Town Council Regular Meeting and Public Hearing Summary - Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Thank you to those who joined the Lake Lure Regular Town Council Meeting and Public Hearing on August 11, 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 the meeting for those who could not attend the meeting. Note that 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 Carol Pritchett called the meeting to order. Commissioner Patrick Bryant led the pledge of allegiance and invocation.

II. Agenda Adoption

The agenda was adopted as posted below with the addition of item e. Resolution No. 26-08-11A and item f Consider Approval of Labella Task Order 24 Amendment 2, and an addition Closed session G.S. 143-318-11 (a)(5) property acquisition.

III. Mayor's Communications

Mayor Pritchett thanked everyone for attending the meeting. She emphasized the importance of public participation and noted that Council values community members providing input and sharing information they believe may be helpful.

IV. Town Manager's Communications

A. Monthly Report/Storm Recovery Updates: Town Manager Olivia Stewman provided an update on several ongoing projects and recent progress throughout the Town.

• Marina: The stationary docks, tour boat docks, hot docks and the floating boardwalk have been completed and are available for use.

• Fueling System: The fueling system is also nearing completion, with piping underway; and wiring and panel installation scheduled. Once completed, the County will conduct a final inspection. 

• Marina Building: The marina building remains pending final design before bidding and construction can begin.

• Pool Creek Picnic Courtesy Docks: The Pool Creek Picnic courtesy docks are awaiting final inspection by the County after several additional items were identified during the initial inspection. Staff reported that the concerns have been addressed and a reinspection is anticipate shortly.

• Boys Camp Bridge Replacement: The contractor officially mobilized 8/3/26 and began cleanup and removal of remaining portions of the old bridge. The contractor's mobilization officially began the 120-day contract completion period. Some delays may occur during construction due to weather, but efforts will be made to minimize disruptions.

• Boys Camp Road Culvert: The updated design for the culvert project on Boys Camp Road has been finalized, and the Town is currently soliciting bids. Staff will coordinate with the bridge replacement contractor to ensure the two projects are properly coordinated and disruptions are minimized.

• Morse Park Grading: The grading project remains delayed pending a Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) permit. The application has been submitted and is currently within the 30-day review period, which is scheduled to end August 24. Work is anticipated to begin shortly after the permit is received.

• Lake Dredging Permit: The Town previously submitted an application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for an individual dredging permit covering the lake. If approved, the permit would provide the Town with the ability to dredge throughout the lake, with priority continuing to be given to areas most impacted by sedimentation. Lake front property owners have received, or may receive notifications regarding the public comment period for the permit. Once the comment period concludes, the Town anticipates USACE will proceed with its review and consideration of the permit.

• Fire Apparatus: The Town is currently soliciting bids for a first-out fire engine. Staff is working with multiple vendors regarding potential bids.

• Town Center Transportation Improvements: The Town Manager reported that a Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Commercial District Revitalization grant application was submitted for Town Center transportation improvements. The project builds upon the small area plans adopted in 2014 and a 2020 resolution expressing support for the plans. If awarded, the grant would improve multimodal transportation, traffic circulation, potential growth opportunities, and utilities within the Town Center area. The Town will continue seeking other funding sources if the grant is not awarded.

• Town Hall/FEMA Funding: The Town is exploring the use of FEMA 428 alternate funding for Town Hall due to FEMA's current commitment of $180,000 in funding for restoration, which is less than the estimated cost of the initial work.  The cost is currently projected at slightly more than $202,000. The Town plans to proceed with the initial site work due to the limited time available in the current building. FEMA is expected to issue a determination memorandum regarding the disputed damage assessment. Once received, the Town may pursue an appeal, which could take significant time.

• Comprehensive Plan: The Comprehensive Plan is scheduled for review by the Zoning and Planning Board at its upcoming meeting. The public hearing has been rescheduled to August 24, 2026.  Following the public hearing, Town Council may consider adoption of the plan.

• Replacement Dam: The 30% design for the replacement dam was finalized and presented to Council the previous month. Schnabel Engineering is preparing a task order for the remaining detailed design work. Funding has already been secured through a FEMA High Hazard Potential Dam Grant, allowing the project to proceed once the task order is completed.

• Public Works Building: Construction has begun on the new Public Works building

• Fire Station 2: Fire Station II (formerly the Fairfield VFD) construction underway to remodel the station to meet current standards.

• Fourth of July: Town Manager Stewman thanked Public Safety staff for their work during the busy Fourth of July holiday. She stated that everything went well, particularly with activities occurring on both sides of the lake, which helped avoid concentrating traffic in one area.

• Upcoming Events:
  • Lake Lure Olympiad: The Olympiad is scheduled for the upcoming weekend, beginning with a golf tournament on Friday, followed by a 10K race on Saturday and a 5K race on Sunday.
  • Centennial Celebration for the Lake Lure Dam: The Lake Lure Dam Centennial Celebration is scheduled for September 30 at 11:00 a.m. at the Lake Lure Gazebo in Morse Park, followed by a boat parade. Additional information is available on the Town's website.

Ms. Stewman concluded the report by noting that additional items would be discussed under New Business and that the full Town Manager's report is available for review.

V. Council Liaison Reports and Comments

• ABC Board: Commissioner Doster provided an update on the ABC Board. The Board reviewed the results of the State ABC audit conducted by Ed Strickland. The audit was positive, with only a few routine recommendations provided. The final inventory reflected a variance of six bottles, which was noted as a relatively minor discrepancy compared to previous inventories. A limited-edition Elijah Craig bourbon is also being planned in connection with Lake Lure Dam Centennial. The special release is expected to commemorate the date the dam was completed. An additional limited-edition bottle is being considered for next year to commemorate the lake reaching full pool.

• Board of Adjustment: Commissioner Dave DiOrio reported that the Board of Adjustment reviewed the special use permit for the proposed event center at the Lake Lure Inn. The application was unanimously approved. The proposed development will require no variances, will be fully conforming, and will complement the existing hotel. Ridgeline representatives indicated that additional improvements and projects may be forthcoming.  

• The Board also discussed a recurring issue involving property owners beginning structural work, including boathouse and deck improvements, without obtaining the required permits. It was emphasized that structural modifications generally require permitting and inspection to ensure the work meets applicable safety requirements. Property owners were encouraged to carefully select qualified contractors who are familiar with Town and State 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 work on the commercial regulation portion of the Lake Use Regulations. The revisions incorporate lessons learned during the recent lake cleanup and recovery efforts and are intended to clarify requirements for contractors providing services on the lake. The proposed regulations will be reviewed by the Marine Commission and Town Council before being presented for consideration by the Marine Commission, with the goal of formalizing the regulations in December.

• Parks and Recreation Board: Commissioner Jim Proctor reported that the Parks and Recreation Board did not meet but is planning to schedule a special meeting, tentatively for August 17, 2026.

• Short-term Rental Board: Commissioner Patrick Bryant reported that the Short-Term Rental Board met on July 23, 2026 to discuss enforcement provisions and zoning regulations under Section 36 and review the requirements as a group. The Board unanimously approved moving to a bi-monthly meeting schedule while awaiting additional information regarding potential State regulations. The Board plans to meet on October 22, 2026 and December 17, 2026, with one meeting being skipped to allow volunteer board members to focus their time on other commitments when no pertinent information requires Board action.  

• The Board is also exploring options to modernize the permitting process. One option under consideration is cloud-based permitting software, which would integrate with GIS, provide more dynamic permit tracking, and allow property owners and contractors to monitor permit status online. The system could reduce staff workload while providing property owners with greater access to permit information and encouraging them to conduct their own due diligence.  

• Zoning and Planning Board: Commissioner Scott Doster reported that the Zoning and Planning Board reviewed the Comprehensive Plan and provided recommendations. The public hearing timeline has been adjusted to allow for additional review and updates. They also reviewed a special use permit application from Ridgeline Properties to replace the existing spa building with a two-story event center. The Board approved the application, which will next be reviewed by the Board of Adjustment.

VI. Public Hearing

a. Ordinance No. 26-08-11 Annexation of Parcel 1656091 (890 Buffalo Creek Rd) Pursuant to G.S. 160A-31)

  i. Staff Report: 

• Town Manager Stewman advised that Rutherford IL Propco, LLC submitted a petition requesting the voluntary annexation of approximately 9.185 acres located at 890 Buffalo Creek Road into the corporate limits of the Town of Lake Lure.
• The property, which is the site of the Landings of Lake Lure Independent Living Facility, is contiguous to the Town's existing corporate limits.
• The Town Clerk has reviewed the petition and certified that it meets the requirements of N.C.G.S. § 160A-31 for voluntary annexation.
• The proposed ordinance incorporates terms requested by the property owner, including an annexation effective date of January 1, 2027, while allowing the property to connect to the Town's wastewater system prior to that date, subject to compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, permitting requirements, utility regulations, and Town policies.
• Adoption of the ordinance would extend the Town's corporate limits to include the property January 1, 2027, while providing a framework for wastewater service to support the facility's operations.
• Council may consider approval of the annexation ordinance as presented.

 ii. Public Hearing

• There were no public comments.

iii. Council Deliberation

• There was a brief discussion. Council discussed the zoning process associated with the proposed annexation. Because the property is currently outside the Town limits, a zoning designation was not previously required. If the annexation is approved, the Zoning and Planning Board will review the property and make a recommendation to Town Council regarding the appropriate zoning district. Council also discussed allowing the property owner to proceed with the sewer connection process prior to the January 1, 2027, effective date of the annexation. Town Manager Steman advised that the provision could be included in the annexation ordinance, providing the necessary authorization. The matter will be included in the appropriate upcoming agenda for further consideration.

iv. Consideration for Adoption:

Town Council approved Ordinance No. 26-08-11 Annexation of Parcel 1656091 (890 Buffalo Creek Rd.) Pursuant to G.S. 160A-31.

VII. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of July Meeting Minutes

Town Council approved the Consent Agenda.

VIII. Unfinished Business

There was no unfinished business.

IX. New Business

a. Consider Approval of LaBella Task 5 Amendment 4

• Town Manager Olivia Stewman advised that this item is for consideration of a budget amendment to the Town's existing engineering services agreement with LaBella Associates.
• The amendment would increase funding for Task Order No. 5, which covers various on-call engineering and technical support services that are not addressed under other approved task orders.
• LaBella has requested an additional $25,000, increasing the total Task 5 budget from $100,000 to $125,000.
• Since its creation in 2021, Task 5 has been amended periodically to maintain funding for ongoing support services, and the current budget is nearly exhausted.
• Charges under this task are billed on a time-and-materials basis, with LaBella providing monthly invoices detailing work performed.

Staff recommends approval of the proposed task amendment to ensure continued availability
of on-call engineering services as needed.

Town Council approved LaBella Task 5 Amendment 4.

b. Consider Award of Contract for Sewer Replacement MH 32 & 35-37

• This item is for consideration of a contract award for the Sewer Replacement MH 32 and 35-37 Project.
• The project is part of the Town's ongoing efforts to address wastewater system damage and vulnerabilities identified following Hurricane Helene.
• Three bids were received and publicly opened on July 28, 2026. After reviewing the bids, the Town's engineering consultant, LaBella Associates, recommended awarding the contract to Morgan Corporation, the lowest responsive bidder, in the amount of $1,704,660.00.
• The contractor will be required to provide performance and payment bonds prior to execution of the construction contract.
• The project is anticipated to be eligible for FEMA reimbursement.
• Staff recommends approval of the contract award to Morgan Corporation.

Town Council voted to award the contract to Morgan Corporation in the amount of $1,704,660.00 for the Sewer Replacement Manhole 32 and 35-37 Project.

c. Resolution No. 26-08-11 Fixing the Date of a Public Hearing on Proposed CDBG-DR Applications

• The Town is considering submitting one or more applications for funding through the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Program.
• Adoption of this resolution would schedule a public hearing for August 26, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. at Town Hall, 920 Buffalo Creek Road, Lake Lure, NC 28746, to receive public comment on the proposed applications and potential project priorities.
• At this time, the Town anticipates pursuing CDBG-DR funding for several major Hurricane Helene recovery and resiliency projects, including replacement of the Lake Lure Dam tainter gates, replacement and relocation of damaged public facilities such as Town Hall and public safety facilities, and replacement of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).
• Project scopes and funding requests may be refined as application development continues. Adoption of the resolution will allow the Town to fulfill public participation requirements and continue preparation of the proposed grant applications.

Town Council adopted Resolution No. 26-08-11 Fixing the Date of a Public Hearing on Proposed CDBG-DR Applications on August 26, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. at Town Hall, 920 Buffalo Creek Road, Lake Lure, NC 28746, to receive public comment on the proposed applications and potential project priorities.

d. Consider Memorandum of Understanding with Carolina Land and Lakes for Grant Research Services

• The proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishes a partnership between the of Lake Lure and Carolina Land & Lakes (CLL) for grant research services related to the Town's infrastructure needs. Under the agreement, CLL will research and identify potential federal, state, and private funding opportunities for sewer infrastructure and dam-related projects, provide summaries of available grant programs, and offer general guidance regarding the alignment of funding sources with Town projects. Grant writing, application preparation, grant administration, engineering, and other professional services are not included in the scope of work and would require separate agreements.
• The Town would  CLL at a rate of $125 per hour, with services capped at 240 hours annually unless additional work is approved in writing by the Town.
• Based on the annual cap, the maximum cost under the agreement would be $30,000 per year.

Town Council approved the Memorandum of Understanding with Carolina Land & Lakes for Grant Research Services.

e. Resolution No 26-08-11A Sole Source Procurement for SCADA Services for MH 32 and 35-37 Sewer Replacement Project

• Town Manager Stewman explained that the Manhole 32 and 35–37 Sewer Replacement Project will require installation of a SCADA system, consistent with the systems installed throughout other portions of the Town’s sewer system.
• Staff recommends using Dorset Controls, which currently works with the Town and has historically provided SCADA services.
• Staff determined that Dorset Controls is the only viable vendor for this work due to the need to maintain standardization, compatibility, and consistency with the existing system.
• Ms. Stewman noted that the Town’s procurement policy allows for sole-source procurement when only one vendor is considered viable.
• The procurement may proceed without competitive bidding upon approval by Council through a resolution.
• Staff recommended proceeding with Dorset Controls as the sole-source vendor.

Town Council approved Resolution No. 26-081A, authorizing sole-source procurement for SCADA equipment, programming, and integration services associated with the Manhole 32 and 35–37 Sewer Replacement Project.

F. New Item: Consider Labella Task 24 Amendment 2 Wastewater Treatment Plant Design amendment to Chimney Rock Village Bulk Rate 

• Town Manager Stewman explained that the Town is working with Chimney Rock Village, the School of Government, and DEQ on a potential long-term wastewater agreement.
• As part of those discussions, Chimney Rock Village has proposed a bulk wastewater rate and a capacity allocation.
• The Town wants to ensure that the proposed arrangement is feasible and that the associated costs are adequately covered.
• Under the amendment, Labella would evaluate anticipated future wastewater costs, including construction, operations, maintenance, and staffing.
• The analysis would help the Town determine an appropriate share of those costs for Chimney Rock Village based on the capacity it is seeking, currently proposed at 100,000 gallons per day.
• Olivia clarified that this is not a bulk rate study. Rather, it is an analytical tool intended to support the Town’s ongoing negotiations. Discussions with the School of Government are expected to continue through December, with the goal of having an agreement in place at that time.
• The amendment is associated with the Town’s existing wastewater treatment plant design task order and can be covered by the existing contingency within that task order.
• No additional funding is being requested; the amendment simply reallocates the existing task order to account for the additional analysis.
• Council asked whether the analysis would also consider an interim solution or “bridge” between the Town’s current system and the anticipated long-term wastewater solution. The task really focuses more on future rates. There was an ongoing discussion.

Town Council approved Labella Task 24 Amendment 2 Wastewater Treatment Plant Design amendment to Chimney Rock Village Bulk Rate 

X. Public Comment

1. James Sciandra (Lake Life Marina): Mr. Sciandra provided an update on Lake Life Marina and thanked the many people in the Town who have helped support the new business.  The parking lot is poured and the full view of the lake is unchanged. The next  phase is completion of the project which includes building a small store with completion this fall. 

• Following the Town’s approval process, the project proceeded through the County’s permitting process, which was completed in November of the previous year. Construction began in November.
• The project recently received its Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for the waterfront structures, and the marina is now fully occupied.
• All nine slips have been rented, with boat owners are moving into the facility.
• The waterfront CO includes the outdoor clubhouse, boardwalk, piers, and fuel dock.
• The project is being completed in three phases:
• Phase One: Waterfront structures, including the clubhouse, boardwalk, piers, and fuel dock, have been completed and are in use.
• Phase Two: Fuel system installation is underway. The fuel tank is in place, infrastructure is expected to be completed shortly, and fuel delivery is anticipated the following week. The marina expects to begin providing fuel to the community within the next couple of weeks.
• Phase Three: Completion of the remaining project, including construction of the store, which is expected to begin the following week. The entire project is anticipated to be completed this fall, pending clarification regarding ADA requirements from the State.

2. Kimberly Sailes (Harris Road): Mrs. Sailes provided an update on the Green Salamander Art Trail, which began in April in conjunction with Earth Day.

• The trail is nearing completion, with August 23, 2026, being the final day for the public to visit the area and view the artwork created by local artists.
• A closing gathering is scheduled for September 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Fae Nectar.
• The artwork will be available for auction, and the event will be open to the public.
• Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on and purchase pieces from the Green Salamander Art Trail.

3. Pat Buede (Memorial Highway): Ms. Buede requested that, at the next ABC Store meeting, the Board provide information regarding the store’s financial performance and the amount generated.

• Ms. Buede stated, "you guys have done an outstanding job," but she also suggest that when documenting the Town’s response to major events, staff consider providing a clearer timeline of actions taken, including when the event was first identified, when the State was contacted, when engineers and other resources were engaged, and when communications or services such as 5G were activated.
• Residents may not be aware of the actions taken behind the scenes during an emergency and may make assumptions without that information.
• Providing a timeline of the Town’s initial response and subsequent actions could help clarify the steps taken and provide useful information for planning and preparedness for future events.

4. Kathie Hatfield (Falcon Way): Ms. Hatfield asked whether T-Mobile’s lack of communication with the Town meant the company had withdrawn from its proposed cell tower project. 

• She also asked the status of the fire road between Homestead and the Rumbling Bald Resort and whether it had been improved as an emergency escape route?
• Town Manager Stewman advised T-Mobile permits remain active and company has not formally withdrawn; however, communication with the town has stopped.
• She also advised that the route, known as the West End Connector, remains a priority and is included in the Comprehensive Plan due to its importance for public safety. However, the route is located on private property, and previous discussions with the property owner had stalled. Staff stated that efforts are being made to reestablish a working relationship with the property owner and explore options for moving the project forward.

No other comments were made.

XI. Closed Session in Accordance with G.S. 143-318.11 (a)(3) for Attorney Client Privilege or Legal Claims

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

XII. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned following the Closed Session.