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3. Review "need for tower" and "inability to co -locate" justifications that will accompany certain applications for new towers. It is staff's opinion that the county should not pursue preparation of a "wireless master plan" and, consequently, that service #1 not be pursued. However, it is staff's opinion that it would be prudent to hire an RF engineer as soon as possible to review, comment, and advise the county on its current research, regulatory alternatives, and potential LDR changes. These are the limited services described above under service #2. It is also staff's opinion that Dr. Frank Caimi should be hired as soon as possible, since he is qualified and is local, and since the county must act quickly to ensure that its planning and regulation changes are completed prior to the end of the current moratorium on applications for new towers (moratorium ends May 5, 1997). Dr. Caimi has indicated that he is available and can perform services within the county's timeframes. Staff will report to the Board Dr. Caimi's hourly rate at the January 14th meeting. It is also staff's opinion that the county initiate an RFQ process to identify qualified RF consultants available to review justifications provided in certain applications for new towers (service #3, above). Future expenses for using such review services could be borne by tower applicants. To conclude the county's planning and regulation efforts, it is staff's recommendation that the county hire Dr. Caimi, use him in a review of current proposals and alternatives, and have him available to answer questions at a final Board workshop to be held in mid-February. At the workshop, updated research and alternatives will be presented and discussed. At that time, the Board will need to give staff direction on certain unresolved issues, including general location restrictions and incentives. After the February workshop, with input from Dr. Caimi, staff will propose new LDR changes and have those changes reviewed by the PSAC and the Planning and Zoning Commission at public meetings. Then, the Board could consider specific LDR changes and adopt changes that it deems satisfactory. As has been the case throughout the county's planning efforts, the wireless communications industry will have the opportunity to provide input. Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners authorize staff to: 1. Hire Dr. Frank Caimi for RF engineering consulting services to review and comment on various tower/antenna regulation proposals and alternatives. 2. Initiate an RFQ process for retaining an RF engineering consultant(s) to review justifications contained in applications for new towers that are filed in the future. 3. Schedule a final Board tower/antenna workshop for mid-February 1997. Planning Director Stan Boling reviewed the proposal and added that staff felt that Dr. Caimi, at an hourly rate of $125, would be the best consultant available. Commissioner Ginn expressed some of her concerns and added that the Treasure Coast Council of Local Governments is hoping to JANUARY 14, 1997 2 1 BOOKUU