November 2011 LAKE LURE NEWS & VIEWS Page 8

LAKE LURE NEWS & VIEWS TOWN OF LAKE LURE INCORPORATED IN 1927

Mayor: Bob Keith Commissioners: Mary Ann Silvey, Linda Turner, Wayne Hyatt and John Moore Town Manager: Chris Braund

November 2011

Published by Town of Lake Lure, P.O. Box 255, Lake Lure, NC 28746 Newsletter Editor & Coordinator: Linda Ward

Telephone: (828) 625-9983 Fax: (828) 625-8371 Website: www.TownofLakeLure.com Email: [email protected]

involved in moving the Town forward! We could not have a better ally for the challenges that lie MAYOR’S COMMENTS by Bob Keith ahead than our Town Manager, Chris Braund. He November is the time for elections. As I is a clear-thinking, results-oriented individual who mentioned in prior newsletters, we have three helps us set high, but not unreasonable goals. And outstanding candidates for two seats on Town he works tirelessly at practicing what he preaches. Council. They are Diane Barrett, Bob Cameron and Our Mayor, Bob Keith, is another visionary who Ric Thurlby. Please exercise your right to vote on reaches out to all people, believes all things are Tuesday, November 8th at the Library. Early voting possible and is an incredible ambassador for Lake can be done at the Board of Elections in Spindale Lure because his affection for the Town is so through noon on Saturday, November 5th. Let’s obvious. How lucky we are to have these two have a great turnout. people working so hard for us. Vacating their seats on Council are Linda As we all know, the full potential of our Town lies Turner and Wayne Hyatt both of whom have served waiting to be tapped. There is much we can do. the town so well over the last four years. They will Even though our funds are scarce, our human be recognized for their many contributions at the resources are unlimited. I intend to remain December Town Meeting. I’ve asked each to use involved in as many ways as you’ll let me. I look my space in the newsletter to make some parting forward to working with many of you and discover comments as they move on. Ladies first: what we – Town staff, Council, Board members and Linda wrote: engaged private citizens – can accomplish at our It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to serve as a best. Lake Lure Commissioner for the last four years. Thank you all for allowing me to serve our Town. What an amazing experience – I’ve enjoyed it Linda Turner immensely and so it is with a tinge of regret that I Wayne wrote: leave Council. There is so much still to do! As the end of my term as commissioner nears, I However, I am full of hope because of the energy, want to thank my friends and neighbors for the enthusiasm and just plain excitement I see and feel, opportunity to have served our community over the even in these difficult economic times, from those past four years. There have been many changes in Lake Lure during this time and I consider myself November 2011 LAKE LURE NEWS & VIEWS Page 2 fortunate to have been a part of the decision making he Town Council voted to appeal this process that, I feel, has made our town a better decision to the NC Court of Appeals. Regardless of place to live. Some of the changes, specifically our the outcome, further appeals by either party would new school and the vacation rental program, will be possible. affect our community for many years to come and n the meantime, efforts are ongoing to craft will impact the complexion and growth of Lake a revised vacation rental ordinance that would Lure. We’ve made improvements to our satisfy the objectives of all sides sufficiently to infrastructure by substantially reducing the flow reach a settlement that would avoid further appeals rate to the waste treatment facility and, although, and keep a regulatory program in place. more operational enhancements are being initiated, the plant is operating more efficiently. Budgets Golf Course have been balanced and no tax increases have been We've received disappointing news affecting necessary. The town’s administration has been our golf course. The Course Doctors, the company improved and enhanced with the addition of our that has done such a great job restoring and current town manager Chris Braund. operating our course for the last two years, has been These events have been a collaborative effort of my unable to weather the recession and the severe fellow commissioners and the excellent support we decline of the golf industry. They are selling their have received from this community. course in Flat Rock (the Highland Lake Club) to It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve. Henderson County, which will re-purpose it as a Wayne Hyatt public soccer complex. They have also notified us that they will be unable to continue their operation Again, thank you Linda and Wayne for of our course. Despite the improvements, they were giving so much of yourselves to support our bearing annual losses from the Lake Lure course. community. In the upcoming weeks, we will engage our community in dialogue and exploration of options TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT for the course. When we did this two years by Chris Braund ago, Town Council agreed to evaluate the profit potential of the course once it was restored to top This month, I’d like to provide you with a condition and operated by a seasoned team. Having couple of updates on some relatively current news done so, we again are faced with decisions on the affecting the town. town's priorities, the effective use of taxpayer dollars and the optimal use of this historic Vacation Rental Ordinance and strategic piece of property. While 184 residential homes in town have I encourage you to attend public meetings been permitted for vacation rental activities, three and/or send your thoughts on the topic to the Town property owners applied for variances to be Council. exempted from the regulations. The Board of Adjustment denied their requests; these decisions were then appealed to Superior Court in Rutherford TOWN COUNCIL ACTIVITIES County. Last week, Judge Laura Bridges ruled by Town Clerk Andi Calvert in their favor, declaring that the town's vacation rental ordinance should not apply to any property REGULAR MEETING: The regular town council that engaged in rental activity before its adoption. meeting was held on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at Further, that the regulation should not contain a 7:00 p.m., in the meeting room of the Lake Lure number of provisions, including occupancy limits, Municipal Center. requiring adequate septic/sewer systems and Under the “consent agenda,” Town Council requiring compliance with the fire code. Lastly, the approved: judge ordered the town to pay the plaintiff's attorneys' fees November 2011 LAKE LURE NEWS & VIEWS Page 3

*minutes of the September 13, 2011 (regular been using several alias’s while in Lake Lure. Sgt. meeting); Derek Papesh and Officer Cory Hill responded to *a budget amendment regarding a donation from the the call and during their investigation located Mr. Olympiad to the Lake Lure Fire Department; and Haney who gave them a false name and advised the *a budget adjustment regarding the sale of a surplus vehicle was not his. During the investigation, Mr. boat. Haney decided to run while they were further questioning him about the vehicle. After a brief foot Town Council also: chase Mr. Haney was taken into custody. He was * gave council liaison reports and comments; transported to the Rutherford County Detention * awarded bid for demolition and dredging for the Facility where he was fingerprinted and his true Washburn Marina renovation project to Tim identity was revealed. Mr. Haney will be extradited Edwards, contingent upon obtaining final bank back to Ohio to face numerous charges there. financing approval; During the same week officers responded to * awarded bid for renovation construction at the a domestic dispute where they encountered suspect Washburn Marina to Construction Specialties and William Freeman who had assaulted a female while Design Builders (CS&DB), contingent upon on the run traveling through Lake Lure. They obtaining final bank financing approval; received information that Mr. Freeman was wanted * approved a lease between the Town of Lake Lure in other parts of North Carolina and had over 20 and the Lake Lure ABC Board as presented; outstanding warrants against him. Sgt. Papesh and * directed the town manager to get a cost estimate Cpl. Shuford took this subject into custody without for removing a tree that has fallen along the south incident and transported him to the Rutherford side of Mistletoe Park Lane; and County Detention Facility where he is being held * requested that the town manager produce a report for Federal Probation Violation and a long list of on the condition of privately-maintained streets in other charges. the Luremont area of town. We are still asking everyone to be vigilant and alert to activity and suspicious vehicles in your Notice of vacancy – The Zoning & neighborhoods during the day and night. Our county Planning Board, Board of Adjustment/Lake and surrounding counties are getting hit hard with Structure Appeals Board, Parks & Recreation Break and enterings and larcenies all around us. If Board and the ABC Board have members with you see something or someone suspicious, please terms expiring on December 31, 2011. Town call right away so we can get an officer to check it Council will be considering candidates for out while it is underway. appointment to these boards at their regular December meeting which will be held on December Congratulations are in order for one of our 13. If you are interested in serving on any of these own local youth for a job well done. boards, please come by the town hall and fill out an Ashley Nicole Freeberg was chosen from application. You may also visit our website at among many applicants and hired by Roane County www.townoflakelure.com for an application. TN Criminal Justice Department in the Adult Probation and Court Division. She was one of our local kids who participated in the original Youth COMMUNITY POLICING NEWS Center, where she took interest in the Criminal by Chief Eric Hester Justice Program. Ashley started her career path in We are pleased that we were able to get Criminal Justice at Isothermal Community College, another wanted fugitive off the street here in Lake earning her Associates of Arts degree and then Lure that came here in an attempt to hide out. We transferred to Western Carolina University where had received a suspicious vehicle call at one of our she graduated with a Bachelors degree in Criminal businesses which led to the arrest and apprehension Justice and Forensic Science. Ashley is also looking of, James A. Haney, a fugitive wanted in Ohio. Mr. into earning a Masters degree at the University of Haney had been on the run for over 6 years and had Tennessee. Ashley has worked very hard to get November 2011 LAKE LURE NEWS & VIEWS Page 4 where she is by waiting tables at the old Child’s Written Warnings...... 0 Restaurant along with many hours of studying and Citations Issued...... 0 loss of sleep. Assistance to other Vessels...... 3 Ashley, I just want to give you special Patrol Hours...... 2 Congrats for a job well done and for not giving up when the odds were stacked against you. Finally after four years of hard work you have earned your COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT first official Badge. by Paula Jordan

Hard Hitting - There were 25 women The 2007 – 2027 Comprehensive Plan registered for the October Women’s Self-Defense (Comp Plan,) the result of 16 months of Class, which was held in the Town Hall on October community-wide study, was adopted by Town 20th. Detective Phillip Bailey from Rutherford Council in 2007 as the definitive high-level guide County Sheriff’s Department was the instructor. It for Lake Lure’s development and management over was encouraging to see so many women come the next twenty years. The Zoning and Planning together in the interest of self defense, especially Board, charged with advising Town Council in all with the holidays around the corner. areas of town management, is now conducting a Congratulations to these women. series of mini-workshops to assure that new board members have the same familiarity with the Comp POLICE REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER Plan as previous board members who helped oversee its development. Alarm Calls Received...... 16 Each of the five current board members is Accidents...... 07 studying two of the ten key areas of town Arrests...... 9 management addressed in the Comp Plan, and will Bank Alarms...... 0 brief the other members on what they learn. In this Breaking and Entering...... 1 way each board member will become expert in two Business Checks...... 6971 of the ten components of the Plan, and familiar with Citations Issued...... 25 the entire document in a general way, assuring the Community Contacts...... 1827 board’s readiness to advise the Town Council as Extra Patrols...... 128 needed. Larceny Reports...... 0 The first two of these briefings were given Requested Residential Checks...... 291 by Paula Jordan and Bruce Barrett at the planning Road Checks...... 2451 board’s regular meeting on October 18th. Vandalism Reports...... 0 Paula Jordan reviewed Section 10 of the Warnings Issued...... 15 Comp Plan: Natural Environment and Open Space, Cases Cleared...... 1 noting that the beauty, the varied topography and Cases Cleared by Arrest...... 1 wildlife, and the health of the environment have always been important to residents and visitors here, NEW NOISE ORDINANCE CALLS and are the basis of our tourist economy. The key concern for the environment in 2006-07, the years Motorcycle Noise Check...... 2 when the plan was developed, was the rapid, Motorcycle Noise Verbal Warning...... 0 unmanaged development then impacting water Motorcycle Noise Written Warning...... 1 quality, wildlife habitat, and the safety and Motorcycle Noise Citations...... 0 appearance of steep slopes and ridgelines in the Resident/Business Noise Complaints...... 1 town and surrounding area. Chief culprits in the LAKE ACTIVITIES damage were sedimentation and erosion from construction and deforestation; polluted stormwater Patrols...... 2 runoff from construction sites, golf courses, Verbal Warnings...... 0 agriculture, and such impervious surfaces as parking November 2011 LAKE LURE NEWS & VIEWS Page 5 lots and roadways; as well as structure damage and recommended the development of a school here to erosion due to several destructive floods in the attract a younger population and to spur economic previous decade. growth, an expectation now being fulfilled as the Ms. Jordan reported that good progress has been new Lake Lure Classical Academy enters its second made since 2007, developing regulations for safe year. construction on steep slopes and flood plains, In the area of goals, objectives, and policies preservation of open space, and protection of trees, he noted the Comp Plan’s recommendation that the clean water, and scenic views; then commented that town should diversify the economy for long-term there is still work to be done. The protections begun stability, develop a unified strategy for economic need to be completed and sustained as the economy growth, capitalize on opportunities to provide improves and development begins again. This is balance and stability, and encourage new business particularly important given the continuing growth to locate within commercial nodes in the town. of ecotourism – tourism based on active enjoyment Another key goal noted in the Plan is to balance of the natural world – which depends vitally on the residential life and tourism, enhancing tourism health and beauty of the environment. Economic based on recreation and natural heritage assets. opportunity lies not only in serving the expected The presentations ended with a general increase in attendees at Chimney Rock State Park discussion of the issues presented, particularly the (the Park) over the coming years, she said, but also benefits and economic opportunity arising from the in attracting and serving the many thousands of new school and from expanded ecotourism that younger tourists who enjoy hiking, boating, rock strikes a balance between development of new climbing, trail biking, bird watching, and many recreational opportunities and continued other activities in the healthy natural environment environmental protection. Also discussed was the that the Lake Lure area provides. She ended her talk proposed revitalization of the Town Center area, to with comments about the rediscovery of hiking improve the local economy by better serving trails near the Town Center that were first ecotourists, Park visitors, and the shopping and developed in the 1920’s. entertainment needs of the community as a whole. Bruce Barrett reviewed Section 2 of the The next two briefings on components of the Comp Plan: Economic Development, first comp plan are scheduled for the December board commenting that updates were needed on that meeting. As with all regular board meetings, the section given the economic downturn and public is welcome and encouraged to attend. continuing sluggishness since the Comp Plan’s For those wishing to review the comp plan completion. He reviewed the demographic makeup for themselves, the full document is available on the of the town as reported in the Comp Plan, noting an town web site at http://www.townoflakelure.com. average population growth rate of 3% per year over Scroll down until you see Town of Lake Lure the past forty years, that there is a broad range of Comprehensive Plan 2007 – 2027 in the center income here, and that the median age is much column. A summary of the work underway on the higher here than in the county or the state as a Town Center project is also available on the town whole, largely due to our high percentage of web site. See Town Center - Background and retirees. He commented that there has been a change Projects near the top of the center column. in employment patterns over the past five years with real estate and construction being much slower, but CUSTOMER SERVICES that tourism is a strong component of our economy. by Linda Ward In the area of issues and opportunities he noted that the town needs an overall economic Fat Free Sewers development strategy to deal with the changes over Fats, Oils and Greases are not just bad for the past few years, then commented that there are your arteries and your waistline; they are bad for untapped revenue streams available to us, such as sewers also. the new gateway to the Park, and potential offerings Sewer overflows and backups can cause in the arts and other special events. The Comp Plan health hazards, damage home and business interiors, November 2011 LAKE LURE NEWS & VIEWS Page 6 and threaten the environment. A common cause of planning these projects is important and we will not overflows is sewer pipes blocked by grease. Grease hold the lake down past March 1st, so all projects gets into the sewer from household drains as well as must be completed by that date. Rip rap projects from poorly maintained grease traps in restaurants are not as dependent on the lake level but still and other businesses. require a permit from the Town and 401 Grease is washed into the plumbing system, Certification from DWQ. We will accept shoreline usually through the kitchen sink and sticks to the stabilization permit applications throughout the insides of sewer pipes on your property and in the winter as long as they are accompanied by a 401 streets which over time can block the entire pipe. Certification from DWQ. It will be the Home garbage disposals do not keep grease responsibility of the applicant to obtain this after out of the plumbing system. They only shred solid October 1st. Other projects such as lake structure material into smaller pieces and do not prevent repairs that are dependent on the lake being down grease from going down the drain. Commercial need to be addressed during the drawdown time as additives may just pass the grease down the line to well. The Lake Structure Administrator will be other areas. inspecting these projects throughout the winter and Please do your part and help keep grease out will be providing the Lake Advisory Board and of our sewer system. Council with regular status reports. Late starts on projects will not be allowed to start if they can’t be LAKE OPERATIONS completed before the lake comes back up. by Clint Calhoun, Environ. Mgmt. Officer If you have questions or need information about the lake, please contact Dean Givens at Reminder: (828)625-9983 ext 501 or at The town will begin to lower the lake this [email protected]. If you need to report year on December 1, please remember to have your sediment control violations, have a questions about boats secured or removed by this date. All slip lake structures, shoreline stabilization, or have renters at the town marina must have their boats out environmental questions contact Clint Calhoun at of their slips by this date. We expect the lake to be (828)625-9983 ext. 502. back to full pond by March 1, 2012. If you have any questions feel free to call. All seawall projects must be approved and NEWS AROUND LAKE LURE permitted before the lake goes down. This includes authorization from NC Division of Water Quality. H.O.P.E. BAGS (Help other people eat) are If you plan to do seawall work and you are not on now ready to be picked up from Hickory Nut Gorge the Town’s list, then you will need to submit an Outreach Office, 2570 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure. application to DWQ to obtain a 401 certification With your help filling these bags, we will be able to prior to doing any seawall construction unless you provide Holiday Food Baskets for our 178 clients. are doing minor repair work such as patching or For more information call us at 828-625-4683 or by rock/block replacement. If you are pouring new email at [email protected] Thanks for your help footers or making major repair to your seawall, then with this project. Our hours are: Monday–Thursday you must apply for a 401 certification from DWQ if from 10 am to 3 pm and Friday 10 am to 1 pm. you are not on the Town’s application. The ~ invitation to get in on the Town’s application was Please help us with our TOY DRIVE this announced in the August newsletter. No shoreline year. We are collecting new toys to be given out to stabilization permit applications for seawall our local children in need. If you are interested in construction will be accepted by the Town after collecting toys for us, please call us at 828-625- December 1st. These projects require 30 days for 4683 or just drop off NEW TOYS at our Outreach concrete to cure, so this time has to be built into Office anytime Monday-Thursday: 10 am - 3 pm or construction of the wall along with time for bad Friday: 10 am. - 1 pm. These toys will be given out weather. Winter can be unpredictable here so through our Angel Tree Gift Program. Look for November 2011 LAKE LURE NEWS & VIEWS Page 7 more news in our Outreach newsletter. for the rehabilitation, repair and maintenance of the Outreach Surveys are back and are being bridge under the stipulations of a historic bridge compiled. Thank you to all who filled out a survey preservation plan. and we hope you will come to the Long Range It is important to note that the Town is Planning Workshop to help us plan to move our putting this money aside in a long-term, capital organization forward for the next 3-5 years. The reserve fund for future bridge costs. Just $10,000 workshop date will be announced in an upcoming has been allocated this year to help initiate the newsletter. Flowering Bridge. Future town councils will ~ determine how to use the remaining funds. A long- For more news about Hickory Nut Gorge term bridge preservation plan will outline ongoing Outreach visit www.hickorynutgorgeoutreach.org maintenance. Thus, the Friends of the Lake Lure and sign up for online E-news. We do send material Flowering Bridge are soliciting donations to fund out to anyone who has not signed up to receive our the transformation of the bridge into a year-round mailings. Thanks for your help with this. For more flowering bridge with adjacent gardens, “A information, please call 625.4683 or email us at Gateway to Somewhere Beautiful.” [email protected]. This community endeavor will involve sponsors, donors and volunteers. A Request for Proposal was sent to landscape architects and Lake Lure Shag Club announces new consultants for development of the overall plan. venue for their dances. The Shag Club will begin The selection of the initial design and engineering meeting at the Riverside Pavilion Restaurant will be concluded this year with work to begin beginning October 8th from 8 – 11 pm. Come be a shortly thereafter. One of the most important part of the revitalization of the Lake Lure Shag Club aspects of this project is the coming together of our and dance to your favorite tunes played by Sonny Hickory Nut Gorge community to manage and and Theressa Coren. There will be a $3.00 cover implement the design, providing enjoyment for both charge for everyone. residents and visitors for years to come. The Riverside Pavilion is located at 3105 Those donors supporting the Lake Lure Memorial Hwy, is smoke free, has a large dance Flowering Bridge through December 31, 2011, will floor with a big stage area for the band or DJ, has be designated as Founding Members. As of two full service bars, good food and plenty of October 1, there were 70 people who had joined this parking along the Rocky Broad River. Put your group. Those donating $100 or more will be dance shoes on and let’s party!!! recognized with engraved bricks on the walkway extending across the bridge. Ideally, anyone wishing to become a founding member will make Lake Lure Flowering Bridge. Planning their donation by December 21 so that the donations continues for the transformation of the historic 1925 may be processed by year-end. Rocky Broad River Bridge into the Lake Lure For more information about this project, go Flowering Bridge. Ownership of the bridge has to www.lakelurefloweringbridge.com. The form to been turned over by the State of North Carolina to become a founding member is available on the the Town of Lake Lure, and the Friends of the Lake website and can be mailed to: Friends of the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge are organized and moving Lure Flowering Bridge at P.O. Box 125, Lake Lure forward with a projected opening to the public in 28746. You can also follow the progress of the August 2012. Friends of the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge on After a final inspection of the bridge, the Facebook. structure was officially turned over to the Town of Lake Lure. Also transferred to the Town by the State of North Carolina was the estimated Check out the free Mountain Breeze Newspaper, demolition cost of $120,000 to be used as a bridge news of the greater Lake Lure area, at preservation fund. This money is designated solely November 2011 LAKE LURE NEWS & VIEWS Page 8 www.mountainbreezenews.com we are in our 22nd year. Lake Lure Newcomers invite those who are new residents in Lake Lure (24 months or less) If you are interested in becoming a volunteer to join them in various activities which include: firefighter please contact Ron Morgan at potluck, gourmet, out’n about, theater, bridge/poker, [email protected] or (828) 625-9333 book club, and hiking. Anyone interested in for more information. becoming a member should visit the website www.lakelurenewcomers.com or call Mike The deadline for newsletter articles to be received Modzelewski, 828-625-9670. at Town Hall for the December issue is November 19, 2011 For the convenience of the public, the VFW Post 10473 has placed a receptacle for old and Complaints concerning the operation of tour boats worn out American flags in the covered walkway at on Lake Lure may call 828-625-1373. the town hall near the entrance to the police department’s door. If you would like a replacement flag, for a small fee, or are eligible and wish to join the VFW contact VFW Vice Commander Charles This year’s Thanksgiving recipe is given to us by Hicks at 828-625-9278. Lake Lure’s Police Office Assistant Ms. Kat Canant. Thanks Kat for sharing Mom’s recipe! Free online newspaper for Lake Lure, Chimney Rock and Rutherford County. Local history, comprehensive calendar, groups, preserving Mom’s Eggplant Casserole Thanksgiving Dish the Gorge, fun things to do in the Gorge and local Submitted by Kat Canant authors. http://www.hickorynutgorgenews.com 3 Large Eggplants (peeled and cubed) Lake Lure Lakefront Owners Association 1 Large White Onion (largely chopped) (LLLOA). If you are a Lake Lure lakefront owner ½ loaf (7-8 Slices) of stale bread (torn in cubes) and want to receive information about these and 1 bag of shredded cheddar cheese) other concerns, then the LLLOA invites you to ½ t salt become a member. Associate memberships are also ½ t pepper encouraged for those who are interested in the lake ½ t oregano or who keep a boat on the lake. If you are a Lake 1 Beef Cube Bullion Lure lakefront owner and do not belong, we encourage you to join us and stay informed about In very large pot, fill half-way with hot water. lake issues. We welcome associate membership for Drop in Bullion Cube. Bring to boil. Put in Salt all who are interested in our lake. Each year and Pepper. Add cubed Eggplant and chopped members receive a membership booklet, onion. Bring to boil again. Eggplant will float on informative Muse Letters, and a first class mailed top. Turn to Medium and continue cooking until subscription to the Town of Lake Lure monthly Eggplant has sunk to bottom of pot. Stir frequently. newsletter, Lake Lure News & Views. Members Drain Eggplant and Onion. Put back into pot. Add meet at the Town Community Center socially at the cubes of bread and fold well. Add ½ bag of least annually to meet neighbors and discuss issues. cheddar cheese and oregano. Annual dues are currently $25.00. You may pick up an application for membership at the Municipal In a large serving dish, pour in the mixture and Center or via the website at spread evenly in dish. Sprinkle the other ½ bag of www.townoflakelure.com under Lake Management cheese over the top. Bake in a 350 degree oven for or call Brown Thornton, President @ 828-625- 20-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and slightly 8693 for an application or any questions. browed. Salt and Pepper again to taste. November 2011 LAKE LURE NEWS & VIEWS Page 9