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Home My WebLink About3/1/2016 - MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES MARCH 1, 2016 Commissioners Present: Mr. Wayne Bower Mr. Don Butzer Mr. Rick James Mr. Jim Woltz Mr. Gene Marrano Staff Present: Mr. Philip Thompson, Secretary Mr. Peter Lubeck, Senior Assistant County Attorney Ms. Becky James Mr. Tori Williams Mr. Brian Hughes Ms. Susan McCoy:, Recording Secretary Work Session Mr. James called the meeting to order at 4:07 pm., Approval of Agenda Mr. Woltz made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 4-0. Approval of Minutes Mr. Woltz made a motion to approve the minutes of January 5, 2016, which passed 3-0-1 with Mr. Butzer abstaining. Mr. Butzer imade a motion to approve the minutes of January 19, 2016, which passed 3-0-1, with Mr. Woltz abstaining. Consent Agenda Mr. Thompson and Ms. James provided a brief history of the petition for David B. McClure, Apex Towers, LLC. Ms. James provided an overview of the petition, including location, zoning, future land use designation, and concept plan. She reviewed the aerial map, including property access and buffering. She stated a Community Meeting will be held on March 7, 2016 at the Roanoke County Fleet Center, from 5::00 p.m. - 7:010 p.m. Mr. Bower inquired about service provider on, this tower, Ms. James and M'r. Thompson discussed this issue. Mr. Butzer inquired about regulations regarding abandonment of the tower. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed this issue. Ms. James stated the balloon test will be conducted March 7, 2016, from 2:00 p.m. — 6:00 p.m. Page 1 of 5 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 1, 2016 Mr. Bower made a motion to approve the consent agenda, which passed 4-0 Citizen Comments There were none. Commissioners' and Staff Comments Mr. Butzer stated he is grateful to have the opportunity to serve on the Planning Commission. He discussed economic development, noting it helps schools and capital funding issues. He discussed the importance of fostering technology. Mr. Woltz stated Mr. Thompson has been a beneficial guide during the Zoning Ordinance amendment process. He stated the changes have provided improvement regarding the County regulations. Mr. Thompson provided an update on the Strategic Plan Focus Group meetings, noting meeting schedules, summaries, and presentations are available for review on the County's website. Mr. James adjourned the meeting for site viewing at 4:39 p.m. EVENING SESSION Mr. James called the Public Hearing to order at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Woltz gave the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance. 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. (Continued from January 5, 2016) Ms. James provided a brief review of the petition, noting the requested reports from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, Federal Aviation Association (FAA), and propagation maps, have been submitted and reviewed by Mr. George Condyles and staff. Ms. Lori Schweller, Esquire, provided an overview of the petition, including reports from NEPA, Section 106, FAA, and propagation models. She stated the FAA determined there is no hazard, noting the tower will not require special lighting or markings. She reviewed the Evaluation of Potential Visual Effect portion of the Historic Resources report, noting there is no adverse visual effect due to the height of tower. She reviewed the aerial map and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) report regarding visibility of the proposed tower, noting there is reportedly no effect. She stated the NEPA study is complete except the reports from some of the tribes of native lands. She reviewed the propagation map and search ring of the alternate tower, noting the search ring is Page 2 of 5 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 1, 2016 not strategically located to assist with data transmission. She compared the coverage of both sites. She stated the proposed Clearwater site will complement the coverage area offering seamless coverage to users. Mr. Guy Randall, Verizon Engineer, stated data transmission has increased requiring strategic locations for towers. Mr. Woltz inquired about the types of uses. Mr. Randall discussed the various data uses. Mr. Butzer inquired about a long term engineering plan. Mr. Randall discussed this issue, noting the need for additional towers is driven by data demand. Mr. George Condyles, Atlantic Technology Consultants, Inc., provided an overview of the application and requirements. He reviewed the findings of the NEPA study, Section 106 study, and FAA study, noting the tower will not require lighting. He reviewed the propagation modeling and stated he concurs with Verizon's data regarding the American Electric Power (AEP) site. He discussed topography of the AEP site. He stated Verizon is moving from landline to wireless usage. He discussed not having received responses from several tribes regarding native lands, noting they had thirty days from receipt of the notification to contest the proposed tower. Mr. James opened the public hearing for public comment. Mary Anna Page, 8132 Olde Tavern Road, inquired if the monopole would be visible from any site. She also asked if revenue would be generated for the County. She also inquired if it would be a stand-alone tower. She inquired if the owner of the land could sell the property if it is leased. Mr. James noted the property and tower are not owned by the County. Mr. Thompson stated towers are considered utilities and are regulated by the State Corporation Commission (SCC). He stated the SCC provides a lump sum amount to each locality for all towers within that locality. Mr. Condyles stated the tower is considered real property, noting the SCC gets funds from all wireless towers and localities get a prorated share which goes to public safety for the operation of the 911 system. Mr. James noted the proposed tower should be considered on its own merit. He stated it is difficult to determine if the tower will not be visible at all. He stated if the tower detracts or has a negative impact, NEPA, Section 106, and FAA have information and have considered these issues. Cynthia Shrader, 8117 Hunters Trail, inquired about required lighting of the tower. Mr. James noted the FAA has determined lighting will not be required for the tower. Ms. Shrader stated she has heard that other towers are proposed. She requested that the tower be placed further back from the road. She discussed the beauty of the land and possible construction of additional towers since technology is moving so quickly. Page 3of5 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 1, 2016 With no other citizens requesting to speak, Mr. James closed the public hearing. Mr. Bower stated the County has permit fees which will be applied when the tower is constructed, noting it is not the County's aim to receive money for the construction of a tower. Mr. Waltz stated he appreciates Ms. Shrader being knowledgeable of the material regarding the tower. He stated the Commission is trying to do the right thing and fulfill its responsibility by following the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. James stated the Commission gives value to the reports which were requested. He stated they consider each tower on its own merit. He stated provisions have been incorporated into the Zoning Ordinance for abandoned towers. Mr. Bower made a motion to recommend approval of the petition with the following condition: 1. Total height of the tower shall not exceed 158 feet. Mr. Thompson called the roll and the motion passed (4-0) with the following vote: AYES: Bower, Butzer, James, Woltz NAYES: None ABSTAIN: None Mr. Thompson noted the Board of Supervisors Public Hearing regarding this petition will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2016. Citizen Comments There were none. Commissioners' and Staff Comments Mr. Butzer stated he is looking forward to working with the Commission as good stewards for the County. Mr. Thompson provided an overview of the Strategic Planning Focus Groups, including Quality of Life, Economic Development, Public Safety, Health and Well -Being, Education, and Transportation. He encouraged the Commissioners to participate in the groups. He stated updates regarding the Strategic Pian process can be located on the County's website. Mr. Thompson stated a community meeting regarding the petition for David A. McClure, Apex Tower, LLC will be held March 7, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., at the Roanoke County Fleet Center. He stated the balloon test will also be held on March 7, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Page 4 of 5 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 1, 2016 Mr. James reiterated the importance of the Strategic Plan Focus Group meetings. Mr. Thompson provided a timeline regarding the process of the development of the Strategic Plan. With no further business or comments, Mr. James adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Susan McCoy Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission 14 - Philip T�dmpson Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission G n. t�s P Rick James Chairman, Roanoke County Planning Commission Page 5of5