The Lake Norman Marine Commission

Web: www.lnmc.org Post Office Box 2454 Phone (704) 564-6333 Cornelius, NC 28031 Email: [email protected]

LNMC MINUTES

April 10, 2017 At the CHARLES MACK CITIZENS CENTER, Mooresville, NC

Lake Norman Marine Commissioners: Morris Sample Chairman Michael Hughes Lincoln County (Absent) John Gerke Catawba County Billy Wilson Iredell County Bill Young Mecklenburg County (Absent)

Staff: Ron Shoultz Executive Director Bob Elliott Assistant Director (Absent) Angela Palmer Administrator

Call to Order A quorum was declared and the meeting was called to order by Chairman Morris Sample. All in attendance rose to salute the flag and repeat together the Pledge of Allegiance.

Minutes After a review of the minutes from the March 13, 2017 meeting, Commissioner Gerke made a motion to approve the minutes as presented, Commissioner Wilson seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.

Reports – LNMC Executive Director Executive Director Ron Shoultz reported the following: Budget requests for 2017-2018 have been submitted to all four counties. Several calls regarding dock permitting have been referred to Duke Energy. The LNMC has entered into a cooperative effort with the Cornelius PD for the production of a unified Lake Norman map to be used by all law enforcement, emergency services, fire departments, and agencies on LKN to bring consistency in responding. This is a result of communication during the co-operative meeting sponsored by Cornelius PD in March. The draft is to be reviewed soon. The Shoreline Management Plan & Guidelines has been updated on the LNMC website. As well as the I- 77 update, Duke Energy statement regarding lake levels and the boater safety class schedule. Shoal markers have been installed at Pinnacle Shores and Norman Estates, explain signage at Pinnacle. The buoy for I-77 causeway (north) is at the printer and will be deployed next week.

REPORTS - ENFORCEMENT Cornelius Police Department Sergeant Matthews submitted a detailed written report, and verbally announced that in March there were 15 calls. 1 noise complaint at the sand bar area, 2 attempt to locate at the I-77 causeway, 2 assist boater for stranded kayakers on an island, 1 medic assist for a hypothermic individual who had slipped and fallen off the boat, 3 dock floats were located, 5 light complaints from bow fishers, 1 minor boat crash at the North Harbor Club dock. 2 vessel stops. Conducted coast guard training.

Iredell County Sheriff Sheriff Deputy Darren Hill was absent – No Report. LNMC Minutes continued 2

Catawba County Deputy Rhoeder reported. 8 hours of water patrol. 244 property checks. 2 warning citations – 1 for weight violation and 1 for equipment violation. 1 navigational hazard removed. Joined Cornelius PD for the coast guard training. 374 total man hours for land and water.

Lincoln County John Isaacs was absent - No report

N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Officer Ron Robertson was absent. Zach Smith reported. May 24th will kick off the annual On the Road, On the Water – Don’t Drink and Drive campaign at 10:00am at Blythe Landing. The sister of Cheyenne Marshall who was killed by a drunk driver on the lake and was the result of Cheyenne’s Law will be a guest speaker as will someone from MADD (Mother’s Against Drunk Driving). The LNMC were extended an invitation. The campaign weekends will be 5/27-29/17; 7/7-9/17; 9/2-4/17.

Reports – Lake Issues

Duke Energy Joe Klutzz reported that the lake level is at 96.2. Still at drought L1. There is maintenance is being done at McGuire which requires the lake not exceed 96.5. Target is 97.1. All lakes above Norman are full. The lake shouldn’t be full. Normal rec level is 2 feet below full pond. Multiple calls for black floats. Please secure so that it is not a hazard and call for removal.

Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 26 Steve Riggan was absent – No report

Lake Norman Sail and Power Squadron Lou Schwartz reported the first safe boating course was held on March 18, 2017 with 22 students in attendance age 15-70. They all passed with a 90% or higher. 7 scored 100%. The next class will be at the LNVFD on 4/15/17 with 33 students enrolled. The Blessing of the Fleet was held on 4/8/17. 5/13/17 will be the 3rd safe boating class in UMC Huntersville. Also 5/13/17 hosting the Dragon Boat Race at Ramsey Creek. On 4/22/17 the first vessel safety check at Holiday Marina. On May 20th there will be another vessel safety check at the Peninsula Yacht Club. On 5/27/17 there will be a lake cruise to I-40 leaving from the north side of Hwy 150.

Mecklenburg County Parks and Rec. Peter Cook was absent - No Report

Island Habitat Program Gene Vaughn was absent. Billy Wilson reported. On 4/6/17 had their annual meeting. There were 60 in attendance. All islands have been adopted. Trash bags were provided by Duke Energy. Celebrating 10 years. Rookery tours have been started by Gene. 6 boat loads of passengers. Morning Star Marina loaned pontoons for the tour. Thanks to a grant radioes have been purchased for safety purposes. This also allowed for Gene to narrate the tour for all participates. Raised +$500. Because of success may begin to offer tours every season. Information can be found at www.lnwc.org

Water Quality/Erosion/Buffers/Illegal Discharge

Mecklenburg County Water Quality Dave Ferguson was absent.

NC Wildlife Federation LNMC Minutes continued 3 Commissioner Billy Wilson reported. The Shrimp & Oyster Festival will be 9/16/17 at Langtree. www.ncwf.org

Comments from the Public:

Committee Reports:

ATON Committee Ron Shoultz reported – see notes above. Looking into all issues reported by Captain Gus.

Hydrilla Committee Billy Wilson reported there is no update.

Education No Report

Charter Boat Committee John Gerke reported that the meeting was held on March 30th. There were 7 applications and all were approved. The committee recommends they be approved by the LNMC. Motion made by Gerke, Wilson 2nd, applications were approved. Stickers had to be reprinted and will be distributed soon.

No Wake Buoy No Report

Rafting Committee No Report

Applications

No-Wake Buoy Requests None

Rafting Applications None

Other Applications None

Variances None

PERMITS None

FERC Applications None

Administrative Matters 2nd quarter financial report was submitted.

Adjournment LNMC Minutes continued 4 The meeting was adjourned at 1929 hrs. by Chairman Sample.