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: Linda
Ward
TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT by H.M. "Chuck" Place III, AICP The Process of Administering. At the risk of sounding like I am whining, the past couple of months have been very busy for me. Just about the time the new budget was finished in June, our zoning administrator, Terri Potts, resigned. Her assistant, Monica Stofer, took over a lot of the task of administering the several functions assigned to Terri, but she wasn't yet qualified to become the zoning administrator. Fortunately (or not, depending on your point of view), I am an NCCZO (meaning a North Carolina Certified Zoning Official) and, therefore, assumed the additional duties of the administrator. So, Monica did most of the work, I reviewed and signed applications and we both took care of inspections. This was, of course, in addition to my regular responsibilities as manager. Then, Monica informed me that she had received a job offer that was too good
to pass up and suddenly, I was doing all three of the jobs. Thankfully, this
state of affairs did not last too long. I interviewed 10 very qualified people
for the code enforcement clerk's job (Monica's old position) including one Susan
Lynch. Susan fit the bill perfectly. She has been doing virtually the same work
in I now have a statewide search underway to fill Terri's position. The job description for this slot has been revamped to acknowledge all the functions that have been added over the years and some new ones as well. The new title will be "community development administrator." This individual will function as the zoning administrator and the planning administrator (a new job encompassing aspects of comprehensive planning and grants administration). In addition, the position includes administering all the various other regulations in the code relating to subdivisions, street construction standards, erosion control, unkempt property, abandoned vehicles and the like. The community development administrator will supervise the new assistant zoning administrator (a position not intended to be filled at this time), the erosion control officer (Clint Calhoun) and the code enforcement clerk (Susan Lynch). It's my hope that this job will be filled in the next 60 days or so. I look
forward to the simple life of a town manager again!
TOWN COUNCIL ACTIVITIES by Town Clerk Mary Flack, MMC, CTC REGULAR MEETING:
The regular town council meeting was held on Tuesday, August 10, 2004,
7:00 p.m., in the Council meeting room of the
Under the "consent agenda," Council: * approved the minutes of July 13, 2004 (regular meeting); * approved budget amendments as submitted by the finance director to: (1) increase the water/sewer fund revenues for the Rural Center grant by $45,000, increase the sewer professional services account by $15,000 and the water professional service account by $15,000 to cover the cost of a capacity study, (2) transfer $3,260 from the hydro-electric fund equity account to the hydro-electric's department account for contractual services to cover the cost of a lake use study analysis; and (3) transfer $26,000 from the town's fund balance earmarked as silt removal for fiscal year 2003-2004 budget to the silt removal account for fiscal year 2004-2005 to cover the cost of work on the town dredge; * approved a contract between the Town of Lake Lure and the town auditor for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2003 and ending June 30, 2004; and * approved a request from Stanley Long to: (1) hold an
annual F-100 Truck Show "Run to the Rock" on town property adjacent to
the Lake Lure community center on September 17-19, 2004, (2)have the town
provide a Mayor's choice trophy, and (3)suspend the town's peddling ordinance in
order that food, t-shirts, truck parts, and other items may be sold on site
during the show. In other activities, Town Council: * recognized Lake Lure police officers promoted within the police department: Sergeant Eric Hester was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant; Patrol Officer Janie Schutz was promoted to the rank of Sergeant; Patrol Officer Rick McWhorter was promoted to the rank of Sergeant; Patrol Officer Sean Humphries was promoted to the rank of Corporal; Patrol Officer Robert Owens was promoted to the rank of Corporal; Patrol Officer Steven Kim was designated "eligible" for promotion to Corporal; Police Chief Mike Bustle awarded lapel pins to each police officer for their rank and commended them for their professionalism; * authorized the town manager to enter into a contract on behalf of the town with Diverse Corporate Technologies regarding a computer information technology proposal for computer services to the town; requested that the town manager come back with budget amendments pertaining to this contract for approval; * recessed the town council meeting until August 31, 2004, 7:00 p.m. at the Council meeting room of the Lake Lure Municipal Center, to continue a discussion on a request from Attorney Collin Brown on behalf of Mike McPherson and Tom and Faye Dixon regarding a boat house dispute; * amended the town's pay and classification plan as presented by the town manager to create positions of community development administrator, assistant zoning administrator, erosion control officer and police lieutenant; * authorized the town manager to get certain town property appraised on Charlotte Drive before declaring it surplus for sale; and * approved a request from Janet Morris on behalf of Lake Lure Properties, LLC, asking the town to temporarily close portions of town streets in order to repair the roof on the Lake Lure arcade building; authorized the town manager to temporarily close one lane of Arcade Blvd. and a portion of Pool Creek Drive for up to two days to allow roof repairs on the Lake Lure arcade building.
KNOW YOUR EMPLOYEE by Anita Taylor, MMC, Personnel Director Changes are continuing to take place around town hall. As many of you are aware, Monica Stofer resigned as Code Enforcement Clerk August 3, 2004. We are happy to announce that Susan Lynch filled that position August 16th. Susan came to us from Polk County Government where she served as a planning and zoning assistant. She has experience in planning, zoning, building inspections and environmental management. Officer Steven Kim resigned his position from the police department effective August 5th. Officer Bill Short was hired August 13th to replace that vacant position. Officer Short Came to us from Spindale Police Department and has much experience in law enforcement. Don't let the name short fool you. He stands at 6'7" tall. Please help us to make these employees feel welcome. We are going to miss the employees which have left and wish them well in their future endeavors. Tax Update As many of you are aware, I have been asked to pursue the project of
collecting delinquent taxes for the years 1994-1996. Letters are being mailed
out notifying all owners which have a remaining balance for those years.
We ask that those letters be answered to in the way of payment,
possible error, etc. Tax Accounts which remain unsettled will be handled in the
way of liens, garnishment of wages and other compensation and drafting bank
deposits as allowed in G.S. 105-366(b) and (d). Please contact me should you
have questions or concerns at 828-625-9983, ext. 106 and I will be happy to
assist.
COMMUNITY POLICING NEWS by Chief Mike Bustle The Lake Lure Police Department would like to welcome it's newest officer,
Bill Short, who comes to us from the Spindale Police Department with four years
of experience. The 6' 7", 380 pound officer is a welcome addition and comes
complete with a tracking bloodhound named "Molly." Officer Short has
replaced Officer Steven Kim, who became employed with a local trucking firm.
It has been often proven that when families organize to help better their neighborhood, the crime rate diminishes. So often the people live like victims instead of being good neighbors. This gives criminals an open door to strike, take over, and recruit others to help with their illegal activities. Creating an atmosphere where each family and neighbor does not accept crime helps prevent crime before it happens. When more police are hired, it is only as a reaction to the already rampant crime within a town. It doesn't help reduce crime, it only provides more manpower to fight the crime that already exists. The Street Safe Kids and its national "Safe and Aware" campaign offers the following crime prevention tips. Men, women and children in neighborhoods can take steps to lessen crime such as: - Organizing block parties where neighbors can get to know one another. - Offer special training in areas needed the most such as child rearing, crime watch and other ways families can get involved in the safety of the neighborhood. - Create an atmosphere where crime is not invited to the neighborhood and be outspoken about the measures that are being taken. Criminals will avoid neighborhoods where they know the families and neighbors are serious about fighting crime. - Have established contacts throughout the neighborhood for emergency situations; 911 doesn't always come through! - Get kids involved. Kids "see it all" and "tell it all" if they know they're a part of something very important like stopping the "bad guys" from entering their neighborhood. - Create a neighborhood newsletter that exposes potential problems while praising the successful efforts already established. - Get the religious groups in the neighborhood involved in helping families and children through mentors, special programs or classes. For more information concerning the promotion of teen and community services
helping families and neighbors organize and build safety networks for residents
and children, visit www.compeace.org on the web. Trace your e-mail One of the minor irritants with email is the inability to confirm that your
intended recipient has in fact received and opened your message. One possible
solution has been to request a return receipt, but that often irritated the
recipient. Now comes a service that traces your e-mail and notifies you as soon
as the message is opened. They can say, "No, I never received your
message", but you have a record of its receipt-date and time, and all
without those aggravating return receipt messages (that no one ever returns
anyway!) This neat service is free. For more information visit Http://www.itraceyou.com/.
NEW
by
Ron Morgan, L L Fire Coordinator
GOLF COURSE NEWS by
Sheila Spicer, Pro Shop Clerk We have been busy at the golf course. As you are aware, Charlie left at the beginning of July. Candy, who took over Charlie's position, is still trying to learn everyone's name. If she asks you for the tenth time if you are a member just bear with her, she has a lot of faces to remember. We finally have the new blue tee on #1 roughed in. We hope to have it ready to use soon. We will be aerating and overseeding all of the tees at the first of the month. We will also be overseeding collars and most fairways again this year so we can look good for the winter. You will be glad to know that our cart path improvements have continued. The cart paths at #4 and #8 have been resurfaced as well as patches repaired at various places throughout the course. This does not make the course any easier to play, but sure does make the ride a whole lot more comfortable. We will be closed on Monday Sept. 13th so we can aerate the greens. As you know, this will make the greens a little bumpy for a few days but it is necessary to keep the greens healthy. Our Friday night Captain's Choice has been a huge success this year. Tee time will continue to be 6:00 p.m. as long as the light holds. Check our next newsletter article for more information on time changes. Until then, we look forward to seeing you on the course. PROTECTION PROGRAM by Clint Calhoun,
Erosion Control Specialist
Worms are divided into three groups: flatworms, roundworms, and segmented worms. We looked at nematodes (roundworms), and planarians (flatworms) last month, so that leaves our segmented worms. Segmented worms are classified as such simply because their bodies are segmented. An earthworm is the most common example of a segmented worm. In aquatic ecosystems, segmented worms exist but most of the time, are an indicator of poor water quality. A good example is a group of worms called Oligochaetes. Oligochaetes are a diverse group, occurring in a spectrum of waters, from unproductive to extremely eutrophic (nutrient heavy, oxygen deficient) lakes and rivers. The best known of this group are the tubifex worms which are commonly found in soft sediments, rich in organic matter. Several species typically live in sites that receive organic pollution. Tubifex worms feed on detritus and decaying matter and can persist in low oxygen levels due to a red blood pigment that helps them extract the oxygen from the water. Because of the red pigment, they are often called "bloodworms." Tubifex species often occur in high densities in sewage lagoons, making the bottom appear pink. Another group of oligochaetes are the naidid worms. These are common both in running and standing water. Like tubifex worms, most are sediment dwellers, but some are found among aquatic plants. Naidids feed on detritus, algae, plants, planktonic creatures, and some are snail parasites. While not always an indicator of poor water quality, high numbers of particular species can indicate low oxygen levels and low productivity which very often suggests some degree of pollution. Perhaps my favorite of all the worm species are the leeches. Most people say, "Yuck!" when I say that, but leeches are really interesting critters. While not necessarily considered as indicator species as many tubifex worms are, leeches very often persist in slow-moving or still waters, in similar conditions as oligochaetes. Leeches can be found in shady areas of ponds or in dark places under rocks, logs, and debris on the bottom. Leeches are not often found in clear fast-moving streams but do occur. While the leeches we most commonly think about are blood parasites, many are non-bloodsucking. Most leeches feed on invertebrates such as snails, worms, and insect larvae. Some will eat fish and amphibian eggs, and others feed on detritus on the bottom of whatever particular body of water they occur. Many of the bloodsucking leeches attach themselves to fish, frogs, and turtles. While bloodsucking leeches are reviled, there is very little to fear from them. They don't require a significant amount of blood when they feed and are not disease transmitters like many blood parasites. This quality is what makes them so useful in the medical field. When I was at Gardner-Webb we kept some leeches (some of the big Australians) in a fish tank in the lab. They are some of the most graceful aquatic organisms I have ever seen, so I have a special place in my heart for leeches. Next month we will begin exploring the arthropods which makes up the majority
of our aquatic diversity and includes some of our most important indicator
species. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me anytime at
828-625-9983 ext 123 or clintcalhoun@blueridge.net.
TREE
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE HOLDS OPEN FORUM The all-volunteer Lake Lure Tree Management Committee held its first Open Forum on August 11, with 26 attending. In the first half of the program, the committee described its goal of finding a "Middle Path" between too much uncontrolled tree cutting in the area, and too much regulation. Then they reported the results of their work to date in planning the project and in studying similar efforts in other places. In the second half of the program they asked the audience for feedback. Of the 12 Lake Lure residents who came forward to speak, almost all expressed concern that the unchecked removal of trees and native shrubs could have a lasting or irreparable impact on the beauty of the Town, the condition of the lake, the health of the tourist and retirement industries, and the quality of life for all Lake Lure citizens. Most also felt that some moderate form of regulation or control of tree cutting should be put in place to prevent such damage from happening. The Committee will draw upon these comments, as well as ideas from other ordinances, as they begin drafting a proposed ordinance. Watch this newsletter for times and dates of future public forums where draft regulations will be presented and residents will have further opportunities to give feedback. Those wishing to give their opinions on this subject now are invited to send
their thoughts to the Tree Management Committee at A brochure entitled "The Middle Path," has been prepared describing the committee's goals and their work to date. To receive a copy, please drop a note to one of the above addresses or stop by the reception desk at Town Hall. A variety of brochures on the care and management of trees can also be obtained at Town Hall. The Committee is grateful to all those who attended the Open Forum, to all who gave public statements of their opinion, and to those who made tax deductible contributions to support the committee's work. The Tree Management Committee is a project of the Town of
HAPPENINGS by
The Kids At The Welcome to all
of our new members at the We will be emphasizing healthy snacks this year. "Mama" Dot Shelton is in charge of the kitchen. All food donations are gratefully accepted. We especially like apples, bananas, grapes, celery, peanut butter, muffin mixes and juices.
NEWS
AROUND
The Kiwanis Club of Hickory Nut Gorge Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce
the selection of four area students to receive $500 scholarships for the fall
2004 semester. They are: Miss Heather Lynn Young of Both Miss Young and Miss Barnwell will be receiving their scholarships for the third semester in a row. The Kiwanis Club of Hickory Nut Gorge Foundation, Inc. has been granted tax exempt status under article 501(c)(3) of Federal Tax Code. Donations to the Foundation will be used exclusively to provide scholarships and other educational opportunities for residents of the Hickory Nut Gorge. Lake Lure Newcomers invite those who are new residents in Fall Fair 2004 - Church of the Transfiguration in
The First Annual Summer Boat Parade was held August 7, 2004.
Visitor turnout was strong at the three reviewing stations, and 12 boats
participated in addition to the The first place trophy as well as best of show was awarded to Chris Braund and Karen Van Sickler. The ever popular La La Queens won second place, and the Pon-Tunes boat of The Arbor of Lake Lure received the third place trophy. The sponsors Malarkie's/Larkin's on the Lake, The Lake Guys at LakesEdge Realty, The Arbor at Lake Lure, Lakeview Restaurant at Lake Lure Golf & Beach Resort, Lake-Cliff Properties, The Bookworm's Hole, Cedar Creek Enterprises, Matthews Homes, Jade Turtle Acupuncture, WHKP Radio, Grey Rock of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Baptist Church would like to thank the Town Council for allowing us to conduct this parade and the Lake Lure Police Department and Fire Coordinator for their assistance. And we look forward to the traditional Christmas Boat Parade in December and the 2nd Annual Summer Boat Parade next year. VFW - Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10473 is looking for new
members and to be able to assist those war veterans in need. The post meets
every third Monday at 6:30 p.m. EDT & 6:00 p.m EST in the Town of Lake Lure
Municipal Center. For information call 625-9278 or 625-4504. Garden Club - Anyone, whether you have ever been to a garden club meeting or not, is invited to join us on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 9 a.m. at the Mountains Library for a fun time working to improve and beautify the grounds there. We will be purchasing plants, such as ornamental shrubs, day lilies, more bulbs and maybe some irises along with soil additives and a truck load of mulch with the proceeds from this year's meetings. Bring a smile along with your shovels, spades, rakes, wheelbarrows and anything else you think we might need to make this a huge success. We promise to have a good time and not work anyone too hard. Refreshments will be provided. If you want more information or would like to let us know we can count on your help, call Saundra at 625-1065 or Martha at 625-9496. It is also the time for new leadership within the Garden Club. If you are looking for a terrific way to meet more of your neighbors, enjoy exploring new places and opportunities in the world of gardening or as we say, "love to garden or just think flowers are awfully pretty", you might consider being our next president or co-president. We look forward to seeing or hearing from you! NOTICE
For comments about the operations of the Lake Lure Tours, call 828-625-1373.
I have taken over the responsibilities of coordinating and
editing the Lake Lure Tribute. If you have any ideas or articles you would like
to submit please send them to The deadline for newsletter articles to be received at Town Hall for the
October issue is Sept.15, 2004.
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