Town hall meeting addresses privatization concerns Published Sept. 4, 2007 By Tech. Sgt. Mary Davis 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- New leases and resident guidelines were the main topics of discussion at the town hall meeting that addressed upcoming housing privatization initiatives Thursday at the youth center. Vance AFB is one of six bases finalizing their housing privatization contracts in late September, said Col. Rod Gillis, 71st Flying Training Wing vice commander. "People will need to sign one-year housing leases prior to the transaction closing next month," he said. "Basic Allowance for Housing will be used to pay 100 percent of the rent and utilities. No utility deposits, application fees or security deposits will be charged." The privatization company, Pinnacle-Hunt Communities, LLC, will manage the properties with Air Force oversight, and renter's insurance will be provided at no cost to the occupants. If residents do not elect to sign the lease, the base housing office will provide government-funded move orders that must be processed through the Transportation Management Office prior to the transaction closing and end of the fiscal year. Newly arrived personnel must agree to sign a statement of intent to a sign lease as well. New housing construction and future improvements are on the horizon for Vance AFB once the housing privatization transaction is finalized, said Bill Morris, Vance privatization asset manager. But until that happens, the privatization company is looking to update the older-model housing by replacing HVAC systems, kitchen appliances, countertops, fixtures and adding single-car garages with garage-door openers, Mr. Morris said. MFH residents were concerned with pet breeds, sizes and deposits specified in the lease. "We will be limiting dogs that are considered dangerous breeds," said Dana Homier, Pinnacle-Hunt property manager. "Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers are considered dangerous breeds and will not be accepted." The lease also specifies a 100 pound limitation for dogs as well, but no pet deposits will be charged at this time. Ms. Homier explained that pets will be "grandfathered" for current residents, and the issue will be readdressed when their leases expire the following year. If a lawn maintenance contract is secured, residents will no longer mow their own lawns or receive weekly yard inspections. "Yard maintenance isn't set in stone yet, but we're looking into it," Ms. Homier said. People on the housing list won't have to worry about the list being shuffled around with the new changes, because the current waiting list will be honored, Mr. Morris said. Pinnacle-Hunt will host a town hall meeting in the base auditorium at 6:30 p.m., Sept. 13 where residents can ask questions and sign their leases. For those who cannot attend the town hall meeting, two lease signing sessions will take place 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 18 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Vance Collocated Club. People who will be deployed at that time can obtain powers of attorney from the base legal office so their spouses can sign the leases in their absence. "Our intent is to have a safe, enjoyable community for you to live in," Mr. Morris said.