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7 <br /> Why are we here: <br /> • Staff has received a request to include a parcel of property off Union Grove Church <br /> Road (PIN 9860-28-9935) on the MTP; <br /> Staff Findings: <br /> • There is a need for additional infrastructure in the area to: <br /> o Address reliable cellular service, <br /> o Increase effectiveness of the existing emergency communications, <br /> o Increasing opportunities for broadband services. <br /> • Request is consistent with adopted Comprehensive Plan; <br /> • Complements existing properties already part of the MTP. <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board: <br /> 1. Receive the request; <br /> 2. Conduct the public hearing and accept comment; <br /> 3. Close the public hearing. (Note that, because this is a legislative decision, additional <br /> comments at a later date are permitted); <br /> 4. Approve Attachment 5 amending the MTP to include adding PIN 9860-28-9935. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin clarified that the decision to add this property is just that, and <br /> there has been no further process or proceeding with the property. <br /> Michael Harvey said the owner of the property would like to bring in his own tower permit <br /> immediately, and intends to offer the County a slot on the tower in order to erect <br /> telecommunication equipment. He said staff is keen to help the owner move forward, but it <br /> would not exempt the owner from getting all applicable permits. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said this one is likely to move forward. <br /> Michael Harvey said this is on a fast track as the property owner thinks there is a unique <br /> and immediate interest to help the telecommunications needs of the local fire department. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin referred to the map, and asked if there are higher priority areas. <br /> He said there are currently 16 sites, mostly in the northern and western parts of the County. He <br /> said if this marketing tool works, and someone wants to build tower, would staff have a priority <br /> order in which to direct tower building. <br /> Michael Harvey said yes, and attachment 2 explains that all applicants are required to <br /> demonstrate being able to locate on one of the identified 16 sites, assuming BOCC approval. <br /> He said the applicant cannot do so, it must justify why. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin asked if there is any hierarchy within these 16 sites that could be <br /> incentivized. <br /> Michael Harvey said no, there is not a hierarchy within these 16 sites, but all <br /> development applications go the Development Advisory Committee, which is an internal staff <br /> committee that is attended by all County departments, most notably Emergency Services <br /> (EMS). He said there have been instances where EMS staff has identified areas with greater <br /> need, and has steered work in that direction. <br /> Michael Harvey said the map itself shows coverage gaps throughout the area and staff <br /> will push these areas of greater need, but lack a willing development partner. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said that is helpful. He said the maps shows coverage gaps but <br /> no willing partner, and really there is just no coverage at all due to the lack of towers. <br />