Palmetto J U LY
2022
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WWW.PDPOA .ORG
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VOLUME
27
ISSUE
4
P E R S P E C T I V E
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News BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jerry Bowling, CHAIR
508-685-8869 | boardchair@pdpoa.org
Grover Cleaveland, VICE CHAIR
843-341-6614 | cleavelandrh@aol.com
Mark Carroll,
SECRETARY
Sean Moore,
TREASURER
417-839-3804 | maccbs@aol.com 732-312-8632 | seanpatrickmoore@gmail.com
Becky Brumley
615-417-7638 | becky810@bellsouth.net
Dan DeMichele
781-789-3404 | ddemichele@gmail.com
Jerry Durkin
570-460-9197 | jerrydurkin3@gmail.com
Erin Gaian
781-405-3746 | erin@gaian.net
Ric Gorman
704-609-1807 | ricgorman@gmail.com
Brandon Smith, GREENWOOD C&R
864-229-4063 | bsmith@basmithlaw.com
ON-SITE STAFF ARB, MONICA STITES
843-785-1109 | mstites@pdpoa.org
CEO, ANDREW P. SCHUMACHER
FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES: BOAT PARADE & FLAG RAISING CEREMONY
This year's Boat Parade will be held on Sunday, July 3rd at 6pm. All participating boaters and kayakers are invited to decorate their craft and line-up at Bird Island at 5:30pm. The boats will navigate south to the Queens Folly bridges, then east behind the corridor ending at the PD Club. If you aren’t participating by boat, you can watch the parade from one of the following bridges: Queens Folly, Haul Away, Sea Lane & Port Tack. On Monday, July 4th, take a moment to bring your friends, families, and guests to our Annual Flag Raising Ceremony at 9am in the center of the Queens Folly Circle. You won't want to miss this special event unique to Palmetto Dunes featuring the Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of the National Anthem, the raising of the flag, and a guest speaker. The ceremony is brief—about 15 minutes—but is an important part of the day's celebrations.
FIRST FRIDAY FOOD TRUCKS: JULY 1 & AUGUST 5
Food trucks will be parked in the Admin & Pass Office parking lot at 16 Queens Folly Rd. from 5-7pm. We encourage owners to bike or walk, and bring your neighbors! Menus will be posted on pdpoa.org and Facebook the week of the event.
843-785-1109 | aschumacher@pdpoa.org
Communications, ELIZABETH SIMPSON 843-785-1109 | esimpson@pdpoa.org
Covenant Compliance, KENYA CARSWELL 843-785-1109 | kcarswell@pdpoa.org
Facilities Maint./Lagoon & Lakes, SYDNEY WAN 843-321-3217 | swan@pdpoa.org
Finance, MATTHEW NEMES
ANNUAL MEETING & PROXY CARD RETURN
The 2022 Annual Meeting of the Palmetto Dunes Property Owners Association, Inc. will be held on Saturday, October 15 at 9am. We kindly ask that you promptly return your proxy card (see adjacent postcard insert) so we are able to achieve a quorum prior to the meeting. Postage is pre-paid; all you need to do is fill it out and drop it in the mailbox.
843-785-1109 | mnemes@pdpoa.org
Human Resources, LORETTA HOOVER 843-785-1109 | lhoover@pdpoa.org
Pass Office, ELIZABETH REGAN
843-785-1125 | eregan@pdpoa.org
Planning, JEFF STARR
843-785-1109 | jstarr@pdpoa.org
Reception, SARA MANESIOTIS
843-785-1109 | smanesiotis@pdpoa.org
BOARD ELECTION
The Election of Directors will be held prior to the Annual Meeting, with the results announced at the Annual Meeting. Ballots will be sent out electronically, so make sure we have an updated email address on file for you. Please email Elizabeth Simpson at esimpson@pdpoa.org or call 843-785-1109 to confirm your email address. For owners without email, there will also be a mail-in paper ballot option.
Security, JIM GRINER
843-785-1120 | jgriner@pdpoa.org
The Palmetto Perspective is published bimonthly by the Palmetto Dunes Property Owners Association. ©2022 PALMETTO DUNES POA, INC.
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JULY 2022 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
UPCOMING LAGOON LOWERING
July 13 & August 10 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 At Palmetto
weekly alerts remind visitors to secure
on drafting a commercial lease. We expect
Dunes, we are
their vehicles and belongings, share
to present the results of the survey and a
working with
community safety reminders and other
draft lease to the board for their review and
our community
urgent information. Visitors can sign up
consideration. If there is support to move
members to forge
for Palmetto Dunes Security Alerts by
forward, Greeenwood would submit the
connections and
texting the word ALERTS to 877-379-3711.
zoning application to the Town of Hilton
to enhance safety,
Head, as well as prepare a draft amendment
infrastructure
We have free magnets and postcards
to the Dunes House covenants. Additionally,
and amenities to
in our Pass Office so you can share this
we would reengage the architect and land
make this the best
information with your guests and rental
planner to finalize plans with the goal of
management company. We also advise
securing a general contractor by the end of
you to keep your property safe with the
the year. After that, we could break ground
Community Engagement
simple #9pmRoutine routine:
on the new Beachfront Clubhouse in
We hope you enjoyed the community
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Secure your valuables
September 2023, with an opening projected
events we hosted earlier this year. The
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Lock your car
for the summer of 2024.
Spring BBQ was well attended and
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Lock your home
the wine tasting and beer event, in
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Leave an outside light on
place to live, invest, work, and play.
Ben Brown Lastly, I would like to thank former Project
particular, received positive feedback. Infrastructure
Manager Ben Brown for his service to the
This summer we will host the 5k
We are continually making improvements
organization. As you may have heard, Ben
Turtle Trot and Turtle Talks weekly.
to our community. Just recently, the
resigned in early June to become Senior
First Friday Food Trucks will continue
Association completed a small drainage
Advisor to the Town Manager for Hilton
through the summer as will Chat with
project on Port Tack. The long-awaited
Head Island. We wish him luck with this
the Chair, Coffee with Andrew and
enhanced boat ramp on Queens
new opportunity.
Community Safety and Security with
Folly Road was started and should be
the Chief.
complete as you read this article. This
Since his start in 2014, Ben was
fall two projects are scheduled – one is
instrumental in building our office at 16
Our Annual Fourth of July Flag Raising
a small drainage project along Mooring
Queens Folly, oversaw the completion of
Ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. in the
Buoy between Iron Clad and Port Tack.
the rehabilitation and enhancements in
center of the Queens Folly Circle on
Secondly, we are scheduled to replace the
the Queens Folly corridor and initiated the
Monday, July 4th. Please bring your
Sea Lane bridge beginning in October.
long-term bridge replacement program
friends, families, and guests to this
Finally, we are making plans to have
including the replacement of five bridges.
brief but special event featuring a local
our own maintenance building. We are
He also worked closely with the Lagoons
Color Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance,
designing a conceptual plan to include
the singing of the National Anthem, and
building footprint and related parking and
a guest speaker. Finally, please look for
storage. The next step is land acquisition.
the fall schedule including the annual
We plan to present a business case to the
Oyster Roast.
Association board by the end of the year.
Safety and Security
Beachfront Amenity
Summertime brings increased
By now, I hope you have read the Dunes
vehicular and bike traffic, so please use
House project update that we sent out
caution when driving, biking or walking
in June and the additional information
in the community. The Association
on the website. Thank you to all that
launched a new visitor security alert
participated in the survey. Your feedback
program to keep visitors informed
is critical to help determine the path
of important security issues and to
forward. Over the past six months, we
deter crimes of opportunity. These
have worked closely with Greenwood
and Lakes Advisory Group to implement the lagoon management program that included shoreline management and dredging. Thank you to Ben for your commitment to the community and for managing projects on time and within budget. Please be patient as we fill this position and other vacancies. Staffing is a struggle for most employers right now, but we are positioning ourselves to be competitive and an employer of choice. — Andrew Schumacher, CEO
JULY 2022 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
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Controller's Report The Association is responsible for the operation, security, and maintenance of the common property within the development. Our operating budget covers expenditures that are routine and predictable, with costs that are very familiar from year to year. A primary source of revenue to cover these expenditures are the residential and commercial assessments. These assessments provide a highly predictable level of income to cover predictable expenditures.
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• The residential assessment is a key component of running a successful property. Management and the Finance Committee continually study the fees charged to owners and guests to keep the residential assessment at a responsible amount. Sometimes it is beneficial to have a slightly higher increase one year to keep the assessment more stable for the future years. Paying more now can help offset fluctuations in the economy and allow for more fully funded reserves to cover major projects. Management and the Finance Committee strive to keep the residential assessment to total revenue below 50%. Management and the Finance Committee have been busy monitoring the capital budget, reviewing the revenue and expenses from operations, and completing the annual audit. Through May, revenue is trending above budget, and operating expenses are under budget. Below are some financial highlights for the first five months of the year. • •
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Total operating revenue is approximately $150,000 greater than budget. Pass Office year-to-date revenue is approximately $122,000 greater than
JULY 2022 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
budget. Through May, all pass categories exceed budget. ARB permit revenue exceeds budget by $12,500. Operating expenses are approximately $34,000 under budget. CEF revenue exceeds budget by approximately $228,000. Through May, 88 closings have occurred. Approximately 97% of the owners have paid their annual assessment.
The financial position of the Association is a key component of its success. An annual audit helps to identify weaknesses in the accounting system, helps to reduce the risk of fraud or poor accounting, and assures the members that the Association is running in accordance with the financial information they are receiving. That’s why receiving an unqualified opinion is a top priority of management and the Finance Committee. Webster Rogers presented the 2021 financials and audit report to the Finance Committee at the March meeting. For 2021, the Association received an unqualified opinion. This means the financial statements were fairly and appropriately presented and in compliance with accounting standards. As we enter the second half of 2022, the Finance Committee and management will review the 10-year plan. Updating the 10year plan will enable the Association to be proactive and responsible for the upcoming needs of the community. — Matt Nemes, Controller
PDPOA EVENTS WEDNESDAYS
Turtle Trots & Turtle Talks WEDNESDAYS
Coffee with Andrew
8-9am. Join CEO Andrew Schumacher on Wednesday mornings at the General Store for coffee and to catch up on what's been happening in the community. FRIDAY, JULY 1 FRIDAY, AUGUST 5
First Friday Food Trucks
5-7pm. PDPOA Admin Parking Lot. 16 Queens Folly Rd. NO JULY MEETING WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17
Chat with the Chair
11am. This monthly event gives owners an opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues facing our community. Online registration is required and is available at pdpoa.org/chatwith-the-chair. WEDNESDAY, JULY 20 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17
Community Safety & Security Meeting 2pm. Chief Jim Griner holds the online meetings the third Wednesday of each month. Online registration is required at pdpoa.org/community-security. NO JULY MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 18
Board Meeting
4pm. Meetings are open to Palmetto Dunes property owners. Board Meetings are being held in-person and online.
A Message from the Archictectural Review Board Welcome Alexia Hannon has joined the Association as our new part-time ARB Coordinator. She will assist Monica Stites in managing the numerous permit requests, maintenance and repair questions, on site reviews and other responsibilities of the ARB. Final Project Step Whether it’s a new build, remodel of an existing home with a renovation or addition, new driveway configuration, new pool addition, or just an enlargement of an existing deck, closing an ARB project is an exciting time for both the homeowner and the ARB. An ARB project approval is a two-way commitment. The homeowner is committed to improve their property, and the ARB is committed to monitoring the project and ensuring that the property will meet the ARB guidelines and overall expectations of Palmetto Dunes upon completion. At a high level, all homeowners agreed to this upon purchasing in Palmetto Dunes and specifically when signing the application for an ARB project that requires a compliance deposit. A project cannot be closed out and the compliance deposit returned until, not only the primary project is completed, but any additional compliance items that were brought to the owners attention have been completed. In some cases, the homeowner does not call for a final inspection or respond to ARB requests about the project’s status. The project cannot be closed out until a successful final inspection has been completed. Do your part and make sure you request a final inspection after you have completed your project! ARB By the Numbers Through May of this year, 352 permits have been issued by the ARB. This compares to 400 in the same period in 2021. We may be seeing a bit of a slowdown in permits but they are still high by historical comparison. The ARB is currently monitoring 18 new builds in progress and have 7 in various phases of project review, making 25 new builds either in progress or in the planning stage. Palmetto Dunes has 30 vacant lots, but 5 of those are under review for new construction, making a total of 25 available empty lots. In summary, there is a great deal of reinvestment back into the community, making Palmetto Dunes a better and more beautiful place to live and vacation.
VISITOR SECURITY TEXT ALERTS The Association has launched a new program to reach out to visitors with security alerts during their stay. The goal of these alerts is to keep visitors informed of any important security issues during their stay, as well as to keep them from becoming a victim of crimes of opportunity. The weekly alerts remind visitors to secure their belongings, as well as inform them of community safety reminders and other urgent information. Visitors can sign up for Palmetto Dunes Security Alerts by texting the word ALERTS to 877-379-3711.
New Design & Construction Guidelines Our new guidelines took effect January 1 of this year. After 5 months of exercising this new document we have had very little pushback or challenges with compliance. We have been making some notes about ways to improve or make things more clear. This fall we will take time to do a full review of the experiences using these guidelines and update as needed. Thanks to all vendors and homeowners that have embraced the new document!
Please pass this information along to your guests and rental management company and encourage them to share it. Magnets and postcards are also available in our Pass Office at no charge.
— Mark Carroll, ARB Chair
JULY 2022 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
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Employee Spotlight Lashana Young
20 Years at Palmetto Dunes! Job Title Customer Care Specialist Job Responsibilities We sell contractor passes, decals, and long-term renter decals , as well as, issue guest passes and rental passes. What do you like most about your job? I like meeting different people. What is the most challenging part of your job? The biggest challenge is when it gets very busy.
What three words best describe you? Beautiful, happy and smart. Where are you from? I was born and raised on Hilton Head. What is your family like? My family is very loud, crazy, fun and loving. What can you not live without? I cannot live without my family. I have one daughter and two grandkids who live in Charleston.
What would you do for a career if you weren’t doing this? If I weren’t doing this I think I would be an interior designer. I like to watch HGTV and decorate my house. What do you like to do when you aren’t working? I like to read a variety of books and I like to watch reality TV shows and Dr. Phil. Fun fact: I love to travel. My favorite place to visit was Maui.
Opt-in to Receive Communications Electronically Want to save time, money, and paper? By signing up to receive electronic communications from the Association, you can do exactly that! If you agree to receive electronic communications: • The Association will email notices, invoices, and other documents to you as opposed to sending them through the U.S. mail. This means you receive communications in a more timely manner. • You will receive Election of Directors voting materials and vote online instead of receiving the printed packet and paper ballot. • You will receive the Annual Meeting packet and proxy card electronically. • The Perspective newsletter will be emailed to you. • Any other communications documentation will be sent via email. How Do I Opt-In to Electronic Communications? 1. Log-in to your Online Portal. If you need a link to activate your portal, email smanesiotis@pdpoa.org 2. Click on Account Profile and in the Contact Preference box, select Enable Electronic Documents. 3. Select I consent to receiving documents electronically, then click Save.
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JULY 2022 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
Hurricane Season The six month Atlantic Hurricane Season officially began June 1st and runs through November 30th. For the 2022 hurricane season, NOAA is forecasting a likely range of 14 to 21 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 6 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence. It is important to prepare each year, regardless of the activity predicted. In the event of a storm, information specific to Palmetto Dunes will be sent via text alerts, the Tidings enews, and will also be posted on our website.
Resort Happenings HarbourFest at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
ply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end.
The 33rd year of Har-
The Dunes House
bourFest returns with
The Dunes House is open
Shannon Tanner, Cappy
for lunch and dinner
the Clown, Tuesday night
11 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. (bar
fireworks and family fun
closes at 8 p.m.), unless
at Shelter Cove Harbour
closed due to inclem-
& Marina. See the largest
ent weather or a private
fireworks display on Hilton
event.
Head Island on Monday,
Weekly Live Music Sched-
July 4th featuring Shannon
ule (5 – 8 p.m., weather
Tanner’s special patriotic
permitting):
family show at 6:30 & 8 p.m.
• Monday: NGITW
along with train rides and
• Tuesday: La Bodega
kids activities with Cappy
• Wednesday: Heart &
the Clown from 6-9 p.m.!
Harmony
Our Caribbean-inspired Parrot Palooza concert is back by popular demand on Thursday nights with Shannon Tanner & the Oyster Reefers playing favorite island music and Jimmy Buffett classics. ** All guests walking/biking to Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina must use the pedestrian/bike underpass under 278. Travelling across Hwy 278 will not be allowed. ** Palmetto Dunes Shuttle Map for 4th of July will be sent in the July Tidings eNewsletter • Shannon Tanner Family Show: Now – September 2 (Mon., Tues., Wed., & Fri.) + Monday, July 4th - two shows at 6:30 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. • Cappy the Clown: Now – September 2 (Mon. – Fri.) + Labor Day Weekend (September 3 & 4) 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. • 2022 HarbourFest Fireworks Schedule (fireworks begin when the sky is dark, weather permitting): Monday, July 4 (no show on Tuesday, July 5) Tuesdays, July 12, 19 & 26 Tuesdays, August 2, 9, 16, 23 • Neptune Circle Entertainment will be provided by Steel Drum Performer, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. • Parrot Palooza: Thursdays; Now – August 18 plus Labor Day Weekend (September 3 & 4) — Show starts at 7:00 p.m.
Cooking Demo at Alexander’s: Chef Fabian’s Grandma’s Jamaican Jerk Chicken
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Thursday: Amazing and Good Too
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Friday: Zach & Charlie
Sunday, July 17 from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Gather round the table for a cooking demonstration at Alexander's. Chef Fabian will demo how to make a delicious Jamaican Jerk Chicken. Demonstrations are $25 per person and all of the money collected will be given to the Deep Well Project helping neighbors in need for over 40 years. Learn more and reserve your spot at AlexandersRestaurant.com/Cooking-Demonstrations.
21st for a private event.
Wine Dinner at Alexander’s: Duckhorn Winery Thursday, July 21 from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Spend the evening at Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar as Chef Charles Pejeau and his culinary staff will be delivering a delicious prix-fixe dinner, each course paired with a different glass from Duckhorn Winery. Priced at $130 per person. Learn more and reserve your spot at AlexandersRestaurant.com/Wine-Dinner.
The Dunes House will be closed on July Visit PalmettoDunes.com/DunesHouse for more information and to view the full menu.
Happenings at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort: Buoy Bar / Breeze – Whether you choose the Buoy Bar or Breeze, enjoy cool ocean breezes, tropical beverages and delicious lunch selections. Open daily 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. HH Prime Restaurant – Daily Breakfast served from 6:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. and Dinner from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Dinner reservations suggested at 843.341.8058. XO Sports & Spirits – Enjoy game day sports on any of our 13 monitors with Big 10 Network, the SEC Network, and PGA Tour coverage. Drink specials and casual menu. Open daily. 843.341.8487. Palmetto Market – Open 6:30 a.m. – 10
PD Connect!
p.m. for coffee, beverages, fresh-made
Sign up for mobile alerts from Palmetto Dunes Resort by texting PD to 855-6343221! Get alerts on events, special offers, contests, closures, news and more. By participating, you consent to receive SMS/ MMS promotional messages. No purchase required. Message & data rates may ap-
breakfast items, sandwiches, pizza, salads, and market items. 843.341.8025. Ocean Tides Spa – Check out our Summer Spa Specials and our brand new Spirit of the Ocean massage! Call 843.341.8056 for services, appointments, or gift cards. Visit www.omnihiltonhead.com JULY 2022 | WWW.PDPOA.ORG
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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID HILTON HEAD, SC PERMIT NO. 759