and serving begins soon thereafter.

   Lake Lure Boat Parade and Fireworks will be held on Saturday, December 1.  This is one of the most unique holiday events in our region! See boats with holiday lights and decorations glide into the bay of Lake Lure.  The parade and fireworks can be viewed from the Lake Lure town marina and beach area beginning at about 6:30 p.m.  The beach will be open with activities and a great bonfire.  Fireworks start soon after the boats arrive.

   “Light Up the Gorge” and “Deck Your Dock” begin with all the lights and decorations throughout the villages and on the lake.

   “We Deserve It” Party will be held at the Lake Lure Inn after the boat parade and fireworks!  Admission and hors d’oeuvres are $5 per person, and there’ll be a cash bar.

   The Hickory Nut Gorge Annual Children’s Christmas Party will be held on Saturday, December 8, 2001, 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., at the Lake Lure Municipal Center Community Hall.  Santa Claus and his helpers will distribute gifts and refreshments will be served.  For more details, call Sharon Theiss at 828-625-2299.

   Annual Holiday Dinner and Auction sponsored by the Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce will be held on Monday, December 10.  Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door (Visitor Center volunteers can purchase tickets for $20 or $25 at the door).  The party begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Lake Lure Conference Center, in the Lake Lure Arcade Building across from the Lake Lure town beach.  Tickets are available from members of the board of directors and at the Visitor Center.

   The Chimney Rock Baptist Church Choir will present “O Come Let Us Worship the King” on December 16, 2001, 11:00 a.m., at Chimney Rock Baptist Church located on Boys Camp Road.  Please join us as we worship the King at Christmas time. 

  Trees and wreaths for sale at the Riverside Park in Chimney Rock Village.  Proceeds help fund the continuation and improvements of the River Walk along the Rocky Broad River.

   Free computer classes open to the public at the Union Mills Lifelong Learning Center each week.  Call 828-287-5876 or 828-287-5163 for details.

   Lake Lure Newcomers invite those who are new residents in Lake Lure (24 months or less) to join them in various activities which include: potluck, gourmet, out'n about, theater, bridge/poker, book club, and hiking.  Anyone interested in becoming a member, call Fred Noble or Jeanine Noble at 828-625-8706.