§ 77-89.2.  Creation of Commission authorized.

(a) Three or more of the eligible local governments may by joint resolution create the Lake Norman Marine Commission. Upon its creation, the Commission has the powers, duties, and responsibilities conferred upon it by the joint resolution, subject to the provisions of this Article. The provisions of any joint resolution may be modified, amended, or rescinded by a subsequent joint resolution. The purpose of the Lake Norman Marine Commission is to ensure the coordinated governance applicable to Lake Norman and its shoreline area concerning all matters related to public recreation and water quality and safety.

(b) A participating local government may unilaterally withdraw from participation as required by any joint resolution or the provisions of this Article, once the Commission has been created, and any participating local government may unilaterally withdraw from the Commission by resolution of its board upon the conclusion of the informal settlement discussion provided in subsection (c) of this section, not to exceed 90 days after the participating local government delivers to the Commission its notice of intent to withdraw.

(c) Upon providing the Commission with notice of intent to withdraw, the participating local government and the Commission shall jointly appoint a mediation officer. The mediation officer shall make a reasonable effort to initiate settlement discussions between the participating local government and all other interested parties.

(d) Upon withdrawing from the Commission, a local government is no longer obligated to continue any financial or in-kind support of the Commission. By joint resolution of the participating local governments, presented to and approved by the Commission, an eligible local government may rejoin the Commission as a participating local government.

(e) If upon the effectuation of the withdrawal there are fewer than three counties that remain as participating local governments, the Commission is dissolved until reestablished under the provisions of this Article or any successor act, and all property of the Commission shall be distributed to or divided among the participating local governments and any other public agency or agencies serving the Lake Norman area in a manner deemed equitable by the participating local governments.  (1969, c. 1089, s. 2; 2025-67, s. 5.1(a)-(c).)