Lake Lure Regular Town Council Meeting Summary - July 8, 2025

Town Council Special Meeting Summary Sign

Thank you to all who joined us for the Town of Lake Lure Regular Town Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

The meeting was held on The Lakeside Terrace at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure, 153 Mountains Blvd. Lake Lure, NC 28746.
The public was invited to attend the meeting.
A meeting summary is posted below and you may download the meeting packet.
Note that these are not formal minutes, which will be included in the following month's meeting packet.

I. Call to Order

Mayor Pritchett called the meeting to order.

II. Agenda Adoption

The agenda was approved as posted.

III. Mayor’s Communication

Mayor Pritchett thanked Jeff Geisler and the Rumbling Bald Board for supporting the Town by hosting the Town Council Meetings here over the last several months. This support has been greatly appreciated.

IV. Town Managers Communication

A. Monthly Report: Town Manager Olivia Stewman gave an update on the projects the Town is currently working on.

The Town has been in the process of replacing the Washburn water tank. We are awaiting approval from the NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for completion and to re-establish connection.
The Lake Lure Fire Department has completed the transition with the Fairfield Fire Department and is fully up and running. The station is now called Lake Lure Fire Station II.
As mentioned previously, Town Hall will be moving to “The Landings”. The Police department has already transitioned there.
Approval has been received for Schnabel Engineering to complete the Tainter Gate design. This project is moving forward.
The Town is working on the next phase of the water/sewer replacement project. We are currently awaiting approval of the plans through DEQ.
The comprehensive planning process is moving forward. A steering committee has been selected. There will be 3 meetings with the steering committees and several opportunities for public input beginning in October.
The Town hopes to begin construction on the new cell tower (located off Boys Camp Road) this month.
The Town is aware of some private wells running dry and apparently there have been some delays in the permitting. Unfortunately, the Town does not have any control over the permitting process, which is overseen by Rutherford County. Ms. Stewman will reach out to the county to advise them of these delays.
You may review the Departmental Summaries for additional details.

V. Council Liaison Reports and Comments

ABC Board: Commissioner Doster reported that the ABC board met and the store continues to do well. Mayor Pritchett sat in on this meeting this month and stated that she was impressed and thankful for all the hard work they are doing. The ABC board also went to Southern Distillery and picked out a barrel specifically for Lake Lure.
Board of Adjustment: Commissioner DiOrio advised there was no meeting this month.
Lake Advisory Board: Commissioner DiOrio advised there was no meeting this month.
Parks and Recreation Board: Commissioner Jim Proctor reported that although he was unable to attend the meeting, the Board met with discussed designs for the parks and the comprehensive plan.
Short-term Rental Board: Commissioner Patrick Bryant advised that the the Short Term Rental Board met for the first time last month. The meeting went well with Scott Martin being named chair and Jennifer Vivilo named Vice Chair. The Board has made 5 keys goals currently and will begin working towards those.
Zoning and Planning Board: Commissioner Doster advised met and will be having a public meeting to review text amendments for accessory structures that are being presented. Future Zoning and Planning board meetings will take place at the Landings.

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of June 2025 Minutes

The minutes were approved.

VII. Unfinished Business

There was no unfinished business.

VIII. New Business

A. Resolution No. 25-07-08 Setting Public Hearing for August 12, 2025 to receive comments regarding recommended Text Amendments to Chapter 6 (“Lake Structure Regulations”) and Chapter 36 (“Zoning”) ordinances.

Ms. Stewman presented the Community Development Department's resolution No. 25-07-08 Setting the Public hearing for proposed changes to the ordinances.

The resolution was approved.

B. Consider Approval of Amendment 3 to LaBella Task 23B for Sewer Replacement- MH 34-32 (now 35B)

LaBella Associates (The Town's sewer system engineering firm) previously engaged for the subject Task Order (TO) by virtue of a TO Proposal dated November 3, 2024, for emergency work that began on October 31.
LaBella initially estimated that a budget of $100,000 would be sufficient to complete the work.
Subsequent changes, redesigns, scope additions and an extended period of construction have resulted in two prior Amendments (#1, dated 12/16/24; #2 dated 6/10/25) adding a total of $207,000 to address continued Helene-related work.
The Town has now requested that addition of survey, design, permitting, and construction support for approximately 1,100 linear feet of new gravity sewer extending from Boys Camp Road to Chimney Rock Inn.
This proposed work is anticipated to be entirely within the NCDOT Right-of-Way (R/W) of Memorial Highway, but outside of the NCDOT pavement on the north side of the road, requiring no easements.
This will restore sewer to all customers connected to the system prestorm.
This Amendment addresses the requested scope addition and is in the amount of $50,000, to bring the current total for Helene sewer damage related budget to $417,100.

The amendment was approved.

C. Eagle Scout Service Project at Morse Park

Mayor Pritchett made a presentation on behalf of her grandson, Eagle Scout Cole Pritchett.
This project is a rededication of the Kevin Cooley memorial, which includes a plaque, a bench, and landscaping near the Gazebo in Morse Park.

The plan was approved.

IX. Storm Recovery Updates

The Town has 8 FEMA projects obligated, totaling around $2.3 million. Funds will be used for reimbursement of projects already completed and still in process.
The West End sewer system project has been delayed, but the Town still have hopes for completion in July.
Lake access remains prohibited due to the ongoing work by the US Army Corps of Engingeers to remove silt and debris. The Police Department is doing a great job monitoring the lake for non-approved traffic, by land, boats, and drones.
The Proctor Road project was delayed slightly. The power line has just recently been completed by Duke Energy and we are currently working to re-mobilize Morgan Corp to complete the project
Chimney Rock State Park re-opened on June 27, 2025 by reservation only.
The US Army Corps of Engineers still plans on completing the personal property debris removal and Lake Structure removal. There is no timeline on these projects at this time.
As always, don’t forget to check out Laura Krejci's storm recovery updates posted online every week.

X. Public Comment

The public is invited to speak. Please keep comments limited to three minutes or less

Comments may also be submitted in writing to the town clerk, kmartin@townoflakelure.com at least one hour prior to the meeting.

Karen Knaub: 347 Lakeview Rd. Ms. Knaub asked about the debris removal that was requested to be placed in front of boathouses by July 15, 2025. Will this be removed before the water comes back up?
- Ms. Stewman advised that the debris will be removed whether it’s by USACE or the Town. Be sure to advise Community Development that this has been done so that when the time comes we can be sure all areas have been picked up.
Mike Woods: Village Resort - Mr. Woods advised that the excavator and barge have been working near the village resort and it is a work in process.
- Community Development Director Mike Williams asked that lakefront property owners be sure to let Community Development know if you have questions or concerns.
Laura: Lake Blvd. - Asked if she was able to go into the lake bed without getting into trouble while cleaning up debris and such?
- Ms. Stewman advised that the restriction on the lake is for those who might be treasure hunting, or just walking. The lake is still unsafe. For the purpose of removing debris you are allowed, but nothing more.
There was a question regarding Boys Camp Road.
- Road work was scheduled to begin this week and will take place.

There were no other Public Comments.

XI. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned.