As most residents are aware, on November 20, 2012 Castle & Cooke notified the CSD that they would discontinue the funding for staffing the entry gate effective January 1, 2013. In order to minimize confusion that might result from an abrupt change in gate operations and allow the CSD time to evaluate the situation, which included soliciting input from residents, the Board of Directors acted to approve CSD funding to continue the former level of gate staffing through January 31, 2013.

Shortly after the December meeting an “opinion poll” was placed on the CSD website and as planned, the matter was on the Agenda for regular meeting of January 15, 2013. This meeting was well attended and a number of residents suggested various ways they felt the CSD should handle the gate matter. While these suggestions varied (install new gates at the two residential area entrances; leave the gate open and unstaffed; staff the gate at reduced hours; close the gate 24/7 with no staffing), a significant number who spoke urged the Board to close the gate 24/7 with no staffing. This approach was also reflected in the on-line poll where the majority of the responses suggested a 24/7 closed, unstaffed gate.

Upon conclusion of a lengthy discussion of the matter on January 15th, the Board voted that at present the gates would be left open and unattended for limited time periods (basically during the day and at times the restaurant is open) while the CSD continues to evaluate the situation. Currently, CSD staff is exploring costs for installation of an upgraded entry system that would be more capable of properly handling 24/7 hour closure than would our present system. Additionally, staff continues to work with Castle & Cooke in hopes that we may reach a staffing agreement which provides an appropriate privacy level for residents as well as meets the business concerns of Castle & Cooke.

It should be noted that the Board’s decision at the January 15 meeting (which authorized the gate to be open and unattended for limited time periods) was not the final conclusion of this matter. Follow-up review has already been scheduled for the regular meeting of February 19, 2013, and all interested residents are encouraged to attend.

The CSD recognizes the importance of this issue to the community and is fully appreciative of the concerns of residents with regard to how it will finally be resolved. Our goal is that the final solution will be a plan that is in the best interests of the community.

Charlie Martin, GM
Saddle Creek CSD