Town Council Regular Meeting Summary - Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Town Council Meeting Summary Sign

Thank you to those who joined us for the Lake Lure Regular Town Council Meeting on May 12, 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. One item was deleted (Item C) and otherwise the agenda remained as posted.

 

III. Mayor’s Communication

 

Mayor Carol Pritchett welcomed attendees and expressed appreciation for the community's patience and collaborative efforts in restoring the lake.

  • She remarked on what a wonderful week it has been. It’s only been a couple of weeks now since our lake has returned to such a beautiful condition, and we were certainly reminded of that this weekend.

  • We were so privileged to have Patricia Temple, the long-distance swimmer, swim the entire lake. What an amazing accomplishment on her part.

  • We’re incredibly grateful because that event could not have sent a better message to everyone — that the lake is beautiful, it’s pure, it has fish in it, and it’s ready for everyone to come and enjoy.

 

IV. Town Manager’s Communication

 

A. Monthly Report/Storm Recovery Updates: Town Manager Olivia Stewman shared the following updates. 

  • SMART Program: The SMART Program and sediment cleanup operations have concluded with the removal of 7,359 cubic yards of debris from the lake, and 72,642.3 tons of sediment from Morse Park.

  • Morse Park: With the excess silt removed from Lake Lure, the Town is working to obtain quotes for grading the remaining sediment, with seeding to follow the contract award.

  • Marina Construction:  The Washburn Marina and Floating Boardwalk replacement project is progressing on schedule with full completion anticipated in mid-July with courtesy and hot docks to follow shortly thereafter.

Marina Docks

  • Washburn Marina Temporary Docks and Fueling Station: Temporary dock and fueling dock delivery delays have shifted completion timelines for fuel pumps and tour boat slips to early to mid June.

  • Tour Boats: Lake Lure Tours is pursuing temporary accommodations to support operations by Memorial weekend.

  • Marina Office Building: The Town is working with Peacock Architects on temporary marina office while permanent building construction is designed.  Permitting is currently in progress for this building. The temporary marina building is expected to be installed by June 2026 while permanent replacement building plans.  continue.

  • Phase Two of the Lake Reopening Plan: Phase Two of the Lake Reopening Plan was approved to begin Saturday, May 16, 2026, allowing public use of the boat ramp at the Washburn Marina. 

    • Towing activities are also allowed.

    • Fueling operations remain unavailable, and lake users were encouraged to plan accordingly.

    • Town staff emphasized improved lake conditions, ongoing safety enforcement, and adherence to lake regulations.

 

V. Council Liaison Reports and Comments

 

  • ABC Board: Commission Scott Doster reported that the ABC Board met in April and things continue to do go well. Note that the hours of the ABC store are now 10:00am to 7:00pm  

  • Board of Adjustment: No updates

  • Lake Structure Appeals Board:  No updates 

  • Lake Advisory Board: The Lake Advisory Board has been working on two significant initiatives, Lake Buoys and Fish Habitats.

  • Parks and Recreation Board: Commissioner Jim Proctor advised the Parks and Recreation board met and volunteer hours continue to be recorded and the trail work being done is impressive.

  • Short-term Rental Board: Commissioner Patrick Bryant advised the short-term rental board met with continued discussions. Awaiting on attorney response before moving forward on some items. Will continue to make improvements for the betterment of the short term rentals.

 

VII. Consent Agenda:

 

A. Approval of April Minutes

The Consent Agenda was approved.

 

VII. Unfinished Business

 

There was no unfinished business.

 

VIII. New Business

 

A. Consider Approval for Firefly Cove Cluster Mooring Facility

Firefly Cove is requesting approval to replace its cluster mooring facility that was damaged during Hurricane Helene.

  • The proposed replacement design differs slightly from the prestorm configuration.
  • In accordance with Section 6-59 of the Town of Lake Lure Code of Ordinances, the Lake Structure Administrator and Lake Advisory Board have reviewed the application.
  • Their review considered conformance with applicable regulations, impacts to lake carrying capacity, and effects on navigation, boating safety, and adjacent residential areas.
  • The Board and Administrator have determined the proposed structure to be reasonable and have recommended approval.
  • Staff therefore requests Town Council review and consideration of approval of the Firefly Cove cluster mooring replacement as submitted. 

The Firefly Cove Cluster Mooring Facility was approved. 

 

B. Consider ICF Task Order No. 3 FEMA Public Assistance Services

Task Order No. 3 between the Town of Lake Lure and ICF Incorporated, LLC extends FEMA Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program support services for Tropical Storm Helene (DR-4827-NC) for the period of May 12, 2026 through May 12, 2027, with a not-to-exceed cost of $1,430,000.

  • Under this agreement, ICF will continue to provide comprehensive disaster recovery management services including eligibility determinations, damage assessments, cost estimating, project formulation, program documentation and tracking, and technical assistance to support FEMA reimbursement and compliance.
  • The scope also includes long-term recovery planning and continued support for hazard mitigation efforts through development of HMGP applications, benefit-cost analyses, environmental and historic preservation reviews, and coordination with federal, state, and local partners.
  • A significant portion of these services is expected to be funded through FEMA Public Assistance Management Costs, commonly referred to as Category Z, which reimburses eligible administrative and program delivery costs associated with managing the overall FEMA Public Assistance program rather than individual construction or repair projects.
  • Deliverables will include weekly status reporting, damage assessment reports, project documentation submissions, program management records, and technical assistance materials, all aligned with FEMA requirements to ensure accurate documentation, timely project advancement, and successful grant management and closeout. 

The Task Order was approved. 

 

C. Consider ICF Task Order No. 4 Disaster Recovery Management Services - Deleted from the agenda.

 

D. Discuss and Consider Recommendation for Lake Re-Opening “Phase 2”

The Town Manager recommends moving to Phase Two of lake reopening operations effective May 16, following the May 15 reopening ceremony.

  • The lake is at full pond, and the temporary lake-wide no-wake restriction will be lifted on May 9; all permanent no-wake zones remain in effect.
  • Phase Two would open the Morse Park/Washburn Marina ramp to permitted motorized vessels, open Pool Creek Park ramp primarily for non-motorized use, and lift temporary towing restrictions under existing Lake Use Regulations.
  • Users will continue to operate at their own risk due to ongoing recovery conditions and potential hazards, and should proceed with caution.
  • The fuel pump is expected to be completed in early to mid-June.
  • Town staff will continue monitoring conditions and coordinating with public safety partners. 

Phase Two of the Lake reopening Plan was approved.  Guidance will be provided to the public. 

 

IX. Public Comment

 

 

  • Darrell Wood: Mr. Wood detailed what he characterized as a failure by the police department after a serious collision involving his family and a Buncombe County deputy, including inaccurate police reporting and lack of victim contact. Officer Tyler Deals was criticized for not following victim interview protocol and submitting a misleading report. Police Chief Humphreys’ response to Mr. Wood was described as unprofessional and dismissive, causing further frustration to the family. He advised that the incident has been reported to the North Carolina Attorney General and Rutherford County District Attorney by Mr. Wood.  Mr. Wood expressed concerns about police accountability and the impact of poor handling of such cases on taxpayer trust and public safety.

  • Chris Dolman: Mr. Dolman provided information for the upcoming Lake Lure Music Festival schedulef rfo 6/13/26 at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure. The event is a fund raiser for the school and helps to benefit Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach, which helps feed the children at LLCA.  He stated that he continues to look for volunteers for the event and plans to include free tickets for first responders and volunteers.  He stated that they have raised $90,000 raised for local schools and outreach this year.

  • Kimberly Sayles “122 Harris Rd.”:  Mrs. Sayles advised she recently went to the Rutherford County Commissioners meeting. Public comments included all who are against the tiny home community that is just outside the town limits. There are concerns with surrounding properties wells and how they may be affected. She wanted to be sure the town is aware.

  • Debbie Warren “Yacht Island”: Ms. Warren asked to meet the new K9 officer. The town has allowed staff to be present for some training drills and will work to put something together for the public to meet the new officer.

 

XI. Adjournment 

 

The meeting was adjourned.

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