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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/5/2016 - MinutesCommissioners Present: Mr. Wayne Bower Mr. Rick James Mr. Gene Marrano Mr,. Jim Woltz Staff Present: Mr. Philip Thompson Ms. Ruth Ellen Kuhnel, County Attorney Mir. Peter Lubeck, Senior Assistant County Attorney Ms. Becky James Ms. Tara Pattisall' Ms., Naomi Siodmok Mr. Brian Hughes Mr., Tori Williams Ms. Susan McCoy, Recording Secretary Call to Order Mr. Marrano called the Puibliic Hearing to order at 7:00 p.m. Mr. James gave, the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance. Approval ,of. -Agenda Mr. Woltz made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 4-0. Election of Officers Mr. Thompson opened the floor for nominations of chairman for the 2016 calendar year. Mr. Marrano nominated Mr. James. No other nominations were received and the Commission unanimously voted for Mr. James as chairman for 2016., Mr. James opened the floor for nominations of vice-chairman for the 2016 calendar year. Mr. Woltz nominated Mr. Bower. No other nominations were received and the Commission unanimously voted for Mr. Bower as vice-chairman for 2016. Approval of Minutes Mr. Marrano made a motion to approve the minutes, of December 15, 2015, which passed 4-0. ConsentAg�enda Mr. Thompson stated no applications have been received for the February 2, 2016 Planning Commission Public Hearing. Page 1 of 7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 5, 2016 Public Hearing 1. The petition of Drew Patterson (Verizon Wireless Agent) to obtain a Special Use Permit for a broadcasting tower (cell tower) approximately 150 feet in height in a 1-1, Low Intensity Industrial, District on approximately 64.62 acres, located at 7014 Old Mountain Road, Hollins Magisterial District. Ms. James presented the staff report, including future land use, surrounding zoning, and concept plan. She noted a balloon test was conducted on September 17, 2016. She introduced Mr. George Condyles, Atlantic Technology Consultants, Inc., noting he reviewed the application and submitted a report regarding the proposed tower. She discussed citizen concerns which were received at the December 9, 2016 Community Meeting, including visibility, location of tower, and coverage issues. She stated one historic resource, which is registered on the National Register of Historic Places (NRNP), is located near the site. Ms. James reviewed the suggested conditions. Mr. Bower inquired about lighting requirements. Ms. James stated lighting requirements will be determined by the Federal Aviation Association (FAA). Mr. James inquired if the petitioner had received Mr. Condyles report. Ms. James affirmed the petitioner has been provided a copy of the report. Ms. Lori Sweller, Esquire, provided a PowerPoint presentation, including a description of the proposed tower site and surrounding property. She reviewed current zoning, noting the tower would serve both the industrial uses and residential properties in the area. She stated the site location meets setback requirements. She reviewed existing buffering. She stated the tower would be monopole elevation and antenna array design. She reviewed the propagation map, noting coverage is not available in the Cloverdale area. Ms. Sweller discussed the aerial map depicting resources which are available within a one- half mile radius of the Area of Potential Effect (APE). She stated the balloon test was performed at 199', 150', and 120', to evaluate visual impact. She discussed the field test for historic resource evaluation, noting there is not visibility of the tower at 150' due to trees and topography. She reviewed balloon test photo location maps. She discussed concerns regarding visibility which were expressed at the community meeting. She stated the petitioner agrees no permit would be granted until the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and FAA reports are reviewed. She discussed issues regarding co -locating on the American Electric Power (AEP) tower. Mr. Bower inquired about the status of the NEPA report. Ms. Sweller stated the property is currently under evaluation for final determination, noting it will be available at the end of the month or February. Mr. Bower inquired about proposed coverage and type of service. Ms. Sweller discussed this issue, noting she does not know the exact technology which will be added since technology is changing quickly. She stated data services is driving the growth of coverage, noting vast amounts of wireless data are being transmitted. Mr. Bower inquired if the tower would interfere with other radio frequencies. Ms. Sweller stated it is not on the same wavelength, noting there are licensed wavelengths. Mr. Marrano Page 2of7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 5, 2016 inquired about the NEPA and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act reports. Ms. Sweller stated they are not anticipating any adverse visual effects. Mr. Marrano inquired about the propagation model and written analysis. Ms. Sweller stated they received the consultant's analysis a couple of days ago. Mr. Marrano stated it is a policy of the County to encourage co -location of services. Ms. Sweller described the process, noting Verizon's preference is to co -locate when possible. Mr. Marrano noted the petitioner has not provided a propagation study. Mr. Drew Patterson, petitioner, stated the initial evaluation included several other sites, noting the other sites did not meet coverage needs. He stated the proposed site was the only industrial site which met the criteria. He discussed reasons other locations were not optimal sites. Mr. Marrano suggested running a propagation model from the AEP tower site. Mr. Patterson stated the AEP tower site is out of the search ring so they did not do extensive research on the site. Mr. Woltz inquired about computer models available. Mr. Patterson stated Verizon has the best computer technology. Mr. James stated the area is a critical viewshed, noting they have not received the NEPA or Section 106 report regarding this site. Mr. Patterson stated they took the balloon test to the historical board and they said there was no adverse effect. Mr. James inquired about the NEPA study. Mr. Patterson stated they do not have the report at this time. Mr. James stated Mr. Condyles should review these documents and provide a report to the Commission. Mr. Condyles provided a brief background of the tower petition, noting it started as a 199' tower and has been reduced to a 150' tower. He discussed the nearby historic resource, Black Horse Tavern/Bellvue Hotel and Office. He reviewed alternate tower locations and ran a propagation study for the proposed site and alternate location. He explained Verizon wants homes north of the tower to have additional products such as home vision. He stated the Network Interface Device (NID) is currently being installed to get rid of copper use and replace with neighborhood towers. He stated the tower is 150' with an 8' lighting rod. He stated the FAA will determine if a light is needed on the tower. He reviewed his propagation studies. He stated the proposed tower has merit, noting he understands it is for newer technology. He discussed the NEPA process. Mr. James inquired about Mr. Condyle's comment regarding historic site being compromised. Mr. Condyles discussed this issue, noting the house may have already been compromised due to the industrial zoning. Mr. Woltz inquired about FAA lighting requirements. Mr. Condyles discussed FAA requirements. Mr. Bower inquired about coverage maps. Mr. Condyles discussed the maps. Mr. Bower inquired about the tower's effect on health. Mr. Condyles noted the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) and the United States Federal Courts have restricted discussions regarding this issue. Mr. Bower inquired about the impact on property values. Mr. Condyles staffed some residents would want coverage availability. Mr. Bower inquired about radio disturbance. Mr. Condyles discussed this issue. Mr. Bower inquired about the need for NEPA and Section 106 reports. Mr. Condyles suggested having reports available for review Page 3 of 7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION {MINUTES JANUARY 5, 2016 prior to Board of Supervisors Public Hearing and building permit phase. Mr. Bower inquired about enforcement of requirements. Mr. Thompson and Mr. Condyles discussed this issue. Mr. Marrano inquired about coverage maps regarding the AEP tower. Mr. Condyles reviewed the maps. Mr. James opened the public hearing for public comment. Jessie Derey, 8233 Olde Tavern Road, stated she has lived in the area twenty seven years, noting she previously taught computer classes. She discussed her concern regarding the impact the tower will have on historical places, Explore Park, and the greenways. She stated the property across from the proposed tower is zoned residential, noting many acres of that land will be adversely affected. She stated that an arborist proved trees died due to a tower. She stated she has a Verizon phone, noting they are preparing to provide coverage for Cloverdale not the Hollins area. She noted fiber -optics for broadband may reach the area soon. Mary Sheridan, 8248 Olde Tavern Road, stated she is a real estate agent and concerned about property values and the ability to sell properties. She noted it is also difficult to sell if cell service is unavailable. Frank Longaker, 7223 Old Mountain Road, discussed the history of the Black Horse Tavern, noting it has been renovated and placed on the National Registry of Historical Places. He stated John Oliver was a slave and land owner associated with this site. He stated he is concerned about the future status of the property. He stated historical sites draw people to the area. He recommended the tower not be placed in this location. John Bradshaw, 3132 Burnleigh Road, stated his wife owns her family farm which is 500 acres from Old Mountain Road to Read Mountain. He discussed the property, noting it is across from a County park and 200 feet away from Old Mountain Road. He discussed concerns regarding lights and beacons being placed on the tower. He stated the 500 acres could be developed with houses which would have a view of the tower. He stated the tower would also be near the railroad tracks. Mr. James noted the County's lease on the park expired and was not renewed. Cynthia Shrader, 8117 Hunters Trail, stated functions are still being held at the park. She stated if the trees surrounding the property died down, there will be no buffering of the tower. She stated the County's Park and Recreation Department conducted Halloween tours in the cemetery off Hunters Trail. Clifford Derey, 8233 Old Tavern Road, stated if the trees are damaged there will be no buffering and the tower would be exposed. He stated the proposed tower location will be taking care of people in Botetourt County. Page 4of7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 5, 2096 Mary Anna Page, 8132 Olde Tavern Road, stated she is able to view the park from her kitchen window and will be able to view the tower. She stated she would like a comment from the petitioner regarding adverse effects from the tower. With no other citizens requesting to speak, Mr. James closed the public hearing. Ms. Sweller stated Verizon Wireless names each site and Cloverdale is an arbitrary marking for the area near the tower. She noted the nearby property could be developed by -right with 300-400 houses. She stated the broadcast tower is allowed at this site by a special use permit. Mr. James inquired about the existing vegetation around the site. Ms. Sweller stated the proposed use will not require tree cutting since an access road already exists on this site. She stated Verizon will be leasing only a portion of the parcel, noting the property owner will control the remainder of the parcel. Mr. James inquired about setbacks and nearby homes. Ms. Sweller discussed this issue. Mr. James inquired about historical properties and Section 106 report, noting this issue is important to citizens. Mr. Thompson stated the FAA will determine lighting requirements in the report. Mr. Woltz inquired about screening. Ms. Sweller discussed this issue. Mr. James recessed the public hearing at 8:59 p.m. He reconvened the meeting at 9:10 p.m. Mr. James inquired about adverse effects of the tower. Mr. Condyles stated adverse effects may be visibility if the tower is lit at night, noise from construction, and viewshed impact. He stated NEPA and Section 106 research will include searching for artifacts and protected species. Mr. James inquired about the coverage area. Mr. Condyles stated the coverage goal is the community around the tower. Mr. Bower inquired about co -locating on AEP tower. Mr. Condyles discussed coverage area, noting the landowner would need to acquire an easement from AEP which may be an issue. Mr. Marrano inquired about propagation and written analysis from the petitioner. Mr. Condyles stated he would like to review the reports. He also stated AEP and the landowner may not allow co -location on their tower. Mr. Marrano inquired about broadband service coming to the area. Mr. Condyles discussed this issue, noting it is a very competitive marketplace. Mr. Marrano stated he is concerned all information is not currently available for review, including the petitioner's propagation study, FAA report, NEPA report, and Section 106 report. He stated too many questions are unanswered without the reports. Mr. Woltz discussed the importance of acquiring more information before making a decision regarding the petition. He stated some developers will not build unless technological amenities are available, noting the tower may have a positive impact on the area. He stated the petitioner has demonstrated the need for coverage in the area. He discussed by -right uses in industrial zoning which would create more impact. Mr. James noted the consultant has indicated the application has merit. He discussed zoning and future land use of the Page 5of7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 5, 2016 property. He stated he has concerns regarding the petition, including not having access to the NEPA report, Section 106 report, FAA report, and propagation maps for alternate co -location. Mr. Bower discussed the importance of looking at both sides of the request and having all information available for review before making a decision on the petition. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed documents needed for review by Mr. Condyles before making a decision on the petition. Mr. Patterson stated he thinks they will have all reports available and be ready for public hearing by March, 2016. Mr. Bower made a motion to continue the public hearing until March 1, 2016. Mr. Thompson called the roll and the motion passed (4-0) with the following vote: AYES: Bower, James, Marrano, Woltz NAYES: None ABSENT: None Citizen Comments Charlie Hoskins, 8213 Olde Tavern Road, stated an additional balloon test should be performed when leaves are not on the surrounding trees. Cynthia Shrader, 8117 Hunters Trail Road, thanked the Commissioners for thoughtful consideration of the issues regarding the petition. Jessie Derey, 8233 Olde Tavern Road, discussed decreasing jobs and reduction in population in the area. She stated the tower involves historical property and the petitioner already has service in the area. Commissioners' and Staff Comments Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed the review process regarding broadcasting towers. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners reviewed topics to discuss at the upcoming work session. With no further business or comments, Mr. James adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Susan McCoy Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission T mpson tafy, Roanoke County Planning Commission Page 6 of 7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES A4�c��t6 Rick James Chairman, Roanoke County Planning Commission Page 7of7 JANUARY 5, 2016