The newly formed gate committee implemented by outgoing President Mike Kamanzind met at 09:00 on January 23, 2022 at the gate area of our community. With the help of the group members including Ed Torkelson, Michael Messmore, and William Fortig, the gate operation system was reviewed and repaired with parts on hand. The committee discussed the current issue with the gate and observed several other issues that may need attention in the short term.
Once the gate system was repaired, all systems including remote operation, in-ground loop activation, resistance stop, safety beam stop, and keypad operation were tested. All of these functions were operating properly. Lubricant was added to several areas in need, some minor adjustments were made and the committee wrapped up the project at about 9:37.
The committee has ordered replacement parts Order 18522PSS confirmed to have on hand when the current parts fail which was in the forty two dollar area. The committee has added moisture removal pots to reduce moisture content in the battery/inverter box to prevent damage from moisture to the very expensive inverter unit, Gate Dryer recpt from home depot 11.29.
The gate system is actually in great health, and with the newly formed committee and their combined knowledge and experience, the gate can be properly serviced as needed to extend the life of the existing system well into the end of this decade. A source for parts has been identified and this gate installation is a simple older system that has been modified and updated properly to meet the needs of service and added capacity for remote controls. There is no need for a new system due to serviceability or performance at this time.
The committee has come up with the following recommendations to properly address the gate system issues:
- As the temporary committee has fulfilled its obligation to restore gate operations and review the system, a knowledgeable group of residents with skills and experience related to this type of system is invaluable and cost-effective, therefore the LOA should establish and maintain a Standing Gate Committee.
- At this time, the declaration of an “Emergency” should be terminated as the issue has been resolved, no new gate opener system is necessary, and community security has been restored.
- As the outgoing President has provided the necessary documentation and schematics for the system, the LOA should consider updating the code and implement a plan to distribute the new code amongst the residents as needed or desired.
- The board should consider ordering a new gate motor and gearbox assembly with a control board to have on hand due to global supply chain issues.
- The board should consider posting a sign indicating who should be called if there is an issue with the gate, likely with a backup contact as well.
- The board should educate themselves on the factual information related to the gate system and stop spreading inaccurate information, as this effectively caused an unnecessary security lapse of 30 plus days due to a simple fix.
At this time, the committee would like to thank the community for the opportunity to be of service. We look forward to a response and directive from the LOA, until then, please be safe.