Lake Lure Town Council Work Session and Action Meeting Summary - Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.

Thank you to those who joined us for the Lake Lure Town Council Work Session and Action Meeting on March 25, 2026, at 8:30 a.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 Carol Pritchett called the meeting to order and thanked everyone for their attendance. 

 

II. Agenda Adoption

 

The agenda was revised with the addition of the appointment of a new Deputy Town Clerk and a change in the order of the items listed below. 

 

III. Approve Deputy Town Clerk 

 

Town Manager Olivia Stewman explained that the Rick Carpenter has been serving as the Deputy Town Clerk. 

• He has recently assumed additional duties with the Parks and Trails and Ms. Stewman would like to remove these duties from his assignments. 
• She advised that Corbie Bradley currently serves as the clerk for the Lake Advisory Board and the Parks and Recreation Board and has done an excellent job. 
• She recommended she be named as the Deputy Town Clerk. 

Town Council approved Mrs. Bradley's Appointment as the Deputy Town Clerk. 

 

IV. Hager Strategic Solutions Updates

 

Mike Hagar advised that there are three new Rutherford County Commissioners: Allen Hardin, Adam Yelton, and Scott Haynes.

• Allen Hardin (District 1) and Scott Hayens (District 4) were present.
• Mr. Hagar provided some statistics on the state of the County and mentioned that he hoped these new commissioners could help improve the status of the County. 
• Allen Harden spoke and stated that he ran to help improve the county.  He advised that he was retired and hoped to make a difference. 
• Scott Hanyes also spoke and advised that he previously worked for the Town of Lake Lure as a Police Officer. He is from the Green Hill area and his Aunt, Anita Taylor worked for the Town of Lake Lure for many years. He stated that he looked forward to the partnership. 
• Mr Hagar advised that he is working to have input on the proposed changes to the property tax. 
• He would like to have a list of the priority infrastructure needs for the Town so he can work on these as soon as possible. 
• Town Council also expressed a need to address Emergency Response in Lake Lure from the State and County level.
• The Town's Fire/Emergency Response Team is so critical since an ambulance is not dedicated to Lake Lure.
• Obtaining funding for the Town's Public Safety Building remains a priority to support this team and public safety in Lake Lure.
• A request was made to continue to request that Verizon participate in the new cell tower. 

 

V. Waterline Proposal

 

Homeowner Mike Younger has made a request to place a waterline for a new well under a town road.

• An email request and map has been presented.  
• Town Council approval was requested to be able to go under the road horizontally. 
• It is a circular road so the road will not be blocked. It is a 3-4 inch casing and will include a water line and electrical through a conduit inside the casing. 

Town Council approved allow further negotiations to support this endeavor. 

 

VI. Peacock Architects Presentation on Marina Building

 

A Peacock Architect Representative presented Town Council with design concepts for the replacement marina building, which was substantially damaged by Hurricane Helene.

• The proposed replacement will include retail space, restrooms, storage areas, and a pavilion.
• Two design options were presented for Council’s consideration.
• The Mediterranean-style design below was selected.

 

 

VII. Labella Task 30 for Charlotte Drive Waterline

 

This task authorizes LaBella Associates to provide engineering, design, permitting, bidding, and construction administration services for a new waterline serving Charlotte Drive, Yacht Island Road, and nearby areas.

• The project is needed because lowered lake levels following Hurricane Helene have caused existing private wells to fail, and the new waterline will provide a reliable, long-term public water supply regardless of lake levels.
• The project includes approximately 12,250 linear feet of waterline, along with all necessary components (such as valves, hydrants, and service connections), and is expected to take about 18 months from notice to proceed through construction and closeout.
• The Town has received a Letter of Intent to Fund (LOIF) through the Helene State Revolving Fund (SRF) program, with a total award of $6,636,349, including $6,111,262 in principal forgiveness and $525,087 in loans at a 0% interest rate over a 20-year term. The Town previously approved a resolution accepting this funding offer.
• The total proposed engineering and construction-related services authorization is $761,500. 
• There was a discussion regarding the project. 

The Task Order was approved. 

 

VIII. Review Proposed Amendments to 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.
• The proposed amendments integrate 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, and they distinguish between in-town connections, which are approved administratively, and out-of-town connections, which are reviewed by Council.
• Temporary moratorium-specific rules are clearly identified, and the policy now includes guidance for transitioning back to standard procedures once the moratorium ends.
• Sewer capacity fees for out-of-town connections remain mandatory and tied to projected flow.
• These changes ensure that the policy continues to manage limited sewer capacity effectively while aligning with permanent Town ordinances, providing clearer guidance for staff and Council, and strengthening compliance with Town standards.
• There was a discussion regarding the proposed amendments.

Town Council will review the proposed amendments and consider them at the next Regular Town Council.   

 

IX. Review Proposed Amendments to the Lake Lure Advisory and Statutory Board Handbook

 

The proposed updates to the Advisory and Statutory Board Handbook are intended 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. 
• There was a discussion regarding the proposed amendments.

Town Council approved the proposed amendments. 

 

X. Consider Appointment of Two Vacancies on the Parks and Recreation Board

 

Town Manager Olivia Stewman provided Council with opportunity to discuss vacancies for the Parks and Recreation Board. 

• Two members are rotating off the Board, Robin Worcester and Dan Gorman. 
• Two applicants have applied to serve on the Board, Kristin Staffell and Cory Coile. 

Town Council approved the appointment of Kristin Staffell and Cory Coile on the Parks and Recreation Board.

 

XI. Property owner request for remission or reduction of civil fines issued with a Notice of Violation regarding erosion and sedimentation control violations.

 

Community Development Director (CDD) Mike Williams advised that on January 6, 2026, property owner, Mick Kent from 395 Tryon Bay Circle, was issued a Notice of Violation requiring the correction of violations of Erosion and Sediment Control ordinance violations.  

• A Civil Penalty Citation with an initial fine of $5,000 was issued with the NOV.  
• The cited measures required to correct the violations were that erosion control and sedimentation control measures, structures and devices be planned, designed and constructed as to provide protection from runoff from a “25 year” storm as required when projects will discharge into a lake or natural watercourse.
• On February 4, 2026, Mr. Kent submitted an appeal of the Notice of Violation 
• Mr. Kent was present at the meeting and provided the history of the issues.  He discussed his efforts to correct this matter. 

Town Council approved a reduction of the fine in the amount of $500. 

 

XII. Request to condemn and demolish the boathouse at 114 Heming Way (Parcel 1633886)

 

Development and Environment Review Specialist Rick Carpenter advised that the property owner at 114 Heming Way notified the Community Development Department that the lake structure on their property may be collapsing.

• After inspection, it does appear that the structure is significantly damaged and is pulling away from land and pitching towards the lake.  
• There was a discussion regarding the issue and Town Council asked questions to get a better understanding of the concerns and the cause of the collapse. 

Town Council approved the request to condemn the boathouse at 114 Heming Way, (Parcel 1633886).

 

XIII. Quail Cove Condemnation Request

 

Development and Environment Review Specialist Rick Carpenter advised that this issue involves the boathouse in question is located at 335 North Shore Drive, owned by Daniel & Susan Murphy (parcel 1623813).

• This lake structure was heavily damaged during hurricane Helene.
• Immediately after Helene, an employee from Master Docks asked the Community Development Department (CDD) to be allowed to perform emergency stabilization measures.
• The CDD allowed the emergency measures on the condition that they provide engineered plans and obtain permitting.
• The measures were installed but never engineered or permitted.
• The structure was placed on the original list for condemnation in 2025.
• However, it was removed after the homeowner communicated with CDD that they would have the structure repaired in a timely manner.
• Following this communication, staff met with Master Docks on-site to review permitting requirements.
• After this meeting in 2025, all communication ceased and no permitting was obtained.  
• Presently, CDD has no formal timeline in place for permitting/repair.
• The subject property is currently under a notice of violation for failure to permit work that has taken place, and for the dilapidated structure.  
• No action has been taken in over 18 months.

Town Council approved the request to condemn the property. 

 

XIV. Town Manager/Project Updates

 

Town Manager Olivia Stewman provided Town Council with the following updates.

• Organizational Changes: Ms. Stewman advised that the organizational changes made recently were going well. 

• Budget Preparations: Department Heads are working on their respective proposed budgets for FY26-27.  There will be a few changes to budget line items based on the reorganization. 

• Property Tax: The property tax information provided by the County is under review.   

• Boys Camp Road Bridge: A request for proposals for the Boys Camp Rd Bridge has gone out.  Proposals are due by 4/7/26. 

• Paid Parking: Have received proposal with options for paid parking in Morse Park from Park Mobile.  One option includes a mechanism for ensuring that all boats are permitted.   
• Refilling the Lake: The current Lake Level is 986.2 and is continuing to rise.
• The Town began refilling Lake Lure on February 6, 2026, marking the first step toward restoring the lake to full pond (990.5 Mean Sea Level).  
• Refilling the lake depends on the weather and the amount of rain we receive.  
• Town officials are assessing safety for boat transfers.  Project Manager DSean Lindsey advised that he thoughts we needed one - two more feet. 
• There is a concern about the remaining debris in the lake.  The contractors with the SMART Program are continuing to work to remove debris and will be here for several more weeks, as long as they are continuing to remove debris. 
• Use of the ramp at the dam was discussed for use by commercial boat companies only. 
• Town officials will talk with the commercial boat transport companies to get their input. 

Project Manager Dean Lindey provided updates on the following projects: 

Dredging Operations:

• Dredging near Morse Park is complete with all sediment for current cycle removed from lake.
• Approximately 30,000 cubic yards of debris were removed. 
• The material has been temporarily stored off Boys Camp Road near Happy Hollow.
• Material will be hauled off next and then grass will be planted in the area to beautify the location.
• Town Council advised that it was important to ensure the next permit was in place for the following year. 

Washburn Marina Building:  

• We have requested the modular design for the new temporary marina building and will submit it for approval when received. 
• Have to consider the location for the temporary building as the permanent structure will be under construction.
• Power will be run to the temporary building.

Stationary Board Walk at the Boat Marina:

• The stationary boardwalk project is going well.
• The Sub-Structure is almost complete and soon to be installing the deck. 

Tour Boat Docks:

• The tour boat dock building project is going well.
• The floor of the dock is in place.
• Will be putting the fingers in place next. 

Floating Boardwalk: 

• The floating boardwalk replacement project is progressing on schedule with full completion anticipated in mid-July.
• The lake level will need to be at full pond for the project to be completed.  

Fueling Station: 

• The old fueling station has removed and old tank area is in process of being removed.
• The fueling station is expected to be completed upon final inspection of the dock project. 
• They will be pouring the concrete pad for the fuel tank as soon as the elevation in the area is confirmed and site prepped.
• Fencing will be ordered upon tank placement. 

​​​​​​​SMART Program: 

• The North Carolina State Mission Assigned Recovery Task (SMART) Program to remove shoreline and floating debris is in place.
• The contractors have mobilized and crews have removed about 804 cubic yards of debris thus far.
• They will continue picking up debris around the lake and on the shoreline as the lake continues to rise. 
• Their skimmer has still not arrived but is expected soon. 
• They are approved to continue work here until September, but it will depend on the amount of debris removed from the lake. 

Waste Water Treatment Plant: 

• Mr. Lindsey is holding a kick off meeting today to discuss the design criteria for the new plant. 

 Boom for the Dam: 

• Crews are in the process of setting the anchors for the new boom that will be placed at the dam. 
• The boom is expected to arrive in 4-6 weeks. 

Public Works Building: 

• ​​​​​​​The next step for the Public Works Building Project is setting the foundation.

Morse Park: 

• Working with Vick Knight on a landscape design for the back side of Morse Park that still remains affected from storm. 
• Working with Odom Engineering on the elevation recommendations. 
• The plans include restoration of the road behind Morse Park with parking and a non-motorized boat ramp at the river. 

 

XV. Public Comment

 

Mike Hagar came forward again to introduce Senator Tim Moffitt. 

• Senator Tim Moffitt shared a reminder that we were two days away from 18 months since the anniversary of Hurricane Helene. 
• He wanted everyone to know that people think that NC does not have a budget but he assured everyone that we have a $32 billion budget, though more work has to be done to refine it. 
• He thanked Mayor Pritchett for her leadership throughout the remarkable restoration of Lake Lure. 
• He acknowledged Olivia Steman for remaining in her position after "trial by fire," having just taken her job as Town Manager in April when the hurricane hit in September.

XVI. Closed Session:

Town Council went into a closed session to discuss personnel matters.

XVII. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned.