Laneway Gate Automation

In 2011 the club received a grant of $3,000 from the City of Kingston to go towards the automation of the laneway gate. The committee now  intends to make a final decision on the automation of the gate in February.  My view is that the time is right to proceed with this project for the following reasons:

• City of Kingston - automating the gate will be seen very favourably by the City of Kingston.  One of their biggest local  headaches is access to ‘our’ foreshore and in particular security concerns with the Council Lane.  Issues include the council gate being left open, gate being forced when cars are locked in and the management of keys. We expect the City of Kingston to encourage  MMYC key holders revert to using our gate once automated.  Many of the MMYC south wall users are already MSC social members and an automated gate would offer far better amenity and we expect additional memberships.
• Foreshore Security - currently we often leave the gate open when visiting the club outside of club events.  This often leads to public access to the foreshore and is a security risk to the club.
• Local Residents - the security risk is a significant concern to local residents which reflects poorly on the club.  During the summer in particular it not uncommon for beachgoers to gain access using our lane when the gate has been left open.  It is important for us to have the support of the local residents especially when considering future development
• Key Security - there are a unknown number of keys out in the community as a result of member turnover.  An electronic system enables us to deactivate keys if memberships are not renewed.  This in turn encourages renewals.
• Capital Works - it is highly unlikely the gate will be affected by any future capital works.  My view is that it is firmly in keeping with any future development and a necessary step
• Planning and due dilligance – plans for the gate have been worked on over a number of years.  We have received numerous quotes and considered the project from all angles.  The only significant shortcoming of the current plan is that there will be no cabling to the club – power will be sourced from a neighbour (which is a minor risk) and the gate will not be programmable from the club nor remotely controllable.  We can look at a wireless system for the programming at some stage and/or cable from the club in future.
• Funding - in addition to the CoK grant a member has offered to fabricate a suitable gate at no charge.  Costs are thus limited to the supply and installation of the automation equipment plus electrical work.  The club currently has sufficient funds and we should not sit on them forever – it is vital that we inject money back in to club facilities.
• Service to Members - most important which at the end of the day leads to increased numbers.   I for one will be very glad not to have to hop in and out of the car every time I drop in.