Town of Lake Lure,
North
Carolina
Town of Lake Lure, North
Carolina
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THE LAKE LURE TRIBUTE Published by Town of Lake Lure, P.O. Box 255, Lake Lure, NC 28746 Newsletter
Editor & Coordinator: Monica Stofer by H.M. "Chuck" Place III, AICP 2004-2005 Budget Each year, I am required to prepare a budget for submission to the Town Council prior to June 1. I am pleased to report that the proposed budget for the coming fiscal year meets the majority of our needs without an increase in ad valorem tax. Assuming council adopts the budget as recommended, the rate will remain $0.28 per $100. 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 of the proposed budget: Ad Valorem and Vehicle Taxes $1,282,912 State Shared Revenues 810,951 Miscellaneous Revenues 74,860 Land Use Fees 16,200 Golf Course 237,400 Lake 195,000 Beach 74,000 Marina 30,000 Admin. charge from Water/Sewer Fund 25,000 Admin. charge from Electric Fund 25,000 Appropriated Fund Balance 72,318 TOTAL GENERAL FUND $2,843,641 Governing Body $40,321 Administration 559,008 Police 610,203 Fire Department 322,841 E.M.S. 500 Public Works 543,614 Sanitation 122,400 Golf Course 251,167 Lake 65,996 Beach 26,500 Community Center 37,531 Marina 7,750 Insurance/Bonds 112,765 Debt Service 78,045 Contingency Reserve 65,000 TOTAL GENERAL FUND $2,843,641 Revenues and expenditures in the Water/Sewer Fund are as follows: REVENUES Water and Sewer $1,119,584 TOTAL WATER/SEWER FUND $1,119,584
EXPENDITURES Sewer $803,954 Water 229,774 Transfer to Equity 85,856 TOTAL WATER/SEWER FUND $1,119,584 Revenues and expenditures in the Hydro-Electric Fund are as follows: REVENUES Electric Receipts $185,000 TOTAL ELECTRIC FUND $185,000 EXPENDITURES Operations $171,551 Transfer to Equity 13,449 TOTAL ELECTRIC FUND $185,000 REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES FOR ALL FUNDSGeneral Fund $2,843,641 Water/sewer Fund 1,119,584 Hydro-electric 185,000 TOTAL ALL FUNDS $4,148,225 This estimated budget for FY2004-05 is based upon the following:
3. For the fifth 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 2004-05 annual budget. The approved list of general fund projects for FY04-05 totals $387,109 ($118,501 of which will be funded by a federal grant). An additional $68,000 in capital expenditures is related to street construction and maintenance activities funded directly by "Powell Bill" receipts. Total capital expenditures (CIP plus other capital items) in the General Fund equal $467,109, increased from $381,266 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 (this project was included in last year's budget, but was delayed until 04-05). Replacement patrol vehicles and new off-road vehicles for the police department; a replacement boat (also included in last year's budget, but delayed), annual computer upgrades; continuation of the cart path resurfacing and the golf cart lease program at the golf course, a replacement dump truck and new equipment building for public works, and the debit 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 $3,398,270 for utilities projects will be funded under the Water/Sewer Fund. Included are a major improvements and expansion of the water system, major equipment replacement at the sewer plant and a replacement utility truck. The two-year water system expansion will cost a total of $2,618,900 and will be funded by a combination of state and county grants, state loans and a developer contribution. The 04-05 share of that total cost will be $179,475. The sewer plant equipment replacement cost of $554,545 will be funded, in part, through a $305,000 federal grant and a $75,000 county grant so the actual cost to the water/sewer fund will be $174,545. In all, the actual outlay from the water/sewer fund for capital project in 04-05 will be $45,350 out of the total expenditure of $3,398,270. The only electric fund capital expenditure proposed at the hydro-electric plant will be $47,000 for new control equipment and structure which was budgeted last year but not installed due to weather and other factors. 4. This budget includes a fair, but modest, 2.0% 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 final step of a three step process to establish equity in benefits for all employees (law enforcement officers receive a 5% contribution by state law). The total contribution will now be 5% for all employees. 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 full time employee, conversion of a part time employee to full time and one additional part time employee is included in this budget. -The new full time person will be added to the Fire Coordinator's office to act as the assistant coordinator due to the increase in fire and emergency services activities and the need to increase our paid professional staff in compliance with ISO standards. -The golf course will move a part time employee to full time because of increased work load. -The new part time employee will be placed in the Public Works Department and 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 again positively impacted by the increase of rainfall. As a consequence, income from the hydro-electric plant is projected to be about 104% greater than budgeted. Even so, we are budgeting a very conservative revenue estimate for the coming year of $180,000. Excess revenues, if any, will be transferred to the Electric Equity Fund.
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 7%, the Water/Sewer Fund is increased by 18%, and the Electric Fund is increased by 14%. The total budget is about 10% 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.The Town Council has set June 8 at 7:00 p.m. as the date and time of the annual Budget public hearing. If you have any comments on the budget, you are invited to attend.
TOWN COUNCIL ACTIVITIES by Town Clerk Mary Flack, MMC, CTC REGULAR MEETING: The regular town council meeting was held on Tuesday, May 11, 2004, 7:00 p.m., in the meeting room of the Lake Lure Municipal Center. Under the "consent agenda," Council: * approved the minutes of April 13, 2004 (regular meeting) and April 27, 2004 (special workshop meeting); *approved budget amendments for the fire boat, fire station improvements, and debt service on the Lake Lure Municipal Center building as submitted by the finance director; budget $236,700 in revenues (loan proceeds) and budget $ $236,700 in expenditures ($100,000 - fire boat and $136, 700 - fire station improvements) made to the capital projects fund; transfer $4,613.13 from the contingency fund (account #10910.1000) to debt service (account #108000.0000) to cover the short fall balance; * approved a request from Christy Smith and Mike Packett to suspend the town alcohol ordinance in order to serve beer, wine, and champagne during a wedding reception inside the community hall of the Lake Lure Municipal Center on June 27, 2004, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.; and * approved a request from Teresa Ramsey-Blanton on behalf of the Vintage Auto Show to: (1) hold their annual car show October 2, 2004, from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., on town property (Morse Park meadows); (2) suspend the town's peddling ordinance to allow the club to sell t-shirts and food; and (3) use a P. A. system for playing music and making announcements. In other activities, Town Council: * held a public hearing regarding the proposed amendment of Title IX, Chapter 92, Section 92.005, Definitions of the Lake Lure Zoning Regulations relating to home occupations and adopted Ordinance No. 04-05-11 as presented; * held a hearing for appeal from the decision of the Lake Structures Appeals Board regarding Case #LSA 04-01 Quail Cove Townhouse POA, Inc.; town council voted unanimously to uphold the decision of the Lake Structures Appeals Board to deny the variance requested by representative Mike McPherson on behalf of the Quail Cove Townhouse POA, Inc. from Section 94.13 (A), to finish construction of two boathouses where they are not allowed; * approved a request from George Crane on behalf of the Rutherfordton Raiders Youth Football League to hold a car wash on Saturday, May 29, 2004, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. in the Lake Lure Municipal parking lot adjacent to the tennis courts to raise funds to buy uniforms and equipment for the youth football league and the youth cheerleaders (the league is open to Rutherford County youth, ages 5 to 12); Town Council waived sign permit fees fro this event; * adopted Ordinance No. 04-05-11A amending the cable television franchise agreement with Northland Cable Ventures LLC dated August 1, 1996 (second reading); * accepted a proposal from Harry Thal to reimburse the town for costs incurred to the town for closing a portion of Gene Stratton Porter street and costs for a turn around at the new end of the public street; adopted Resolution No. 04-05-11 street closing order to close a portion of Gene Stratton Porter Street; * considered a request from Russell and Lynn Pitts for the town to abandon an unopened portion of Seton road, the relocation of a pathway and utility easement as outlined in a survey furnished to town council by surveyor Timothy Turner (this portion of Seton road has never been dedicated nor developed by the town) as part of a replat of Russell and Lynn Pitts property; authorized the town attorney to work together with Timothy Turner, surveyor for Russell and Lynn Pitts to revise the survey presented to town council for approval, to include appropriate language stipulating that the Town of Lake Lure does not claim any interest and has released any claims regarding this particular property; also, grant the relocation of a pathway and utility easement; * approved proposed fee rates for the Lake Lure Municipal Golf Course as presented by the golf course manager; authorized the golf course manager to adjust future golf course rates with the approval of the Golf Course Committee; * scheduled a special meeting to be held on Thursday, May 20, 2004, 9:00 a.m., at the Lake Lure Municipal Center to review preliminary budget items for fiscal year 2004-2005 and award bid recommended by McGill Associates for two wells; and * ratified approval by the town manager to waive town permit fees in the amount of $100.00 for Camp Lure Crest in an attempt to assist the camp for its loss of the dining hall due to a fire. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE LAKE LURE TOWN COUNCIL: The Lake Lure Town Council held a special town meeting on Thursday, May 20, 2004, 9:00 a.m., in the council meeting room of the Lake Lure Municipal Center. Town Council: * approved a fabric structure permit submitted by Jerry Martin on behalf of Camp Lure Crest contingent upon the town fire coordinator's approval of this permit; * awarded bid to Camp's Well and Pump Co., Inc. for $33, 600.00 for the project entitled " Water Supply Wells" for the Town of Lake Lure as recommended by McGill Associates, contingent upon approval of Camp's Well and Pump Co., Inc.'s disadvantaged business enterprise documentation by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (this contract consists of the construction of two water supply wells to serve Lake Lure; town council stipulated that if Camp's Well and Pump Co., Inc., does not meet the requirements needed, then they will award the bid to McCall Brothers, Inc. for $33,910.00); * approved a request from C. J. Sands on behalf of the Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce to: (1) hold a fireworks show on town property (Morse Park) Saturday, July 3, 2004; (2) hold a Lake Lure holiday boat parade including a fireworks show to be held on Saturday, December 4, 2004; (3) town donate $1,000.00 ($500.00 per event) for the cost of these fireworks shows to be held on July 3, 2004 and December 4, 2004; (4) suspend the town's peddling ordinance for these events; and (5) allow a bonfire on the town beach for these events; * reviewed with town staff members preliminary budget items for fiscal year 2004-2005; and * scheduled a public hearing on June 8, 2004 to consider the adoption of the town budget for fiscal year 2004-2005. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE LAKE LURE MARINE COMMISSION: The Lake Lure Marine Commission held a special meeting on Tuesday, May 11, 2004, following the regular town council meeting held at 7:00 p.m., in the council meeting room of the Lake Lure Municipal Center. The Marine Commission: * reviewed recommendations from
the Lake Advisory Committee to develop a Marine Assistance and Watch (MAAW)
program; authorized the town manager and town attorney to work together with the
Lake Advisory Committee to draft a resolution establishing a Marine Assistance
and Watch program.
COMMUNITY POLICING NEWS by Chief Mike Bustle It is with great pleasure that I report to you the issuance of several letters of commendation to several members of your community police department during the previous month. Sgt. Eric Hester and Officer Daniel Denton received letters of commendation for their assistance to the Chimney Rock, Lake Lure and Fairfield fire departments on Sunday, May 9, 2004, when they responded to a lightening strike at the Apple Valley Villas on Whitney Boulevard in Lake Lure. The officers' professional initiative and investigative efforts revealed a structure fire above apartment #66 and enabled a quick notification and response of fire fighters. As area firefighters were arriving at the scene, Sgt. Hester and Officer Denton entered the burning building, notified residents and escorted them to safety. The officers then assisted with initial fire suppression efforts. Sgt. Hester and Officer Steven Kim received letters of commendation for their response to a trapped 26 year old female in the swift waters of the Rocky Broad River on Saturday, May 22, 2004. The officers received radio notification of a trapped swimmer in the river, responded and searched, locating the female swimmer trapped with her head just above the rushing waterline as supported by a tiring male swimmer. The officers entered the water with Chimney Rock Fire Department, volunteer Chris Melton and freed the trapped swimmer. Our heartfelt thanks are also extended to an international motorcycle group who has been visiting the Gorge for the past four seasons! During the 2004 Spring Fling of the V-ROC Motorcycle Club (Vulcan Riders and Owners Club) held at the Geneva Motel in Lake Lure, participants from all over the U.S. and Canada designated the Lake Lure Youth Center as the recipient of funds raised and donated $2,409.00! Local coordinators, Vicki and Lynn Smith of the Geneva, were instrumental in making local needs known, and the La La Queens gave a "large" performance! Many thanks to the V-ROC'ers, the Smiths, and the Lake Lure La La's! On Monday, June 28th, and Tuesday, June 29th, 2004, the Lake Lure Police Department and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission will host a Boater's Safety Class at the Lake Lure Town Hall. The six hour course will begin on Monday at 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and convene again on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Course participants who complete the course will receive a certificate a completion from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. The course is an excellent basic boater safety course that also covers applicable state laws and the unique ordinances of Lake Lure. Please telephone your community police officer at 828-625-4911 to register for this valuable course of instruction.
by Charlie Greeson, Pro Shop Clerk I don't know who it was that gave those aliens directions but I figure it must have been Bugs; 'cause all those UFO's wound up in Mexico instead of Lake Lure. They obviously took a wrong turn at Albuquerque. Oh well, maybe next time. Some of you may have noticed we have one less bridge on #7. The one that was placed over the water line that crosses the creek, just in front of the green, broke. The wood was too far deteriorated to patch, so we pulled the whole thing out. Replacement may not come until sometime in July. Speaking of replacements...Sean (the new guy) has been replacing those ragged edges around the bunkers with some nice clean cut edges. This definition of the perimeter not only enhances the look of things but playability as well. We have a picture that is more clear of just how far we can go without getting into trouble. Well, it's either that or exactly where we get into trouble, as the case may be. Speaking of trouble...the season's hotter temperatures have, as usual, required more watering of the greens. There may be times during the day when a green is getting in trouble from being too hot for too long. When this happens we must give them water immediately. So, if you're on a green and the water comes on, please bear with us. We all prefer greens instead of browns. Please keep your eye to the sky and send those UFO's in the right direction if you get the chance. If they want to know where they can park their saucer, tell them to just park it up there on the practice range like the helicopters do. Maybe if we get them pointed in the right direction they'll keep coming here instead of Mexico. I'd like to personally wish those aliens "Fairways and Greens".
UPPER BROAD RIVER WATERSHED PROTECTION PROGRAM by Clint Calhoun, Erosion Control Specialist Now that spring has come, with summer fast on its heels, erosion control projects are lining up. Quite frankly, I was getting a little worried. Since I still consider myself new to this job, I am finding out new things all the time and one of those things is to let the people come to me. I spend a lot of time driving around the watershed, leaving brochures behind. Most of the time I never hear from the people that I talk with or leave information with. I usually get calls from the ones who pick up our Watershed Protector's Handbook or who have heard about us through a neighbor that we have done work for. At least the word is out there. It has been an interesting spring so far. On May 4th, we conducted our first ever watershed workshop which was an opportunity for landowners to come and learn about our program. We had around 30 people to attend, which I felt was great since it was our very first workshop of this type. We had some excellent speakers and we focused on several areas which included water quality issues, working with landowners, and riparian zone protection. In addition to this, we presented our watershed video and a couple of landowners gave testimonials. I felt that we had some great discussion and the feedback that I got after it was all over was really good. Hopefully we will be doing another workshop in the fall, so if you didn't get to make this one, we hope to see you at the next one. We currently have several landowners who are interested in having some erosion control work done. All of the areas involved have moderate to severe erosion problems and are impacting important waterways. I am pleased that we are getting the opportunity to work with these folks. In conservation news, I got the chance to tag along with the folks from Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy who are the stewards for the riparian easements that we acquired for Clean Water management Trust Fund. We ventured out onto our easement areas right around the time the spring wildflowers were coming up. On two of the three easements that we purchased, we saw the federally endangered plant, White Irisette (Sisyrinchium dichotomum). This plant loves old disturbance areas along logging roads and trails and is found in several locations in Hickory Nut Gorge. We are excited to know that we are protecting these rare plant populations in our watershed. If you have an erosion problem on your property that you would like to get some assistance with, or if you have an area that you would like to protect, the Upper Broad River Watershed Protection Program would love to help you. Please feel free to contact me at 828-625-9983ext.123or clintcalhoun@blueridge.net if you have any questions.
FREE MUSIC Come and enjoy an hour of traditional music performed by the United States Air Force Tradewinds Quintet from Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. This event is free of charge and will take place at the gazebo on Memorial Point on June 16th at 6:00 p.m. This quintet is comprised of a flute, oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon and is part of the USAF Heritage of America Band, a 60-member band based at Langley . What a treat; join us and show your support for this musical quintet. The event is sponsored by the Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber and the Town of Lake Lure.
NORTHLAND CABLE by Nick Stover, Manager Northland Cable Television has been proud to serve the Lake Lure community and surrounding area since 1995. At that time, system upgrading started immediately with the construction of a microwave link from Forest City to Lake Lure. This link immediately improved the off air signals, provided additional programming as well as the local community channel. In 1997 Northland begun upgrading its coaxial network, which made it possible to add even more programs, increase system reliability and plant integrity. At the same time Northland began deploying a fiber optic network though-out the community. Fiber optics increased signal quality and system reliability even more so by reducing the amplifier cascade, outrage reductions and is less susceptible to lighting and power surges. In 2001Northland launched it digital packages which provide a variety of 142 programs. Digital programming allowed 22 special interest channels, 20 premium channels, 30 CD quality music channels, impulse pay-per-view channels, interactive TV guide and more. Additionally, in 2002 Northland launched the emergency alert system, which allows the local and state authorities to interrupt the cable network to warn the community of any unexpected dangers such as floods, tornadoes, fires, accidents, etc. Northland offers several rate structures to meet the needs of subscribers. We offer packages such as Economy Basic, Basic, Deluxe Basic and five affordable digital packages. The staff of Northland Cable is dedicated to providing high quality cable service. We also serve our local community, charities, and schools. We pay local taxes and provide jobs within the community. Cables continues to be one of the best entertainment values today. We are committed to looking for ways to improve the value and quality of programming we offer. Northland Cable Television looks forward to serving you in the future. If there are any questions or concerns, feel free to contact one of Northland's professional customer service representatives at 828-625-8012. (NOTE: During the recent cable franchise renewal hearing, the town council suggested that Mr. Stover write this article as a public service.)
NEWS AROUND LAKE LURE 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 Rod or Yvonne Anderson at 828-625-0464. Lake Lure Lakefront Owners Association - The annual meeting of the LLLOA will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2004 at JV and Penny Cloud's home. Their home is located at 1885 Buffalo Shoals Road, Lake Lure. The meeting will be held between the hours of 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Please be aware of the time as it was not listed in the Spring LLLOA Muse newsletter. Also please note the instructions in Muse newsletter regarding directions to and parking at the Cloud home. Hope to see you there! Garden Club - The June meeting will held on Thursday, the 3rd at 10:00 a.m. inside the gate at the public beach tent picnic area. Susan Swift will be the guest speaker. Susan and her husband, John, have a home in Shumont Estates. She is a member of the Bermuda Rose Society and Garden Club in her home town. She is also a qualified judge of old garden roses and is often called upon to identify roses in local gardens. Her experience in roses should be interesting and helpful. For more information or to register, please contact Saundra at 828-625-1065 or Martha at 828-625-9496. Also, remember to bring any plants you wish to sell; the proceeds will benefit the club. Chimney Rock Park celebrates summer with a variety of activities for the whole family during the month of June. These activities include things such as a writing workshop, guided hikes, photo contest, kids nature program, and a climbing tower. For more information about the events, please contact the park at 828-625-9611.
NOTICE For comments about the operations of the Lake Lure Tours, call 828-625-1373.
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