Palmetto
NOVEMBER
2019
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WWW.PDPOA .ORG
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VOLUME
24
ISSUE
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P E R S P E C T I V E
JANUARY 20178 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
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News BOARD OF DIRECTORS Brian Fahey, CHAIR
860-830-0374 | faheybri@gmail.com
Wilbur Strickland, VICE CHAIR & ARB CHAIR 843-290-9384 | wcstrick@mac.com
Mark Carroll,
SECRETARY
ARB SCHEDULING If you have any questions or concerns regarding an ARB project that you would like to discuss in person, please contact Monica Stites, our ARB Manager, to schedule an
417-839-3804 | maccbs@aol.com
appointment at 843-785-1109 or
Gayle Cleaveland, TREASURER
mstites@pdpoa.org.
843-341-6614 | glc09@aol.com
Jerry Bowling
508-685-8869 | oldtown1926@gmail.com
Bill Caywood
803-342-2466 | billycaywood@gmail.com
Ric Gorman
704-609-1807 | ricgorman@gmail.com
Lee Smith
ADDRESS SIGNS Does your home have an address sign? All single-family homes are required by the Town to have a reflective house number that is visible
917-319-4931 | lsmith@i-decide.com
from the street. As a convenience,
Michael Vaccaro
PDPOA-approved address signs are
843-290-3076 | mikevaccaro7@yahoo.com
available for purchase on pdpoa.
Bill Watkins, GREENWOOD C&R
org and include installation. If you
843-785-1106 | wwatkins@greenwoodcr.com
ON-SITE STAFF Accounting, JASMINE MILLEDGE
843-785-1109 | jmilledge@pdpoa.org
have any questions about the requirements or how to order, contact Sara Manesiotis at 843-785-1109 or smanesiotis@pdpoa.org.
Communications, ELIZABETH SIMPSON 843-785-1109 | esimpson@pdpoa.org
Community Standards, KENYA CARSWELL 843-785-1109 | kcarswell@pdpoa.org
Facilities Maintenance, SYDNEY WAN
ASK & ANSWER Property
owners
who
question are encouraged to look through our previously answered questions on Ask & Answer. If you don't find what you're looking for,
Finance, MATTHEW NEMES
will post your question and answer
843-785-1109 | mnemes@pdpoa.org
on the Ask & Answer page.
Human Resources, LORETTA HOOVER
pdpoa.org/contact/ask-answer
Pass Office, ELIZABETH REGAN
Planning/Lagoon & Lakes, BEN BROWN 843-785-1109 | bbrown@pdpoa.org
UPDATED INFORMATION
Reception, SARA MANESIOTIS
The Pass Office is working to up-
843-785-1109 | smanesiotis@pdpoa.org
date or confirm owner's informa-
Security, JIM GRINER
tion. If you haven't already, please
843-785-1120 | jgriner@pdpoa.org
call 843-785-1125 to let us know of any changes or confirm the existing information. The Pass Office is open
The Palmetto Perspective is published bimonthly by the Palmetto Dunes Property Owners Association. ©2019 PALMETTO DUNES POA, INC.
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NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
8am-5pm every day.
ing! J. Banks Designer Hannah Toney will teach you how to create a stunning holiday tablescape and visually appealing cheese and charcuterie board, while wine connoisseur Seth Tilton pairs the perfect wine for each bite. There is no cost to attend, but space is limited and reservations are
a
please submit your question and we
843-785-1125 | eregan@pdpoa.org
ative flair into your holiday entertain-
pdpoa.org/events. have
843-321-3217 | swan@pdpoa.org
843-785-1109 | lhoover@pdpoa.org
Taste, sip and learn how to add cre-
calling 843-785-1109 or online at
843-785-1109 | mstites@pdpoa.org 843-785-1109 | aschumacher@pdpoa.org
December 4th at 2pm
required. Make your reservation by
ARB Manager, MONICA STITES CEO, ANDREW P. SCHUMACHER
HOLIDAY TASTING & TIPS
RECORD-SETTING SEA TURTLE NESTING SEASON Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island reported their best season on record this year with 463 sea turtle nests from April to October. It's estimated that the Hilton Head Island nests produced 33,690 hatchlings.
UPCOMING LAGOON LOWERING
November 20 & December 20 Our lagoon system is periodically lowered to promote the health of the waterway. Please note that dates are always subject to change/cancelation.
CEO's Report Annual Meeting
Communications
The 2019 Annual Meeting of the Palmetto Dunes Property Owner’s Association was held on Saturday, October 12th. The meeting was held in our parking area at 16 Queens Folly Road on a beautiful Carolina morning with over 200 members in attendance. It was a pleasure to see many of you that morning.
This year we have been working to improve communications to our owners, create a positive sense of community, and increase awareness of community events.
Community Enhancement Amenities By now, the member comment period for the two proposed amenities is closed. I hope you thoroughly reviewed the proposals, asked questions and provided your feedback on which amenity, if any, we should pursue first. Both have the opportunity to increase property value, create a better sense of community and provide more opportunities for owners and future buyers. They both also interact with two of our greatest assets— the beach and the lagoon. These two projects are a direct result of the goals identified in our 2017 strategic plan to acquire property, develop a better sense of community, find a balance between full time, part time, and investment owners, and leverage and improve access to the lagoon system. In last year’s amenity survey, owners shared their desire for facilities that reflect their shifting lifestyles, needs, and preferences. We are taking a long-term view of Palmetto Dunes and want to continue to raise property values while adding to the enjoyment of current and future residents. Management and the board will review the feedback you provide, further discuss both projects, and discuss a path forward at the November board meeting. As both projects are conceptual, there is still much work to be done on either project if we move forward with one of them. We will continue to keep you informed via the Tidings and on our website regarding these two important projects.
We have expanded our web site to include and archive all articles from Palmetto Perspectives and the Tidings, and have created an “Ask & Answer” section. This section is a place where owners can ask questions, as well as find answers to frequently asked questions. With important projects in the community—like Yard Arm/278 Gate, 7 Lee Shore, and the Beach Front Amenity—we have opened up a Member Comments section on the site to garner feedback. We are working on a complete overhaul of our web site by late 2020, which will include more experiential photography, streamlined navigation, and an easier to use owners section. Two new communication channels have been added this year as well — Text Alerts and a PDPOA Facebook page. The text alert system is very effective at delivering important information immediately. We used text alerts to communicate during September’s Hurricane Dorian and had over 500 owners opt in to the service. The PDPOA Facebook page is used to share events, community photos, and provide on-the-go updates and alerts. In addition to these new channels, we have also increased the frequency of our Tidings emails to keep owners better informed.
US 278 Gateway Corridor Project – Bridge Replacement The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is proposing to make improvements to the US 278 corridor between Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, from Moss Creek Drive to Spanish Wells Road. The purpose of this project is to address structural deficiencies at the existing eastbound MacKay Creek bridge, to increase capacity, and to reduce congestion along US 278 from Moss Creek Drive to Spanish Wells Road. There are three guiding principles: 1) Fix the transportation issues in the corridor in a way that improves the safety and quality
of life for all residents, workers and visitors to Hilton Head Island, 2) Improve the safety and quality of life for the residents of the neighborhoods and businesses directly impacted by the US 278 corridor and 3) Have a gateway to and from Hilton Head Island that the region will be proud of. Please visit scdot278corridor.com to learn more about the project.
Palmetto Dunes Cares – Giving back while building community! Palmetto Dunes Cares, our community charitable giving fund, is having a great second year. Palmetto Dunes Cares' mission is to support the charitable interest for all those who live, invest, work, and play in the Palmetto Dunes community. The purpose of the fund is to provide resources for grants and distributions in the Greater Hilton Head area. This year’s 5k Turtle Trot and Turtle Talk raised over $33,000 for the charity. This past month they hosted "Eat, Drink and Be Generous" to further support this effort.
Fiscal Responsibility Over the past couple of months, the board of directors approved the 2020 Capital and Operating Budgets. Both the capital and operating budgets are drafted by management and presented to the Finance committee for two reviews and revisions. A final draft is presented to the board of directors for their consideration. We envision investing over $2.2 million in the coming year in capital improvements. Over 90% of these funds are our continued investment in infrastructure improvements and enhancements. The balance is spent on equipment and vehicles. The operating budget is drafted with an eye toward balancing the needs of the community while anticipating change. The total assessment charge to owners for 2020 will remain the same as 2019— $1,800. I hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving and we look forward to seeing many of you at our 2nd Annual Oyster Roast on Thursday, November 14th. As always we have a lot going on in Palmetto Dunes, so if you have any questions, please reach out to me directly or one of our staff members. — Andrew Schumacher, CEO
NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
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Controller's Report In September 2019, the Board of Directors approved the 2020 capital budget. The approved budget includes the following: • Sea Lane and Auxiliary Roads • Landscape Enhancements • Queens Folly Boat Landing Planning has already started on the Sea Lane Project with an estimated completion by the end of the first quarter of 2021. This project will repair the streets and correct the drainage on Sea Lane, Starboard Tack (Sea Lane to Rum Row), Lee Shore, and Weather Shore. Currently these streets have no uniform drainage. PDPOA will install new drainage infrastructure, grade the right-of-way, relocate conflicting utilities, and rebuild the new streets.
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The landscape enhancement project includes multiple small projects throughout Palmetto Dunes. As the PDPOA continues to invest in the community, areas outside of the scope of the capital projects require attention. The Queens Folly Boat Landing project enhances the boat launch and adds a dock. The current boat launch is considered too narrow and the current launch does not have an available structure for securing boats during transition. The launch will be widened to approximately 15 feet, and the pavers will be replaced with a solid driveway. Also, a fixed dock will be installed with informational signage around the dock.
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• After completing the capital budget in August, the operating budget process began. PDPOA’s revenue stream comes from multiple sources:
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NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
Assessments paid by all residential and commercial properties located inside Palmetto Dunes comprise a significant percentage of PDPOA’s operating revenue. Property maintenance and security generate revenue from contractual services and usage fees. Pass Office revenue is generated from the sale of commercial vehicle decals, daily vehicle passes, and short-term rental passes. Based on the 2020 operating budget, approximately 34% of the total operating revenue is derived from the pass office. On September 1, 2019, the rental pass fee structure changed. Please see the table below for the change in fee structure.
The Community Enhancement Fee is collected from the purchaser upon transfer of each residential property within Palmetto Dunes. ARB revenue is derived from the charge of permit fees.
Operating expenses consist of expenses from the day to day operation of PDPOA.
Management, the Finance Committee, and the board have been extremely diligent with keeping expenses in control while at the same time maintaining the appearance of the community and providing superior service. For 2020, the total assessment will remain flat at $1,800. The $1,800 consists of a residential assessment of $1,800 and a storm assessment of $0 compared to a $1,702 residential assessment in 2019 and a storm assessment of $98. The 2020 operating revenues are budgeted to increase over the 2019 projections. The increase in revenue is due to an increase in the 2020 residential and commercial assessment and an increase in the rental pass revenue. The residential assessment is only 40% of the total operating revenue. The residential assessment increase is due to the future capital projects planned within Palmetto Dunes. As a result of these capital projects, the reserve fund’s percent funded is adversely impacted. Management, the Finance Committee, and the board of directors will continue to review alternative revenue sources and look for other ways to reduce/maintain operating expenses. During the first quarter of 2020, the Finance Committee and management will review a ten-year plan. The ten-year plan will enable PDPOA to continue to be proactive and responsible for the upcoming needs of the community. — Matt Nemes, Controller
Annual Meeting The 2019 Annual Meeting of the Palmetto Dunes Property Owners Association, Inc. was held on October 12th at our administrative office with approximately 200 property owners in attendance.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Veterans Day Rememberance
Andrew Schumacher, PDPOA CEO, welcomed all in attendance and introduced the Board of Directors, committee volunteers, and staff. After Board Chairman Brian Fahey called the meeting to order and a quorum was proclaimed, three new directors were elected: Jerry Bowling, Mark Carroll, and Ric Gorman. Ben Brown, Principal Planner and Project Manager, reviewed our capital projects and lagoon management proram. Chief Griner reported on Security Operations, followed by Monica Stites, ARB Manager, giving a year in review on construction and renovation activity. Mark O'Neil presented the finance report, and Andrew gave an update on the proposed amenity
options—Beach Front Clubhouse and 7 Lee Shore Redevelopment. Andrew then closed the meeting with recognition of the work completed by our outgoing board members Elizabeth Belenchia, Doug Luba, and Mark O'Neil. The meeting was followed by a Q&A period.
Palmetto Dunes Women's Club Are you settling in to your new home in Palmetto Dunes? Have you been here a while and looking to make new friends? The Palmetto Dunes Women’s Club could be just what you are looking for. With 200 members, Palmetto Dunes Women’s Club offers an opportunity to get to know your neighbors, get involved in the community, and have some fun! Hilton Head Island is a melting pot of sorts, with residents who have moved here from all over the country. Our diverse backgrounds add texture and interest to our Island home. The Women’s Club is the perfect place to meet new friends! The Women’s Club hosts two luncheons per year and a Holiday Open House. Interest groups, such as book clubs, appetizer and dinner groups (significant others are included), outdoor activities, and social
PDPOA EVENTS
groups, allow you to interact with women who share common interests. In addition to social groups, there are groups who focus on giving back to our community. There is something for everyone to enjoy. Membership is open to home owners and renters (minimum of six months) who are residents of Palmetto Dunes, Leamington, and the following buildings in Shelter Cove: Yacht Club, Waters Edge, Newport, Mainsail, Harborside I, II & III, Captain’s Quarters, Anchorage, Peninsula, and Tradewinds Trace. If you are interested in joining this happy group of women, please contact Jennifer Brown at spartina3784@gmail. com. Membership dues are $20 per year.
The Annual Veterans Day Remembrance will be held at 10:30am at Shelter Cove Memorial Park, located at 39 Shelter Cove Ln. The keynote speaker is Captain Robert D. Jackson, MD, U.S. Navy. He is the Commanding Officer of the Naval Hospital in Beaufort, SC. He served as a Navy Pilot for 12 years and as a Navy Physician for 21 years. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14
PDPOA Oyster Roast
The Oyster Roast will be held at the Dunes House from 5-8pm and is complimentary for property owners (no guests, please.) Reservations are required. pdpoa.org/ events. The Dunes Buggy will be available from 4:30-8:30pm by calling 843-689-4222. MONDAY, DECEMBER 16
Christmas Bird Count The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is an early winter snapshot of bird populations throughout North America. It is the largest and longest-running Citizen Science program in the world! PD is an important part of the Hilton Head count. If you enjoy watching birds at your backyard feeders, you might like to identify and count those birds as part of the annual CBC. Contact Susan Murphy at HHICBC@gmail.com if you would like to participate.
—Kathy Reynolds, PD Women's Club NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
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Department of Security Operations One of my most enjoyable experiences at Palmetto Dunes has been to see employees develop as leaders and advance their careers within our organization. This past August, numerous eligible employees applied for promotion to the rank of Corporal or Sergeant. The promotion process was lengthy and began with a 100-question test. Applicants who scored well on this test qualified to complete a management assessment, which is designed to review behavioral traits, thinking styles, and interests. Subsequently, all applicants participated in a panel interview comprised of members from the management team. Aside from the above processes, a file review was also conducted of each applicant that offered additional points for criteria such as education, length of service with Palmetto Dunes, as well as, prior military, security, and law enforcement experience. The final scores were tabulated based on the above criteria.
Richard Jennings Promoted to Sergeant
Michael Washington Promoted to Corporal Michael Washington joined the team at Palmetto Dunes in February 2019. He previously served in the United States Air Force and received an honorable discharge, and was previously employed by the Ridgeland Correctional Facility as a Contraband Officer.
On September 25, a promotion ceremony was held at Palmetto Dunes for the following employees:
Richard Jennings joined the team at Palmetto Dunes in February 2019. Richard previously served in the United States Navy and received an honorable discharge. He was previously employed by the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol officer and the Hardeeville Police Department as a patrol Sergeant and Code Enforcement Officer.
Christopher “Chris” Outlaw Promoted to Sergeant
Lester Johnson Promoted to Corporal
Chris Outlaw joined the team at Palmetto Dunes in September 2016. Chris previously served in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge. Additionally, he was previously employed by Wexford POA Security and advanced to the rank of Assistant Chief.
Lester Johnson joined the team at Palmetto Dunes in April 2018. Lester previously served in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge. He was previously employed by Callawassie Island Security and served as a patrol officer.
Four of our security employees met all of the requirements to be promoted within the organization.
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Michael Washington, Chris Outlaw, Lester Johnson, and Richard Jennings at the Officer Promotion Ceremony on September 25.
NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
All newly promoted supervisors, along with existing supervisors, will be participating in 40 hours of training that focuses on basic skills for new supervisors. The online training will be provided by the Institute of Police Technology and Management based in Jacksonville, Florida. Please help me in congratulating these newly appointed officers on their outstanding accomplishment! — Jim Griner, Chief of Security
Holiday Happenings The holiday season is fast approaching and Palmetto Dunes has upcoming events and resort specials for you and your family. From shopping and entertainment to planning your holiday party, Palmetto Dunes offers a variety of options for you to enjoy. Happy holidays! Thanksgiving Dinner at Palmetto Dunes The Annual Thanksgiving Day Buffet at Centre Court will feature an assortment of entrees, side items and desserts. Buffet also includes non-alcoholic beverages. Reservations and payment must be made in advance as seating and times are limited. Thursday, November 28 from 11am-4pm Cost: $34.95++ per person, Children 12 & under - $17.95++, Under 5 FREE To make a reservation please visit www.PalmettoDunesThanksgiving. com. For questions, call 877-497-2068 or email Thanksgiving@PalmettoDunes.com. Reservations must be made by Tuesday, November 26.
Thanksgiving Prix Fixe Dinner at Alexander’s The Thanksgiving menu will feature butternut squash soup, apple cider & sage roasted turkey breast, blackened salmon and desserts such as pumpkin pie and more. Reservations are required. Thursday, November 28 from 12-8pm Cost: $55 per person (inclusive of tax & gratuity) Children’s Turkey Dinner - $25 (inclusive of tax & gratuity) Visit www.PalmettoDunesThanksgiving.com or call 843-686-9151 any time after 12pm to make your reservation.
Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort HH Prime Restaurant-Daily breakfast served from 6:30-11am and dinner from 6-10pm. Dinner reservations suggested at 843-341-8058. XO Sports & Spirits-Enjoy game day sports on any of our 13 monitors with Big 10 Network, and the SEC Network, and PGA Tour coverage. Drink specials and NEW menu! Open daily. 843-341-8487 Palmetto Market-Open 6:30am-11pm for coffee, beverages, fresh made breakfast items, sandwiches, pizza, salads, and market items. 843-341-8025 Ocean Tides Spa-Check out the specials with Farm House Fresh products and treatments! Call 843-341-8056. Thanksgiving Buffet-Call Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort for reservation. 843-842-8000
Santa at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina Shelter Cove Harbour will be hosting a day-after-Thanksgiving “Santa and Shopping Day” on Friday, November 29 with specials and sales throughout the harbour shops and restaurants. Cookie decorating, music, and additional kid’s activities will be from 11am-3pm and Santa will arrive at noon aboard a fire truck! Bring the kids and grandkids to meet Santa, listen to holiday classics and shop until you drop! Visit www.ShelterCoveHiltonHead.com for more information.
Dunes House Oyster Roast Save room for oysters at the annual Dunes House Oyster Roast & Seafood Boil on Saturday, November 30 from 1-5pm. Enjoy live music from 2-5pm plus food & drink specials. Oysters are $20 per bucket. Other Dunes House menu favorites will be served so join us for food, fun and good times! *Weather permitting and subject to change.
Holiday Parties at Alexander’s Alexander's Restaurant & Wine Bar is the perfect lagoon-side setting for any special occasion or your year-end celebration. You can enclose the porch with the lagoon view for seating of up to 60. For lunches and brunches when the restaurant is closed for regular business, there is restaurant seating for a maximum of 162 guests, not including the private dining room or bar area. Call 843-6869142 for more information.
Holiday Parties Made Easy with Dunes Catering & Events Let us cater your holiday party! Whether the party is at our house or yours, we can deliver a no-hassle end of year celebration you’ll be proud of. We offer a variety of holiday party catering options ranging from platters and wraps to hors d’oeuvres and multi-course dinners. Catering can be provided for any size party, family gathering, or holiday get together. For information and orders, call 843-6869142 or visit www.DunesCateringAndEvents.com.
NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID HILTON HEAD, SC PERMIT NO. 759