WCA President Michiel Oostenbrink began the April Voting Member meeting by introducing Sheriff Chad Chronister.
Chronister began his presentation with what he referred to as a “State of the Union” for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Chronister noted that Hillsborough County has experienced an 11% population growth over the last two years and predictions point to 12% growth over the next two years. He acknowledged this growth can create logistical challenges in terms of infrastructure, affordable housing, education and safety.
Despite these challenges, Chronister noted that his department saw a 12.7% decrease in crime last year and close to a 20% reduction in the first few months of 2026.
Chronister pointed to several initiatives that are helping to curb crime and keep criminals off the streets.
- Investment in technology: HCSO has added a ballistics lab and a DNA/drug-testing lab to speed up testing that can help identify perpetrators quickly.
- Creation of specialized task forces: In order to help the department run lean and allow officers to develop skills that are unique to combatting specific crime types, HCSO has created squads that specialize in areas like car thefts, drug-related crimes, cybertheft, etc. HCSO also has a task force specializing in children who are aging out of the foster care system, when they are vulnerable to being preyed on by human trafficking rings or becoming hooked on drugs. There is also a task force that focuses on scams that prey on senior citizens.
- Creating programs within the penal system: In order to try to break the cycle of incarcerations, HCSO has instituted programs that focus on getting inmates healthy, including substance abuse treatment (SAP), mental health stabilization, vocational training and veteran-specific services. Key initiatives include Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), GED classes, culinary arts, and re-entry services to reduce recidivism. Chronister pointed out that the overall recidivism rate in the U.S. is 60% In Hillsborough County, that rate is 11%.
Chronister also addressed a recent incident where are number of cars were broken into and ransacked in several neighborhoods in Westchase. He said the good news for Westchase is that it was kids who were bored – not hardened criminals. He also pointed out that every single car broken into that night was unlocked.
Chronister also explained the reasoning behind having the lights on police cruisers on at all times. The decision was based on studies conducted to combat the misconception that police are not present in the community. It stared intermittently for 90 days and the department noticed crime was down. Chronister noted that when residents are seeing the lights on the cruisers, so are criminals. He added that the lights are solid when the cruisers are patrolling and drivers only need to pull over if the lights are flashing.
Regarding e-bike concerns, Chronister said he understands the issue is frustrating. He said it is an instance of technology coming out a little too fast and legislation struggling to keep up. He mentioned legislation that recently passed both the Florida House and Senate and is awaiting signature that should help combat some concerns.
Chronister then turned the floor over to the VMs and the audience for questions. WCA Director Jack Maurer asked what gangs are in the Westchase area. Chronister was quick to respond that there are none. He added that there are a few unorganized groups in Town ‘n’ Country, but nothing to be concerned about.
A resident asked what was being done about homeless camps in the area. Chronister responded that his department always starts by trying to find homeless individuals the help they need – whether that is a shelter, rehab, a meal, etc. He added that, if that fails, they can arrest individuals for trespass.
Greens VM Steve Splaine asked how HCSO knows that crime that is going down here doesn’t equate to crime simply moving to other areas. Chronister said that they have regional intelligence centers that allow area departments to compare what’s going on in one area versus another. They also data labs that allow them to analyze crime in real time.
Maurer asked what can be done about traffic concerns, particularly the number of people driving while on their phone. Chronister said that equates to distracted driving and there are laws in place, but what needs to happen is a change to the pattern of behavior. Chronister noted that traffic tickets are down, but warnings are going up, which allows the department to focus on education to change the behavior.
Chronister encouraged residents to call the non-emergency line when they see something concerning in our community. “We will never get upset if you call us…We can’t address a problem we aren’t aware of,” he said.
He concluded by stating that the key is partnership with the community. He commended Westchase residents for always being willing to speak up and share camera footage with officers.
“This is a two-way relationship. Our deputies know they are in a supportive community. Thank you – we couldn’t accomplish what we do without the trust and support from neighborhoods like you.”
Oostenbrink thanked Chronister for his time (a full 45 minutes, when he was slated for 20). He then offered a few updates from the WCA Board:
- The board recently approved the renewal of the Aqua Fit program contract
- Stanley Martin homes is selling units and disseminating info to new residents, which will mean new capital contributions. The community will also eventually have a voting member
- The pool slide will be installed soon and will need to be certified.
- Entrance gates to the swim & tennis facilities were recently upgraded
- The TAC committee drafted an RFQ for integrated access controls at the gates and additional security cameras. The RFQ went out to 6 vendors.
- The reserve study is getting underway
- S&T Chair Dan Haigy resigned. Pam Wilcox is serving as the interim chair and the board is looking to fill the spot.
- The WCA Board is conducting interviews for new a Association Manager. There are three board members on the panel, plus representatives from inframark. the interviews are being recording and shared with all board members and board feedback will be shared with Inframark.
In new business, Oostenbrink noted that Inframark’s one-year contract was up for renewal and, per a recent change to the governing documents, the board needs VM approval to renew the contract. The VMs engaged in a conversation about what Inframark is doing well, where there is room for improvement and how best to proceed.
Splaine provided feedback from The Greens that residents are not getting response from the office. Wycliff VM Theresa Lanzar said there is a clause in the contract that says the office needs to reply within 72 hours. The Enclave VM Christine Hennes asked if there is a penalty. Lanzar said no and Hennes said maybe there should be.
Oostenbrink clarified that, to some extent, there might be communication when it’s being said there isn’t, but, in any case, the board will continue to work to improve that.
Bennington VM Russ Crooks asked Oostenbrink what he felt the overall assessment is – “Are we better off now? Worse?”
Oostenbrink said there are things being done well, things that are not being done so well. He added that it is difficult to do an apples to apples comparison to Greenacre since they’ve only had 9 months to learn everything from scratch.
Radcliffe VM Eric Holt said the board has a whole new approach to evaluating Inframark’s performance due to the technical components of the RFP. He added that there is a lot more green on their score card (way more green than red) and that things are definitely getting better.
Aaron Garman of Glenfield agreed. He said it’s still a mix bag but he is hearing fewer complaints. He added that the score card is great — it’s an easy way to understand what is going well. Responding to Crooks’ question, he said that he felt things were going in the right direction. “Switching paths at this point seems silly.”
Woodbay VM Cal Hargreaves pointed out that Inframark isn’t just dealing with a relatively new board, the modification committee also had a large turnover in members. “It’s been a very active year; you can’t pin everything on Inframark.
Following the discussion, the VMs voted unanimously to give permission to the board to execute a new contract with Inframark.
Oostenbrink clarified that it will be the exact same contract plus a clause for the addition of a maintenance technician.
Oostenbrink then brought up the topic of the notice boards that are at the various entrances to Westchase, which are showing some wear and tear.
Following a discussion about whether the signs were necessary in the first place, Holt took a straw poll. He said the WCA has $5,300 in reserves and asked how many VMs were in favor of spending the money to keep the signs (either to clean up the existing or replace with new).
Nineteen VMs (almost everyone in attendance) voted in favor of keeping the signs.
In a brief Document Review Committee update, Holt said the VM vote on INSG guidelines will be in May. There would also be a workshop for VMs on April 22 to review the INSGs.
Holt added that the committee is starting to have conversations about Village Green and Greens INSGs and the board just approved a new electronic ballot to help drum up support from neighbors.
Hargreaves asked about the potential to have VMs who aren’t at the May meeting submit a proxy ballot. Holt said he would have talk to District Counsel. There is a 66% threshold to pass the guidelines.
WPV VM Mary Griffin made a motion (pending review by Reres) that VMs can fill out a proxy ballot if they aren’t at the May meeting. It passed unanimously.