Security Update 

Last month, I wrote about my mixed emotions regarding former General Manager/COO Shari Haldeman starting another chapter of her life. Although we still are adjusting to the change, we are delighted to have Karl Stephens as our new General Manager/COO. TLA’s Operations Leadership team is committed to “setting Karl up for success” (not that he needs all that much help from us). If I may say so, you still are in good hands.

As 2021 ended, I was hopeful for a great start to 2022. Unfortunately, that was not the case, as five Security team members were out due to COVID-19 or flu during the holidays and the first part of the year. Thankfully, everyone has recovered, tested negative, and returned to work under Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Chatham County currently is experiencing an unprecedented high for the seven-day rolling average for new COVID-19 cases at 727.9 on January 14. To add some perspective, the seven-day rolling average on January 13, 2021, was 158. On December 23, 2021, it was at 40.4. I will not rehash all the CDC guidelines or discuss ad nauseam what does or does not work. Only you can decide what is best for you and your family, but please mitigate, to the best extent you possibly can, your chances of catching (or spreading) this virus.

At its December 2021 meeting, the Board of Directors approved the 2022 fee schedule, including the new fine structure. Each violation category level (first, second, third, and subsequent) has established minimum and maximum fines. Additionally, we added a new category for Moving Vehicle and Golf Cart Violations, to include speeding and unlicensed drivers. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with the following:

• Current Landings Rules & Regulations (www.landings.org/Resources > Governing Documents > Rules and Regulations-2021)
• New Fine Schedule (www.landings.org/Resources > Governing Documents > 2022 Fine Schedule)
• Appeals Process (www.landings.org/Resources > Governing Documents > Covenants). You can find the information on page 15 (Section 11.3.3).

I am often asked what authority Security has to enforce traffic laws. We have authority granted by our Covenants to enforce reasonable Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Directors (Sections 6.3.4 and 11.3.1). When Security enforces speed limits within the community, we actually are enforcing a Rule, not Georgia traffic laws (Rules and Regulations, E.1). We have a radar placard that can be deployed throughout the community to help analyze data and driving behaviors. Typically, we use this tool to identify problem areas before advancing to the next level of using LIDAR and issuing fines.

As a reminder, unlicensed golf cart drivers still are a hot topic. As outlined in the new fine schedule, violations of this rule could result in a minimum fine of $100, a maximum penalty of up to $249 for a second offense (Rules and Regulations, E.2). I apologize for the “heavy hand” so early in the year, but it is important to me to place potential offenders on notice.

To end on a high note, I acknowledge my team. During the most recent round with COVID-19 and the flu, the Security team pulled together and ensured that we continued to meet minimum staffing levels each day and every shift. Their continued dedication and teamwork are genuinely remarkable. I recently saw a note posted at a local place of business, and I feel it is worthy of repeating. Although I cannot recall the text verbatim, the notice essentially stated that the world is suffering from staffing shortages, so please be kind to the people who made it to work today. I add that a simple thank you goes a long way.

Be safe, and stay well,