LATEST TOWN NEWS

Check here for the most up-to-date reportings of Town News.

 

February 2010 -Council Delays Raising the Lake Level

Although we planned for a 90-day drawdown window to allow repairs and construction of lake structures (Dec 1 to March 1), the unusual amount of severe weather days has resulted in a number of projects running behind. After carefully considering requests to delay the raising of the lake and requests to keep to the original schedule, the Council voted unanimously to keep the lake level down for another 10 days in March. We will begin to raise the lake from its current level (down 4'-5') on March 11th.

February 2010 - Recap of 2009

 In February, Town Council held a two-day retreat in which they received an orientation and status report from each of the town's departments. I've now been in my position for a year, so it was a good opportunity to look back at our accomplishments in a challenging economic environment.

We outsourced the wastewater treatment plant, golf course and a planner position. Although these were done for different reasons, the net expectation is that we will improve our services, lower our costs and make us more flexible in adapting to changes. A lot of work went into the process of selecting partners and crafting their contracts.

Our FY 2010 budget included no tax increase or withdrawal from fund balances.

Overtime charged in 2009 was reduced by 56%

7 staff positions were eliminated through outsourcing and attrition.

Six vehicles, three boats and three pieces of heavy equipment were sold as surplus. Two more vehicles are getting ready for sale. Only one new vehicle was purchased.

We began recycling at Town Hall and added dumpsters to our Recycling Center behind the Arcade.

Winter storms gave us an opportunity to improve our emergency management performance (and plenty of snowplowing practice).

The residential vacation rental ordinance was implemented and the rental home permitting process is smoothly underway.

Our sewer plant operations have been improved and we had our connection moratorium lifted by the state. We now prepare a detailed annual report of operations and we voluntarily post our monthly discharge test results on our website.

In December, hydroelectric generation resulted in the highest monthly check the town has every received from Duke Energy: $74,875

The dredging spoils and dewatering ponds at Morse Park were completely re-engineered for better performance and longevity.

We were awarded a $3 million stimulus fund grant (50/50 match) for underwater sewer joint repair and sealing. Just 20% into the project, we're already seeing significant reductions in the amount of lake water entering the system. We've also identified 20 locations of leaking or broken private sewer lines within the first 5 feet of lake depth around the shoreline. These are being repaired as you read this.

We received preliminary approval for a new charter school in Lake Lure.

January 2010

 We finished off 2009 with a bang...lots more rain and the first big snowstorm in over a decade. While our revenues and budgets continue to be tight, we do have a bright spot in our hydroelectric generation. Between the rain, attentive lowering of the lake and our participation in a new revenue program for green power suppliers, we made over $160,000 in revenue from the dam in November and December. This amount exceeds our planned hydro revenues for the entire fiscal year and will enable us to make much-needed maintenance and capital improvements to the plant.

January 2010- Winter Weather in Lake Lure

Over the weekend before Christmas, we experienced a winter storm that deposited between 6" and 12" of snow around town...the most since 1996. Despite slippery roads and numerous stranded cars, we thankfully made it through without significant injury. Many thanks go out to all the staff and volunteers that worked tirelessly to get people where they needed to be, to plow roads, tow vehicles and to coordinate the whole effort. This is a good reminder that the fire stations are emergency shelters and a good source of information during emergencies...we had 4 overnight guests at at the Lake Lure station on December 18th.

I met with the Mayor and our local emergency management team after Christmas to review our performance. We identified a number of lessons and recommendations, but hopefully it will be another decade before we have to put them to use.

We're now in the midst of a deep freeze that is expected to last the week. If anyone has special needs, don't hesitate to contact our town staff, the police or fire department.

Changes & Reminders for 2010

The lake will remain down 4'-5' through end of February. Please schedule any work on lake structures to be complete before March 1, when we will begin refilling the lake.

The golf course is now closed for renovations. At the January 12th council meeting, the council will consider the contracts prepared for the renovation work and the ongoing operating lease with The Course Doctors. Previews of these agreements are available in Town Hall. The course is planned to re-open in April/May.

William Grimes has retired after 28 years of service to the town as the dam, hydroelectric plant and wastewater treatment plant supervisor. Donnie McCraw will be assuming responsibility for the dam, hydroelectric plant and wastewater collection system. We have contracted with James & James Environmental for the operation of the treatment plant.

2010 Boat Permits are now on sale and are required the first time you launch your boat onto the lake this season.

Kudos to everyone in town (and up Hickory Nut Gorge) that has been using our expanded, simplified recycling center behind the Arcade building. Judging by the frequently-full dumpsters, we're certainly keeping a large volume of material out of the landfill and providing raw materials for more products made of recycled paper, plastic, glass and metal.


November – Recycling in Lake Lure and the Gorge

We're now in the midst of a deep freeze that is expected to last the week. If anyone has special needs, don't hesitate to contact our town staff, the police or fire department.

November – Recycling in Lake Lure and the Gorge

 Effective October 1, it is now against the law to dispose of plastic bottles in any North Carolina landfill.  Since the contents of virtually all trash bags, bins and dumpsters end up in a landfill, the habit of tossing a plastic bottle into the trash should be discontinued.    Plastic bottles will now join aluminum cans, which have been on the "do not throw away" list for some time.  And glass bottles are likely to join in the future.  Also prohibited are wooden pallets, used motor oil and oil filters.  The types of plastic containers banned include all those with a neck smaller than its body: water, soda, juice bottles, milk jugs, laundry detergents, etc.  Note that plastic motor oil bottles may still be discarded in the trash. 

 What to do with your cans and bottles (plastic or glass?)  First of all, try to reduce your consumption of disposable bottles.  For water, especially, you can use sturdy plastic or metal bottles designed for hiking or the workplace--refilled with Lake Lure tap water that is economical, pure and great tasting.

 If you do have bottles to dispose, please recycle them at Lake Lure's recycling center behind the Arcade Building. 

 1)  In yellow dumpsters:  Cardboard (flattened) and paper of all types may be placed.  This includes newspapers, office paper, magazines, catalogs and junk mail.  No pizza boxes.

 2) In blue dumpsters:  Glass bottles and jars (all colors), aluminum cans, plastic bottles/jugs/containers, tin cans.  No sorting required!

 

 Lake Drawdown

The lake will be drawn down 4-5 feet this winter to facilitate repairs to seawalls, docks and boathouses.  The lowering will begin on December 1^st and will remain until March 1^st.  The return to full pond level will be dependent on weather in the spring.

  

November – Municipal Election Results

 Voter Turnout:  over 50%

 TOWN OF LAKE LURE MAYOR (Vote For 1)
                                                 Percent        Votes
Bob Keith                                    64.81%          383
Bill Frykberg                                34.86%          206
Write-In                                       0.34%              2
                                       Total                        591

TOWN OF LAKE LURE COMMISSIONER (Vote For 2)
                                                 Percent         Votes
John W. Moore                            25.35%           293
Mary Ann Nesbitt Dotson               22.92%           265
Bill Beason                                   21.80%           252
Rick Coley                                   20.85%           241
Melvin Owensby                             9.08%           105
Write-In                                        0.00%               0
                                       Total                     1,156

 

October – Vacation Rental Ordinance Now In Place

After year of years of work by multiple committees, boards, public forums and workshops, the town council has voted unanimously to approve new zoning regulations for residential homes used for short-term, commercial vacation rentals.  This vote came after a second reading of the ordinance and some final wording changes to the stated objectives.   The result represents a balanced solution that protects multiple interests--whether Lake Lure is your home, your getaway spot, a source of business revenue or perhaps each of these.
 
The new ordinance: 

1. Allows vacation rentals to become a permitted use where they were not originally permitted in our zoning code.
2. Aims to provide mechanisms that can reduce the negative impacts of rental activity on the surrounding neighborhood, while also assuring well-managed vacation businesses that their rental activity is welcome and protected.
3. Requires a one-time registration, inspection and approval of vacation rental homes.  The inspections will address fire safety, septic/sewer function, designated parking and occupancy limits.  
4. Emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring of whether the regulations are effective in meeting their objectives and recommending modifications when necessary.  
5. Goes into effect January 1, 2010.

On the town website, you can find information on the fees, procedures and forms to administer the vacation rental permit program. 

 

October – Golf Course Operating Partner Selected

After evaluating presentations over two days and receiving input from members of the golf course advisory committee, the town council selected The Course Doctors as the preferred partner to operate the golf course.  The Course Doctors own and operate an excellent (and profitable) 9-hole course in Fletcher, NC: the Highland Lake Golf Club.  Their business plan for our course involves an extensive facelift consistent with its classic Donald Ross design.  The course will be closed for this work over the winter and early spring.    After a grand re-opening, the Course Doctors will assume full business and financial responsibility for the operations while the town will retain ownership of the course and major assets.  We're now working together to develop a lease agreement that will include performance standards.  Compared to the costs of continuing town operation of the golf course, the lease partnership is expected to reduce the town's losses by over $400,000 in the first five years.

  

August – New School Board In Place

Press Release

Lake Lure Classical Academy Convenes Founding School Board

 On August 21, 2009, the inaugural board of directors of the Lake Lure Classical Academy: A Challenge Foundation Academy (LLCA-CFA) was appointed.  The eight founding members represent the Town of Lake Lure, the Challenge Foundation/Team CFA, the Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy and Acadia NorthStar.  Board officers are Philip Byers, Chairman; Jim Proctor, Vice-Chair; Russ Pitts, Treasurer and Chris Braund, Secretary.  Other directors include Joan Lange, Cheryl Reinstadler, David Faunce and Bryan King.   

 In what will be a very busy year leading up to the start of classes in the fall of 2009, the board will be overseeing the construction of facilities, finalization of the school charter, hiring of staff and the enrollment of students.  When open, it will mark the end of a near 50-year hiatus without a local school in the Lake Lure area where Rutherford, Henderson, Polk, Buncombe and McDowell counties meet. 

 Interested students should first ensure they have submitted a Letter of Intent (forms available at Town Hall or at www.llca.teamcfa.org)  Formal enrollment applications will be available after March 4, 2010. 

  

June – Council Approves Budget for FY 2009-2010

At the June 9th Town Council meeting, the commissioners approved the budget for the 2009/2010 fiscal year.  Our expenditures are balanced against revenues which are projected to be $4,727,409--basically the same as last year.  Given the state of the economy, this is a much better situation than exists in many municipalities that are dealing with double-digit declines in revenues.  However, Lake Lure has a number of other, unique challenges to address-that have more to do with our geography and history than with the recession.  I'd like to highlight three of them:  
 
a)      Our utility infrastructure costs are high relative to a small user population and seasonal usage fluctuations.  We've made, and continue to make, sizeable investments in improvements and extensions to our systems-some of which are over 80 years old.  These add to our debt repayment expenses, but they should also pay us a return when we realize growth from the school, the YMCA and more year-round residents.  
 
b)     Revenues at the municipal golf course have been far outpaced by costs over the last 5 years, requiring taxpayer subsidies of between $100,000 and $200,000 into the course every year.  [See the related article below]    
 
c)      The costs of providing truly outstanding public safety and fire services consume a large portion of our budget.   The expense is not out of line with other communities, and is low relative to the value of property and lives protected, but it is costly nonetheless.       
 
To address these challenges, this year's budget holds personnel costs by eliminating any cost-of-living or merit increases and reducing budgeted overtime.  Given the state of the economy and unemployment in the region, we've worked hard to keep people in jobs.  There are no major capital expenditures planned for vehicles and equipment...we'll let our fleet and equipment age for another year.  Only a few projects deemed strategically critical have been planned.  Regular operating budgets have been reduced by $50,000.  In all, nearly $400,000 of recommended expenditures were eliminated from the budget.  What remains is, in the opinion of the Council, the minimum, responsible level of town services and staff.  This year's focus will be on doing more with the budget we have...by finding ways to improve productivity and reduce costs.  The ad valorem tax rate will stay the same at 21 cents per $100 of property value.

     2009/2010 Approved Budget                  % Change from 08/09
General Fund                  $3,823,502                                   1%
Water/Sewer Fund              751,507                                  11%
Hydroelectric Fund              152,500                                 -37%
Total                              $4,727,409                                 .52%

Each of the town's operating funds (General, Water/Sewer, Hydroelectric) has a balance that is carried over from year to year.  Any excess revenues are contributed to these balances for future needs; any operations shortfalls are covered by withdrawals from the funds.  These provide critical protection against unforeseen emergencies, expenditures or investment opportunities.  The balances in these funds have been steadily declining in recent years due to withdrawals to cover extraordinary expenses and operating shortfalls.  They've also been declining as measured against our annual operating budgets (which have continued to grow from inflation and expansion of town services.  To maintain fiscal health, it is essential that the town replenish these funds.  To do so will require further reducing expenditures by eliminating or reducing the scope of town services...or increasing revenues through growth or by increasing the tax rate. 
 
This year's budget has no provision for fund replenishment or for a tax increase.  And, we can only defer capital improvements and projects for so long before the costs of repairs and maintenance accelerate.  Without growth in revenues, the town will have diminishing ability to live within our means and provide the full scope of services enjoyed today.  

For additional details on the approved budget, see the following:  2009-2010 Budget Message

 

Lake Lure Awarded Stimulus Funds to Address Sewer Collection System (Updated 4/29/09)

One of the first significant opportunities for towns to receive federal stimulus funds is a program for water and sewer infrastructure administered by the NC Division of Water Quality. Projects need to be “shovel-ready” to receive funds, but the pipeline portion of our planned Green Line sewer interconnect to Rutherfordton is not quite there. However, an equally important and prerequisite activity is to correct the issues with lake water infiltration through the joints of the sewer pipes in the bottom of the lake. This is so that we don’t pay to pump lake water to Rutherfordton to be treated in their sewer plant. While video inspections reveal that the cast iron sewer pipes are in fine shape, the joints have deteriorated and are sources of water infiltration. Small-scale joint wrapping operations by commercial divers have proven successful for us in the past, so we applied for stimulus funds to conduct a comprehensive joint wrapping program on the estimated 1500 joints in the lake. We received the maximum award of $3 million, half of which is a grant and half of which is no-interest loan. Our award is the only one from this program in Rutherford County. Press releases and contractor bid packages are going out shortly.

 

Operating the Wastewater Treatment Plant (Updated 4/29/09)

The town operates our treatment plant under a permit issued by the NC Division of Water Quality. Among other things, this permit identifies required water testing protocols and specifies maximum thresholds for key water quality indicators—measured just before the water is discharged into the Broad River. Measurements and tests are done on a daily or weekly basis (dependent upon the test). In addition to the required tests, the plant operators take additional samples and tests to monitor the effectiveness of the various steps in the treatment process. As the volume and composition of the wastewater flow changes, they will make adjustments to the processes. Each month, the results of the tests are compiled and filed with the Division. You can check out the link below to see graphs of the key indicators and the performance of the plant. Recall that major upgrades to the plant were completed by November of 2008 and the Special Order By Consent (S.O.C) which relaxed some of the testing thresholds expired in February. Principal among the various measurements is the volume of wastewater flow—measured in million gallons per day. Our plant is rated for a maximum of 1 MGD averaged over a month. We typically see the lowest flows around April and the highest flows around August. For 2008, we averaged .715 MGD. Actual household waste accounts for less than half of that volume. As mentioned above, our efforts are focused on reducing this volume by reducing the amount of lake water infiltration into the system.

 

Click here for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharge Test Results

 

Wastewater Treatment Plant: Expiration of the S.O.C. (Updated2/28/09)

GREAT NEWS! After operating for 18 months under a Special Order By Consent (which provided a regulatory mandate and mechanism for making plant upgrades), our wastewater treatment plant is now operating to high standards and we will no longer be under the S.O.C. after February 28th. Additionally, the moratorium on new sewer connections will be lifted. This should truly be welcome news to many of you who have waited patiently to connect. As we move forward, the town will continue to closely monitory plant performance, discharge quality, flow volumes and requests for new connections.

 

Residential Vacation Rentals (Updated2/26/09)

The Zoning & Planning Board is now reviewing a draft ordinance regulating residential vacation rentals. If the Board approves, they will be recommended to the Town Council for a public hearing and consideration. The draft version can be reviewed at:

http://townoflakelure.com/vacation_rental_study.htm

 

New Town Manager Appointed (Updated2/24/09)

Effective February 24th, the Council has appointed Chris Braund as the Town Manager. Chris had been serving in an interim capacity after Steve Wheeler’s departure and was the chairperson of the Lake Advisory Board. Chris and his wife Karen Van Sickler have lived in Lake Lure since 2001 and are both management consultants

 

Town Manager Announces Resignation (Updated 12/11/08)

For those that have not heard, I have resigned from my position of Town Manager for the Town of Lake Lure. Unfortunately, I am forced to return to my hometown in Ohio due to a family illness. I thank the Town Commissioners, Mayor Proctor and all of you for your support over the past year. I really believe we have made a great deal of progress on various fronts. I have truly appreciated and enjoyed my time with the Town, and wish the town and property owners nothing but a strong and prosperous future. Best regards, Steve Wheeler

 

Town Receives Verbal Confirmation of $1 million Grant for Rutherfordton Interconnect Project (Updated 12/11/08)

The Town of Lake Lure has received verbal confirmation that we have received a $1 million grant thru the Rural Center for the Rutherfordton Interconnect "Green Line" project. This is the first of several grants that we have and will apply for as part of the $10 million project.

 

Plant Improvements Update (Updated 11/18/08)

Construction of the redesign of the sewer plant has been completed. Construction includes installation of a skimmer line in the basin, modification and expansion of the existing chlorine contact chamber for improved operation and contact time, a new sludge removal system is being installed in the sedimentation basin utilizing a suction-lift concept, a new effluent outfall line including the installation of an oxidization chamber to improve the dissolved oxygen in the effluent discharge. These improvements will positively impact our plant operations and goes above and beyond SOC requirements.

 

Single-Family Dwelling as Vacation Rental Update (Updated 11/24/08)

The year-long study of Single Family Dwelling Vacation Rentals (SFD/VR) in Lake Lure has entered a new phase. On September 16 th, the SFD/VR Stakeholder Committee, which has conducted the study to this point, joined in a combined meeting with the Zoning and Planning (Z&P) Board and the Town Council to present their final recommendations.

Those recommendations, agreed upon by the majority of the committee, were as follows: (1) that vacation rentals in single family dwellings be allowed, with a permitting process and specified controls, in the R3 and R4 zoning districts, and (2) that such rentals should be phased out over a specified period of time in the R1, R1A through R1D, and R2 zoning districts, with a permitting process and specified controls to be implemented during the 7-year sunset period.

Under the original study plan, mandated by the Town Council, the Z&P Board was directed to review the Stakeholder Committee recommendations and, after further consideration, pass them along to Town Council for final consideration and the formal vote.

However, in light of current national economic conditions, the Town Council concluded, at their regular October meeting, that this was not the time to make major changes in the local economy. After their own review of the Stakeholder Committee’s recommendations, the Town Council sent to the Z&P Board the following, somewhat modified version of those recommendations.

Item (1) of the recommendations was unchanged: that SFD/VR’s be allowed, with a permitting process and specified controls, in the R3 and R4 zoning districts. In item (2), rather than simply phasing out SFD/VR’s in the R1, R1A through R1D, and R2 zoning districts, the revised recommendations include an ongoing review of the success or failure of the new permitting process and controls. If the permitting and controls prove successful at that point, then the program would be allowed to continue in all R1 and R2 zoning districts. If the permitting and controls do not prove successful, that is, if serious, verified complaints, above a specified threshold, continue to be heard, then the rental program would be phased out over the years following that determination (a total of seven years after the start of the new permitting process and controls.) In addition, the Town Council’s version of the recommendations would allow new SFD/VR’s to enter the rental market, in all R1 and R2 zoning districts, at any time, with the understanding that, like current SFD/VR’s in those districts, they could be phased out at the end of the seven year period.

The Z&P Board received these expanded recommendations at their October meeting, with the Town Council’s direction to move ahead as quickly as reasonably possible to develop recommendations for the new permitting and controls program. Detailed development of the permitting and controls program is being carried out by a smaller work group consisting of two Z&P Board members (Tony Brodfuhrer and Paula Jordan) and one Town Council member (Russ Pitts), plus Town Manager Steve Wheeler, Community Development Director Shannon Baldwin, and Planner Amos Gilliam. Dr. Garry Cooper continues in his capacity as facilitator of this process.

Development of the permitting and controls program is firmly based on (1) the NC state Vacation Rentals Act, (2) the NC state Act authorizing the Rutherford County room occupancy and Tourism Development tax, (3) detailed information on the Lake Lure rental market compiled by the Stakeholder Committee, and (4) the Stakeholder Committee’s recommendations as revised by Town Council in light of the current economic environment. The work is being reviewed and approved on an ongoing basis by the full Z&P Board at its regular monthly meetings.

The work group is meeting approximately bi-monthly, or more frequently if necessary, with the intent of bringing a proposed registration and permitting process, plus the proposed system of controls, to Town Council for their approval and implementation in early spring, ahead of the 2009 rental season.

Full details of the Stakeholder Committee proceedings and recommendations can be found on the Town web site, at www.townoflakelure.com. (On the home page, look for “Vacation Rental Study” in red type in the left hand column below the heading About Lake Lure.) Details of the work group’s recommendations will be made public when they are formally presented to the Z&P Board. As always, the public will have the opportunity to review the Z&P Board’s recommendations to Town Council, and to speak in open forum prior to the Town Council vote.

The Zoning and Planning Board advises the town on land use and related issues, researching and formulating new or amended town regulations for consideration by the Town Council. It also reviews applications for development and passes along recommendations regarding development applications to the Town Council and/or to the Board of Adjustment. Members of the Zoning and Planning Board are Dick Washburn (Chair), Tony Brodfuhrer (Vice Chair), Bud Schichtel, Bill Bush, and Paula Jordan. Russ Pitts is the Town Council liaison to the board.

 

Thomas Jefferson School in Lake Lure Project (Updated 09/03/08)

The Lake Lure School project is moving forward. The next step in the long road is to secure approval from the State of North Carolina Division of Charter Schools for Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy to expand its charter to allow construction of a charter school in Lake Lure. The current plan is to submit this application on September 23, 2008.

To insure that this charter expansion is approved, we need to begin a massive letter writing campaign indicating support for the school project. These letters of support will be combined with the Charter School application and submitted to the State of North Carolina.

These letters of support should be sent by mail to:

Mr. Joe Maimone, Headmaster

Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy

2527 Highway 221A

Mooresboro, NC 28114

They may also be submitted by e-mail to jmaimone@tjca.org

We are seeking support for this Lake Lure School Project from all area government units, organizations, churches, businesses, as well as individuals throughout the County. Your support is critical to bringing a school to the Lake Lure area.

 

Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad Update (September 18, 2008)

This year's fourth annual Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad festival was held on September 4th-7th. The Olympiad was again a great success. A big kudos to all the volunteers that made the festival possible.

 

Youth Center Re-Opened on Monday, August 25 (Updated 8/27/08)

The Town of Lake Lure Youth Center re-opened on Monday, August 25th. The center has resumed its regular operational hours of 3 pm- 6 pm while school is in session. For more information on the youth center, please contact Sharon Theiss at 625-5220.

 

 

Volunteer Firefighters Needed

The Town of Lake Lure is facing a critical shortage of volunteer firefighters. Without a significant increase in volunteers, the Town faces the likelihood of a substantial drop in our ISO rating, which would increase both commercial and residential insurance premiums town-wide. The Town of Lake Lure is covered by 4 Fire Stations, operated by 4 Fire Departments. The Fire Departments are Bills Creek, Chimney Rock, Fairfield, and the Town of Lake Lure. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED DESPERATELY. Volunteer firefighters receive 1 free boat permit annually for volunteering. Please contact Ron Morgan at firechief@townoflakelure.com or (828) 625-9333 for more information on becoming a volunteer firefighter.

 

Be on the Lookout for Illegal Discharges Into the Sewer System

Be on the lookout for any septic trucks emptying their septic truck into the Town Sewer System. This is illegal and harmful to the sewer plant. If you see anyone discharging, please call 9-1-1 so that a police officer can respond.

 

Town Council Approves Water Shortage Response Plan (October 3, 2008)

Town Council approved a water shortage response plan as required by NCDENR so that the Town can adequately respond during times of drought and water shortage. Within this plan were several helpful hints to saving water for both residences and commercial usage. These hints are listed below:

INDOOR RESIDENTIAL USE:

Conservation for Voluntary and Mandatory Conservation Phases

• Use dishwashers only when they are full. Washing dishes by hand (don't let the tap run!) Saves about 25 gallons
• Adjust water level on clothes washing machines, if possible. Use full loads only, if not adjustable.
• Turn off faucets while brushing teeth, etc. Saves about 5 gallons per day
• Reduce water used per flush by installing toilet tank displacement inserts, a plastic jug may often be used as an alternative. DO NOT USE BRICKS - they disintegrate when soaked and the resulting grit hinders closing of the flap valve.
• Do not use the toilet as a trash can.
• Use sink and tub stoppers to avoid wasting water.
• Keep a bottle of chilled water in the refrigerator for drinking.
• Find and fix leaks in faucets and water-using appliances. Faucets can usually be fixed cheaply and quickly by replacing washers.
• Adapt plumbing with flow-restricting or other water-saving devices. These are usually inexpensive and easy to install.
• Learn to read your water meter so you can judge how much water you use and what difference conservation makes.
• Take shorter showers and shallow baths. Saves about 25 gallons.
• Reduce the number of toilet flushes per day. Each flush uses about 5 gallons (2-3 if you have water saving toilets).
• Don't use a garbage disposal
• Use non-phosphate detergent and save laundry water for lawns and plants.

Conservation for Emergency Conservation or Rationing Phase (In addition to measures listed above).

• Turn off shower while soaping up.
• Use disposable eating utensils.

Conservation for Normal Conditions and Voluntary Conservation Phase Lawns

• Water before 10:00 a.m. to prevent evaporation which occurs during the hottest part of the day. Morning is better than evening, when the dampness encourages growth of fungus.
• Water only when lawn shows signs of wilt. Grass that springs back when stepped on does not need water.
• Water thoroughly, not frequently: long enough to soak roots, a light sprinkling evaporates quickly and encourages shallow root systems. Water slowly to avoid runoff.
• Don't let the sprinkler run any longer than necessary. In an hour, 600 gallons can be wasted.
• Allow maximum of one inch of water per week on your lawn. To measure, place cake tins outside to collect rain and water from sprinklers.
• Use pistol-grip nozzles on hoses to avoid waste when watering flowers and shrubs.
• Aerate lawns by punching holes 6 inches apart. This allows water to reach roots rather than run off surfaces.
• Position sprinklers to water the lawn, not the pavement.
• Avoid watering on windy days when the wind not only blows water off target, but also causes excess evaporation.
• Keep sprinkler heads clean to prevent uneven watering.
• Adjust hose to simulate a gentle rain. Sprinklers that produce a fine mist waste water through evaporation.
• Know how to turn off an automatic sprinkler system in case of rain.
• Use an alarm clock or stove timer to remind you to shut off sprinklers that don't have timers.

Vegetables and Flower Gardens

• Water deeply, slowly and weekly. Most vegetables require moisture to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.
• Keep soil loose so water can penetrate easily.
• Keep weeds out to reduce competition for water.
• Put the water where you want it and avoid evaporation by using soil-soakers or slow-running hoses, not sprinklers.

Trees and Shrubs

• Water deeply using a soil-soaker or drip-irrigation.
• Water only when needed. Check the depth of soil dryness by digging with a trowel.
• Mulch to reduce evaporation, a 2" to 3" layer of wood chips, pine needles, grass clippings, or straw keeps the soil cool in summer.
• Dig troughs around plants to catch and retain water.
• Water trees growing in full sun more often than those in shade.
• Do not use sprinklers. Apply water directly at base.
• Do not fertilize during the summer. Fertilizing increases a plant's need for water.
• Postpone planting until fall or spring when there is generally less need for water.
• Install trickle-drip irrigation systems close to the roots of your plants. By dripping water slowly, the system doesn't spray water in to the air. Use soil probes for large trees.
• Water when cloudy, at night, or even when a light rain is falling.

Conservation for Voluntary Conservation Phase (in addition to measures listed above).

• Do not allow children to play with hose or sprinklers.
• Limit car washing.
• Be ready to catch rainfall that occurs. Place containers under drain spouts.
• Use leftover household water if available.
• Consider delaying the seeding or sodding of new lawns.
• Determine the amount of water being used outdoors by comparing water bills for summer and winter.

Conservation for Mandatory Conservation Phase (In addition to measures listed above).

• Vegetable gardens and food trees should be given minimal amounts of water on an individual basis only.
• Do not water lawns and inedible plants.
• Do not use sprinklers.

 

COMMERCIAL USE

• Reduce laundry usage or services by changing bed linens, etc. only when necessary to preserve the health of residents.
• Use disposable food service items.
• Identify and repair all leaky fixtures and water-using equipment. Give special attention to equipment connected directly to water lines, such as processing machines, steam-using machines, washing machines, water-cooled air conditioners, and furnaces.
• Assure that valves and solenoids that control water flows are shut off completely when the water-using cycle is not engaged.
• Adjust water-using equipment to use the minimum amount of water required to achieve its stated purpose.
• Shorten rinse cycles for laundry machines as much as possible; implement lower water levels wherever possible.
• For processing, cooling, and other uses, either re-use water or use water from sources that would not adversely affect public water supplies.
• Advise employees, customers, and other users not to flush toilets after every use. Install toilet tank displacement inserts; place flow restrictors in shower heads and faucets; close down automatic flushes overnight.
• Install automatic flushing valves to use as little water as possible or to cycle at longer intervals.
• Place water-saving posters and literature where employees, customers', etc. will have access to them.
• Check meters on a frequent basis to determine consumptive patterns.
• Review usage patterns to see where other savings can be made.

Town Council Meeting Summary 11-18-08 (Updated on November 24, 2008)

At the Town Council meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2008 the Town Council completed the following business:

* Approved a request from Firefly Cove Subdivision to approve release of the bond agreement with the Town Regarding the Installation of Improvements for Firefly Cove Subdivision contingent on certain requirements being met

* Adopted Resolution No. 08-09-09 Adopting the Design Guidelines for New Commercial Construction to Ensure that Growth and Development Respect the Historic Nature of the Town and its Community Character and Natural Beauty

* Considered and approved a request from the Lake Lure Inn for Additional Parking on Town Property to Accomodate an Antique Car Group (Carolina Trophy) During the Week of September 14-19, 2008

* Heard Staff Report from the Town Manager

* Heard updates from the Council Liasions; Commissioner Noble updated the Board on the Lake Advisory Board; Commissioner Pitts updated the Board on Zoning and Planning Board activities; and Commissioner Turner updated the Board on Recreation Board activities

* Approved the Consent Agenda

* Considered and approved Resoluton No. 08-09-09A Requesting Approval from the North Carolina Division of Charter Schools for Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy to Expand its Charter to Allow the Construction of a Charter School in Lake Lure

* Considered and tabled a decision on a a request from NCDOT Regarding a Deed for a Highway Right-of-Way and a Temporary Construction Easement for the Construction of a New Bridge Over the Broad River on US 64/74A, NC 9

* Considered and tabled a request from NCDOT Regarding a Transfer of Ownership Agreement for the NCDOT Bridge No. 7

The next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, October 14, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Meeting Room.

 

Community Development Department Update

The Zoning and Planning Board has been working with Mike Egan, Community Development Attorney, to develop special provisions to mitigate the impact of development on the town’s steep slopes. Clint Calhoun and Amos Gilliam are assisting in this effort using the town’s new 3-D Analyst GIS software.

Clemson University will be submitting the final draft of the town’s new design manual for new commercial construction within two weeks. The department is working to complete this project no later than June.

Subdivision Development Activities Update

The developers of the recently approved LureRidge subdivision, located on the ridge north of Tryon Bay, have started clearing land behind the old LM Pierson Real Estate office building. Four of the twenty-seven acres will be disturbed during the clearing and grading phase of the project. Clint Calhoun, Environmental Management Officer, has been on-site to approve clearing limits and will be monitoring the clearing and grading process.

Grass is now growing on the cleared areas of Lago Vista subdivision, located just behind the Lake Lure Inn. Stormwater retention measures continue to be installed for this project. So far, all measures approved by the town and installed by the developer have been sufficient to retain all soil on-site. No off-site sedimentation has occurred to date.

Clint Calhoun reported that both subdivision projects will be using some of the latest techniques to effectively deal with stormwater run-off and soil erosion.

Lake Structure Inventory Project

Town staff is working toward a complete inventory of all lake structures. The inventory is about one third of the way complete. Once complete, all photos and data will be entered into the town’s GIS and accessible via our personal computers. Clint Calhoun and Dean Givens, Lake Operations Administrator, are taking the lead with this project.

Single Family Dwelling / Vacation Rental Study Update

The SFD/VR stakeholder committee will meet with Dr. Gary Cooper, ASU Professor and professional facilitator, and continue its work on the vacation rental study underway. Town Council will enter into a formal agreement with Dr. Cooper for facilitation services for the duration of this project.

Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance Update

Town staff and Council representatives continue to work with White & Smith, LLC regarding development of an adequate public facilities program, a tool used by towns to ensure capacity of public facilities is not depleted by new development.

 

Lake Operations Lost and Found

Lake Operations has found 1 blue/tan Seahawk IV Paddle Boat with a blue bimini. If you have lost such a boat, please contact Lake Operations Administrator Dean Givens to arrange pick-up at (828) 625-9983 Ext. 128.

 

Boat Permits Required