Q: Why can’t we put security forces at the entrance for base housing (I.e. East Falcon, West Falcon, Thrower Park, and Sandhill Landing)?

A: SFS is currently not manned to provide Entry Control Points for these locations during Alpha and Bravo Force Protection Conditions (FPCONs). During Charlie and Delta FPCONs these entrances will be manned but this additional security presence is only possible with the recall of Base Defense Augmentation Forces (non-SFS personnel).

 

Q: Why can’t there be speed cameras to ticket violators?

A: Mississippi state code does not allow “automated recording equipment” for traffic offenses.

- MS Code 17-25-19. Prohibition against ordinance authorizing use of automated recording equipment to enforce compliance with or impose penalties for violation of traffic laws.

(1)(a) Neither the board of supervisors of any county nor the governing authority of any municipality shall adopt, enact or enforce any ordinance authorizing the use of automated recording equipment or system to enforce compliance with traffic signals, traffic speeds or other traffic laws, rules or regulations on any public street, road or highway within this state or to impose or collect any civil or criminal fine, fee or penalty for any such violation.

(b) Any county or municipality using automated recording equipment or system shall remove the equipment or system before October 1, 2009.

(2) For the purposes of this section, the term “automated recording equipment or system” means a camera or optical device installed to work in conjunction with a traffic control signal or radar speed detection equipment or both and designed to record images that depict the license plate attached to the rear of a motor vehicle that is not operated in compliance with instructions of the traffic control signal or the posted speed limit.

- Further, all DoD installation Traffic Enforcement is outlined in Army Reg 190-5 which states: “The commander of each installation using traffic radar will ensure that personnel selected as operators of such devices meet training and certification requirements prescribed by the State (or SOFA) in which the installation is located.” Since, MS does not allow the use of this equipment we as SFS cannot install or operate traffic cameras on the installation.

 

Q: What can be done to improve the safety and traffic conditions on the Jefferson Davis drop off zone?

A: SFS has taken the following steps to improve traffic control and safety at the Jefferson Davis school drop off;         

- Cones have been temporarily placed to prevent vehicles from parking on sidewalk areas for stroller/wheelchair access. In March Vectrus will begin painting new lanes to parents can see them clearly.  Vectrus will also install rumble/reflective bumps on the lane so people can feel going into/out of the lane.  Lastly, new signage will also be installed to include a “school drop off/pick up” sign on the right side of the one way and a sign that says “no parking on sidewalk or grass.”

 

- SFS initiated a VECTRUS Work Order (#83123) on 16 Jan 2020 to repaint the existing roadway markings for better traffic control.

- SFS initiated a VECTRUS Work Order (#83122) on 16 Jan 2020 to create no-parking zone signage to better control vehicle traffic.

- SFS initiated a VECTRUs Work Order (83118) on 16 Jan 2020 to remove the existing turnstile mechanism install a traditional swinging personnel gate. This will reduce the likelihood of a gate malfunction and bring the gate to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for wheelchair access.

 

Q: Can something be done about parking in housing? There are people parking in “no parking spaces”.

A: As of 27 Feb 2020, Hunt forwarded requests to their corporate office for funds to paint the no parking side of the curbs, but the initial painting nor the maintenance of the painting is not currently budgeted for.

 

Q: Can speed bumps be placed in front of the hospital?

A: This is will be addressed at the next traffic safety board scheduled for 28 April 2020.

 

Q: Can we change the location of the “brown sign” outside Thrower Park? The sign blocks oncoming traffic view?

A:  The sign at Thrower Park is no longer an obstruction (the bottom part was removed)

 

Q: Why are blinds not being replaced in housing as they get older much like other items with a life span?

A:  Cordless Blinds will be installed in houses when the corded blinds are damaged.   In this case, residents will be charged for the damaged blinds.  If there is a current resident living in housing with blinds with cords that have not been cut and shortened they should call maintenance to place in a work order. Maintenance will come cut and shorten the cords to ensure the blinds are child safe.  Hunt will be sending out communication to residents that will be shared with First Shirts and Public Affairs to let residents know they may contact Hunt to have their blind cords shortened. 

 

Q: Is there a way to get a full maintenance history on a base house prior to moving in?

A: Hunt does not provide that information to residents and they are not legally required to do so.  However, the 81 TRW Leadership is working with Hunt on trends for homes to ensure a plan is being established to develop a comprehensive solution to solving root-cause issues. 

 

Q: Why can’t the residents have key cards for gates at base housing like previously? If residents have their previous key, can it be activated?

A: The new system does not operate with cards. Key pad numbers are being provided to residents for Gates.

 

Q: Is Sandhill landing also covered in the conversations about Hunt housing?

A: Yes Sandhill Landing is covered in conversation with Hunt.

 

Q: Whose Job is it to enforce the standards in the community handbook?

A: Any rules being broken per the community handbook need to be reported in writing to the Leasing Office.   Keeslercontract@huntcompanies.com

 

Q: Can there be amenities for older aged children in base housing?

A: There are amenities and events for all ages. There are basketball courts, volleyball courts, splash pad, pool, parks and all types of events with giveaways. In the future Hunt may add additional amenities. Currently we have over 400 children living in housing under the age of 7. Hunt works to inform the residents about the amenities on the base for children of all ages. The Youth Center has a teen program and a basketball shootout night along with social education groups for the teens.

 

Q: Can the base engage in an “Art Project” to add outdoor murals and art work across the base, such as the murals along the flight line or on back blast walls much like T walls down range?

A: Looking in the United Facilities Criteria (UFC) referenced below, the design of exterior signs should be for maximum durability and sustainability based upon regional weather impacts.  External murals will require extensive maintenance to keep them looking presentable, especially in Keesler’s coastal region.  The architectural character of Keesler has been managed over many years to meet architectural compatibility standards.   However, the 81 TRW is looking at options for units to do indoor murals.  Keesler has great history with murals throughout buildings.  Unfortunately these murals were lost during the multiple hurricanes.  81 TRW Leadership is looking to bring some of that history back.  More to follow on indoor murals.

Refer to UFC 3-120-01 Design: Sign Standards http://www.wbdg.org/ffc/dod/unified-facilities-criteria-ufc/ufc-3-120-01 for what signs/graphics may be applied directly on buildings. 

UFC - United Facilities Criteria provides planning, design, construction, sustainment, restoration, and modernization criteria for DoD

The BCE does not wish to allow murals or supergraphics for the reasons outlined in the UFC; allowing any to be done could lead to multiple occurrences across an installation and would significantly distract from the architectural character of the base and presents a long term maintenance requirement. 

AFCEC advised that CE should codify the base’s position on murals/external artwork in the Base Facility Standards. The AFCEC Architectural SME will review prior to coordination/update.

 

Q: How do spouses not on social media get information?

A: FSS posts a bi-monthly magazine (Discover Keesler) and advertises activities on the website:  www.discoverkeelser.com.  Additionally, you may opt into the FSS Text Messaging service by texting any of the following to 99000 where you will receive info on Giveaways, Events, Discounts, and Reminders.   Keywords:  81FSS (Weekly Highlights), 81FUN, 81AFRC, 81FOOD, 81FIT, 81BOWL, 81CDC, 8ART. 81GOLF, 81ODR, 81YOUTH, 403RD.You can reply STOP at any time to unsubscribe.

 

Q: Can key spouse information be a checklist item for in-processing?

A: In/out processing checklists are owned by each squadron.   Squadron Commanders can opt to add anything on the checklist, to include individual Squadron’s Key Spouse Information (with the consent of the Key Spouse).  Best practices for Key Spouse programs have been shared with commanders across Keesler and will continue to be a priority for the wing.
 

Q: Is there an email or newsletter spouses can subscribe to for information rather than relying on other spouses?

A: See above response to “How do spouses not on social media get information.”
 

Q: Who can be a Family Child Care (FCC) provider? 

A: Anyone can be a Family Child Care (FCC) provider, provided they are approved by an FCC panel, completes all training requirements, and passes a Childcare background checks.  Most FCC providers are either military spouses or retired military spouses.
 

Q: Do you have to live on base to be a FCC provider?

A:You do not have to live on base.  For more information about the FCC program, please call the FCC office at 228-377-5935 or the FCC cell phone at 228-264-0620.
 

Q: Is there a way to get more information on deployed members?

A: The deployed member’s Commander, and/or, First Sergeant is the spouses point of contact regarding information concerning the deployed spouses or significant other.