Palmetto PERSPECTIVE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
board@pdpoa.org
Barbara McFadden, CHAIR 843-686-2465 | bmcattorney@gmail.com
Alice Bettencourt 703-216-7315 | abett.pdpoa@gmail.com
Karen Booth 203-906-8227 | karenb29928@gmail.com
Kelly Brown 513-477-8245 | kelly.brown7200@gmail.com
Kurt Faires 423-757-0226 | kfaires@chamblisslaw.com
Cate Jarrett 914-310-6103 | jarrett.cate@gmail.com
Doug Luba 843 247-2527 | dougluba@gmail.com
Bob Talbot
630-608-8278 | talbots83@gmail.com
Lee Whitehurst 703-727-1593 | albert.lee.whitehurst@gmail.com
Brad Marra, GREENWOOD C&R 843-785-0010 | bmarra@palmettodunes.com
ON-SITE STAFF
Accounting Administrator, KRISTEN CAPOZZI 843-785-1109 x103 | kcapozzi@pdpoa.org
Administrative Coordinator, KATHLEEN RYAN 843-785-1109 x105 | kryan@pdpoa.org
ARB Coordinator, LISA MARTIN 843-785-1109 x114 | lmartin@pdpoa.org
Assets & Enhancements, SCOTT KLEIST 843-785-1109 x107 | skleist@pdpoa.org
Captain-Admin Services, RICK MILLER 843-785-1125 | rmiller@pdpoa.org
Captain-Operations, DARRYL JOHNSON 843-785-1125 | djohnson@pdpoa.org
Communications, ELIZABETH SIMPSON 843-785-1109 x106 | esimpson@pdpoa.org
Covenant Compliance, SCOTT KRIVDA 843-785-1109 x125 | skrivda@pdpoa.org
Finance, PAIGE DICKERSON 843-785-1109 x111 | pdickerson@pdpoa.org
General Manager, BILL DIX 843-785-1109 x108 | bdix@pdpoa.org
Reception & Operations Asst., LENA MURRAY 843-785-1109 | hmurray@pdpoa.org
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Admin, 843-785-1109
Pass Office, 843-785-1125
Security, 843-785-1120
News
NEW BOARD MEMBERS
The election of directors was held in advance of the Annual Meeting and facilitated by a third party, Vote-Now. The election period commenced on September 1st and closed on September 30th. Over 30% of the membership cast a vote by paper ballot or electronically.
The results of the board election were announced at the Annual Meeting on Saturday, October 25. The three newly elected Directors are Kelly Brown, Kurt Faires, Cate Jarrett, and Bob Talbot (one-year term).
UPDATED MEETING SCHEDULE
The Board of Directors has updated its regular meeting times. Monthly Board Meetings will now be held on the last Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m. In addition, Chat with the Chair will take place two weeks prior to the Board Meeting at noon.
These changes are intended to make it easier for property owners to attend and stay informed about community matters. The Board Meeting agenda and links to attend virtually will continue to be shared in advance of each meeting.
BEACH RENOURISHMENT
Palmetto Dunes' portion of the Town of Hilton Head Island's Beach Renourishment project falls under Phase II, currently planned for December 17 to March 15, 2026.
Property owners should expect intermittent, temporary disruptions to sections of the beach during this time. While construction zones will rotate and be closed off for safety, the beach will remain open and accessible outside of active work areas.
UPCOMING LAGOON LOWERING
November 12 & December 10
Our lagoon system is periodically lowered to promote the health of the waterway. Please note that dates are always subject to change/cancelation.
The Palmetto Perspective is published bimonthly by the Palmetto Dunes Property Owners Association. ©2025 PALMETTO
Captain Rick Miller showing property owners the Security Dispatch Center during the Community Open House & BBQ.
General Manager's Report
PDPOA Bylaw Revisions: Modernizing Governance for a Transparent and Engaged Community
Earlier this summer the Palmetto Dunes Property Owners Association (PDPOA) Board of Directors completed a thorough review and update of the Association’s Bylaws. During the month of September, the proposed revised Bylaws were sent to members for their vote. We are happy to announce that the Bylaws were approved with over 90% of those who voted, voting in favor of the amendments. These revisions bring our governing document into line with South Carolina Non-Profit Corporation Act requirements, modern technology, and the needs of today’s community. The changes strengthen transparency, improve flexibility, and encourage greater owner participation. Below are some of the key highlights.
Membership & Meeting Modernization
The Bylaws now clearly define how votes are allocated when properties are owned by individuals, multiple people, or legal entities (Article II, Sec. 1). Owners who hold multiple properties will still receive one vote per property, while entity owners must formally designate an individual to represent them.
To ensure new property owners are not excluded from voting, the Association will now determine the official membership list the day before notices are mailed or emailed—replacing the older 30-day delay (Art. II, Sec. 2). Members may choose to receive official notices electronically, and proxies may now be submitted electronically as well (Sec. 7 & 9).
Annual and special membership meetings can be conducted in person or
through remote communication technology, giving non-resident owners more access (Sec. 10). Owners may also call a special meeting by petition, but instead of a fixed number of 100 signatures, the requirement is now 5% of voting members, aligning with South Carolina law (Sec. 6). Quorum for membership meetings remains at 15%.
Board Governance & Accountability
Several updates strengthen how the Board operates. Directors must remain in good financial standing with the Association and are automatically removed if they sell their property (Art. III, Sec. 1). Clear attendance standards require Directors to attend at least two-thirds of Board meetings and workshops annually, with formal notice if a Director falls below this threshold (Sec. 7).
Vacancies of six months or less may remain unfilled, reducing the burden of finding short-term replacements (Sec. 5). The Board may still fill longer vacancies as needed.
The election process has been modernized: the Board now sets the voting window (rather than a rigid 30-day period) and can hold elections by mail or electronically (Sec. 2). After each election, results—including vote totals for every candidate—must be posted to the member website within 15 days, increasing transparency. Third-party oversight of elections will now be required only when there are more candidates than available seats, ensuring fairness without unnecessary cost.
Meeting minutes of the Board (excluding executive sessions) must be posted to the member website once approved, so owners can stay informed (Sec. 6).
Elected Board members may not serve more than two consecutive three year terms.
Committee Structure & Owner Participation
All standing and ad-hoc committees must now have a Board-approved charter with a “sunset” provision and must be reviewed at least every three years to stay relevant (Art. V, Sec. 2–3). Members may attend most committee meetings; executive sessions are limited to sensitive personnel, contractual, or legal issues (Sec. 7). The Nominating Committee is limited to two consecutive terms, encouraging fresh perspectives in Board candidate selection.
Financial Stewardship & Operational Updates
The Treasurer is now explicitly responsible for ensuring an independent audit at least every two years, with a financial review in non-audit years if appropriate (Art. VII, Sec. 2). Officer succession planning is strengthened with the ability to appoint associate officers (such as an Associate Treasurer or Secretary) to train and prepare future leaders (Art. IV, Sec. 1–3).
What These Changes Mean for Owners
These bylaw revisions make PDPOA more transparent—with required posting of election results and Board minutes; more flexible—with remote meetings, electronic voting, and modernized quorum and petition rules; and more inclusive—ensuring new buyers can vote and that committees invite owner participation. They also strengthen financial oversight and Board accountability.
Together, these updates help keep Palmetto Dunes a well-managed, forward-thinking community, protecting property values and enhancing the owner experience.
- Bill Dix, General Manager
Controller's Report
Capital budgeting is the process for deciding how and when to invest in major, long-term projects which will align with an organization’s overall strategic goals, offer the best return and value given limited resources, and achieve a significant impact on future operations over an extended time period. We all use capital budgeting in some format. New car, capital budget. New roof, capital budget. Updated kitchen or bath, capital budget.
For PDPOA, our capital investments are primarily infrastructure projects which we can tend to take for granted as we drive, run, walk, and bike on them daily. 29 miles of black top. 11 miles of lagoon. 5 miles of leisure path. 12 vehicular bridges. 2 pedestrian bridges. 18 beach pathways. Two 5½ acre ponds. 75½ acres of common area, including landscaping, irrigation, signage, camera system, etc. 1 main office facility. 3 access gate houses. Drainage system, spillways, erosion control, bulkheads. The list is long, interrelated, interdependent, and complex.
Our annual capital budget is a multi-step process. What infrastructure is the oldest? Which is the most worn, deteriorated, or in need of attention? Can we update and extend the useful life or is a full replacement required? Is there a project which must be completed in conjunction with another? Are there economies of scale in completing projects of a similar nature or in the same vicinity? Did an event such as a major storm create a project that was previously unanticipated or budgeted?
We rely heavily on our reserve study as a starting point for timing and priorities to support our capital budget. The reserve study prepared by external engineers and experts identifies by calendar year each of our current infrastructure projects that ordinarily would require attention and financial planning. The reserve study is a thirty-year rolling plan
based upon a project’s original expected useful life, its current condition, the current cost to repair or replace, and an estimate of the future cost to repair and replace. The reserve study is constantly changing, updated, and revised. It is not a static document. It is more a moving target with consistent goals and objectives.
We respect and encourage homeowner feedback and input into the capital budget process. If a Board committee suggests a beach pathway should be expanded given traffic volume, that’s important to us. If several neighbors experience recurring flooding outside of major storms, that’s important to us. If our community wants more bike policing, that’s important to us. Suggestions that we should continue to increase beach accessibility for persons with mobility issues, that’s important to us. All these examples contributed to our 2026 capital budget plans.
equipment & vehicles, and professional fees was approved by the BOD at its September 24, 2025, meeting. The entire budget is available to you through your PDPOA portal, under the Governance/Financials section.
Our capital projects must comply with the Town of Hilton Head Island regulations. What are the applicable town mandated permitting requirements, design standards, construction standards, community codes, etc.? Compliance can directly impact a project’s timing and cost. Ongoing, effective communication with town administration is critical to projects contemplated and adopted in our capital budget process.
Throughout the capital budget process, all participants focus on our core values; proactive/forward thinking, accountable, ethical, responsible, transparent, and innovative. Your PDPOA leadership team drafts a capital budget using the input and tools previously identified. That proposal is analyzed and vetted by the Board’s Finance Committee and ultimately the Board itself. Our 2026 capital budget totaling $3,314,540 for infrastructure,
When will these approved projects be completed? In recognition of our seasonal living, most infrastructure projects encompass two calendar years. We start major projects now in early fall, with expected completion by late March. How will you know what’s happening, when it’s happening, and if it will impact you? Watch for social media posts and Tidings in your email for community wide updates. How will we pay for the approved budget? Capital budget projects are primarily funded through our Repair & Replacement reserve or the Community Enhancement Fund reserve, depending upon the nature of the project. Reserve funds are our equivalent of a savings account. Historically, annually, and in the future, we contribute to these capital related reserves in order to have the resources available for capital budget projects.
We believe the 2026 capital budget ultimately supports, promotes, and ensures our shared PDPOA vision to be regarded as the best and most sought-after residential resort community on the East Coast.
- Paige Dickerson, Controller
Community Events
Events Calendar
First Friday Food Trucks
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 4-6PM
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 12-2PM
Join friends and neighbors to enjoy food from local vendors! Food trucks will be located at the Administrative and Security Parking Lot, 16 Queens Folly Rd.
Design Your Own Charcuterie Board
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2-4PM
Get ready for party season by painting your own charcuterie board. Create with Camilla will guide you in making our boards while enjoying some wine and charcuterie!
Community Oyster Roast
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 4:30-7PM
Join us for our Annual Community Oyster roast! We have Bluffton Oyster Company roasting fresh, local oysters on-site, as well as Lowcountry boil and BBQ sliders! Your ticket also comes with 1 drink ticket for beer, wine, or soda; a cash bar will also be available. This event is only for Palmetto Dunes property owners. Registration is $20 and this event will sell-out.
Oyster Shell Christmas Ornaments
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 12-2PM
Fun and Festive Oyster Art for the holidays! Join Jill Moore of Moore to Life for a nature inspired holiday craft. Oyster shells and all the supplies will be provided to create an oyster ornament or two-1 for you and 1 for a gift or keep both for yourself!
Thanksgiving Turtle Trot 5k
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 9AM
The family-friendly Hilton Head 5k is a 5 kilometer run/walk on the beach on Thanksgiving morning. The race starts at 9am from the Dunes House, 14 Dunes House Lane. Advance registration is required at pdpoa.run. Registration is $35 and includes a t-shirt. Children 12 and under run for $20. The price increases after October 30, 2025.
Holiday Social & Toy Drive
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2-4PM
Get ready to celebrate the season with our Holiday Social and Toy Drive! Join us at the Association’s office for holiday sips and bites, and mingle with fellow property owners and the PDPOA team while enjoying the holiday spirit. In the spirit of giving, we are also hosting a toy drive to benefit underprivileged children (ages 3-9).
Donations will be accepted through December 11. Not in town? Send a toy via Amazon to be delivered to the Association.
Audubon Christmas Bird Count
MONDAY, DECEMBER 15
The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is an annual early-winter bird census happening in over 20 countries in the Western Hemisphere. Palmetto Dunes is an important part of the Hilton Head area count. If you enjoy watching birds at your backyard feeders, you might like to identify and count them as part of the CBC. Contact Susan Murphy at HHICBC@gmail.com if you would like to participate.
PDPOA MONTHLY MEETINGS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5 NO DECEMBER MEETING Chat with the Chair
Noon. This monthly event gives owners an opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues facing our community with the Board Chair.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 NO DECEMBER MEETING Ask the Staff
2pm. The event will start with short introductions from key staff, each highlighting a key issue from their department. Residents can then ask questions, share concerns, and get clarity on HOA topics like landscaping, safety, maintenance, and more.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 NO DECEMBER MEETING Board Meeting
5:00pm. Meetings are open to Palmetto Dunes property owners to attend in person or via Zoom.
Registration for all meetings is online at pdpoa.org/events.
Registration for all Community Events is online at: pdpoa.org/events. If you need any assistance, please contact Kathleen Ryan at kryan@pdpoa.org.
Resort Happenings
Big Jim’s Thanksgiving To Go or Dine-in
Thursday, November 27
The Big Jim's To-Go Family Pack feeds 4-6 people for $140 and includes 3 lbs herb roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, choice of 2 sides and choice of dessert. Or, dine-in at Big Jim’s—Thanksgiving menu available from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day only.
Visit PalmettoDunesThanksgiving.com for more information and to place an order or call 877-497-2068.
Thanksgiving at Alexander’s Restaurant
Thursday, November 27
Prix-Fixe menu: $70 per person | $28 Children’s Turkey Dinner with dessert (under 12)
Reservations are required. For parties of 7+ please call 866-921-6639 to make a reservation. Online reservations are only available for 6 or less people (adults and children) by visiting AlexandersRestaurant.com/thanksgiving.
Santa at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
Friday, November 28 from noon – 2:30 p.m.
Santa will arrive at 12 noon aboard a fire truck and stay until 2:30pm at the Neptune Statue for children to share their Christmas list and take photos! Enjoy bounce houses and train rides around the marina from 11am-2:30pm (for an additional cost).
This event is free, but please bring a new unwrapped toy or canned items for The Deep Well Project.
Visit ShelterCoveHiltonHead.com/santa for more information!
Holiday Lights Display at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
November 24 - December 31
This holiday season, take a stroll through our version of a winter wonderland, at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina. Enjoy more than 125,000 lights will be installed around the marina, as well as 16 2D displays including boat dock entrances, 54 multi-color changing orbs and more than 1,100 feet of garland. View more information on holiday happenings at ShelterCoveHiltonHead.com/holiday-lights-at-shelter-cove.
Palmetto
Dunes Charity Golf Tournament
Thursday, December 4
Palmetto Dunes Cares is hosting its 3rd annual charity golf tournament on Thursday, December 4 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course. Registration is $150 per player or $600 per team of 4 players. Includes lunch, and along the course, there will be "closest to the pin" challenges, a hole-in-one-challenge, as well as a prize for the winning team. For more information and to register online (as a team or individual), please visit Greenwoodcr.com/charity-golf-tournament.
Brunch with Santa at Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
Sunday, December 21
Join us for our annual Brunch with Santa event featuring a buffet and complimentary photos with Santa! There will be two seatings at 10:15 a.m. & 12 p.m. $43++ per adult | 25++ per child (12 & under). Reservations are required. We will be accepting new unwrapped toys during this event benefiting The Deep Well Project. Reserve online at AlexandersRestaurant.com/ santabrunch.
Alexander’s New Year’s Eve Dinner
Wednesday, December 31 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Join us for a three-course prix-fixe New Year's Eve dinner: $80++ per person (price includes the Champagne toast). Reserve online at AlexandersRestaurant. com/New-Years or call 866-921-6639 any time after 12 noon.
Holiday
Parties Made Easy with Dunes Catering & Events
Let us cater your holiday party! From beginning to end, we will deliver a no-hassle end-of-year celebration you’ll be proud of at one of our venues including the Veranda at Arthur Hills, Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar, Toptracer Range and more. View more information at DunesCateringAndEvents.com.
The Dunes House
To view the Dunes House November calendar and current hours of operation, please visit PalmettoDunes.com/DunesHouse.
Shop Christmas Gifts at Southern Tide
Stop by the first and only Southern Tide Signature Store on Hilton Head Island and stock up on great Christmas gifts for the whole family! Visit SouthernTideHiltonHead.com for more information or call the store at 888-974-0519.
Palmetto Dunes Gift Cards make the perfect holiday gifts!
The Palmetto Dunes Gift Card is like sending a fun-filled getaway to your loved ones. Purchase at Pro Shops, Welcome Center or online at PalmettoDunesStore. com (e-giftcards available!).
Happenings at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
HH Prime Restaurant – Seasonal times may vary. Please call ahead of time at 843.342.8058. for breakfast & dinner for hours and be sure to make your reservations through opentable.com/hh-prime.
XO Sports & Spirits – Enjoy game day sports on any of our 13 monitors with Big 10 Network and the SEC Network. Drink specials and casual menu. Open daily. 843.341.8487.
Palmetto Market – Open 6:30 a.m. – 8 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.
Dining Special: Chef's Playground is a special dining experience at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort which features a four-course meal created by the resort's executive chef. For more information or to book this experience, please email Amy Howland at amy.howland@ omnihotels.com.
Visit www.omnihiltonhead.com for more information.