AGENDA DATE: 11/2/2016
TITLE:
Title
Virginia Telecommunication Planning Initiative Telecommunication Plan
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Presentation of the 2016 Telecommunication Plan Completed by Design Nine, Inc.
ITEM TYPE: Regular Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Foley, Letteri, Kamptner, Culp
PRESENTER (S): Dr. Andrew Cohill, Design Nine, Inc.; Mike Culp, IT Director
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Thomas C. Foley
BACKGROUND: Staff, as a result of Board direction and priorities, continues to evaluate strategies to expand access to high speed internet service (Broadband) in Albemarle County. A Broadband Task Force, which includes staff and two Board members, continues to meet regularly to guide the day to day efforts of this important initiative while maintaining regular communications with the full Board. More recent efforts have been focused on the development of a telecommunications plan designed to evaluate existing conditions and infrastructure and provide a series of options for how broadband might be expanded in the region. This particular effort was made possible through a grant from The Virginia Telecommunication Planning Initiative (VATPI) which awarded Albemarle County $75,000 for the purpose of creating a telecommunication plan (the Plan). A management team was formed and engaged a consulting firm, Design Nine, to create the Plan.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Goal 2 - Critical Infrastructure: Prioritize, plan and invest in critical infrastructure that responds to past and future changes and improves the capacity to serve community needs. Goal 5 - Educational Opportunities: Provide lifelong learning opportunities for all our citizens. Goal 7 - Operational Capacity: Ensure County government's ability to provide high quality service that achieves community priorities.
DISCUSSION: The Plan includes seven strategic considerations: 1. Establish Goals 2. Form public/private partnerships 3.Treat Broadband as a Utility 4. Improve Awareness/Understanding of Broadband Challenges 5. Identify Broadband Leadership 6. Amend the personal wireless service facility regulations, referred to in the Plan as the “Tower Ordinance” to Help Improve Wireless 7. Improve Access to Tower Space. Each of the strategic considerations is discussed in more detail in the attached Executive Summary of the Plan.
BUDGET IMPACT: On February 4, 2015, the Board adopted a Resolution to commit the use of up to $30,000 to supplement grant funds to develop a telecommunications plan, and that amount was appropriated to the Information Technology Department to support the grant for Broadband projects. $11,250 of this appropriated amount is being used as the required local “match” for the VATPI Fund. Staff will ask the Board to re-appropriate any unused balance of this $30,000 to the Grant Opportunity fund upon the completion of the project. In addition, on March 2, 2016, the Board appropriated the $75,000 grant award (Appropriation #2016066). This project is proceeding on budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff is not making any recommendations at this time. Staff will request feedback on the strategic considerations included in the Plan and seek further direction from the Board.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Design Nine, Inc. Telecommunication Plan Executive Summary
B - PowerPoint Presentation of Broadband Strategic Considerations
C - Telecommunication Plan