The Blue Heron - April/May 2023

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BLUE HER N THE

Publication of the DeBordieu Colony Community Association “DCCA” www.debordieucolony.org

Board Candidates Sought

Each year at this time, in accordance with the DeBordieu Colony Community Association Bylaws, the DCCA Board of Directors appoints 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, 2019.

Dozens of DeBordieu residents participated in the recent focus groups, which were held in preparation of the upcoming DCCA Resident Survey. A prevalent and reoccurring theme among those who attended was confusion about the DeBordieu Colony Community Association (“DCCA”) and DeBordieu Club (“Club”). In short, who provides what services? We thought a brief summary would be helpful.

The committee is currently seeking community members who are interested and able to serve on the Board. Committee members will review candidates over the next month and present their slate of nominees to fill four vacated Board seats during the DCCA March 9 board meeting.

Board Member Qualifications

• Safety & Security Department staffs the Gate 24/7, as well as assists owners with security concerns. Owner and vendor decals are issued through this department.

• Exercise fiduciary responsibilities on behalf of their fellow community members;

• Necessary skill set to meet the vacancy of retiring directors;

• Grounds Maintenance is responsible for among other things, landscaping common areas, and debris removal.

• Attend regularly scheduled Board meetings and working sessions as the need arises;

• Committee membership involvement and potential chair responsibilities;

All property owners are members of the DCCA, which is responsible for the administration and oversight in the community. Administration, Architectural Review Board (ARB), Safety & Security, and Grounds Maintenance all fall under the DCCA umbrella.

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 4, 2019 at 10 am.

The Board members whose terms expire on May 4 include Chris Bridgeman, Susan Davis, Greg Frost, and Duncan Lott. Mr. Lott was appointed to fill the late Bob DeVey’s term.

• Administration handles payment of assessments, owner communication, as well as oversight and coordination of projects (beach nourishment, road repair, canal dredge, etc.).

• The ARB reviews and approves new homes, as well as remodeling projects. They are also tasked with enforcement of the governing documents as it relates to property.

• Preference given to members with prior committee involvement;

The Administration Office is located at 181 Luvan Blvd., prior to entering the Gate. The office is open Monday – Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.

• 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 selfnomination form located on the DeBordieu Community website, www.debordieucolony.org. The form can be emailed to Kelly Floyd at kfloyd@debordieucolony.org, or faxed to 843-546-8704.

The DCCA offers its residents access to the beach by using 12 access points, the Boat Landing, which provides boating access to the North Inlet and the surrounding marsh lands, limited Boat Storage on an annual basis, and a secured entrance to the community.

DeBordieu Club is an option for DCCA owners for an additional cost. Club Amenities include the golf course, tennis center, the Beach Club with parking, pools, the Pavilion, and various restaurants and bars.

Community members may also recommend other Members to be considered by the Nominating Committee. Deadline to submit nominations to the Nominating Committee is February 25, 2019 by 5 pm.

The DCCA and the Club work together for the benefit of its owners and members; however, they are two separate entities.

February/ March 2019
2023
Photo courtesy of John Snodgrass
April/May
Photo credit: John B. Steele
DCCA Annual Members’ Meeting May 6, 2023 at 10 AM Colony Room or Via Zoom - link at www.debordieucolony.org Hello,
my name is the DCCA!

2023 DCCA Board of Directors Nominee Profiles

Dan Ellzey

Dan was born in Saint Augustine, FL, but spent the majority of his life in Columbia, SC. He graduated and received his law degree from the University of SC, and a MBA from the University of Utah. He went to work for a labor and employment law firm. In April 2019, he retired from his law firm and was appointed by Governor McMaster to run the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce. He retired from that position on March 1, 2023. He and his wife, Jane, have four children and seven grandchildren. All of them have been coming to DeBordieu for the majority of their lives. Dan and Jane built their home in 1998. He also served on the DCCA Board in the early 2000’s.

Karen Licciardello

Karen is a CPA and has her Master’s Degree in International Finance. She has her own accounting practice in Charlotte, NC, providing controllership functions to small and mid-size firms in the distribution and service industries. Her services include general bookkeeping, financial reporting, budget preparation, cash flow management and strategic planning. Karen and her husband Marty have been property owners at DeBordieu since 2001. They have two adult sons that grew up enjoying everything DeBordieu has to offer. Karen has served as DCCA Treasurer for two non-consecutive terms. '

Jay Nexsen

Jay, a native of Columbia, SC, is a retired President and CEO of Greenwood Communities and Resorts, a developer and operator of resort communities in the Southeast. Jay graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1976 and the University of SC School of Law in 1979. He and his wife, Christy, have three children. They purchased a home in DeBordieu in 2018 and currently split their time between DeBordieu and Greenwood.

Dan Roach

Dan retired in 2020 after 40 years with Morgan Stanley in Columbia, SC. He was a Managing Director, Wealth Management Financial Advisor. He was Treasurer of the Columbia YMCA for 15 years and was on the Investment Committee of the Upper Diocese of South Carolina of the Episcopal Church. Dan is currently a board member of Brookgreen Gardens and a DCCA Finance Committee member. He has served as DCCA Treasurer in the past. The Roach family built their home in 2000 and have been permanent residents since 2020. He and his wife Sharon have two daughters and one granddaughter.

COMMUNITY BOARD BRIEFS

The following are highlights from the DCCA March 18, 2023 Board Meeting:

Reported:

• Road rejuvenation begins March 20. Project timeframe approx. two weeks, weather dependent.

• 2023 Board Nominees are Dan Ellzey, Karen Licciardello, Jay Nexsen, and Dan Roach.

Approved:

• The estimated 2023-24 insurance premium package: General Liability, Auto, Inland Marine, and Workers Comp Policy in the amount of $123,563, subject to inspection, audit and compliance with any loss control requirements.

• Luvan Blvd. causeway final repairs as a result of damage from Hurricane Ian, not to exceed $250,000.

• Replace existing cameras at the DCCA Admin Bldg and Gatehouse and installing a new camera at the Boat Landing, not to exceed $30,000 (DCCA Capital account funds).

• The Community Research Project Short Term Rental Proposal by Brumby McLeod of the Riley Center for Livable Communities at the College of Charleston, in the amount of $7,500.

Approved Board minutes are available online at www.debordieucolony.org

Alligator Safety in DeBordieu

Now that the warm weather has arrived, alligators are more visible laying on pond banks. Since they are “cold blooded”, meaning they cannot regulate their body temperature, they assume the temperature of their surrounding environment. Thus, they are warming their bodies in the sun after a cold winter. On hot summer days they can sometimes be seen basking with their mouths open. It can look pretty intimidating, however, this is a cooling mechanism, similar to a dog panting.

Alligators are an important part of the ecosystem in DeBordieu. Adults eat fish, turtles, wading birds, snakes, frogs, small mammals and even smaller alligators they find near the shoreline of their habitat. Young alligators feed on small fish and aquatic invertebrates, but in turn, can be food for raccoons, crabs, large snakes, turtles, various types of wading birds and even fish.

While it may be entertaining to some to feed alligators, it is a death sentence for them. When an alligator is fed it loses its inherent fear of people. SCDNR issues a limited number of “nuisance” tags for the removal of alligators that have become aggressive with people due to being fed. Alligators cannot be relocated. Removing them requires them to be destroyed.

Alligator SAFETY Rules

• Do not feed or provoke alligators.

• Do not discard fish scraps, chicken necks or bait into ponds when fishing/crabbing.

• Keep children and pets out of ponds and away from pond edges.

• Maintain a distance of 60-ft from alligators. They are very fast!

• Do not attempt to pick up or handle an alligator; even a small one for any reason.

• Remember a fed alligator is a dead alligator!

AROUND THE COLONY

Health Symposium Set

S.C.U.T.E.

The 2023 sea turtle nesting season is fast approaching with the recent sightings of leatherbacks in our area! These largest of all 7 species of sea turtles are on their northern migration after nesting over the winter in Central and South America. Their destination is the summer foraging grounds around the North Atlantic. Look out for these large 5-ft. long black turtles swimming and feeding at the surface, not far beyond the breakers.

Mark your calendar to attend our first-ever Mature Health Symposium. DCCA is partnering with the Tidelands Health to bring you two fascinating speakers on the topics of “Living to Be 100” and “Your Emotional Health and Dealing with Stress.” In addition to the programs you will have the opportunity for personal interaction with experts and medical professionals to discuss maintaining wellness. These stations will cover various topics from physician care (think Cardiac or Orthopedic) to how to prepare a Living Will. The event will be held Monday, April 1 from 2 to 5 pm in the Colony Room. Signature bar and light hors d’oeuvres will be available. Please call to reserve your spot (843) 546-2410.

Here in SC, our predominant species of sea turtles is loggerheads. They will migrate into our area in April, when mating usually occurs. Nesting begins in May as ocean temperatures warm to about 75°. Our volunteers are preparing and look forward to the return of turtle season!

Save the Date Spring FlingApril 12

Our annual organizational meeting will be held Sunday, April 16 on the Pavilion patio at 4 PM. Our project includes Prince George, DeBordieu and Hobcaw beaches. We are one of 32 projects in SC under the direction of the SC Department of Natural Resources. Volunteers begin walking our 6 miles of beach at sunrise in early May searching for the tracks of loggerheads. They locate egg chambers, relocate nests if necessary and protect the site. New volunteers will train with experienced trainers and will be working to earn their SCDNR certifications.

2019 Underbrushing Event

Seasonal Reminders for Safety and Enjoyment

Easter and Memorial Day weekend are fast approaching and mark the start of the “busy” season in DeBordieu. Along with the beautiful weather comes an influx of guests, renters, and wildlife activity. Here are some road and pedestrian safety tips that will help everyone stay safe while enjoying our beautiful community.

Golf Carts

Garden Club

• SC State law requires golf cart operators to have a valid drivers license IN THEIR POSSESSION, and be at least 16-years-old. Operators must follow the rules of the road when operating the vehicle.

The DeBordieu Home and Garden Club is sponsoring “Memories of My Grandfather” Thursday, March 7 at 5:30 pm. Gen. George S. Patton’s grandson, Pat Waters, will share memories of his larger-than-life grandfather. (Pat is shown in this photo on the left, with his older brother John, on Gen. Patton’s lap during a family visit in 1945.) Mr. Waters’ mother was Patton’s first born. Pat and his wife Martha reside in Mt. Pleasant. The presentation will be followed by an optional supper ($25). Please call for reservations (843) 546-2410. Non-members pay $5 for event.

• Safety & Security officers monitor for underage drivers. DO NOT ALLOW UNDERAGE CHILDREN TO DRIVE A GOLF CART. This is against the law, even if the child is accompanied by an adult. Anyone who appears to be 16 years or younger may be stopped and asked to produce a valid drivers license. Citations may be issued if there is a violation. Reports of underage drivers may be made to Safety & Security (843.546.8520).

Annual Assessment Reminder

Last fall’s weather hindered the success of our annual underbrushing event. Subsequently, we have elected to move it to a, hopefully, more favorable time of year – March. If you own a vacant lot and wish to participate, please be on the lookout for a notice coming in February with details.

Being a turtle volunteer is hard work but rewarding and so interesting. If you would like to attend the meeting, please contact Betsy Brabson at betsybrabson@gmail.com.

• Operation of golf carts is limited to daylight hours only, even if the cart is equipped with lights.

Share the Road

The DCCA 2019 Annual Assessment was due on January 31. Statements were mailed in December. Please remit payment if you haven’t already.

Be aware and share the road! Whether you are on two wheels or four, there is plenty of room for everyone to travel safely in DeBordieu.

COMMUNITY BOARD BRIEFS

Check Your Inbox – DCCA 2023 Resident Survey has been emailed!

Reported:

• PLEASE BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS. Be on the lookout for small children playing. A kicked ball into the street will result in disastrous consequences for an inattentive driver and a child.

The following are highlights from the DCCA January 19 Board Meeting:

• Bicycles/Golf Carts traveling on roads have the same responsibilities as any other vehicle driver.

GGA Partners emailed out your personalized link to the survey Tuesday, March 28. Please be on the lookout for an email from GGA Partners and check your junk/spam folders. If you do not receive a survey or require any assistance, please reach out to James Stumpo at GGA Partners (james. stumpo@ggapartners.com). The survey, should take about 15 minutes to complete, will allow owners to provide input into the future direction of the Association as it relates to amenities, rules, rental properties, etc.

• As of 12/31/18, the ARB has 16 new homes and 16 renovation projects. The volume of construction and renovation has remained consistent.

• The Community Affairs Committee met with Shawn and Bryant Roper to discuss ideas for a marketing plan of DeBordieu Colony.

• A January 8 chase by S.C. Highway Patrol lead to a vehicle vs. building collision at the DeBordieu Gate House. The suspect was apprehended and charged with DUI, Failure to Stop for Blue Light, and Possession. Damage repair has been completed.

Please take the time to share your thoughts and opinions.

Approved:

• Please reduce your speed and be cautious while passing bicyclists/golf carts/pedestrians.

Fill the Holes

Georgetown County Council recently updated its Beach Ordinance (22-10) to prohibit digging a hole on the beach that is deeper than 2-ft., and requiring the hole to be filled before leaving the beach.

• The 2019 Nominating Committee members are as follows: Dan Roach, Chair, and Tom Moon will represent the Board; Bill Bowles, Emerson Gower, and Karen Liciardello are the three community members at large.

• The General Manager to execute agreements, not to exceed $650,000 to construct a pedestrian path along DeBordieu Blvd.

Gaping holes left along the beach pose a danger to beach walkers, as well as nesting sea turtles. A $20 fine may be implemented per occurrence.

Dogs

• Approve an expenditure of $32,500 for consulting and related services regarding the pursuit of statutory options related to bulkhead maintenance.

Approved Board minutes are available online at www.debordieucolony.org

All dogs are required to be leashed, and controlled by its owner at all times. Doggie bags are available at the Beach Club Access and Walkways No. 6 and 12. Please be respectful of your neighbors and use them. Clean up after your dog.

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