c090814 IV Project LibertyClosed Session IV (Project Liberty) September 8, 2014
At 7:40 p.m., already in closed session on another matter, began closed session on a different
matter relating to the location or expansion of business in the area, pursuant to NCGS 143-
318.11(a)(4). Commissioners Holmes, Frye, Kemp, Lanier and Haywood were present. Also
present were County Manager Richard Wells; Will Massie, Assistant County Manager/Finance
Officer; County Attorney Ben Morgan; Aimee Scotton, Associate County Attorney; Amanda
Varner, Clerk to the Board; Dana Crisco, Deputy Clerk; Bonnie Renfro, Randolph County EDC
President and Kevin Franklin, EDC.
Bonnie Renfro, Randolph County EDC President, stated that the Bryan Foundation, through a
private entity, continues to work to secure contracts to acquire land for the Greensboro -Liberty
mega site and additional properties have been purchased. Reports state that $3 million has been
spent to date on the purchased property.
She said that a client visited North Carolina last week via helicopter and then met with state
senior leadership. She said the EDC had been advised that plans would move forward within 18
months once a decision has been made, and they should do anything and everything possible to
be site ready. She had been notified that the City of Greensboro has applied for the Golden Leaf
Fund to cover the water/sewer infrastructure.
Commissioner Haywood asked if the landowners are selling willfully since there are those
who have stated that citizens of the area are being forced to sell. Ms. Renfro said she has not
heard of anyone that has been forced and knows of some who once declined, but now are selling.
Ms. Renfro stated that the state grant can be transferred to the Randolph County Development
Corp., which the Board was in agreement of doing at the regular meeting on September 3, 2013.
The Randolph County Development Corp. would accept the grant and administer on behalf of
the county.
Following discussion, the Commissioners wished to proceed with that transfer pending state
approval.
At 7:52 p.m., on motion of Frye, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to end
closed session and to return to regular session.
J. Harold Holmes, Chairman Darrell L. Frye
Kemp
Stan Haywoo
Arnold Lanier Amanda Varner, Clerk to the Board