Orange County NC Website
What the Board is being essentially asked to do in the recommendation, which you will <br /> find in your packet, is that you receive the recommendations detailed within this abstract, you <br /> receive any and all additional information concerning this application, you'll close the public <br /> hearing and begin deliberation, and you will schedule action upon the special use permit at the <br /> October 7, 2008 regular Board meeting. I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you <br /> may have. <br /> Commissioner Gordon: I had a couple of questions. The first had to do with utilizing <br /> the bungalow style of construction. Is that to keep the development in concert and harmony <br /> with surrounding properties? Why is that? <br /> Michael Harvey: I'm going to try to answer your question in two different ways. The <br /> first way is that the applicant has obviously proposed that style of construction. It is part of <br /> their application, and they're being asked to be held to their application. Secondly, the <br /> bungalow style of development offers potential for rebuilding to utilize as part of the <br /> construction of these buildings and essentially afford the greater opportunity for some flexibility <br /> from the standpoint of implementing green building standards. <br /> Commissioner Gordon: Another question I had was related to fire protection. I <br /> noticed there's a condition that the Caldwell Fire Department be asked that they approve the <br /> revised site plan. And of course they have to meet code and then there's the pond. I just <br /> wondered, and I looked at the letter from Mike Tapp, and did they ever provide any <br /> comments? It talks about the water source being approved and so forth. I don't see that they <br /> necessarily say that the Caldwell Fire Department can provide adequate service for this. For <br /> example, the Sheriff certified that they can provide law enforcement services without additional <br /> personnel. <br /> Michael Harvey: Let me answer that question in two ways. If you refer to page 38 of <br /> the application, it indicates that Caldwell Fire Department shall be a provider for fire and first <br /> responder services. Essentially, they identified the need for a water source. The pond is <br /> potentially one of the water sources. One of the rationales for requiring Caldwell Fire <br /> Department to be involved in that process is that they can certify with provision of an additional <br /> water source, they can adequately provide fire protection services. But, the direct answer to <br /> your question is that we have received no additional information from Mr. Tapp. We only have <br /> this information. <br /> Commissioner Gordon: I think it would be a good idea as we approve these <br /> developments, which requires more than just single-family homes, that we ask that they certify <br /> that they can provide the services. I'm not trying to single out Caldwell, I was just thinking that <br /> down the road we're going to get other applications where there is no public water and sewer <br /> and a volunteer fire department. It's going to be critical that the services be provided, so it <br /> would be good to have a comment that they be asked to state, "we can provide adequate <br /> services for this if..." <br /> Chair Jacobs: I have a question, but first I wanted to thank the members of the <br /> Planning Board for being here. When we have Planning Board items sometimes we say, "well, <br /> why did the Planning Board do this?" and staff is put in the odd position, especially when the <br /> Planning Board recommends something that the staff did not, of trying to explain the Planning <br /> Board's thinking. Is there an officer of the Planning Board here? Can I ask a Planning Board <br /> member to be sworn in so that if there is an issue, then I can ask a Planning Board member to <br /> explain it? <br /> Geof Gledhill: Unless the Planning Board member is going to testify as the facts.... <br />