MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
STEERING COMMITTEEMINUTES
May 16, 2006
Attendees:
Committee Members: Hank Salcido (Chair), Ellie Vasilopoulos, Col Richard Pierce,
J. J. Vollmuth, Joy Bissonette, Chris Moore
Also Present: Lt Gen Clark Griffith (Renaissance Chair), Jerry Taranto, (Public Affairs – Keesler)Hank Salcido called the meeting to order at 10:00 AM and welcomed the committee and reminded the committee that we are nearing the point of writing our final report.The committee reviewed the minutes of the previous minutes and made minor corrections to include date of the minutes and dates of the ward meetings. Gen Griffith requested committee members be present for the all ward meetings, if possible. He is hoping for public feedback and plans to give the results of the eleven committees. There are approximately 322 people serving on the various committees. This is a wonderful opportunity for citizens to participate and swap ideas. Everyone in Biloxi has had ample opportunity to participate in “Reviving the Renaissance.” There has been plenty of press, and TV coverage
The committee again reviewed our recommended areas.
Medical Facilities: It was reiterated the community could not absorb the medical needs of Keesler. It is expected the Keesler Hospital will be rebuilt to pre-Katrina status. The Medical vision for the Coast remains to work with the Veterans Administration and University of MS Medical School, to coordinate common needs. Gen Griffith said there was a briefing given by Gen Young, former Hospital Commander, that provided pre-Katrina information on the hospital, including, people, specialties, etc. The briefing indicated the current status of the hospital, where it was projected to go, and what was programmed. This information should be included in our report.
North/South Connector: MDOT apparently desires to build the North-South Connector using the Alternative “H” option. This particular proposal runs through existing Keesler land. The base is planning on building brand new homes for its members and families at this location, making Alternative “H” highly undesirable. Keesler leadership is strongly opposed to this option. There is a sense of urgency on this matter, as Keesler is getting ready to award the construction contract and begin rebuilding in the near future. Gen Griffith stated we should include excerpts from a letter that Gen Mercer, former 81 Wing Commander, wrote which firmly stated Keesler’s position and preference on the north/south connector route. Col Pierce will check with Gen Capasso to see if Keesler wants to make any updates. Since Katrina, Keesler’s land requirements have changed.
Airspace: Protection of Keesler is imperative. Encroachment, density, and height restrictions all continue to be vital to the security and safekeeping of Keesler. Col Pierce stated that Keesler officials are reviewing current airspace management requirements and will provide updated data to the City of Biloxi. This committee recommends the City of Biloxi and surrounding communities support these airspace management requirements as they are vital to the integrity of Keesler’s flying mission and the potential impact on the future of the base.
Housing: Keesler is pursuing the possibility of obtaining housing from the Pascagoula Naval Station. There are approximately 160 units available. The committee agreed it was essential that military families be returned to this area as quickly as possible. Presently Keesler Military members are issued non-concurrent (unaccompanied) travel orders unless the member has secured appropriate housing prior to arrival. If the member arrives unaccompanied and later finds suitable housing the original orders can be amended to allow dependent travel to Keesler. This not only affects quality of life for the military family but also has an adverse affect on several other community issues. For example: Biloxi Schools school budget are affected because of the loss of impact funds. The School system “Special Needs” Programs is also adversely impacted as their normal student enrollment has declined. The Keesler Medical Center has served as a “Special Needs” facility and must return to its pre-Katrina status as soon as possible. Presently Keesler will be rebuilding 1067 military family houses. This is a reduction from the 1820 previously available houses (59% of original numbers). Keesler anticipates a need for additional off base housing to accommodate the military, civilian and contractor personnel. The price range of housing must be in line with current government housing allowance
Land Use: There are continued opportunities for Keesler and the City of Biloxi to work together on various land issues. e.g. Keesler gate locations, additional family housing, and recreational facility locations Gen Griffith will meet with Gen Capasso to discuss these issues.
The committee will begin writing their final report, which is due to Gen Griffith May 22, 2006.
Hank Salcido, Chair
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
STEERING COMMITTEEMINUTES
(Corrected Copy)
May 10, 2006
Attendees:
Committee Members: Hank Salcido (Chair), Ellie Vasilopoulos, Col Richard Pierce,
J. J. Vollmuth, Joy Bissonette,
Also Present: Lt Gen Clark Griffith (Renaissance Chair), Jerry Taranto, (Public Affairs – Keesler)Hank Salcido called the meeting to order at 4:00PM and welcomed the committee.
Gen Griffith reminded the committee that he would like our proposed recommendations by Friday, May 12, 2006 in order to prepare for the Ward meetings. There will be three meetings:
May 22, Wards 1 and 2
May 23, Wards 3,4, and 5
May 24, Wards 6 and 7He stated that anyone who wanted to work on any committee was welcome. It is important to provide potential recommendations to the people of Biloxi and get their input. We will then adjust the recommendations and write the final report. His final report must be accomplished by May 31st. Our committee final recommendations are due to Gen Griffith by May 22, 2006.
The committee reviewed the minutes of the previous minutes and discussed the following:
Airspace: Protection of Keesler is imperative. Encroachment, density, and height restrictions all continue to be vital to the security and safekeeping of Keesler. Col Pierce stated that Keesler officials are reviewing current airspace management requirements and will provide updated data to the City of Biloxi. Recommend the City of Biloxi and surrounding communities, support these airspace management requirements as it vital to the integrity of Keesler’s flying mission and its potential impact on the future of the base.
Housing: The committee agreed it was essential that military families be returned to this area as quickly as possible. Presently Keesler Military members are issued non-concurrent (unaccompanied) travel orders unless the member has secured appropriate housing prior to arrival. If the member arrives unaccompanied and later finds suitable housing the original orders can be amended to allow dependent travel to Keesler. This not only affects quality of life for the military family but also has an adverse affect on several other community problems. For example: Biloxi Schools school budget are affected because of the loss of impact funds. The School system “Special Needs” Programs is also adversely impacted as their normal student enrollment has declined. The Keesler Medical Center has served as a “Special Needs” facility and must return to its pre-Katrina status as soon as possible. Presently Keesler will be rebuilding 1067 military family houses. This is a reduction from the 1820 previously available houses (59% of original numbers). Keesler anticipates a need for additional off base housing to accommodate the military, civilian and contractor personnel. The price range of housing should be in line with current government housing allowance.
Land Use: There are continued opportunities for Keesler and the City of Biloxi to work together on various land issues. e.g. Keesler gate locations, additional family housing, and recreational facilities.
North/South Connector: MDOT apparently desires to build the North-South Connector using the Alternative “H” option. This particular proposal runs through existing Keesler land. The base is planning on building brand new homes for its members and families at this location, making Alternative “H” highly undesirable. Keesler leadership is strongly opposed to this option. There is a sense of urgency on this matter, as Keesler is getting ready to award the construction contract and begin rebuilding in the near future.
Medical Facilities: It was reiterated the community could not absorb the medical needs of Keesler. It is expected the Keesler Hospital will be rebuilt to pre-Katrina days. The Medical vision for the Coast remains to work with the Veterans Administration and University of MS Medical School, to coordinate common needs.
Next meeting was scheduled for, Tuesday, May 16, at 10:00 AM at the CE conference room.
Hank Salcido, Chair
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
STEERING COMMITTEEMINUTES
April 25, 2006
Attendees: Committee Members: Hank Salcido (Chair), Ellie Vasilopoulos, Col Richard Pierce,
J. J. Vollmuth, Chris Moore, Wes Toche, Also Present: Lt Gen Clark Griffith (Renaissance Chair), Sgt Carlos Diaz (Public Affairs – Keesler)Hank Salcido called the meeting to order and welcomed the committee. Hank introduced Col Richard Pierce, the new Vice Commander of Keesler AFB, who will serve as a member of our committee.
Gen Griffith reminded the committee that we are in our last month. The days will go by very fast and we need to focus on what’s going to come out of our committee and start putting it on paper. He would like to have the draft by May 22nd so he can put the report together and have it printed by May 31st. He stated that it is becoming clearer of the overlap between our committee and other committees, e.g. Land Use (Keesler); Transportation (Keesler Gate); Education, Housing (Single family Housing, Apartments for permanent residents, Low Rise Condos, Condo Towers and Condotels. Bottom line is that 50,000 housing units are expected to be built in the Gulf Region. He reminded the committee that Keesler contributes 1.4 billion annually to the economy of the Gulf Coast. Gen Griffith stated that Keesler is well on its way to recovery inside the gates and that there needs to be a focus outside the gates.
The committee reviewed the minutes of the previous minutes and discussed the following:
Airspace: Protection of Keesler is imperative. Encroachment, density, and height restrictions all continue to be vital to the security and safekeeping of Keesler. The City of Biloxi and Keesler should continue to prevent this issue from being a problem.
Affordable Housing: We need to get families back together as soon as we can.
Harrison Court: Col Pierce reviewed the plans for Harrison Court and stated the Family Camp is being considered for relocation this summer. The present location of the Family Camp will be used to build base housing.North/South Connector: A considerable amount of discussion was generated over the proposed option published in the Sun Herald, which may affect the rebuilding of housing on Keesler. Other options should be considered. Committee is waiting an update from the City via Wes Fulmer on the status of the connector.
Medical Facilities: It was reiterated that the community couldn’t absorb the needs of the Keesler. It is expected that Keesler will be rebuilt to pre-Katrina days. The Medical vision for the Coast remains to work with the Veterans Administration and, University of MS Medical School, to coordinate common needs.
Keesler Gate: Keesler is still studying the relocation of gates. Gen Griffith will schedule meeting with Brig General Capasso, Keesler Commander, to determine where the City of Biloxi can provide assistance.
Education: Hank received information from David Spinks, Biloxi Schools. Approximately 500 military dependent children did not enroll in the school system after Katrina. This is undoubtedly due to the displacement of the military family and affects school budgets because of the government subsidy. The city of Biloxi and Keesler should work for the expeditious return of the military family.
Next meeting was scheduled for May 10, at 4:00 PM in the 81 Civil Engineering Conference Room, Keesler AFB.
Hank Salcido, Chair
Military/Government Committee – Meeting notice
DATE: Wednesday, April 26, 2006
TIME: 4:00 – 5:00 pm
LOCATION: Gulf Coast Business Technology Center, 1636 Popps Ferry Road, Biloxi, large meeting room.RSVP to Hank Salcido at 228-354-8066 or via e-mail at hank@cableone.net
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT – Minutes of April 10, 2006 meeting
Attendees:
Committee Members: Hank Salcido(Chair), Ellie Vasilopoulos, Joy Bissonette,
J. J. Vollmuth, Chris Moore, Wes Toche
Also Present: Lt Gen Clark Griffith (Renaissance Chair), Wes Fulmer (Economic Development Chair)
Hank Salcido called to meeting to order and welcomed the committee. Self-introductions were made. He asked Gen Griffith to give opening remarks.
Gen Griffith said our three objectives are to come up with the following by 31 May 06
1. Realistic Plan
2. Realistic Time Table
3. Realistic Cost(s)
He also stated that undoubtedly; we would have some overlap with the other committees and to make sure we coordinate our efforts with these other committees. The preparation of minutes is vital to the success of our committee. Information on the other committees is available on the city web site www.biloxi.ms.us.
Wes Toche gave an update of Keesler’s recovery effort and will provide an update at the next meeting.
Items for Consideration:
Airspace – Hank Salcido said that one important issue is protecting Keesler AFB Airspace to include height restrictions, density and runway encroachment. Criteria may be changing and new charts prepared. It is imperative that the City of D’Iberville gets on board and Biloxi continues to support Keesler’s airspace requirements.
Division Street Gate – We need to study additional access to Keesler from Division Street. Wes Fulmer said he would get with Jerry Creel and David Stallings to investigate this possibility.
Keesler Military Family Housing – As a result of Hurricane Katrina, Keesler has proposed replacement of all it’s MFH with 1067 new houses. Ellie asked what impact tentative plans for a North/South Connector would have on Keesler housing. Several of the proposed routes would take the road through part of Keesler housing areas. MDOT should brief the city on their proposed plans on the North/South connector.
Civilian/Contractor Housing – Is there adequate off- base housing for the civilian workforce?
Harrison Court Housing Area – The houses in this area have been demolished and according to Wes Toche, this area is currently programmed for the new MFH contractor’s laydown and material storage site for the duration of the project. A Family RV Camp is also being considered at this location.
Schools – Unofficial information indicates that 4200 of the 6000 children are back in school. Gen Griffith would like for us to find out how many are children of military stationed at Keesler and what the timetable is for families coming back into the area. Federal government is subsidizing schools right now but that is scheduled to terminate. (Requires coordination with Steering Group School Committee)
Keesler Medical Facilities – Gen Griffith questioned whether the local health care facilities within the community can handle the additional military load. He indicated that it is imperative that the Keesler Medical Center be brought up to speed as quickly as possible. The Medical Vision for the Coast was to build up the Biloxi VA, after closing Gulfport VA and working with the University of MS Medical School to enhance medical capability for the Coast. (Requires coordination with Steering Group Medical Committee).
Next meeting is Wednesday April 26th at 1600 hours (4:00-5:00PM) at the Business Technology Center, 1636 Popps Ferry Road, large Conference Room.
Hank Salcido, Chair
