The FSR Safety Committee is preparing neighborhood-wide safety and crime prevention initiatives for the HOA Board's consideration. The committee supports the following programs for 2009:
1. Upgrade the entry/exit video system.
2. Embed reflectors or apply reflective paint on median curbs at Finesilver Dr. intersections and on Atwell Pk.
3. Purchase child ID/fingerprint and safety kits for distribution during neighborhood events.
4. Paint house numbers on curbs; local scouts may provide labor as a service project.
The total cost for these initiatives is an estimated $3600.
The committee will also seek approval for a longer term project to improve neighborhood lighting. This includes updating existing streetlights with more efficient bulbs and adding lights at intersections and other vulnerable areas. Options to mitigate light pollution are under consideration.
The committee will continue to monitor and direct Blue Armor Security patrol schedules to optimize coverage and limit expenses.
The board will vote on the initiatives during meetings to be held during October and November.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Blue Armor Increases Traffic Enforcement
Blue Armor Security will increase traffic enforcement in response to residents' complaints of increased stop sign violations on Finesilver Dr. Residents are especially concerned about the number of vehicles observed running the stop signs at Finesilver and Cove Creek and the danger this presents to children and other pedestrians on their way to the park.
The complaints were heard during the annual board meeting, 10 September. Blue Armor was directed to emphasize traffic safety enforcement over the coming weeks. According to HOA covenant, a security officer contracted by FSR may cite drivers for traffic violations. Blue Armor already noted several violations since stepped-up enforcement began.
Violators will be notified by mail from Association Management Services, FSR's property manager. Unsafe drivers are subject to fines on a graduated scale; the first citation serves as a warning with fines incurred should subsequent violations occur. Citations may be appealed to the board.
The complaints were heard during the annual board meeting, 10 September. Blue Armor was directed to emphasize traffic safety enforcement over the coming weeks. According to HOA covenant, a security officer contracted by FSR may cite drivers for traffic violations. Blue Armor already noted several violations since stepped-up enforcement began.
Violators will be notified by mail from Association Management Services, FSR's property manager. Unsafe drivers are subject to fines on a graduated scale; the first citation serves as a warning with fines incurred should subsequent violations occur. Citations may be appealed to the board.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
FSR Prepares for Ike, Gates to Remain Open
As of this post, Hurricane Ike is forecast to impact the San Antonio area Friday night and Saturday with gusty winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms. Due to the possibility of power failure, the gates will remain open starting noon Friday through the weekend.
The following websites are recommended to prepare for the stormy weekend:
National Weather Service Forecast Office, Austin/San Antonio,
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ewx/
American Red Cross Hurricane Preparedness, http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_253_,00.html
Federal Emergency Management Agency Hurricane Information,
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/index.shtm
Weather Underground (commercial weather site),
http://www.wunderground.com/
City of San Antonio Street Closures,
http://www.ci.sat.tx.us/escs/?res=1024&ver=true
Batten down your property and avoid high water crossings.
If you must venture out: "Turn around, don't drown!"
The following websites are recommended to prepare for the stormy weekend:
National Weather Service Forecast Office, Austin/San Antonio,
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ewx/
American Red Cross Hurricane Preparedness, http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_253_,00.html
Federal Emergency Management Agency Hurricane Information,
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/index.shtm
Weather Underground (commercial weather site),
http://www.wunderground.com/
City of San Antonio Street Closures,
http://www.ci.sat.tx.us/escs/?res=1024&ver=true
Batten down your property and avoid high water crossings.
If you must venture out: "Turn around, don't drown!"
Saturday, September 6, 2008
August 2008 Safety Committee Report
Cellular on Patrol Training Announced
Cellular on Patrol (COP) training will take place at the San Antonio Police Department Prue Rd Substation, 5020 Prue Rd. The class will consist of two Saturday morning sessions, 20 and 27 Sep, 9:00 – 12:00. Any San Antonio resident may attend. Go to http://www.sanantonio.gov/sapd/COP2.asp#sched for more information and to download an application.
Neighborhood patrols will be scheduled once a trained cadre is registered with SAPD. If you are interested in COP and have not been contacted by an FSR Safety Committee representative, please call Association Management Services, 829-7202.
Sex Offender Watch
As of this post, no documented sexual predators reside in FSR.
Blue Armor Patrol Summary
Blue Armor was directed to provide focused coverage of the south end of FSR after vandalism to landscape lighting and plants was reported on Sweetwood, overnight 23 – 24 August.
On 21 August a Blue Armor patrol responded to a report of juveniles who had jumped a fence to enter the neighborhood. At about 9:50 p.m. the officer was unable to locate the juveniles and there was no report of damage to the fence.
On 23 August an officer responded to a complaint of loud music emanating from the community center. The officer contacted the host of a party at about 9:55 p.m. and determined the live music had concluded for the night.
Security officers monitored traffic via radar on five occasions this month. There were no reports of excessive speed.
The security of garage doors was checked during 13 special emphasis patrols this month. There were no reports of open garage doors.
SAPD Responses
SAPD made 10 calls for service to FSR, one of the quietest months since the FSR Safety Committee began tracking calls two years ago. The typical call volume is 15 responses per month. Police responded to 21 calls during August 2007.
Last month, police responded to three accidental burglar alarms and one disturbance, recovered a wheelchair in the park, took a vehicle burglary report which occurred on De Zavala Rd, and answered four "miscellaneous" calls.
The Greenbriar neighborhood near Nichols ES recorded four SAPD responses: Two cases of unspecified criminal mischief, an ID theft, and one “miscellaneous” call.
Greenbriar, though much smaller than Finesilver Ranch (approximately 70 homes to FSR's 392 homes) is the closest gated community and, presumably, has similar demographics for crime reporting comparison purposes.
SAFD Responses
There were no fire/medical responses during August.
Return to the FSR Safety Blog for updates throughout the month.
Cellular on Patrol (COP) training will take place at the San Antonio Police Department Prue Rd Substation, 5020 Prue Rd. The class will consist of two Saturday morning sessions, 20 and 27 Sep, 9:00 – 12:00. Any San Antonio resident may attend. Go to http://www.sanantonio.gov/sapd/COP2.asp#sched for more information and to download an application.
Neighborhood patrols will be scheduled once a trained cadre is registered with SAPD. If you are interested in COP and have not been contacted by an FSR Safety Committee representative, please call Association Management Services, 829-7202.
Sex Offender Watch
As of this post, no documented sexual predators reside in FSR.
Blue Armor Patrol Summary
Blue Armor was directed to provide focused coverage of the south end of FSR after vandalism to landscape lighting and plants was reported on Sweetwood, overnight 23 – 24 August.
On 21 August a Blue Armor patrol responded to a report of juveniles who had jumped a fence to enter the neighborhood. At about 9:50 p.m. the officer was unable to locate the juveniles and there was no report of damage to the fence.
On 23 August an officer responded to a complaint of loud music emanating from the community center. The officer contacted the host of a party at about 9:55 p.m. and determined the live music had concluded for the night.
Security officers monitored traffic via radar on five occasions this month. There were no reports of excessive speed.
The security of garage doors was checked during 13 special emphasis patrols this month. There were no reports of open garage doors.
SAPD Responses
SAPD made 10 calls for service to FSR, one of the quietest months since the FSR Safety Committee began tracking calls two years ago. The typical call volume is 15 responses per month. Police responded to 21 calls during August 2007.
Last month, police responded to three accidental burglar alarms and one disturbance, recovered a wheelchair in the park, took a vehicle burglary report which occurred on De Zavala Rd, and answered four "miscellaneous" calls.
The Greenbriar neighborhood near Nichols ES recorded four SAPD responses: Two cases of unspecified criminal mischief, an ID theft, and one “miscellaneous” call.
Greenbriar, though much smaller than Finesilver Ranch (approximately 70 homes to FSR's 392 homes) is the closest gated community and, presumably, has similar demographics for crime reporting comparison purposes.
SAFD Responses
There were no fire/medical responses during August.
Return to the FSR Safety Blog for updates throughout the month.
Greenbelt Vehicle Enforcement Options Weighed
On the recommendation of an anonymous comment on this blog, a Finesilver Ranch HOA board member contacted City Councilman Rodriguez' office to discuss enforcing the ordinance restricting motor vehicles from easements such as the greenbelt surrounding most of FSR.
In the past, SAPD could do little to stop violators since the standard patrol vehicle is not equipped for off-road enforcement. However, Rodriguez' staff learned SAPD is hopeful to coordinate patrols with Park Police officers using "all terrain vehicles" during peak violation hours.
Also, the city council is promoting collaboration among neighborhood associations to address common issues such as this. Meanwhile, Councilman Rodriquez' staff is consulting with SA Park Police and pursuing signage to be posted at easement access points to inform citizens and detract violators.
In the past, SAPD could do little to stop violators since the standard patrol vehicle is not equipped for off-road enforcement. However, Rodriguez' staff learned SAPD is hopeful to coordinate patrols with Park Police officers using "all terrain vehicles" during peak violation hours.
Also, the city council is promoting collaboration among neighborhood associations to address common issues such as this. Meanwhile, Councilman Rodriquez' staff is consulting with SA Park Police and pursuing signage to be posted at easement access points to inform citizens and detract violators.
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