Talk of The Villages Florida

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-   The Villages, Florida, General Discussion (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/)
-   -   More people are coming to use our facilities that we pay for (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/more-people-coming-use-our-facilities-we-pay-357769/)

Bill14564 04-04-2025 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfing eagles (Post 2420957)
please read post #35

I suspect cameras and a button would be prohibitively expensive both for the technology and the number of attendants it would take to monitor all the screens but it might make sense to research the cost.

golfing eagles 04-04-2025 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2420968)
I suspect cameras and a button would be prohibitively expensive both for the technology and the number of attendants it would take to monitor all the screens but it might make sense to research the cost.

You might be right, I don't know the exact cost of a camera and a remote link to a lock, but I don't think it would require any more attendants---there is a person at the rec center entrance that checks IDs---he could have the CCTV and answer the buzzer from the pools assigned to that rec center.

tophcfa 04-04-2025 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfing eagles (Post 2420951)
Might be a lot easier than all that. Have a lock on the gate that can be opened remotely from the rec center in charge of that pool and a buzzer. When at the gate, the resident "buzzes" the center, holds his ID up to a camera, and the employee lets him in. One person enters per ID. Make sure residents aren't "polite" enough to hold the gate open for strangers (perhaps with a warning that doing so will result in a suspension of all privileges), while the cameras could detect anyone climbing the fence. Cost would be minimal, and now the rec center employee doesn't have to go out to check IDs except maybe an occasional surprise visit.

I’d be totally in favor of that at the sports pools. Over the years I have witnessed several non Villagers sneaking in during lap swimming times. Also, I like what they have done in the newer southern sports pools, where you have to go through the pool to get into the locker room/shower area. That helps keep the homeless people from sneaking in late in the day to $hit, shave, and shower. It happens, I’ve witnessed it several times over the years.

golfing eagles 04-04-2025 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tophcfa (Post 2420972)
I’d be totally in favor of that at the sports pools. Over the years I have witnessed several non Villagers sneaking in during lap swimming times. Also, I like what they have done in the newer southern sports pools, where you have to go through the pool to get into the locker room/shower area. That helps keep the homeless people from sneaking in late in the day to $hit, shave, and shower. It happens, I’ve witnessed it several times over the years.

That's ridiculous. I would think the developer would have a vested interest in not seeing things deteriorate to that level. The Villages is NOT a homeless shelter.

Marathon Man 04-04-2025 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfing eagles (Post 2420951)
Might be a lot easier than all that. Have a lock on the gate that can be opened remotely from the rec center in charge of that pool and a buzzer. When at the gate, the resident "buzzes" the center, holds his ID up to a camera, and the employee lets him in. One person enters per ID. Make sure residents aren't "polite" enough to hold the gate open for strangers (perhaps with a warning that doing so will result in a suspension of all privileges), while the cameras could detect anyone climbing the fence. Cost would be minimal, and now the rec center employee doesn't have to go out to check IDs except maybe an occasional surprise visit.

And if the Rec Assistant is busy setting up a room?

Marathon Man 04-04-2025 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GpaVader (Post 2420792)
While I don't want uninvited guests using our facilities, I really wish we could revisit this 3 county rule as it applies to things like clubs. I run a club and have a lot of people that would like to attend but can't because they don't have a Villages ID or guest pass. These are people that have something to contribute to the club and the community, not take anything away from other Villagers.

Is it possible to strike a balance on this? A Non Villager can play golf at the Championship courses....

The solution is already in place. All your group needs to do is rent the room. Then you are allowed to have anyone attend your event. ID's are not checked. You can sell tickets to cover the cost.

fdpaq0580 04-04-2025 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfing eagles (Post 2420969)
You might be right, I don't know the exact cost of a camera and a remote link to a lock, but I don't think it would require any more attendants---there is a person at the rec center entrance that checks IDs---he could have the CCTV and answer the buzzer from the pools assigned to that rec center.

Was at a rec center yesterday and waited approximately 10 to 15 minutes for the front desk person to return from cleaning/preparing a game room in the back or kitchen facility. Phone was ringing, folks wandered in and out, manager office was empty. That one individual still had to check the pool, pickleball court and drive to other pools. My point is that the person monitoring cctv would have way more to do tha monitor the TV and push the buzzer. I think if we could come up with something similar to the starters shacks at golf courses, where a person of authority remained at the pool to check those coming had their ID on them to get in or report any problems with folks who want to enter but "forgot my ID". NO ID, NO ENTRY! NO "BUTS!. Low wage, part timer monitors. What do you say?

Bill14564 04-04-2025 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580 (Post 2420986)
...
I think if we could come up with something similar to the starters shacks at golf courses, where a person of authority remained at the pool to check those coming had their ID on them to get in or report any problems with folks who want to enter but "forgot my ID". NO ID, NO ENTRY! NO "BUTS!. Low wage, part timer monitors. What do you say?

Pools open at 7:30 and close at dusk which is usually defined as 30mins after sunset
Sunset in Orlando ranges from 5:30 in the winter to 8:30 in the summer

If we take an average of 7PM sunset plus 30 minutes to reach dusk that means a pool is open an average of 12 hours per day.

12 hours/day * $13/hour * 90 pools = $14,000/day or $5M/year

If the day is split into two shifts to avoid overtime considerations that would require a minimum of 180 additional employees.

But they would have to work seven days per week which is unreasonable. If we break the week into two parts with one employee working four days and the other working three that means 360 additional employees.

I'm not sure where Florida part-time/full-time rules kick in requiring benefits so maybe we will need three employees per position per week to keep the number of hours down for a total of 540 additional employees.

So an on-site ID checker for all but the sports pools would seem to require an additional $5M per year and 540 employees. The current VCCDD and SLCDD budgets anticipate $130M from amenity fees this year so coming up with an additional $5M/year would require an ADDITIONAL increase of 4%. Coming up with an additional 540 employees might be a bit more difficult.

Velvet 04-04-2025 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GpaVader (Post 2420792)
While I don't want uninvited guests using our facilities, I really wish we could revisit this 3 county rule as it applies to things like clubs. I run a club and have a lot of people that would like to attend but can't because they don't have a Villages ID or guest pass. These are people that have something to contribute to the club and the community, not take anything away from other Villagers.

Is it possible to strike a balance on this? A Non Villager can play golf at the Championship courses....

You can’t drive without your drivers license on you, you can’t go to a rec center without your ID - what is the difference? If you give leeway, the people who don’t pay for amenities will try to sneak in. Human nature.

golfing eagles 04-04-2025 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marathon Man (Post 2420978)
And if the Rec Assistant is busy setting up a room?

Then who's checking IDs at the front door? I've never gone to a rec center and the desk is empty

golfing eagles 04-04-2025 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580 (Post 2420986)
Was at a rec center yesterday and waited approximately 10 to 15 minutes for the front desk person to return from cleaning/preparing a game room in the back or kitchen facility. Phone was ringing, folks wandered in and out, manager office was empty. That one individual still had to check the pool, pickleball court and drive to other pools. My point is that the person monitoring cctv would have way more to do tha monitor the TV and push the buzzer. I think if we could come up with something similar to the starters shacks at golf courses, where a person of authority remained at the pool to check those coming had their ID on them to get in or report any problems with folks who want to enter but "forgot my ID". NO ID, NO ENTRY! NO "BUTS!. Low wage, part timer monitors. What do you say?

It's a possible solution, but now you're probably talking 250+ employees. Which at $10/hour will cost about $5 million. I think any solution that consolidates the large number of pools into a system in which multiple pools can be monitored by 1 individual would be more cost effective.

Topspinmo 04-04-2025 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asianthree (Post 2420911)
I will say any regional pool is highly regulated. Not only by the Id woohoo checker. But the regular residents who can literally come unglued, when a new person shows up.
Not only can they be outright rude, asking where do you live, why are you at jthis pool. Especially lap swim, and water sports, one actually feels sorry for the newcomers and the ridicule they sometimes encounter.

It’s one of the reasons we built a 4th house with our own pool.

All they got say is none of your business. That’s another problem the villages got individuals thinking they own village’s amenities.

Topspinmo 04-04-2025 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2420996)
Pools open at 7:30 and close at dusk which is usually defined as 30mins after sunset
Sunset in Orlando ranges from 5:30 in the winter to 8:30 in the summer

If we take an average of 7PM sunset plus 30 minutes to reach dusk that means a pool is open an average of 12 hours per day.

12 hours/day * $13/hour * 90 pools = $14,000/day or $5M/year

If the day is split into two shifts to avoid overtime considerations that would require a minimum of 180 additional employees.

But they would have to work seven days per week which is unreasonable. If we break the week into two parts with one employee working four days and the other working three that means 360 additional employees.

I'm not sure where Florida part-time/full-time rules kick in requiring benefits so maybe we will need three employees per position per week to keep the number of hours down for a total of 540 additional employees.

So an on-site ID checker for all but the sports pools would seem to require an additional $5M per year and 540 employees. The current VCCDD and SLCDD budgets anticipate $130M from amenity fees this year so coming up with an additional $5M/year would require an ADDITIONAL increase of 4%. Coming up with an additional 540 employees might be a bit more difficult.


You forgot additional village Rec truck/cars for transportation above the 750 plus vehicles they have already plus ATV utility vehicles.

graciegirl 04-04-2025 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfing eagles (Post 2420780)
yes

People like things all tucked in and zipped up and perfect until they find the cost comes back to them.

I have been hearing this problem since 2006. Sometimes at this time of the year with many families visiting us around Easter, people see young people and kids everywhere and don't realize they probably have legitimate passes to be at Rec Centers with their grands.

Bogie Shooter 04-04-2025 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC (Post 2420956)
Or have each villager install a chip in their head that has to be recognized at the game. No chip you get a small shock to make sure you stay out.

Told to me by a friend.

Quite a number of posters on this thread have room for more than one chip in their head.:1rotfl:

golfing eagles 04-04-2025 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by graciegirl (Post 2421006)
People like things all tucked in and zipped up and perfect until they find the cost comes back to them.

I have been hearing this problem since 2006. Sometimes at this time of the year with many families visiting us around Easter, people see young people and kids everywhere and don't realize they probably have legitimate passes to be at Rec Centers with their grands.

Love you GG.

That being said, what about the people who drive their car to an exec, then start playing after the starter and ambassador go home? I doubt they are residents sneaking on to play free when they already play for free. What about the teenagers hopping the fence at Trailwinds and using the Tamarind Grove pool? I don't know about pickleball but there are reports of outsiders using those courts as well. And living on a championship course I see all kinds of trespassing, from people using it as a dog park, to people fishing in the ponds, cyclists on mountain bikes and fireworks aficionados on the 4th of July. If we had snow, the snowmobilers would be out there also. Rules have no meaning if they are not enforced. All I can say is try to sneak onto Augusta National and see what happens.

Stu from NYC 04-04-2025 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfing eagles (Post 2421010)
Love you GG.

That being said, what about the people who drive their car to an exec, then start playing after the starter and ambassador go home? I doubt they are residents sneaking on to play free when they already play for free. What about the teenagers hopping the fence at Trailwinds and using the Tamarind Grove pool? I don't know about pickleball but there are reports of outsiders using those courts as well. And living on a championship course I see all kinds of trespassing, from people using it as a dog park, to people fishing in the ponds, cyclists on mountain bikes and fireworks aficionados on the 4th of July. If we had snow, the snowmobilers would be out there also. Rules have no meaning if they are not enforced. All I can say is try to sneak onto Augusta National and see what happens.

Almost never does anyone check for cards at neighborhood pool.

For club events most of the time nobody asks for card.

Some rec centers very good about it others nobody will check.

Bill14564 04-04-2025 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC (Post 2421018)
Almost never does anyone check for cards at neighborhood pool.

For club events most of the time nobody asks for card.

Some rec centers very good about it others nobody will check.

It may be true that at some rec centers they are better about checking than others but I can say that I have been checked at every event for the seven clubs I am part of which have been held at six or seven different rec centers.

I have also seen employees check IDs about 50% of the times I've been at the pools. (Could be the particular pool, could be I'm just unlucky)

OrangeBlossomBaby 04-04-2025 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2420996)
Pools open at 7:30 and close at dusk which is usually defined as 30mins after sunset
Sunset in Orlando ranges from 5:30 in the winter to 8:30 in the summer

If we take an average of 7PM sunset plus 30 minutes to reach dusk that means a pool is open an average of 12 hours per day.

12 hours/day * $13/hour * 90 pools = $14,000/day or $5M/year

If the day is split into two shifts to avoid overtime considerations that would require a minimum of 180 additional employees.

But they would have to work seven days per week which is unreasonable. If we break the week into two parts with one employee working four days and the other working three that means 360 additional employees.

I'm not sure where Florida part-time/full-time rules kick in requiring benefits so maybe we will need three employees per position per week to keep the number of hours down for a total of 540 additional employees.

So an on-site ID checker for all but the sports pools would seem to require an additional $5M per year and 540 employees. The current VCCDD and SLCDD budgets anticipate $130M from amenity fees this year so coming up with an additional $5M/year would require an ADDITIONAL increase of 4%. Coming up with an additional 540 employees might be a bit more difficult.

You don't need on-site ID checking from open til close. You can have roaming ID-checkers who run a route that includes a few different pools. I posted on the previous page the general idea of it. Four employees TOTAL, each working part time, covering three or more pools, each day. So if you need them to only work 3 days a week (standard part-time employment here at The Villages) then you'd need 10 employees total to roam 3-5 pools each (depending on where the clusters of pools are located). That'd be the 7-day open-close operation, not 10 people all working at the same time.

Given the close proximity of several of the pools and rec centers, you could probably even get away with having them travel to 5-7 pools per employee, per shift, multiple times per shift. And people who are in the pool - need to be asked to get out of the pool and show their ID. And if they don't comply, then Community Watch comes in and instructs them to leave, or be trespassed.

Pugchief 04-04-2025 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfing eagles (Post 2420951)
Might be a lot easier than all that. Have a lock on the gate that can be opened remotely from the rec center in charge of that pool and a buzzer. When at the gate, the resident "buzzes" the center, holds his ID up to a camera, and the employee lets him in. One person enters per ID. Make sure residents aren't "polite" enough to hold the gate open for strangers (perhaps with a warning that doing so will result in a suspension of all privileges), while the cameras could detect anyone climbing the fence. Cost would be minimal, and now the rec center employee doesn't have to go out to check IDs except maybe an occasional surprise visit.

I like this idea. You could have one DEDICATED* employee at a remote location monitoring several pools and PB courts. Would require initial outlay of cash to set up remote buzz-in system, but then only salary which wouldn't be terrible if monitoring multiple venues.

That being said, unless the XXdeveloperXX CDD is reading TOTV for ideas, good luck getting that put in place.

*meaning they solely monitor videos and locks, no other duties like setting up card rooms.

Bill14564 04-04-2025 03:34 PM

//obe//

Rainger99 04-04-2025 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 2421034)
And people who are in the pool - need to be asked to get out of the pool and show their ID.

Why don’t they make them get out??

Pugchief 04-04-2025 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2421039)
The pools and rec centers are no longer the responsibility of the developer. The VCCDD/AAC and SLCDD/PWAC fund them now.

You are correct. Fixed it in my post.

Arlington2 04-04-2025 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rainger99 (Post 2421049)
Why don’t they make them get out??

In the past RA's were instructed when in doubt err on the side of hospitality. In other words be nice and don't upset people. I don't know if that has changed.

fdpaq0580 04-04-2025 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfing eagles (Post 2421000)
Then who's checking IDs at the front door? I've never gone to a rec center and the desk is empty

No one! Seen it many times at various rec centers, weekly. One person working at the center has many jobs, responsibilities, expectations, etc. They cannot sit at the front desk for their shift. The folks we know that work these shifts work very hard and do the best they can. Sitting at the front desk continuously to check ids as people come in cannot be done. Eventually, they can track down those that come in (mostly). If folks have no ID, they may be asked to leave, but they have already gotten in and have used the facilities (pools, kitchens, pool rooms, restrooms, etc).
Something should be done. What makes sense? Depends on how far you are willing to go.

Pugchief 04-04-2025 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arlington2 (Post 2421064)
In the past RA's were instructed when in doubt err on the side of hospitality. In other words be nice and don't upset people. I don't know if that has changed.

Maybe, but it's inefficient. I have seen them come out to the PB court and card the 10 people standing in line while ignoring the 24 people on the courts. The proper way to do it is to card people as they enter, which would require a full time attendant at every court, pool, etc or an electronic scan system.

fdpaq0580 04-04-2025 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Velvet (Post 2420999)
You can’t drive without your drivers license on you, you can’t go to a rec center without your ID - what is the difference? If you give leeway, the people who don’t pay for amenities will try to sneak in. Human nature.

Human nature to trespass, steal, disrespect others and their property .... Yeah! That seems to be about right.

fdpaq0580 04-04-2025 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC (Post 2420956)
Or have each villager install a chip in their head that has to be recognized at the game. No chip you get a small shock to make sure you stay out.

Told to me by a friend.

I have a plate in my head. No room for a chip. Could I have the ID chip put in my butt cheek?

fdpaq0580 04-04-2025 06:03 PM

How about a photo I'd card tattoo on your forehead. Everyone else can see you are a Villager and verify your id# in the on line database. Non-Villagers will be neutered on sight.

fdpaq0580 04-04-2025 06:25 PM

A bit more troublesome, but.
Before going to any pool, pickleball court, etc, resident signs in at the associated rec center and receives a daily dated use tag that can attach to users clothing. Color coded. Anyone not wearing the tag must leave the facility. Easy to spot by everyone. All Villagers may call for assistance to have non-compliant persons removed.
For after hours, pools, pickleball courts, and even golf courses could be monitored by motion sensors, or drones to notify Village watch centers of possible illicit activities.
Drone fliers, want to do some night spy ops?

CarlR33 04-04-2025 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfing eagles (Post 2421000)
Then who's checking IDs at the front door? I've never gone to a rec center and the desk is empty

We were at a recreation center just last week and the door person was out with a sign on the desk saying be back soon because they were out checking pool id’s, etc. We proceeded to the game room and later on the door person came into the game room and checked all id’s in the room.

FloridaGuy66 04-04-2025 08:39 PM

This is honestly an extremely rare occurrence. This us around #102 on my list of concerns involving TV.

AMB444 04-05-2025 01:25 AM

Thanks everyone for your input.

There is a lot of concern posted on next door and I thought it would be important to start a discussion here.

I've gotten a lot of good input on TOTV for many situations.

Thanks all!

AMB444 04-05-2025 02:04 AM

We pay almost $200 per month for amenities but is TV keeping out the freeloaders
 
Lots of talk on nextdoor with first hand accounts of "lists" for Rv people and those around us to get to pools, pickleball, Rec Centers for "free fun" for them. But we pay for it.

More and more are building around us.

I've heard many personal first hand accounts now that The Villages are a "free" place for pools, rec centers and other amenities.

You should get on Nextdoor. com and get into your "group" for your neighbors. Everyone is talking about this. Paying CDD per month but not keeping track of outsiders coming in to take it for free? This has got to stop at some point.

Kelevision 04-05-2025 03:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AMB444 (Post 2421110)
Lots of talk on nextdoor with first hand accounts of "lists" for Rv people and those around us to get to pools, pickleball, Rec Centers for "free fun" for them. But we pay for it.

More and more are building around us.

I've heard many personal first hand accounts now that The Villages are a "free" place for pools, rec centers and other amenities.

You should get on Nextdoor. com and get into your "group" for your neighbors. Everyone is talking about this. Paying CDD per month but not keeping track of outsiders coming in to take it for free? This has got to stop at some point.

I’ve lived here for 4 years and never once have I gone to the pool, played pickleball, golfed, or done anything club related. This obviously bothers you as you already have another post about it. I was on Nextdoor for about 3 days until I realized all it was a b$@tchfest and most of them don’t even live IN the villages. Perhaps you should stay OFF of there and you’ll be less angry. And show me one other place in this country where you can live for under 200 a month is HOA, or amenity fees, whatever you want to call it, it’s very inexpensive. There are tons of people who live here that are under 55. How do you know these people aren’t relatives, or live here? How in the world could you possibly know that?

Arctic Fox 04-05-2025 04:10 AM

Year-rounders should consider themselves lucky, compared to our Snowbirds.

Assuming they are here for five months, they pay $500 per month and are here at the busiest time when the facilities are most crowded.

Yes, it is their choice, but they must think it worth the money, so our paying $200 per month and having half the number of users for most of the year seems like a dream to me.

golfing eagles 04-05-2025 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FloridaGuy66 (Post 2421092)
This is honestly an extremely rare occurrence. This us around #102 on my list of concerns involving TV.

Any statistics to support that assertion?????
Personally, I have no idea how common or rare it is. How is it that assertion can be made?

DarrenandKathy 04-05-2025 05:04 AM

Have been asked for ID almost every time we have been to either Tierra Del Sol or Santiago pools and The First Responders Rec Center,so yes they check.

Ignatz 04-05-2025 05:14 AM

And I think there are now more threads on this issue than the number of people who think it’s an issue worth discussing

westernrider75 04-05-2025 05:40 AM

[QUOTE=asianthree;2420783]I guess we are one of the few that has an employee on site everyday, at all the courts, pool, shuffle board and beach facilities open to close. As soon as you park they are right there asking for ID before you exit your cart or car. Many of us are everyday players, that employees wave as they drive in. Maybe it’s a south of 44


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