[Shipping up to Boston]

Originally Posted by JMintzer

Where did I advocate for the removal of the gate???

Do you think when this forum was in its infancy in ‘06...you know when most responded via chisel and tablet, that posts were/were not attributed to the correct author(s)?!

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Burnie

We have lived here for a bit over 20 years. When we first moved here The Villages was indeed a gated community. Then when Sumter County took over the roads in our area, things changed. Even then, Marion county remained "gated". The "historic side" was gated. I don't remember when, but at some point Lady Lake took over on the historic side. I also don't know when the Marion County area opened up. The "little red buttons" initially were used as a call box to request that the gate be opened, and the gate attendants asked where you were going before raising the gate. This all changed over time, making it easier for visitors to come in. Personally, I like the idea of the gates. It's not that inconvenient, and it makes me feel "comfy". So what if it helps sell houses?

Nothing wrong with "selling houses", but is the situation one where a false sense of security is promoted?

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Debset

Ever try working at the gate? It's not easy especially when drivers get inpatient when they come through the Visitor entry and don't like having to stop. The cameras do work and have been a valuable tool. Please be kind to your gate attendant!

I always stop until either waved through or I use my card. We are RETIRED! We can wait a few seconds. We are NOT living in some high density area like downtown Chicago. Don't drive like your hair is on fire........if you have hair.

[Dusty_Star]

Originally Posted by Debset

Ever try working at the gate? It's not easy especially when drivers get inpatient when they come through the Visitor entry and don't like having to stop. The cameras do work and have been a valuable tool. Please be kind to your gate attendant!

The point is cars, whether resident or visitor HAVE to stop. If the job is not easy enough for the gate attendant, then they should request to be reassigned. I'm sure some folks don't like stopping at red lights either. That doesn't mean they get a green light every time. Gate attendants who let visitors race through the gates are creating a dangerous situation. & I hope no one is hurt.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Originally Posted by Dusty_Star

The point is cars, whether resident or visitor HAVE to stop. If the job is not easy enough for the gate attendant, then they should request to be reassigned. I'm sure some folks don't like stopping at red lights either. That doesn't mean they get a green light every time. Gate attendants who let visitors race through the gates are creating a dangerous situation. & I hope no one is hurt.

This is not an excuse....only stating the fact that these attendants start out a dollar more than FL minimum wage. According to most recent Indeed posting from CDD...its $13hr. for an evening 6p to midnight position. Like any customer service industry job, you deal with volume and more as*holes than you do an understanding and patient clientele. So most wont ask to be ‘reassigned....they’ll just quit! What they should do is have prospective gate attendants read threads like these on TOTV during orientation and see if they still want the gig!

[Dusty_Star]

Originally Posted by Shipping up to Boston

This is not an excuse....only stating the fact that these attendants start out a dollar more than FL minimum wage. According to most recent Indeed posting from CDD...its $13hr. for an evening 6p to midnight position. Like any customer service industry job, you deal with volume and more as*holes than you do an understanding and patient clientele. So most wont ask to be ‘reassigned....they’ll just quit! What they should do is have prospective gate attendants read threads like these on TOTV during orientation and see if they still want the gig!

Most gate attendants I have seen 'look' like Villagers. I don't know if they are, I have never asked, but they do look like Villagers, they fit the demographic. So I suspect they are doing it more for something to do, rather than the salary, even though I'm sure their salary comes in handy. They also look like they like to wave & see people, so my guess is the earlier poster I was responding to is probably correct, it is easier to let people race through than to stop them. They are looking for an easy, social job, where everybody likes them. They do not want to play the heavy. Our numerous points have been, that they are unwittingly creating a dangerous intersection & you are right, they should read carefully curated posts, telling them to stop every visitor, then let them through. Or their supervisors should tell them.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Originally Posted by Dusty_Star

Most gate attendants I have seen 'look' like Villagers. I don't know if they are, I have never asked, but they do look like Villagers, they fit the demographic. So I suspect they are doing it more for something to do, rather than the salary, even though I'm sure their salary comes in handy. They also look like they like to wave & see people, so my guess is the earlier poster I was responding to is probably correct, it is easier to let people race through than to stop them. They are looking for an easy, social job, where everybody likes them. They do not want to play the heavy. Our numerous points have been, that they are unwittingly creating a dangerous intersection & you are right, they should read carefully curated posts, telling them to stop every visitor, then let them through. Or their supervisors should tell them.

Fair

[Bogie Shooter]

Why don’t you Monday morning quarterbacks call Community Watch and ask to speak to the Field Operations Manager. Share your concerns, complaints and list of how gate attendants should do their job.
Do you actually think posting over and over again on TOTV that they are doing the job wrong is going to change a damn thing?

Community Watch
1135 Bonita Boulevard
The Villages, FL 32162

Phone: 352-753-0550


Position Responsibilities/Duties: Gate Attendant

Even though The Villages has over 120 gate facilities spread throughout the community, we are not a “gated community.” Due to the fact our roadways are public roads, access to our communities cannot be restricted. However, our gate facilities do serve a very important function, that of traffic control by slowing vehicle traffic that enters and exits our neighborhoods.

The gate attendant operation falls under the direction of the Field Operations Manager. Of the 120 plus gate facilities, 25 are staffed with gate attendants. Thirteen (13) of the 25 staffed gates are staffed 24/7/365. The other twelve (12) gates are staffed between 6am and 12 midnight, depending on the gate. Our gate attendants are part-time employees, who work a six-hour shift; therefore, we have at least 91 gate attendant personnel working each 24-hour period. During high traffic times an additional gate attendant may be placed at high volume gates.

Oftentimes our gate attendants are the first District employee that a new resident or visitor meets when they come to The Villages. The gate attendants are assigned at the gatehouses to greet people as they move through the gate. In addition to performing this customer service function, they have numerous responsibilities and duties that are performed on a daily basis. The following are just a few of the many responsibilities and duties of the gate attendants:

Acknowledges and greets all residents and guests as they enter the gate area.
Regulates traffic and monitors the visitor lane to ensure safe passage for the visitors, residents and contractors.
Monitor mechanical gate operations to provide a safe flow of traffic, into the community.
Assists residents and guests with directions by providing written word maps and/or verbal guidance.
Reports accidents and/or incidents, occurring at the gate to the Community Watch Dispatch Center and prepares/collects all necessary information needed by the Patrol Supervisor to complete a written incident report.
Collects moving van destination information and reports information to the Dispatch Center so a patrol driver can be dispatched to check on the delivery operation.
Ensures the expedient passage of emergency vehicles by assisting with the traffic flow into and out of the gates.
Assists residents, verbally from the gate house, with the operation of the gate card readers.
Assists residents entering through the gates, during inclement weather.
Reports broken and malfunctioning gates immediately to the Dispatch Center.
Contact Us
Community Watch
1135 Bonita Boulevard
The Villages, FL 32162

Phone: 352-753-0550

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by Shipping up to Boston

Do you think when this forum was in its infancy in ‘06...you know when most responded via chisel and tablet, that posts were/were not attributed to the correct author(s)?!

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Why don’t you Monday morning quarterbacks call Community Watch and ask to speak to the Field Operations Manager. Share your concerns, complaints and list of how gate attendants should do their job.
Do you actually think posting over and over again on TOTV that they are doing the job wrong is going to change a damn thing?

Community Watch
1135 Bonita Boulevard
The Villages, FL 32162

Phone: 352-753-0550


Position Responsibilities/Duties: Gate Attendant

Even though The Villages has over 120 gate facilities spread throughout the community, we are not a “gated community.” Due to the fact our roadways are public roads, access to our communities cannot be restricted. However, our gate facilities do serve a very important function, that of traffic control by slowing vehicle traffic that enters and exits our neighborhoods.

The gate attendant operation falls under the direction of the Field Operations Manager. Of the 120 plus gate facilities, 25 are staffed with gate attendants. Thirteen (13) of the 25 staffed gates are staffed 24/7/365. The other twelve (12) gates are staffed between 6am and 12 midnight, depending on the gate. Our gate attendants are part-time employees, who work a six-hour shift; therefore, we have at least 91 gate attendant personnel working each 24-hour period. During high traffic times an additional gate attendant may be placed at high volume gates.

Oftentimes our gate attendants are the first District employee that a new resident or visitor meets when they come to The Villages. The gate attendants are assigned at the gatehouses to greet people as they move through the gate. In addition to performing this customer service function, they have numerous responsibilities and duties that are performed on a daily basis. The following are just a few of the many responsibilities and duties of the gate attendants:

Acknowledges and greets all residents and guests as they enter the gate area.
Regulates traffic and monitors the visitor lane to ensure safe passage for the visitors, residents and contractors.
Monitor mechanical gate operations to provide a safe flow of traffic, into the community.
Assists residents and guests with directions by providing written word maps and/or verbal guidance.
Reports accidents and/or incidents, occurring at the gate to the Community Watch Dispatch Center and prepares/collects all necessary information needed by the Patrol Supervisor to complete a written incident report.
Collects moving van destination information and reports information to the Dispatch Center so a patrol driver can be dispatched to check on the delivery operation.
Ensures the expedient passage of emergency vehicles by assisting with the traffic flow into and out of the gates.
Assists residents, verbally from the gate house, with the operation of the gate card readers.
Assists residents entering through the gates, during inclement weather.
Reports broken and malfunctioning gates immediately to the Dispatch Center.
Contact Us
Community Watch
1135 Bonita Boulevard
The Villages, FL 32162

Phone: 352-753-0550

Ooh! Look at Mr Fancy Pants, with all of his facts and common sense...

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by JMintzer

Ooh! Look at Mr Fancy Pants, with all of his facts and common sense...

Appreciate your support.😀

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by GpaVader

Which is exactly why they are not needed everywhere. I understand the traffic control aspect of it but if you look at Fenney or many of the areas south, many don't have cart or pedestrian crossing at or near the area. It's a waste of resources.

Traveling north on Morse Blvd approaching the traffic light at 466 is one of the gates I feel is not necessary. It is an exit gate and just a few yards from the traffic light. That is an absolutely useless gate. The golf carts exit Morse Blvd. before nearing that gate so there is no need for traffic control.

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by kansasr

The same could be accomplished by having arms that open automatically as you approach, like the exit gates...but that would destroy the illusion of a gated community.

The exit gates are beyond where the cart traffic is. There really is no traffic control with the any of the exit gates.

I never thought this was a gated community for security purposes. I never saw the "illusion" you mention. All one has to do is drive a golf cart around here and realize what the entrance gates are for. Exit gates.....no so much.

[8notes]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Why don’t you Monday morning quarterbacks call Community Watch and ask to speak to the Field Operations Manager. Share your concerns, complaints and list of how gate attendants should do their job.
Do you actually think posting over and over again on TOTV that they are doing the job wrong is going to change a damn thing?

Community Watch
1135 Bonita Boulevard
The Villages, FL 32162

Phone: 352-753-0550


Position Responsibilities/Duties: Gate Attendant

Even though The Villages has over 120 gate facilities spread throughout the community, we are not a “gated community.” Due to the fact our roadways are public roads, access to our communities cannot be restricted. However, our gate facilities do serve a very important function, that of traffic control by slowing vehicle traffic that enters and exits our neighborhoods.

The gate attendant operation falls under the direction of the Field Operations Manager. Of the 120 plus gate facilities, 25 are staffed with gate attendants. Thirteen (13) of the 25 staffed gates are staffed 24/7/365. The other twelve (12) gates are staffed between 6am and 12 midnight, depending on the gate. Our gate attendants are part-time employees, who work a six-hour shift; therefore, we have at least 91 gate attendant personnel working each 24-hour period. During high traffic times an additional gate attendant may be placed at high volume gates.

Oftentimes our gate attendants are the first District employee that a new resident or visitor meets when they come to The Villages. The gate attendants are assigned at the gatehouses to greet people as they move through the gate. In addition to performing this customer service function, they have numerous responsibilities and duties that are performed on a daily basis. The following are just a few of the many responsibilities and duties of the gate attendants:

Acknowledges and greets all residents and guests as they enter the gate area.
Regulates traffic and monitors the visitor lane to ensure safe passage for the visitors, residents and contractors.
Monitor mechanical gate operations to provide a safe flow of traffic, into the community.
Assists residents and guests with directions by providing written word maps and/or verbal guidance.
Reports accidents and/or incidents, occurring at the gate to the Community Watch Dispatch Center and prepares/collects all necessary information needed by the Patrol Supervisor to complete a written incident report.
Collects moving van destination information and reports information to the Dispatch Center so a patrol driver can be dispatched to check on the delivery operation.
Ensures the expedient passage of emergency vehicles by assisting with the traffic flow into and out of the gates.
Assists residents, verbally from the gate house, with the operation of the gate card readers.
Assists residents entering through the gates, during inclement weather.
Reports broken and malfunctioning gates immediately to the Dispatch Center.
Contact Us
Community Watch
1135 Bonita Boulevard
The Villages, FL 32162

Phone: 352-753-0550

So the majority of the gate operator's job functions are related to operational and maintenance activities regarding "the gates". If the gates were removed, about the only thing missing would be a person who would greet Villagers and who could give directions to people who don't know their way around. The purpose of gates is not to regulate or slow traffic down. That is a traffic operation that is governed by roadway design and signage. The gates provide little to no security. Everyone can just push a button and go through a gate. As others have stated, the roads are legally under the jurisdiction of the counties, so everyone is entitled to use them. I don't see the gates serving any useful purpose, and staffing the gates is a cost that could be done away with.

[Dotneko]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Why don’t you Monday morning quarterbacks call Community Watch and ask to speak to the Field Operations Manager. Share your concerns, complaints and list of how gate attendants should do their job.
Do you actually think posting over and over again on TOTV that they are doing the job wrong is going to change a damn thing?

Community Watch
1135 Bonita Boulevard
The Villages, FL 32162

Phone: 352-753-0550


Position Responsibilities/Duties: Gate Attendant

Even though The Villages has over 120 gate facilities spread throughout the community, we are not a “gated community.” Due to the fact our roadways are public roads, access to our communities cannot be restricted. However, our gate facilities do serve a very important function, that of traffic control by slowing vehicle traffic that enters and exits our neighborhoods.

The gate attendant operation falls under the direction of the Field Operations Manager. Of the 120 plus gate facilities, 25 are staffed with gate attendants. Thirteen (13) of the 25 staffed gates are staffed 24/7/365. The other twelve (12) gates are staffed between 6am and 12 midnight, depending on the gate. Our gate attendants are part-time employees, who work a six-hour shift; therefore, we have at least 91 gate attendant personnel working each 24-hour period. During high traffic times an additional gate attendant may be placed at high volume gates.

Oftentimes our gate attendants are the first District employee that a new resident or visitor meets when they come to The Villages. The gate attendants are assigned at the gatehouses to greet people as they move through the gate. In addition to performing this customer service function, they have numerous responsibilities and duties that are performed on a daily basis. The following are just a few of the many responsibilities and duties of the gate attendants:

Acknowledges and greets all residents and guests as they enter the gate area.
Regulates traffic and monitors the visitor lane to ensure safe passage for the visitors, residents and contractors.
Monitor mechanical gate operations to provide a safe flow of traffic, into the community.
Assists residents and guests with directions by providing written word maps and/or verbal guidance.
Reports accidents and/or incidents, occurring at the gate to the Community Watch Dispatch Center and prepares/collects all necessary information needed by the Patrol Supervisor to complete a written incident report.
Collects moving van destination information and reports information to the Dispatch Center so a patrol driver can be dispatched to check on the delivery operation.
Ensures the expedient passage of emergency vehicles by assisting with the traffic flow into and out of the gates.
Assists residents, verbally from the gate house, with the operation of the gate card readers.
Assists residents entering through the gates, during inclement weather.
Reports broken and malfunctioning gates immediately to the Dispatch Center.
Contact Us
Community Watch
1135 Bonita Boulevard
The Villages, FL 32162

Phone: 352-753-0550

Thanks for the phone number! There is one gate crossing off of Morse that I can never remember the Village its associated with where the attendants let streams of cars come through while golf carts back up. They just dont put the gates down at all and we never get a chance to cross. They are making a dangerous situation for us poor residents trying to cross.
Why do the gate attendants collect moving van information? Seems like those of us - in St Cats, for example - who have unattended gates, are getting the short end of the security stick. It seems the Villages doesnt care if our houses get cleaned out!