Town of Lake Lure, 

North Carolina

The year 2002 will be the 75th anniversary of the incorporation of the Town of Lake Lure; it will also be the 75th anniversary of the Lake Lure Inn and the 100th anniversary of the Chimney Rock Park. To plan a celebration of these dates, the Lake Lure Town Council has appointed a committee, including representatives from the Inn and the Park. Carolyn Cobb and I serve as co-chairs.

The committee is considering a series of events throughout next year, including street dances, concerts, a "Mystery Night" at the Inn, a Time Capsule to be located in the Park, a dance recital, a "Parade of Homes", and a food-tasting evening. We are open to suggestions for other activities from each of you.

The principal celebration of our Diamond Jubilee is our plan to landscape Memorial Point at Morse Park, including the area around the pavilion. Mary Ann Dalton of Earth Connections has presented the committee with a complimentary drawing for this most worthwhile project area, showing the location of various trees, shrubs and flowers. Mary Ann holds degrees in both landscaping and architectural engineering. Ideally, we will begin planting this Fall in anticipation of the Spring and Summer seasons when we hope the Point will display a glorious collection of various flora. The beauty of the Point will be for all to see and enjoy more in-depth with casual strolling, further providing a most relaxing location for our residents and visitors to the Gorge.

Although the Town Council will provide seed money for these activities, each of them must ultimately be financed by donations from property owners, visitors and participants. To this end, we will be canvassing all Lake Lure and Chimney Rock taxpayers, asking for their help by contributing to the Diamond Jubilee Fund. A donation of $200 or more will be recognized by placing a brick, with an appropriate engraving of your choice, along the Remembrance Walk out by the Pavilion; a copy of the brick will be provided to each donor. A letter providing more details of our plans and needs for financial help will be distributed this Fall. We hope that all of you will recognize the importance of these events, and donate accordingly.

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After much conversation, debate and deliberation the town council has approved a change to the Lake Structures Regulations that now better defines and changes ordinances regarding floating platforms. Please note that personal inflatable floats up to 80 square feet or 10 feet in diameter need no permits. These do however need to be used only by swimmers and must be removed from the lake when not in use. Larger floating platforms need permits and must adhere to all the other requirements for lake structures. Large floating platforms will be required to follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations, so check these before buying to make sure they meet the various lake regulations. The complete ordinance is available at the town office.

To be safe and legal, please let the professionals give the fireworks shows this Fourth of July. As you may remember, there was a fire at a boathouse last year due to an illegal fireworks show. If you plan on spending money this year for fireworks, I encourage you to instead give a donation to the Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce for their fireworks show.

For the first time in more than two years both power generators at the Lake Lure Dam are operational. Also, the new interconnect lines and transformer are in place. This will hopefully translate into more income for the town from the generation of power. This clean efficient electric power is environmentally sound and (when operational and there is normal rainfall) helps keep our taxes low.

The new boardwalk and fence are now complete at the Lake Lure Beach. This new fixture is both very attractive and practical. Beach patrons and folks like me that like to walk can now safely stroll on the boardwalk instead of the main highway.

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TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT

I am very pleased to report that the Town Council has adopted a budget for the coming fiscal year that meets the majority of our needs and does so without a tax increase. As always, there were many hard decisions associated with the formulation of this budget. The costs submitted by the staff to address the various needs, wants and desires of the town were in excess of the current array of means to pay for them. The result was a lengthy process of establishing priorities among the many competing good and worthy services and projects in need of funding. Copies of the new budget are available for review at Town Hall, but the following is a synopsis taken from the adopted budget ordinance:

REVENUES

EXPENDITURES

REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES FOR ALL FUNDS

This estimated budget for FY 2001-02 is based upon the following:

1. There is an implicit assumption that there will be no annexations or major growth in population served during the subject fiscal year.

2. There will be no increase in the $0.32 ad valorem tax rate on property. Total estimated valuation on real, personal and utility property for the 2000-2001 tax year is $277,814,200 and motor vehicle valuation is estimated at $11,500,000, according to Rutherford County's Tax Administrator. This should generate about $913,633 in tax revenue, estimating a 97% collection rate. In place of a tax increase, a transfer of $97,166 from the General Fund Balance is needed to balance the budget.

3. This is the second year that the Town Council has adopted a 6 year Capital Improvements Program (CIP). The first year of the CIP constitutes the Capital Budget and the expenditures listed for the coming year have been incorporated in this FY 2001-02 annual budget. While the approved list of projects for FY 01-02 totaled $230,096, that amount has been reduced to $73,696 to help balance the budget. The projects that were deleted were moved to the following year.

Capital expenditures (CIP plus other capital items) have been increased by $29,459 in comparison to last year with a total of $221,696 allocated for General Fund capital expenditures. Of that amount, $68,000 is related to street construction and maintenance activities funded directly by “Powell Bill” receipts. Replacement vehicles for the police department; a pump for the fire boat; minor computer upgrades; and new golf carts (leased) and cart path repairs at the golf course are also included in this fund. We will be seeking grant funding where available to offset the costs of these additional capital improvements, thereby reducing the burden on the local taxpayers. Over $271,125 for water and sewer related projects will be funded under the Water/Sewer Fund. Included are both water and sewer line repairs and a new booster pump for the water system. Several projects were to planned to be funded through grant monies, however have been unsuccessful in obtaining those grants. The most essential of those projects are included in this budget and we continue to seek additional funding.

Capital projects at the hydro-electric plant including new control equipment, renovations to Turbine No. 2, and paving of the access road will amount to $80,000.

4. This budget includes a fair, but modest, 3.0% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for town employees. I am proud of the consistent dedication, loyalty and hard work demonstrated by our small work force; however, we must recognize the need to maintain our competitive standing versus the compensation and benefits offered by surrounding localities and the private sector. Failure to be vigilant and equitable in this regard will make it most difficult to continue to attract and retain the talented and dedicated cadre of employees we now have on staff.

 

The current pay plan was adopted in 1994 and has been adjusted and modified since then only by any COLA increases granted by Town Council. To keep us current and competitive in the labor market, Council has approved a review of the pay and classification plan. An amount equal to 3% of the payroll has been set aside in the Contingency Fund to accommodate changes that may be required by the plan recommendations.

An increase in insurance costs of about 29% has required a commensurate increase in the budget.

 

5. One new employee, a clerk to assist the Zoning Administrator, is contemplated.

 

6. Revenue in the Electric Fund was impacted by the lack of rainfall this past year plus major repairs to the plant and construction in the river for a new sewer lift station. As a consequence, income from the hydro-electric plant was only about 10% of that budgeted. Now that the construction projects and repairs are mostly completed, we are projecting an income of about $200,000 from the plant for this coming year, although that is still dependant on the weather. Accordingly, we are projecting a surplus of $58,644 which will be transferred to the silt removal reserve fund

 

7. One half of the expected revenue from the inventory tax reimbursement (allocated by the State of North Carolina to compensate for revenue lost by action of the General Assembly several years ago) was withheld by the governor in the spring of this year as a means making up some of the state’s budget shortfall. As this is money owed to us by the state, we have included the full $15,000 allocation for FY 2001-2002. In the event that the governor decides to withhold the reimbursement again this coming year, we will have to adjust the budget accordingly.

In summary, the proposed town budget now before you is balanced as required by state law. In comparison to last year, the General Fund is increased by 6.08%, the Water/Sewer Fund is increased by 9.35%, and the Electric Fund is decreased by 34%. The total budget is about 7.09% more than last year.

While this budget does not address every need, want, preference, desire, project or program, it will provide for the continuation of the basic municipal services currently provided and at the level expected by our residents, and continues addressing the goal of attending to some basic infrastructure needs and long-deferred maintenance items, although to a lesser extent than desired.

Town Council Special Meeting

There will be a special meeting of the Lake Lure Town Council held on July 17 at 9:30 a.m. in the Community Hall. This meeting will be a workshop with the Lake Advisory Committee to discuss issues regarding boat density and the use of the lake. The public is invited to attend.

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Rick Tullis, employee of the month, has been with the Town of Lake Lure since October 1998. Rick is a graduate of Clyde A. Erwin High School in Asheville and Asheville-Bumcombe Tech where he received his associate in law enforcement technology. He continued his education in Criminal Justice at Shaw University of Raleigh, North Carolina where he earned his Bachelor of Art degree in Criminal Justice. Listed among Rick's achievements include Advanced Law Enforcement Certifications from the North Carolina Sheriffs Commission and the North Carolina Criminal Justice Commission.

Rick's position with the Lake Lure Police Department is that of sergeant and he always sets a good example for other officers.

Rick and his wife reside in Hendersonville and they are expecting an addition to the Tullis family in the near future. Thank you Rick for all that you do for our town.

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REGULAR MEETING: The regular town council meeting was held on Tuesday, June 12, 2001, at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Lure Municipal Center.

Under the "consent agenda," Council:

* approved the minutes of May 8, 2001 (regular meeting), May 15, 2001 (special meeting), and May 22, 2001 (special meeting);

* approved year end budget adjustments for FEMA reimbursements, department overruns and silt as submitted by the finance director;

* approved request from Cristal Baker to suspend the town alcohol ordinance in order to serve beer, wine, and champagne during a wedding reception inside the community hall of the Lake Lure Municipal Center on May 18, 2002, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.; and

* approved request from Esther Ruth Fain to suspend the town alcohol ordinance in order to serve beer, wine, and champagne during a wedding reception inside the community hall of the Lake Lure Municipal Center on August 4, 2001, from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.

In other activities, Town Council:

* held a public hearing regarding the town budget for fiscal year 2001-2002;

* tabled the adoption of Ordinance No. 01-06-12 regarding the town budget;

* approved request from Lake Lure Tours, Inc. to cover a temporary structure at the Lake Lure main beach house for food service;

* revised concession agreement between the town and Lake Lure Tours, Inc. regarding the tour boat operations;

* held a discussion pertaining to moored floating platforms;

* tabled request from the Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce for financial assistance from the town for fireworks on July 4, 2001 and annual Christmas boat parade;

* approved permit from Lake Lure Golf and Beach Resort for a fabric structure; and

* tabled discussion regarding the Lake Lure Police Department procedures.

RECESSED TOWN MEETING: Town Council held a recessed meeting on Monday, June 18, 2001, at 9:00 a.m. at the Lake Lure Municipal Center.

Town Council:

* held a discussion pertaining to Lake Lure Police Department procedures of law enforcement;

* adopted Ordinance No. 01-05-15 amending Title IX, Chapter 96, of the Code of Ordinances for the Town of Lake Lure pertaining to fabric structures; and

* held a closed session meeting pertaining to personnel matters (G.S. 143-318.11(a)3);

* approved request from Lake Lure Tours, Inc. to place informational signs on town property at the beach and marina;

* adopted Ordinance No. 01-06-18 amending chapter 94 of the Code of Ordinances relating to moored floating platforms;

* reviewed budget items for fiscal year 2001-2002;

* received a request for funding the town's 75th anniversary celebration;

* approved $2,500 be transferred from the current budget to cover cost towards fireworks for the fourth of July and Christmas boat parade celebration; and

* tabled the adoption of Ordinance No. 01-06-18A regarding the town budget;

RECESSED TOWN MEETING: Town Council held a recessed meeting on Friday, June 22, 2001, at 9:00 a.m. at the Lake Lure Municipal Center.

Town Council:

* held a public hearing regarding the town budget for fiscal year 2001-2002;

* adopted Ordinance No. 01-06-22 regarding the town budget for fiscal year 2001-2002; and

* approved permit submitted by Camp Lurecrest for a floating trampoline.

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The Lake Lure Police Department and North Carolina Wildlife will be co-sponsoring a six hour state certified Boater's Safety course on July 10-11, 2001, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., at the Lake Lure Municipal Center. After successful completion of this two-day course, attendees will receive a state certification card and certificate. The class size requirements for this course is a minimum of ten persons and limited to twenty-five persons. Anyone interested in registering for this course may do so at the Town Hall or Police Department.

Now is a great time of the year to inspect the roadside near your residence and/or business for numerical identification. Make sure they can be plainly seen just in case emergency personnel should be summoned to your home and/or place of business.

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The 4th of July is upon us. If you are like most people your plans include cookouts and a fireworks show. We are fortunate in Lake Lure to have a great public display conducted by a professional pyrotechnics company. This show takes place near the public beach in Lake Lure just after dark.

As you probably know, most fireworks are illegal in North Carolina unless they are used by a pyrotechnician who has obtained a permit from the local fire official. Recently, there has been some confusion about what fireworks are legal and illegal. The simplest way to determine the difference is if it leaves the ground and/or explodes it is illegal. Examples of legal fireworks are party poppers, sparklers, or fireworks which emit sparks but do not launch anything into the air except sparks. Several people have gotten by with shooting illegal fireworks on the Fourth over the years simply because we cannot be everywhere at once. Last year, we had a boathouse fire as a result of illegal fireworks. We were fortunate that no one was injured.

The fireworks law will be enforced in Lake Lure and anyone using illegal fireworks could receive a citation. More importantly, the use of illegal fireworks have been proven to be unsafe when not used by trained professionals, often resulting in injuries and deaths. For your own safety, as well as your family and friends, we ask that you attend our free public display and leave the fireworks to the professionals.

It seems like July 4th is the one day of the year which just about every property owner is in Lake Lure, all at one time, and most have guests with them so obviously it is the busiest day of the year. Unfortunately, many of our town streets were not designed to provide adequate parking for all of these people. Last year, we had several fire calls on the night of the 4th and could not access some of the residences due to streets being blocked by cars parked in the road. Luckily, we were able to deal with these incidents without major loss; however, it could have been disastrous. We are glad to see each of you in town over the 4th; we just ask that for your own safety please don't park in the streets or block roads. Our fire apparatus and EMS units are bigger than the average vehicle. Thanks in advance for your assistance and we hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday.

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By Tony Hennessee, Director of Public Works

The Town of Lake Lure wants you to know that our drinking water is some purest anywhere in the state. This report will answer your questions about the source of the treatment of, and substances detected in Lake Lure’s drinking water. The Town of Lake Lure is proud to report that its drinking water met all federal and state standards’ for drinking water.

The Town's water treatment and distribution system serves a population of approximately 820 people with approximately 309 metered customers. The source of Lake Lure’s drinking water is three wells in the Bottomless Pools area. The water quality of the wells is monitored by town personnel continuously and by state and federal agencies. The three wells continue to be an excellent source of drinking water.

Lake Lure’s water is pumped from deep beneath the surface and injected with a solution of sodium Hypochlorite and then stored in three concrete storage tanks sized 20, 60, and 80 thousand gallons.

Treated water is delivered by gravity into distribution mains that range is size from 2" to 12". This distribution system runs from the Chimney Rock Fire Station to Thelma’s Mountain Store and the Snug Harbor area.

WHAT’S NEW?

The new service lines have been completed on the Lakeview Road water service upgrade project. Thank you Mark Pobanz and Chuck Ammacher.

The Town of Lake Lure has contracted with the engineering firm of McGill and Associates to assist us in applying for grant funding from the State to finance future water system improvements.

Chuck Ammacher just completed his Class B State Certification studies at Western Piedmont Community College. This is a step above the State requirements for a system of our size. Congratulations Chuck and thank you for your time and all your effort.

Mark Pobanz and Chuck Ammacher both successfully completed a Class C State Certification in Water Distribution at Western Piedmont Community College last fall, thank you both for your willingness to learn and the time away from your families.

IS IT SAFE TO DRINK?

Yes, Lake Lure’s drinking water is safe to drink. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of contaminants in water provided by public water systems.

The Environmental Protection Agency sets Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLG) and Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL) for drinking water. The Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) is the level of contaminants in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLG’s allow for a margin of safety. The MCL is the highest level of a contaminant allowed in drinking water. MCL’s are set as close to the MCLG’s as feasible using the best available treatment technology. This water quality report will show substances detected in Lake Lure’s finished water during 1999. Results are shown in parts per million (ppm) and parts per billion (ppb).

What’s a ppm? One minute in two years.

What’s a ppb? One minute in 2,000 years.

Drinking water including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Water Drinking Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

SUBSTANCES CHECKED FOR IN 2000

Nitrates - below MCLG

Trihalomethane - below MCLG

Volatile Organic Chemicals - None detected (except for Hexachlorobutadiene which was below MCLG)

BACTERIOLOGICAL - Checked Monthly

CHLORINE RESIDUAL - Checked Daily

Use Water Wisely

1. Use water for irrigation only in the early morning or late evening hours and only

when grass shows signs of withering.

2. Check plumbing for leaks and fix them.

3. Store drinking water in the refrigerator to

avoid trying to run it cool at the tap.

4. Take short showers or reduce the depth of

water used for tub bath.

5. Do not leave faucets running while shaving, brushing your teeth or rinsing dishes.

6. Install water saving devices, such as plastic bottles or commercial units in non-water saving toilet tanks or install a water saving type toilet.

7. Install water flow restriction devices in

showerheads.

8. Wash full loads in clothes washer or

dishwashers.

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Residents and visitors please dispose your garbage in proper containers such as galvanized iron, plastic, or other non-rusting material with handles and tight fitting cover made of the same material as the container. Wild animals have a tendency to scatter trash contained in plastic bags. Thank you for your cooperation.

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New Pharmacy Service - The Medicine box of Rutherfordton. Townspeople and visitors alike are invited to take advantage of a new medicine delivery service to Lake Lure. For same-day delivery, prescriptions may be called in to the Rutherfordton store before 1:00 p.m., Monday - Friday, and picked up between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the new location in Jasmine Hill Shopping Village. Prescriptions may be dropped off during these hours for next-day delivery. Over-the-counter and durable medical equipment are available as well. Most insurance cards are welcome. For orders or further details, please call (828) 287-7117. We are delighted to now be able to serve Lake Lure, Chimney Rock and the surrounding communities.

Free computer classes open to the public at the Union Mills Lifelong Learning Center each week. Classes begin on Monday through Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Beginner Classes will be held each Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. An assistant will be available for surfing the net at 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and personal use of the computer at 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. For more details call 828-287-5876 or 828-287-5163.

Lakeside Chapel Worship Service, sponsored by Chimney Rock Baptist Church, began Sunday, May 6, 2001 and extends through October 14, 2001 from 9:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. The Lakeside chapel is located across from the Lake View Exxon Store, Memorial Highway 64/74-A. Everyone is welcome to come worship.

Lake Lure Newcomers invite those who are new residents in Lake Lure (24 months or less) to join them in various activities which include: potluck, gourmet, out'n about, theater, bridge/poker, book club, and hiking. Anyone interested in becoming a member, call Fred Noble or Jeanine Noble at 828-625-8706.

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The Official Government Site of the Town of Lake Lure.

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