Town Council Regular Meeting Summary - Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Thank you to those who joined us for the Lake Lure Regular Town Council Meeting on February 10, 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 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 here.

 

III. Mayor’s Communication

 

A.  Proclamation 26-02-10 Recognizing the Exceptional Service of Public Works and Emergency Personnel During Recent Weather Events. Mayor Pritchett presented the following proclamation. 

PROCLAMATION NO. 26-02-10

RECOGNIZING THE EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE OF PUBLIC WORKS AND EMERGENCY

PERSONNEL DURING RECENT WEATHER EVENTS

WHEREAS, the Town of Lake Lure experienced back to back winter storm events over the past several weeks that created hazardous road conditions, threatened public safety, and placed extraordinary demands on municipal services; and

WHEREAS, during these prolonged and challenging conditions, Public Works, Police, Fire, and Emergency Personnel responded with professionalism, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the community, with many staff members working for more than two consecutive weeks without any days off to ensure essential services remained available; and

WHEREAS, Public Works staff worked tirelessly to clear and treat roadways, maintain access to critical infrastructure, and respond to urgent community needs, often in dangerous conditions and at all hours, demonstrating exceptional dedication, initiative, and teamwork; and

WHEREAS, Police Department personnel maintained continuous public safety operations throughout the storms, responding to traffic accidents, assisting stranded motorists, conducting emergency transports, and enforcing the law under hazardous winter conditions to protect residents and visitors alike; and

WHEREAS, Fire Department personnel actively carried out emergency response, life safety, and support functions throughout the winter storm events, performing their duties under difficult and hazardous conditions while coordinating with other departments to ensure timely and effective service delivery; and

WHEREAS, Town staff routinely went above and beyond their normal duties to assist residents facing medical emergencies, supply shortages, and access challenges, exemplifying the compassion, service, and community spirit that define the Town of Lake Lure; and

WHEREAS, these collective efforts reflect not only professional excellence, but also a deep commitment to public service and to the safety and well being of the Lake Lure community.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Carol C. Pritchett, on behalf of the Town of Lake Lure, recognize and sincerely thank all Public Works employees, Police Officers, and Firefighters, and supporting administrative staff for their outstanding service, sacrifice, and dedication during the recent winter weather events.

BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that the Town extends its deepest appreciation to these individuals for their long hours, selfless actions, and unwavering commitment to keeping the community safe, connected, and cared for during times of significant hardship.

Proclaimed this 10th day of February, 2026

 

IV. Town Manager’s Communication

 

A. Monthly Report/Storm Recovery Updates:

• Refilling the Lake: 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).  We hope to be able to reopen the lake by Memorial Weekend.  Refilling the lake depends on the amount of rain we receive. For more information review the details here.

• Tainter Gate Project: The project at the Lake Lure dam to replace the seals on the Tainter gates is wrapping up and the crews are demobilizing. 

• SMART Program: We are advise that the state has approved the shoreline debris removal process through the North Carolina State Mission Assigned Recovery Task (SMART) Program. The program will begin in the coming weeks.  Crews will be picking up debris around the lake and on the shoreline as the lake continues to rise. 

• Morse Park: Crews are working to redistribute the sedimentation in Morse Park that was left by USACE.  As soon as this project is complete, Public Works will begin beautifying the area so more of the park can be utilized.   

• Welcome Center: The Welcome Center in Morse park has been removed following the damage from hurricane Helene. The building was not salvageable.  

• Comprehensive Plan: A Public Input Session is scheduled for Wednesday, 2/25/26 at 10:00 in The Landings.  

  • The deadline for the Comprehensive Plan Survey has been extended. 

  • February is the final month for the survey so if anyone has not taken the survey, please click here to complete it before the end of the month.  

    https://arcg.is/1zH9aa1

  • A report will be compiled with all of the data and input this summer. 

  • A report will be submitted to the Zoning and Planning Board and they will make recommendations to Town Council by July 2026. 

• Washburn Marina: Materials for the Washburn Marina have been procured and are staged in Morse Park.  Docks are being constructed there. The lake has to be at full pond to install the new marina and docks so we anticipate this being back in place by mid July. 

 

• Fuel Pump: Odom Engineering has designed a separate project with docks for a fuel pump and docks for Tour Boats.  The 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. We will be soliciting bids for that project very soon. 

• Cell Tower: Staff continued working with Tillman Construction to advance completion of the cell tower project. AT&T and T Mobile are working to have their antennas mounted, calibrated, and fully approved for operation on the tower. At this time, the tower owner has not yet received an application from Verizon. Staff have been recommending that Verizon customers contact their carrier to encourage submission of an application, which is necessary for Verizon service to be added to the tower.

• Dredging: Stot Construction is dredging a 1/2 acre area near Morse Park.  We hope to expand this effort to a larger project in time.  Mr. Stott will also be sloping the bench of sediments on the shoreline and riprap will be added to stabilize the area.  

• FEMA High Hazard Potential Dam (HHPD) Grant: The Town was awarded a grant for 65% of the $3.5 million design project for the replacement dam. The 30% Design project is currently underway through another HHPD Grant.  Thank you to Laura Krejci for her work on these grants.

• Boys Camp Road Bridge: There has been some delays in the Boys Camp Road Bridge project. We will be advertising the projects for bids. 

• Grant to Remediate Shooting Range near Lake Lure Classical Academy: The Town of Lake Lure is participating in a County wide grant application through the Foothills Regional Commission.  The project is to remediate any contamination from the shooting rage near the LLCA.  The application was submitted at the end of January.  

• Pending FEMA Funding: The Town is awaiting confirmation of FEMA funding for the sewer, the dam, public safety, Town Hall, and Town Roads. 

• Economic Development Grant: Applied for additional Economic Development Grant for the sewer system through the Western NC with Grow NC.  We have until the end of the month to apply.

• FEMA Funding:  21 projects have been obligated with $4.2 million has been received for 12 of these projects. 

• Calendar of Events for 2026: Please download the 2026 Calendar of Events.

• Collegiate Rowing Teams: Collegiate rowing teams will be coming to Lake Lure for their spring break the end of February and in March. They are able to practice at the lower lake levels with special permission from the Town of Lake Lure. 

• Rumble 2026: The Carolina Climbers Coalition will be holding their Rumble 2026 3/6/26 - 3/8/26 at Rumbling Bald with camping in the Green Space. 

 

VII. Consent Agenda:

 

A. Approval of January Minutes

The Consent Agenda was approved.

 

VIII. Unfinished Business

 

There was no unfinished business. 

 

IX. New Business

 

A. Advisory And Statutory Board Annual Presentations: Per the Lake Lure Advisory and Statutory Board Handbook, each board chair is required to present an annual report. The board chair, or a designated board member, shall provide a brief overview.

1. ABC Board: Richard Sailes shared the following highlights.

• Financial highlight - The store has done well with labor and expenses.
• During the last audit, they were found to be over by one bottle.
• He said the staff had a good system in place.
• The store was able to write a check to the Town for profits totaling $65,006.89.  
• They were able to go to a distillery and create special bottles of bourbon that were sold in the past year. They hope to do this again in honor of Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, and Bat Cave. 
• He acknowledged the work of accountant Rhonda Cook.  She has been a tremendous asset.
• The store needs to hire one additional staff member.  
• Town Council thanked Mr. Sailes for his oversight and recognized the improvements that have been made. 

2. Board of Adjustment / Lake Structures Advisory Board (BOA/LSAB): Kathie Hatfield presented an overview of the work of this board.

• The Board of Adjustment hears and decides upon appeals from any decision, orders or determination made by the zoning administrator (the Community Development Department) in interpreting and enforcing zoning regulations.
• The Board of Adjustment also approves conditional use permits and grants variances, in specific cases, from the provisions of the zoning regulations.
• Town Council thanked Ms. Hatfield and the Board for their time and hard work. 

3. Lake Advisory Board: The Lake Advisory Board will present their updates at the Marine Commission Meeting March 10, 226 at 4:00. 

4. Parks and Recreation Board: Robin Worcester provided a summary of the work of the board.

• The duties of the board fall under four major areas, parks, beautification of public property, recreation, and the arts.
• The Board works with the Parks Staff and coordinates volunteers who work on the trails.
• The Board formulates and makes recommendations to council on recreational activities.
• They have been instrumental in helping to create a temporary Disc Golf course at the Green Space.
• They collaborate with Communications Director to publicize Parks, Trails, and Events.  
• They are making recommendations to the Town to consider monetizing several emetines to enhance revenues. 
• Town Council thanked Mr. Worcester and the Board for their active involvement and the time they devote to Parks and Recreation in Lake Lure.

5. Short-Term Rental Advisory Board - Scott Martin provided a summary of the work of the board.

• The Short Term Rental Advisory Board (STRAB) formed in June 2025.
• The Board studies and makes recommendations to Town Council concerning the operation of short-term rentals.
• They have reviewed related policies and ordinances and are looking for ways to improving short-term rental operations.
• These recommendations will be presented to Town Council for consideration at a future meeting. 
• Town Council thanked Mr. Martin and the board for the very important work they have done as a new board. 
• Mayor Pritchett stated that this oversight has been needed for some time and she thanked them for their time and effort. 

6. Zoning and Planning Board: Charlie Ellis provided a summary of the work of the board.

• The Board met 9 times in the past year, with a delayed start following Hurricane Helene. 
• They reviewed 4 special use permits and one rezoning application.
• They reviewed detailed text amendments to Town Ordinances and forwarded these for revisions. 
• The Board is currently reviewing the sign ordinance as it related to commercial properties. 
• They are looking at a new permitted use for commercial properties involving paid parking lots. 
• The Board will be revisiting a language change regarding accessory structures as they found an area which needs to be clarified. 
• They have meet with the Foothills Regional Commission on the comprehensive land use plan. 
• They will be reviewing the report from the Foothills Regional Commission once it is compiled and will make recommendations to the Town Council this summer. 
• Town Council thanked Mr. Ellis and the Board for their detailed work. 

 

B. Advisory and Statutory Board Appointments: Town Council made the following advisory board appointments for boards with vacancies. Those appointed will begin their board term beginning on March 1, 2026.

Board vacancies are as follows:

• ABC Board – 3 Members

• Candidates currently serving as regular members seeking reappointment: 1. Trace Boswell 2. Bob Cassano 3. Richard Sayles
• Candidates not currently serving on the Board seeking appointment: 1. Sherry Smith

Town Council approved the reappointment of the current Board Members: 1. Trace Boswell 2. Bob Cassano 3. Richard Sayles

 

• Board of Adjustment/Lake Structure Appeals Board – An existing alternate member will be transitioned to a regular member, leaving 1 alternate member position vacant.

• Candidates not currently serving on the board to be considered for appointment as an alternate member: 1. Andrew Knowles

Town Council approved the appointment of Andrew Knowles as an Alternate Member. 

 

• Lake Advisory Board – 3

• Candidates currently serving as regular members seeking reappointment: 1. Gary Hasenfus 2. Mark Helms
• Candidates not currently serving on the Board seeking appointment: 1. Cory Collie 2. Michael Gibbs 3. Andrew Knowles 4. Jim Langenbach

Town Council approved the appointment of Michael Gibbs as a new Board Member.

 

• Parks & Recreation Board – There are no vacancies.

 

• Short Term Rental Advisory Board – 1

• Candidates not currently serving on the Board seeking appointment: 1. Steve Allen 2. Steven Gage 3. Andrew Knowles

Town Council approved the appointment of Steven Gage as a new Board Member.

 

• Zoning and Planning – 2

• Candidates currently serving on the Board seeking reappointment: 1. Ken Williams.
• Candidates not currently serving on the Board seeking appointment: 1. Liz Geary 2. Andrew Knowles

Town Council approved the appointment of Liz Geary as a new Board Member.

 

C. Consider Authorization to Proceed with Alternate Replacement Dam Alignment: Schnabel Engineering recommends proceeding with an alternative alignment for the Lake Lure replacement dam rather than the alignment shown in the 2022 Conceptual Design Report.

• The proposed alternative would generally maintain a similar right (south) abutment location, while shifting the left (north) abutment further downstream.
• This alignment is generally consistent with options previously evaluated, though the final configuration may vary slightly.
• Recent subsurface investigations identified geotechnical and constructability concerns at the originally proposed left abutment location.
• Rock was encountered significantly deeper than anticipated, requiring extensive excavation that would extend into areas underlain by variable hydraulic fill associated with the original dam construction.
• This material has demonstrated instability and susceptibility to internal erosion, particularly following Hurricane Helene.
• Because this area would retain the lake during construction, excavation in or near these materials presents increased dam safety and construction risk.
• Shifting the left abutment downstream reduces these risks. The alternative alignment may also reduce construction quantities by locating the left abutment where rock is shallower and potentially shortening the overall crest length, resulting in less excavation and roller compacted concrete.
• In addition, the alternative alignment would improve hydraulic performance by orienting the dam and spillway more perpendicular to the river channel, improving downstream flow characteristics and reducing erosion potential.
• There are additional considerations associated with the alternative alignment.
• Both alignments require property acquisition or easements on non-Town-owned property, but shifting the left abutment downstream may increase the extent of private property impacts.
• The alternative alignment would also require construction of a permanent access road from Buffalo Shoals Road to support Town staff and long
• term dam maintenance activities.
• While the alternative alignment diverges somewhat from the location of prior subsurface borings, Schnabel advises that the available data is sufficient to proceed with design and that the benefits outweigh the added uncertainty.

Town Council approved the recommended alternate replacement dam alignment.

 

X. Public Comment

 

1. Kimberly Sailes: Ms. Sailes presented a campaign that the Community Development Committee and the Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge are developing called "Hidden in Plain View".  The project will involve the creation of artistic designs of the Hickory Nut Gorge green salamander, which only lives here. After Hurricane Helene’s unprecedented impacts, its survival has become a symbol of resilience and recovery for the Gorge. Their team welcomes artists of all disciplines, mediums, backgrounds, and experience levels to design salamander artwork for Hidden in Plain Sight, our new art quest across Lake Lure & Chimney Rock this year!

 

XI. Adjournment 

 

The meeting was adjourned.