Traffic & Safety Committee: October 2018 News

Delays at Mariner Gate
Welcomed service people and friends entering our community via the Mariner Gate have recently been experiencing longer delays than usual but, as the cooler months approach, the number of guests we invite for a swim at the pool or afternoon at the beach will naturally decrease, as will the corresponding length of delay. Meantime, we can all take a step or two to expedite guest screening and avoid delays for folks waiting to get into our community.
Our Securitas personnel report that a significant number of prospective guests are not on the resident’s guest list. Surprisingly, some guests don’t know the last name or address of their host. As time permits our guards will work with prospective guests to resolve issues, but guests must cooperate and follow the guard’s directions to pull out of the traffic lane and park so as not to obstruct traffic.
A small number of those seeking entry feel that they can bluff their way in by threatening to “squat” and block traffic until their issue is resolved. In these matters the Sheriff’s Office is immediately summoned and an alternate traffic lane is established.
Also, at 7:30 a.m. when construction folks are admitted, there are always some who are not listed and don’t know where their job is. Obviously, this too delays the screening process.
By keeping our guest and service provider lists updated, ensuring that our guests know our name and address, and instructing our contractors to do the same, we will go a long way to minimize delays and expedite traffic flow at the gate.
Tailgating and Flat Fires—Apparently, our efforts to direct guests and service people to use the Mariner Gate (and not trust their errant GPS) have been relatively effective. As the word spread, no service provider had their tires flattened last month. Unfortunately, the unforgiving spikes ate up the tires on quite a few cars belonging to residents. The video tapes reflect that, in each case, the victim vehicles were tailgating. I imagine that if you are daring, and quick enough, you might beat the system once in a while, but eventually the system will get you. Waiting your turn will only cost you a few seconds to enter safely.
Halloween—Although Costco has been promoting Halloween since the end of July, it is finally coming at the end of the month. With parties and trick-or-treating, there will be a lot of excited children outside in the dark early evening hours. Drive carefully and watch for them.
Dogs Off Leash—Several people have notified the office about dogs running around off leash. Our rules and the law are clear: Dogs in a public area have to be tethered by a leash no longer six feet. Our guards have been alerted to this concern.
—God Bless . . . Tim Murphy