Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1508329
| LIFE IN SOLERA | OCTOBER 2023 | 3 FROM THE BOARD By George Vawter If there is one frustration that all gated communities have in common, it is this: broken gates. When you live in a neighborhood with gated entrances, there is a certain expectation that unwanted vehicles will not be able to enter. This is understandable and manageable to an extent. However, the biggest offenders to these problems are "piggy backers" or "tailgaters." It seems since Covid reared it's ugly head almost three years ago, more folks are now using various delivery services for retail, food, home repairs, etc. More and more vendors during the past two to three years are frequently showing up at some, if not all, of our "private" entrances. Since we know gates will be hit by the "piggy backers" and "tailgaters," the investment in a system that can provide evidence is critical in helping our community. At this time, the cameras that provide this information are lacking in certain aspects. The repairs to the Golf Club Gate have been an Achilles heel regarding gate maintenance and service. Management has now added a new sign on Golf Club Drive and will be upgrading/replacing some of the other signs. A new component being added to the camera system on Golf Club Drive will be a license plate camera that will be able to document whose vehicle is responsible. This is important so that management will be able to mitigate loss and recover monies for repairs. Equally important to securing our community are residents being aware at gates. For example, I'm sure many of us have worked in businesses that used access cards for entering a building. The residents should realize that someone trying to "piggyback" in is no different that someone trying to slip into a secure building behind you while entering on your access card. It is important for everyone to recognize if someone is trying to do so at a gate when they are behind you. If this happens, you should proceed slowly through the gate until the arms close down behind you. Your "access card" to Solera is the transponder tag on your windshield. As a final footnote, management will be planning for the scheduled replacement of the gate components and systems as recommended in the reserves studies. This will also address the intermittent issues that are a contributing problem to gates in general. DAMAGED GATES: THE BANE OF GATED COMMUNITIES