Montgomery County

Planning Commission Minutes

18 November 1998

AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION HELD ON NOVEMBER 18, 1998 IN COURTROOM B, THIRD FLOOR, COUNTY COURTHOUSE, CHRISTIANSBURG, VIRGINIA:

Mr. Wells, Chair, called the meeting to order and Mr. Ewing established the presence of a quorum.

Mr. Wells opened the Public Address Session. There being no comments from the public, the Public Address Session was closed.

None.

The following item was pulled from the Consent Agenda:

1. Minutes of October 21, 1998:

Minutes of September 30, 1998, October 14, 1998, October 21, 1998 (as amended) and October 28, 1998 meetings.

Mr. Larry Ryan, CFW Wireless, was present to address the commission on their proposed towers. Mr. Ryan distributed maps to members showing existing, current year and future tower sites for the county. He also distributed topo maps showing how the terrain lies in the Plum Creek area. Discussion followed concerning the co-locating on the proposed tower by other wireless operators. Mr. Ryan stated that they could have at least two additional co-locations on this tower if they can be lower than 140 feet because CFW will need 140 feet height. He said U.S. Cellular is interested in co-locating in this area. Further discussion followed concerning their goal for future towers or poles, particularly along Route 114.

1. This permit is to authorize construction of a monopole communications tower. In accordance with the provisions of the zoning ordinance, this permit shall automatically become void if substantial construction has not taken place within two years of the date this permit is approved.
2. The height of the tower and attached antennas shall be no greater than one hundred and forty (140) feet above ground elevation.
3. The tower shall have a galvanized steel finish or be painted a neutral color, so as to reduce visual intrusiveness. Any dish antennas shall be of a neutral, nonreflective color. No logos or advertising of any type shall be placed on the tower, antennas, or any accessory facilities.
4. The tower and accessory facilities shall comply with the CFW Wireless Co-Location Policy for Wireless Service Providers (Letter of August 16, 1996, from Tom Whitaker).
5. If the tower is not operated for a continuous period of six (6) months, then it shall be considered abandoned, and the tower owner shall remove it within ninety (90) days of receipt of notice from the Zoning Administrator. If the tower is not removed within ninety (90) days, then the Zoning Administrator may require the landowner to remove the tower at the landowner'Õ expense.
6. All Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements shall be met prior to the issuance of any building permits. The tower shall not interfere with flight patterns at any airport.

Mr. Scott stated that the changes that had been recommended by the Commission at the last meeting were made to the proposed zoning ordinance as well as correction of typos, grammar, etc. Mr. Neumann said he was disappointed that the Planning Commission had not accomplished all that much that they started out to do in revising the Zoning Ordinance. Ms. Brennan said she thought the commission had watered it down so that she doesnÕt know that they have anything much better than they did to start with. Mr. Alcorn stated that the proposed ordinance addresses the A-1 problem of allowing ½ acre residential lots practically anywhere in the county. He said the zoning ordinance will need constant attention and now the Comprehensive Plan can be worked on. Mr. Draper said the commission has come to grip with the ½ acre lots and the proposed sliding scale is worth the effort.

Marty McMahon, County Attorney addressed the commission on the Freedom of Information Act. He explained to members the proper procedure for holding public meetings and what constituted a public meeting. Discussion followed.

Mr. Davis made a presentation of the revised CIP process. He reviewed the CIP Program Project Definition that included the criteria, old definition and proposed new definition. The new definition has been adopted by the Board of Supervisors. Discussion followed.

Mr. Linkous gave the report of the Nominating Committee. The report was accepted and nominations closed.

Malvin Wells Ð Chair

Ed Green Ð Vice-Chair

Kathryn Brennan Ð Secretary

Mr. Powers stated that no requests had been submitted to hold a Planning Commission public hearing on December 9^th. He stated that only the Administration Committee would meet on the 9^th. No regular Planning Commission meeting will be held.

Ms. Biggs stated that the Blacksburg Middle School would be the topic of discussion on Monday night at the Board of SupervisorÕs meeting.

None.

Mr. Alcorn stated items on the agenda did not concern the county. Mr. Wells recognized the presence of Ann Carter, Town of Christiansburg Planning Commission member.

None.

Mr. Alcorn reported that the Elliston-Lafayette Industrial Park would be an item of discussion at their meeting tomorrow.

Mr. Daub was not present to give his report. Kimberly Golden made an updated review on the advertising for bids for the Belview sewer project.

Mr. Linkous stated no meeting was held in November. Their next meeting would be the 2^nd of December.

Mr. Powers reported that the Board of Supervisors approved the 177 Corridor Study Contract with the New River Valley Planning District Commission. He said the Radford Planning Commission approved the contract but Radford City Council tabled it. The contract is now on hold.

Mr. Powers stated that the Sierra Club would present a slide show on sprawl at the regular December 16^th meeting. He reviewed information on development trends around the towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

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