Town Council Regular Meeting Summary - Tuesday September 8, 2026

Thank you to those who joined us for the Lake Lure Regular Town Council Meeting on September 8, 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 the meeting for those who could note attend.  Please note that these are not formal minutes which are included in the following month's Town Council meeting packet.  

• For additional information, you may download the meeting packet.

I. Call to Order

Mayor Pritchett called the meeting to order. 

II. Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation

Commissioner Patrick Bryan led the invocation and everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance together.

III. Agenda Adoption

The agenda was approved as posted. 

IV. Mayor's Communications

Mayor Pritchett welcomed everyone in attendance and thanked the community for its continued support of the Town of Lake Lure.

V. Town Manager's Communications

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

• Marina Project: The fueling station component of the marina is complete and available for public use, marking completion of the overall marina project. The marina building remains outstanding. Final design plans were received and are currently under staff review. Following staff review, the plans will be presented to the appropriate advisory boards and Town Council, and the Town will proceed with soliciting construction bids.

• Town Hall Restoration: The contract for the initial Town Hall restoration work has been executed. A pre-construction meeting with CSDB is scheduled, with construction anticipated to begin soon. Staff is also preparing a bid package for the remaining work and continuing to coordinate with FEMA regarding available project funding.

• Morse Park Grading: DEQ has requested additional information for the required permit. Labella Associates is assisting the Town with the requested information, which is anticipated to be submitted by Friday. Following resubmittal, DEQ will have 15 days to review the information and provide any additional comments.

• Debris Booms: We are preparing a bid package for the debris booms as the design of the anchoring system for the river debris boom is finalized.

• Sewer Projects: The replacement of Manholes 32 and 35 through 37 is anticipated to begin in October and be completed in February. A second project involving installation of a sewer line along the dam is scheduled to begin September 14 and is anticipated to be completed by December 15. The dam bridge will be closed from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday during these dates. Weekend traffic will not be impacted. Staff has issued public notice regarding the closure.

• Wastewater Treatment Plant: Staff continue to work with Labella Associates on the design for the replacement wastewater treatment plant. Alternate project costs requested by FEMA, including relocation, replacement at the existing site, and repairs to meet current codes and standards.  These costs have been submitted to FEMA. Staff noted that replacement at the existing site and repairs are not considered feasible based on engineering and cost-effectiveness considerations. FEMA is reviewing the information and is expected to provide additional questions for clarification.

• Lake Drawdown: The upcoming lake drawdown is scheduled to begin January 1 and continue through March, unless projects are completed sooner. Planned work during the drawdown includes sewer system repairs and improvements, boat ramp repairs, mechanical dredging operations, and contractor construction and maintenance activities.

• Road Assessment: Public Services staff is conducting a post-Hurricane Helene road condition assessment to prioritize future street projects. The assessment is in its early stages, with findings being based on the extent of observed damage. Funding priorities will be established based on the assessment.

• Comprehensive Plan: Following the public hearing held last month, the proposed Comprehensive Plan is scheduled to return to the Zoning and Planning Board for consideration and potential recommendation to Town Council. Town Council will review the plan following receipt of the Board's recommendation and consider adoption at a later date.

• Other Projects: The Boys Camp Bridge replacement, Fire Station 2 remodel, and the Public Works building construction continue to progress as anticipated.

• Staffing: The Town is seeking a qualified Finance Director. The position advertisement is being finalized. The Town Manager thanked the Finance and Administrative staff for assisting with maintaining a smooth transition during the recruitment process.

• Law Enforcement Cadet Program: Town Manager Stewman provided an update on the Town's law enforcement cadet program, which was established to assist with officer recruitment. The Town's first cadet, Joe Holden, successfully completed Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) and was sworn in as a Lake Lure police officer. He is currently completing field training with experienced officers. Staff will evaluate the program as it progresses to determine whether to continue the program in the future.

• Upcoming Events: Upcoming events include: 

  • Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge Green Salamander Art Trail Wrap Party and Auction on September 15

  • Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Class - How to Paint Brick Books on September 23

  • The Town's 100th anniversary celebration of the completion of the dam on September 30

  • Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach's Lake Lure Arts and Crafts Festival on October 17-18.

  • Additional event information is available on the Town's website and calendars.

• Centennial Celebration: The September 30 event will serve as the kickoff for the Town's centennial celebration, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the completion of the dam. Additional events are planned for 2027, including a celebration of the Town's charter anniversary. The Town has also designed a "Celebrating a Century" flag available in three sizes for display on buildings, lake structures, boats, and other locations. Flags may be ordered through NC Printing, with additional information available on the Town's website.

Ms. Stewman concluded the report by noting that additional items would be discussed under New Business and that the full Town Manager's report is available for review.

VI.  Council Liaison Reports and Comments

• ABC Board: The ABC Board met and reported a July profit of $840. The Board had a $6,700 gain before audit fees were paid. For Fiscal Year 2025, the ABC Board will remit $51,060 to the Town, in addition to the $1,000 previously paid, for a total of $52,060. Of the funds, $365.18 will be allocated to the Police Department and $511.25 to alcohol education, with the remaining funds going to the Town's General Fund.

• Board of Adjustment: Commissioner Dave DiOrio reported that the Board met during the month and considered several setback waiver requests.

• Lake Structure Appeals Board: The Board met to review the minutes of the previous meeting.

• Lake Advisory Board: Commissioner DiOrio advised Lake Advisory Board met and has completed its review of the proposed commercial model and incorporated lessons learned from commercial lake operations following Hurricane Helene into proposed updates to the lake use regulations. The Board's recommendations will be presented to Town Council and discussed at the upcoming working group meeting. Officer Dills, the Town's new Lake Operations Officer, will present the Lake Advisory Board's update.

• Parks and Recreation Board: Commissioner Jim Proctor advised The Parks and Recreation Board met the previous Thursday. An update was provided regarding the Flowering Bridge, which reported 997 volunteer hours during the previous month, with approximately 40 active volunteers participating. Trail work, including efforts by the Outdoor Coalition, accounted for an additional 92 volunteer hours, bringing total reported volunteer hours to more than 1,000 for the month. The Flowering Bridge is working on a new Rainbow Bridge and a waterfall feature. Staff also reported that a disc golf tournament is being considered for either the upcoming spring or fall.

• Short-term Rental Board: Commissioner Patrick Bryant advised The Short-Term Rental Board did not meet during the month and is scheduled to meet in October. Staff has finalized the short-term rental stickers/decals, which may be displayed in a window or in another location clearly visible from the front entrance of the rental property. Distribution is anticipated to begin in the coming weeks, with the program to be finalized in October. The Board also has a vacancy for the President's seat. The Board will address the vacancy at its October meeting and bring a recommendation to Town Council for appointment to the remaining vacant seat.

• Zoning and Planning Board: Commissioner Scott Doster was not in attendance but provided updates for the boards. Zoning and Planning Board did not meet as scheduled. The Board is scheduled to meet next week, with the proposed Comprehensive Plan as the primary agenda item.

VII. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of August Meeting Minutes

B. Adoption of Capital Project Ordinance 26-09-08 Bulk Chemical Storage Building Project

C. Adoption of Capital Project Ordinance 26-09-08A Charlotte Drive Emergency Waterline Project

D. Adoption of Capital Project Ordinance 26-09-08B for Fire Station 2 Remodel

E. Adoption of Capital Project Ordinance 26-09-08C for Wastewater Treatment Plant Replacement Project

Town Council approved the items listed in the Consent Agenda.

VIII. Unfinished Business

There was no unfinished business. 

IX. New Business

A. Consider Approval of Schnabel Work Order 11C

Schnabel Engineering South, P.C. has submitted Supplemental Work Order No. 11C to continue providing on-call professional engineering services related to the operation, maintenance, safety, and regulatory compliance of Lake Lure Dam.

• The Town has utilized this on-call arrangement since 2023 under Work Order No. 11, with Supplemental Work Orders 11A and 11B approved in 2024 following Hurricane Helene.
• Because the nature and timing of dam-related needs cannot always be anticipated, the work order provides funding for engineering support on an as-needed basis rather than for a specifically defined project.
• Services may include consultation regarding dam and reservoir operations, inspections, dam safety compliance support, updates to the Emergency Action Plan, coordination with NCDEQ Dam Safety, and assistance with funding applications, grant administration, and reimbursement documentation.
• The proposed supplemental work order authorizes an additional not-to-exceed amount of $70,000, with services billed on a time-and-materials basis in accordance with Schnabel's established fee schedule. Only services requested by the Town and performed by Schnabel will be billed.
• Town Manager Stewman advised that the administrative work was initially approved in 2023. She explained that the work remains necessary and that an additional $70,000 is being requested on a time-and-materials basis to continue providing the required administrative services.

Town Council approved the work order.

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

The Town Council is requested to consider appointments to fill two current vacancies on the Parks and Recreation Board.

• The Board has reviewed the available applications and recommended the appointment of Doug Lardner and Gary Buffaloe to fill the vacant positions.
• Each appointee would serve for the remainder of the unexpired term associated with the respective vacancy.

Town Council approved Doug Lardner and Gary Buffaloe as new members for the Parks and Recreation Board.

X. Public Comment

• Hilary Yoxall (177 Ridge View Circle): Ms. Yoxall addressed Council and requested that several questions be recorded in the minutes. The questions concerned whether Council members had been approached by a real estate developer regarding the former ABC store property and, if so, the timing and general terms of any discussions; the Town's concession agreements, including how concession fees are collected and used; and the availability of prior meeting minutes and public records related to the Town's decision to pursue litigation and an eviction involving Paul Brock. Ms. Yoxall also expressed concerns regarding public statements made about individuals involved in the matter and requested greater transparency from Town Council. The speaker noted having previously apologized to Mr. Proctor for generalizations made on social media.

• Kathie Hatfield (125 Falcons Way): Ms Hatfield, a representative of the Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge, announced that the Chamber will host candidate forums in October. The representative advised that two Town Council seats are open, with four candidates, and that the mayor’s position is also open, with one declared candidate and two individuals who have declared write-in candidacies. All candidates have been invited and accepted the invitation to participate. The forums will provide candidates with equal time, opportunity, and prominence.

  • The first forum is scheduled for October 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Bills Creek Community Center.

  • The second forum is scheduled for October 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Fae Nectar.

• Paul Brock (2655 Memorial Hwy) Mr. Brock addressed Council regarding his business and ongoing litigation with the Town. Mr. Brock discussed the challenges the situation has presented for his team and business and expressed appreciation for the community's support. Mr. Brock provided an update on the ongoing litigation, noting that the eviction matter was continued following the September 3 court hearing and that discussions regarding potentially consolidating the matters by consent were underway. He stated that he believes the existing lease requires modification and referenced prior discussions with Town representatives and legal counsel regarding potential changes to the lease and rent concessions. Mr. Brock expressed concerns regarding the legal costs associated with the litigation and characterized the Town's legal actions as aggressive toward his small business. He also expressed concern regarding the amount of attorney fees incurred and stated that he had brought his latest settlement proposal for distribution following the meeting. Mr. Brock advised that he intends to present additional plans regarding his business to Council the following week and requested Council's leadership and assistance in resolving the matter.

No other comments were made.

XI. Closed Session in Accordance with G.S. 143-318.11 (a)(3) for Attorney Client Privilege or Legal Claims

Town Council entered into a Closed Session.

XII. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned following the Closed Session.