Town Council Regular Meeting

Agenda Roll Call: Mayor, Carol C, Pritchett Commissioner Patrick Bryant Commissioner Scott Doster Commissioner Jim Proctor Town Manager, Olivia Stewman Attorney Kimberly Martin, Town Clerk Absent: Commissioner David DiOrio I. Call to Order Mayor Pritchett called the meeting to order at 5:01 pm. II. Agenda Adoption Commissioner Jim Proctor made amotion to adoption the agenda with the removal of New Business Item C. Commissioner Patrick Bryant seconded the motion and all were in favor. III. Mayor's Communication Mayor Carol C. Pritchett welcomed attendees and expressed appreciation for the community's patience and collaborative efforts in restoring the lake. What a wonderful week it's 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 Managers Communication A. Monthly Report/ Storm Recovery  Town Manager Olivia provided updates on storm recovery, lake operations, infrastructure projects, and community initiatives. The SMART Program and sediment cleanup operations have concluded with the removal of 7,359 cubic yards of debris and 72,642.3 tons of sediment from Morris Park. Remaining sediment grading quotes are pending, with seeding to follow contract award. Temporary dock and fueling dock delivery delays have shifted completion timelines for fuel pumps and tour boat slips to early- to mid-June. Lake Lure Tours is pursuing temporary accommodations to support operations by Memorial Day weekend. Marina and Boardwalk construction remains on track for completion by mid-July, with courtesy and hot docks to follow shortly thereafter. A temporary marina building is expected to be installed by June 1 while permanent replacement building plans continue. Phase Two of the Lake Reopening Plan was approved to begin Saturday, May 16, reopening Morris Park and the Washburn Marina ramp and authorizing towing activities. 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. The Boys Camp Bridge replacement project was awarded to NHM Constructors, with scheduling and contract execution underway. The Fire Station 2 remodel project will be rebid after not receiving the required minimum number of proposals. Wastewater Treatment Plant and sewer replacement projects continue through design, permitting, and FEMA funding negotiations. Replacement dam design has reached approximately 30% completion and will soon enter detailed design phases. Council approved extension of !CF FEMA Public Assistance services through Task Order No. 3 for up to $1.43 million, with most costs anticipated to be reimbursed through FEMA. Town leadership noted that previous task orders were completed under budget and credited !CF with assisting the Town in securing more than $2.5 million in reimbursements. Four additional Fire Department personnel achieved Advanced EMT certification, resulting in all department members holding advanced medical certifications. Town staff continue participating in trail maintenance training through McDowell Technical Community College. AT&T service is now active on the new cell tower, with T-Mobile installation forthcoming and a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for May 22. Library operating hours have been extended from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., six days per week, through the fall season. Staff continue preparation of the Fiscal Year budget, with public hearing and adoption anticipated during the June regular meeting. Upcoming community events include: • Lake Reopening Ceremony - May 12 • Lake Lure Tours Celebration - May 23 • Memorial Day Program - May 25 • Music Festival - June 13 • Flag Day Program- June 15 V. Council Liaison Reports and Comments 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 The Zoning and Planning Board met and continued to review ordinances and make adjustments as needed and an update from Foothills was provided regarding the comprehensive plan. Commissioner Dave DiOrio was unavailable, however both the Board of Adjustments and the Lake Advisory 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. 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. VI. Consent Agenda A. Approval of March Minutes Commissioner Jim Proctor made a motion to approve consent agenda as presented. Commissioner Patrick Bryant seconded the motion and all were in favor. VII. Unfinished Business There was no unfinished business. VIII. New Business A. Consider Approval for Firefly Cove Cluster Mooring Facility Mike Williams provided information regarding the cluster mooring facility located at Firefly Cove. This has been reviewed by the Lake advisory Board for navigation purposes and safety. No issues were noted and Community Development staff had no objections to the Cluster Mooring. Commissioner Scott Doster made a motion to approve the Firefly Cove Cluster Mooring Facility. Commissioner Patrick Bryant seconded the motion and all were infavor. B. Consider ICF Task Order No. 3 FEMA Public Assistance Services. The Town Manager presented Task Order 3 for FEMA Public Assistance Services. They have been a great help with FEMA applications and grants and recommend approval to continue services.  Commissioner Jim Proctor made a motion to approve ICF Task Order No. 3 FEMA Public Assistance Services. Commissioner Scott Doster seconded the motion and all were in favor. C. Discuss and Consider Recommendation for Lake Re-Opening "Phase 2" The Town Manager Olivia Stewman advised the smart program has ended and the no wake was removed last Saturday May 16, 2026. Recommending we re-open public ramps and allow towing activities resume. Phase 2 will make the lake back to regular lake use. The fueling pump and marina slips will remain closed until completion. Commissioner Scott Doster made a motion to approve the Lake Re-Opening "Phase 2". Commissioner Patrick Bryant seconded the motion and all were in favor. IX. Public Comment Darrell Wood Detailed 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 criticized for not following victim interview protocol and submitting a misleading report. Police Chief Humphreys' response described as unprofessional and dismissive, causing further frustration. Incident reported to North Carolina Attorney General and Rutherford County District Attorney by Wood Community Concerns about police accountability and the impact of poor handling of such cases on taxpayer trust and public safety. Chris Dolman Provided information for an upcoming event at the school. This helps to benefit the LLCA Upwards Outreach, which helps feed the children at LLCA. We continue to look for volunteers for the event and include free tickets for first responders and volunteers. We are aiming to exceed $90,000 raised for local schools and outreach this year. Kimberly Sayles "122 Harris Rd." 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. Wants to be sure the town is aware. Debbie Warren "Yacht Island" Just curious ifwe can meet the new 1{9 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. No other public comments were made  X. Adjournment Commissioner Patrick Bryant made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Commissioner Jim Proctor seconded the motion and all were in favor. The meeting ended at 6:34 pm. ATTEST: c\:6J.cku�if\ou!L I{imberly Ma n, Town Clerk Carol C. Pritchett, Mayor