City of Greensboro Meets With Randolph County Officials July 18, 2013
September, 2013 Board of County Commissioners Meeting
Report of September 3, 2013 Board of County Commissioners Meeting
October County Commissioners Meeting October 2, 2013
October Meeting
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November Meetings
December Randolph County Commissionsers Meeting
December Membership Meeting
January Randolph County Commissioners Meeting
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January, 2014 Membership Meeting
February Meetings
March Commissioners Meeting
May Commissioners Meeting
May Members Meeting
No Recorded Documents May 23, 2013
Report From June 3 Randolph Board of Commissioners Meeting
June Meeting
Chatham-Randolph Megasite Is Now Certified June 18, 2014
Chester County, S. C. Megasite Chosen For Tire Plant June 23, 2014
July Meeting
Volkswagen Chooses Chattanooga July 14, 2014
December Randolph Commissioners Meeting November 27, 2014
January, 2015 Randolph Commissioners Meeting
February 2, 2015 Public Hearing on Land Purchases
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County Records "Memorandum of Contract" July 24, 2015
Water and Sewer Lines Going Nowhere July 24, 2015
Mitsubishi Closes Car Plant in Normal, Illinois After Huge Incentives Payments July 24, 2015
http://www.pantagraph.com/business/local/mitsubishi-to-end-production-seek-buyer-for-normal-plant/article_8a31ba7b-9cac-5457-b750-5bb5595565e3.html
Commissioners Announce Re-Zoning Action December 8, 2015
At the December Commissioners meeting last night, the Randolph County Commissioners voted to "begin" the process of petitioning to rezone the megasite area from "Residential-Agricultural" to "Heavy Industrial". Noted within the request was the necessity of changing the County's own growth classification for our area from "Secondary Growth" to "Primary Growth". This is required because the County's own ordinance does not allow for "Heavy Industrial" zoning in a "Secondary Growth" area. In other words, it seems that the County's own classification of growth areas is meaningful only for as long as the County wants it to remain in place. It apparently means nothing for the average citizen who has planned his life and his home with an eye toward the careful planning Randolph County has put into place.
The HI District "is designed to accommodate those industries whose normal operations include dust, noise, odor, or other emissions which may be deemed objectionable”--that's from the County's zoning ordinance.
Here are some of the activities permitted under Heavy Industrial zoning:
--brick and cement manufacturing
--chemical manufacturing
--concrete and asphalt products plants
--foundries
--junk yards
--manufacturing
--poultry processing
--quarrying
--sawmills
--trash dumps
--storage of flammable liquids above ground
--truck terminals.
North Carolina law (NCGS §153A-342(b)) requires that a “conditional use”, such as County Manager Johnson proposed last night for the megasite area, first “address the conformance of the development and use of the site to . . an officially adopted comprehensive or other plan . . .”
A project that according to the estimates of its own proponents will ultimately cost the taxpayers of this state hundreds of millions of dollars is NOT “secondary growth”. There has been NO PUBLIC DEBATE in changing much of Northeastern Randolph County to a “Primary Growth” area.
And, we had all thought that this was to be the subject of the newly organized “Randolph County Strategic Planning Task Force”, which has had time only for two initial meetings, and is not scheduled to conclude its work until April, 2016.
We know a County does not have to follow its own plans. However, the County IS required by North Carolina law to set forth its reasons for not following its planning. In other words, it must show that its actions are sound and sensible. I think anyone would agree that any definition of “sound and sensible” would include a conclusion that the considered action was likely to produce something beneficial to the public interest. Given the fact that there are many, many available “megasites” scattered across the United States, it’s hard to see the evidence right now for any LIKELIHOOD of success here.
A “clearly articulated basis in fact” for moving forward is particularly important with the megasite proposal. So far as I can tell, Randolph County has put itself in a peculiar position-- no proposal of this type and magnitude has ever been pushed in North Carolina. There has been no instance where the County wears at the same time the hats of property owner, petitioner, advocate, and adjudicator, in the cause of an endeavor far beyond the scope of traditional government activities.
Why not wait until your prospect of landing a business seems more certain, and save what will surely be the dramatic and surprising cost and fees of moving forward with a rezoning right now?
Whatever the answer to that question, the proposed but unofficial schedule for the "rezoning petition" is to present it to the Planning Board on January 12, 2016,and then to have the Planning Board's approval of our area's rezoning presented to the County Commission for a "public hearing" during the first week of February, 2016. Official notices of dates and times will of course have to be published.
The HI District "is designed to accommodate those industries whose normal operations include dust, noise, odor, or other emissions which may be deemed objectionable”--that's from the County's zoning ordinance.
Here are some of the activities permitted under Heavy Industrial zoning:
--brick and cement manufacturing
--chemical manufacturing
--concrete and asphalt products plants
--foundries
--junk yards
--manufacturing
--poultry processing
--quarrying
--sawmills
--trash dumps
--storage of flammable liquids above ground
--truck terminals.
North Carolina law (NCGS §153A-342(b)) requires that a “conditional use”, such as County Manager Johnson proposed last night for the megasite area, first “address the conformance of the development and use of the site to . . an officially adopted comprehensive or other plan . . .”
A project that according to the estimates of its own proponents will ultimately cost the taxpayers of this state hundreds of millions of dollars is NOT “secondary growth”. There has been NO PUBLIC DEBATE in changing much of Northeastern Randolph County to a “Primary Growth” area.
And, we had all thought that this was to be the subject of the newly organized “Randolph County Strategic Planning Task Force”, which has had time only for two initial meetings, and is not scheduled to conclude its work until April, 2016.
We know a County does not have to follow its own plans. However, the County IS required by North Carolina law to set forth its reasons for not following its planning. In other words, it must show that its actions are sound and sensible. I think anyone would agree that any definition of “sound and sensible” would include a conclusion that the considered action was likely to produce something beneficial to the public interest. Given the fact that there are many, many available “megasites” scattered across the United States, it’s hard to see the evidence right now for any LIKELIHOOD of success here.
A “clearly articulated basis in fact” for moving forward is particularly important with the megasite proposal. So far as I can tell, Randolph County has put itself in a peculiar position-- no proposal of this type and magnitude has ever been pushed in North Carolina. There has been no instance where the County wears at the same time the hats of property owner, petitioner, advocate, and adjudicator, in the cause of an endeavor far beyond the scope of traditional government activities.
Why not wait until your prospect of landing a business seems more certain, and save what will surely be the dramatic and surprising cost and fees of moving forward with a rezoning right now?
Whatever the answer to that question, the proposed but unofficial schedule for the "rezoning petition" is to present it to the Planning Board on January 12, 2016,and then to have the Planning Board's approval of our area's rezoning presented to the County Commission for a "public hearing" during the first week of February, 2016. Official notices of dates and times will of course have to be published.
Randolph Advertising for Megasite Manager. December, 2015
Wow can events move fast. As we have recently discussed, North Carolina law requires a public hearing before an area is rezoned. Not so much as a formal notice of rezoning has yet gone out, but the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation is ALREADY advertising for a project manager for the "Greensboro-Randolph Megasite". We say again, the current zoning does not allow for this type project. Does the RCEDC know something about the decisions being made by the Commission about rezoning before the "public hearing" is so much as advertised? After reading this ad, it doesn't appear that there is either much left to be heard, nor anyone listening for any evidence that more public dollars thrown into this mega-project are an unconscionable waste of taxpayer dollars.
We are going to quote the entire ad here to give everyone the full flavor of the bias current County leadership holds favoring the rezoning of our area. Here's a copy of the advertisement:
THE RANDOLPH COUNTY EDC (RCEDC) REQUESTS LETTERS OF
THE RANDOLPH COUNTY EDC (RC EDC ) REQUESTS LETTERS OF INTEREST AND QUALIFIC ATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVIC ES
TO MANAGE AND DEVELOP AN EC ONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BASED PLANS AND DOC UMENTS FOR TRANSPORTATION
INFRASTRUCTURE The Greensboro - Randolph Mega Site Foundation, a 501c3 organization, in concert with the RC EDC , is seeking
Letters of Interest (LOI) for an economic development based transportation planning and site development project in northeastern
Randolph C ounty. The project may include project and program management, environmental documentation, transportation
improvements, public and private coordination, site development, surveying, bidding and construction processes required to support
the location of a major employer that would create thousands of new jobs and generate significant truck and passenger vehicle
traffic. Scope: The final project may include program and project management, the development of public outreach and interaction,
construction ready documents, bid services, support during the construction process and post construction activities. This project
effort will be broken into three potential phases described herein. The proposal will focus on pre-construction, advertising & selection
assistance, construction and post construction activities that will include the following: 1. Overall program and project management.
2. Environmental assessment & evaluation sufficient to secure state and/or federal permits for the project to include evidence of
least environmental impact findings. 3. Planning and design of transportation infrastructure including an interchange on US 421 to
provide access to the industrial site. 4. Determination of potential property impact and traffic studies required to complete the
project. Phase I of this project will include the following: Project Development (traffic forecast, alternatives & preliminary design
30%). Preparation of any necessary environmental documentation. RC EDC Board and Staff C oordination C oordination with NC DOT,
NC DOC , Local Governments, etc. Public Outreach and engagement Phase II of the project will include: Full final design construction
plans, contract documents and estimates RC EDC Board and Staff C oordination C oordination with NC DOT, NC DOC , Local
Governments, etc. Public Outreach and engagement Phase III of the project will include: Advertising and Bid Assistance
C onstruction Administration, Engineering, Inspection and Assistance Any project close-out activities C oordination with NC DOT,
NC DOC , Local Governments, etc. RC EDC Board and Staff C oordination Public Outreach and engagement support Existing site
environmental studies, maps, & planning documents will be provided upon request. SMALL PROFESSIONAL SERVIC E FIRM (SPSF)
PARTIC IPATION Firms are encouraged to use Small Professional Services Firms (SPSF), Minority and Woman Owned (MWBE) or
Disadvantaged Businesses (DBE). Small businesses determined to be eligible for participation in the SPSF, MWBE and DBE programs
are those meeting size standards defined by Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations, 13 C FR Part 121 in Sector 54 under
the North American Industrial C lassification System (NAIC S). The SPSF program is a race, ethnicity, and gender neutral program
designed to increase the availability of contracting opportunities for small businesses on federal, state or locally funded contracts.
SPSF participation is not contingent upon the funding source. The Firm, at the time the Letter of Interest is submitted, shall submit a
listing of all known SPSF firms that will participate in the performance of the identified work. The participation shall be submitted on
the Department's Subconsultant Form RS-2. RS-2 forms may be accessed on the Department's website at NC DOT Electronic Forms.
The SPSF must be qualified with the Department to perform the work for which they are listed. Real-time information about firms
doing business with the Department and firms that are SPSF certified through the C ontractual Services Unit is available in the
Directory of Transportation Firms. The Directory can be accessed on the Department's website at Directory of Firms -- C omplete
listing of certified and prequalified firms. The listing of an individual firm in the Department's directory shall not be construed as an
endorsement of the firm. Prequalification Although no specific work code prequalification is required for this solicitation, the extent to
which a Firm (and its subconsultants) is prequalified in the anticipated disciplines involved in this contract is a part of the evaluation
criteria. Prequalification requirements will depend upon the project scope as determined by the RC EDC . Services Required: It is a
requirement that professional firm/team be able to provide all of the services outlined below. The services required will vary
depending upon the actual scope of services requested for the project. Services required may include all or a part the following:
C oordination of Economic Development Projects in the state of North C arolina. Management of the delivery of transportation
infrastructure for economic development projects in North C arolina. Engineering design of roadways, bridges, roundabouts,
retaining walls, multi-use trails/greenways, potable water systems, sanitary sewer systems, and storm water systems to meet
C ounty/NC DOT standards. Surveying and property mapping to meet C ounty standards. Plan sheets showing the existing features
and all proposed construction features. Notes, summaries, and details to supplement design drawings. Typical sections and cross
sections. Determination of the presence of jurisdictional streams and wetlands. Identification of off-site drainage impacting the
project, location of areas of cross drainage and other drainage features, identification of sediment sensitive areas, and review of
potential outfall channels. Design of storm drainage systems, including ditches, culverts, closed systems, and outfalls, in accordance
with the C ounty's current requirements, the NC DOT's "Guidelines for Drainage Studies and Hydraulic Design," latest revision, and
other publications referenced in the C ounty's stormwater requirements. Adherence to all applicable watershed rules and all other
applicable local, state, and federal guidelines. Plans for erosion and sediment control measures to be approved by NC DENR-DLQ or
NC DOT Delegated Authority as applicable. Plans detailing existing and proposed rights-of-way, utility easements, drainage
easements, slope easements, and temporary construction easements. Property drawings and legal descriptions meeting C ounty
standards. Landscape plan sheets and landscaping detail plan sheets. Potential site facilities including any detail plan sheets. Traffic
control plans showing how traffic flow will be maintained during construction. Pavement marking and signing plans showing proposed
pavement markings and signage. Geotechnical explorations and pavement design recommendations. Existing utilities investigation
and coordination. Limited environmental assessment. Permitting of projects through NC DOT, NC DENR-DLQ, NC DENR-DWQ, and
USAC E as necessary. C onduct public outreach and engagement meetings at key points during the project process. Engineer's
estimate for any work proposed. C omplete plans and specifications. A projected project schedule for any final construction
activities. Bid assistance and award services. Professional Registration, Insurance Requirement, and Accounting System
Requirement: Any firm wishing to be considered must be properly registered with the Office of the Secretary of State and with the
North C arolina Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. The Engineers performing the work and in
responsible charge of the work must be registered Professional Engineers in the State of North C arolina and must have a good
ethical and professional standing. The firm must have the financial ability to undertake the work and assume the liability. The
selected firm(s) will be required to furnish proof of Professional Liability insurance coverage in the minimum amount of $1,000,000
per accident and $2,000,000 in the aggregate. The firm(s) must have an adequate accounting system to identify costs chargeable to
the project. Selection Process and C ontract: All qualified firms who submit responsive LOI's and qualifications will be considered. A
qualification based selection process, administered by our selection committee, will be used to determine the firm to whom an
Agreement will be awarded. Qualifications considered will include those listed below. 1. Proven experience and expertise in the
service areas described under "Services Required" above. See following section for relative importance of each area of service. (25
pts.) 2. Demonstrated experience in performing similar work for other municipalities, the NC DOT (or other state DOT's, Federal
Government and/or private sector clients. (25 pts.) 3. Specific professional qualifications of the Firm's team members. (15 pts.) 4.
Firms that demonstrate exceptional strengths in certain areas of the "Services Required" specifically for projects involving industry
recruitment and economic development. (15 pts.) 5. Demonstrated ability to adequately staff the project to meet varying time
schedules and demands. (10 pts.) 6. Firms that can demonstrate public involvement and engagement for extremely controversial
projects in the state of North C arolina. (10 pts.) After reviewing qualifications, if firms are equal on the evaluation review, then
those qualified firms with higher levels of proposed SPSF, MWBE and/or DBE participation will be given priority consideration. The
relative importance of key areas of the services required is broken down as follows: Program and project management 20%
Roadway, sidewalks and multi-use trail/greenway design and specifications 15% C oordination and management of economic
development efforts 15% Environmental assessment and permitting 10% Surveying and property mapping 10% Hydraulic and
structural design and specifications for bridges 10% Landscaping and erosion control design and specifications 5% Storm drainage
system design and specifications 5% Public outreach and engagement meetings 5% Potable water and sanitary system design and
specifications 5% The Professional Services Agreement will have a duration of three (3) years with the potential for two (2) one
year extensions. Format and Procedure for Submission of Letters of Interest and Qualification: Letters of interest questions should
be directed to: Ms. Bonnie Renfro at brenfro@rcedc.com or (336) 626-2233 Letters of interest and qualifications (five bound copies,
one unbound copy, plus one flash drive copy) must include the name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address of the prime
consultant's contact person for this RFLOI and shall be delivered to: Bonnie Renfro, President Randolph County EDC Post Office Box
2001 Asheboro, NC 27204 Letters of interest and qualification should include the following: Transmittal Letter: C onsulting firm's
official name, address, telephone number, e-mail address and desired primary contact for purposes of the professional services
agreement. Expression of firm's interest in the professional services agreement. Brief history of firm's practice. Statement of
specific areas for which firm has received pre-qualification by NC DOT. Date of most recent pre-qualification by NC DOT. Statement
regarding firm's possible conflict of interest regarding the work. Chapter 1: Identify firm's qualifications and experience as related to
this work. Please address requirements outlined above. Organization chart with a brief summary addressing the experience and
qualifications of the firm's key personnel who may be working on the project. Identify unique qualifications of key team members.
Statement regarding availability of personnel for this work. Chapter 2: Experience with other clients providing similar services. Give examples of similar work performed. References for similar work performed. CONSULTANT CERTIFICATION Form RS-2 Completed
Form RS-2 forms SHALL be submitted with the firm's letter of interest. This section is limited to the number of pages required to
provide the requested information. Submit Form RS-2 forms for the following: Prime C onsultant firm - Prime C onsultant Form RS-2
Rev 1/14/08; and ANY/ALL Subconsultant firms (If Subconsultants are allowed under this RFLOI) to be, or anticipated to be, utilized
by your firm. Subconsultant Form RS-2 Rev 1/15/08. In the event the firm has no subconsultant, it is required that this be indicated
on the Subconsultant Form RS-2 by entering the word "None" or the number "ZERO" and signing the form. C omplete and sign each
Form RS-2 (instructions are listed on the form). The required forms are available on the Department's website at:
https://apps.dot.state.nc.us/quickfind/forms/Default.asp Other pertinent information. Letters of interest and qualification shall be
limited to 25 pages or less, inclusive of cover page. This does not include any RS-2 forms. Please use 8 1/2 " x 11" sheets, single
spaced, one sided. Letters of interest and qualification must be received by Bonnie Renfro by 3 p.m. on January 29, 2016. The
contract amount has not been determined at this time. There is no guarantee that the selected firm will be assigned work over the
contract period. 1t - 12/16/2015
As we said, after a reading of this ad, it would appear that Randolph County is doing little more than mocking North Carolina's requirements for public hearings and public input before zoning changes. This behavior seems particularly outrageous when County Manager Johnson has stated publicly that this rezoning effort may be the most complicated that the County has ever undertaken.
Heavy Industrial Rezoning Petition Filed---January 6, 2016
Wow can events move fast. As we have recently discussed, North Carolina law requires a public hearing before an area is rezoned. Not so much as a formal notice of rezoning has yet gone out, but the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation is ALREADY advertising for a project manager for the "Greensboro-Randolph Megasite". We say again, the current zoning does not allow for this type project. Does the RCEDC know something about the decisions being made by the Commission about rezoning before the "public hearing" is so much as advertised? After reading this ad, it doesn't appear that there is either much left to be heard, nor anyone listening for any evidence that more public dollars thrown into this mega-project are an unconscionable waste of taxpayer dollars.
We are going to quote the entire ad here to give everyone the full flavor of the bias current County leadership holds favoring the rezoning of our area. Here's a copy of the advertisement:
THE RANDOLPH COUNTY EDC (RCEDC) REQUESTS LETTERS OF
THE RANDOLPH COUNTY EDC (RC EDC ) REQUESTS LETTERS OF INTEREST AND QUALIFIC ATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVIC ES
TO MANAGE AND DEVELOP AN EC ONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BASED PLANS AND DOC UMENTS FOR TRANSPORTATION
INFRASTRUCTURE The Greensboro - Randolph Mega Site Foundation, a 501c3 organization, in concert with the RC EDC , is seeking
Letters of Interest (LOI) for an economic development based transportation planning and site development project in northeastern
Randolph C ounty. The project may include project and program management, environmental documentation, transportation
improvements, public and private coordination, site development, surveying, bidding and construction processes required to support
the location of a major employer that would create thousands of new jobs and generate significant truck and passenger vehicle
traffic. Scope: The final project may include program and project management, the development of public outreach and interaction,
construction ready documents, bid services, support during the construction process and post construction activities. This project
effort will be broken into three potential phases described herein. The proposal will focus on pre-construction, advertising & selection
assistance, construction and post construction activities that will include the following: 1. Overall program and project management.
2. Environmental assessment & evaluation sufficient to secure state and/or federal permits for the project to include evidence of
least environmental impact findings. 3. Planning and design of transportation infrastructure including an interchange on US 421 to
provide access to the industrial site. 4. Determination of potential property impact and traffic studies required to complete the
project. Phase I of this project will include the following: Project Development (traffic forecast, alternatives & preliminary design
30%). Preparation of any necessary environmental documentation. RC EDC Board and Staff C oordination C oordination with NC DOT,
NC DOC , Local Governments, etc. Public Outreach and engagement Phase II of the project will include: Full final design construction
plans, contract documents and estimates RC EDC Board and Staff C oordination C oordination with NC DOT, NC DOC , Local
Governments, etc. Public Outreach and engagement Phase III of the project will include: Advertising and Bid Assistance
C onstruction Administration, Engineering, Inspection and Assistance Any project close-out activities C oordination with NC DOT,
NC DOC , Local Governments, etc. RC EDC Board and Staff C oordination Public Outreach and engagement support Existing site
environmental studies, maps, & planning documents will be provided upon request. SMALL PROFESSIONAL SERVIC E FIRM (SPSF)
PARTIC IPATION Firms are encouraged to use Small Professional Services Firms (SPSF), Minority and Woman Owned (MWBE) or
Disadvantaged Businesses (DBE). Small businesses determined to be eligible for participation in the SPSF, MWBE and DBE programs
are those meeting size standards defined by Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations, 13 C FR Part 121 in Sector 54 under
the North American Industrial C lassification System (NAIC S). The SPSF program is a race, ethnicity, and gender neutral program
designed to increase the availability of contracting opportunities for small businesses on federal, state or locally funded contracts.
SPSF participation is not contingent upon the funding source. The Firm, at the time the Letter of Interest is submitted, shall submit a
listing of all known SPSF firms that will participate in the performance of the identified work. The participation shall be submitted on
the Department's Subconsultant Form RS-2. RS-2 forms may be accessed on the Department's website at NC DOT Electronic Forms.
The SPSF must be qualified with the Department to perform the work for which they are listed. Real-time information about firms
doing business with the Department and firms that are SPSF certified through the C ontractual Services Unit is available in the
Directory of Transportation Firms. The Directory can be accessed on the Department's website at Directory of Firms -- C omplete
listing of certified and prequalified firms. The listing of an individual firm in the Department's directory shall not be construed as an
endorsement of the firm. Prequalification Although no specific work code prequalification is required for this solicitation, the extent to
which a Firm (and its subconsultants) is prequalified in the anticipated disciplines involved in this contract is a part of the evaluation
criteria. Prequalification requirements will depend upon the project scope as determined by the RC EDC . Services Required: It is a
requirement that professional firm/team be able to provide all of the services outlined below. The services required will vary
depending upon the actual scope of services requested for the project. Services required may include all or a part the following:
C oordination of Economic Development Projects in the state of North C arolina. Management of the delivery of transportation
infrastructure for economic development projects in North C arolina. Engineering design of roadways, bridges, roundabouts,
retaining walls, multi-use trails/greenways, potable water systems, sanitary sewer systems, and storm water systems to meet
C ounty/NC DOT standards. Surveying and property mapping to meet C ounty standards. Plan sheets showing the existing features
and all proposed construction features. Notes, summaries, and details to supplement design drawings. Typical sections and cross
sections. Determination of the presence of jurisdictional streams and wetlands. Identification of off-site drainage impacting the
project, location of areas of cross drainage and other drainage features, identification of sediment sensitive areas, and review of
potential outfall channels. Design of storm drainage systems, including ditches, culverts, closed systems, and outfalls, in accordance
with the C ounty's current requirements, the NC DOT's "Guidelines for Drainage Studies and Hydraulic Design," latest revision, and
other publications referenced in the C ounty's stormwater requirements. Adherence to all applicable watershed rules and all other
applicable local, state, and federal guidelines. Plans for erosion and sediment control measures to be approved by NC DENR-DLQ or
NC DOT Delegated Authority as applicable. Plans detailing existing and proposed rights-of-way, utility easements, drainage
easements, slope easements, and temporary construction easements. Property drawings and legal descriptions meeting C ounty
standards. Landscape plan sheets and landscaping detail plan sheets. Potential site facilities including any detail plan sheets. Traffic
control plans showing how traffic flow will be maintained during construction. Pavement marking and signing plans showing proposed
pavement markings and signage. Geotechnical explorations and pavement design recommendations. Existing utilities investigation
and coordination. Limited environmental assessment. Permitting of projects through NC DOT, NC DENR-DLQ, NC DENR-DWQ, and
USAC E as necessary. C onduct public outreach and engagement meetings at key points during the project process. Engineer's
estimate for any work proposed. C omplete plans and specifications. A projected project schedule for any final construction
activities. Bid assistance and award services. Professional Registration, Insurance Requirement, and Accounting System
Requirement: Any firm wishing to be considered must be properly registered with the Office of the Secretary of State and with the
North C arolina Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. The Engineers performing the work and in
responsible charge of the work must be registered Professional Engineers in the State of North C arolina and must have a good
ethical and professional standing. The firm must have the financial ability to undertake the work and assume the liability. The
selected firm(s) will be required to furnish proof of Professional Liability insurance coverage in the minimum amount of $1,000,000
per accident and $2,000,000 in the aggregate. The firm(s) must have an adequate accounting system to identify costs chargeable to
the project. Selection Process and C ontract: All qualified firms who submit responsive LOI's and qualifications will be considered. A
qualification based selection process, administered by our selection committee, will be used to determine the firm to whom an
Agreement will be awarded. Qualifications considered will include those listed below. 1. Proven experience and expertise in the
service areas described under "Services Required" above. See following section for relative importance of each area of service. (25
pts.) 2. Demonstrated experience in performing similar work for other municipalities, the NC DOT (or other state DOT's, Federal
Government and/or private sector clients. (25 pts.) 3. Specific professional qualifications of the Firm's team members. (15 pts.) 4.
Firms that demonstrate exceptional strengths in certain areas of the "Services Required" specifically for projects involving industry
recruitment and economic development. (15 pts.) 5. Demonstrated ability to adequately staff the project to meet varying time
schedules and demands. (10 pts.) 6. Firms that can demonstrate public involvement and engagement for extremely controversial
projects in the state of North C arolina. (10 pts.) After reviewing qualifications, if firms are equal on the evaluation review, then
those qualified firms with higher levels of proposed SPSF, MWBE and/or DBE participation will be given priority consideration. The
relative importance of key areas of the services required is broken down as follows: Program and project management 20%
Roadway, sidewalks and multi-use trail/greenway design and specifications 15% C oordination and management of economic
development efforts 15% Environmental assessment and permitting 10% Surveying and property mapping 10% Hydraulic and
structural design and specifications for bridges 10% Landscaping and erosion control design and specifications 5% Storm drainage
system design and specifications 5% Public outreach and engagement meetings 5% Potable water and sanitary system design and
specifications 5% The Professional Services Agreement will have a duration of three (3) years with the potential for two (2) one
year extensions. Format and Procedure for Submission of Letters of Interest and Qualification: Letters of interest questions should
be directed to: Ms. Bonnie Renfro at brenfro@rcedc.com or (336) 626-2233 Letters of interest and qualifications (five bound copies,
one unbound copy, plus one flash drive copy) must include the name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address of the prime
consultant's contact person for this RFLOI and shall be delivered to: Bonnie Renfro, President Randolph County EDC Post Office Box
2001 Asheboro, NC 27204 Letters of interest and qualification should include the following: Transmittal Letter: C onsulting firm's
official name, address, telephone number, e-mail address and desired primary contact for purposes of the professional services
agreement. Expression of firm's interest in the professional services agreement. Brief history of firm's practice. Statement of
specific areas for which firm has received pre-qualification by NC DOT. Date of most recent pre-qualification by NC DOT. Statement
regarding firm's possible conflict of interest regarding the work. Chapter 1: Identify firm's qualifications and experience as related to
this work. Please address requirements outlined above. Organization chart with a brief summary addressing the experience and
qualifications of the firm's key personnel who may be working on the project. Identify unique qualifications of key team members.
Statement regarding availability of personnel for this work. Chapter 2: Experience with other clients providing similar services. Give examples of similar work performed. References for similar work performed. CONSULTANT CERTIFICATION Form RS-2 Completed
Form RS-2 forms SHALL be submitted with the firm's letter of interest. This section is limited to the number of pages required to
provide the requested information. Submit Form RS-2 forms for the following: Prime C onsultant firm - Prime C onsultant Form RS-2
Rev 1/14/08; and ANY/ALL Subconsultant firms (If Subconsultants are allowed under this RFLOI) to be, or anticipated to be, utilized
by your firm. Subconsultant Form RS-2 Rev 1/15/08. In the event the firm has no subconsultant, it is required that this be indicated
on the Subconsultant Form RS-2 by entering the word "None" or the number "ZERO" and signing the form. C omplete and sign each
Form RS-2 (instructions are listed on the form). The required forms are available on the Department's website at:
https://apps.dot.state.nc.us/quickfind/forms/Default.asp Other pertinent information. Letters of interest and qualification shall be
limited to 25 pages or less, inclusive of cover page. This does not include any RS-2 forms. Please use 8 1/2 " x 11" sheets, single
spaced, one sided. Letters of interest and qualification must be received by Bonnie Renfro by 3 p.m. on January 29, 2016. The
contract amount has not been determined at this time. There is no guarantee that the selected firm will be assigned work over the
contract period. 1t - 12/16/2015
As we said, after a reading of this ad, it would appear that Randolph County is doing little more than mocking North Carolina's requirements for public hearings and public input before zoning changes. This behavior seems particularly outrageous when County Manager Johnson has stated publicly that this rezoning effort may be the most complicated that the County has ever undertaken.
Heavy Industrial Rezoning Petition Filed---January 6, 2016
Hello Everyone,
Take a look at the map above. The rezoning petition, to rezone the proposed megasite property to "Heavy Industrial" was filed yesterday. This is all a matter of public record now, on file in the Randolph County Planning Department. The proposal is to change the zoning of the "light blue" areas from residential-agricultural to "Heavy Industrial", and the "purple" areas from a "secondary growth area" to a "primary growth area". Why the technical sounding "growth area" stuff? Because Heavy Industrial is NOT allowed in a secondary growth area. So, by surrounding the megasite footprint with "primary growth area" the rezoning is suddenly allowable under Randolph County zoning rules. And, for any parcel in the purple, heavy industrial would be allowed in the future--without restrictions as to use!
Any of you who live in Julian or across the line in Guilford County should take a good look at the map. If you are in "purple" your future is about to change. If the past is a guide, this will not stop at the Guilford County line. If Randolph succeeds at this, then there are plenty of folks up in Greensboro who will soon attempt to "heavy industry" the property on their side of the border. You should pay special attention to the next paragraph.
We are nearing the end of the days when a citizen is allowed to have anything to say about this to our government. The rezoning petition will be heard and discussed in public by the Randolph County Planning Commission on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at 6:30 PM, in the old Randolph County Courthouse in Asheboro. The Planning Board will then send the petition to the full County Commission with a recommendation as to whether or not to rezone to heavy industrial. That Commission hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at 6:00 PM, at the old Randolph County Courthouse in Asheboro.
If you want to express yourselves you should attend both of these hearings and state your mind. I guarantee you that the County will produce a parade of our betters from the Chamber of Commerce to tell the Commissioners how
wise they have been in spending money and urge them to continue to do the same by seeing that this gets rezoned to heavy industrial. Unlike you or me, none of these elites will live around the site, and none of them will
have to dance to the tune the County is writing for us. At the hearings, you should speak your minds freely. I am certain that the County's attorneys have warned them to keep an open mind about the facts here.
If you are able to attend only one of these two hearings, attend the second one, the County Commissioners hearing. This is where the decision will be made. This is where the record for any future litigation regarding illegal zoning activities will be written. You will not get another chance, as any further formal discussion of this matter will then be moving into a different forum.
What should you do immediately? First, you should write, write, write to the Randolph County Commission, and tell them what you think about this. (Their addresses are on this site.) Also send a message to Jay Dale, the Randolph County Planning Director at Jay.Dale@randolphcountync.gov. That's why they are there. Let them know. Second, you should spread this message as far and wide as you can to any of your friends who may be in the way of this project, or of its effects on down the road. Do it now. We are out of time.
Look, make no mistake that I, as well as anyone, understand that the deck is stacked against anyone who has the audacity to stand up against big government planning. A person who takes that road is choosing a dark, lonely, and dangerous path. And I understand that Randolph County government cares little for what we think. Well I don't really care about
that. Right is right, and wrong is wrong, and I'll stand by the right for as long as I am able. When the Lord finally calls me one day, I intend to die humble only in His presence. That's the only way I can respect myself, and that's the only way a poor man can never be beaten.
I will be at these meetings with the message, if I'm the only one there. I hope all of you and many more can join me.
More later. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please write me back and I will try to answer them.
Alan Ferguson
336-707-1745
Take a look at the map above. The rezoning petition, to rezone the proposed megasite property to "Heavy Industrial" was filed yesterday. This is all a matter of public record now, on file in the Randolph County Planning Department. The proposal is to change the zoning of the "light blue" areas from residential-agricultural to "Heavy Industrial", and the "purple" areas from a "secondary growth area" to a "primary growth area". Why the technical sounding "growth area" stuff? Because Heavy Industrial is NOT allowed in a secondary growth area. So, by surrounding the megasite footprint with "primary growth area" the rezoning is suddenly allowable under Randolph County zoning rules. And, for any parcel in the purple, heavy industrial would be allowed in the future--without restrictions as to use!
Any of you who live in Julian or across the line in Guilford County should take a good look at the map. If you are in "purple" your future is about to change. If the past is a guide, this will not stop at the Guilford County line. If Randolph succeeds at this, then there are plenty of folks up in Greensboro who will soon attempt to "heavy industry" the property on their side of the border. You should pay special attention to the next paragraph.
We are nearing the end of the days when a citizen is allowed to have anything to say about this to our government. The rezoning petition will be heard and discussed in public by the Randolph County Planning Commission on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at 6:30 PM, in the old Randolph County Courthouse in Asheboro. The Planning Board will then send the petition to the full County Commission with a recommendation as to whether or not to rezone to heavy industrial. That Commission hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at 6:00 PM, at the old Randolph County Courthouse in Asheboro.
If you want to express yourselves you should attend both of these hearings and state your mind. I guarantee you that the County will produce a parade of our betters from the Chamber of Commerce to tell the Commissioners how
wise they have been in spending money and urge them to continue to do the same by seeing that this gets rezoned to heavy industrial. Unlike you or me, none of these elites will live around the site, and none of them will
have to dance to the tune the County is writing for us. At the hearings, you should speak your minds freely. I am certain that the County's attorneys have warned them to keep an open mind about the facts here.
If you are able to attend only one of these two hearings, attend the second one, the County Commissioners hearing. This is where the decision will be made. This is where the record for any future litigation regarding illegal zoning activities will be written. You will not get another chance, as any further formal discussion of this matter will then be moving into a different forum.
What should you do immediately? First, you should write, write, write to the Randolph County Commission, and tell them what you think about this. (Their addresses are on this site.) Also send a message to Jay Dale, the Randolph County Planning Director at Jay.Dale@randolphcountync.gov. That's why they are there. Let them know. Second, you should spread this message as far and wide as you can to any of your friends who may be in the way of this project, or of its effects on down the road. Do it now. We are out of time.
Look, make no mistake that I, as well as anyone, understand that the deck is stacked against anyone who has the audacity to stand up against big government planning. A person who takes that road is choosing a dark, lonely, and dangerous path. And I understand that Randolph County government cares little for what we think. Well I don't really care about
that. Right is right, and wrong is wrong, and I'll stand by the right for as long as I am able. When the Lord finally calls me one day, I intend to die humble only in His presence. That's the only way I can respect myself, and that's the only way a poor man can never be beaten.
I will be at these meetings with the message, if I'm the only one there. I hope all of you and many more can join me.
More later. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please write me back and I will try to answer them.
Alan Ferguson
336-707-1745
They Rezoned Us ----------------------------------------------February 9, 2016
The site has now been rezoned to "Heavy Industrial". Despite producing petitions with over 600 names opposing the Greensboro Megasite; despite producing every argument to demonstrate the folly of this project, and despite producing resident after resident speaking against the project, three of the five County Commissioners voted to rezone us. Not only that, they also voted to reclassify much of the surrounding acreage to "Primary Growth", making future rezoning away from agricultural-residential to heavy industrial easier and more likely.
Commissioners Lanier, Kemp, and Frye led the way agaisnt us, with Mr. Lanier and Kemp particularly dismissive of our points. It is important to remember that Mr. Lanier and Mr. Kemp are up for reelection next month. Remember what they have done to us when election day comes.
The Greensboro Megasite proponents produced a number of speakers highlighting the benefits for us all of the site. Jim Melvin himself came down from Greensboro. They brought in the president of the North Carolina Railroad, who lives in Raleigh. Their directors have decided to insert themselves into this controversy, so they had him speak in favor of rezoning our area. An attorney from the biggest law firm in Greensboro was there to support rezoning us. David Joseph, who has worked to secure contracts for the purchase of parcels also came down from Greensboro and emphasized the depressed and distressed-looking appearance of our community with its "old farm machinery", "abandoned agricultural buildings" and "trailers". Mike Solomon, the guy who "found" our site, was there to speak to what a great industrial property it was.
If it only weren't for us pesky citizens who only want to live around a facility that does not belong in an area like ours. Throughout our presentation to counter the proponents one and one-half hour pitch, we ran photographs of hundreds of attractive houses, farms and fields throughout our area. It all meant nothing to Commissioners Frye, Lanier, and Kemp. Commissioners Allen and Haywood decided otherwise and voted with us, AGAINST rezoning us.
If you can't change their minds, then you have to change the Board. On to the election.
Commissioners Lanier, Kemp, and Frye led the way agaisnt us, with Mr. Lanier and Kemp particularly dismissive of our points. It is important to remember that Mr. Lanier and Mr. Kemp are up for reelection next month. Remember what they have done to us when election day comes.
The Greensboro Megasite proponents produced a number of speakers highlighting the benefits for us all of the site. Jim Melvin himself came down from Greensboro. They brought in the president of the North Carolina Railroad, who lives in Raleigh. Their directors have decided to insert themselves into this controversy, so they had him speak in favor of rezoning our area. An attorney from the biggest law firm in Greensboro was there to support rezoning us. David Joseph, who has worked to secure contracts for the purchase of parcels also came down from Greensboro and emphasized the depressed and distressed-looking appearance of our community with its "old farm machinery", "abandoned agricultural buildings" and "trailers". Mike Solomon, the guy who "found" our site, was there to speak to what a great industrial property it was.
If it only weren't for us pesky citizens who only want to live around a facility that does not belong in an area like ours. Throughout our presentation to counter the proponents one and one-half hour pitch, we ran photographs of hundreds of attractive houses, farms and fields throughout our area. It all meant nothing to Commissioners Frye, Lanier, and Kemp. Commissioners Allen and Haywood decided otherwise and voted with us, AGAINST rezoning us.
If you can't change their minds, then you have to change the Board. On to the election.
Commissioners Phil Kemp and Arnold Lanier Defeated -----March 16, 2016
This has been a good week for us! Kenny Kidd defeated Commissioner Kemp, and Maxton McDowell defeated Commissioner Lanier. Mr. Kemp received only 40% of the votes cast and Mr. Lanier only 27%. The two soon to be former Commissioners have never given any sympathy to our concerns, and now they will be off the Board after the November general election. Both Mr. Kidd and Mr. McDowell have each expressed a healthy skepticism for the Greensboro Megasite project. Members of NERPO worked hard before the election and at the polls to better inform the voters about these two very solidly qualified candidates. They will now join our neighbor, David Allen on the board. Commissioner Haywood, who voted against rezoning us will join Chairman Frye there. Chairman Frye's term runs through 2018.
Oh, and by the way, there is still not the slightest evidence that there is any auto manufacturer looking at the Greensboro Megasite.
Oh, and by the way, there is still not the slightest evidence that there is any auto manufacturer looking at the Greensboro Megasite.
North Carolina Railroad Company Joins Megasite Project April 4, 2016
As you have heard, the North Carolina Railroad Company recently decided to participate in the proposed megasite project by injecting nearly $14 million into purchases of parcels of land within the footprint of the project. What is the North Carolina Railroad Company? It is a traditionally organized company in which the ownership is represented by shares of stock. The ownership is where the NCRR parts from the usual corporate pattern--100% of the shares in the NCRR are owned by the State of North Carolina. In other words, we own the North Carolina Railroad Company.
The NCRR does not operate any trains. It owns track. It makes its money by leasing its track (from Charlotte through Greensboro, Raleigh and then down to the coast) to railroad companies which do operate trains. None of its track runs past the proposed megasite. It's closest point is up in central Greensboro.
Nonetheless, the NCRR has entered into an agreement for the management of the property they, the Greensboro-Randolph Megasite Foundation, and Randolph County have determined to purchase. Following is a complete copy of that management agreement.
The NCRR does not operate any trains. It owns track. It makes its money by leasing its track (from Charlotte through Greensboro, Raleigh and then down to the coast) to railroad companies which do operate trains. None of its track runs past the proposed megasite. It's closest point is up in central Greensboro.
Nonetheless, the NCRR has entered into an agreement for the management of the property they, the Greensboro-Randolph Megasite Foundation, and Randolph County have determined to purchase. Following is a complete copy of that management agreement.
| multi_party_agreement.pdf |