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

FCPS Wireless Telecommunications Facilities (Monopole Program) January 13, 2020 1

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. 2

Key Discussion Points  FCPS Monopole Program Overview  Presentation: Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development  Presentation: Independent Third-Party Wireless Telecommunications Expert  Recommendation  Discussion 3

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 Fairfax County Number of Approved Monopoles and Towers FCPS by Property Ownership 26 | 21% Private Sector Total: 127 50 | 39% Fairfax County/ FCPA As of 12-15-2017 28 | 22% VDOT Other 14 | 11% Public Utilities 9 | 7% 5

FCPS Monopole Overview Application Process Federal - Federal Law Telecommunications - FCC Regulations Act of 1996 Private Sector New Monopole Interest (Business Case Based) State Code Virginia State Code Legal Status of Plan Section 15.2-2232 (Localities) FCPS Fairfax County FCPS Telecommunications Telecommunications Telecommunications Process Application Process Pre-2232 Process 2232 Process Post-2232 Process - Applicant Interest - 2232 Application Filed - Lease Agreement - FCPS Initial Review - Community Outreach Executed Upon BOS - Communications - Community Meeting Approval > Pertinent SB, BOS, PC - Public Hearing Members - BOS Action > Neighborhood/School Fairfax County 2232 Communities Presentation > Staff 6

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 7

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. 8

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. 9

SCHOOL BOARD DISCUSSION 10