FCPS Wireless Telecommunications Facilities (Monopole Program) - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

FCPS Wireless Telecommunications Facilities (Monopole Program)

January 13, 2020

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Presentation Topic

Merits of engaging an independent third-party wireless telecommunications expert to consult on the evaluation of all FCPS telecommunications facilities applications, including: 1. Validation of the need for additional wireless telecommunications coverage related to the area of the application, and 2. Recommendations to the physical placement of any telecommunications facility on any FCPS property.

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Key Discussion Points

• FCPS Monopole Program Overview
• Presentation:

Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development

• Presentation:

Independent Third-Party Wireless Telecommunications Expert

• Recommendation
• Discussion

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FCPS Monopole Program Overview

Purpose of the Program (SB Policy 8335.4)

“To provide access to school properties for the location of mobile and land-based telecommunication network facilities for wireless telecommunication for the citizens of the county, consistent with the efforts of the Fairfax County government to furnish appropriate coverage for the safety and security of citizens, promote wireless connectivity, and enhance the instructional program of Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), as well as to obtain revenue for the benefit of FCPS for those school division sites where facilities are approved in accordance with policy.”

For additional information on the Monopole Program

https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/facilities-planning-future/monopoles-and-fairfax-county-public-schools 4

FCPS Monopole Program Overview

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Fairfax County

Number of Approved Monopoles and Towers by Property Ownership

Total: 127

As of 12-15-2017

FCPS 26 | 21% Fairfax County/ FCPA 28 | 22% VDOT 14 | 11% Other Public Utilities 9 | 7% Private Sector 50 | 39%

FCPS Monopole Overview

Application Process

Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 Virginia State Code Section 15.2-2232 Fairfax County Telecommunications Application 2232 Process FCPS Telecommunications Process Pre-2232 Process FCPS Telecommunications Process Post-2232 Process Private Sector New Monopole Interest

(Business Case Based)

• Federal Law
• FCC Regulations

State Code Legal Status of Plan (Localities)

• Applicant Interest
• FCPS Initial Review
• Communications

> Pertinent SB, BOS, PC Members > Neighborhood/School Communities > Staff

• 2232 Application Filed
• Community Outreach
• Community Meeting
• Public Hearing
• BOS Action

Fairfax County 2232 Presentation

• Lease Agreement

Executed Upon BOS Approval

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Fairfax County Wireless Permitting/2232 Review Presentation

Introduction

• Mr. Bryan Botello

Planner, Public Facilities Department of Planning & Development Fairfax County, Virginia

Talking Points

• 2232 Applications-Reviews for conformance of location,

character and extent with the Comprehensive Plan.

• Recent changes to Fairfax County telecommunications policies.
• Q&A

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Independent Third-Party Wireless Telecommunications Expert Presentation

Introduction Ken Schmidt, J.D., President-Steel in the Air (SITA)

Talking Points

• SITA Previous Review of FCPS Monopole Leasing Analysis.
• Process of How Cell Carriers Select Sites.
• What is “Need”?
• What School Board Could Require Above and Beyond Municipal

Review.

• Pros/Cons of Doing So.

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Recommendation

Engaging an independent third-party wireless telecommunications expert to consult on the evaluation of all FCPS telecommunications facilities applications is not recommended at this time. Staff expertise (both Fairfax County and FCPS) in combination with Fairfax County’s land use review/approval process and FCPS’s policy, regulations and vetting processes, precludes the need for such independent services.

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SCHOOL BOARD DISCUSSION

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