County to Seek Meeting With Robbins on Water
- Print print this page
- Discuss 16 comments, Blog about
Advertisement
Moore County will approach the Robbins Town Board of Commissioners for a joint meeting to discuss a “tweaked” water resource option.
The Moore County Board of Commissioners reached consensus on the issue during the Thursday afternoon session of its annual business retreat at the Senior Enrichment Center.
The board’s decision does not mean that several alternative water options are being abandoned.
Commissioner Nick Picerno said he just wants to take a closer look at the Robbins situation. He also expressed interest in joining a consortium involving other water systems.
“This is a Moore County system, and Robbins is in Moore County,” Picerno said.
Public Works Director Randy Gould presented a series of options, including estimated costs over 10 years and over 30 years. Options included Harnett County, Sanford, Laurinburg, Asheboro, the WestPoint-Stevens facility near Wagram and drilling new wells, as well as Robbins.
Gould estimated that it would cost $37.6 million to carry out the Robbins options for the 10- to 30-year period.
Estimated 10-year costs for the Robbins option were listed as $20 million, covering raw water intake and pump upgrades, a new water plant and pump, and a 20-inch line from the plant to the Robbins tank. This would include the first phase of the proposed North West Moore Water District and a booster pump station on N.C. 705.
Moving into the 30-year plan, the option with Robbins was estimated at $17.4 million, including a tank on N.C. 73, a 16-inch line on Mount Carmel Road, and lines along N.C. 73 and N.C. 211 to Seven Lakes.
Board members considered the possibility that the North West Moore Water District may never be developed because sparse population may make the project impractical in the largely rural area.
Gould said it would take about two weeks to tweak the Robbins option as requested by the board, and the commissioners asked County Manager Cary McSwain to get in touch with the Robbins town leadership to make arrangements for a joint meeting. This meeting would be an open session.
Earlier in the retreat, the commissioners heard budget projections from the Moore County school system and Sandhills Community College.
Mike Griffin, finance officer and interim school superintendent, said he did not have specific budget projections from the state. College President John Dempsey said Sandhills would probably request a 3 percent increase in operational costs, largely because of building additions.
Presentations were also made by Partners in Progress Director Pat Corso, entrepreneur specialist John Parker, Information Technology Director Darlene Yudell and Scot Brooks, of the Public Safety office, on the VIPER emergency communications system.
See the Sunday edition of The Pilot for more details on the retreat.
More like this story
Advertisement
Comments
Green 1 year, 4 months ago
Interesting. I think there is a few Robbins board members that may profit greatly from this being that they have land around the water resource in Robbins including family and friends. Let's see who promotes this from the Robbins board!
tarheelborn 1 year, 4 months ago
@green. You are exactly correct... I'll bet there was nothing even said, about a "J/V Offer" made a Year Ago with the Town of Robbins. That is exactly why a Changing of the Guard was witnessed in the last election! Strange and Secret happenings have been going on with Moore County and Robbins and Scotland County.
As often stated, It shall ALL come out in the Wash, but there sure will be some Dirty Water!
Let's see if I can predict the outcome of Friday's meeting. County Manager Cary McSwain will come away with a deal to take the Town of Robbins to the Cleaners, like the Chicken Plant Closing, (Poor Judgment on elected officials part), but maybe not, WHO Gained from that deal? Moore County will TAKE Advantage of the Robbins Town Board this time too, because there are certain Elected Officials which will GAIN, at the expense of the poor citizens of Robbins ALL OVER AGAIN! If Moore County don't take Robbins to the cleaners, they have (Cary McSwain) and his COZY relationship with Laurinburg and Scotland County and the (Self Proclaimed Water Czar) and his (Cozy) relationship with the same and decide to enter into a relationship with "Da Burg" and Scotland County. You see, THEY BOTH have relationships down south too.... Didn't McSwain come from South Carolina? Well, let's see if a little research don't reveal some STRONG Contacts with certain Power Playing Officials "Down South" of us in Scotland County and South Carolina. As The People of MOORE County need to Examine where McSwain went to School. Then research if the "Engineering Study" which was most recently done for "Da Burg and Scotland County" was done. Then Connect the Dots and Follow the Money Trail, which Moore County will Ultimately pay for AND have been paying for ever since McSwain was hired, and even WHO was on the board when he was hired. This goes much deeper than our voting citizens realize! On another note. One might ask Where did the lady come from which was recently HIRED to Manage Moore County's MONEY? I'd be willing to bet, (if I were a betting person) she ALSO Came from South Carolina TOO! Moore County better WAKE UP before it's too late, and get rid of the very ones which control and direct our (FUTURE) DECADES if not the next CENTURY.
All we need to do is, some BASIC RESEARCH on the ones running things for Moore County and then connect them with the ones that want to HOOK into Moore County MONEY, because they have fallen on Hard Times. Everyone always wants to Capitalize off Pinehurst and Moore County! I say H*%@, NO!
More Later............
tarheelborn 1 year, 4 months ago
BTW. The Joint Venture, was NOT with Moore County, but with a Well Established Group with Great Resources, which would certainly pull Robbins out of their financial ruins. Funny how elections make such a huge difference.
Zoey 1 year, 4 months ago
"Tweaked" while on Retreat [sic], came the great epiphany, "Robbins is in Moore County" and "that the North West Moore Water District may never be developed". Now, that's progress....
Npicerno 1 year, 4 months ago
Hi Zoey, just to put it in context since you were not at the open meeting and the paper does not place put it into context. I remarked that as a Moore County commissioner I hoped that a water solution located in Moore County would be preferable to one located outside of Moore. If you look at the other options presented they are all outside of Moore. Let me state my position very clearly, that a partnership with Robbins that did not benefit the Town of Robbins is not something I would support. I hope you will come to the open meeting when/if it occurs where any 'partnership' is discussed and voice your opinion and ideas.
Npicerno 1 year, 4 months ago
Sorry for the typos, keyed the above on my iPad which tends to miss keystrokes and does not display everything typed. Also, if anyone from Robbins needs clarification of what we discussed at our meeting please give me a call 673-5389!
tarheelborn 1 year, 4 months ago
Mr. Picerno. Many of us "shut-ins" and "senior citizens" cannot make it to meetings. However, we can use our computers to read the news. For us which cannot be present, PLEASE post it here, so we can understand and be made aware just what Moore County is willing to offer Robbins. Thank you and what you have and are doing for Moore County. All we know is what many are saying about how you and the Czar want to, steal Robbins facilities, buy up all the land and flood the whole area to make a huge reservoir, destroying the natural habitat, so a couple people (land owners) can benefit just like you guy's did in the town of Carthage with the federal prison, of which someone said the water czar has a (transportation of prisoners contract) and will Personally Benefit from the deal. If it's true or not, that is what is being said about this whole sneaky slick back door dealings. Maybe you or the Czar would like to elaborate on this too. You see why the citizens do not trust? Please Explain and Inform the people which have placed you guy's in office. And while we are on the subject of the county, the lady which was hired last year by the county, did she or did she not also come from South Carolina, HIGHLY Recommended by the County Manager? Again thank you Sir.
Zoey 1 year, 4 months ago
Npicerno, As we all should know, Water will become a Very valuable commodity in the near future. Since the county has no real viable water resource, this would be a tremendous asset "for the county" (ie fiscal responsibility). If you truly have Robbins best interest in mind, I support you. Time will Tell.....
tarheelborn 1 year, 4 months ago
""Commissioner Nick Picerno said he just wants to take a closer look at the Robbins situation. He also expressed interest in joining a consortium involving other water systems.""
Well, Mr. NIC. All we got to say about your statement is, You, the Czar and the rest of Our Board, (which we placed you in your positions) better not try and sign on with your (think they are our friends) down south in "Da Burg and Scotland County". You think Moore County has problems NOW? Just see what would happen when THEY have us all by the NECK and start controlling Our Water Bills!!!
I think this adds a whole new approach to the statement a few years ago, "DRILL BABY DRILL"! However this time, it's not for oil...
PLEASE don't sell us in Moore County down the river (Literally) to a county which DO NOT LIKE US and our continued prosperity. Mr. Tommy Parker, Mayor of "Da Burg" says "we want to help our neighbors in need to our north"! Ha HA! They want to try and CASH IN on Moore County. It's always about control, Mr. Commissioner.
Thank you and the Pilot readers for listening...
tarheelborn 1 year, 4 months ago
I do find the most recent Pilot articles about (Robbins & Moore County) absent of remarks from "Toda". It would be quite interesting to hear what you have to say, Sir... I think you (Toda) do one heck of a lot of research and most always seem to add some rather Intellectual and Factual flavor to the stories... So, please do, chime in!
MooreNorth 1 year, 4 months ago
tarheelborn~ Do you live up here? Do you know Robbins history? Do you believe everything the paper prints? Do you know any of the Board members here?
difflook 1 year, 4 months ago
its amazing that Moore County Commissioners have hung on as long as they have. Face it, they can pull all the water they need by running an additional line from Montgomery County. But, in a long extended spirit of UNITY they have tried every way possible to appease the Robbins Board. I was told that this saga has been going on for over 5 years! that former Co Commisioner Mrs. Saunders assisted Robbins by getting them some of the money from Moore Co, way back when for that Montgomery County line. others told me that the Montgomery co hook up is the only source of water that Robbins currently has, that their water plant is old and was sut down by a former Town Manager. And that now they are looking at wells. How can you be assured that wells will work? and for how long? wouldnt that be sinking money into an unknown? and why wouldnt you, if you could assixst yourself in a long term solution, rather thatn being depenedent upon a county that you were not a part of and also in so doing allow water to flow to other residents of your county, your neighbors, and people who do business in your town???
Just cant fiigure this? I hope Robbins dont miss this possible last chance...........
Npicerno 1 year, 4 months ago
Tarheelborn. What are you talking about down south. I know of no effort to give control of our water to an outside agency. Zoey. Thank you for being willing to take a look and see at what actually takes place with the county and Robbins!
tarheelborn 1 year, 4 months ago
@MooreNorth. Yes, I live here. Yes, I know the history of Robbins. No, I believe little anyone (including the newspapers and TV's say) and only half of what I actually witness on occasion. And, Yes, I know several board members (but does Anyone REALLY know them) and I know many local citizens and business owners in and around Robbins. However, it appears as if Very Few Really Know any of these Past and Present elected officials, judging from what is going on in Town...
@difflook. ""they can pull all the water they need by running an additional line from Montgomery County."". With all due respect, I think it would serve you well to examine the "McGill Study" which was preformed sometime back. From what has been said, Montgomery County has "cut back" on the amount of water they want to sell and are not interested in selling more water over the county line. Would you please explain you following statement? I don't seem to have your level of education to understand you. ""if you could (assixst) yourself in a long term solution"". What does that word (assixst) mean? Last but not least, ""I hope Robbins dont miss this possible last chance.""Please read my previous posts, as I'll copy and paste a portion of them here, just in case you didn't read it earlier. ""@green. You are exactly correct... I'll bet there was nothing even said, about a "J/V Offer" made a Year Ago with the Town of Robbins. BTW. The Joint Venture, was NOT with Moore County, but with a Well Established Group with Great Resources,"". Moore County is Not the Only Choice/Option Robbins has. Everyone needs to come clean with the citizens of Robbins and Moore County. @Npicerno. ""I know of no effort to give control of our water to an outside agency."" Maybe You don't know. However, Moore County's self proclaimed water Czar has made numerous trips to Scotland County. The statement you made in you previous post makes it sound as if you were aware of his actions & intentions, and are in agreement with their motives (down south) in forming a consortium. Believe me, the study Laurinburg and Scotland County just recently received (at their cost) is 90% focused on Moore County being their ("Cash Cow") and the other 10% from their local industry. All we are saying is, PLEASE BE CAREFUL with joining ANY consortium...
Thank you for your level of interest in learning the facts and we pray for your and all our elected officials making the best decision for the citizens and not what certain others may see as opportunity to capitalize off the citizens ignorance as to what may Really be going on...
difflook 1 year, 4 months ago
Typing was a mistake, Hey i will join you in Prayer for Robbins and Moore County on this! i dont profess to know all about this.
Npicerno 1 year, 4 months ago
Tarheelborn. The consortium I speak of is with the members of the water sumitt group which consists of all Moore County municipalities. I know you were not at our meeting and the pilot leaves out most of the context behind our statements. Just call me and we will discuss.
Toda 1 year, 3 months ago
tarheelborn ~ I can only contribute information about what I know happened in Pinehurst when the MCBoC voted to accept Federal Stimulus funds from the Feds while the Tea Party was having a pick-nick complaining about stimulus funds from the Obama administration.
Meanwhile at the Tea Party they were complaining about everything the current administration was doing to help recovery...not one peep from TEA Party members about what was going on in their own front yards.
All those main line connection and meter fees have to be recouped somehow. Since it is taxpayer money that is supposed to be paid through user fees. So everyone has to get on board and buy a connection and a meter to make everyone look good and not have to eat a bowl full of crow.
MooreNorth 1 year, 3 months ago
tarheelborn~ Had to ask. I've read so many comments from people that don't have a clue about Robbins, and the people that live in, and around it. I was born here. Know many, and related to many of the people here. I do know the board members, and they're not bad people. Having said that, I would have to say that the lack of communication rest entirely with the town board. Talking through the Pilot doesn't work, or count, as I find the reporting of Robbins matters lacking. The future of Robbins depends on the availability of water. "Availability". being key here. If you want business, water must be secured.
tarheelborn 1 year, 3 months ago
@ Toda. Thanks for your insight.
@MooreNorth. I must say, I concur.
@Npicerno. Just seeking clarity from Moore County's Past and Current statements. Please read the following copied from the Moore County website. Were you not on the board during these discussions at this particular time, as Congressman Boles becoming also involved having organized said meeting? Our county, needs to get a grip on reality and stay the heck out of Scotland County!
"" Multi-county regional water meeting
Carthage, NC., On Monday, January 25th, 2010, an informational meeting took place in the City of Laurinburg, to discuss the topic of a multi-county regional water system. The meeting was organized by Representative Jamie Boles and was attended by representatives of Scotland, Hoke, Robeson, and Moore County along with the City of Laurinburg, and Lumber River COG.
During the meeting discussions included the current regional water plan and the exploration of opportunities for redundancy and connectivity. Further details will be researched in order to develop a possible Regional Master Planning effort among the interested counties.
For additional information contact Cary McSwain, Moore County Manager at 910 947-6363.""
If you would be so kind, please (again) Explain Your, and Moore County's position (if you know). However, realizing You are only one voice on the board, it would be nice to hear from the other commissioners and their positions. Maybe Moore County's self proclaimed water Czar Mr. Caddell, would care to divulge, (his) position publicly in this comment session, too. That would be most helpful to ALL us Moore County Voting Citizens, so we can become educated as how best to vote in the next elections.
"We The People", think is is past time for our elected county commissioners to speak up, quit playing around with "evading, conflicting misleading, and manipulative" statements (especially from Mr. McSwain) and tell Scotland County and The City of Laurinburg, we have no interest in their water sources and move forward with the other many options afforded us... Regardless of ones interpretations of my postings, I do respect you all. Thank you Sir.