Town Council Regular Meeting and Public Hearing Summary - Tuesday, January 13, 2025

Thank you to those who joined us for the Lake Lure Regular Town Council Meeting on January 13, 2025, 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 Carol Pritchett called the meeting to order. 

A. Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation: Everyone stood and receipted the Pledge of Allegiance and Commissioner Bryant gave the invocation

 

II. Agenda Adoption

 

The agenda was adopted as posted.

 

III. Mayor’s Communication

A. Proclamation No. 26-01-13 Dirty Dancing Filmed in Lake Lure: Mayor Pritchett read the following proclamation.

Dirty Dancing Filmed in Lake Lure

Commemorating October 17th as the anniversary of the finale lift from the 1987 film dirty dancing.

WHEREAS, the blockbuster film Dirty Dancing, directed by Emile Ardolino and first released in Hendersonville, North Carolina in 1987, has become essential to the American experience, inspiring generations with its timeless message of love, self-discovery, and the transformative power of dance; and

WHEREAS, the creative vision of writer Eleanor Bergstein and producer Linda Gottlieb is exemplified in unforgettable choreographed dance scenes, all filmed in North Carolina. The most notable being the iconic finale lift wherein the characters of Johnny Castle (played by Patrick Swayze) and Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman (played by Jennifer Grey) transcend the silver screen, captivating an ever-increasing audience and endearing them to the timeless natural splendor of Lake Lure, NC, which provides the perfect backdrop for the ultimate summer romance; and

WHEREAS, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, waterfalls, lakes, Indian trails, and other scenic and historical points of interest, the picturesque and enchanting town of Lake Lure, North Carolina, played host to this iconic moment on what is now known to be October 17th, 1986; and

WHEREAS, the iconic scene was a one-time-only performance taking place at the Camp Chimney Rock Memorial Gymnasium. The Camp’s buildings and grounds, where all choreographed dance scenes were filmed, have been redeveloped into private residences and repurposed. For this reason, this site is best observed via boat tour where the last film’s stone staircase still greets guests from Dirty Dancing Bay, later renamed Firefly Cove; and

WHEREAS, Lake Lure's film association has transformed the town into a tourist destination, welcoming movie fans from around the world and fostering tourism and cultural exchange.  Acknowledging the significance of Dirty Dancing as a cultural touchstone helps preserve our story for future generations; and

WHEREAS, recognizing this Nationally significant act and its remarkable connection to Lake Lure, North Carolina, not only honors the film's enduring legacy but also celebrates our contribution to cinema and its remarkable power to transport audiences to places they will never forget; and

THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAMED, that on behalf of the Lake Lure Town Council and the citizens of the Town of Lake Lure acknowledges October 17th as the anniversary of the iconic finale lift from the film Dirty Dancing and we celebrate the impact the film Dirty Dancing continues to have on our community.

PROCLAIMED this the 13th day of January 2026.

 

IV. Town Manager’s Communication

A. Monthly Report/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.
• Duke Energy established power at the Cell Tower and the next steps are for the cell companies to begin mounting their antennas.
• AT&T and T Mobile have their permits approved and simply need to install their equipment. Verizon has not applied for their permit.
• We are hopeful the equipment will be installed between now and February 2026. 

SMART Lakefront Debris Removal: 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. 
• Officials from the SMART Program will be making rounds on the lake next week to finalize their scope of work.  
• A timeline for the beginning of the project will be posted as soon as these dates are confirmed.  
• Please stay tuned for additional information as this plan is formulated. 

Tainter Gate Project: A project has begun to replace the seals on the Tainter gates. 

• The current plan is to maintain the lake at about 15 feet below full pond at (975 MSL  +\- 6”) for the completion of the project.
• The project is projected to be completed in February 2026.
• Once the project is complete, Town Officials will begin refilling the Lake.

Washburn Marina: Work has begun to rebuild the Washburn Marina and floating boardwalk and we hope this will be in place by mid July 2026. 

• The lake must be at full pond to complete some of the work. 
• We anticipate the lake being at full pond by May 2026, so this is the reason for the July completion date.
• The small marina building has been removed and a temporary utility building will be utilized for the 2026 season, until a more permanent structure is built. 

Boat Dock and Fuel Pump: A new boat ramp will be built and a new dock with the fueling station will be for added on the left side if you are facing the marina from the parking lot.   This is a separate project.

Town Hall and Welcome Center: Note that Town Officials are still awaiting a determination from FEMA on both Town Hall and the Welcome Center. Updates on these structures will be provided as soon as additional information becomes available. 

Dredging: Mechanical dredging will take place to prevent future sedimentation build up in a small section of the riverbed. 

Morse Park Grounds: The Town has received an engineering assessment of the grounds following the impacts of Hurricane Helene.  The assessment provides engineering guidelines on the level the grounds need to be at in order to minimize drainage issues.  The mound of dirt in Morse Park will be used to level out the grounds to the appropriate levels.  Once this is complete, the area will be landscaped. 

Boys Camp Road Bridge Replacement: Bidding documents for the Boys Camp Bridge replacement are expected to be advertised in late January or early February. Following the bid process, the contract will be awarded and construction will begin, with anticipated completion in spring 2026.

Project Obligations and Reimbursements: Fifteen FEMA Public Assistance projects have been obligated, including thirteen small projects and two large projects. The Town has received $4,214,143.92 for thirteen of the small projects, with an additional reimbursement of $106,737.47 pending.

• The Town received $562,500 in funding through the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) to support the sewer replacement project.
• The Division of Water Infrastructure provided the following Hurricane Helene grants to support the sewer system in Lake Lure: 
  • $5 million for a new Wastewater Treatment Plant outside the floodplain.
  • $6,636,349 for an emergency waterline.
  • $464,000 for new bulk chemical storage at the Water Treatment Plant.

Washburn Marina Building: The marina building has been demolished, and a temporary marina structure will be installed to allow Lake Lure Tours to operate this season.

Welcome Center: For the welcome center, Town staff continue to provide information to FEMA regarding substantial damage and the need for timely removal due to health and safety concerns, with discussions ongoing to determine next steps for demolition.

Comprehensive Planning:  

The Town of Lake Lure began the comprehensive planning process in the summer of 2025, 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 on 1/28/26 at 10:00 at The Landings.   

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 with residents.  

• An online public input survey has been shared in various forums. 580 of Lake Lure's residents have completed the survey.  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. 

Advisory Board Vacancies:  The Town of Lake Lure is accepting applications from community members interested in serving on statutory and advisory boards. Serving on Town Boards is a great way to get involved with your local government and make a positive impact on your community. We encourage residents of all ages and from all backgrounds to apply for appointments to the various Town boards and committees. 

The role of citizens as advisory board or committee members is important to the Town as they provide a vital link between the community and its local government.  The local government is dependent upon its citizens to volunteer their services on these bodies.  Service on these boards and committees fosters direct and meaningful citizen participation in local government affairs.  This is particularly important in small communities like ours with small budgets and limited staff. We rely heavily on volunteers here in Lake Lure.

You may apply to serve on one of the following Town Boards. Just click on the title below to learn more about each board. New Board members will be selected in February and Appointed in March.

• ABC Board
• Lake Advisory Board
• Lake Structure Appeals Board/Board of Adjustment
• Parks and Recreation Board
• Short-Term Rental Advisory Board
• Zoning and Planning Board

Applications may be submitted to the attention of the Town Clerk via email at Townclerk@townoflakelure.com or at the Lake Lure Town Hall, temporarily located at 920 Buffalo Creek Road (The Landings), Lake Lure, NC 28746. For additional information, please refer to the Lake Lure Advisory and Statutory Board Handbook or contact the Town Clerk at the email above.  

 

V. Council Liaison Reports and Comments

 

• ABC Board: Commissioner Doster reported that the ABC Board met and all is going well.  He advised that the Town received a $1,000 check for profit in January. They are looking at the plan to create more barrel picks for the lake getting back to full pond, for the centennial of the Lake Lure Dam, and for the Town's Centennial in 2027.    

• Board of Adjustment: Commissioner DiOrio advised that the Board did not meet. There is one Vacancy on the Board. 

• Lake Structure Appeals Board:  No Comment 

• Lake Advisory Board: Commissioner DiOrio reported that the Board met and have been working with Parks, Rec, and Lake Director Dana Bradley on collecting recycled trees to rebuild the bass habitat.   He advised that trout were going to be restocked in the Rocky Broad River. New buoys have been ordered and will be placed throughout the lake. 

• Parks and Recreation Board: Commissioner Jim Proctor reported that the Parks and Rec Board had a very productive meeting. 

  • He advised that a contractor is helping to restore Buffalo Creek Park. 

  • Volunteers have been working to help build the Turtle Rock Trail near Town Center.

  • Bids have gone out for the additional work that needs to be done on Weed Patch Mountain Trail.  

  • Chimney Rock State Park has bought property to increase hiking opportunities. hours. 

  • The Flowering Bridge Volunteers have opened their Education Center and offered their first class. 

  • The Rumble (a Carolina Climber Coalition climbing competition) is schedule for March 6-8, 2026.  Their event and camping will be held in the Green Space since Morse Park is still not available. 

• Short-term Rental Board: Commissioner Patrick Bryant advised that the Board did not meet in December. The next meeting is 1/22/26 at 9:30 at the Landings. There are vacancies on the Board .

• Zoning and Planning Board: Commissioner Proctor attended the meeting in Commissioner Doster's stead. He advised that it was a productive meeting and much of what was discussed will be covered in this evening's Town Council Meeting.

A. Ordinance No. 26-01-13 Amending Zoning Map Pertaining to Pin#1641354, 2.94 Acre Parcel on Whitney Boulevard

I. Staff Report: Mike Williams, Community Development Director reported that a local resident, Bruce Ahart, (Present) requested a zoning amendment change for an undeveloped parcel that he owns through an LLC, to allow for his plans to subdivide the 2.94-acre parcel for small homes.

• The parcel (1651354) is part of a small Commercial Neighborhood zoning district currently made up of five parcels totaling 8.89 acres.
• It is surrounded by Residential 3 zoning.
• The request is to rezone this single parcel to Residential 3. Mr. Ahart, on behalf of Meltina Holdings LLC, applied for the rezoning on November 17, 2025.
• The Zoning & Planning Board reviewed the application on December 16th and afterwards issued their recommendation that while they found the rezoning to be inconsistent with the current Comprehensive Plan, they also determined that it was reasonable and in the public interest.
• The property was posted with Rezoning Notice signs on December 18, 2025 and abutting property owners were advised of the January 13th Public Hearing by a December 22, 2025 mailing.
• There have been no public comments received regarding the rezoning request.

II. Public Hearing: 

• Would like more information on this project.
• There is a parcel that abuts this project owned by CWS. 
• All commercial zones allowed residential homes per Jim Proctor.
• The purpose of the comprehensive plan was to ensure a balance of commercial and residential zones per Dave DiOrio. 
• The property is 3 acres and 5 homes are planned for the acreage.  Each home is planned for 400 square foot. 
• A recommendation was made by Town Council to look at revising the code to allow for residential property in all zones.
• Question by resident Pat Buede asked about the size of homes and Jim Proctor advised that it depended on the zoning requirements for the specific property. 
• Bill Frykberg asked is the properties would be on the sewer system.  The homeowner confirmed that he applied for a sewer permit through CWS.
• Public Services Director Dean Lindsey advised that the Town will have final approval of this since there is a limitation on the flow. 

III. Commission Deliberation: There was no further deliberation.

IV. Consideration for Adoption of Ordinance No. 26-01-13 Amending Zoning Map Pertaining to Pin#1641354, 2.94 Acre Parcel on Whitney Boulevard: The ordinance was adopted.

 

B. Ordinance No. 26-01-13A Amending Standards for Driveway Entrance Columns in Residential Districts

I. Staff Report: Community Development Director Williams presented a proposal to the Zoning & Planning Board to modify the Town Code of Ordinances, regarding Standards for driveway entrance columns in residential Districts.

• Changes would include: Sec. 36-231. Fences, walls and hedges.
• One masonry column located on each side of a driveway to define the entrance to a property or to support a gate across a driveway, provided that such columns shall not exceed 36 inches in width and depth and eight feet in height.
• The Zoning and Planning Borad voted to approve the recommended changes be presented to Council.

II. Public Hearing: There were no further comments. 

III. Commission Deliberation: There was no further deliberation.

IV. Consideration for Adoption of Ordinance No. 26-01-13A Amending Standards for Driveway Entrance Columns in Residential Districts: The Ordinance was approved.

 

C. Ordinance No. 26-01-13B Amending Tree Clearing and Replanting Requirements within the Town of Lake Lure

I. Staff Report: Community Development staff presented a proposal to the Zoning & Planning Board to modify the Town Code of Ordinances, regarding Tree Clearing and Replanting Requirements within the Town of Lake Lure.

• Sec. 36-264. Special administrative and enforcement provisions for land clearing and grading activities.
• The tree preservation officer may approve alternate compliance methodology based on available space for planting.
• The Zoning and Planning Borad voted to approve the recommended changes be presented to Council.

II. Public Hearing: There were no comments.

III. Commission Deliberation: There was no further deliberation.

IV. Consideration for Adoption of Ordinance No. 26-01-13B Amending Tree Clearing and Replanting Requirements within the Town of Lake Lure: The ordinance was approved.

 

VII. Consent Agenda:

A. Approval of December Minutes

B. Resolution No. 26-01-13 Declaring Two Iron Frame Structures Surplus and Authorizing Their Donation to the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge: 

 

• Town Council is requested to consider Resolution No. 26-01-13, which declares two iron frame structures associated with the Town Welcome Center as surplus property and authorizes their donation to the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge.
• The Welcome Center sustained damage during Hurricane Helene and is anticipated to be demolished in the future.
• The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, a nonprofit organization, has requested the structures for use in its garden areas. The proposed donation is authorized under N.C.G.S. § 160A-280.

The items in the Consent Agenda were approved.

 

VIII. Unfinished Business

 

There was no unfinished business. 

 

IX. New Business

 

A. Resolution No. 26-01-13A Declaring the Badge and Service Sidearm Carried by Sgt. Carl Umphlett as Surplus and Awarding Them to Him Upon His Retirement in Recognition of His Dedicated and Honorable Service: 

• This resolution recognizes the retirement of Sergeant Carl Umphlett, effective March 1, 2026, after fourteen years and ten months of dedicated service with the Lake Lure Police Department.
• In accordance with G.S. 17F-20, the resolution authorizes the award of Sergeant Umphlett’s service badge and service side arm upon retirement.
• The resolution also formally expresses the Town’s appreciation for his exemplary service, professional achievements, and numerous commendations earned throughout his law enforcement career.

Mayor Pritchett presented the following proclamation to Sergeant Umphlett. 

RESOLUTION NO. 26-01-13A DECLARING THE BADGE AND SERVICE SIDEARM CARRIED BY SGT. CARL UMPHLETT AS SURPLUS AND AWARDING THEM TO HIM UPON HIS RETIREMENT IN RECOGNITION OF HIS DEDICATED AND HONORABLE SERVICE WHEREAS, G.S. 17F-20 provides that retiring members of municipal law enforcement agencies may receive, at the time of their retirement, the badge worn or carried by them during their service with the municipality; and WHEREAS, G.S. 17F-20 further provides that the governing body of the municipal law enforcement agency may, in its discretion, award to a retiring member the service side arm of such retiring member; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Carl Umphlett is retiring on March 1, 2026, after fourteen years and ten months of dedicated public safety service; and

WHEREAS, during his career with the Lake Lure Police Department, Sergeant Umphlett has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, leadership, and commitment to public service, earning numerous commendations and recognitions, including the Region C designation, two Distinguished Service Awards, the Outstanding Service Award, the Community Service Award, and the Top Gun Award on various occasions; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Umphlett has further enhanced his service to the Town and community through continued professional development, having earned certificates in Intermediate Law Enforcement, Advanced Law Enforcement, and the Criminal Investigations Certification Program (CICP); and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Lake Lure, North Carolina, that in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 17F-20, the badge and service side arm, a Glock 19 9MM, serial number SAP989, carried by Sergeant Carl Umphlett during his service with the Lake Lure Police Department, be declared surplus and awarded to him upon the occasion of his retirement.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Council hereby expresses its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Sergeant Carl Umphlett for his many years of faithful, dedicated, and exemplary service to the Town of Lake Lure and its citizens. This Resolution is adopted this 13th day of January, 2026.

 

B. Consider Adoption of Resolution No. 26-01-13B in Support of an Application to the Economic Development Administration (EDA), United States Department of Commerce (DOC) Disaster Grant Program for the Town of Lake Lure Sewer System Replacement Project

• The Town Council is requested to consider a resolution in support of submitting an application to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) Disaster Grant Program for the Town of Lake Lure Sewer System Replacement Project.
• The proposed project will replace and improve critical sewer infrastructure impacted by disaster events, enhancing system reliability, resilience, and accessibility while protecting public health and environmental resources.
• The project is also essential to supporting economic recovery and long-term economic development by maintaining infrastructure necessary for existing businesses, tourism activity, and future investment.
• The Town has received a commitment from Dogwood Health Trust to support the required local matching portion of the grant, strengthening the Town’s application and reducing the financial burden on local resources.

RESOLUTION NO. 26-01-13B A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF AN APPLICATION TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION (EDA), UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC) DISASTER GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE TOWN OF LAKE LURE SEWER SYSTEM REPLACEMENT PROJECT

WHEREAS, the Town of Lake Lure, North Carolina (the “Town”), is a municipal corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, the Town owns, operates, and maintains a public sewer system that serves residents, businesses, and visitors, and is essential to protecting public health, environmental quality, and the local economy; and

WHEREAS, portions of the Town’s sewer system have sustained damage and have been significantly impacted by recent Tropical Storm Helene, resulting in system deficiencies, reduced reliability, and increased risk of service interruptions and environmental harm; and

WHEREAS, the replacement of damaged and vulnerable sewer infrastructure is necessary to restore, modernize, and harden the system against future disasters, ensure regulatory compliance, support long-term community resilience, and provide the foundational infrastructure required for sustained economic recovery and growth; and WHEREAS, the United States Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA), administers a Disaster Grant Program intended to assist communities in recovering from disasters and in rebuilding critical infrastructure to support economic stability and growth; and

WHEREAS, the Town seeks financial assistance through the EDA Disaster Grant Program to support the Town of Lake Lure Sewer System Replacement Project, which will replace and improve critical sewer infrastructure damaged by disaster impacts and enhance system accessibility, reliability, and resilience; and

WHEREAS, the Sewer System Replacement Project will protect public health, safeguard natural resources, support existing businesses, reduce service disruptions, and create the capacity necessary for future economic development, including business retention and expansion, tourism-related activity, and potential redevelopment and investment opportunities; and

WHEREAS, the Town Council finds that submission of an application to the EDA Disaster Grant Program is in the best interests of the Town and its citizens.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Lake Lure, North Carolina, that:

1. The Town Council hereby expresses its full support for the submission of an application to the United States Department of Commerce, Economic Development 60 of 65 Administration (EDA) Disaster Grant Program for funding assistance for the Town of Lake Lure Sewer System Replacement Project.

2. The Town Council affirms that the Sewer System Replacement Project is necessary for disaster recovery, infrastructure resiliency, public health protection, environmental stewardship, and economic development within the Town of Lake Lure, and that reliable sewer infrastructure is critical to supporting local employment, maintaining tourism-driven revenue, attracting private investment, and ensuring long-term economic stability. 3. The Town Council authorizes the Town Manager or their designee(s) to prepare, execute, and submit all required application materials, certifications, and supporting documentation, and to take all actions necessary to carry out the intent of this resolution. 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.

This Resolution was approved and adopted this 13th day of January, 2026.

 

C. Consider Recommendation by the Parks and Recreation Board Regarding PARTF Application for Pickle Ball Courts

• At the January Parks and Recreation Board meeting, a community group presented a potential PARTF Helene Recovery grant opportunity to fund construction of a new pickleball complex within the Town.
• The proposed complex would include 14 pickleball courts and would require a footprint approximately twice the size of the previous concept, with potential locations identified as Morse Park or the Green Space.
• The Parks and Recreation Board made a recommendation to Town Council in favor of considering the pickleball complex concept, noting its potential to generate revenue for the Town, expand recreational amenities, and attract visitors.
• The Board is recommending that Town Council hear a presentation from the group, who will be presenting their proposal directly to Council, and then determine whether the Town wishes to pursue a grant application.
• The PARTF Helene Recovery grant, administered by the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, is intended to assist communities with recovery and revitalization of recreational facilities impacted by Hurricane Helene.
• The grant requires a local match; however, the value of the Town-owned property may be used toward the matching requirement.
• In addition, the presenting pickleball group stated that they, along with the HNG Chamber, are willing to raise the remaining matching funds.
• The application deadline for this grant opportunity is January 31.

Parks, Recreation, and Lake Director Dana Bradley and Chamber Represenative Thomasina Coile introduced the proposal. Chamber Representative and Pickleball enthusiast Jennifer Gregg gave a comprehensive presentation on the proposed 14 court Pickleball structure which could be built in Morse Park or at the Green Space.  There was a lengthy discussion with Town Council regarding the proposal, the potential costs, and the concerns regarding the location.  Several community members spoke in favor of the proposal and some community members expressed concerns regarding the proposal if planned in Morse Park.

Town Manager Stewman advised that FEMA is providing 90% reimbursement for the previous tennis/pickleball courts and the remaining 10% would be covered by State Funding. She expressed her concern regarding the timing of the proposed grant application based on the following: 

1) The deadline for the grant application is 1/31/26;

2) There is a requirement for a firm location for the application when the Town is in the midst of the Comprehensive Planning process and priority community interests are currently unknown;

3) The Town is very cautious about committing matching funds for this project with some many other infrastructure priorities;

4) There was also a concern about who would run a 14 court Pickleball facility. 

Town Council thanked all those who worked on the grant application.  They advised that they appreciated their enthusiasm and input but unfortunately, the deadline of the grant is such that they cannot support moving forward at this time.

 

X. Public Comment

 

Mayor Pritchett invited the public to speak. She asked that they 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.

1) Deborah Keller: Ms. Keller announced that she has petitioned the Board of Elections to run for County Commissioner District 1 as an independent Unaffiliated candidate in the November 2026 election. She shared the following: 

This was not a decision entered into lightly. I am fully aware of the responsibilities of the office and the needs of the residents of this county. I stepped away from political party affiliation years ago as I felt so very strongly that people's needs should come first before partisan politics. I truly feel that political affiliation has no place in local government as this is the place where ALL people should feel equally represented.

"Government of the people, by the people, for the people" - Abraham Lincoln

That being said due to the fact that I am not representing an established political party in this race I am required to obtain petition signatures from 4% (est. 2000) of registered Rutherford County voters no later than March 3, 2026 to be eligible to have my name on the ballot.

I am asking my friends and my community to support me in my effort to be allowed to run for this office representing ALL the people of Rutherford County.

"Believe in Rutherford" was my motto 12 years ago and still is today.

Anyone who would be willing to sign my petition and/or help obtain signatures would be greatly appreciated

This petition is for consideration for Deborah Keller to be placed on the ballot in the November 2026 election for Rutherford County Commissioner District 1 ONLY.

Signing this in NO way signifies your preference for the candidate in this office.

It is ONLY stating that my name be allowed on the ballot in November.

Please feel free to contact me here through Facebook, my "Believe In Rutherford" page at https://www.facebook.com/share/17qWAbdpTi/ or email me at debkellercares@gmail.com

2) Mike Wood: Mr. Wood inquired about what permits were required for new business like the new restuarant "828".  Community Development Director Williams explained the list permitting requirements.  

3) Mark Hanlon: Presented a concern regarding the release of water into the river from the Lake Lure Dam.  His concern is for those who may be in the river downstream. He asked if there could be a schedule of releases placed on the website so those with a need to know could proactively check the website. 

4) Mike Hagar: Political consultant Mike Hagar provided the following updates. 

• Verizon has still not applied for a permit for the Lake Lure Cell Tower. 
• North Carolina lawmakers have formed a House Select Committee on Property Tax Reduction and Reform (created late 2025) to review existing tax relief programs, county assessment practices, local spending, and potential constitutional changes to reduce the property tax burden, with potential recommendations expected for the 2026 legislative session, though immediate changes are unlikely as they study the complexities of local funding. They are looking into expanding relief for seniors/disabled, potential caps, and overall reform, while balancing local services. 
• A company called "Simple Life" is continuing to pursue the development of a large bank of "Tiny Homes" near the Bills Creek area beyond Ridgeline. 
• he North Carolina legislature is scheduled to resume its session in April 2026, specifically starting the 2026 Short Session on April 21, 2026, following earlier committee meetings and a break in early April, with some activity expected around April 7, 2026, before the main session restarts. 
•  

XI. Adjournment

 

The meeting was adjourned.