Lake Lure Council Questions Dam Timeline, Reviews Sewer and 100th Anniversary Plans

The Lake Lure Town Council met on Oct. 22 at the temporary Town Hall at The Landings to discuss infrastructure projects, storm recovery, and early plans for the town’s upcoming centennial anniversary. The work session and action meeting drew attention to a long list of ongoing projects — including the dam, sewer repairs, and lake restoration — but one update raised eyebrows: a 17-week wait for critical dam parts.

Mayor Carol Pritchett opened the meeting by thanking residents for attending before turning the floor over to Town Manager Olivia Stewman, who provided updates on the Tainter Gates at the dam. “The Town should receive reports back on the Tainter gates this week, and we should be able to utilize an informal bid process for the project,” she said. But Stewman added that “the seals would take about 17 weeks to arrive after the order is placed.”

That timeline — more than four months for arrival alone — sparked discussion among council members and Public Services Director Dean Lindsey, who said his team is trying to expedite the process.

The council also heard updates on the west end sewer project, which Stewman said “is ongoing.” Sewer service has been restored to “The 828, the Hair Salon, and portions of Buddy Lane,” she reported, adding that about “four weeks remain before anyone else is ready to connect in that area.” 

Other infrastructure projects are also moving forward. “The cell tower project is underway and ongoing,” Stewman said, and a “request for proposals has been posted for the marina replacement.” Staff are currently reviewing bids while design work continues on a new walkway and fueling station. The marina was heavily damaged during Hurricane Helene in September 2024.

Stewman confirmed that the comprehensive planning process continues, with public input sessions scheduled. On lake restoration, she said “sedimentation removal is continuing,” though “the meeting with FEMA was postponed.”

Storm recovery updates followed. Stewman reported that “the Town now has a tentative date for paving Proctor Rd.” and that “a meeting has been scheduled with FEMA leadership on November 13.” She also said “the 30% Design Project for the replacement dam seems to be moving forward per DEQ” and that she “will send the contract once received.”

In a nod to quality of life concerns, Stewman acknowledged that “the public wants better access to public restrooms.” Town staff, she said, “will move current porta-potties to a different location by the beach building.”

The council also discussed a proposed donation from the nonprofit Channing’s Joy, which “would like to donate a communication board” for the playground to help children and those with disabilities communicate. Council agreed to install the board once it’s reviewed and permitted by the Community Development Department.

A brief discussion followed about “personal sewer lines in the lake bed.” Stewman said, “A policy will be updated and presented to council for review.”

Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign official forms for the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). Stewman said it “will allow authorized agents to sign for Hazard Mitigation grants once received.”

Mayor Pritchett then turned the discussion toward the upcoming 100th anniversary of the town, recommending “a community forum be held to get the public’s input” and a steering committee to “keep track of the events that will take place through the year.” Council members shared ideas and agreed to continue the conversation at future meetings.

No public comments were made, and the meeting concluded with a closed session for attorney-client privilege and for "property acquisitions."

The next town council meeting is scheduled for November 4 at 5:00 p.m.