Town Council Regular Meeting Summary - Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Thank you to those who joined us for the Lake Lure Regular Town Council Meeting on July 14, 2026, 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 meeting for those who could not attend.  Note that these are not formal minutes which will be included in the following month's Town Council Meeting packet. 

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

 I. Call to Order

• Mayor Pritchett called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone in attendance. 
• Commissioner Patrick Bryant gave the invocation and everyone joined in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

II. Agenda Adoption

The agenda was adopted as posted.

III. Mayor's Communications

Mayor Pritchett remarked at how beautiful the lake looked and how pleased everyone was to be back on the water.  She added that the celebrations on the 4th of July weekend were outstanding anad the community experienced record attendance and successful events.

She expressed appreciation for the role of the Lake Lure Emergency Services (Fire and Police) as well as everyone who contributed to the success of the celebrations.   

She noted that the Town has an exciting week ahead, with the anticipated opening of the marina, fuel system availability, and other improvements that will enhance visitor access and support continued economic growth.   

IV. Town Manager's Communications

A. Monthly Report/Storm Recovery Updates

Town Manager Olivia Stewman provided the following updates on storm recovery, lake operations, infrastructure projects, and community initiatives.

• Washburn Marina and Boardwalk: The Marina restoration project is nearing completion, with several key components expected to be finished by the contractual deadline of July 17, 2026. Town staff continue to coordinate closely with contractors, Rutherford County, and Duke Energy to keep the project on schedule and obtain the necessary Certificates of Occupancy (COs) required before facilities can be opened to the public.

• Marina Stationary Docks and Tour Boat Slips: Washburn Marina Stationary Docks and Tour Boat Slips are nearly complete. Decking installation is expected to be finished the second week in July, and minor fence adjustments are scheduled for July 13th.

• Certificates of Occupancy (CO): County inspections for both facilities are planned for July 14th, and if approved, a phased CO could be issued, allowing these portions of the marina to open while other project elements are finalized. The Town is pursuing a phased Certificate of Occupancy to allow completed facilities to become operational as soon as possible. The marina's final CO remains dependent on completion and inspection of electrical work.

• Duke Energy: Duke Energy installed its utility pole on July 8th. The platform inspection has been successfully completed, and electrical materials have been ordered for installation during the week of July 13th. Following inspection approval, Duke Energy will connect service from the transformer to the marina meter.

• Washburn Marina Slip Renters: Slip renters will be notified as soon as a CO is issued and the marina is ready for use. Final preparations include additional fencing, ADA improvements, and completion of dock-related items. 

• Hot Docks: Hot dock inspections and courtesy dock improvements are also underway, with permitting delays continuing to impact grading and hydroseeding work at Morse Park.

• Fueling System: The Washburn Marina fuel system installation is scheduled to begin July 27. Temporary impacts to Morse Park access and the boat ramp may occur during installation, and staff will provide updates regarding any changes. Early engineering services with LaBella were initiated to maintain the project schedule.

• Boys Camp Bridge: The Boys Camp Bridge project remains dependent on AT&T utility relocation prior to construction.

• Boys Camp Road Culvert Repair: Culvert replacement work is progressing with temporary stabilization measures in place and design moving toward bidding.

• Public Works Building: The Public Works building project continues through permitting and bidding efforts.

• Funding Updates: Several recent funding opportunities and awards, including

  • Increased Wastewater Treatment Plant funding of approximately $8.6 million

  • Sewer replacement funding of $3.5 million

  • Storm Related Repairs: 150,000 USDA grant

  • Additional state appropriations were secured for public safety technology, including police vehicle radios and SCADA system upgrades.

  • Finance and legal staff confirmed the Town’s ability to manage the additional funding commitments.

  • FEMA restoration efforts for Town Hall are expected to proceed into the appeals process. Staff is obtaining demolition estimates to prepare for restoration work while awaiting FEMA’s final determination.

• Events: We have several events coming up including the Olympiad beginning August 14, 2026.

August 5, 2026 | 5:00 PM
Public Hearing on the Comprehensive Plan
Location: The Landings

August 8, 2026 | 4:30 PM
Lake Lure Lions Club Health Fair 9AM - 4PM
Location: Lake Lure Classical Academy

August 14, 2026
Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad Golf Tournament

August 15, 2026
Lake Lure Olympiad – “Slam the Dam” 10K Race

August 16, 2026
Lake Lure Olympiad – “Race to the Rock” 5K Race

September 30, 2026 | 11:00 AM
100th Anniversary of the Completion of the Lake Lure Dam   
Location: Lake Lure Gazebo

V. Council Liaison Reports and Comments

• ABC Board: Commissioner Scott Doster reported that the ABC Board recently completed its audit with the ABC Commission and will review the audit results at its next meeting on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 3:30 p.m.

• Board of Adjustment: Commissioner Dave DiOrio reported that the Board of Adjustment considered several variance requests related to setback requirements.

• Lake Structure Appeals Board: There were no updates at this time.

• Lake Advisory Board: Commissioner DiOrio advised that the Lake Advisory Board continues to monitor lake operations and review the commercial boating model.

• Parks and Recreation Board: Commissioner Jim Proctor Jim Proctor reported that the Parks and Recreation Board met but had no significant updates to report.

• Short-term Rental Board: Commissioner Patrick Bryant reported that the Short-Term Rental Advisory Board continues to review policies related to trash, parking, and other regulatory issues while monitoring pending state legislation that may impact local regulations.

• Zoning and Planning Board: Commissioner Doster noted that the Zoning and Planning Board did not meet during the reporting period.

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of June Meeting Minutes

Town Council approved the minutes.

VII. Unfinished Business

There was no unfinished business.

VIII. New Business

A. Lake Lure Classical Academy (LLCA) Update: LLCA Board President Randy Nelosn provided an update on enrollment, leadership, and future programming. Enrollment has increased to approximately 412 students following storm-related declines. He advised that USDA grant funding will support transportation needs and storm-related repairs. Modular classrooms are planned for removal to create additional recreational space. Upcoming fundraising efforts include a golf tournament scheduled for September 11. Mr. Nelson introduced the new school director, Dr. Joy Scott.  Dr. Scott accompanied Mr. Nelson and advised that she began serving as School Director on July 1 and is focused on expanding academic opportunities and workforce development programs. She is planning programs to expand Computer Science and Career Technical Education (CTE) opportunities. 

B. Consider Amendment to FY26-27 Land Use Fee Schedule: This agenda item requests Town Council approval of an amendment to the FY 2026-27 Land Use Fee Schedule to add the $200 Encroachment Agreement Fee.

• The fee was originally approved by the Town Council in October and incorporated into the FY 2025-26 Land Use Fee Schedule; however, it was inadvertently omitted when the FY 2026-27 fee schedule was adopted.
• This amendment would restore the previously approved fee and ensure the current fee schedule accurately reflects the Town’s established charges for processing encroachment agreements.

Town Council approved the Amendment to FY26-27 Land Use Fee Schedule.

C. Resolution No. 26-07-14 Accepting Revised SRF Helene Funding Offer for New WWTP Design and Construction: Resolution No. 26-07-14 authorizes the Town of Lake Lure to accept an additional $3,654,873 in SRF Helene funding from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality for the New Wastewater Treatment Plant Design and Construction Project.

• This revised funding offer increases the Town’s total SRF Helene award to $8,654,873, which includes $7,741,155 in principal forgiveness (grant funding) and $913,718 in a 20-year, 0% interest loan.
• The resolution affirms the Town’s commitment to completing the project in accordance with all applicable state and federal requirements and authorizes the Town Manager to execute the documents necessary to accept, administer, and implement the funding.
• By adopting the resolution, the Town Council formally accepts the revised funding offer and positions the project to move forward with the additional financial assistance needed to support construction of the new wastewater treatment facility.

Town Council approved Resolution No. 26-07-14 Accepting Revised SRF Helene Funding Offer for New WWTP Design and Construction.

D. Resolution No. 26-07-14A Accepting Revised SRF Helene Funding Offer for BFM Design and Construction Project: Resolution No. 26-07-14A authorizes the Town of Lake Lure to accept an additional $3,500,000 in SRF Helene funding from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality for the Backshore Force Main (BFM) Design and Construction Project, which will replace the existing subaqueous sanitary sewer system.

• This funding award includes $2,625,000 in principal forgiveness (grant funding) and $875,000 in a 20-year, 0% interest loan.
• The resolution affirms the Town’s commitment to completing the project in accordance with all applicable state and federal requirements and authorizes the Town Manager to execute the documents necessary to accept, administer, and implement the funding.

Town Council approved Resolution No. 26-07-14A Accepting Revised SRF Helene Funding Offer for BFM Design and Construction Project.

E. Resolution No. 26-07-14B Fixing Date of Public Hearing on Proposed Annexation Pursuant to G.S. 160A-31 to be held August 11, 2026: Resolution No. 26-07-14B sets a public hearing date for a proposed voluntary annexation petition submitted to the Town of Lake Lure.

• The Town Clerk has reviewed the petition and certified that it meets the statutory requirements for annexation.
• If approved, the resolution schedules a public hearing for August 11, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the Lake Lure Municipal Center to receive public comment on the proposed annexation before the Town Council considers any action on the request.
• Notice of the hearing will be published in The Daily Courier and posted through the Town’s customary notification channels, including the Town website and Town Hall (temporarily located at 920 Buffalo Creek Road).

Town Council approved Resolution No. 26-07-14B Fixing Date of Public Hearing on Proposed Annexation Pursuant to G.S. 160A-31 to be held August 11, 2026

F. Resolution No. 26-07-14C Fixing Date of Public Hearing on Proposed Comprehensive Plan to be Held Wednesday, August 5, 2026: Resolution No. 26-07-14C schedules a special meeting and public hearing for August 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. to receive public comments on the Town of Lake Lure's proposed Comprehensive Plan.

• The plan is currently nearing completion, and a final draft will be made available for public review before the hearing.
• The public hearing is a required step in the adoption process and provides residents, property owners, businesses, and other stakeholders an opportunity to review and comment on the proposed plan prior to Town Council consideration.
• Once adopted, the Comprehensive Plan will serve as a long-range policy guide for future growth, land use, infrastructure investment, economic development, and community priorities within Lake Lure.

Town Council approved Resolution No. 26-07-14C Fixing Date of Public Hearing on Proposed Comprehensive Plan to be Held Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

G. Consider Approval of LaBella Task 23D for Marina Fuel System (Work Previously Initiated to Address Permitting Requirements): This agenda item requests Town Council approval of Task Order 23D with LaBella Associates in the amount of $23,000 for engineering services associated with the Marina Fuel System restoration project at Morse Park.

• During construction, Rutherford County Building Inspections determined that professionally engineered and sealed plans were required before approvals could be issued for the partially completed work.
• In response, LaBella worked with Town staff to prepare the necessary civil, mechanical, and electrical design documents to support permitting and code compliance.
• The work included design of the fuel piping system, fuel dispenser connections, electrical service and distribution, hazardous area requirements, flood-resistant design measures, and coordination with fuel system vendors and contractors.
• The work was performed on a time-and-materials basis as part of the Town’s ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery efforts and is anticipated to be eligible for FEMA reimbursement.
• Total charges to date are $22,031, and the proposed $23,000 budget provides a small contingency to address any remaining County review comments or questions.

Town Council approved Consider Approval of LaBella Task 23D for Marina Fuel System.

IX. Public Comment

1. Loraine Hofmans SHumont. Part time residents.  Thank the Mayor to Dalton Gas Station is a county issue and it is a shame as it rflects badly. Next year is the 100th anniverysary Volunteer. 

Centennial

• Lorraine Hofheinz (Shumont Estate).  Ms. Hofheinz began by thanking the Mayor for promptly responding to her inquiry regarding the Dalton gas station, acknowledging that the property is under county jurisdiction. She expressed concern that the condition of the gas station creates a negative impression for visitors to the area, particularly those attending events such as weddings at Rumbling Bald.
  • Ms. Hofheinz also inquired about plans for the Town's upcoming 100th anniversary celebration, asking whether a parade and festival were being planned. She concluded by offering to volunteer and assist with both the Centennial Celebration and the Lake Lure Olympiad.
  • Mayor Pritchett advised that the Town will kick off the Centennial Celebration on September 30, 2026, commemorating the completion of the Lake Lure Dam. She explained that the kickoff event will precede the official centennial year in 2027 and will feature an antique boat parade around the lake to the dam, with additional events planned throughout the centennial year.

• Thomasina Coile: Spoke on behalf of Chamber of Commerce.  She announced that she will serve as Chair of the Town's Centennial Committee. She reported that the committee is planning a series of monthly events throughout 2027 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lake Lure and encourage year-round visitation.  She invited community members to volunteer with the committee and noted that volunteer sign-ups are being accepted through the committee's email. The committee's first organizational meeting is planned for mid-to late August.

• Kimberly Sayles: (Harris Rd.) Ms. Sayles advised that the Green Salamander Art Trail initiative encouraged local businesses and restaurants to host salamander art installations featuring QR codes with information about the endangered species and participating artists. She announced that August 24, 2026 will serve as the collection date for the salamander displays and invited the public to attend the wrap-up party and auction on September 15, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Fae Nectar, where the artwork will be auctioned to conclude the event.

No other comments were made.

X. Closed Session: Town Council entered into a closed session  in Accordance with G.S. 143-318.11 (a)(3) for Attorney Client Privilege or Legal Claims

XI. Adjournment