Joe Falin

The discussion focused on the county's open data portal, which provides access to existing GIS layers for download, allowing citizens and students to perform their own analysis. The presenter demonstrated how to navigate the portal, filter data by categories like zoning, and download information in various formats including spreadsheets, KML, and shapefiles. A key discussion point was the portal's dynamic nature, ensuring data stays current by syncing with the main GIS subset. Furthermore, the presenter showcased a new in-house developed parcel viewer application, built using Esri enterprise licensing, designed to replace the existing Web Logistics system. This new viewer offers improved functionality, such as searching against both parcel addresses and standard address points (benefiting apartment dwellers), configuration flexibility, and standard GIS capabilities like printing and measurement. The presenters expressed the goal of transitioning the public narrative away from solely associating GIS with Web Logistics and moving towards the new portal/viewer system.

The meeting addressed the library's operational status, focusing on thresholds and conditions for potentially reverting to curbside service due to COVID-19 concerns. Discussions included the county's response to new Department of Labor and Industry emergency temporary standards, sanitation protocols, and recent findings from OCLC realm testing regarding virus viability on library materials. The board also considered the possibility of adjusting library hours to allow for more thorough cleaning and the mask policy.

The meeting included discussions on various topics such as graphic and marketing design contracts, a land use permit resolution from the Virginia Department of Transportation, and legislative priorities. The board also discussed the revenue sharing application requests and the Wilhoit Mill Road improvement project, addressing concerns from residents about the project's impact and funding.

The meeting included nominations for chair and vice chair, appointment of a secretary, and discussions regarding the G-Web steering committee. The committee reviewed and approved the bylaws and the attached meeting schedule for 2021. Rebecca Haydock, the new director of the Small Business Development Center, provided an overview of the services offered, highlighting the new business advisor and the extensive resources available. The impact on Orange County was discussed, including the number of counseling sessions and event attendees. The board also considered a letter of support for the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center's funding request.

The meeting of the Orange County Planning Commission included discussions on a proposal for a communications site by Central Virginia Electric Co-op (Firefly) in the Lee Industrial Park. Key points covered the site's zoning, the nature of the facility (including a structure, generator, and underground lines), and staff recommendations regarding lighting and fencing. Commissioners clarified the need for a determination of the proposal's accordance with the comprehensive plan and discussed the project's potential competition with existing broadband services. Representatives from Central Virginia Electric Co-op provided additional details on the project's infrastructure and operations.