Minutes 11-21-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Gordon said that Orange County is well-positioned for smart economic development and the county values development that is environmentally responsible. She would be interested in seeing things conducive to their economic development areas, but the quality of life and the environment are still very important, and that is true in siting cell towers. Commissioner McKee asked Craig Benedict if there was still interest from private individuals about pre-approving sites for towers. Craig Benedict said that ten years ago good wireless access was not a quality of life issue, but it is now. Regarding the interest, there have been starts and stops. AT&T has expressed interest in multiple towers in the County. Commissioner McKee asked if there was still interest from individual landowners. Craig Benedict said yes and there have been voluntary agricultural districts that have signed up. Frank Clifton said that in their current regulations, the Board only considers towers one time of year. He said that he has asked Craig Benedict to talk about this with the Planning Board. He said that he wanted Steve Brantley to talk to the Board about some of his contacts that may be interested in doing business in Orange County. Johnny Randall pointed out that-once lights are put on a tower, they become attractive to birds. Chair Pelissier said that the Board meant an unlighted tower under 200 feet. The Board will look to the Planning Board to come up with a precise recommendation to make this work. ., Steve Brantley said that he agreed with the addition of telecommunications in order to bring in businesses to Orange County. He is aware of 4-5 businesses that are interested in the EDD areas and he is encouraged to see this because that means Orange County is of interest to the business communities. He would like to meet with each of them to find out what they feel is an appropriate type of business as the right fit for Orange County. With respect to incubators, the County has been working with a particular group within the Department of Planning at UNC. He is interested in working with the County and UNC to see what a good fit would be. Craig Benedict said that staff is trying to get ready to be able to answer questions of perspective businesses. Commissioner Jacobs asked if the Board was going to have a conversation about underlining the issue of joint planning that has been discussed previously with other governments. Craig Benedict said that as soon as Durham approves the Interlocal Utility Agreement, it has also expressed interest in Orange County implementing the NC 57 plan. In all three cases of tffie EDDs, the intergovernmental coordination is the foundation of it. The discussions with the other governments will continue. The City of Mebane has been talking about businesses that it is interested in also. Commissioner Jacobs said that the County was halfway through an agreement. Hillsborough and never finished it. He asked where this was in the queue. ~~ Craig Benedict said that there is a MOU with Hillsborough about proceeding. The Capital Improvement Program has monies for the future for working with Hillsborough on utilities expansion. The Mebane agreement will be expanded from 2004 to include some of new land use areas. Commissioner Jacobs pointed out that land use agreements with other governments go beyond economic development. He wants to keep that in mind. Chair Pelissier said that it would behoove them as a Board to have a discussion as to what types of businesses they want in Orange County. Larry Wright said that each member of the Planning Board does have a lot to say that is very valuable. Mark Marcoplos said that an hour a year is too small a time increment to discuss everything and maybe they should look at a two-hour meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 6:34 PM. 4