THE
BLUE HER N
February 2015 Issue
Publication of the DeBordieu Colony Community Association “DCCA” www.debordieucolony.org
Message From the DCCA President
Prior to drafting this edition’s letter I went back to previous Blue Heron issues to review my comments so as not to sound too redundant -- kind of hard to do since part of my purpose is to offer updates on DCCA actions and results.
• DCCA had continued dialog and improved cooperation with the DeBordieu Club; and
So, in the interest of attempting to be informative as well as fresh on recapping 2014, here goes:
2015 is now here and the big news is that our beach preservation project is underway. I trust you have been reading the reports and updates from General Manager, Blanche Brown keeping you abreast of our ongoing progress. I hope that when the next edition of The Blue Heron is published we will be near completion and able to enjoy a restored beach including a wide dune for storm protection. Keep in mind that protection of our key asset will be ongoing and that our attention to it is critical. The Long Range Planning and the Beach committees remain focused on developing the best possible long-term solution to our erosion challenge.
• Beach renourishment project was approved; • Held community vote to amend Declaration to terminate exclusive listing requirement; • Code Red emergency contact system was implemented; • Firewise Community project was continued and enhanced; • A Public Affairs Committee was established for improved relations and liaison with outside organizations; • Various meetings with county, state and national legislators were held to solicit support for DeBordieu issues; • Coyote control actions were continued; • Bat houses were installed for study and insect control;
• Various and sundry maintenance and repair projects were undertaken and completed.
Also, we will have some members rotating off our board and new nominees will soon be presented to the community. I know some new blood will help make our special place even more wonderful! Respectfully, Dick Rose
Community Board Briefs The following are highlights from the DCCA January 17, 2015 Board Meeting
Reported:
- The LRP Committee reviewed staff’s plan to replace the aging guard rail on Luvan Blvd at the causeway and agrees with the plan to construct new guard rails on both sides of the road. - The LRP Committee recommends proceeding with bids to overlay Dune Oaks Drive and, depending on the price, include paving other roads. - The SCDOT rejected DCCA’s request to consider a stoplight at the entrance stating there was not enough traffic to justify it. The DOT also stated if a traffic light is installed in the future, the community will be required to pay for it to be installed. - The LPR Committee addressed the issue of fluctuating water pressure throughout the community. GCWS District will address this issue. - The DCCA March Board meeting has been moved from March 21 to March 14, 2015 at 9 am, due to a conflict with the use of the clubhouse.
Approved:
- Wayne Floyd of Phillips and Jordan presented a proposal regarding debris clean-up following a natural disaster. The Board will have further discussion to enter into a contingency contract to perform debris cleanup assuming provided details of the contract are agreeable. - In compliance with our governing documents Board members Wilson Lowery and Bill Owens were appointed to the Nominating Committee; remaining members to be appointed at a later date. - On January 8, 2015 the Grievance Committee met to hear testimony and review evidence in connection to an appeal that was filed against a DeBordieu Security citation. The filing party failed to show, despite being duly notified. The Committee recommended the citation be enforced as written. Approved Board minutes are available online at www.debordieucolony.org
Board Candidates Sought Each year at this time, in accordance with the DeBordieu Colony By-laws, the DCCA Board of Directors appoint a Nominating Committee which is charged with reviewing applications for new members to serve on the Board of Directors. The new members will serve a three-year term commencing on May 4, 2015. The committee is currently seeking community members who are interested and able to serve on the Board. Committee members will review this pool of identified candidates over the next month and present their slate of nominees to fill four vacated Board seats during the DCCA March 14 board meeting. The slate will then be included in the proxy for the elections of four new Board members at the Annual Members’ Meeting on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 10:00 AM. The Board members whose terms expire on May 4 include Dick Rose, Wilson Lowery, Bill Owen, and Glynn Alexander. Board Member Responsibilities • Exercise fiduciary responsibilities on behalf of their fellow community members • Attend regularly scheduled Board meetings and working sessions as the need arises • Committee membership involvement and potential chair responsibilities • A willingness to develop an understanding of all issues that come before the Board in order to vote in a manner he/she believes is in the best interest of the community. All Interested Community Members All community members interested in being considered by the Nominating Committee for a Board position can submit the self-nomination form located on the DeBordieu Community website, www.debordieucolony.org. The form can be emailed to Kelly Floyd at kfloyd@debordjeucolony.org, or faxed to 843-546-8704. Community members may also recommend other Members to be considered by the Nominating Committee. Deadline to submit nominations to the Nominating Committee is March 1, 2015 at 5 pm.
DeBordieu Security Offers Residents “Vial of Life” Program Beginning in February, DeBordieu Community Safety will start the “VIAL OF LIFE” program for residents free of charge. It is designed to help everyone, especially the elderly, communicate important medical information to emergency responders when the resident is unable to do so. Interested residents will be required to fill out the “Vial of Life” information form, place it into a plastic bag, and put the bag in the refrigerator. A sticker is placed on the front of the bag and another one on the refrigerator door. If the person who is living or staying at that residence becomes ill and needs assistance, their medical information is available for the emergency workers, nurses, doctors, and/or the person caring for them. The “Vial of Life” form has information for the person who is ill and can’t communicate. The emergency contact is located at the bottom of the form. For this program to be effective, all of the information on the Vial of Life Form must be completed and updated every time the person on the form goes to the doctor and/or changes their medicine or dosage, insurance, or any other pertinent medical information.
Here is some history of the “Vial of Life:” The Vial of Life was named after the prescription bottles that were originally used to store medical information forms inside the patient’s refrigerator. That prescription bottle would then be rubber banded to the bottom of the top-most shelf of the refrigerator door. In 1998, Jeff Miller, Founder and CEO of Vital-Link, Inc., turned the program into a California Public Charity (which later gained 501(c) (3) status called the Vial of Life Project. This charity supplies materials to seniors and others in need across the United States. It also supplies many Red Cross Chapters, governmental agencies, hospitals, pharmacies, senior centers, Eagle Scout projects, municipalities, etc. with free Vial of Life Kits or discounted decals for those needing mass quantities. For 32 years Jeff Miller’s organizations have utilized and improved this program, donating over 3 million Vial of Life kits. Free decals provided by the Vial of Life Project are paid for by American Senior Safety Agency, a medical alert company. DeBordieu Community Safety has acquired the Vial of Life supplies as a service to our residents. The supplies will be available in the Administration Office. If you request a “Vial of Life” kit and need to pick it up after 5 pm or on weekends, we will make arrangement to leave the kit for you at the DeBordieu Gatehouse. Remember this is a free program available to everyone. Chief Michael Grabarz DeBorieu Community Safety Office number-843-527-4931
Beach Nourishment Construction: What to Expect A beach nourishment project is an exciting time in any coastal community. This article discusses what to expect over the next few months including the phases of construction, the appearance of the constructed beach, and the dune restoration project. Phases of Beach Construction The project will progress through several stages: mobilization, construction, and demobilization. The contractor for our project, Marinex Construction, completed the mobilization phase when the dredge Savannah arrived at DeBordieu on Sunday, January 18. Land- and water-based mobilization involved the arrival of heavy equipment, steel pipe, and personnel on site. In order to comply with state and federal permits, considerable physical and biological survey work was also conducted prior to project initiation. Work crews installed a submerged pipeline that runs from The work area is closed to the public. It is an active construction zone, so please keep out. Expect 24-‐ hour operations when sea conditions allow. The dredging operation will shut down from time to time the offshore borrow area to the beach. The submerged pipeline comes ashore at Beach Walkway 7. This “landing” will remain in place due to weather and, less often, equipment delays. throughout construction. The construction phase of the project began on Monday, January 19 when sand first hit the beach. Sand is delivered to the beach through the submerged pipeline in a slurry of roughly 20% sediment and 80% water. Beach crews redistribute the sediment with heavy equipment and then survey the new beach and underwater slope to ensure accurate placement. The crew began by first pumping a pad of sand on which to operate heavy equipment before beginning to build the beach toward the south. The work area is closed to the public. It is an active construction zone, so please keep out. Expect 24-hour operations when sea conditions allow. The dredging operation will shut down from time to time due to weather and, less often, equipment delays. The crews are building the beach toward the south. As sections are completed, The crews are building the beach toward the south. As sections are completed, portions of the beach portions of the beach will be opened for public access. The pipeline will remain on the beach until the construction reaches the south end of will be opened for public access. The pipeline will remain on the beach until the construction reaches the beach. They will then remove the pipe and begin building the beach from Walkway 7 and pipe will be installed for the northern portion the south end of the beach. They will then remove the pipe and begin building the beach from Walkway 7 and pipe will be installed for the northern portion of the beach until completion of the project. of the beach until completion of the project. Meanwhile, sand ramps will provide access over the pipe to the shoreline. Meanwhile, sand ramps will provide access over the pipe to the shoreline. Demobilization will take about one week after construction is complete. nourishment, this is expected and indicative of the beach transforming from a constructed, designed Demobilization will take about one week after construction is complete. beach to a natural beach form. Appearance and form Appearance and form The sand will appear to be darker than natural beach sand at first. This is normal. The sand will appear to be darker than natural beach sand at first. This is normal. The darker color is The darker color is due to the moisture content of the sand. Once it dries and due to the moisture content of the sand. Once it dries and bleaches in the sun, it will lighten to the natural beach sand color. bleaches in the sun, it will lighten to the natural beach sand color. It is important to keep in mind that beaches are similar to icebergs in that much of the beach is nourishment, this is expected and indicative of the beach transforming from a constructed, designed It is important to keep in mind that beaches are similar to icebergs in that much underwater. The beach will be constructed abnormally wide because it is well known that the beach will beach to a natural beach form. equilibrate soon after construction. This means that the wide beach that is constructed by the of the beach is underwater. The beach will be constructed abnormally wide bulldozers will start to narrow immediately. Natural wave action will smooth the beach to a gentler because it is well known that the beach will equilibrate soon after construction. slope, thereby causing the beach width to narrow. This process does not involve a loss of sand from the This means that the wide beach that is constructed by the bulldozers will start beach, rather a redistribution of sand to the nearshore area and to the sand bar. Like the existing beach, eventually about 2/3 of the new material will be underwater, acting like the foundation of a to narrow immediately. Natural wave action will smooth the beach to a gentlerYou may also notice the development of “drop offs,” also called scarps or escarpments at the high tide slope, thereby causing the beach width to narrow. This house supporting the dry beach. Although it will appear that the beach is rapidly eroding after line. Scarps are a steep slope separating the high, dry beach berm and lower, wet sand. Typically, these process does not involve a loss of sand from the beach, rather a redistribution ofare 1-‐3 feet high, but can be taller after severe storms. sand to the near shore area and to the sand bar. Like the existing beach, eventually about 2/3 of the new material will be underwater, acting like the foundation of a house supporting the dry beach. Dune Restoration Although it will appear that the beach is rapidly eroding after nourishment, this is expected and indicative of the beach transforming from a The constructed beach includes a “dune” which is up to 50 feet wide. As with the constructed beach, constructed, designed beach to a natural beach form. the designed dune is not in a natural form. It is wide and flat, not steep and narrow like natural dunes. The intent of this dune feature is to provide additional storm protection and store sand on the beach at You may also notice the development of “drop offs,” also called scarps or escarpments at the high tide You may also notice the development of “drop offs,” also called scarps or escarpments at the high tide line. Scarps are a steep slope separating line. Scarps are a steep slope separating the high, dry beach berm and lower, wet sand. Typically, these a high elevation, essentially saving it for a stormy day. Sand fencing will help to trap sand and create a the high, dry beach berm and lower, wet sand. Typically, these are 1-3 feet high, but can be taller after severe storms. are 1-‐3 feet high, but can be taller after severe storms. more naturally shaped dune. Dune Restoration Dune Restoration The constructed beach includes a “dune” which is up to 50 feet wide. As with the constructed beach, The constructed beach includes a “dune” which is up to 50 feet wide. As with the constructed beach, the designed dune is not in a natural the designed dune is not in a natural form. It is wide and flat, not steep and narrow like natural dunes. form. It is wide and flat, not steep and narrow like natural dunes. The intent of this dune feature is to provide additional storm protection The intent of this dune feature is to provide additional storm protection and store sand on the beach at and store sand on the beach at a high elevation, essentially saving it for a stormy day. Sand fencing will help to trap sand and create a more a high elevation, essentially saving it for a stormy day. Sand fencing will help to trap sand and create a more naturally shaped dune. naturally shaped dune. The dune restoration project will include both dune vegetation planting and sand fence installation. Dune vegetation, sea oats and panic grass, will be planted along the top of the dune after construction is complete. Sand fencing will be installed along most of the community dune system where there is a high probability that The dune restoration project will include both dune vegetation planting and sand fence installation. the fencing will not beDune vegetation, sea oats and panic grass, will be planted along the top of the dune after construction is damaged by storm waves in the near future. Additional information about thecomplete. Sand fencing will be installed along most of the community dune system where there is a dune restoration project will be provided soon. We will high probability that the fencing will not be damaged by storm waves in the near future. Additional information about the dune restoration project will be provided soon. We will be looking for be looking for community involvement in reshaping the dune into a natural, community involvement in reshaping the dune into a natural, sustainable shape. sustainable shape. Don’t be apprehensive about changes on the beach after nourishment, the changes The dune restoration project will include both dune vegetation planting and sand fence installation. Dune vegetation, sea oats and panic grass, will be planted along the top of the dune after construction is are expected and not a cause for worry. It’s just the beach and dune design allowing nature to take its course to reshape into a more sustainable complete. Sand fencing will be installed along most of the community dune system where there is a shape -- to make it into a beach that we can enjoy for years to come. high probability that the fencing will not be damaged by storm waves in the near future. Additional information about the dune restoration project will be provided soon. We will be looking for community involvement in reshaping the dune into a natural, sustainable shape.
AR UND THE COLONY DeBordieu Home and Garden Club
Join us for High Tea and Hot Fashions on Thursday, March 12, 2015 at 2 pm at the DeBordieu Club House. Festivities begin with a Silent Auction where guests can bid on a lovely array of items. Purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a beautiful framed oil painting generously donated by Patty Short. As you enter the Ballroom you will be offered a glass of champagne, sherry or sparkling cider. The fashion show will introduce new spring fashions from local shops and modeled by the beautiful women of DeBordieu. High Tea will follow the show featuring delectable tea sandwiches, scones and delicious pastries. A wonderful variety of tea will be served in elegant teacups. The fashion show is fundraiser for AMIKids. Our youth face a variety of challenges -- violence, family dysfunction, and the
pressure of using drugs and alcohol. AMIKids assist kids transition from a troubled past to a bright future. Please call the club for reservations before March 6, 2015. This event sold out last year with a waiting list, so reserve early and have a wonderful afternoon with your friends. Tables are for groups of 10. You may fill your own table or join other smaller groups. Reservations: 843-527-6020 Tickets: $40.00 ($20.00 is tax deductible) Made out to Debordieu Club Auction: Cash or Checks (Made out to AMIKids) Raffle: Tickets $5.00 each www.amikidsgeorgetown.org
It’s Time To Renew Your Decals.... As part of a systematic process to validate property owner entry into the community the current turquoise/white and white/ turquoise windshield decals that were issued in 2010 will expire March 31, 2015. All barcodes will not be changed but will be de-activated on March 31, 2015 until the windshield decal has been replaced. The DeBordieu Community Safety Department has begun issuing new navy/white and white/navy decals. To expedite this renewal process, the DeBordieu Administration office will send a record of current active vehicle information to the voting member for each property. Once this information is received, please update, verify and return the completed signed form to our office no later than March 31, 2015. In the case of property owned by partnerships, trusts, etc., the information will be sent to the voting member on record for verification of current vehicle information. A blank vehicle registration form is also available online at the DeBordieu Community website, www.debordieucolony.org. Decals are available to be mailed to our community members upon request. However, the corresponding barcode(s) to the
decal(s) that are mailed will not be activated until the DCCA staff has verified that the decal number registered corresponds with the vehicle entering DeBordieu Colony. The activation process can be completed at the Security Gatehouse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The DeBordieu Colony Barcode Policy provides for two decals to be issued to each property free of charge, provided that all assessments have been paid. Each additional decal will cost $15.00. Additional property owner decals can be issued to immediate family members, specifically limited to mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, son-in-laws, and daughter-in-laws. No more than eight decals can be issued to one residence. If you have any questions concerning the renewal process of the DeBordieu decals, please contact Danielle Pope, DCCA Member & Commercial Services at 843-527-4436 or email her at dcaadmin@debordieucolony.org. The DeBordieu Administration office is open between the hours of 8 am to 5 pm. Monday through Friday.
DCCA Assessment Reminder The second installment of the beach assessment was due on January 2. The 2015 Annual Assessment was due on January 31. Any assessment not paid by March 31 will result in the temporary deactivation of all barcodes issued to the delinquent property, until such time as the Assessment including late fees or other charges has been paid in full. Please Submit Your Payment Today!
Save the Date
Charleston Home and Garden Tour Saturday, April 10
Tickets are $50.00 and can be purchased through their website: www.thegardenclubofcharleston.com
DeBordieu Colony 181 Luvan Boulevard Georgetown, SC 29440 www.debordieucolony.org
DCCA Administration Directory Phone: 843.527.4436 Fax: 843.546.8704 dcaadmin@debordieucolony.org
Blanche Brown......................... bbrown@debordieucolony.org AMS, CMCA General Manager
Kelly Floyd................................. kfloyd@debordieucolony.org Executive Administrator
Danielle Pope........................ dcaadmin@debordieucolony.org Member & Commercial Services
Architectural Review Board..............................843.527.5033 Meg Wilcox.............................mwilcox@debordieucolony.org ARB Administrator
Grounds Maintenance.....................................843.436.3333 David Sapp..........................dcagrounds@debordieucolony.org Grounds Maintenance Manager
Community Safety “Safety & Security�..............843.527.4931 Mike Grabarz........................ mgrabarz@debordieucolony.org Chief of Community Safety
Amanda Elliott.......................... aelliott@debordieucolony.org Administrative Assistant
Gatehouse
Phone: 843-546-8520 Fax: 843-546-8532
2014-2015 DeBordieu Colony Board and committee assignments
Dick Rose........................................ 1highhill@gmail.com President Jim Christian.................................... jimc174@gmail.com Vice President Marianne Mackey............... mariannemackey@ymail.com Secretary Dan Roach................. daniel.m.roach@morganstanley.com Treasurer / Finance Jim Cooper............................. james.cooper3@gmail.com Architectural Review Board Glynn Alexander............................ glynn196@gmail.com Grievance Bill Bowles.............................. william_bowles@msn.com Long Range Planning Pat Flinn.................................................plflinn@aol.com Director Mason Hogue..............mason.hogue@nelsonmullins.com Legal & Regulatory Wilson Lowery..................................wilson1@sccoast.net Infrastructure Bill Owen................................... bill@owenrealestate.com Director Carter Utzig................... cutzig-BeachComm@sccoast.net Beach