Palmetto PERSPECTIVE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Becky Brumley, CHAIR 615-417-7638 | becky81059@gmail.com
Kurt Faires, VICE CHAIR 423-757-0226 | kfaires@chamblisslaw.com
Bob Talbot, TREASURER 630-608-8278 | talbots83@gmail.com
Chad Terefenko, SECRETARY 610-873-1195 | c.terefenko@comcast.net
Alice Bettencourt 703-216-7315 | abett.pdpoa@gmail.com
Jerry Durkin 570-460-9197 | jerrydurkin3@gmail.com
Ed Garino 843-310-4646 | egarino.pdpoa@gmail.com
Doug Luba 843 247-2527 | dougluba@gmail.com
Brandon Smith, GREENWOOD C&R 864-229-4063 | bsmith@basmithlaw.com
News
FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES: BOAT PARADE & FLAG RAISING CEREMONY
ON-SITE STAFF
Accounting Administrator, KRISTEN CAPOZZI 843-785-1109 x103 | kcapozzi@pdpoa.org
ARB, MONICA STITES
843-785-1109 x104 | mstites@pdpoa.org
Administrative Coordinator, KATHLEEN RYAN 843-785-1109 | kryan@pdpoa.org
CEO, ANDREW P. SCHUMACHER 843-785-1109 x108 | aschumacher@pdpoa.org
Communications, ELIZABETH SIMPSON 843-785-1109 x106 | esimpson@pdpoa.org
Facilities Maint./Lagoon & Lakes, SYDNEY WAN 843-298-2359 | swan@pdpoa.org
Finance, MATTHEW NEMES 843-785-1109 x111 | mnemes@pdpoa.org
Security, JIM GRINER 843-785-1120 | jgriner@pdpoa.org
Visitor Management, ZOE SLINGLUFF 843-785-1125 x126 | zslingluff@pdpoa.org
The Palmetto Perspective is published bimonthly by the Palmetto Dunes Property Owners Association. ©2024 PALMETTO DUNES POA, INC.
This year's Boat Parade will be held on Wednesday, July 3rd at 6pm. 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 would like to participate by boat or kayak, please email Elizabeth Simpson at esimpson@ pdpoa.org so we know how many boats to expect. 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 (West).
On Thursday, 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.
2024 ANNUAL MEETING
The 2024 Annual Meeting of the Palmetto Dunes Property Owners Association, Inc. will be held on Saturday, October 12 at 9am. We will be mailing and emailing owners proxy cards and Election of Directors voting materials in August. To make sure we have the correct mailing and/or email address on file, please verify your information at pdpoa.org/verify.
UPCOMING LAGOON LOWERING
July 10 & August 14
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
The Association is initiating comprehensive assessments aimed at enhancing community infrastructure. Alongside partnering with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. for a traffic study in the Queens Folly Corridor, the Association is also embarking on various construction projects, including Phase III of Mooring Buoy and T-street rehabilitation. Structural assessments by Infrastructure Consulting and Engineering (ICE) are underway for the bridges, roads, stormwater infrastructure, and other community assets.
Additionally, community members are invited to participate in upcoming events, such as the Independence Day celebration and the launch of the Palmetto Dunes POA Ambassador Program.
Queens Folly Corridor – Traffic Study
The Association will be conducting a comprehensive study to review the traffic flows including pedestrian and bicycle movement in the Queens Folly Corridor. The study is being conducted to investigate opportunities to potentially improve congestion, accessibility and safety throughout the Queens Folly Corridor.
The Association has selected Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. to perform the assessment. The Queens Folly Corridor Study will review traffic activity from Highway 278 through the Traffic Circle; through the North Gate up to Dunes
House Lane; and through the South Gate up to Carnoustie Rd., as well as Hampton Place Driveway as you enter Leamington. The study will also include activity at the St. Andrew’s and Queens Grant entrances.
The Queens Folly Corridor Study includes data collections, observations, and traffic analysis to determine locations that may present opportunities to improve traffic, bicycle and pedestrian flow, and safety within the Corridor. Data collection performed by Stantec will include a week of traffic counts at Highway 278 during the week July 12, 2024. Stantec will also collect data including traffic counts and field observations at nine (9) locations along the Corridor.
Upcoming Projects
Two upcoming construction projects include Phase III of Mooring Buoy (Port Tack intersection to the end of Mooring Buoy) and rehabilitating four (4) T-streets – Dingy, East Wind, Flotilla, and Galleon.
Both projects’ scope of work includes new stormwater infrastructure and a rebuilt roadway. We are exploring the viability of a separated leisure path along a portion of Mooring Buoy to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. We anticipate having engineer drawings 60% completed this summer with a conceptual budget for board consideration later this year.
Structural Assessments
The Association retained the service of Infrastructure Consulting and Engineering (ICE) to conduct two structural assessments for the community. Typically, every 5 years we have an independent third-party provide a comprehensive update to our Reserve Study. The purpose is to evaluate the life expectancy of our
infrastructure, as well as the remaining useful life and the estimated cost to replace the infrastructure. This tool provides the Association with a guide for replacing infrastructure and the amount of capital that is required to avoid any shortfalls in funds.
To date, we have replaced six of the 12 vehicular bridges in the community. We also engaged ICE to conduct a structural assessment of the remaining six bridges to re-evaluate the future costs projections for infrastructure maintenance and replacement. It’s anticipated both studies from ICE will be completed in the third quarter of 2024.
Community Engagement – July 4th
Palmetto Dunes is gearing up for an unforgettable Independence Day celebration with a lineup of exciting events on July 3rd and 4th. Boaters and kayakers are invited to join the annual Independence Day Boat Parade on July 3rd, starting at Bird Island at 6pm. Spectators can enjoy the parade from Queens Folly, Haul Away, Sea Lane, or Port Tack bridges.
On July 4th, don't miss the Annual Flag Raising Ceremony at 9am in the Queens Folly Circle, followed by the Salute from the Shore, a heartfelt tribute to the armed forces starting at 1pm along the South Carolina coast.
The festivities culminate with Hilton Head's largest fireworks display at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, with shuttle service for residents and guests from 5:30 to 10:30 pm.
Continued on page 4
CEO's Report continued from page 3
Ambassador Program
The goal of the Palmetto Dunes POA Ambassador program is to develop and implement a program that owners can participate in to learn more about history, activities, operations, and events in Palmetto Dunes for the purpose of building a strong and engaged community and sharing this knowledge with owners and visitors.
What is a Palmetto Dunes Community Ambassador?
PD Community Ambassadors are our representatives in and around the community with an extensive knowledge of Palmetto Dunes. They have completed a PD community ambassador course and know that voluntary participation in the community can positively shape their community. PD Community Ambassadors engage with residents, visitors and community groupssharing information about Palmetto Dunes programs and initiatives and also participate in events.
We will be hosting the program this Fall on September 24th and 25th. It is a 4-hour program each day, concluding with a tour of operations. Participants will receive a complimentary ticket to the Community Open House BBQ on Thursday, September 26th. If you would like to submit an application to participate in this year’s Ambassador Program, visit pdpoa.org/ambassador.
—Andrew Schumacher, CEO
Annual Meeting: Attendance & Proxy
As the Palmetto Dunes Property Owners Association gears up for its Annual Meeting on October 12, 2024, administrative and procedural guidelines have been put in place to facilitate an effective meeting and maximize member participation.
This year, the Association has partnered with GetQuorum, a leading technology platform, to streamline the proxy card solicitation process and enhance remote participation options for members.
Starting in July, GetQuorum will initiate communication with all members via email, inviting them to opt-in for electronic proxy cards and remote meeting attendance. It's essential for members to keep an eye out for these emails, as opting in is necessary for submitting electronic proxy cards and participating remotely in the Annual Meeting.
Proxy cards for the Annual Meeting must be submitted by September 23, 2024, ensuring ample time for processing and verification.
This year's Annual Meeting offers flexibility in attendance options, catering to the diverse needs of members. Members can choose to attend the meeting in person on October 12 at the Omni Resort or participate remotely. This expanded remote participation is possible due to the bylaw amendment passed last year.
Both in-person and remote attendees will have the opportunity to engage during member comments and exercise their voting rights during the meeting. This inclusive approach ensures that all members, regardless of their chosen mode of participation, can actively contribute to the discussion and decisionmaking process.
To ensure seamless communication and participation, it's crucial for the Association to have members' most current email addresses on file. Members are encouraged to update their contact information by verifying your information at pdpoa.org/verify.
Beach Access Reminder
With the summer beach season in full-swing, we want to remind owners that beach access within the resort is available at the Disney Beach House, the Dunes House, or any of the beach access paths along Mooring Buoy or Ocean Lane. There are 18 beach accesses for those walking or riding a bike.
Parking is available at the Disney Beach House (uncovered area) or at the Dunes House. You may also call the Dunes Buggy daily through Labor Day 8am-9pm at 843-689-4222 for free rides.
Please do not park along the beach accesses, in driveways that do not belong to you, or along the roadways. You will be subject to ticketing.
Parking for the beach is also not available in any of the adjacent multifamily complexes.
Hurricane Training PROACTIVE COVENANT COMPLIANCE SUSPENDED
Each year, the Association prepares for a response to a natural disaster and members of the organization have attended numerous training opportunities hosted at the National Hurricane Conference and the Florida Governors Hurricane Conference. The organization also has a written Hurricane Response Plan that is reviewed annually.
For the second time, Palmetto Dunes POA is hosting a Hurricane Tabletop Exercise to further help prepare for a response for a natural disaster. On June 27, members from Palmetto Dunes POA, the Town of Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Broad Creek PSD, Greenwood, Omni, and the Hilton will all gather to collectively prepare for a response to a major hurricane strike to Hilton Head Island. The goals of the exercise are:
• To clearly identify the roles and responsibilities of Palmetto Dunes POA and their external partners
• Demonstrate communications with residents, staff, and external partners
• Demonstrate the ability of Palmetto Dunes POA to coordinate and facilitate a collective response to a natural disaster
Ultimately, this exercise is ex-
pected to enhance and improve the ability of our community to recover from a natural disaster with greater efficiency. It is also expected that further consideration will be given to a response to a catastrophic event, and how each organization can assist one another to recovery.
According to the NOAA National Weather Service, forecasters are predicting “above-normal” activity in the Atlantic this year. We ask that each of you establish your personal plan for hurricane preparedness and monitor reputable public safety and weather resources for information regarding hurricanes and other storms. You can also obtain information about the Town’s response to hurricanes by visiting their website at www.hiltonheadislandsc. gov.
Should you have any questions regarding Hurricane Training or our response to hurricanes, please contact Chief Jim Griner at jgriner@pdpoa.org.
—Jim Griner, Chief of Security
While finalizing a long-range Strategic Plan in 2017, proactive covenant compliance was identified and supported as a top priority. In 2018, proactive covenant compliance was implemented in the community. Since then, the Association’s Covenant Compliance Representative has been conducting baseline and closing inspections on single-family homes with the goal of addressing compliance matters in a timely manner.
Currently, the Board of Directors is reassessing the organization's structure. As part of this process, the Board has suspended proactive covenant compliance. This means that the position of Covenant Compliance Representative will remain unfilled, and no baseline or closing inspections will take place at this time.
If you come across a property in our community that is not in compliance with the covenants, please reach out to the administration office for further assistance.
Captain Darryl Johnson and Lieutenant Brooker Devore clearing out debris in the community after Hurricane Matthew in 2016.
Fall Upcoming Events Calendar
SEPTEMBER
Owner’s Night at Big Jim’s
Thursday, September 5
4-6pm
Big Jim’s BBQ
First Friday Food Trucks
Friday, September 6
5-7pm
Admin & Security Parking Lots
Wine Glass Painting Party
Tuesday, September 10
12-2pm
Admin Conference Room
Beach Yoga
Tuesday, September 24
10-11am
Beach in front of the Dunes House
Community Open House & BBQ
Thurday, September 26
12-2pm
Admin Office, 16 Queens Folly
OCTOBER
First Friday Food Trucks
Friday, October 4
5-7pm
Admin & Security Parking Lots
Community Document Shredding
Tuesday, October 8
9-11am
Admin & Security Parking Lots
Blood Drive
Wednesday, October 9
9am-3pm
Admin & Security Parking Lots
Annual Meeting
Saturday, October 12
7:45am Check-in
9am Meeting
Omni Resort
Pumpkins & Prosecco
Thursday, October 24
12-2pm
Admin Conference Room
NOVEMBER
First Friday Food Trucks
Friday, November 1
5-7pm
Admin & Security Parking Lots
Oyster Roast
Wednesday, November 6
4-7pm
Shorehouse at the Omni Resort
Owners Night at Lincoln & South Brewery
Thursday, November 14
4-6pm
138 Island Drive
Oyster Shell Christmas Ornaments
Thursday, November 21
1-3pm
Admin Conference Room
Thanksgiving Turtle Trot
Thursday, November 28
9am
Beach in front of the Dunes House
DECEMBER
Holiday Social & Toy Drive
Thursday, December 5
2-4pm
Admin Conference Room
First Friday Food Trucks
Friday, December 6
4-6pm
Admin & Security Parking Lots
Blood Drive
Wednesday, December 18
9am-3pm
Admin & Security Parking Lots
Registration for all Community Events is online at: pdpoa.org/ events. If you need any assistance, please contact Kathleen Ryan at kryan@pdpoa.org.
ARB Happenings
As summer approaches the number of applications for projects and permits is growing. It should be noted how busy 2024 has been already in ARB activity.
Processing this trend in total projects and permits has substantially been handled by ONE PERSON and that is Monica Stites. Only the first 3 project types above come before the ARB. Hence, the permit activity is handled directly by Monica. She reviews the request, gains professional expertise if needed, issues the permit, and then finalizes the project when completed.
ARB Board Members
The ARB is seeking additional members to serve on the ARB Board. The current members include Ed Finison, returning for a third year; Bob Talbot, a PDPOA board member; Doug Luba, also a PDPOA board member; Maureen Glass; Tom Belenchia; Dan Wolf; and Dixon Hanna, returning for a second year and serving as chair. If you are an owner who wants to maintain and improve the quality of our community, please consider applying for the ARB Board. We are encouraging year-round residents to apply.
Design and Construction Guidelines
I want to thank the members of the PDPOA community who submitted comments to the draft D&CG amendments circulated to the community in April. These amendments are intended to clarify the D&CG’s that went into effect in January 2022. The ARB has completed an initial review of comments and has passed a few themes forward to the
PDPOA Board for guidance. These themes are related generally to the cost of project applications and permits as well as the several instances where additional reviews and penalties are collected.
Following these April proposed amendments, the ARB is again considering several additions to the D&CG’s that have resulted from work completed by two PDPOA committees, Sustainability and Safety and Security. These new proposed amendments, if approved, will add updated guidelines for such things as the use of artificial turf, compost bins, rain barrels and external EV chargers, as well as the option for installing pool fences.
Covenant Compliance
For any project that requires a compliance deposit, an onsite inspection is completed before the work commences including photographs. Periodic site inspections are done during the project period and a final inspection is then completed with additional pictures of the “after” so that, if completed correctly, the compliance deposit can be returned.
The ARB employs industry experts on things such as tree removal, architecture, landscaping, and, in some instances, drainage.
Often there is confusion around “compliance.” Sections within the PD Covenants (circa 1982), signed by each property owner, refer to the requirement of preventing our properties from being “unkempt” or “unsightly.” Unfortunately, not much detail is provided for these terms, and they could be considered subjective. The New ARB Design and Construction Guidelines that went into effect in January 2022 are much more specific and come into play when a project is presented to the ARB.
Confusion also often results around which requirements are in effect when planning a new project. The covenant language is ALWAYS in effect. For instance, Article III, Section 3.4 prohibits any tree and shrubbery removal without ARB approval. It would be logical to assume that dead or dying landscape materials be replaced to maintain the intention of the section. Section 3.6 requires all equipment such as garbage cans, HVAC, pool equipment, etc. to be screened by using a service yard from the view of neighbors or streets or beach access walks. So even if an ARB project is not proposed, all lots in PD are bound to these covenant requirements.
If a project requires an ARB permit, the ARB Design and Construction Guidelines apply ALONGSIDE any covenant requirements. The updated D&CGs have actually broadened the scope of work homeowners can undertake on their property, rather than imposing further restrictions. It's important to familiarize yourself with both the Covenants and the ARB Guidelines to facilitate productive discussions in case of Compliance issues or ARB requirements.
To reiterate, both our 1982 covenants and the 2022 ARB Design and Construction Guidelines serve to keep Palmetto Dunes looking like the first-class community that it has been and continues to be. This, in turn, equates to improved property values for all.
—Dixon Hanna, ARB Chair
Turtle Trot 5k
The Association is once again hosting the annual Turtle Trot 5K Summer Series! Races began June 5 and will continue every Wednesday through August 21.
The family-friendly Turtle Trot is a weekly 5 kilometer run/walk on the beach in beautiful Palmetto Dunes Resort. Each week the event hosts 200400 runners.
Registration is online only at pdpoa.run and is $30 before race day and $35 day of the race. Kids under 12 run for $15.
Registration includes a t-shirt. All races begin at 8am.
Turtle Talks
Palmetto Dunes Cares hosts a weekly Turtle Talk, led by a member of the Sea Turtle Patrol of Hilton Head.
The talk educates participants on what they can do to help preserve Hilton Head Island’s hatching sea turtles and learn what is happening on our nesting beaches.
The program, designed for both visitors
Race proceeds benefit the Palmetto Dunes Cares Fund, a charitable organization whose motto is: giving back while building community. Their mission is to support local youth and enhance the natural environment in the greater Hilton Head Island area through grants and scholarships.
Since its inception, PD Cares has awarded over $300,000 in grants to local non-profits in the greater Hilton Head area. Last year we initiated a scholarship program to benefit local high school seniors. Two scholarships were awarded last year and three were awarded in 2024.
and residents, is fun, educational, and appropriate for all ages.
The cost to attend is $20 per person (adults and children) and all children under the age of 12 require adult supervision.
Online registration is required at palmettodunescares.org and this event sells out every week!
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.
NO JULY MEETING
TUESDAY, AUGUST 27
Chat with the Chair
11am. This monthly event gives owners an opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues facing our community with the Board Chair. Online registration: pdpoa. org/chat-with-the-chair.
NO JULY MEETING
TUESDAY, AUGUST 27
Community Safety & Security Meeting
2pm. Chief Jim Griner hosts the online meetings and registration is required at pdpoa.org/communitysecurity.
NO JULY MEETING
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28 Board Meeting
5:30pm. Meetings are open to Palmetto Dunes property owners to attend in person or via Zoom.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
Annual Meeting
9am. Omni Resort. Meeting checkin and continental breakfast begins at 7:45. Online RSVP is required.
Resort Happenings
HarbourFest at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
The 35th Anniversary of HarbourFest, HHI’s largest multi-week summertime event, is back with Shannon Tanner, Cappy the Clown, Tuesday night fireworks and family fun at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. See the largest fireworks display Thursday, July 4th featuring Shannon Tanner’s family show at 6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. followed by a special patriotic Parrot Palooza show at 7:15 p.m. through the fireworks. Enjoy kids activities with Cappy the Clown as well as bounce houses and train rides around the marina from 6 – 9 p.m. at an additional cost. (Please note there is no fireworks show on Tuesday July 2). Enjoy Thursday nights with Shannon Tanner & the Oyster Reefers playing the best island music covers and Jimmy Buffett classics starting at 7 p.m.
2024 HarbourFest Fireworks Schedule (shows will begin when the sky is dark):
• Thursday, July 4
• Tuesdays; July 9, 16, 23 & 30
• Tuesdays; August 6, 13 & 20
View the full schedule of entertainment and fireworks on our official HarbourFest website: ShelterCoveHarbourFest.com.
**No drones will be allowed during fireworks shows.
**All HarbourFest fireworks and entertainment are subject to change and weather permitting. For show updates, please visit our Facebook page @ShelterCoveHarbourMarina.
4th
of July: Please note –
*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 is on the following page
*The Dunes Buggy will not be picking up or dropping off to homes or villas that evening.
New Luxury Pontoon Boat Rentals at Shelter Cove Marina
Get out on the water today with Shelter Cove Marina’s Luxury Pontoon Boat Rentals! These brand-new spacious Aloha pontoon boats feature room for up to 12 people comfortably, a 9-foot Sunbrella Bimini for shade, Bluetooth speakers, Garmin GPS & depth finder and more. Learn more and reserve at ShelterCoveMarinaBoatRentals.com
The Dunes House
The Dunes House is open daily serving lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. –7:30 p.m. (bar closes at 8 p.m.), unless closed due to inclement weather (including wind) or a private event.
Weekly Live Music Schedule (5 – 8 p.m. weather permitting):
• Monday: Zach & Charlie
• Tuesday: La Bodega
• Wednesday: Zach & Charlie
• Thursday: Heart & Harmony
• Friday: Mike Kavanaugh Visit PalmettoDunes. com/DunesHouse for more information and to view the full menu.
Top Dawg Tavern & Pizzeria at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
Top Dawg Tavern, a family owned and operated casual dining restaurant, has expanded their fifth location in Hilton Head to Top
Dawg Tavern & Pizzeria! Known for its fresh food, great value and upbeat atmosphere, Top Dawg Tavern & Pizzeria offers guests waterfront views, covered pet-friendly patios, tons of TVs and now pizza! The res-
taurant is open for lunch & dinner, 7 days a week at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. To learn more and view the full menu, visit topdawgtavern.com/hilton-head.
Reserve Tennis & Pickleball Online!
Reservations can now be made online for tennis and pickleball court time, lessons and clinics. All online reservations require you to create an account. Courts are available to book 2 days in advance online. Create an account and reserve online at PalmettoDunes.com/tennispickleball.
Southern Tide Summer Collection
Shop new summer items at Southern Tide Hilton Head. Southern Tide is open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9
p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Visit SouthernTideHiltonHead.com for more information or call the store at 888-9740519.
PD Connect!
Sign up for mobile alerts from Palmetto Dunes Resort by texting PD to 833-4282890! Get alerts on events, special offers, contests, fireworks updates, closures, news and more. By participating, you consent to receive SMS/MMS promotional messages. No purchase required. Message & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end.
Happenings at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort:
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 through OpenTable are suggested.
XO Sports & Spirits – Enjoy an extensive cocktail menu, local craft beers, delicious island fare, and state-of-the-art televisions making it an ideal choice for sports enthusiast and those searching for an authentic taste of the island. Open daily 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. 843.341.8487.
Palmetto Market – Open 6:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. for coffee, beverages, fresh-made breakfast items, sandwiches, pizza, salads, and market items. 843.341.8025. Ocean Tides Spa – Check out our featured products and treatments! Call 843.341.8056 for services, appointments, or gift cards. Visit www.omnihiltonhead. com for more information.