112497November 24, 2997
The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met in special session at 7:00 p.m. in the Learning
Resources Center Auditorium, Randolph Community College, 629 Industrial Park Avenue, Asheboro, NC.
Commissioners Kemp, Frye, Davis, Holmes, and Mason were present.
Citizen Concerns Re2ardin2 House Bill 515
Ben Albright, spokesman for S.OW. S. (Save Our Water Supply) stated he had recently discovered
that a large swine operation is in the process of being built in his neighborhood by William Burgess, and that
the State has declared a two-year moratorium (HB 515) on such construction so that the issue can be
studied. He said that Mr. Burgess told him that he is proceeding under an exception to the moratorium
regarding innovative waste management systems. Mr. Albright said that S.O.W. S. is concerned about odor
and water pollution. Approximately 40 people stood on request, indicating their concern regarding this
item. Mr. Albright then asked the Commissioners to place a 6 -month County moratorium on any intensive
livestock operations in order to have time to study public health implications from such operations. He said
he had spoken with David Owens at the Institute of Government, who stated that the County has the
authority to adopt such a moratorium.
County Attorney Alan Pugh advised the Board not to take any action on this matter at this time in
order to give him time to speak with Mr. Owens and to gather more information.
Chairman Kemp stated that this item would be placed on their December 1 agenda and, if they had
enough information at that time, they would take action then.
Public Hearing - Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments Regarding Shooting Ranges
At 7:00 p.m. the Board adjourned to a duly advertised public hearing on proposed zoning ordinance
amendments regarding shooting ranges.
Hal Johnson, Planning and Zoning Director, reviewed growth and changes in Randolph County. He
explained the proposed amendments and what activities these regulations would govern.
Gregory Redding (no address) said Commissioners should have gotten more information out before
tonight, but that he has no problem with what has been explained.
Scott Sheffield, 2496 Willie Wright Road, Ramseur, said he lives next to the Riverside Gun Club and
that there are problems there that should be addressed: they shoot 7 days a week and there is no peace and
quiet.
Scotty Carper, 2691 Willie Wright Road, Ramseur, said he lives next to the Riverside Gun Club and
they are constantly bombarded with noise. He said gun clubs should be regulated like everything else.
David Johnson, 2094 Pilots View Road, Asheboro, spoke against regulations, stating that there are
already regulations on the discharge of firearms, with civil and criminal liabilities.
Frank Chamberlin, 3240 Hwy 64 E., Asheboro, spoke against regulations, stating that ranges can be
regulated through the zoning process.
Rusty Sherrill, Sophia, stated that the best approach is through an emphasis on firearm safety.
Tommy Macon, Ramseur, cautioned the Board to be careful with regulations so that a father and son
could still shoot in their backyard.
Ed Wall, 4008 Level Pl. Road, Sophia, said that he opposes regulations if they affect individual
property owners.
Rodney Foley, 4417 Pete Lane, Trinity, NRA member, stated that if a common-sense approach is
used, no regulations are needed.
Mark Craven, 4394 Young Rd, Ramseur, Triad Shooters Club, said the regulations are too vague and
should be more specific.
James Horne, 2588 Plott Hound Trail, Sophia, spoke against the regulations, stating that there is too
much government control already.
Monty Mendenhall, 6691 Wildwood Tr., Trinity, said we already have laws to regulate firearms and
these regulations are not needed.
Marty Craven, 2768 Old County Farm Rd, Asheboro, asked if he closed his operation, could he open
it again next year. Mr. Johnson stated that if it is the same operation, it would be permitted.
Adrian Hedrick, Trinity, said that the wording is not clear and that these regulations are leading to
affecting individual rights.
John Roddy, Asheboro, stated that regulations are not needed.
Cyndi Allen, Liberty, said that safety is not enhanced but restricted with these regulations.
Jack Dailey (no address) opposed these regulations and said that they are just a part of a larger
rezoning scheme of 200 pages. He said that shooting is a constitutional right, that the special use permit
standard is not compatible with shooting ranges, and that if these regulations pass, there will be no more
shooting ranges.
Wayne Broome, (no address) said he doesn't trust the enforcement of these regulations.
Steven Meredith (no address) said these regulations would hurt his firearms sales business and that
he fears the regulations would be amended and changed after they were passed.
David Carper, 2647 Willie Wright Rd, Ramseur, stated that he lives next to Riverside Gun Club and
that their right to shoot destroys his right to sleep peacefully in his bedroom, that his individual right to
privacy has been taken away, and that his family has suffered from this noise.
Glen Smith, 5197 Ridge Rd, Seagrove, opposed any regulations.
Nancy Younts, vice president of Tabernacle Lions Club, said the club has operated a turkey shoot for
30 years on Friday nights September through December and that they have never had a complaint.
David Laughlin, 3609 Old Cedar Falls Rd, Asheboro, said safety can't be legislated and that there
are already enough laws on safety.
Terry Younts (no address) said we don't need more regulations; we need more shooting ranges.
V. Hinshaw, 258 Robert Hinshaw Dr, opposed regulations.
Bill Zuker, 359 Inwood Rd, Asheboro, said the only people for the regulations are those who live
next to shooting ranges and that these regulations won't help them.
Dan Miles, 5044 Harvest Road, said safety can't be legislated..
Charlie Browne, Asheboro, said he opposes gun control and that the proposed regulations are not
specific enough, suggesting that a definition section be added.
Chairman Kemp closed the public hearing and adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
Phil Kemp, Chairman
J. Harold Holmes
Robert O. Mason
Darrell L. Frye
Robert B. Davis
Alice D. Dawson, Clerk to the Board