MAYOR’S COMMENTS

by Jim Proctor

 Town Budget

          After much hard work and tough decisions the budget has been completed and has been adopted by the town council.  As you have probably already heard the tax rate will increase one cent per $100. Our manager, Chuck Place, will have a complete update in his report that follows.  I would like to say that it has been a long and well thought out process that brings us to our adopted budget. With increases in costs, unknown state revenues and a continuing uncertain electric income we certainly had some very tough decisions to make. I congratulate our town  employees, especially our town manager and department heads for their hard work and help with this procedure.  The town is very fortunate to have such a dedicated staff.

 Ride for Kids

          On August 24th the tenth annual Ride For Kids will once again come to Lake Lure.  The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the U.S. funds medical research grants and clinical fellowships to help find the cause and cure of childhood brain tumors.  Last year more than 450 motorcycle riders raised more than $96,000!! 

          If you would like to donate this year please mail a check made out to "PBTFUS" to PO Box 384, Lake Lure, NC 28746.  You may also leave donations at the Lake Lure Town Hall. Their website is: http://ride4kids.org/

 Fireworks

          To be safe and legal, please let the professionals give the fireworks shows this Fourth of July holiday. As you may remember, in years past there was a fire at a boathouse due to an illegal fireworks show. If you plan on spending money this year for fireworks, I encourage you to instead give a donation to the Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce for their fireworks show on July 5th.

                                 

TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

by H.M. “Chuck” Place III, AICP

         2003-2004 Budget

          I am pleased to report that the Town Council has adopted a budget for the coming fiscal year that meets the majority of our needs.  An increase in ad valorem tax from $0.27 to $0.28 per $100 of assessed value was required to balance the budget.  As always, there were many hard decisions associated with the formulation of this budget.  The costs submitted by the staff to address the various needs, wants and desires of the town were in excess of the current array of means to pay for them.  The result was a lengthy process of establishing priorities among the many competing good and worthy services and projects in need of funding.   Copies of the new budget are available for review at Town Hall, but the following is a synopsis taken from the adopted budget ordinance:

 REVENUES

Ad Valorem and Vehicle Taxes                      $1,231,100

State Shared Revenues                                          787,149

Miscellaneous Revenues                                        70,560

Land Use Fees                                                           15,200

Golf Course                                                              217,880

Lake                                                                           180,000

Beach                                                                          64,000

Marina                                                                        27,000

Admin. charge from Hydro/Electric Fund             15,000

Appropriated Fund Balance                                    45,903

TOTAL GENERAL FUND                             $2,653,792

EXPENDITURES

Governing Body                                                      $39,695

Administration                                                        493,271

Police                                                                        533,957

Fire Department                                                       257,213

E.M.S.                                                                              500

Public Works                                                           449,565

Sanitation                                                                 116,400

Golf Course                                                              231,482

Lake                                                                           169,852

Beach                                                                          24,500

Community Center                                                    25,231

Marina                                                                        31,231

Insurance/Bonds                                                      97,750

Debt Service                                                            155,376

Contingency Reserve                                               50,000

TOTAL GENERAL FUND                             $2,653,792

 

Revenues and expenditures in the Water/Sewer Fund are as follows:

 

REVENUES

Water and Sewer Charges                                   $780,250

Appropriated Fund Equity                                    171,953

TOTAL WATER/SEWER FUND                    $952,203

                                                                                                  EXPENDITURES    

Sewer                                                                      $764,168

Water                                                                        188,035

TOTAL WATER/SEWER FUND                    $952,203

 

Revenues and expenditures in the Hydro-Electric Fund are as follows:

 

 

REVENUES

Electric Receipts                                                    $162,000

TOTAL HYDRO-ELECTRIC FUND               $162,000

 

EXPENDITURES

Operations                                                             $119,086

Transfer to General Fund                                         15,000

Transfer to Fund Balance                                        27,914

TOTAL  HYDRO-ELECTRIC FUND              $162,000

            REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES FOR ALL FUNDS

General Fund                                                  $2,653,792

Water/sewer Fund                                               952,203

Hydro-electric                                                      162,000

TOTAL ALL FUNDS                                     $3,767,995

 

This estimated budget for FY2003-04 is based upon the following:

1.There is an implicit assumption that there will be no annexations or major growth in population served during the subject fiscal year.     

2.Total estimated valuation on real, personal and utility property for the 2003-2004 tax year is $439,361,360 and motor vehicle valuation is estimated at $13,545,330, according to Rutherford County's Tax Administrator.  This should generate about $1,231,100 in tax revenue, assuming a 96% collection rate.  A transfer of $45,903 from the General Fund Balance is included to balance the budget at the new tax rate of $0.28.      

3.   For the fourth year, the Town Council has adopted a 6 year Capital Improvements Program (CIP).  The first year of the CIP constitutes the Capital Budget and the expenditures listed for the coming year have been incorporated in this FY 2003-04 annual budget.  The approved list of general fund projects for FY03-04 totals $250,019 ($94,801 of which will be funded by a federal grant).  An additional $70,000 in capital expenditures is related to street construction and maintenance activities funded directly by “Powell Bill” receipts.  Total capital expenditures (CIP plus Powell Bill projects) in the General Fund equal $320,019, increased from $199,414 last year.

The federal grant will fund a new pedestrian pathway which will be constructed from Boys Camp Road to the ABC store and connected to the boardwalk.  A replacement vehicle for the police department, a replacement town boat, computer upgrades, cart path resurfacing at the golf course, the golf cart lease program and the debt service for a replacement fire boat and addition to Fire Station #2 are also included in this fund. We will be seeking additional grant funding where available to offset the costs of these additional capital improvements, thereby reducing the burden on the local taxpayers.  

A total of $594,545 for utilities projects will be funded under the Water/Sewer Fund.  Included are sewer line repairs, major equipment replacement at the sewer plant, and a new backhoe. The equipment replacement will be funded, in part, through a $305,000 federal grant so the actual cost to the water/sewer fund for capital expenditures will be $289,545.

The only electric fund capital expenditures proposed at the hydro-electric plant will be $47,000 for new control equipment and associated enclosure which was budgeted last year but not installed due to weather and other factors.        

4.   This budget includes a fair, but modest, 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for town employees.  It also includes an additional 401K contribution of 1.25% for all non-law enforcement personnel as the second step in establishing equity in benefits for all employees (law enforcement officers receive a 5% contribution by state law).  The total contribution will be 3.75%, including the 2.5% council approved last year.  

I am proud of the consistent dedication, loyalty and hard work demonstrated by our small work force; however, we must recognize the need to maintain our competitive standing versus the compensation and benefits offered by surrounding localities and the private sector.  Failure to be vigilant and equitable in this regard will make it most difficult to continue to attract and retain the talented and dedicated cadre of employees we now have on staff.          

5.   One additional part time employee is included for the public works department.  This individual will work up to 16 hours per week for six months of the year (late spring through late fall).

6.   Revenue in the Electric Fund last year was positively impacted by the increase of rainfall for the first time in the past five years.  As a consequence, income from the hydro-electric plant is projected to be about 45% greater than budgeted.  The drought that has plagued the state for several years has been declared over, but we are budgeting a more conservative revenue estimate for the coming year of $140,000.

7.                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The amount of $100,000 has been budgeted for silt removal.                    

In summary, the proposed town budget now before you is balanced as required by state law.  In comparison to last year, the General Fund is increased by 11%, the Water/Sewer Fund is decreased by 8%, and the Electric Fund is increased by 16%.  The total budget is about 6% greater than last year.

While this budget does not address every need, want,  preference, desire, project or program, it will provide for the continuation of the basic municipal services currently provided and at the level expected by our residents, and continues addressing the goal of attending to some basic infrastructure needs and long-deferred maintenance items, although to a lesser extent than desired.

 

                                                              

A BIT OF LOCAL HISTORY

Bat Cave and Chimney Rock Catastrophe

(Reprinted from a “The Charlotte News” article July 1916)

 The Tragic Story of Bat Cave

 Nowhere was destruction more appalling, more sudden and complete and loss of life more horrible, than in the famous Bat Cave and Chimney Rock section.

Capt. John T. Patrick, well known as a promoter of big enterprises in North Carolina, and in recent years identified with development at Chimney Rock, arrived in Asheville from the latter point Wednesday having walked from Chimney Rock to Fairview, and coming from the latter place in a buggy.  Capt. Patrick arrived attired in overalls, and wearing but one shoe, all his clothing and other belongings having gone in the rush of the Rocky Broad River, which had played havoc with both lives and property in all that section.

Captain Patrick said the storm there began Friday, torrents of rain falling so heavily that one could see only a few yards.  The destruction began Saturday, and not only was the rain heavier there than on this side of the mountain, but the destruction was vastly greater in proportion to the number of homes and business enterprises involving.

“By 6 o’clock Saturday afternoon,” said Captain Patrick, “the river was in full flood, and building after building was swept away, not only on the lowlands, but even on the mountain, water filling every low place and everywhere there were torrents pouring like waterfalls down the channels 30 and 40 feet deep, from summit to valley.  The landslides were numbered by scores, 25 to 200 feet in width, sweeping boulders and full grown trees before them.

“Seven persons are known to have lost their lives in the floods, at Chimney Rock and vicinity.  In one case a dwelling was torn away in which was a young woman and two children.  The children were saved, but the body of the young woman, Miss Stacey Hill, was found far below the site of her dwelling, laying head down, her foot caught in the crotch of a tree.”

“The horrors of that night cannot be told.  The rain fell in such solid masses that one seemed to be under a waterfall, and it not only undermined houses but actually tore them to pieces.  The noise of the rain was like continuous thunder, added to the roar of the river, and the shock of the mountain slides literally crashing into the valleys.  It was in fact a cataclysm, such as these mountains have probably not experiences in recent geographical periods.  The forces of nature setting themselves to a gigantic movement simply paralyzed anything that man could do and literally stunned imagination.  The people who went through that awful night can never forget the shock of it.”

“Throughout the night there were hours of horror, and when daylight came the worst scene of desolation ever viewed in the mountain became visible.  The river began to recede, at time, and then, strange to say, would suddenly rise again, walls of water coming down the river like an ocean tide, with the thunderous noise of waves beating on the rocky coast.  The greatest height of the water was reached at between 10 o’clock and midnight Saturday night.”

 “At Bat Cave every store was carried off.  The utter destruction of the river wiped out everything.   The river has widened to two or three times its usual width.  Only houses built deep in the mountain sides are standing at Bat Cave.”

“The state has had for months a special force of convicts building a splendid highway between Asheville and Rutherfordton through the Hickory Nut Gap.  Great stretches of this are obliterated.  Bridges and high banks of earth have been replaces by holes in the ground.  The aspect of the valley, in many respects on of the most scenic in North Carolina, has been in many respects changed.

Captain Patrick places the known dead at seven, but says there may be more.    

Dr. L.B. Morse, who arrived at Hendersonville Tuesday night after walking with great difficulty from Chimney Rock, stated that the island at Chimney Rock was completely gone. All bridges between Hendersonville and Bat Cave and Chimney rock were gone.  Mr. Morse walked for 18 hours to reach Hendersonville and was one of the first to bring news from the Chimney Rock and Bat Cave section.

According to Dr. Morse the flood situation at these places was alarming.  Among the buildings destroyed were the village stores.

Relief parties were organized at Hendersonville and started for Bat Cave.

Telephone connection with Bat Cave and Chimney Rock was impossible.  Many telephone and telegraph wires, including those to Fairview and small villages along the Swannanoa River which were operating for a short period last night were down.

The Asheville-Charlotte highway near Bat Cave and the scenic road from the main line to the base of Chimney Rock was completely washed away.  Dr. Morse was one of the owners of the scenic road which is reported to have cost $25,000.

         

TOWN COUNCIL ACTIVITIES

by Town Clerk Mary Flack, MMC

 REGULAR MEETING: The regular town council meeting was held on Tuesday, June 10, 2003, 7:00 p.m., at the Lake Lure Municipal Center.

   Under the “consent agenda,” Council:

 

* approved the minutes of May 13, 2003 (regular meeting & closed session) and May 28, 2003 (special workshop meeting); and

* approved a budget amendment of $10,000 from the contingency fund to be transferred to the golf course department expenditure accounts.

 In other activities, Town Council:

 * held a discussion regarding extra-territorial jurisdiction for the corporate limits of Lake Lure;

 *heard a report from the Zoning Administrator on behalf of the Zoning and Planning Board pertaining to extra- territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) for the corporate limits of Lake Lure; the Zoning and Planning Board recommended that town council not pursue the adoption of ETJ at this time;

 *received a petition from Luremont residents of Lake Lure requesting that the town not allow the construction of a cell phone tower on Thomas Edison Road and that the existing zoning regulations be enforced; they also requested that when and if such an application be returned, the Lake Lure Zoning Administrator, Board of Adjustments, and Town Council deny any conditional or other commercial use requests that might allow such commercial construction to commence in their residential development;

 *scheduled a public hearing at the next town council meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. or thereafter to consider amendments as recommended by the Lake Advisory Committee of Lake Lure, to Chapter 85, Section 85.53: Regulations Regarding Operation of Boats of the Town of Lake Lure’s Code of Ordinances by inserting additional subsections (H) and (I) [85.53 (H) and (I)] which read as follows:

 (H)No  person  may operate a  recreational vessel under way with any child under 13 years old aboard unless each such child is either- 

(1) Wearing an appropriate Personal Flotation Device (PFD) approved by the Coast Guard; or

 (2) Below decks or in an enclosed cabin.

 (I)Commercial vessels are exempt from Subsection H above, except that rental of a vessel for private recreational use shall constitute a recreational vessel for purposes of Subsection H above.

 * adopted Resolution No. 03-06-10 authorizing the filling of an application for approval of a financing agreement authorized by the North Carolina General Statutes 160A-20;

 * scheduled a special meeting to be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2003, 9:00 a.m., at the council meeting room of the Lake Lure Municipal Center to hold a public hearing to consider the adoption of a resolution authorizing the Town of Lake Lure to enter into an installment purchase contract to finance the cost of the Lake Lure Fire Station improvements and award a bid to finance the cost of the Lake Lure Fire Station improvements; and

 * reviewed the refund policy regarding security deposits for use of town rental facilities and agreed to change the current policy to state that a cancellation of the rental of the Community Hall in the Municipal Center, Lake Lure Community Center, or the town Pavilion will result in a non-refundable security deposit ($50.00).

SPECIAL MEETING: A special town council meeting was held on Thursday, June 19, 2003, 9:00 a.m., at the Lake Lure Municipal Center.

 Town Council:

 * received a revised town budget and budget message presented by the town manager for fiscal year 2003-2004;

 * held a public hearing regarding the town budget for fiscal year 2003-2004;

 * adopted the town budget ordinance as amended for fiscal year 2003-2004;

 * tabled the adoption of the Capital Improvements Program until the July 8^th  town council meeting; and

 * adopted a revised boat slip leasing policy for the Town of Lake Lure.

SPECIAL MEETING: A special town council meeting was held on Tuesday, June 24, 2003, 9:00 a.m., at the Lake Lure Municipal Center.

 Town Council:

 * held a public hearing regarding an installment purchase contract to finance the cost of the Lake Lure Fire Station improvements;

 * awarded bid to Branch Banking and Trust Company (BB & T) to finance the cost of the fire station improvements at an annual interest rate of 3.19 percent for 10 years;

 * adopted Resolution No. 03-06-24 approving an installment financing contract for the cost of the Lake Lure Fire Station improvements; and

 * scheduled a special meeting to be held on Friday, June 27, 2003, 9:00 a.m., at the Lake Lure Municipal Center for the purpose of awarding a bid to finance the cost of the Lake Lure fire boat and  the adoption of a resolution to approve the financing term for this boat.

 SPECIAL MEETING: A special town council meeting was held on Friday, June 27, 2003, 9:00 a.m., at the Lake Lure Municipal Center.

 Town Council:

 * awarded bid to Branch Banking and Trust Company (BB & T)  to finance the cost the Lake Lure fire boat at an annual interest rate not to exceed 2.49 percent for 4 ½ years; and

 * adopted Resolution No. 03-06-27 approving the financing terms for the cost of the Lake Lure fire boat.

 

COMMUNITY POLICING NEWS

by Chief Mike Bustle

        Many thanks are extended to the folks of Fairfield Mountains Chapel for their recent encouragement gift of $500 for the Lake Lure Youth Center.  During these tough budget times, their gift is a true blessing and will be put to use to facilitate additional blessings!

       This year’s North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Initiative “Booze It and Lose It” is scheduled to kick off in Asheville on Friday, June 27th, and run across North Carolina through July 13th. This enforcement effort concentrates on driving while intoxicated offenses and is involving most state and local law enforcement agencies in the state. 

      Last year in North Carolina, approximately twenty-four percent of all traffic deaths  - 379 of 1,573 - were related to impaired driving.  That’s an increase of eight alcohol-related deaths from the previous year.  Neighboring Asheville is ranked number one in the state for these offenses.

      We all must work together to aid this effort to protect innocent  motorists from  the dangers  posed by impaired drivers.  With your help in reporting these incidents, fewer North Carolina families will face the tragedy of losing a loved one because of the careless disregard of an impaired driver.  Help us spread the message that driving after drinking is a deadly choice, and that buckling up is your best defense against a drunk driver.

       The  recently offered Boater Safety Class hosted by the North Carolina Wildlife Commission and the Lake Lure Police Department was well attended.  Thanks to all those who attended and congratulations graduates.

                                                               With the recent commemoration of Father’s Day, a quote comes to mind from Nicholas Earp to his young son Wyatt upon presentation of his first revolver: “Enforcement of the law is the duty of every man who asks for its protection.”

      
GOLF COURSE NEWS

by Charlie Greeson, Pro Shop Clerk

      Summer's warmth, sun, and rain (sometimes too much) has made for excellent grass growing conditions.  You can tell by the shaggy countenance that some parts of the course has.  While the rain has certainly been much better for the turf than the drought, it has left us at times with a dearth of time for mowing and proper course maintenance.  We don't mean to preen all the time, but, we would like to mow on a semi-regular schedule.  So if you come out to play and the fairways or roughs are a little longer than you would like, please know that we are striving to get it cut as soon as possible.

      Last month the Western North Carolina Junior Golf Association held their annual tournament here.  There were about three dozen of the smaller folks from about 5 or 6 years old on up to 12 or 13.  By the way, they don't ride, they walk.  It only rained a little on their parade but that didn't dampen their spirits; because it looked to me like a good time was had by all and there were plenty of smiles all around when the awards were presented.

      Something going on this month is the 4th of July.  On that weekend we will be opening early for those who want to get out ahead of the madding crowd.  For Friday, July 4th; Saturday, July 5th; and Sunday, July 6th we will be opening at 7:30 a.m.

      Another thing for this month is renewal of memberships.  Most of our members will have expiring memberships at the first of the month.  We of course encourage all those folks to come on in to renew.  If all of our present members renew, we will still have approximately 26 more memberships available before we reach our cap. Membership fees are:

 

Annual                                                      

 Single.........................................$200.00

Family of two..............................$300.00

Each additional............................$  50.00

 Semi-Annual

Single..........................................$150.00

Family of two..............................$200.00

Each additional............................$  40.00

            Wildlife update:  Groundhog's still there, turtle ate the baby ducks, fox lost his frog when he got surprised on hole #4, and, fortunately, the geese seemed to have moved on.  Another significant item to note is that the mockingbirds have very successfully defended their nest against crows, cats, hawks, errant golf balls, and, other mockingbirds.  All witnessed by yours truly.

         That's all for now folks.  Keep your head down and your spirits up.

          

WATER CONSERVATION:

(HOW DOES YOUR HOME CHECK OUT?)

by Tony Hennessee, Director of Public Works

          The availability of water, now and in the future, should be a concern for everyone.  In most areas of the country and most of the time, water has been readily available.  The situation is changing.  There are constantly new demands on our water supply.  Sometimes that supply may be less than other times because of climatic conditions such as a drought, a disaster, or just a breakdown in the water system.

Conserving water also conserves other resources-energy and money.  It costs money to pump water and make it available in our homes, for irrigation, and for business and industrial uses.  Energy is required to pump, move, and to purify water.  Both energy and money are required to heat water-whether it is the water we heat and use, or the water we heat and waste through poor management practices.

         By  becoming more aware of your water use habits-both old and new-you can reduce water use (consumption), eliminate waste, and save energy and money.

         How much water do you use in a day? A gallon? Do you  use 25, 50, or even 100 or more gallons?  Few people know how much they use.  Studies show wide variation in the amount of water used by rural and urban households.  Water use ranges form 66 to 118 gallons per person per day, with urban households using larger amounts.

         Imagine what it would be like to turn on the tap and not get at least a drop of water.  People in some parts of the country know this does happen.  They are learning how to conserve water.  They know that water is a limited resource.  Water shortages are now a local or regional problem.  Some day they may be a national problem.  It is wise to learn now how to conserve water.

         This checklist is designed to help you see how effectively you are using water, and to alert you to ways to save.  As you read this list, check the steps you have already taken to conserve water.  Note what you still need to do to become a better manager of water resources.  Concentrate on the big water uses first.