Bill Benedetti and Ben Crosby have served as a committee of two since the Leaning Pine community conversation held on Saturday, August 3. We have undertaken the task of researching alternatives for replacing the gate at the entrance of our community.
In the course of our research, we have worked with a total of three fencing companies. Two of those companies subsequently presented proposals. While each of their proposals had some merits, each of them also fell short in some important ways. Because of that, we have explored and are recommending some alternatives.
One thing we learned is that in order to have a phone app with remote gate access, we would need to have an Internet connection. We have assumed that is not a monthly expense the group would choose to incur.
In case the group decides on a manual gate:
We have designed a relatively simple western style cedar gate that can be constructed of readily available cedar decking material. It will be relatively rot-resistant and can be treated to protect against the elements. While it will not be maintenance-free (nothing is), it should require minimal attention. It can also be built to handle automation. The cost of the cedar gate will actually be less than a cattle gate. We are proposing that Best Fence be hired to install the gate posts and that Ben will build and install the gate with a cost not to exceed $2,800 for the complete installation.
In case the group decides on an automated gate:
We have also researched gate operators/control panels that are designed exclusively for solar-powered operation. We have selected US Automatic as a source for our proposed automation equipment because of their absolute commitment to solar, their modular design and their warranty.
All gate operators, by law, include basic photo eye disconnect circuitry. We have also researched prevention loops for vehicle traffic management. We are proposing a shadow loop under the gate path, two reversing loops (one inside and one outside the gate), and a free exit loop to automatically open the gate when a vehicle approaches from inside.
We are proposing that Best Fence be hired to install the gate posts and that Ben will build and install the gate, solar-powered automation equipment and the proposed prevention loops to handle vehicle traffic management at a cost not to exceed $7,900 for the complete installation. That price would also include a three (3) year material and performance warranty.
| Proposal | Power | Gate | Traffic Protection | Warranty | Cost | Recommended |
| ID Fence – manual | None | Cattle | N/A | not stated | $4,106 ($411/household) | No |
| Best Fence – manual | N/A | Cattle | N/A | 1 year | $2,976 ($298/household) | No |
| ID Fence – automated | AC | Cattle | photo eye, shadow, free exit | 2 year equipment | up to $14,380 ($1,438/household) | No |
| ID Fence – automated | Solar (adapted) | Cattle | photo eye, shadow, free exit | 2 year equipment | $9,907 ($991/household) | No |
| Best Fence – automated | Solar (adapted) | Cattle | photo eye | 1 year | $11,180 ($1,180/household) | No |
| LPP Proposal – manual – Crosby labor | N/A | Cedar | N/A | 3 year equipment 3 year performance | not to exceed $2,800 ($280/household) | Yes |
| LPP Proposal – automated – Crosby labor | Solar | Cedar | photo eye, shadow, 2 reverse, free exit | 3 year equipment 3 year performance | not to exceed $7,900 ($790/household) | Yes |
We would welcome questions of clarification from any of you. If there is interest, we can also set up a video conference call so we can interact together.
For those interested in digging a little deeper, here are a few documents you might appreciate:
- Some details regarding the options presented
- Understanding the importance of prevention loops
- Prevention loops described
In terms of balloting:
- It will take a majority (more than half) of those voting to prevail. If there are not the votes to authorize the installation of an automated gate, we will proceed with the installation of an “automation-ready” manual gate consistent with our August 3 conversation.
- Voting is now open and will remain open until Midnight, December 2, 2024 or until all households have voted, whichever comes first. Results will be posted once the voting is complete.
- Each of the ten properties using this LPP entrance has just one vote. If multiple folks are receiving this email, you will need to determine who among you will cast your ballot. If multiple ballots are cast for a given property, the first one received will be certified.
- Based on the results of this ballot, construction will proceed and the 10 households who use Leaning Pine Tree Point Road to access their properties will be levied their fair share of the expense. It’s not clear how weather will impact construction but we will make progress as we are able. Payment will be due when the project is complete.