Lake Lure Council Thanks Storm Responders, Makes Board Appointments

The town council of Lake Lure met on Feb. 10 and adopted a proclamation thanking public works and emergency personnel who responded to back-to-back winter storms, while handling routine advisory board updates and appointments, according to details confirmed by town officials.

Mayor Carol Pritchett presented the proclamation recognizing employees who maintained road access, public safety operations, and emergency response during hazardous conditions. Council also conducted annual briefings from statutory and advisory boards and filled several vacancies.

Board activity and appointments

The town’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Board reported its most recent audit found inventory off by one bottle and said about $65,000 in profits had been transferred to the municipality. Richard Sayles, Bob Cassano, and Trace Boswell were reappointed to the board.

The Short Term Rental Advisory Board discussed potential future recommendations that could require operators to reapply for private vacation rental permits in 2026 with a proposed $300 fee and begin annual inspections in 2027 at a proposed $250 fee. The board made no formal recommendations during the meeting, and any proposals would return to the council for consideration. Steve Gage was appointed to the board.

The Zoning and Planning Board reported it is reviewing possible code changes intended to ease enforcement and said it approved a rezoning application. The advisory panel cannot enact zoning changes and made no recommendations at the session. Ken Williams was reappointed and Liz Geary was newly appointed.

The Board of Adjustment — also known as the Lake Structures Appeals Board — appointed Andrew Knowles as an alternate member.

No appointments were made to the Parks and Recreation Board. Separately, Michael Gibbs was appointed to the Lake Advisory Board, and Gary Hasenfus and Mark Helms were reappointed.

No policy votes tied to advisory briefings

Council received updates and completed appointments, but took no final policy action on the advisory matters discussed during the session, the town's summary statement said.