THE
BLUE HER N
February/ September March 2020 2019
Publication of the DeBordieu Colony Community Association “DCCA” www.debordieucolony.org
Update Luvan Boulevard Board on Candidates Sought Chris Bridgeman
Each year at this time, in accordance with the DeBordieu Colony The DCCA Board is in the process of exploring options for the Community Association Bylaws, the DCCA Board of Directors ongoing maintenance and upgrade of Luvan Boulevard. Initial work appoints a Nominating Committee which is charged with reviewing has been done over the past few months to remediate several known applications for new members to serve on the Board of Directors. problem areas. Work started with a small sinkhole that developed The new members will serve a three-year term commencing on May in the middle of the road near Lantana Circle. Borings taken at 4, 2019. the time of the sinkhole showed decaying organic material from a tree stump under the roadway as the culprit. After consulting with The committee is currently seeking community members who are several civil engineers specializing in roadway issues, it was decided interested and able to serve on the Board. Committee members will to excavate a number of depressions in the pavement causing areas review candidates over the next month and present their slate of of “wavy” road that have worsened over the past several years. These nominees to fill four vacated Board seats during the DCCA March excavations revealed additional large tree stumps directly below the 9 board meeting. road surface. As they decay, the asphalt dips into the void resulting in the depressions in the roadway. In all, 22 areas have been excavated The slate will then be included in the proxy for the elections of four where tree stumps were removed, replaced with new base material new Board members at the Annual Members’ Meeting on Saturday, and patched with new asphalt. May 4, 2019 at 10 am.
As a result of what the excavations have uncovered, it is apparent The Board members whose terms expire on May 4 include Chris that the road was initially developed and paved directly over the Bridgeman, Susan Davis, Greg Frost, and Duncan Lott. Mr. Lott stumps of the trees cleared for its development. In our discussions was appointed to fill the late Bob DeVey’s term. with engineers and asphalt companies it seems this is not all that unusual for a road initially developed 47 years ago. The issue becomes what is the best approach going forward to cost effectively upgrade the road in the short term and for the long-term future.
Board Member Qualifications Engineers we’ve consulted to date agree that overall, the road is in good condition with an asphalt thickness of 7 to 9 inches in most • Exercise fiduciary responsibilities on behalf of their fellow areas. This provides a really solid base for whatever decisions we community members; make going forward. The options include: 1) continue to piecemeal • Necessary skill set to meet the vacancy of retiring directors; excavate and patch problem areas as they develop; 2) milling and • Attend regularly scheduled Board meetings and working sessions as the need arises;after remediating suspected problem areas; or re-paving the road • Committee membership involvement and potential 3) full-depth reclamation – excavating and replacing the roadchair and responsibilities; its base material before repaving. Based on the expert advice we’ve • Preference given to members with prior committee involvement; received to this point and the quality and thickness of the current • A willingness to develop an understanding of all issues that come asphalt; we believe that option 1 or 2 above will be the ultimate before the Board in order to vote in a manner he/she believes is solution. in the best interest of the community; We are in the Community process of receiving bids from engineering firms to All Interested Members more fully explore the current situation and alternatives for next steps. We anticipate that both civil andingeotechnical engineers All community members interested being considered by will the be involved in evaluating options and making recommendations to Nominating Committee for a Board position can submit the selfthe Board. The engineering is expectedCommunity to be completed by nomination form located onprocess the DeBordieu website, www.debordieucolony.org. The form can be to Kelly the end of October. The Board will then beemailed in a position to Floyd make at kfloyd@debordieucolony.org, or faxed 843-546-8704. an informed decision regarding next stepstofor this vital part of the DeBordieu infrastructure. 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.
Photo credit: Mary Bigham Photo courtesy of John Snodgrass
AROUND THE COLONY HealthS.C.U.T.E. Symposium Set
Mark your calendar attend& Robin our first-ever Betsyto Brabson Baughn Mature Health Symposium. DCCA is partnering with the Tidelands Health to DeBordieu and Hobcaw S.C.U.T.E. to tie third best bring you two fascinating speakerswas on on thetrack topics ofits“Living to nesting season with 75 nests when Hurricane Isaias hit on August Be 100” and “Your Emotional Health and Dealing with Stress.” 3. This stormtocame early in the season onlyopportunity three nests had In addition the programs you will when have the for hatched and turtles were stillexperts comingand in tomedical lay. Post professionals Isaias, volunteers personal interaction with to spent hours digging out nests and searching by will GPScover for nests that discuss maintaining wellness. These stations various had lostfrom all supplies. The care effort(think was amazing withorspouses and others topics physician Cardiac Orthopedic) to how to prepare a Living Will. The event will be held Monday, pitching in to help. DeBordieu lost four nests, but Hobcaw took April 1 from 2 to 5 pm in the Colony barnests and the brunt of the wave action of the stormRoom. with a Signature loss of 12 (11 light hors d’oeuvres will be available. Please call to reserve your are still 'missing'). We have had some inventory successes with nests spot (843) 546-2410. that survived but percentages have been lower than expected due to tidal and sand inundation.
Save the Date
COMMUNITY BOARD BRIEFS The following are highlights from the DCCA July 18 Board Meeting: Reported:
• The DCCA has received phone calls and emails regarding standing water in the community. From January to June we normally have 22-inches of rain, this year we had 32-inches of rain, and the first week of July we had an additional 3-inches. The ground is saturated. Your The Home and Garden Club is sponsoring “Memories DeBordieu patience is appreciated. of My Grandfather” Thursday, March 7 at 5:30 pm. Gen. George Patton’s grandson, Waters, will share The memories • TheS. rain and heat have alsoPat brought mosquitoes. of his larger-than-life grandfather. (Pat is shown in this photo DCCA supplements Georgetown County’s spraying, the however residents are encouraged to callon theGen. Mosquito on left, with his older brother John, Patton’s lap Hotline 843-545-3615. during a family visit in 1945.) Mr. Waters’ mother was Patton’s first born. Pat and his wife Martha reside in Mt. Pleasant. The • SCDOT began working on a program to widen the presentation will be followed by an optional supper ($25). Please for shoulders of Hwy 17. The plan called for removingpay $5 for call (843) Non-members treesreservations alongside the road546-2410. although no notice was given to event. neighboring property owners. After several calls, that project has been halted until further review.
Garden Club
We had several exciting events over the summer. The night of July 9, one of our volunteers assisted a turtle missing its left rear flipper named "Gimpy' dig her nest! The turtle had tried multiple times but could not excavate her nest deep enough due to her missing appendage. Working together they were able to dig a deep enough chamber and the turtle laid 127 eggs! On July 24, we had a rare daytime nesting at Prince George. People on the beach kept their • Since the June 20 Board Meeting, 20 properties have closed. distance which enabled this large female to lay 121 eggs. On the afternoon of August 16, a turtle with satellite telemetry on her Approved: The DCCA 2019 Annual Assessment Last fall’s weather thewallsuccess our annual carapace (shell) crawledhindered up to the sea south ofofWalkway #8 but underbrushing event.she Subsequently, we have elected move it • Adding signs indicating it’s state31. law toStatements yield to pedestrians made a U-turn when saw this obstacle. We think she to nested later was due on January to a, hopefully, more favorable time of year – March. If you own in crosswalks in the following areas: Luvan Blvd and that night between DeBordieu and Prince George. a vacant lot and wish to participate, please be on the lookout for were mailed in December. Please remit Lantana and Old Carriage Loop; Luvan Blvd at the Tennis a notice coming in February with details. Center, the Luvan crosswalk east of Wallace Pate Drive Please remember to turn off oceanfront lighting because and the crosswalk on Blvd heading to the payment if DeBordieu you haven’t already. hatchlings are attracted to the brightest horizon. It should be the Beach Club. phosphorescence of the waves of the ocean and not floodlights • Spending no more than $20,000 for the installation and from a house. The longer a hatchling is on the beach the greater upgrade of stormwater drainage pipes in the median and the chance for predation. If you must dig holes, please fill them in right-of-way located in the block of 2992 – 3024 Luvan COMMUNITY BOARD before you leave the beach. Blvd. BRIEFS
Spring F lingApril 12
2019 Underbrushing Event
The following are highlights from the DCCA January 19 Board Board Meeting: Approved minutes are available online at
For updates and videos, visit our website at: www.debordieuscute.org
Reported:
Annual Assessment Reminder
• As of 12/31/18, the ARB has 16 new homes and 16 renovation projects. The volume of construction and renovation has remained consistent.
www.debordieucolony.org
Approved:
Real Estate Sales Keep ARB Busy
• 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 at large. it be a Construction within the community is members thriving, whether • The Community Affairs Committee met with Shawn new home or remodeling an existing one. The ARB finished 2019 and Bryant Roper to discuss ideas for a marketing plan • The General Manager to execute agreements, not to with 14 new home construction projects. As of the August 20 ARB of DeBordieu Colony. exceedthere $650,000 construct a pedestrianprojects. path along meeting are 20to new home construction ARB closed DeBordieu out 2019 withBlvd. 874 completed structures and 74 projects either • A January 8 chase by S.C. Highway Patrol lead to a under construction or in review. To date there are 877 completed vehicle vs. building collision at the DeBordieu Gate • Approve an expenditure of $32,500 for consulting and structures and 99 projects either under construction or in review. House. The suspect was apprehended and charged related services the pursuit statutory options real estateregarding sales of homes and lotsofhave increased. Inquiries with DUI, Failure to Stop for Blue Light, and Possession. Similarly, tooffice bulkhead maintenance. torelated the ARB indicate applications for approvals to build, demo, Damage repair has been completed. remodel are forthcoming. In light of this, your patience with Approved Board minutes are availableoronline at www.debordieucolony.org building activity is greatly appreciated.
Hurricane Preparedness Preparing for a hurricane or tropical storm, and following the advice of officials, is the best way to ensure the health and safety of your family during an emergency. Hurricanes: Facts at a Glance • The key threats from an approaching Tropical Storm or Hurricane are WIND, STORM SURGE, FLOODING, and the potential for TORNADOES. • Hurricane WINDS can reach 74-95 mph for a Category 1 storm, to above 155 mph for a Category 5 storm. • The STORM SURGE is a dome of water the hurricane pushes ahead of itself. At its peak, a storm surge can be 25-ft. high and 50-100 miles wide. The storm surge can wreak havoc as the water pushes into rivers and tributaries, causing water levels to rise. • The thunderstorms and torrential rains that accompany a hurricane can create dangerous and deadly FLOODS or FLASH FLOODS. Use the Following Guidelines to Start Preparations Create a plan. Identify ahead of time where you will go if you evacuate. Meet with family to discuss the need to prepare for a disaster, and explain the dangers of fire, severe weather, and earthquakes to children. Discuss the types of disasters most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case. Ask an out-of-state friend to be your “Family Contact". It’s often easier to call long distance after a disaster. Family members call this person to “check-in.” Everyone must know your contact’s phone number. Prepare your pets by making sure collars are secure and have current identification. Put together a pet disaster kit that includes medical records, veterinarian contact, leashes, bowls, litter, and a photo of your pets. Keep your pets close by bringing them inside well in advance of a hurricane so you don’t have to search for them if you have to evacuate. Locate important papers and have them ready to take with you should you need to evacuate, or protected in plastic storage bags if you’re remaining in your home. Driver’s licenses, social security cards, proof of residence, insurance policies, birth and marriage certificates, and photos of your home (exterior and interior) should be included. Basic emergency supply kit: Water (one gallon/ person per day for at least three days) Non-perishable food items (minimum three-day supply) and manual can opener Battery powered radio/ flashlight and batteries Any prescription medications Important documents Local maps and evacuation routes For more information or materials, please contact Director of Safety Mike Grabarz at 843-527-4931 or mgrabarz@debordieucolony.org.
Holes on the Beach can be Extremely Dangerous Midway Fire Marshall Mark Nugent Mark Nugent, the Fire Marshal for Midway Fire & Rescue, has a simple message for the residents and guests to our beautiful beach, “If you dig a hole on the beach, please fill it before you leave.” We give this advice for multiple reasons, and always with the safety of our community in mind. Left unfilled, even small holes can be hazardous, and potentially fatal. A hole more than a few feet deep can easily collapse on someone inside of the hole, and is particularly dangerous for small children. Sand collapses vary and the weight of just a small amount of wet sand can easily trap someone to the point they cannot free themselves. These unfilled holes make it difficult for fire and EMS responders to quickly and safely maneuver emergency vehicles as they attempt to reach someone experiencing a medical or water emergency. Many times, unfilled holes are hidden by a rising tide, and these hidden dangers can easily cause a drowning situation by someone who steps into a hole, has no footing, and very suddenly goes under the water. There is also the danger of runners or walkers stepping into a hole, causing sprained ankles, twisted knees, or much worse. I appreciate you reading my “whole” message, and thank you in advance for covering up any holes you dig, to ensure someone else’s day stays fun and safe as well. If you would like additional Fire and Life Safety information, please contact the Division of Fire and Life Safety at contactmidwayfire@ gtcounty.org. BE SAFE.
Administrative Law Court hears Nourishment/Groin Arguments The DeBordieu Beach Nourishment/Groin hearing was held in the Administrative Law Court in Columbia beginning August 24, 2020. The hearing lasted three days, with testimony for DeBordieu from numerous experts including Coastal Engineering and Science President Tim Kana, PhD; Haiqing Kaczkowski, PhD, PE; Bill Eiser, Eiser Coastal Consulting; Matt Slagel, OCRM Beachfront Project Manager, and DCCA General Manager Blanche H. Brown. Board Member Greg Frost also attended the hearing. Rob Young, PhD, Western Carolina University, testified as an expert witness and three DeBordieu residents Nancy Altman, Jeepy Ford, Erin Pate and Dale Lacy provided testimony for the Coastal Conservation League. DCCA attorneys were well prepared and did an excellent job presenting the pertinent facts related to the matter. We expect to get a ruling later this fall at the earliest; hopefully not later than the end of the year.
DeBorDieu Colony 181 Luvan Boulevard Georgetown, SC 29440 www.debordieucolony.org
DCCA ADMINISTRATION DIRECTORY
DCCA ADMINISTRATION DIRECTORY Phone: 843.527.4436 Fax: 843.546.8704 Phone:dcaadmin@debordieucolony.org 843.527.4436 Fax: 843.546.8704
2020-2021 2019-2020DDeeBBordieu orDieu C Colony olony oard of Directors BoarDBanD Committee assignments
Tom ................................moont1347@gmail.com GregMoon. Frost ...............................greg.frost3636@gmail.com President President Wilson Lowery. . .....................woodfather354@gmail.com LSM, PCAM General Manager Tom Moon ...................................moont347@gmail.com Kelly Floyd................................. kfloyd@debordieucolony.org Vice President Vice President Kelly Floyd................................ kfloyd@debordieucolony.org Executive Administrator Greg Frost...............................greg.frost3636@gmail.com Susan Davis ................................... sndavis05@gmail.com Executive Administrator Anna Curry ...........................dcaadmin@debordieucolony.org Secretary Secretary Sue Asbaty...........................dcaadmin@debordieucolony.org Karen Licciadello. . ................. karendebordieu@gmail.com Member & Commercial Services Dan Roach .............. daniel.m.roach@morganstanley.com Member Commercial Services 843.527.5033 Treasurer Architectural Review Board&............................... Treasurer Architectural Review Board............................. 843.527.5033 Jane coojane@gmail.com Meg Wilcox ............................mwilcox@debordieucolony.org MikeCooper...................................... Jordan ........................mjordandebidue@gmail.com Ad Hoc Meg Wilcox...........................mwilcox@debordieucolony.org Ad Hoc/Executive Committee ARB Administrator Chris Bridgeman..........................chrisbridge@charter.net ARB Administrator Chris Bridgeman .........................chrisbridge@charter.net Grounds Maintenance ...................................... 843.436.3333 Director Grounds Maintenance..................................... 843.436.0066 Director Hans Sapochak ....................HSapochak@debordieucolony.org Renee Davis................................ reneebdavis@gmail.com Jane Cooper ..................................... coojane@gmail.com Hans Sapochak.................. HSapochak@debordieucolony.org Grounds Maintenance Manager Director Director Manager 843.527.4931 Community SafetyGrounds “Safety &Maintenance Security” ................ Geoff geoff.groat@peacesir.com ReneeGroat. Davis.............................. ............................... reneebdavis@gmail.com Community Safety “Safety & Security”........... 843.527.4931 Mike Grabarz ....................... mgrabarz@debordieucolony.org Director Director Mike Grabarz........................mgrabarz@debordieucolony.org Don Irwin.........................................dpirwin@gmail.com Chief of Community Safety Geoff Groat .............................. geoff.groat@peacesir.com Director of Community Safety Director Amanda Edwards .................. aedwards@debordieucolony.org Director Amanda Edwards..................aedwards@debordieucolony.org Bob Kearns. . ...........................rckearns7@roadrunner.com Don Irwin ........................................dpirwin@gmail.com Administrative Assistant Director Administrative Assistant Director Kenny Michaels. . ........................kmichaels60@gmail.com GATEHOUSE Bob Kearns............................rckearns7@roadrunner.com Director GATEHOUSE Director Phone: 843-546-8520 Fax: 843-546-8532 Hank Strickland...................................hhs4447@aol.com Duncan Lott .......................... duncan.lott64@gmail.com Phone: 843-546-8520 Fax: 843-546-8532 Director Director dcaadmin@debordieucolony.org Blanche Brown.........................bbrown@debordieucolony.org Blanche Brown....................... bbrown@debordieucolony.org AMS, CMCA General Manager