Town Council Regular Meeting Summary - Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Thank you to those who attended the Lake Lure Regular Town Council Meeting on October 14, 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 summary of the meeting is included here for those who could not attend. 

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

• For additional information, you may download the meeting packet.

I. Call to Order

Mayor Pritchett called the meeting to order and thanked everyone for their attendance.

A. Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation

Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance and Commissioner Bryant led the invocation.

II. Agenda Adoption

The agenda was adopted as posted. 

III. Mayor’s Communication

Mayor Pritchett recognized Police Officer Jeffrey Willette. 

PROCLAMATION NO. 25-10-14

RECOGNIZING REGION C AWARDEE

Officer Jeffrey Willett

WHEREAS, on September 1, 2025, State Park Rangers were dispatched to the main trailhead of Chimney Rock State Park in response to a report of a subject experiencing a mental health crisis; and

WHEREAS, upon arrival, Rangers located the individual, who then fled on foot into the nearby wood line; and

WHEREAS, Officer Jeffrey Willett was requested by the Rangers to assist in locating the subject and, upon arriving on scene, immediately sought to coordinate additional resources, including a drone operator, a trained negotiator, and medical personnel, none of whom were initially present; and

WHEREAS, Officer Willett applied exceptional man-tracking skills developed through his military and law enforcement experience, ultimately locating the subject at the top of Chimney Rock, where the individual was again attempting to jump from the ledge; and

WHEREAS, demonstrating courage, professionalism, and compassion, Officer Willett personally engaged with the subject and successfully de-escalated the situation, persuading the individual to come down safely; and

WHEREAS, the individual received on-scene medical attention and was safely transported for appropriate follow-up care; and

WHEREAS, Officer Willett’s decisive actions, leadership, and commitment to preserving life exemplify the highest standards of public service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Lake Lure Police Department, and the entire community;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Carol C. Pritchett, on behalf of the Town of Lake Lure, do hereby recognize and commend Officer Jeffrey for his outstanding bravery, quick thinking, and dedication to duty, and congratulate him on being awarded the Region C Law Enforcement Award.

READ, APPROVED AND PROCLAIMED this the 14^th day of October, 2025.

IV. Town Managers Communication

A. Monthly Report: Town Manager Olivia Stewman shared the following updates.

• Cell Tower: The cell tower is in progress, and the tentative date of completion is December 8, 2025.
• Lake Lure Fire Department - Station 2: The Lake Lure Fire Department - Station 2 (formerly Fairfield Mountains Volunteer Fire Department) will soon be undergoing some upgrades with additional funds being received in the amount of $185,000 from a donation that was made to the Rutherford County TDA following Hurricane Helene. They also received a $50,000 grant from the state and $100,000 from Rumbling Bald for these upgrades.
• SAFER Grant: The town applied for salary support for additional firefighters for this station. If the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant is approved, it would allow the Town to hire 4 additional firefighters.
• New Playground: The new KaBOOM! playground in Morse Park is in the process of being built.  A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, 10/15/25 at 2:30pm and the public is invited to attend and see the new playground.
• Lake Lure Dam: The Town submitted a grant application to FEMA for a 30% Design Project.  We have been told that the project would be awarded shortly after the field investigation project was completed.  We learned today that the process for awarding grants is on hold due to the government shutdown. 
• Tainter Gate Seal Replacement: The design for the seal replacements on the Tainter gates is complete and will be going out for bid in the coming days.
• Lake Lure Dam Safety Award: The Town received a regional dam safety award from the Association of State Dam Safety.
• Engineering Report/Environmental Information Document (ER/EID): The NC Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) has approved the revised ER/EID and will continue to move onto the next phase of guidance regarding the sewer system replacement project.
• Traffic updates: One lane of Buffalo Shoals Rd. will be closed tomorrow for concrete to be poured.
• Comprehensive Planning Updates: The Town's Comprehensive Planning process is moving forward with 2 public input sessions scheduled for: 
  • 10/28/25: A virtual session is scheduled for October 28, 2025 from 4:00pm-6:00pm.
  • 11/5/25: In person on November 5, 2025, from 4:00pm-7:00pm.
• Upcoming Events:
  • 10/18-19: First Arts and Crafts festival since Helene! 10-5
  • 10/31-11/1: A haunted trail presented by Lake Lure Classical Academy from 6 - 9 PM
  • 11/11: Veterans Day Program at Rumbling Bald Terrace at 9 AM 

V. Council Liaison Reports and Comments

• ABC Board: Commissioner Doster reported that the State has a profit distribution system for Town's that own ABC stores.  This year (24-25) they gave town $65,000. Last year (23-24) they gave the town $35,000.  He commended the hard work of the staff and the work of the Board.

• Board of Adjustment: Commissioner DiOrio advised that the Board met and had one case involving setback issues.  With all the construction taking place, there is a steady review of setbacks to review.  This pace will continue as boathouses are rebuilt and construction continues.

• Lake Structure Appeals Board:  No Comment 

• Lake Advisory Board: Commissioner DiOrio reported that the Board is working to have all things in place once the Lake comes back up for use.  This includes the buoy plan, permitting, boat slips, (though were are not sure how many slips we will have).  He noted that there may be some changes in the permitting.  A recommendation will come up at the December Marine Commission Meeting.  he confirmed that we are still hoping the lake will be up by May of 2026.

• Parks and Recreation Board: Commissioner Jim Proctor reported that the Parks and Rec Board met and noted that there were 88 volunteer hours which equates to $3,000.  He added that this did not include the Flowering Bridge volunteer hours. 
  • He reported that we have about 100 volunteers working on the new playground build in Morse Park this week.
  • He added that trail repairs continue in Weed Patch Mountain and Buffalo Creek Park and they are close to completion.
  • The Flowering Bridge received a donation of $1,000 from sales of mugs by Lake Lure Pottery and they plan to plant around 25 gardens.
  • A portion of the rainbow bridge was recovered recently and will be incorporated into t new Rainbow Bridge that will be built. 
  • A new painted bear will be seen on the property as they won the auction for a pair from Main Street in Hendersonville.
  • Southern living donated plants for the new gardens and will continue to be following where the Flowering Bridge goes moving forward.
  • There was a discussion regarding the connection between Lake Lure and Chimney Rock and the Town is working on that new multi-modal connector.

• Short-term Rental Board: Commissioner Patrick Bryant advised that the Short Term Rental Board is working on applications and working to bring in more revenue. One priority is cleaning up rentals and meeting with the county to verify information. They are working toward ensuring emergency contact information is available. They are also recommending changes to the application process.  He noted he will have an item under New Business shortly. 

• Zoning and Planning Board: Commissioner Doster met and continue working on the sign ordinance. This review is ongoing.  

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of September 2025 Minutes.

The Consent Agenda was approved.

VII. Unfinished Business

There was no unfinished business.

VIII. New Business

A. Consider Amendment to Land Use Fee Schedule to Add Encroachment Agreement Fee

• Town staff is requesting an amendment to the Land Use Fee Schedule to add a $200 encroachment agreement fee for permission to encroach on Town-owned rights-of-way or property.
• The fee will help cover administrative costs, ensure consistent processing, and discourage unnecessary or frequent agreement requests.
• All encroachment agreements will require Council approval and will be considered on a case-by-case basis, promoting fiscal responsibility, protecting Town property, and maintaining a fair and orderly permitting process.
• Recommending a $200 fee based on the average in surrounding areas.  Twon Council is required to review and approve each one. 

The fee was approved. 

B. Consider Amendment to 2025 Town Council Meeting Schedule to Change the November Regular Meeting Date to November 4, 2025

The 2025 Town Council meeting schedule contains an error, as the regular meeting is currently set on a holiday (Veterans Day, November 11, 2025). Town staff recommends amending the schedule to hold the regular meeting on November 4, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at The Landings to avoid the conflict. The schedule can be found on pages 60-61. 

The schedule adjustment was approved. 

C. Recommendation for Short Term Rental Board Appointment

• The Short Term Rental (STR) Board recently had a member with attendance issues who is no longer serving on the board, creating a vacancy.
• The Board has recommended appointing Pat Buede to fill this open position.
• New Member: Pat Buede. 

Ms. Pat Buede was approved as the new ember on the Short Term Rental Board.

IX. Storm Recovery Updates

Town Manager Olivia Stewman provided the following updates: 

• Commemoration Ceremony: She thanked all those who attended the 1-year ceremony held at the Roosevelt Hall at Lake Lure Inn. A special thank you to Laura Krejci for all the work put in to make it happen.
• FEMA: The Town currently has 13 public assistance projects obligated.
  • The $2.5 million obligated for the Flowering Bridge will cover the demolition and the restoration of the seawall. Any remaining funds will be used for other critical infrastructure projects.
  • The Town will be pursuing a multi-model connector between Lake Lure and Chimney Rock through other means. 
• Washburn Marina: The Request for Proposals (RFP) for the replacement marina is out for bid and a summary of the proposals will be provided to council at the November Town Council Meeting.
• West End Sewer System Project: The West End Sewer project will be finished soon. We should have the new 828 restaurant and the hair salon connected by next week.
• Proctor Road Repairs: The Proctor Road project has wrapped up and we are just waiting on paving.  Once that is complete barriers will be put in place for safety.
• Condemned Boat Houses: The Town has received 9 denials for boathouse removal by FEMA. We expect to have denials for the remaining 20 boathouses as well. We are continuing to appeal this decision and will update property owners once more information is available.
• Lake Restoration: Silt and sedimentation removal work has slowed down currently as was noted in our 10/10/25 Press Release on Lake Restoration Updates. We have not received any additional information at this time; however, we know that FEMA and the USACE are re-evaluating the remaining scope of work and cost and we will update the public once that information becomes available.

X. Public Comment

Mayor Pritchett invited the public to speak.  She reminded everyone to keep comments 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.

• Dr. Haynes: Advised that he was a retired Army Colonel and he is currently working with Skybell.  He stated that they provided stickers for families with handicapped members and pets.  They stickers are placed on windows which is a marker for fire fighters so they know to locate those who may be in homes during an emergency.  
• John Squires (227 Garner Dr., Lake Lure): Mr. Squires noted that it had been over a year since he was able to attend a meeting and he inquired about clearing coves that had remaining debris.  He asked if this would be addressed. Commissioner DiOrio advised that as lake rises, the Town will be addressing the remaining debris in coves if these are not addressed by the USACE.  The timing of this work is unknown as we are awaiting the schedule from FEMA and USACE but it will be addressed as it has been in previous years when the lake comes back up after being drown down. 
• Chuck Stokes (280 Mark Twain): Mr. Stokes as if the timeline for the work of USACE had changed from the end of October with the slowdown he has observed in the lake.  Mayor Pritchett confirmed that the lake restoration work was being assessed by FEMA and once they make a determination and we know the information, we will share this with the public. 
• Mike Wood (Lake Lure Village Resort): Mr. Wood asked if the lake will continue to be drawn down each year once sedimentation and clean up efforts are complete? Mayor Pritchett explained that the Town would continue to work on repairs involving infrastructure, such as the sewer system, as funding was available.  If we have funding to work on infrastructure projects that require a draw down of the lake, the Town would make every evert to do this in the winter months so the lake could be back up in the summer season.  The public will be notified with as much advance notice as possible if plans are made to lower the lake.  
• Don King (275 Willow Top Lane, Lake Lure):  Mr. King stated that he and his wife has lived here for 10 years and love boating. He asked if the marina be the same as before and will the gas pump be replaced?  Ms. Stewman advised that there will be the same amount of boat slips and yes, the gas pump is being replaced as part of a separate project.

No other Public Comments were made.

Mayor Carol C. Pritchett thanked everyone for coming out to the meeting.  She advised that Town Council was going into a closed session and that there would be no further business following that session. 

XI. Closed Session

Town Council entered into a Closed Session In accordance with G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (5) for the purpose of discussing property acquisition.

XII. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned.