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

Town Council Work Session and Action Meeting Summary sign

Please join us for the Town Council Work Session and Action Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, 2025 - 8:30 a.m.

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

  • The public is invited to attend. 

  • 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.

  • You may download the meeting packet for additional information. 

I. Call to Order

Mayor Pritchett called the meeting to order and thanked those in attendance for joining the meeting. 

II. Agenda Adoption

There was a motion to add a discussion on the Centennial and an additional closed session for the purpose of G.S.143-318.11 (a) (5) for property acquisition. The meeting agenda was adjusted as posted below.

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

  • Tow Manager Olivia Stewman advised that Attorney William Morgan and Community Development Director Mike Williams worked with Marina owner James Sciandra to draft an agreement for the boardwalk connecting the new marina and the Lakehouse Restaurant.
  • There was a brief discussion.

The motion was approved.

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

  • Town Manager Olivia Stewman advised since Hurricane Helene and the Lake drawdown we have several issues with private wells not working.
  • Some wells have been placed in the Town right of ways.
  • the Town will be working on encroachment agreements and possible fees.
  • There was a discussion on the matter which included Town Council giving approval prior to the installation of any well on town property.
  • Ms. Stewman will present agreement and proposed fee structure to council at a later date.

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

  • Town Manager Stewman advised that the Town has ad this agreement in place previously and she recommended keeping it and adding an interconnection agreement as well.
  • There was a brief discussion.

The purchase agreement was approved. 

VI. Continue Discussion Regarding Tryon Bay Project Request

  • A representative (Peyton) with the Tryon Bay Project provided additional information and photos.
  • He asked for a copy of the survey the Town conducted.
  • The survey is currently unavailable as the surveyor is out of the country.
  • The town will provide a copy as soon as it is available.
  • Hoping to move forward with project. Plans should be arriving soon from Odom. Will postpone this discuss until next council meeting.

VII. Hager Strategic Solutions Updates

  • Lobbyist Mike Hagar advised that the Legislative Session is in and they have some issues they are dealing with including the Children’s Hospital.
  • There is expected to be a budget shortfall next year.
  • Currently, 15 bills have passed.
  • He thanked the Town Council and staff for the professionalism, passion, and dedication to the recovery has been demonstrated.
  • He stated that he was proud to be a part of the recovery efforts.

VIII. Storm Recovery Updates

  • Town Manager Stewman advised that the field investigation project for the replacement dam has been completed.
  • The NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has approved Engineering Report/Environmental Information Document (ER/EID) for the replacement sewer system.
  • The new Cell Tower construction i underway.
  • Completion is expected by the end of November 2025 and will be active by the 1st of the year - 2026.
  • The Comprehensive Planning Steering Committee met yesterday and have been working on plan for public input sessions and surveys.
  • Requests for proposal for the Town Marina are due by October 23, 2025 by 1:00pm. These submissions will be reviewed she will make an official recommendation to council for approval
  • The West End Sewer project is still moving forward and the Town is currently waiting on the manholes to arrive to complete the project.
  • A leak has been located and Public Works is working to repair it. They need an additional 2 feet drawdown to make the repair.
  • the Proctor Road landslide project is completed.  The Town is waiting on the paving contract and clean up to finish out the project.  The Town is obtaining a quote for safety barriers for the road.
  • the Town received reimbursements for diving operations following the hurricane.
  • The announcement regarding FEMA funding for the Flowering Bridge caused a few concerns but the Town has released a statement clarifying where these funds will be used for infrastructure projects rather than for bridge replacement.
  • the Town will be having a 1 year event Commemoration Ceremony on 9/27/25 @11:00 am. Currently will be held at the gazebo but will be moved to Roosevelt Hall if it rains.
  • Town Manager Stewman provides 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 keep 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 Pritchett made a statement thanking Town Manager Stewman for accepting the position not knowing what stood ahead. She stated that she has been amazing and exemplified excellence during such a time. She also thanked Attorney William Morgan for always being available during these difficult times.

IX. Public Comment

  • Pat Buede 9Memorial Highway, Lake Lure):
    • Ms. Buede asked who owned the flowering bridge. Mayor Pritchett confirmed that the Town owned the Flowerding Bridge.   
    • She asked if the RFP that was discussed for the Marina as for the structure? The Mayor provided a statement advising the FRP was for the marina slips that would be replaced but nothing further at this time. 

There were no other public comments.

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 wa adjourned following the Closed Session.

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