c100311 Project LibertyClosed Session (Project Liberty) October 3, 2011
At 8:46 p.m., the Board, convened closed session to discuss matters relating to the location or
expansion of business in the area, pursuant to NCGS 143-318.1l(a)(4). Commissioners Holmes,
Frye, Kemp, Lanier and Haywood were present. Also present were County Manager Richard
Wells; Will Massie, Finance Officer; Ben Morgan, County Attorney; Aimee Scotton, Associate
County Attorney; David Townsend, III, Public Works Director; Cheryl Ivey, Clerk to the Board;
and Bonnie Renfro from Randolph County EDC.
Bonnie Renfro, EDC President, informed the Board that the State, as part of its strategic
planning process, has been working for several years to determine the most viable location(s) in
North Carolina for a "mega site" to accommodate an automobile plant wishing to locate to the
Southeast that would provide a minimum of 1,500 jobs with high wages. After an exhaustive
search, including an elimination process of sites (two sites in Randolph were considered), a site
north of Liberty, along the Guilford -Randolph County line, in the Climax -Julian area, is
currently at the top of the list for consideration. A total of 2,030 acres owned by 63 property
owners, would have to be purchased. The area is served by Duke Energy. The auto plant would
require sewer and a minimum of 1.5 mgd of water; this infrastructure is not currently in the area,
but could be extended to the area by Guilford County. There is ample water capacity, which
could be provided by Siler City, Ramseur, and the County.
Ms. Renfro said that Piedmont Triad Partnership has funded all due diligence to date and has
engaged realtors to approach property owners to determine if they would be willing to sell. She
said that there is a two-year plan that all due diligence be finished and a budget complete prior to
the State presenting the site to the company for its consideration.
Ms. Renfro stressed the importance of confidentiality at this point with this project and
assured the Board that she would keep them apprised of any new information as it develops.
At 9:12 p.m., on motion of Kemp, seconded by Frye, the Board voted unanimously to end
closed session and resume regular session.
J. Harold Holmes, Chairman Darrell L. Frye
Phil Kemp
Arnold Lanier
Stan Haywood
Cheryl A. Ivey, Clerk to the Board