AGENDA DATE: 12/11/2024
TITLE:
Title
Schedule a Public Hearing on a Proposed Lease of a Portion of Yancey Community Center Property
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: To authorize advertising a public hearing to consider a proposed lease of a portion of land adjacent to the Yancey Community Center as a communications site
ITEM TYPE: Consent Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Dimock, Herrick, Culp, Strothers, Inofuentes
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: The County-owned Yancey Community Center includes a County-owned and -operated water treatment facility on Parcel 128A2-22 (7661 Porters Road). This property is ideal for the placement of a communications hut to support the grant-funded project for fiber broadband internet in the area. The grant awardee approached the County with a request to lease a portion of the property. Specifically, the proposed lease would be for a 3,220 square foot portion of the property (plus a temporary construction easement and land required for permanent erosion and sediment control facilities) for nominal rent of one dollar per year over an initial term of 50 years, renewable at the tenant’s option for up to four successive 10-year terms. This proposed lease of County property would require a public hearing.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Infrastructure Investment - Prioritize, plan, and invest in critical infrastructure that responds to past and future changes and improves the capacity to serve community needs.
DISCUSSION: For the fiber project supporting Keene and Esmont, Firefly Fiber Broadband is requesting the lease of a small area near the water treatment facility for the Yancey Community Center. If the lease were approved, Firefly Fiber Broadband would build a small secure structure at its expense to contain sophisticated fiber switching equipment. This proposed lease would require an advertised public hearing.
BUDGET IMPACT: The proposed lease includes nominal rent of one dollar per year.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board authorize advertising a public hearing to consider a proposed lease of portion of land adjacent to the Yancey Community Center water treatment facility to Central Virginia Services, Inc., an affiliate of Firefly Fiber Broadband.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Proposed Yancey Community Center Lease