Lake Lure Town Council Work Session and Action Meeting Summary - Wednesday, December 17, 2025

thank you to all those who joined us for the Town Council Work Session and Action Meeting held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 8:30 a.m.

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

• The public was invited to attend. 

• 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. 

• You may download the meeting packet for additional information. 

I. Call to Order

Mayor Carol Pritchett called the meeting to order. 

II. Agenda Adoption

The agenda was adopted with the following two additions: 

• K9 Services for the Police Department
• Entertainment Event Permit Package with request for camping for the Rumble 2026 

III. Consider Schnabel Work Order 16A for Construction Phase Services for Spillway Crest Repairs at Lake Lure Dam:

Schnabel Engineering submitted a proposal to provide construction-phase engineering services for the Lake Lure Dam tainter gate repairs, which involve replacing damaged timber sills, installing new gate seals, and completing concrete repairs following impacts from Hurricane Helene.

• The construction work, awarded to Cianbro Corporation, is scheduled from December 2025 through early February 2026.
• Schnabel’s responsibilities include contract administration, engineering support such as reviewing submittals and RFIs, multiple site visits for required inspection milestones, participation in progress meetings, and closeout work including punch lists and record drawings.
• All services will be billed on a time and materials basis, meaning the Town pays only for the actual hours worked and direct expenses incurred rather than a fixed fee.
• The estimated cost for these services is $83,942.12, and Town staff will continue to handle as much work in house as possible to keep overall project costs to a minimum
• Public Services Director Dean Lindsey presented an overview of the Work Order. 
• Communications Director Laura Krejci added that this work order was included in the DEQ Dam Safety Office Grant Application. 

Town Council approved the work order.  

IV. Consider LaBella Task Order 28 for Ad Hoc GIS Services

LaBella Associates has submitted a proposal to provide on-call GIS support for the Town, building on their work developing the Town’s utility GIS through both the water and sewer AIA grants.

• With the core GIS system now established, LaBella recommends ongoing maintenance and technical support to ensure the system remains effective and can be updated as the Town’s needs evolve.
• The proposal offers flexible, as-needed assistance, including software support, troubleshooting, GIS data updates, and custom mapping. The proposed budget is $10,000 on a time-and-materials basis.
• This task, if approved, would be especially beneficial in supporting the Town’s GIS technician as they continue learning the system and working toward certification.

Will work to keep costs to a minimum. Town Council approved the task order. 

V. Consider LaBella Task Order 29 for Hydro Plant Access Reestablishment

LaBella Associates has submitted a proposal to complete the design and support services needed to reestablish access to the Hydro Plant at the downstream face of the dam, which was significantly damaged during Helene.

• The scope of proposed Task Order 29 includes survey and geotechnical investigation, preliminary and final design, permitting, bidding and award support, construction administration, and construction observation.
• The total proposed authorization for these services is $285,500 dollars. This design work will be critical in supporting the Town’s FEMA line item for this project and in determining a fair and accurate cost for replacement.
• There was a brief discussion regarding the elements of the Task Order.

Town Council approved LaBella Task Order 29 for Hydro Plant Access Reestablishment.

VI. Consider Adoption of Resolution No. 25-12-17 Authorizing an Amendment to On-Call Engineering Services Agreement with Labella Associates

Town Council is asked to consider an amendment to the Town’s on-call engineering services agreement with LaBella Associates, which is set to expire in January 2026.

• The amendment would extend the term of the agreement and update certain provisions, including revised fee schedules and scope clarifications, to ensure continuity of services for ongoing infrastructure projects.
• As an alternative, the Town could issue an RFQ for on-call engineering services and evaluate other firms.
• However, staff believes it would be highly time consuming and challenging to bring a new firm up to speed on the many projects LaBella is currently managing, and staff has had an overall positive experience working with LaBella to date.
• For these reasons, staff recommends approval of the amendment.
• There was a discussion regarding LaBella's service to date.

Town Council approved Resolution No. 25-12-17 Authorizing an Amendment to On-Call Engineering Services Agreement with Labella Associates. 

VII. Consider Request for Rent Deferral

Mr. Wade Oppliger, tenant of the Town-owned building at 2654 Memorial Highway submitted a request for a temporary lease adjustment.

• Mr. Oppliger presented the proposed schedule is as follows:
  • 50% rent for December 2025 and January–April 2026.
  • Deferred rent to be repaid at 150% of the usual lease payment from June–October 2026.
  • Normal lease payments to resume November–December 2026.
  • This adjustment would allow deferred winter rent to be repaid during the 2026 peak season.
  • Mr. Oppliger’s full request is as follows: 
    • 12 month rent adjustment deferring half of the winter rent with a repayment schedule through the spring and summer season of 2026.
    • 50% rent for December 2025. ($543.50 of $1087.00 due)
    • 50% rent from January 2026 through April 2026.
    • 150% of usual lease payment for June through October-which will reconcile the deferred rent.
    • Normal lease payment for November and December of 2026.
• Ms. Stewman submitted the fact that while it is understood that Mr. Oppliger has experienced significant challenges due to Hurricane Helene and its impacts on The Gym’s operations, staff notes that a prior payment arrangement was previously approved and successfully completed and encourages caution with repeated deferral plans.
• Staff also notes potential impacts on the Town’s cash flow and the additional administrative effort required to track deferred payments. Council’s consideration and decision are respectfully requested
• Town Council held a discussion with Mr. Opplinger's request and suggested that the lease be restructured. 
• The original lease had combined tenants and then two leases were subsequently created; one for rowing and one for the market.
• Ms. Stewman will meet with Mr. Oppliger to develop a new draft lease.  

VIII. Canine Addition for the Police Department

Police Chief Sean Humphries presented a plan to add a Canine police member, (K-9). 

• K9s are specially trained dogs that assist law enforcement with tasks like drug/bomb detection, tracking, finding evidence, apprehending suspects, and public relations, often paired with a handler in a strong partnership.
• Chief Humphries explained that the K9 would not be a bite/apprehension dog but rather a search and rescue as well as narcotics enforcement.
• He also advised that the addition of the K9 would be a boost for the staff and he is looking for opportunities to enhance morale. 
• Cheif Humphries has found a donor that would provide $17,000 for the dog and the training for the Law Enforcement K9. 
• The K9 handler would be Officer Kourtney and the dog is a German Shepherd mix. 
• Fire Chief Dustin Waycaster spoke in support of the K9 addition for search and rescue purposes. 

Town Council approved the plan for the K9.

VIII. Hager Strategic Solutions Updates

The Town works with Mike Hager of Hager Strategic Solutions for lobbyist services. Mr. Hager was unable to join the meeting but provided the following legislative updates to Ms. Stewman.  

1. Verizon

2. New Fiber Optic Line will be installed first quarter 2026.

IX. Town Manager and Storm Recovery Updates

• Cell Tower: The Town of Lake Lure has been working to install a cell tower on the old camp ground off Boys Camp Road.  Our Community Development Team has been diligent in their efforts to work through multiple challenges, including delays caused by Hurricane Helene. Thanks to their persistence, we are pleased to report that the cell tower has arrived! You can see the tower here! 
  • The base of the tower was erected Thursday, 12/4/25 as schedule. 
  • The remaining sections were erected Friday, 12/5/25 as you can see from this photo above taken by Commissioner Patrick Bryant. 
  • The next steps are for the cell companies to begin mounting their antennas.
  • Then, in January 2026, we should be able to call folks and tell them about it!
  • It was noted that Verizon has not submitted their application for the new cell tower as of the date of this meeting.
• Funding Updates: The Town was elated to receive the following Division of Water Infrastructure’s Helene grants to support the sewer system in Lake Lure: 
  • $464,000 for new bulk chemical storage at the Water Treatment Plant
  • $6,636,349 for an emergency waterline
  • $5 million for a new Wastewater Treatment Plant outside the floodplain, the maximum we were eligible to receive.
  • $562,500 SBA grant for the sewer replacement project.
• Town Hall: FEMA has not made a determination on Town Hall and therefore no action can be taken to address the building.
• Proctor Road: Road stabilization and paving is complete.  Jersey Barriers are being installed.  Thank you to the residence for their patience as this work was completed. 
• Stream Gages: Gages have been ordered and will be strategically placed to allow close monitoring of the lake levels.
• SMART: Town Officials are aware that shoreline debris remains around the lake and in several coves. The Town of Lake Lure has secured a plan with the state SMART program to pick up shoreline debris that remains. Please stay tuned for additional information as this plan is formulated. Town Officials are working with State Officials to finalize a contract and a timeline for this important work.   
• U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Grant: Town Officials are planning to apply for an EDA grant for the sewer replacement project. Continue to work with LaBella Associates regarding the next phases of work  so we can submit a $12.3 million grant.  Matching funds may come through Dogwood Health Trust and they have committed $2 million towards this project.
• Comprehensive Planning: The Town of Lake Lure began the comprehensive planning process earlier this year, in partnership with the Foothills Regional Commission.  Since that time, we have held three in person public input sessions.  One was a virtual session, one was in a traditional format at "The Landings", our temporary Town Hall, and one was held in a open Round Table Forum at the same location.  We plan to hold one more public input session in January. Additionally, two focus groups have been held.  One was with the Lake Advisory Board and one with the Parks and Recreation Board.  A third focus group session is being held with the Planning and Zoning Board.  Two more focus groups will be held following this one.  
  • An online public input survey has been shared in various forums.  A total of 411 responses were received, over 30% of Lake Lure's residents.  The Foothills Regional Commission advises that this is a very good response rate compared with other municipalities. It is difficult to get high survey responses these days, but for a Town of our size they are very pleased. The vast majority of responses are from full and part-time residents. 
  • If you have not taken the Comprehensive Planning Survey, the deadline has been extended to allow for additional submissions.  Please click here to take the survey. 
  • A report will be prepared in the spring compiling all of the public input later in 2026. This report will be widely shared once it is published. 

X. Public Comment

There were no public comments. 

XII. Closed Session in Accordance with G.S. 143-318.11(a) (5) for the Purpose of Discussing Property Acquisition

Town Council entered into a Closed Session.

XIII. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned.