The discussion around Sunshine Water’s request was detailed, addressing the functionality and necessity of the poles. Board members inquired about the potential for the poles to serve other communication purposes. Sunshine Water clarified that the poles would solely be used to monitor water meters and detect leaks, which would facilitate efficient water usage and reduce the need for physical meter reading. Kathy Hamill from the development services department provided insights into each of the six variance requests.

Public comments included concerns about the notification process for adjacent neighbors and the poles’ environmental impact. A resident voiced opposition. However, the board addressed these concerns, emphasizing the leak detection benefits and the decrease in vehicular servicing of meters.

The board ultimately recommended approval of the variances on the condition that the poles would be dedicated exclusively to the water metering system’s communication. No opposition votes were recorded for the items related to the specific locations, which included East Waka Trail, Lake Terrace, Sand Lake Road, South Pressview Avenue, and Temple Drive. The board also acknowledged a mailer had been sent out to residents within 500 feet of the proposed locations to inform them about the new system’s implementation.

Apart from Sunshine Water’s variances, the board addressed several other requests. One item was the approval of a height variance for a privacy fence from 6 1/2 ft to 8 ft in the R1 zoning District. The applicant, Jessica, cited privacy concerns, particularly around her pool area, as the reason for requesting a taller fence. The board voted in favor without raising major concerns about the impact on side yard setbacks.

The board also approved a rear yard setback variance for a covered porch addition in the PD plan development district. The applicant, Doon Joal, clarified that the addition would not extend beyond the existing building’s footprint. Similarly, a variance for a screen room addition with zero setback was granted to an applicant from 117 Hidden Oak Drive, with support from the Springs Homeowners Association and adjacent property owners.

Additional approvals included a variance for a detached garage on Francis Circle, where the applicant sought to address the shallowness of their property and maintain neighborhood aesthetics. Another request from 1912 West Airport Boulevard involved placing a shed closer to the property line to accommodate septic and drainage field constraints.

The meeting also touched on the conversion of manual meters to automated meter reading products. While there was a brief mention of potential job loss for meter readers, it was noted that new employment opportunities would arise within the project.