ATTENTION TERNBRIDGE RESIDENTS:
Last year, a volunteer committee was formed to
review the current Ternbridge security procedures and systems. The
security committee has reported to the board at each of the last several board
meetings. At the last meeting of the board, a new security proposal was
approved. This proposal will impact you, so please take a moment to read
below.
As you may have seen in a recent Palm Beach Post
article, many communities that use “clickers” or radio controlled gate
openers are changing to more secure methods, like bar code readers or
transponders. After careful consideration, Ternbridge has decided to go to
barcode readers. A company has been contracted to install these systems at
both the front and the back gates and the permitting process is underway with
the city. As soon as the equipment is installed, we will begin issuing
barcodes to residents according to a new more secure policy.
Currently, there are hundreds and hundreds of clickers out there, some of which
are being used by non-residents. This makes our community less secure.
One of the goals of the security committee was to develop a procedure for
issuing new barcodes and maintaining an active database that will make our
community more secure. All of these clickers will be deactivated shortly
after the new system is installed and the barcodes are issued. Barcodes
will initially be issued FREE of charge to residents.
Another reason for our decision was that the
company that manufacturers our clickers is no longer doing so. We are no
longer able to obtain the clickers. If you need additional clickers now,
there is no option except to wait until the barcode readers are installed.
We were given no notice that this was going to occur. We expect to have
the barcode readers installed shortly, and appreciate your patience.
Another change that will occur is that the back
gate will no longer be manned. The committee determined that there are few
communities our size that have two manned gates. Security at the back gate
costs Ternbridge approximately $1,000 per week. Once the barcode readers
are installed, the gate in the back will be unmanned and limited to entrance by
RESIDENTS ONLY. The Exit gates will still be available for the use of
residents and guests.
Additionally, there will be a gate arm installed (along with brand new gates)
that will prevent pushing the gates or tailgating into the community. The
elimination of the guard at the back gate will save $52,000 per year in addition
to reduced electricity usage.
We intend to upgrade our video surveillance at the back gate and add
surveillance at the front gate. This will allow the guard at the front to
monitor the video cameras at the back. The gate will be manned until we
install the new arm and barcode readers. All of these upgrades will be
paid for with savings from the removal of the guard from the back gate. No
additional assessment will be required.
You may have noticed in the last several weeks
that we have changed the level of guard at the front gate. We intend to
continue with this higher level of security at the front, and appreciate any
feedback you may have.
Lastly, with our new surveillance equipment, we
expect that the average entry time at the front gate for guests and vendors will
be a matter of seconds rather than minutes. The new cameras will
automatically recognize guest license plates for entry into the computer, and we
will have a scanner for drivers’ licenses thereby greatly expediting the
process. The guard will no longer need to manually input these
items.
Additional information will be coming out shortly
about issuance of barcodes. Thank you for your patience as we upgrade our
community!
Dear Homeowner:
Per the October 5, 2006 letter to all homeowners,
the Board of Directors met on Wednesday, November 1, 2006 to, among other
things, discuss and make decisions in regards to the security of our community.
Thank you to all of the homeowners who attended and participated in the
discussion at the meeting.
This letter is to inform the homeowners of the decisions that were made by the Board at this meeting on the issues mentioned in the October 5, 2006 correspondence:
· Changing security companies: A principle of Eagle Security Inc. addressed the homeowners at the meeting and presented an updated proposal which includes the installation of a new modern access computer system at no charge to the Association. The Board also reviewed proposals from multiple security companies that the Association had received. Final Decision – The Board concluded that given the willingness of Eagle Security Inc. to work with the Association, the assurances that any problems will be corrected promptly, there familiarity with the community and that the contract has a thirty (30) days cancellation charge, Eagle Security Inc. should continue as the security service provider in Ternbridge.
·
Increased competence level of security personnel:
There are three (3) levels of guard personnel service – Level I, Level
II and Level III with Level III being the best.
Presently, the Association is paying for Level I service.
The Board felt that Level I personnel were not adequate for Ternbridge
and decided to increase to Level II personnel service.
The cost of this increase is $2.00 more per hour and is reflected in the
2007 budget.
·
Operating hours and set-up at the Parkside gate (i.e. remove guard
and install telephone call-in system for residents’ guests):
After much consideration, the Board decided to remove the guard from the
back Parkside gate and to install a telephone call box system for resident guest
entry. As a security measure, the
call box will not allow entry by entering a code number – entry will be only
as approved by a resident by pushing a digit on the phone after being called by
a visitor at the gate. For your
information, the majority of the cost savings associated with this change will
be used to install the new equipment detailed in this letter at the back gate as
detailed in the forthcoming 2007 budget.
·
Bar code system for resident entry at both gates:
After receiving proposals, the Board felt that this type of system was
cost prohibitive at this time. It
was discussed that in the future, the Association require homeowners to register
their clicker numbers in order to maintain control of the clicker system.
·
Add arm at Parkside resident gate to work in conjunction with the
swinging gate to try and control the “tail-gating” of vehicles into the
community: With the approval
of the telephone call box system, the Board felt it was necessary and approved
the installation of an arm gate in front of both the resident and guest entry
gates for the purpose of trying to eliminate tailgating through the these gates.
It
will take time to implement some of the above changes as they include pulling
permits, ordering supplies, contractor installations, etc.
Please be aware that the transition from the guard service to the call
box system will not occur until the new systems are installed and operating at
the back gate.
The
Board is aware that with these changes there may come some anticipated and some
unanticipated problems. As promised
to the homeowners at the meeting, the Board is committed to continually
monitoring this situation and to considering changes if necessary.
You will be receiving a copy of the 2007 budget in the near future.
For your information, the quarterly assessment of $550.00 will remain the same
in 2007.
Thank you for your patience
during this process. If you
have any questions, please contact the Home Owners Association.
Sincerely,
As everyone has seen, three way stop signs are now placed at the 64th Terrace and 72nd Place intersection. The Parkland police have been monitoring this intersection and have issued warning tickets to many drivers for failing to stop.
The most common excuse is "we are Ternbridge residents" which we assume is supposed to allow the driver to ignore these signs. Our children are very visible at this very dangerous intersection and we ask all residents to come to a complete stop at this intersection.
At the board meeting on January 26th the decision to install bump stops at this intersection was tabled until more time has been given for residents, and guests to comply with the signs.
The board did however authorize the Parkland Police to increase their vigilance at this intersection and to issue violations to offending drivers.
Please protect our children and our community by obeying both the stop signs and the speed limit when driving in Ternbridge
Do not get a ticket for failure to stop at any of the stops signs or for speeding.
The board announced at the meeting held Feb 18, 2003 that the traffic survey will commence within the next week, or so. This will include temporary traffic counters and a complete review of our streets and traffic flows.
We have all heard of problems caused by speeding, failure to stop at stop signs and cutting corners, particularly at the exit to the front gate. These items have been posted on the web site in the past and now the board will wait for a report from the consultants before implementing safety features.
Security of our children and all residents is of prime importance in our community.
DO NOT hold down the button when entering either gate. This can cause the gate to stay in the open position allowing non residents to enter. Please click once to open the gate.
DO NOT use your clicker to exit either gate. There is a pressure loop built into the pavement which will open the gate as your car approaches either gate. Using the clicker will open the entry gate allowing non residents to enter.
If there is a car sitting in front of an entry gate, DO NOT use your clicker to open the gate. This quite possibly is a non resident trying to enter Ternbridge for whatever reason.
If you are having intermittent problems with your gate clicker please change the battery before going to the guard for a replacement.
If a visitor shows up at your house, who is not on your permanent list, without a call from the guard announcing the arrival, please make a note of the time and the date and report the incident to Haag Management
If you are expecting a visitor and have told the guard to expect your guest and must leave your home at that time, please notify the guard.
A special meeting has been called for Monday, October 29th at 7:00 PM to discuss security issues. The meeting will take place at the Coconut Creek Recreation center on Sol Press Boulevard. (Lyons just south of Johnson).
The purpose of this meeting is to make residents aware of a
study conducted by the Security Committee. This meeting will give residents a
chance to voice their opinion on the subject. In attendance at this meeting will
be:
The Board of Directors,
David Haag of the management company,
Sam Negri, the owner of Eagle Security and
if his schedule permits, Sgt. Ferrara of the Parkland Police.
The Security Committee, headed by Bob Uebele and Bill Zoch
has had many meetings and discussions with Security Companies, Parkland Police
and Real Estate dealers.
They have talked with suppliers of security equipment like, cameras, lighting,
gate systems, gate openers like bar codes, clickers and magnetic cards.
They have visited and talked to other gated communities who operate one and two
guard gates and have accumulated a lot of facts and figures.
They have studied roving guards and have considered contractor entrance during
the final phase of the new construction area.
At this meeting the committee will present all of its findings and will offer its recommendation to the Board. There will be time for any resident who wants to offer a position or an opinion or to ask any question about the subject.
The Board may ask for a non binding straw poll of the ideas presented so that it can consider the direction to be taken during budget planning for the next fiscal year.
Residents must acknowledge that while we live in a gated community we don't live in a fortress. Access to our residence is available via the FP&L right of way and via the footpath that runs along the east side of Ternbridge from Hillsboro to Parkside Drive.
This meeting is very important since it will affect all of us Physically, Emotionally and Financially. If you only attend one meeting a year this should be the one.
MEMO TO: Ternbridge Homeowners Association
FROM: Ternbridge Security Committee
SUBJECT: Meeting Notes Sgt. Ferrara, Parkland Police Department
This memo will review our meeting with Sgt. Ferrara regarding resident security concerns within the Ternbridge development. The following items were discussed:
1. Question: The stop sign located at NW 64th Terrace and NW 72nd Place is ignored by most traffic and has caused concern for bicycle, pedestrian and cross vehicle traffic. Can this situation be improved? Discussion: The city will advise patrolling officers of the concern, however, only three officers are on duty at any one time.
2. Question: Speeding on all streets within the development is a major concern. The streets are posted at 25 mph but most traffic does not conform to this limit. What steps can be taken to reduce speeding on all streets in the development? Discussion: The installation of speed bumps require city approval. The city will advise patrolling officers of our concerns.
3. Question: Vehicles park along the street in a direction opposite to traffic flow. This presents a traffic hazzard especially at night. Discussion: This is a traffic violation.
4. Question: Lawn maintenance trucks and trailers parking along the streets block driveways and roadways on a regular basis. Can this traffic flow situation be improved? Discussion: Residents should call the police to complain if driveways are blocked. Unfortunately, lawn maintenance is common in south Florida..
5. Question: Vehicles parking in driveways block sidewalks for extended periods of time. This forces bikers and walkers into the street to go around the vehicles. How can we reduce this occurrence? Discussion: This is not a violation.
6. Question: Do we need to post a sign at both entrances that states that the Parkland police will enforce all laws on these roads since they are private streets? Discussion: No sign is required.
7. Question: What do other developments in Parkland do to reduce crime and present an image of some security? Is a roaming guard a good investment? Discussion: The use of a roaming guard will greatly increase visibility and be a deterrent to crime. Additionally, the guard could distribute notices of unsafe conditions - lawn vehicle parking, reverse parking, etc. The best time for this patrol would be afternoons or evenings.
8. Question: One option we are evaluating is the elimination of the guard at the Parkside entrance. This gate would become resident entrance and exit only. All visitors, deliveries, etc. would need to enter at Hillsboro. Do you see any security issues if we make this change? Discussion: The value of a guard located at the Parkside entrance is questionable and has limited security value.
9. Question: Motorized traffic on the bike path is a safety hazzard to walkers, bikers and residents. What can be done to eliminate this traffic. Discussion: This is a violation of city ordinance. Residents should call the Parkland police to complain so that a complaint log is established. Officers will respond to the complaint.
10. Question: It has been suggested that we hire off-duty Parkland police officers to provide random enforcement and a visual presence within Ternbridge to help address the above concerns. Has this worked in other developments and what problems might be associated with it? Discussion: This is a last resort. If officers are available and volunteer for this duty, the cost to Ternbridge is $25 per hour with a three hour minimum.
Option A
Guard house staffing to remain 24/7 at both guard
houses...............$206,000/year
Hourly rate to be increased to guard company
...................................$25,000/year
Upgrade gate opener system at both gates - estimate .....................$6,500
Yearly cost increase to homeowner for salary increase
.....................$127/year increase
One time cost to homeowner for gate upgrade ..............................
....$33/one time cost
Option B
Hillsboro guard house staffing to remain 24/7 Hillsboro
Guards to receive salary increase
Parkside guard house staffing to be eliminated
....................................($90,000)/year
Upgrade gate opener system at both gates - estimate
..........................$6,500
Yearly cost savings to homeowner
............................................................$456/year decrease
One time cost to homeowner for gate upgrade
.......................................$33/one time cost
Option C
Hillsboro guard house staffing to remain 24/7 Hillsboro
Guards to receive salary increase
Parkside guard house staffing to be eliminated
.....................................($90,000)/year
Add patrol vehicle for one 8 hour shift, 7 days per week
.........................$48,000/year
Upgrade gate opener system at both gates - estimate...........................
$6,500
Yearly cost savings to homeowner
.............................................................$214/year decrease
One time cost to homeowner for gate upgrade
........................................$33/one time cost
Option D
(Added to B or C)
Install telephone entry unit at Parkside gate if guard
shifts are eliminated with Options B or C $4,800
One time cost to homeowner for telephone entry $25/one time cost
The second meeting of the committee, headed by Bob Uebele took place on July 21st and the following issues were discussed.Their findings and recommendations will be made to the board when their studies are completed.
Security Issues: The following items were reviewed.
1. Lock at tennis courts
2. Passwords for residents
3. Wage increase for security company
4. Staffing of guard houses - 1, 2 , or none
5. Gate opener upgrade at both entrances
6. Computer upgrade
7. Parkside gate configuration - dialer, police, visitor, residents, video
Research: On the seven items listed above
1. Residents have reportedly been locked inside the tennis courts when the gate closes. This type of lock set is unlockable from the inside and the gate should remain open when the tennis courts are in use, or users must take their key inside the courts to unlock gate when finished. The lock set could be changed to a passage set and a Medco type padlock chould be installed on the gate. The tennis player can then close the gate and take the lock inside the court while playing to avoid being locked inside. The status of the rear gate must be investigated.
2. The general information form that is completed by residents asks them to create a password that can be used for identification in the event they do not have identification or an opener. Most residents and family members do not remember their password. The requirement of a password seems to be of no benefit and is just another item to track in the system.
3. Bill Zoch presented a Ternbridge Security Guard Cost Analysis of four possible options, based on current and requested salary status. For per owner cost estimation, the assumption was made that there are 197 paying home owners (total number of lots), for all four situations.
A) The data below represents the current estimated costs for maintaining guards at both the front and back gates.
Current Annual Total Cost $207,382.64: Current Cost per Home Owner $1,052.70
B) The data below in this section represents the total annual cost to maintain both front and back guards with the proposed wage increase from the guard company. Annual Cost with Proposed Wage Increase $232,537.29
Total Annual Cost Increase (from current) $25,154.65: Per Owner Annual Cost Increase $127.69
C) This section shows the total annual savings from current costs if the guard is removed from the back gate and the proposed wage increase is implemented. Annual Cost without Guard at Back Gate $117,605.22
Total Annual Cost Savings (from current) $89,777.42: Per Owner Annual Cost Savings $455.72
D) The final section shows the annual savings from current costs if the guard is removed from the back gate, the proposed wage increase is implemented, and a Patrol Vehicle is circulating through the community 8 hours daily. Annual Cost with daily 8-hour Patrol Vehicle $165,252.39
Total Annual Cost Savings (from current) $42,130.25: Per Owner Annual Cost Savings $213.86
4. Both guard houses are staffed 24/7/365. A guard assistance review was done using the guard entry log in the entry computer. A guard assist would be a manual event to check in a visitor, service company, delivery, owner without opener, etc.
Guard assistance at the Hillsboro gate is high during 7 AM - 3 PM and 3PM - 11 PM shifts. Guard assistance from 11 PM to 7 AM is low. A daily count will be retrieved from the guard computer over the next several days to verify exact count. The justifications to retain this guard 24/7/365 is high.
Guard assistance at the Parkside gate is very low during all shifts. A detailed review over a 16 day period shows that guard assists for a 24 hour period ranged from a low of 1 to a high of 46. The high counts of 46 and 44 occurred on July 2nd and 3rd. The average for the 14 remaining days is 13 assists per 24 hours. A recap of this data is shown below for your review.
5. On site meetings were held with TEM Systems and Complete Access Control to review the current status of the gate opener system. There are currently three different opener systems installed and active for gate access. These systems are Autokey, Multi-code and Linear. The primary and current system, Autokey, is near full capacity. The Autokey opener chip probably has a capacity of 500 openers. These openers can be tracked by name and number in the system but no records exist as to who has which openers and how many. If the chip is upgraded to more capacity, say 1000 units, all existing information will be lost and the entire system will need to be re-established. The other two active systems, Multi-code and Linear, are toggle type openers that can be easily duplicated and are not trackable. There is no record as to who has these openers or how many are still active.
Both companies are recommending the removal of all three systems and the installation of a new trackable system. This would require the installation of new opener hardware and issuing of new openers to residents. The installation of a bar code system was not recommended by either company. In addition, the relocation of the loop detector at the Parkside gate exit and a emergency power opener at both Parkside gates has been recommended. We also must meet with the Parkland police department to verify the type of emergency opener they will require. Proposals will be submitted by both companies after we provide equipment direction.
6. The current computer systems contain all resident information, approved guests and visitor log information. These systems are stand alone and must be manually updated as information changes: residents, approved guests, etc. Currently no visitor will be turned away without the guard calling the other guard house to verify that more recent information is not installed in their computer. Each guard house has is own telephone number. This manual update does present problems and delays since they are stand alone systems.
7. If the guard is eliminated at the Parkside gate, then several considerations must be reviewed:
A. Gate designated for resident entrance and exit only.
B. All guests, deliveries and service vehicles must enter at Hillsboro.
C. Install auto dialer if guest access is to be allowed and allow police access code.
D. Limit use of pass code at auto dialer.
E. Move loop detector away from exit gate to allow for better exit activation.
F. Assume there will be added expense for vandalism.
G. Installation of remote video monitor is not likely since direct, dedicated telephone lines do not exist, and cable or line of site is not practical.
| Date | 11PM-7AM | 7AM-3PM | 3PM-11PM | Total |
| 7/2 M | 1 | 27 | 18 | 46 |
| 7/3 T | 2 | 31 | 11 | 44 |
| 7/4 W | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| 7/5 TH | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| 7/6 F | 0 | 7 | 10 | 17 |
| 7/7 S | 0 | 2 | 20 | 22 |
| 7/8 SU | 0 | 7 | 12 | 19 |
| 7/9 M | 1 | 1 | 6 | 8 |
| 7/10 T | 2 | 0 | 7 | 9 |
| 7/11 W | 3 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| 7/12 TH | 1 | 6 | 9 | 16 |
| 7/13 F | 0 | 0 | 11 | 11 |
| 7/14 S | 12 | 1 | 17 | 30 |
| 7/15 SU | 1 | 13 | 9 | 23 |
| 7/16 M | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 7/17 T | 1 | 0 | 18 | 19 |
| 7/18 W | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
Assists per 24 hour shift - Minimum: 1 Maximum: 46
Total assists for 16 days: 275
Average assists per 24 hour shift: 17.2
Average assists per 24 hour shift (without holiday data): 13
Average late night assists: 1.5
Cost per 24 hour shift = $295.44 which equates to $22.73 per assist