Communication / Coordination (COM)
Communication / coordination refers to the programs and plans that
promote interagency coordination. Interagency communication serves the
general welfare by promoting a more comprehensive planning process
inclusive of all affected stakeholders. Interagency coordination also seeks to
develop and include mutually beneficial policies for both communities and
the military in local planning documents, such as comprehensive plans.
Enhanced Communication between the City of
D’Iberville and Keesler Air Force Base
Need for enhanced and consistent communication and
information sharing between the City of D’Iberville and
Keesler AFB for mutual planning purposes.
Findings
While Keesler AFB and the City of D’Iberville engage in informal and
personal communication on certain matters, there is no formal agreement
establishing delineated points‐of‐contact or the roles and responsibilities for
each agency. The absence of formal communication protocol between the
City and Keesler AFB can create an unreliable communication network from
which to address planning issues and concerns that may arise regarding
development review.
The City of D’Iberville and Keesler AFB informally communicate and
coordinate on development relevant to the installation.
Lack of formalized communication can lead to discretionary
communication with the installation and loss of knowledge if and
when City staff changes.
Informal communication between the two entities could affect
Keesler AFB’s flying mission if communication regarding safety zones
and heights is not properly conveyed.
Currently, the City’s and installation’s relationship is informal as it is based
on personal relationships and is not required per city code. As a result,
institutional knowledge may not get passed on to successors if there are
changes in City staff. Additionally, because there are no regulations codified
for communication or coordination between the City and the installation,
there is the potential for the City, or new staff, to not understand the issues
relevant to Keesler AFB or when to consult with the Base when there is
potential for a compatibility issue. Furthermore, informal communication is
discretionary. Due the informal nature of the relationship, there is potential
Background Report
Compatibility Assessment
D’Iberville has provisions in the Zoning Code to adhere to height restrictions;
however, there are no regulations regarding the requirement of
coordination with Keesler AFB. Within the code, there are no requirements
for the City to coordinate with the Base at any point of the development
process.
ISSUE
COM‐1
for the installation to not receive information regarding development in
D’Iberville relevant to the installation’s safety zones or heights, such as what
new developments are being planned or when public hearings are being
held for development that could adversely impact the installation’s air
mission.
Page 5‐21