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

Thak you to those who joined us for the Lake Lure Regular Town Council Meeting on April 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. 

• The following is a summary of the meeting for those who could not attend.  

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

I.  Call to Order

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

II.  Agenda Adoption

The meeting agenda was adopted a posted below with the addition to New Business item H for A Resolution authorizing eminent domain to acquire temporary and permanent easements consisting of A 532 SQ Ft./.01 Acre portion of a parcel of real property. Parcel No: 232398 and a 3508 SQ FT/.08-acre portion of a parcel of real property Parcel No 1642050.

III. Mayors Communications

Mayor Pritchett noted how beautiful the lake looked and acknowledged all the hard work that has gone into restoring it following the devastation of Hurricane Helene.  She acknowledged everyone's patience as we work through the remaining steps of reopening the lake.

IV. Town Manager's Communications

A. Monthly Report/Storm Recovery Update: Town Manager Olivia Stewman provided the following updates.

• Refilling the Lake: The current Lake Level is 989.9, approaching full pond.  

• SMART Program: The North Carolina State Mission Assigned Recovery Task (SMART) Program remains underway.

  • The contractors have mobilized and crews have been picking up debris around the lake and on the shoreline.

  • The SMART Program contractors have removed more than 3,200 cubic yards of debris removed by the SMART program  

• Morse Park Restoration: Sediment removal in Morse Park will finish by week’s end.  The remaining dirt will be used to elevate the park to reduce draining issues.  The town will grade and seed the area, which will remain as "green space" until next steps for the Park are determined based on the Comprehensive Plan which will be completed in July.  , at which point development plans for Morse Park can be finalized.

• Washburn Marina and Floating Boardwalk Construction:  The Washburn Marina replacement project is progressing ahead of schedule with full completion anticipated in mid-July and potentially sooner.

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• Washburn Marina Stationary Docks and Fueling Station: The fueling station and docks for the tour boat slips at Washburn Marina are anticipated to be completed by Memorial weekend for the official lake opening. 

• Marina Office Building: A Mediterranean-style design for a new marina building is in conceptual planning and will include space for ticketing, concessions, restrooms, storage, and a covered pavilion.  Temporary operational space for Lake Lure Tours is being secured during construction.

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• Erosion Control: The Lake Advisory Board is studying erosion control initiatives and reviewing current erosion prevention and boathouse building codes to provide clearer guidance and a map of high erosion areas that need to be addressed.

• Buoy Placement: Buoys have been placed around the lake. 

• Debris Boom: A debris boom has been put in place near the dam to prevent large debris from going over the dam. 

• Water Quality: Water quality samples are taken weekly and continue to test healthy and within normal limits.

• Restoration of Fish Habitats: Over 300 Christmas trees have been placed throughout the lake to support new fish habitats.

• Boys Camp Road Bridge: Bids for the Boy's Camp Road Bridge replacement project were opened today. Three bids were received from reputable contractors. LaBella Associates is reviewing the bids to ensure the low bidder meets all requirements. An award recommendation is anticipated at the next Town Council Work Session and Action Meeting.

• Fire Station 2 Remodel Project:  An invitation to bid for the Fire Station 2 remodel project will be released later this week. The project will bring the former Fairfield Mountains Volunteer Fire Station up to current Fire Department codes and standards.

• New Cell Tower: The expectation is that AT&T will be operational by April 30.  T-Mobile is beginning their installation process, but Verizon remains unresponsive to inquires regarding their interest in establishing the third available slot at the tower.

• Lake Lure Dam:

  • Schnabel Engineering is advancing their work on the 30% design for dam replacement with grant funding for detailed design secured.

  • A grant contract for detailed design has been received and we are negotiating the timeline for completion.

  • The Dam Failure Impact Assessment has been funded by North Carolina Emergency Management to support flood control justification and future funding.

• Sewer System/Waste Water Treatment Plant Updates: Labella Associates is actively supporting various projects including the wastewater treatment plant replacement, sewer replacement, Charlotte Drive waterline extension, individual dredging permit application, and hydro plant access road design. Additional agenda items from LaBella will be considered in the near future.

• Congratulations Tyler Dills: The Town Manager recognized Corporal Tyler Dills for receiving the Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate from the State of North Carolina, noting this as a significant achievement in the law enforcement profession.

• Upcoming Events: Attendees were reminded to pick up a list of upcoming events or visit the town website for event information.

• Hydrow Rowers: The Hydrow company’s rowing vessels have been approved for use as they meet lake specifications. They have been approved for rowing and filming in Lake Lure 4/19-4/28. 

• Washburn Marina Boat Ramp: The Washburn Marina boat ramp will remain closed to the public as construction continues to avoid conflicts with ongoing projects.

V. Council Liaison Reports and Comments

• ABC Board: Commissioner Doster met 3/16/26.  Things are going well. Board members voted on a chair and vice chair.

• Board of Adjustment: Commissioner DiOrio advised that the Board of Adjustments met and voted Al Joyner as Chair and Melvin Owensby as Vice Chair. The board continues to review cases, but what is interesting is the erosion control on the lake.    

• Lake Advisory Board: Commissioner DiOrio advised the Lake Advisory Board met and will continue their review of the progression of the lake clean up. Property owners are more aware of their property and erosion issues. The Lake Advisory board is working to create a map of high erosion areas with recommended preventative measures. Also, the board reviewed the Hydro filming on the lake. The board has no issues with this and should be good to go. All the buoys have been placed with special thanks to the Public Works department and David Lusk.

• Lake Structure Appeals Board:  No Comment

• Parks and Recreation Board: 

  advised the Parks and Recreation board met last Thursday. Dan Bragdon was elected chair with Jennifer Dittmer as Vice Chair. The Flowering Bridge provided a report with up coming events. Noting they have received $249,000 in grants and donations last year. Also, the town will host a Arbor Day planting on April 24, 2026.

• Short-term Rental Board: Commissioner Patrick Bryant advised the short-term rental board met on March 26. Scott Martin was elected chair followed with Thomasina Coile as Vice Chair. The board continues to review all aspects of the vacation rental process in an effort to improve emergency response and property regulations.

• Zoning and Planning Board: met on March 17. Debbie Warren will resume the position of Chair while Charlie Ellis will remain Vice Chair. The board continues to review the ordinance’s and will be submitting recommendations to the board in the near future. Also, a thank you to Randy Nelson for his committed service to the board.

Mayor Pritchett expressed appreciation for all advisory board members, noting the critical nature of their work and integral role in town decision-making.

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of March Minutes. 

The minutes were approved.

VII. Unfinished Business

There was no unfinished business.

VIII. New Business

A. Budget Amendment #381 for Public Works Building

The Town had previously budgeted for the construction of a Public Works building in Fiscal Year 2024–2025; however, the project was placed on hold due to shifting priorities following Hurricane Helene.

• As a result, funding was not carried forward into the current fiscal year budget.
• Town Council has since expressed interest in advancing the project, and discussions with the contractor have resumed.
• Budget Amendment #381 transfers $450,000 from the General Fund balance to provide the necessary funding to proceed with the project during the current fiscal year.

Town Council approved the Budget Amendment.

B. Labella Task Order 31 for Bulk Chemical Storage Building

Currently, bulk water treatment chemicals are stored in 5-gallon containers within the chemical room at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), which also serves wastewater operations.

• The WWTP site is located within the 100-year floodplain and was inundated by approximately four to five feet of floodwater during Hurricane Helene, highlighting the vulnerability of existing chemical storage.
• This task order initiates the planning phase for development of a new bulk chemical storage building to serve water treatment operations.
• The consultant will prepare an Engineering Report in accordance with Drinking Water Infrastructure (DWI) requirements and funding deadlines.
• The report will evaluate options for the building’s location and determine whether additional environmental documentation is required, depending on the selected site.
• The Engineering Report is due July 15, 2026, with work beginning upon issuance of a Notice to Proceed by April 15, 2026.
• The total lump sum cost for this phase is $30,000, funded through the SRF Helene Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), which includes $464,000 in total grant funding with 100% principal forgiveness awarded to the Town. 

Town Council approved the Task Order.

C. Resolution No. 26-04-14 Amending Sewer Capacity Allocation Policy

The Sewer Capacity Allocation Policy was originally adopted to guide the Town in managing limited sewer capacity under the NCDEQ-imposed moratorium.

• Its primary focus was on temporary measures, including allocating the limited flow, prioritizing in-town connections, and addressing immediate operational needs.
• Since its adoption, Town staff have recognized the benefit of incorporating guidance from Chapter 32 of the Town Code, which provides the Town’s existing authority and standards for utilities, including permitting, annexation, and out-of-town connections.
• Resolution No. 26-04-14 integrates Chapter 32 provisions into the policy, particularly regarding out-of-town connections and annexation requirements, while preserving the original intent to manage limited capacity during the moratorium.
• The amendments clarify that all out-of-town service is contingent upon submission of an irrevocable petition for voluntary annexation.
• Temporary moratorium-specific rules are clearly identified, and the policy now includes guidance for transitioning back to standard procedures once the moratorium ends.

Town Council approved the resolution.

D. Resolution No. 26-04-14A Amending the Lake Lure Advisory Board and Statutory Board Handbook

Resolution No. 26-04-14A updates the Advisory and Statutory Board Handbook to clarify the application process, improve overall usability, and better align expectations between board members and Town staff.

• Revisions include allowing applications to be considered after the stated deadline if there are insufficient applicants to fill vacancies, requiring returning board members to submit a new application at the end of their three-year term, and clarifying that applications remain active for two years.
• The application section has also been updated to reflect current submission options, including online access and delivery to Town Administrative Offices, with direction to consult the Town website for location details. 
• Additional updates clarify the role of Town staff in supporting boards, including providing requested information and helping members understand realistic expectations as they relate to the Town’s budget, ordinances, and operational constraints.

Town Council approved the resolution.

E. Consider Labella Task Order 23C- Sewer Replacement- MH 35-37

The Town’s sewer system serving Morse Park and areas south and west was damaged by Hurricane Helene and subsequent USACE/FEMA dredging activities. Under emergency Task 23B, LaBella designed and supported construction of replacement sewer infrastructure serving areas west of the Broad River Memorial Highway bridge, discharging into Manhole 35.2 in Morse Park. With lake levels now returned to normal, additional downstream damage has been exposed.

• A separate partial blockage downstream of Manhole 32 has also been identified and, despite extensive effort, could not be cleared.
• While flow is currently passing the obstruction, there is ongoing risk of failure. LaBella proposes continuation of prior emergency recovery work under a new Task 23C. The proposed solution includes installation of two pump stations, Pump Station #35 near Manhole 35.1 and Pump Station #32 replacing Manhole 32, along with horizontal directional drilled force mains.
• The system would connect PS#32 across the Broad River to PS#35 and extend from PS#35 to Manhole 37, integrating with the broader BFM system to restore reliable service. The scope includes surveying, utility locating, final design, NCDEQ permitting, bidding support, and full construction administration with inspection services. Estimated construction cost is $1.5 million to $2.2 million, with engineering services under Task 23C performed on a time and materials basis with a proposed $260,000 budget.

Town Council approved the Task Order. 

F. Request to install a private well within the town right-of-way along Charlotte Drive

David Odom is seeking approval to encroach onto town right-of-way for well installation. The property is located at 372 Charlotte Drive, parcel #230224.

Town Council approved the well.

G. Consider Town Manager's Recommendation for Phase one “Soft Opening” of the Lake

Lake levels are approaching full pond, anticipated early next week.

• Staff recommend a Phase One “soft opening” on April 20 to allow time to verify safety measures and operations under full conditions.
• Phase One would include limited access with restrictions, including no public launching from Town ramps, continued closure of the Washburn Marina/Morse Park ramp, allowance of non-motorized use, and a prohibition on towing activities.
• Staff also recommend consideration of a temporary lake-wide speed limit.
• No towing, skiing, wake boarding.
• no wake for recreational vessels for the next 30 days.
• No public Access to ramps.
• Contractors should only bring in one trailer at a time and are not restricted by the no wake guidance.
• Contractors should not be loading construction materials. 
• This phased approach supports a safe and controlled reopening, with the full recommendation provided as an attachment for Council consideration. 

Town Council recommend that Town Manager finalize details for the guidelines and proceed with a soft opening.  

H.  Eminent Domain Resolution in Support of the Boys Camp Road Bridge Replacement Project

The Boy’s Camp Bridge replacement project bid process underway, with three bids received this week. 

• Award recommendation expected at next Town Council Work Session and Actin Meeting. 
• Eminent domain resolution approved to secure temporary and permanent easements for construction access, matching project timeline and material delivery schedules.
• The timeline aligns with the overall project schedule, as the awarded contractor will require approximately 30 days to obtain materials following bid award. This authorization enables the town to move forward with the notice process as needed.

IX. Public Comment: There were no public comments.

X. Adjournment