Town Council Work Session and Action Meeting Summary - Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Thank you for joining us for the Town Council Work Session and Action Meeting held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 8:30 a.m.

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

• The public was invited to attend. 

• The following is a summary of the meeting for anyone who was unable to attend.

• You may download the meeting packet for additional information. 

I. Call to Order

Mayor Carol Pritchett called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone in attendance.

II. Agenda Adoption

The agenda was approved as posted.

III. Consider Adoption of Resolution No. 25-09-24 Authorizing the Mayor of the Town of Lake Lure to Execute a Public-Private Agreement with Lake Life LLC for the Construction and Maintenance of a Boardwalk Connecting Sciandra Marina to The Lakehouse Restaurant

Town Attorney William Morgan asked if there were any questions regarding resolution he crated.  

• The owner of the privately owned marina planned along Memorial Highway near the Lake House Restaurant has requested to construct a boardwalk connecting the future marina and the restaurant which would cross over Town property.
• James Sciandra presented plans to Council at the August Work Session and Action Meeting, noting that the boardwalk would improve safety for patrons traveling between the two locations.
• The boardwalk would be open to the public with no restrictions on use. Maintenance would be the responsibility of James Sciandra, who expressed that he is willing to enter into an agreement with the Town.
• The request was previously postponed to allow time for an agreement to be drafted.
• The Town Attorney has now prepared a proposed agreement which will be considered for Council approval, but the proposed agreement is subject to change based on final plans.
• This resolution gives the Mayor authorization of execute the final agreement.

The resolution was approved. 

IV. Discuss Issues with Well Systems in the Town Right of Ways

Town Manager Olivia Stewman advised that as a result of Hurricane Helene, a number of private wells have been impacted, creating a need for property owners to replace their wells.

• Three areas particularly affected are Charlotte Drive, Yacht Island, and Burnt Ridge Road.
• One property has installed a replacement well that appears to be less than 30 feet from the center of the road (60-foot Right-of-Way (ROW)).
• Several other properties will face similar situations if they replace their wells.
• Another property addressed the issue by installing the well 2 feet below the road surface using a PVC sleeve and pipe.
• While this installation was not within the ROW, it involved drilling under a Town road, which is prohibited.
• In most, if not all, of these cases, the Town should have been, or should be, approached to request a right-of-way encroachment agreement.
• Ms. Steman consulted Town Attorney William Morgan for guidance. 
• He recommended each encroachment agreement will require Council approval.
• Further, Ms. Stewman is recommending the establishment of a fee.
• Mr. Morgan also noted that each agreement would need to include indemnity provisions to protect the Town.

V. Consider Approval of Power Purchase Agreement and Interconnection Agreement with Duke Energy

The Town’s Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Duke Energy is set to expire in November.

• Since the hydroelectric plant is currently inoperable, it is recommended to maintain the PPA but default to a monthly rate, which will have no impact on the Town while the plant remains offline.
• If the hydro plant is restored in the future, a new PPA can be negotiated at that time.
• Additionally, Duke has advised that an interconnection agreement is required in addition to the PPA.
• The Town’s previous interconnection agreement expired in 2022, so a new agreement is necessary.
• We have requested information on the possibility of waiving the monthly interconnection fee while the hydro plant is not producing.
• Duke is reviewing this request and expects that the fee may be paused.

Town Council approved the agreement.

VI. Continue Discussion Regarding Tryon Bay Project Request

Rick Carpenter advised that he or his department has not received further communications from the applicants since the last meeting.  The Town Clerk Kimberly Martin advised that she had received correspondence from the property owner.  

Continuation of the request from August 12, 2025. Mr. Deese is also requesting to modify the 15 foot from lakes edges to 24 feet from lakes edge. Previous explanation is below with ordinances relevant to the permitting.

• Mr. Deese has submitted permit applications for development authorization at 441 & 429 Tryon Bay Circle.
• 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 91 of 104 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 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.
• Commissioner Jim Proctor advised that the Town received a preliminary report from Donald McIntire regarding his survey.  He could not be present today.
• He also found another survey that was recorded in 2007 and it shows the center of the road is the property line exists. 
• There was a discussion with the contractor and the property owner. 
• They have mailed plans to the Town.  The discussion will be postponed until these are received.   

VII. Hager Strategic Solutions Updates

Mike Hagar advised the following: 

• The Legislative sessions is ongoing and there are some issues mostly around the Children’s Hospital.
• A budget shortfall is expected next year.
• Currently 15 bills have passed.
• He thanked the Town and staff for the professionalism, passion, and dedication to the recovery effort.   
• He stated that he was proud to be a part of the town's efforts.

VIII. Storm Recovery Updates and Project Updates

Town Manager, Olivia Stewman shared the following updates.

• The field investigation for the replacement dam has been completed.
• DEQ has approved Engineering Report/Environmental Information Document (ER/EID for the sewer system replacement.
• The Cell Tower is on its way. Completion is expected by the end of November and active by the 1^st of the year.
• The Comprehensive Planning Steering committee met yesterday and they have been working on the plan for public meeting and surveys.
• the Request for Proposals (RFP) submissions for building the marina docks are due by October 23, 2025 by 1:00pm. Town leaders will review the proposals and make an official recommendation to Town Council for approval.
• The West End sewer system project is still moving forward.  We are currently waiting on the manholes to arrive.
• A sewer system leak has been located and crews are working to repair. The lake will need to come down an additional 2 feet to make this repair.  
• The Proctor Road repairs are complete.  We are waiting on the paving contract and clean up to finish out the project. The Town is obtaining a quote for safety barriers or other options.
• The Town has received money for reimbursement for the diving operations at the Dam following Hurricane Helene.
• The FEMA funding announcement related to the Flowering Bridge has created confusion. The Town has released a statement clarifying where those funds will be used through the FEMA 428 project fund.
• We will be having a 1 year Commemoration Ceremony on Saturday 9/27/25 at 11:00 am. Currently will be held at the gazebo but will be moved to Roosevelt Hall if it rains.
• Ms. Stewman provide a statement to thank staff for all their hard work the last year.
  • With Rick Carpenter being one of the first to arrive to help.
  • Laura Krejci kept everyone near and far in the loop with her communications released daily.
  • Diane Duval and Corbie Bradley helping with the donations at the Parks and Recreation.
  • Dana Bradley already in town assessing damages on the trails and parks.
  • Wendy Terry for stepping up and taking town calls on her cell phone even through the early hours.
  • Public Works who has tirelessly worked from the very beginning to bring back our Town.
  • And last to Town Council for going above and beyond to meet daily and make the tough decisions to keep the town moving forward.

• Mayor Carol C. Pritchett made a statement thanking Town Manager, Olivia Stewman for accepting the position not knowing what stood ahead. She has been amazing and exemplified excellence during such a time. She also acknowledged Attorney William Morgan for always being available during these difficult times.  

X. Public Comment

• Pat Buede (Memorial Highway): 
  • Ms. Buede asked questions about the Flowering Bridge.  Who owns the bridge?  Mayor Pritchett confirmed that the Town owned the bridge. 
  • She also asked about the RFP for the Marina.  Mayor Pritchett explained that the RFP was to replace the marina docks and slips at this time. 

There were no other public comments.

XI. Closed Session in accordance with G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (5) for the purpose of discussing property acquisition

Town Council entered into a closed session.

XII. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned after the closed session.