Lake Lure Regular Town Council Meeting Summary - August 12, 2025

 

Thank you to all who joined us for the Town of Lake Lure Regular Town Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. 

• The meeting was held at The Landings at 920 Buffalo Creek Road, Lake Lure, NC 28746. 

• The public was invited to attend the meeting. 

• A meeting summary is posted below and you may download the meeting packet for additional information. 

• Note that these are not formal minutes, which will be included in the following month's meeting packet.

I.     Call to Order: 

 

Mayor Carol Pritchett called the meeting to order and welcomed all in attendance.  She thanked everyone for attending the meeting in our new temporary Town Hall at The Landings. She added that she was pleased that most of the staff were able to work together in one location again.  She added that the Town has a commercial lease, which will enable staff to work here until plans for a permanent Town Hall can be solidified. 

 

 

II.     Agenda Adoption

 

The meeting agenda was adopted.

 

III.     Mayor’s Communication

A.  Proclamation No. 25-08-12A Appreciation for Rumbling Bald in Lake Lure: 

Mayor Pritchett presented the following proclamation: 

Mayor Pritchett Presents Proclamation to Jeff Geisler for Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure

 

WHEREAS, the beauty, accessibility, and health of Lake Lure are treasured by residents, visitors, and future generations alike; and

WHEREAS, the marina and beach area at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure hold a special place in the heart of this community, serving as a hub of recreation, natural beauty, and connection; and

WHEREAS, the recent and long-awaited milestone of removing silt and debris from this vital area marks a major milestone toward the complete restoration of Lake Lure’s waters and shorelines; and

WHEREAS, this achievement would not have been possible without the steadfast leadership, collaboration, and shared vision of those working to achieve this goal; and

WHEREAS, Rumbling Bald supported the broader debris removal efforts across Lake Lure which demonstrated commitment to public safety, environmental stewardship, and the enduring enjoyment of all who experience this cherished lake; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Lake Lure recognizes with deep appreciation the partnership and generosity of the Rumbling Bald community, not only for their support of this vital environmental effort, but also for graciously hosting Town Council meetings and events at Rumbling Bald facilities during this challenging year following Hurricane Helene; 

NOW, THEREFORE, let it be proclaimed that the Town of Lake Lure expresses its sincere gratitude to the leadership and residents of Rumbling Bald, for their unity, generosity, and dedication in protecting and enhancing one of North Carolina’s most treasured natural assets.

Let this proclamation stand as a testament to what can be achieved through shared purpose, commitment to community, and a common love for the land and water we are fortunate to steward together.

Proclaimed this 12th day of August, 2025.

Carol C. Pritchett 
Mayor, Town of Lake Lure

Jeff Geisler, General Manager of Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure came into the meeting after the mayor presented the proclamation and she called him forward to present it to him. 

 

B.  Proclamation No. 25-08-12 Recognizing Region C Awardee  Officer Kortney Burrell

Mayor Pritchett called Officer Kortney Burrell forward and presented her with the following proclamation.

 

WHEREAS, on September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene struck the Town of Lake Lure, causing severe destruction and ongoing hardship for the community; and

WHEREAS, during this historic storm, Officer Kortney Burrell demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness that saved lives and protected others; and

WHEREAS, although without her vehicle due to fallen trees, Officer Burrell remained at the police department with fellow staff and evacuees, keeping watch on the rising river and acting immediately when the flooding became life-threatening; and

WHEREAS, Officer Burrell led the group to safety through dangerous floodwaters and, when a tree blocked their escape, she exited the vehicle, entered the rushing water, and cleared the path so both vehicles could pass; and

WHEREAS, upon reaching shelter at the Lake Lure Inn, she continued assisting others and helped direct over 100 evacuees to safety; and

WHEREAS, her bravery, calm leadership, and quick action were critical to protecting lives during the worst storm in Western North Carolina history;

WHEREAS, Police Chief Sean Humphries nominated Officer Kortney Burrell for the Region C Award and Officer Burrell’s nomination was selected;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Carol C. Pritchett, on behalf of the Town of Lake Lure, do hereby recognize and commend Officer Kortney Burrell for her heroism and outstanding service during Hurricane Helene and wish to congratulate her on being awarded the Region C Award.

READ, APPROVED AND PROCLAIMED this the 12th day of August, 2025.

 

IV.   Public Hearing

 

A.  Ordinance No. 25-08-12 Amending Chapter 36, Section 5 and 70 of the Town of Lake Lure Code of Ordinances

• Environmental Review Specialist Rick Carpenter presented a correction to the ordinance. This change clarifies any discrepancy and states that the front yard setback is from the center of the street. Zoning and Planning Board recommends adoption.

 

ORDINANCE NUMBER 25-08-12 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 36 (“ZONING”) SECTIONS 5 (“DEFINITIONS”) AND 70 (“BUILDING SITE MINIMUM DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS”) OF THE TOWN OF LAKE LURE CODE OF ORDINANCES

WHEREAS, the Town of Lake Lure finds it necessary to revise Sections 36-5 and 36-70 of the Town of Lake Lure Code of Ordinances due to conflicting language regarding setback requirements; and

WHEREAS, the Zoning and Planning Board has reviewed and recommended amendments to Sections 36-5 and 36-70 to ensure consistency and clarity within the Code.

NOW, THEREFORE ORDAINED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LAKE LURE, NORTH CAROLINA, MEETING IN REGULAR SESSION AND WITH A MAJORITY OF TOWN COUNCIL VOTING IN THE AFFIRMATIVE. SECTION ONE. Chapter 36 (“Zoning”) Section 5 (“Definitions”) of the Town of Lake Lure Code of Ordinances is hereby amended as follows:

Section 36-5. Definitions. Setback means the minimum allowable distance measured on the horizontal plane between a property line, water's edge, right-of-way, or street centerline and specified improvements such as a building or parking area structure. No building or other structure may be placed within the setback area except as provided. (See also the definition of the term "yard", 36-70 and section 36-295.) Whenever the front, side, or rear portions of a lot abut a street right-of-way, setback lines shall be measured from said right-of-way. Where no street right-of-way exists, setback lines shall be measured from the center of the traveled way. The front yard setback will apply. SECTION TWO. Chapter 36 (“Zoning”)

Section 70 (“Building site minimum dimensional requirements”) of the Town of Lake Lure Code of Ordinances is hereby amended as follows:

Section 36-70. Building site minimum dimensional requirements. (c) For primary streets, the front yard setback shall be 40 feet from the centerline center of the street, but not closer than and at least ten feet from any right-of-way line where such line exists. For secondary streets, the front yard setback shall be 35 feet from the centerline, but not closer than center of the street and at least ten feet from any right-of-way line where such line exists. In all commercial districts,

Town Council approved the ordinance.

 

B.  Ordinance No. 25-08-12A Amending Chapter 6, Article III, Sections 48- 55 of the Town of Lake Lure Code of Ordinances

• Mr. Carpenter presented the amendment to the ordinance removing the language that is also in the Lake Use Regulations. This will reduce confusion and duplication of the ordinance.

 

ORDINANCE NUMBER 25-08-12 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 36 (“ZONING”) SECTIONS 5 (“DEFINITIONS”) AND 70 (“BUILDING SITE MINIMUM DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS”) OF THE TOWN OF LAKE LURE CODE OF ORDINANCES

WHEREAS, the Town of Lake Lure finds it necessary to revise Sections 36-5 and 36-70 of the Town of Lake Lure Code of Ordinances due to conflicting language regarding setback requirements; and

WHEREAS, the Zoning and Planning Board has reviewed and recommended amendments to Sections 36-5 and 36-70 to ensure consistency and clarity within the Code.

NOW, THEREFORE ORDAINED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LAKE LURE, NORTH CAROLINA, MEETING IN REGULAR SESSION AND WITH A MAJORITY OF TOWN COUNCIL VOTING IN THE AFFIRMATIVE. [ADDITIONS TO TEXT ARE UNDERLINED; DELETIONS ARE STRUCK THROUGH.]

SECTION ONE. Chapter 36 (“Zoning”) Section 5 (“Definitions”) of the Town of Lake Lure Code of Ordinances is hereby amended as follows: Section 36-5. Definitions. Setback means the minimum allowable distance measured on the horizontal plane between a property line, water's edge, right-of-way, or street centerline and specified improvements such as a building or parking area structure. No building or other structure may be placed within the setback area except as provided. (See also the definition of the term "yard", 36-70 and section 36-295.) Whenever the front, side, or rear portions of a lot abut a street right-of-way, setback lines shall be measured from said right-of-way. Where no street right-of-way exists, setback lines shall be measured from the center of the traveled way. The front yard setback will apply.

SECTION TWO. Chapter 36 (“Zoning”) Section 70 (“Building site minimum dimensional requirements”) of the Town of Lake Lure Code of Ordinances is hereby amended as follows: Section 36-70. Building site minimum dimensional requirements.

(c) For primary streets, the front yard setback shall be 40 feet from the centerline center of the street, but not closer than and at least ten feet from any right-of-way line where such line exists. For secondary streets, the front yard setback shall be 35 feet from the centerline, but not closer than center of the street and at least ten feet from any right-of-way line where such line exists. In all commercial districts, setbacks shall be measured from the right-of-way line, or where no right-of-way exists, from a point 15 feet from the centerline center of the street. In most situations, the front yard lies between the building and the street. However, for For lots which abut a lake, the lake side is also considered a front yard. In any zoning district, the minimum setback from the lake is 35 feet measured from the shoreline.

SECTION THREE. The Town of Lake Lure Town Council deems Ordinance No. 25-08- 12 to be reasonable and in the public interest because it ensures clarity and consistency regarding setbacks.

SECTION FOUR. All provisions of any Town Ordinance inconsistent with the language herein adopted are hereby repealed.

SECTION FIVE. This Ordinance, along with all rules, regulations, provisions, requirements, and orders established herein, shall take effect and be in full force immediately upon its final passage and adoption.

The Ordinance was approved.

 

C. Ordinance No. 25-08-12B Amending Chapter 36 of the Town of Lake Lure Code of Ordinances to Limit the Size of Accessory Buildings within the Residential 1 District

• Mr. Carpenter presented the Zoning and Planning Board recommendation to eliminate sections 6-48 and 6-50 from the Lake Structures Ordinance, due to inclusion in the Marine Commission Lake Use Regulations.
• The Zoning and Planning Board members worked through amending the ordinance and adding language to reflect a sizing limit to accessory buildings like sheds and garages.
• In the R-1 district this change would limit the size to 50% of the dwelling or 1,200 square feet.
• There was discussion regarding the changes.

 

ORDINANCE NUMBER 25-08-12A AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 6 (“BUILDING AND BUILDING REGULATIONS”) ARTICLE III (“LAKE STRUCTURES”) SECTIONS 48 (“DEFINITIONS”) AND 55 (“MARKERS”) OF THE TOWN OF LAKE LURE CODE OF ORDINANCES

WHEREAS, The Town of Lake Lure Code of Ordinances Chapter 6 (“Buildings and Building Regulations”) Article III (“Lake Structures”) establishes the regulation of lake structures; and

WHEREAS, the Lake Lure Marine Commission recently adopted language pertaining to “markers” within the Lake Use Regulations, following a recommendation from the Lake Advisory Board; and

WHEREAS, the inclusion of duplicative language in both the Lake Use Regulations and the Lake Structure Regulations is unnecessary and may cause confusion.

NOW, THEREFORE ORDAINED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LAKE LURE, NORTH CAROLINA, MEETING IN REGULAR SESSION AND WITH A MAJORITY OF TOWN COUNCIL VOTING IN THE AFFIRMATIVE. [ADDITIONS TO TEXT ARE UNDERLINED; DELETIONS ARE STRUCK THROUGH.]

SECTION ONE. Chapter 6 (“Lake Structure Regulations”) Section 48 (“Definitions”) of the Town of Lake Lure Code of Ordinances is hereby amended as follows:

Section 6-48.

Definitions. Markers means floating buoys or fixed signs that give navigational or warning information.

SECTION TWO. Chapter 6 (“Lake Structure Regulations”) Section 55 (“Markers”) of the Town of Lake Lure Code of Ordinances is hereby amended as follows:

Section 6-55.

Markers. No markers or signs, other than navigational aids that comply with the uniform waterway marking system and the state wildlife resources commission's regulations, shall be placed within the lakebed. Placement of these markers will be reviewed and approved by the lake advisory board. Appeals of the lake advisory board decision shall be sent to the marine commission. Unauthorized movement or removal of markers will result in the revocation of all lake lure boat permits held by the owner of the boat used for such activity and the penalties and civil fines described in section 6- 65.

SECTION THREE. All provisions of any Town Ordinance inconsistent with the language herein adopted are hereby repealed.

SECTION FOUR. The Town of Lake Lure Town Council deems Ordinance No. 25-08- 12A to be reasonable and in the public interest because it reduces redundancy of regulations detailed in the Lake Use Regulations.

SECTION FIVE. This Ordinance and the rules, regulations, provisions, requirements, orders and matters established and adopted hereby shall take effect and be in full force and effect immediately from after the date of its final passage and adoption.

The Ordinance was approved.

 

V.      Town Managers Communication

A.  Monthly Report

Town Manager Olivia Stewman presented the following updates: 

• Thank you to the Community Development Department for all the updated ordinances. 

• Cell Tower: Permitting is in place and as of today, the construction start date is planned for 8/25/25. 

• Fairfield Mountains Fire Department/now Lake Lure Fire Station II: The response time at the Lake Lure Fire Station II has decreased since the Lake Lure Fire Department began managing the station. 

• FEMA HHPD Grant: This grant has paid 65% for the Field Investigation project for the Dam Replacement Project. The project is expected to be completed by 9/14/25.  

• Comprehensive Planning Steering Committee: The Steering Committee had their first meeting.  There will be additional meetings before the Public engagement meetings begin in October 2025. 

• Washburn Tank Cover Replacement – The Town replaced the aging wood roof of the Washburn water tank with a durable aluminum geodesic dome. This upgrade improves water quality protection, reduces maintenance costs, and extends the tank’s useful life.

• Water System Consolidation – The Town is moving forward with plans to connect its three separate water system zones. Consolidation will improve system reliability, provide needed redundancy, and strengthen service to the downtown area.

• Upcoming Events: 

  • 9/27/25: The Town of Lake Lure is planning a special ceremony commemorating Hurricane Helene at 11:00 at the Morse Park Gazebo.  The event will honor those who lost so much during the flood while recognizing the resiliency of the Lake Lure Community and the tremendous recovery that has taken place.  Please save the date and stay tuned for details as plans are finalized. 
  • 10/5-11/25: Cycle NC  Mountain to Coast ride, starting in Lake Lure on 10/5/25
  • 10-13-15: KaBOOM Playground Building Project in Morse Park
  • 10/18-19/25: Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach Fall Arts and Crafts Festival
  • 10/18/25: Lake Lure Artist's Show and Sale at the beach Pavilion

 

VI.      Council Liaison Reports and Comments

 

• ABC Board: Commissioner Doster reported that the ABC board met 7/14/25.  Their audit was completed and accepted. The ABC Store was only one bottle off.  The ABC board also went to Southern Distillery and picked out a barrel specifically for Lake Lure.  He advised that $5 from each bottle goes to support the area and encouraged everyone to go by and pick one up.

• Board of Adjustment: Commissioner DiOrio met and had one case involving setback issues. 

• Lake Advisory Board: Commissioner DiOrio advised the recent water samples are still normal, though turbidity was elevated. These are just suspended solids, and this is to be expected given all the work taking place in the lake.   There are reports of people catching fish.  There are a lot of fish in the lake.  We will begin adding threadfin shad and creating fish habitats once the lake levels are elevated. 

• Parks and Recreation Board: Commissioner Jim Proctor reported that the board was holding a special meeting n 8/13/25 to discuss the new KaBoom Playground equipment. He asked for volunteers to assist with the playground installation on 10/15 from 8-3.   

• Short-term Rental Board: Commissioner Patrick Bryant advised that the the Short Term Rental Board met for the second time. They are identifying all of the rentals that are in town and reviewing requirements. Parking and trash are always concerns. There are some possible future senate bills they will be reviewing closely.

• Zoning and Planning Board: Commissioner Doster advised met 7/18/25 to work through Ordinances that need correction to address conflicting issues and updates for future building in Lake Lure.  They will present more amendments to Town Council for review and consideration.

 

VII.     Consent Agenda

A.  Approval of July 2025 Minutes
B.  Resolution No. 25-08-12 Approving Sole Source Purchase of Stream Gauges

The Consent Agenda was approved.

 

VIII.     Unfinished Business

There was no Unfinished Business.

 

IX.     New Business

 

A.  Tryon Bay Project Request

Mr. Deese has submitted permit applications for development authorization at 441 & 429 Tryon Bay Circle.

Town Manager Stewman advised that she submitted a letter to Town Council for their consideration. 

• I am writing to respectfully recommend that the Town not approve the request by Mr. Dwayne Deese to modify or re-route Tryon Bay Circle.
• Approving this request would negatively impact residents’ ingress and egress for a prolonged period of time, which I believe poses a significant concern for the safety and convenience of the community.
• Additionally, granting such a modification could set an undesirable precedent for future requests involving public infrastructure, one that I do not support.
• That said, I want to acknowledge and commend Mr. Deese for his cooperation and willingness to work with the Town last year in addressing the unintended road impacts that resulted from the initial work on his property.
• His efforts helped to mitigate a challenging situation, and in recognition of that good faith effort and the fact that he completed the required road repairs in a timely and satisfactory manner, I recommend that Council waive the fines incurred during that time, which totaled $25,000.
• Town staff will continue to work with Mr. Deese on any administrative permits or processes that comply with the existing code.
• However, the plans currently submitted for the proposed development of Mr. Deese’s property and are insufficient to allow for a reasonable review or decision.
• This has been communicated to Mr. Deese by the Community Development Department.
• Thank you for your consideration.

Community Development Environmental Review Specialist Rick Carpenter summarized the following.

• The proposed development encompasses two parcels directly adjacent to the Tryon Bay Bridge along Memorial Highway and property across the existing roadway.
• Presently, the applicant is proposing a significant modification/re-route for Tryon Bay Circle.
• This re-route/modification requires Town Council’s approval prior to administrative approval.
• Relevant Town Ordinances: Sec. 26-1. - Construction of public and private streets; acceptance by council.
  • (a)All public and private streets (see section 28-6 for definitions) constructed in the town shall meet the development standards set forth in section 28-105.
  • (b)Before any new street offered for dedication to the town is accepted as such and officially recognized as a town-maintained street, the council must give its approval, finding that the street complies with engineering standards set by the council Sec. 26-2. - Excavations—Permit required.
• No person shall make any excavation or opening or dig any ditch, trench, tunnel, or hole in, along, across, or under any street, sidewalk, or other public place for the purpose of laying or placing therein any pipe, wires, or poles or for any other purposes unless a written permit therefor has been issued by some officer of the town vested with proper authority. Sec. 26-5. - Excavations—Leaving unprotected.
• It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation who obtains a permit under the sections of this chapter to do any excavation of any kind which may create or cause a dangerous condition in or near any street, alley, sidewalk, or public place of the town without placing and maintaining proper guard rails three feet from the ground and signal lights or other warnings at, in or around Page 92 of 115 the same, sufficient to warn the public of the excavation or work, and to protect all persons using reasonable care from injuries on account of the excavation or work.
• Staff reviewed the applicant’s submittal and issued review comments on 07/23/2025. At the time of writing this report, the applicant has not submitted the necessary revisions and additional documentation. Based on this initial analysis, staff are concerned the applicant has not supplied adequate information to make a decision regarding development authorization. Staff concerns regarding road modification:
  • Applicant has submitted conflicting surveys regarding the town roadway.
  • The applicant has submitted insufficient plans for staff to make an informed decision on road modification. o Submitted plans indicate a retaining wall will be utilized to stabilize a steep slope after road re-location.
  • Plans indicate max wall height is 4’. Staff do not believe this is accurate as the embankment being cut is taller than 4’.
    • Plans indicate the finished grade beyond the new wall is approximately 2:1. Staff do not believe this is possible due to terrain and utilities.
    • Erosion control plans for the proposed modification have not been submitted.
    • Full building plans have not been submitted.
    • Engineered plans for the new road have not been submitted.
    • A geotechnical analysis of the upland slope has not been submitted.

The contractor Peyton Peters with Mosseller Construction spoke and presented recommendations for consideration.  

• He advised that this is a crucial step for their project and advised it would improve the road for the Town.
• The project would be in 3 stages. 
• The First stage would be to excavate Towns right of way with a 12 in wall.
• That would stretch 100-120 feet with very minimal disruption.
• Step 2 would need to excavate new wall and foundation for seawall; 12 foot wide with guard rails.
• It would be 1:1 slope ratio to maintain erosion.
• Stage 3 would be to finalize new road and structure.
• Once seawall is in place a foundation can be constructed for the home.
• Once all is completed the road would be repaved to be about 12 feet to 16 feet wide.

Contractor Dale Shields advised that he would be doing the grading, and additional work.

• He advised all the easy lots are gone.
• He stated that we are going to run into these situations all across the Town.
• He added that moving the road would help keep the project safe and allow for building with minimal disruption.
• He stated that the work can be done.

The surveyor Josh Edwards spoke and presented his perspective. 

• He advised he did a recent survey of the property based of the previous deeds.
• He stated that both parties are correct that the road is on the property; however, the right of way does become assumed once a road has been there for decades.

The property owner Dewayne Deese spoke and shared his perspective.

• He advised that the 1948 legal right of way shows the road on his property and he did have a new survey completed.
• He explained that when he bought the property 8 years ago, he was advised by the Community Development Director (Shannon Baldwin) that he could build on the property.
• He feels he has done everything that has been asked of him and feels neighbors are against him and causing chaos.
• He also stated that he feels that Commissioner Jim Proctor should recuse himself as he feels he has been against him from the beginning.

There was a lengthy discussion with questions and concerns raised regarding the matter. 

Commissioner Proctor refuted the comment made about his personal involvement in this matter.  Commissioner Doster also objected to a comment that was made during the discussion regarding a "land grab" by the Town.

A motion was made to resend the fines as recommended by the Town Manager: This motion was approved. 

Town Council made a decision to defer to any decisions regarding the project until the materials presented could be reviewed more closely and discussed further at the August 27, 2025 Town Council Action Meeting and Work Session.

 

B.  Resolution No. 25-08-12A Supporting State Revolving Fund Helene (SA-HMW) Loan Applications

• Town Manager Stewman advised that the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Infrastructure was offering a State Revolving Fund (SRF) Helene (SA-HMW) Loan which is a long-term, zero-interest loan with principal forgiveness that is exclusive to Helene-impacted communities for drinking water, wastewater and decentralized wastewater treatment systems.
• At this time, the Town is working with LaBella Associates to submit applications for the sewer replacement design and construction project, wastewater treatment plant design and construction project, Yacht Island emergency waterline project, and bulk chemical storage building project. Resolution No. 25-08-12A expresses Town Council support for the Town’s a State Revolving Fund Helene (SA-HMW) Loan Applications.

 

RESOLUTION NO. 25-08-12A RESOLUTION BY THE TOWN OF LAKE LURE TOWN COUNCIL SUPPORTING STATE REVOLVING FUND HELENE (SA-HMW) LOAN APPLICATIONS

WHEREAS, The Town of Lake Lure has need for and intends to construct, plan for, or conduct a study for projects described as the Backshore Forcemain Design and Construction Project, Wastewater Treament Plant Design and Construction Project, Yacht Island Emergency Waterline Project, and Bulk Chemical Storage Building Project,

WHEREAS, The Town of Lake Lure intends to request State loan and/or grant assistance for the projects,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LAKE LURE: That the Town of Lake Lure, the Applicant, will arrange financing for all remaining costs of the projects, if approved for a State loan and/or grant award. That the Applicant will provide for efficient operation and maintenance of the projects on completion of construction thereof.

That the Applicant will adopt and place into effect on or before completion of the projects a schedule of fees and charges and other available funds which will provide adequate funds for proper operation, maintenance, and administration of the system and the repayment of all principal and interest on the debt.

That the governing body of the Applicant agrees to include in the loan agreement a provision authorizing the State Treasurer, upon failure of the Town of Lake Lure to make a scheduled repayment of the loan, to withhold from the Town of Lake Lure any State funds that would otherwise be distributed to the local government unit in an amount sufficient to pay all sums then due and payable to the State as a repayment of the loan.

That Olivia Stewman, Town Manager, the Authorized Representative and successors so titled, is hereby authorized to execute and file an application on behalf of the Applicant with the State of North Carolina for a loan and/or grant to aid in the study of or construction of the project described above.

That the Authorized Representative, and successors so titled, is hereby authorized and directed to furnish such information as the appropriate State agency may request in connection with such application or project: to make the assurances as contained above; and to execute such other documents as may be required in connection with the application.

That the Applicant has substantially complied or will substantially comply with all Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and funding conditions applicable to the project and to Federal and State grants and loans pertaining thereto.

Adopted this the 12 day of August, 2025 at Lake Lure, North Carolina. 

The resolution was approved.

 

X.      Storm Recovery Updates

Town Manager Stewman presented the following updates. 

• We are awaiting a firm date for Duke Energy's portion of the work on the West End project. 

• The demolition of the Flowering Bridge will begin on 8/18/25. 

• The Proctor Road Project is ongoing and we hope the project will be completed by the second week in September, weather permitting.

• We hope to reopen the Buffalo Creek Park in October and we will hold a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

• The Personal Property Debris Removal in zip code 28746 is ongoing. 

• The Town is working with FEMA and USACE to get lake structures/boat houses that were condemned, removed.  We are still awaiting FEMA approvals for this process to move forward.

• The Sedimentation removal project is ongoing. They are starting to work in coves now.  All indications are that they will extend their contract beyond September. 

The Mayor reiterated how thankful we are to FEMA and USACE for their tremendous work here in Lake Lure!

 

XI.     Public Comment: 

The public is invited to speak. Please keep comments limited to three minutes or less.  Comments may also be submitted in writing to the town clerk, kmartin@townoflakelure.com at least one hour prior to the meeting.

1. Frank Butera (1800 Memorial Highway) 

Mr. Butera reported that there were drainage issues at Snug Harbor and the drainage is coming into his property. He noted that Public Services Director Dean Lindsey had come out to look at the situation, but it has not been resolved. He asked that this be addressed. 

2. Karen Knaub (347 Lake View Road)

• Mrs. Knaub asked about the vegetation that is growing in the Lake.  Council advised that this would die when the water comes back and when they excavate the lake bed it will be taken out. 
• She also asked about trash that was remaining.  Council advised this will be removed by USACE or our staff once the lake comes back up. 
• She asked if they had begun work on the new marina.  Council advised that they had begun clearing for this by the Lake House Restaurant. 

3. Shelly Graef (113 Frady Inlet Road) 

• Ms. Graef asked for more clarity on the grass that is in the trout buffer.  She advised that AshBritt contractors came on her property and they just announced they have almost finished the project.  She added that the back shore is town property and asked that if she was allowed to work on the back shore to do maintenance.  She added that her entire cover would go out and help address the trash and such on Edwards Point.  Town Council advised that the Town was formulating a policy on this to address these situations. 

4. Ray Permuroso (171 Lake Blvd) 

• Mr. Permuroso advised that his home was in Snug Harbor Cove.  They have collected debris to put by the boat houses and hope someone will be by to pick it up.  Council advised that if the USACE does not pick it up the Town will when the lake levels rise as they have done in the past.
• He also noted that the Storm Updates note that the sedimentation removal is now coming to the coves. The creek is now running on the ground and in the last few days there are eight boat houses exposed.  He is concerned with the washout as it is exposing pilings.  Town Council noted the concerns. 

4. Mike Wood (172 Winding Creek Court) 

• Mr. Wood asked how the Flowering Bridge demolition would impact the roads. Town Council explained that they plan to access the bridge through the lake bed and that there should be little to no impact on Memorial Hwy.  
• He also asked if any artifacts were being saved from the flowering bridge.  Town Council advised that pieces of the flowering bridge will be saved for a memorial.

There were no other Public Comments.  

Mayor Pritchett thanked everyone for coming to the meeting and for their input. 

 

XII.     Adjournment

 

The meeting was adjourned.