1-31-19 Planning Retreat - Laserfiche WebLink

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other alternative is where the Board determines the request is consistent with the long range use plan, but the Board denies the rezoning request, facts will need to be provided supporting why the long range use plan may need to be amended. Planning Staff will generally provide a statement with the conformance with the land use plan, a recommendation from the Planning Board, and examples of the motions that could be produced by the Board. IV. Communications Update ad Strategic Planning Discussion — Communications and Governmental Relations Manager Jamie Brown provided the Board with an update on the communications strategy, social media and community engagement, county brand, strategic planning, and sought the Board's guidance on the next steps in pursing identified goals. The three main social media platforms the County focuses on are Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. She expressed a need to raise the profile of the county to increase community engagement. With regard to branding and marketing strategy, the goal is to achieve a cohesive county story. Ms. Brown advocated for community engagement and a larger government presence at community events. She emphasized the importance of defining a brand for the county. The recommendation was to focus branding using the county seal. Strategic planning was proposed to define priorities, guide budget discussions and to act as a working document to guide county plans and actions. Following a discussion, the Board expressed interest in unifying the county brand and moving towards a formalized proposal. V. Broadband Impact on Lee County— Information Technology Director Kyle Edwards introduced the business Open Broadband and the work they are doing in the Copper Ridge neighborhood to expand broadband access. Access is important for education, work, entertainment, and communication. Open Broadband was founded about two years ago. Currently 30% of the county does not have access to broadband. Another 48% of the county only has one provider. They provide service through a fixed access point deployed in different communities installed on water towers, rooftops, poles etc. Open Broadband is interested in pursuing public- private partnerships with physical assets that are helpful for installation. Open Broadband provides speeds between 25 MB— 1,000 MB (Gigabit). Open Broadband serves county governments, municipal governments, airports, colleges, housing, private business, etc. Twenty-eight out of forty-eight homes in Copper Ridge currently utilize Open Broadband. The town of Belmont, NC utilizes Open Broadband to provide free public Wi-Fi in certain areas. The main page advertises local businesses located nearby. VI. Agenda Management Refresher and Preview of Implementation — Deputy County Attorney/Clerk to the Board Jennifer Gamble provided the Board with a preview of an agenda/meeting management program known as Novus Agenda that will be deploying over the next couple of months. The purpose of this program is to reduce the cost of resources associated with the agenda creation process, streamline the approval process for submittals, provide convenient access to information through the County's website, and to organize the flow of meetings. A remote demonstration of the product was provided to the Board. This product can also be used to benefit other County Boards and Commissions as well. The launch is expected to begin in February with full integration set for March. VII. FY 19-20 Budget Kickoff Discussions — A. Key Financial Issues Related to County Finances — Lee Carter, Vice President of Capital Management of the Carolinas, provided the Board with information on financial reporting, fund balance, and OPEB. Government wide statements are required annually to get an opinion from auditors. Purposes for fund balance reserves are for cash flow, to avoid short-term borrowing, Page 315