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General Knowledge
Over the last week, we have had the opportunity to meet with dozens of members to assist them with logging into the new SnapHOA portal. There are currently 855 properties of our 2091 properties signed up for the portal. Nicely done, HROA!
We knew that a change of this magnitude was going to be challenging, but knowing that doesn’t make the challenge any easier. Fortunately, folks have been relatively understanding as we have been working to help get them set up, and with every member we get a step closer to a more solid foundation for all of the improvements we all want to see in our community. We have also had a number of conversations about the security upgrades we are working on through Flock Safety and access software/hardware improvements that are coming with EntryOne.
Flock Safety
In the last year that I have been the GM, members have shared a lot of concerns about security and have stated that they want us to do things we aren’t allowed to, because we are not law enforcement. The HROA is routinely criticized every time there is criminal activity on the Ranch. Those critics feel we are not doing enough to prevent crime or help bring the perpetrators to justice. We are not law enforcement, and so we must figure out ways to better work with law enforcement. The Flock system is unique in its coordination with law enforcement agencies. We choose the agencies that will have access to our cameras. At this time, that is only the SLO Sheriff's Office and CHP. No other agency can access our cameras.
In the last year, there were numerous situations where this system would have helped us provide better security for members or more efficiently respond to requests for information from law enforcement departments looking to bring criminals to justice who had victimized our members. It might also interest everyone to know that Paso Robles, Atascadero, and the County of SLO all use Flock. As soon as you drive into town, you drive by Flock cameras. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to me. I have responded to members, and if I don’t know the answer to your question, then I am happy to forward it to Flock and share their response with you.
EntryOne
Our current access system that relies on member cards uses antiquated technology. In fact, the software is no longer supported and can’t be updated. The new entry system will include new readers at the Main Gate, North Gate, Holly Gate, Marina Gate, and Bluegill Gate. That is a relief for anyone who has ever tried to use the call box at the North Gate, which makes gate staff sound like adults from a Peanuts cartoon. At times, it crackles with distortion so badly that you need to bring holy water and a priest to exorcise the demons that inhabit it. We looked into replacing it last year because I was fed up with it always failing, but it would have been $7k and would have only worked with our current antiquated software. I chose not to spend that money, and instead, we escalated bringing forward a long-term solution.
This new system will save numerous staff hours and reduce delays at the gates. If you have ever been in the Main Gate house on a Saturday morning, you know that it’s a zoo minus the monkeys. The phone is constantly ringing, and the guest lane is regularly a dozen cars deep. This new system will allow members to create passes for guests without calling into the gate. It will allow guests to contact members directly from the call boxes, and in response, members will have the option of opening gates with their cell phones. No more cold fries as DoorDash gets stuck at the gate. There will be license plate readers that will open the gates automatically as you or any guest you add to your account drives up.
Both of these systems will reduce our labor costs and potentially employee count in the positions that are the hardest to hire.
Have a great weekend, and I will see you around the Ranch!
Jim
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