Controller for reservoir sluice gate

I  am the engineer for a small HOA that owns/manages a 40 acre lake with 6  sluice gates.  The sluice gates were installed to prevent the  operation/destruction of the flashboard system originally installed to  provide an elevated reservoir level.  I need to find a logic controller  that will receive input from the level sensors and raise the gates a set  amount than wait a set time before raising or lowering the gates.  I am  trying to maintain this reservoir at a level that will not allow more  than 6 inches over the gates.   I can install magnetic reed switch level  sensors in a dampened level container to detect the reservoir level.  I  must keep this system simple.  I was considering a timer switch that  would connect when the level sensor closed and operate the gate actuator  for 60 seconds than wait 5 monutes then if the level sensor was still  closed operate the actuator another 60 seconds than wait 5 minutes.    This system has 2ea 6ft gates with actuators then 4ea 4 ft gates with  one actuator controlling 2 gates.  I would want to operate the 6 ft  gates first then the 2ea 4 ft gates.  I am trying to maintain a balanced  outflow as the gates are installed on each side of the spillway.  Therefore needint 2 controllers. There is 120/240 single phase power at  each site.   Do I need a logic relay or a logic controller?  Where can I  obtain some fast and simple training to program this if needed?   I am a  retired consultant and have an above average computer knowledge, but  also a below average threshold of frustration!!!  

I would apreciate any recommendations.  I have wanted to try PLC's for years but do not know where to start.

Thanks in advance!