Storm Recovery Meeting Summary - Monday, February 16, 2026

Town Council hald a Storm Recovery Meeting on February 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. 

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

• The following is a summary of meeting.  

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

I. Call to Order

Mayor Carol Pritchett called the meeting to order. 

II. Agenda Adoption

The agenda was adopted as posted here.

III. Resolution No. 26-02-16 Accepting SRF Helene Funds for Bulk Chemical Storage Building

Town Manager Olivia Stewman presented to council a resolution accepting SRF Helen Funds with principal forgiveness.

The resolution was approved. 

IV. Resolution No. 26-02-16A Accepting SRF Helene Funds for Yacht Island Emergency Waterline

Town Manager Stewman presented to council a resolution to accept funds for Yacht Island Emergency Waterline.

• The project has been approved for $6,636,349 in total funding through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF).
• This includes $6,111,262 in principal forgiveness and $525,087 in loans. Of the principal forgiveness, $5 million is awarded at 100 percent, with the remaining portion structured at 75 percent principal forgiveness and 25 percent loan.
• The loan carries a 0 percent interest rate over a 20-year term.

Town Council approved the resolution.

VII. Resolution No. 26-02-16B Accepting SRF Helene Funds for New Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) Design and Construction

Town Manager Stewman presented to council a resolution to accept funds for new wastewater treatment plant design and construction. This supports projects that strengthen infrastructure resilience by reducing flood risk and vulnerability and improving preparedness.

• The project has been approved for $5,000,000 in total funding through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF).
• The full amount is awarded as 100 percent principal forgiveness, with no loan repayment required.
• Any additional funding, if awarded, would be structured at 75 percent principal forgiveness and 25 percent loan at a 0 percent interest rate over a 20-year term.

The total estimated project cost is $34,032,402.

Town Council approved the resolution.

VIII.  Consider Approval of Easement with Duke Energy for Parcel #219448

Town Manager Stewman presented a request from Duke Energy requesting an easement to provide upgrades on Sunset Cove Rd.

There are some concerns from residents and concerns with timeline with town work.

After discussion council decided to hold off on making any decisions until the March Regular Town Council Meeting so the residents can meet next week and voice their concerns.

IX. Storm Recovery Updates

Public Works:

• Dredging
  • The west end dredging project is moving forward.
  • The bench of sediment will be going away and the bank on the Fae Nectar side will be stabilized.
  • The other side of the river will be stabilized at a later date.
• SMART Program
  • The smart program has began mobilizing and planning taking place this week.
• Morse Park
  • The Wetlands at Morse park has been cleaned out and is deeper.
  • We will be adding 2 water features to help with the beautification of the park. 
  • Crews continue working on the drainage plan for the area as well.
  • We are working to restore the walking path.
  • There is a plan for a ramp in the back on Morse Park for future kayakNon-motorized boat access. We will be working with Vic Knight on the design.
• Welcome Center
• The Welcome Center building has been demoed.
• The concrete pad and fencing will be removed.
• Power is being installed in the area.
• The EV connections will be replaced.
• Beach Marina Building
  • Working on the mold abatement at the beach marina area.
  • Getting quotes and working to bring everything back to code.
  • Still looking good for opening in May.
• Tainter Gate Project
  • The Tainter Gate project is now complete.
  • We are raising the lake two feet to evaluate for any leaks.
  • Below the Dam, everything is operational.
• Hydro Electrical High Road update.
  • Doug met with Labella who is working on a design that will be presented to FEMA.
  • Discussion ensued. Questions regarding what Morgan Corp was doing. Dean will look into this further and get back to us.
• Boys Camp Road bridge
  • The goal is to start the bridge construction in March.
  • We are currently in the bidding process.
  • No definite timeline but could take up to three or four months to complete.
• Proctor Road Culvert Project
  • Proctor road culvert project is beginning this week with Public Works staff.
  • Should not impact access, but there may be some intermittent delays.
• Paving
  • Paving will continue across Lake Lure.
  • Charlotte Drive is on list as priority.
  • NCDOT is paving Memorial Hwy.
• Access
  • Working on access for Mallard Cove Lake Access.
  • Currently in the property phase.
• Manholes
  • Public Works is working to replace three manholes.
  • Advised to have police presence.
• Tyon Bay Seawall
  • Seawall in Tryon Bay Circle is in progress and is on time for completion.  

Parks, Rec and Lake:

• Dana Bradley, Parks & Recreation Director, advised contractors have been selected for the repairs to Weed Patch Trail. They are set to begin soon.
• Disc Golf at the Green Space is available for beginners to advance game players with a 9 hole game play.
• Boat ramps will open once lake is open.

Rumbling Bald:

• Jeff Giesler advised they were able to get pontoon boats on to the lake.
• A huge thank you to Lake Lure and Mountain Biz Works as a grant was received.
• Did have questions if non-motorized and motorized boats will be granted access at different times.
• No all boats and active will begin at the same time for all.
• Rowing teams will be here February 28, 2026.

Along with this Mayor Carol C Pritchett thanked Rumbling Bald for all there help and support during this time.

Community Development:

• Mike Williams recommended that kayaks be allowed after the rowing teams leave. Feel it would give the Town a positive look at the upcoming opening of the Lake. Town believes to wait to allow access for all at the same time. Will re-visit once lake comes up more.

Police Department:

• No storm related updates at this time.  

Fire Department:

• Dustin Waycaster, Fire Chief advised no updates at this time.  

Communications:   

• Laura Krejci, Communications Director gave a thank you to all that took time out to be included in interviews.

ICF:

• Doug Ramiser advised there currently are no updates.

Other:

• Commissioner Jim Proctor advised we need to make it clear to residents/homeowners that if a approved contactor takes boats out its ok.
• It is against Town Policy to allow owners to remove boats themselves at this time.
• Waiting on bids to come in for the stationary docks. Hopeful this process will be quick and work can begin immediately. Timeline currently is for April but could be extended a little longer.
• With the tours a building is still in the works. We have a few options as to what can be placed there temporarily. Discussion ensued with ideas and will reach out to ridgeline with there perspective and re-visit at a later date.

XI. Adjournment 

The meeting was adjourned.