January 2018

Dear Neighbors,

Since 2012 We, your HBTL POA Board of Directors, have been working with the Polk County Attorney’s Office on a contract which will allow officers to enforce traffic laws in our neighborhood. At the Polk Co. Board of County Commissioner’s (BoCC) meeting on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, our contract, Agreement for Traffic Control, was approved and signed by BoCC Chairman, Sam Johnson.

Since then officers have been patrolling the neighborhood monthly. Citations will be issued to drivers not abiding by our speed limit of 25 mph or drivers who ignore stop signs.

We, your HBTL POA Board of Directors, are 100% committed to making our roadways safe.

• ·         We have sent out notices to all residents making them aware of the danger reckless drivers pose to our residents.
• ·         We opened a group discussion, on the HBTL Web-site, asking for input from neighbors.
• ·         We have forwarded, to all residents, e-mails from neighbors who have had close encounters with reckless drivers.
• ·         We have installed a DOT certified Speed Limit Sign (25mph) at the entranceway.

Yet, in spite of these efforts, too many drivers are still speeding and ignoring stop signs!

Some of the next steps we may take to combat this problem are:

• ·         Create a banner for the entranceway wall reminding all drivers to slow down when entering our neighborhood.
• ·         Place signs in yards on a rotating basis reminding drivers to slow down.
• ·         Door-to-door petition asking residents to commit to promoting safe driving in the neighborhood.
• ·         Send letters to all service people making them aware of the problem and asking for their commitment to drive safely in our neighborhood.
• ·         Encourage residents to report reckless drivers to the Crime Stoppers Hotline @ 1-800-226-8477.
• ·         Increase off-duty police officer patrol ($29 per hour with 4 hour minimum).
• ·         Check into the possibility of installing a radar sign (very effective, however, it requires a power source)
• ·         Strategically place speed bumps throughout the neighborhood.

Highlands By The Lake is a treasure! Let’s all commit to making it a safe and desirable place to live.

Be safe and well,

Dave, Jane, Sue, Donna and Janice

Highlands By The Lake Property Owner’s Association

Board of Directors