Agenda - 09-01-2015 - 6a - Laserfiche WebLink

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15 1 but he would like to pursue the idea of preserving rural character. He said as most of the 2 jurisdiction is rural, those would be exceptions, not the rule. 3 Commissioner Jacobs said the Department of Transportation's standards are not 4 universal, but rather they are North Carolina standards; and he argued that there may be some 5 middle ground in exceptional cases. 6 Commissioner Jacobs said there should be differentiation between natural areas and 7 parks. He said he would like to see some sensitivity to the natural environment; all the while 8 knowing that Emergency Services and Fire Departments know what is in their jurisdictions, and 9 will respond accordingly. 10 Commissioner Rich said she is interested in seeing the old rural character study. She 11 said she is concerned that the burden is being put on the landowner or developer, and it is 12 expensive. She said the great cost of the roads and driveways may be passed to homeowners. 13 Commissioner Dorosin said there is competing interests: cost for home owners or 14 developers, versus the obligation to help constituents during emergencies. He asked if 15 homeowners with unacceptably small driveways or tree limbs, that bar access, could be 16 reported to their insurance carrier; as they have an obligation to make the roads function for 17 public safety. 18 Chair McKee asked John Roberts if County services could refuse to approach an 19 emergency due to inaccessibility. 20 John Roberts said Emergency Services would have to find a way to get down the 21 driveway. He said he does not know a solution to the problem but there is a reasonable 22 expectation among citizens that the fire department, funded by their tax dollars, will reach their 23 house in a time of crisis. 24 Commissioner Rich asked if there is an emergency and the roads are inaccessible how 25 does Emergency Services currently respond. 26 Jason Shepherd said each situation is unique and is addressed one case at a time. He 27 said each response is created in the moment, often sacrificing precious time that would be 28 better used fighting the fire. 29 Commissioner Dorosin asked if property owners and realtors are required to disclose 30 the fact that a fire truck cannot get down the driveway. 31 Jason Shepherd said no, there is no type of disclosure requirement. He said in regards 32 to insurance providers, policy writers should create policies in the field after seeing a property 33 rather than at their desks. 34 Jim Groves said some of the stakeholders are worried about their vehicles, and potential 35 damage they may incur on unsafe or unstable roadways and bridges. 36 Commissioner Dorosin said if people knew of the hazards, like low hanging branches; 37 they may be more receptive to making the safety changes. He said many people may be 38 unaware of their property's inaccessibility, until it is too late. 39 Commissioner Price said firefighters are being put at risk, not just the vehicles. She 40 said it is not fair to come up with policies for nice country roads, and not consider the people 41 doing the work. She said she will side with the recommendations of the Sheriff, Emergency 42 Services and the Fire Departments. 43 Commissioner Jacobs said information, regarding Emergency Services accessibility, 44 could be included with the tax notice, in a similar manner to information about pumping septic 45 tanks. 46 Commissioner Jacobs said for the most part the intentions are all good and make sense 47 to him. He said part of being in the post 911 world is that there are so many sacrifices of 48 personal character, versus the greatest possible safety. He said it is reasonable to educate 49 people and to suggest that they clear their driveways but to make it a County ordinance takes it 50 too far.