Yokosuka Base Town Hall Meeting - Have Your Voice Be Heard Oct 14th

Yokosuka encourages you to come and "HAVE YOUR VOICE BE HEARD" at the Yokosuka Town Hall Meeting on:

Thursday, Oct. 14th, 6:00 p.m. at the Benny Decker Theater

Anybody going to this tomorrow? I'll be there to hear what people are whining about nowadays. I might even report back to JB if nobody else does.

I will try to make it out there. Not sure if I will though. Never been to one.

I am here at the town hall meeting. Not too many people are here. Less than 30.
www.japanbases.com

I totally forgot about this! Snap!

Honestly, I don't think many people heard about it unless they're hooked up on FB or read the forums here. Did they send emails through people's FRGs?

It was interesting. I will post some results when I get home. Am on the train right now.
www.japanbases.com

The following discussion topics/links have information regarding what was discussed at the 10/14/2010 Yokosuka Town Hall Meeting.

Increased Japanese Police Presence in Yokosuka Downtown
"APEC November 7th - 14th, 150 additional Yokosuka brought to Yokosuka for additional security"
http://www.japanbases.com/forums/af...topic.aspx

Sullivan's Vandalized-GRRRRRRRRR
"2 teens were involved. Over $10,000 in repayment between the 2 parents to the PTO. Both teens were expelled from school, and sent back to the states."
http://www.japanbases.com/forums/af...topic.aspx

Yokosuka Base Chili's Restaurant Contract Has Been Extended Onbase
"Contact has been extended. Unsure for how long"
http://www.japanbases.com/forums/af...topic.aspx

Any There Plans To Fix The Signs At the Bus Stops On Base?
"They have this in the works. New Signs Will Be Going Up Soon."
http://www.japanbases.com/forums/af...topic.aspx

Yokosuka and Ikego Base Cell Phone Service Onbase Coverage
"Working on a new plan to get repeaters added to Yokosuka and Ikego where they have major cell phone coverage problems."
http://www.japanbases.com/forums/af...topic.aspx

Ikego Camp Grounds and Outdoor Paintball Ranges - Emergency Phone Services
"Emegency phones will be installed at these 2 locations. Due to no cell phone coverage, they want to provide a better solution in case of an emergency onbase."
http://www.japanbases.com/forums/af...topic.aspx

Ikego Spray Painting - Individual was 8 years old
"Not much information here, besides and individual was caught spray painting onbase."
http://www.japanbases.com/forums/af...topic.aspx

2010 Yokosuka Christmas Grand Illumination IV Canceled
"This years event has been canceled."
http://www.japanbases.com/forums/af...topic.aspx

Yokosuka Commissary Guest Policy - Possibility of being changed
"DECA has changed the policy, Base CO could change guest policy."
http://www.japanbases.com/forums/af...topic.aspx

Parking Policy For CFAY Fleet Activities Yokosuka
"Parking issue were disucssed. Base will looking to the matter further."
http://www.japanbases.com/forums/af...topic.aspx

Can Civilian Nurses Work On The U.S. Navy Base Hospital
"An Attendees addresses her issues with not being able to support the base hospital, even though she is a registered nurse."
http://www.japanbases.com/forums/af...topic.aspx

Story and photo by Mark Elrod, CFAY Public Affairs


CFAY Commanding Officer Capt. David Owen addresses a question during a town hall meeting here, in the Benny Decker Theater Oct. 14. Town hall meetings are an open forum for the local community to inquire about issues and concerns, as well as voice ideas they have about the community in which they live.

Editor’s note: The questions and answers from the Oct. 14 CFAY Town Hall Meeting will appear in the Oct. 29 Seahawk.

Members of the local community gathered to meet with department heads and representatives from Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) commands for a town hall meeting here, in the Benny Decker Theater Oct. 14.

Town hall meetings have a long history in the United States. According to the Dorchester Athenaeum online, the first recorded gathering of voters in America took place in Dorchester, Mass., in 1633. Since then, town hall meetings have been open forums for people to speak their minds on local matters.

In fact, one of Norman Rockwell’s paintings, “Freedom of Speech” depicts his neighbor, Jim Edgerton, airing an unpopular opinion during a town hall meeting in Arlington, Vt., where he lived at that time. However, instead of objecting to Edgerton’s remarks, his fellow citizens honored his right to free speech.

Likewise, the CFAY Town Hall Meeting is an open forum for local community members to inquire about issues and concerns, as well as voice ideas they have about the community in which they live.

For CFAY Commanding Officer Capt. David Owen, it was his first town hall meeting since assuming command of the base.

During the meeting, Owen explained to the attendees the results of the investigation into a recent vandalism incident at The Sullivans Elementary School, which caused a lot of damage to the school.
 
“That was all done by two individuals,” said Owen. “Both have been expelled from the school; both, I have debarred from the country, or at least off the base. One of them is already gone, and the other will be leaving shortly. They will not be back on this base ever again.”

Owen explained that in addition to the debarment of the perpetrators, the parents paid approximately $10,000 in restitution to the Parent Teacher Organization to cover the estimated damages to the school.

Owen also commended the local volunteers who came together to clean up the vandalism.

“The community did great, 400 people showed up and cleaned up the school that very night, so it was ready to go the next day, which was fantastic, because it shows how we can all pull together,” said Owen.

Regarding the punishment for the youth who committed the vandalism, one community member asked Owen, “So, then when they get sent back to the states, do they then just carry on, or do they have a criminal record?”

Owen responded to the question stating, “Seeing as they are minors, they won’t have a criminal record.”

“However, like one individual’s family is transferring to another installation, I sent a letter along with the debarment to the CO (commanding officer) of that installation. So, that installation will probably not allow that individual aboard that base either,” Owen added.

Additionally, Owen informed the attendees that the Grand Illumination event will not be held this year. “That’s simply because the numbers [of attendees] has tapered off over the last couple of years,” he said. “And, look at the month that we are doing it in… it’s going to be rainy, probably, it’s going to be cold, and it’s not going to be a memorable experience. So, we want our open base events to be memorable experiences for those who come.”

Other items discussed at the meeting were concerns about how U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka manning levels are affecting medical and dental care; and CFAY traffic court regulations.

“That’s simply because the numbers [of attendees] has tapered off over the last couple of years,” he said.

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Last years 2009 Yokosuka Christmas Grand Illumination III:

Fleet Activities, Yokosuka opened its gates to 20,000 host nation and local community guests to show our appreciation for their support while sharing the holiday spirit through an American tradition of holiday decorating. The Grand Illumination was complete with ship’s visits of the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) and the Japanese Ship (JS) Hyuga (DDH-181) plus Santa’s Village, Festival of Trees, food booths, game booths and entertainment variety throughout the day!
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20,000 host nation and local community guests

Thats a lot!

Not sure I understand the tapered off comment... I recalled him just saying about the cold weather and raining possibility...

2010 Yokosuka Christmas Grand Illumination IV Canceled
http://www.japanbases.com/forums/aft/4809.aspx

The following are the questions and answers from the CFAY Town Hall meeting held here Oct. 14:

Q : I was told by the security force member who stopped me to issue a citation that I would be informed on when to appear for traffic court. I was never notified and missed the date. I received a letter in the mail regarding the points that were deducted.

A : All issued tickets are now stamped with a contact number for traffic court. The member receiving the ticket must contact the number for his or her court date and instructions.
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Q: Points deducted for traffic violations on base are not in line with punishment given off base. This appears to be double jeopardy and inconsistent.

A : The awarding of points is derived from Chief of Naval Operations instruction OPNAVINST 11200.5D. The base instruction is in line with this instruction.
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Q : Why was information about the recent vandalism [at The Sullivans Elementary School] not shared with the community and only told at this forum with a small gathering?

A : Information was disseminated immediately via social media and Stars and Stripes due to the base newspaper Seahawk weekly news cycle. Information released is dependant on varying issues to include what is readily known and if it would impede an ongoing investigation.
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Q : I am a family member of a civilian here on temporary additional duty (TAD) from Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and my family members don’t have access to necessities to include the commissary - is there a process to request a waiver? Additionally, because the family members are not on the person’s TAD orders, base access passes have to be continually updated, is there a way to simplify the process?

A : Unfortunately family members of TAD personnel here cannot be added to the TAD orders of the sponsor. Your sponsor received several briefing on what they are authorized during their indoctrination briefs and numerous other briefings they attend prior to their TAD period.
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Q : Why are IDs checked at the entrance of the commissary and not at the register and why can’t I bring guests into the commissary? The commissary in Sasebo allows it.

A : The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) policy is to check IDs at the register. This can and, in the overseas area, often is superseded by the host installation command. The base commander at Sasebo has decided to allow guests and not check IDs at the entrance, as it was his right to do so. It is current policy and the decision of the previous CFAY installation commander to check IDs at the entrance of the store and to not allow guests. The current policy is being reviewed.
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Q : Is Chili’s restaurant closing?

A : No.
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Q: When is the Chief Petty Officer’s Club reopening?

A: Nov. 22.
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Q : Can bus signs be refurbished, they are hard to read?

A: The Public Works Office has this item for action. Installation of new bus schedules will be placed over the current faded schedules during the next couple of weeks as a temporary measure. There is also a project scheduled to replace several of the bus stop signs, and that project will be going on later this year.
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Q : There are instances throughout the base where there is a drop in service for cell phones and internet. Is there anything being done to improve this situation?

A : Cell phone continuity on base is different because of the base topography (hills and valleys). Carriers have varying degrees of service because of the location of their signal towers. The Base Communications Office (BCO) and U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering Command Far East are in the contracting phase for installing cell phone repeaters that will help improve base cell phone service. Residents can expect improved cell phone service by early next year. Additionally, phones will be located at the Ikego camp grounds and paint ball fields.
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Q : In regards to getting dental and doctor appointments at U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Yokosuka, the excuse is manpower - can’t more people be sent here to alleviate the manpower shortage?

A : A top priority at USNH Yokosuka is improving patient’s access to timely medical and dental care. Staffing has improved following a traditionally tough personnel change of station (PCS) season and several efficiency initiatives are in progress to increase the number of appointments available for patients. We are also working to decrease our “no-show” rate, which is the number of appointments wasted when a patient fails to show for a scheduled appointment. Each month hundreds of appointments are lost to “no-shows” resulting in hours of lost opportunity for other patients appointments. By working together on this no-show rate and other initiatives, we hope that your ability to get the medical or dental appointment you need in a timely manner will improve.
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Q : Why is the patio of Chili’s restaurant not being used? It provides a beautiful location to view the bay.
 
A : Yes, Chili’s does have a great location on base with beautiful views of the bay bridge and surrounding areas, however there are many factors that have prevented our Chili’s partner operators from having full-time service outside. The largest factor is the unpredictable weather, sudden rain and gusting winds can make planning any events on this patio very difficult and unpleasant for our guests. Additionally, sanitation requirements necessitate a barrier between the outside and inside of any food service facility. Our front doors to the building have an inner climate controlled vestibule while the waterside patio doors were intended for emergency egress only should a situational need arise.
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Q: What are the commanding officer’s thoughts on current motorcycle issues including the wearing of orange vests and motorcycles being considered a vehicle which prevents a household from having two cars and a motorcycle?

A : Orange vests are required on base but are optional off base during daylight hours. The CFAY instruction limits residents to two vehicles (two cars or one car and one motorcycle). Unfortunately, there must be restrictions as there are nearly, 20,000 vehicles on base. There is a parking survey being conducted to determine where improvements can be made.
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Q : Can spots be established that will allow two motorcycles to share a spot or allow parking in the painted stripped areas?

A : There is nothing in any instruction limiting the number of vehicles in a parking spot. The Traffic Safety Office and motorcycle instructors encourage motorcyclists to share parking spaces. However, bikes cannot park in the painted stripped areas because it prohibits maneuvering and may be a hazard.
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Q : USNH Yokosuka is not using untapped resources of spouses who are medical practioners. Although many may not be available to work nights or weekends, they may be available to assist in the shortage. The process to volunteer with the Red Cross is extensive and ineffective. Can something be done to streamline the process?

A 1: USNH Yokosuka regularly advertises employment opportunities for medical providers, nurses and staff to support the needs of our patients in a variety of high demand areas. If your specialty falls outside of these high demand areas, we welcome you to volunteer through our partners at the Red Cross and support the community. We currently have 24 volunteers on board and are always interested in more. We understand the application process can be extensive and we’ll investigate streamlining measures, but for the sake of our patients we must ensure that every member of our team is properly screened, trained and credentialed.

A 2: We appreciate the Town Hall attendee’s interest in volunteering through the Yokosuka American Red Cross and apologize for the frustration that was experienced. The process to volunteer at the hospital is extensive but is needed for the patient, hospital and volunteer’s protection and assurance. The first step is to complete a Red Cross volunteer application and a background check, which can take up to one week. When the background check is complete, the Red Cross hospital chairperson will contact the volunteer and notify them of required support information. This may include letters of recommendation, official transcripts or credentialing material. The applicant then moves onto hospital orientation classes and training. The process can take up to a few months but is important for the safety of patients. If you have had a specific problem or delay, please contact the Red Cross station manager at 243-7490 or by e-mail to Yokosuka@usa.redcross.org to explain your situation in further detail.

Q : I was told by the security force member who stopped me to issue a citation that I would be informed on when to appear for traffic court. I was never notified and missed the date. I received a letter in the mail regarding the points that were deducted.

A : All issued tickets are now stamped with a contact number for traffic court. The member receiving the ticket must contact the number for his or her court date and instructions.

I think they have always had a TRAFFIC court date, and phone number on the back. That guy that day, was just going on and on about his ticket.. Due, you were SPEEDING.. sorry for your situation, but get over it...

Q : Why are IDs checked at the entrance of the commissary and not at the register and why can’t I bring guests into the commissary? The commissary in Sasebo allows it.

A : The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) policy is to check IDs at the register. This can and, in the overseas area, often is superseded by the host installation command. The base commander at Sasebo has decided to allow guests and not check IDs at the entrance, as it was his right to do so. It is current policy and the decision of the previous CFAY installation commander to check IDs at the entrance of the store and to not allow guests. The current policy is being reviewed.

Interesting. I didnt know that SASEBO has decided to allow guests and no check ID's. Current policy is being reviewed.. hmmm.. I have read through the posts, and I see there are a lot of mixed feelings about that policy being overturned.. I am a little on edge, because I do see the benefit of my wife's mother (Japanese) being able to come in and look, but I do understand the concerns that people have with the abuse factor.
Read the issues people have here:
http://www.japanbases.com/forums/af...topic.aspx

Q : Why is the patio of Chili’s restaurant not being used? It provides a beautiful location to view the bay.

A : Yes, Chili’s does have a great location on base with beautiful views of the bay bridge and surrounding areas, however there are many factors that have prevented our Chili’s partner operators from having full-time service outside. The largest factor is the unpredictable weather, sudden rain and gusting winds can make planning any events on this patio very difficult and unpleasant for our guests. Additionally, sanitation requirements necessitate a barrier between the outside and inside of any food service facility. Our front doors to the building have an inner climate controlled vestibule while the waterside patio doors were intended for emergency egress only should a situational need arise.

I remember this lady asking this question, had a lot of questions.. This one I forgot to mention above from my list. I didnt think it was necessary, but I give CFAY credit for responding with all these Q:A's ... I dont really see the need for the outside patio.. Then you have food runners, going in and out bringing people food. Just seems pointless. Sit near the window if you want to look out at the ocean.

Regarding the Chili's patio, I always hear about these monster birds diving from the sky to snatch your ice cream cones and corn dogs. Imagine how it would be once these beasts figure out there are nachos on the patio. Not pretty!